The absolute peak weight and pressure a building component is calculated to handle without failing. This figure combines the dead load of the materials, the live load of occupants, and environmental extremes like hurricane winds or heavy snow. Structural engineers use this number to size beams, columns, and foundations.
Heard on the job
The design load for the mezzanine requires steel beams instead of engineered lumber.
Insider tip
Building codes dictate minimum design loads based on regional hazards, such as seismic activity in California or snow accumulation in the Northeast.