What type of load includes the weight of materials and people not part of a structure, such as snow on a roof?

Live load refers to the loads that are not permanently attached to a structure and can change over time. This includes the weight of people, furniture, and temporary loads such as snow accumulated on a roof. The significance of live load in structural engineering is vital as it influences design criteria and safety measures, ensuring that structures can safely support various dynamic weights throughout their use.

When considering architectural and structural design, live loads are carefully calculated to ensure that buildings can withstand these varying forces without structural failure. This type of loading is contrasted with dead loads, which refer to the permanent static weight of the structure itself and its fixed components. In terms of snow on a roof, this is a prime example of a live load because it can fluctuate based on weather conditions, making its management critical for the integrity of the building.