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Dead loads in construction refer to the vertical loads that are created by the weight of the structure itself and any permanent equipment that is affixed to it. This includes everything from the materials used in the construction of the building, such as walls and roofing, to fixed installations like heating and cooling systems, plumbing, and built-in furniture. These loads are considered static because they do not change over time or vary in magnitude.

Understanding dead loads is crucial for structural engineering, as they help determine the overall weight that the foundations and support systems must safely bear. Unlike dynamic loads, which can vary with time or due to external forces (like wind or moving people), dead loads remain constant, making them easier to quantify and account for in design. The other types of loads mentioned—such as those that are applied suddenly or results from occupancy and environmental factors—are classified differently and do not fit the definition of dead loads.