What is the term used to describe the weight of the building?

The term used to describe the weight of the building is "dead load." This refers to the static weight of all the permanent components of a structure, which includes the weight of materials such as walls, floors, roofs, and any other fixed installations. Dead loads remain constant over time and are crucial for structural engineers when designing a building's framework to ensure that it can support its own weight without risk of collapse.

In contrast, live loads refer to dynamic forces that can change over time, such as the weight of occupants, furniture, or temporary loads like snow. The foundation is a structural component that supports the entire building but doesn't quantify the building's weight itself. Free load isn't a standard term used in structural engineering to describe the weight of buildings, making it irrelevant in this context. Understanding dead loads is essential for firefighters, as it informs them about the inherent risks when operating in a building, especially during a fire where structural integrity can be compromised.