Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of dead load?

Dead load refers specifically to the static weight of a structure and its permanent components, such as walls, floors, and roof systems. The correct answer identifies that dead load is not caused by live occupancy.

Dead loads remain constant over time, as they include the weight of all building materials that do not change with use or occupancy. This characteristic is essential in structural design, where engineers must calculate dead loads to ensure structural integrity and safety.

Since dead loads consist only of the permanent weight of the building itself, they are distinguished from live loads, which are variable and result from temporary forces, including occupancy, furnishings, and environmental effects. The distinction is crucial in engineering and architectural contexts to account for different load types in design calculations.