Critical load: The weight at which a structure will fail, or collapse.
Dead load: The weight of the structure itself.
Live load: The weight of everything supported by a structure except the structure’s own weight. For a building, this includes the people, furniture, computers, office supplies, telephones, and anything else inside or on it.
Structural integrity: The ability of a structure to support a designed load or weight without breaking, tearing, or collapsing.

The New York City skyline is dominated by skyscrapers. Advances in engineering allow for higher critical loads—which allows for taller buildings. Credit: David Jones/Wikimedia Commons.
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