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.
![](https://discovere.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Critical-Load_Skyline.jpg)
![](https://discovere.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Critical-Load_Skyline.jpg)
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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