What does the term "load" refer to in structural engineering?

In structural engineering, the term "load" specifically refers to the weight that a structure supports. This includes both the weight of the structure itself, known as dead load, and any additional weight from occupants, furniture, equipment, and environmental factors such as snow or wind, referred to as live loads. Understanding loads is crucial for engineers as they must ensure that a structure can support the various forces acting upon it throughout its lifecycle. The design must account for these loads to prevent structural failure and ensure safety and durability.

The other options, while relevant to structural engineering, do not define "load" accurately. For instance, the force causing structural failure relates to the critical limits of load, but it is not itself the definition of loads. Similarly, overall dimensions and cost of materials are important aspects of design and budgeting but are not directly linked to the concept of load in structural engineering.