What characterizes an impact load?

An impact load is characterized by being in motion when it is applied to a structure or material. This type of load results from a sudden force or shock, such as a falling object striking a surface, which can create significant stress on that surface. In the context of engineering and structural design, understanding impact loads is crucial because they can affect how structures respond to dynamic forces, potentially leading to failure if not accounted for appropriately.

The nature of impact loads is that they are not static; rather, their dynamic characteristics can lead to different stress distributions compared to stationary loads. This differentiation is important for fire investigators, as impacts may occur during incidents involving fire or explosions, contributing to the overall assessment of structural integrity and potential failure points in a building after such events.