Primary Live Load refers to what type of loads?

• A. Moving Vehicular Loads
• B. Static structural weights
• C. Winds acting on the deck
• D. Live loads due to occupancy

Answer: (B)

Think about how loads on a bridge are categorized for design and inspection. The term “primary live load” in this context is used to identify the main, constant load that the structure must always support. That constant load comes from the structure’s own weight and fixed components—the static structural weights. These are the baseline forces present regardless of traffic, wind, or occupancy, and they form the reference against which other, variable loads are added.

So the best match is static structural weights, because moving vehicular loads, winds, and occupancy loads are all variable and time-dependent, whereas the primary, persistent load described here is the structure’s own weight.