Loads on Structures Loads are classified as different types. The load type is also the type of stress caused in a structure. Loads are caused by lots of different conditions as described later. Tension is a load which stretches or lengthens a structure. Easily demonstrated by pulling a piece of clay.
Compression is a load which shortens or compresses a structure.
Shear makes the structure slide one piece over another. Torsion twists a structures. Loads come from the forces which are placed on a structure. Each piece of a structure has weight. These loads are referred to as Dead Loads.