dead load (noun)

1. Why did the dead load go to the comedy club? To lighten the mood!

2. The collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in 1940 was attributed to a failure to account for the dead load.

3. In the science fiction novel, the protagonist uses advanced technology to manipulate the dead load of buildings and structures.

4. The author vividly described the dead load hanging precariously from the crumbling bridge, adding suspense to the climax of the novel.