* Dead load: This is the weight of the structure itself, including the concrete shells, the roof, the interior walls and floors, and all the furniture and equipment.
* Live load: This is the weight of the people who use the building, including the audience members, the performers, the staff, and the visitors.
* Wind load: This is the force of the wind blowing against the building.
* Snow load: This is the weight of the snow that can accumulate on the roof of the building.
* Earthquake load: This is the force of an earthquake that could shake the building.
Foundation loads
* The foundation of the Sydney Opera House is a large concrete platform that is supported by piles that are driven into the bedrock.
* The piles are subjected to:
* Compression from the weight of the building.
* Tension from the wind load and the earthquake load.
* Bending from the wind load and the earthquake load.
Hydrostatic pressure
* The Sydney Opera House is located on the edge of Sydney Harbour.
* The hydrostatic pressure from the water of the harbour acts on the walls of the building.
Thermal expansion
* The concrete and steel of the Sydney Opera House expand and contract with changes in temperature.
* This expansion and contraction can cause stresses in the structure.