In architecture and engineering term, design load stands for the highest amount of stress that a structure has to withstand. Weight is one of the most important factors that should be taken into consideration for making calculation. Beside, weight, design load calculations should also include other types of forces that a structure has to undergo.
As for instance, bridges and tall buildings should have the capability to withstand strong winds as well as supporting their own weight along with the weight of people and objects that are on them or within them.
Perfect calculation of design load is very important to ensure that a structure is secured. If the design load is not computed, stability of structures, or even segments of structures, can be hampered. Unstable structure may collapse which can be deadly.