Gravitational loading

Gravitational loading refers to the stress or force exerted on an object or structure due to gravity's pull. For example, when you stand, your body experiences a downward force from gravity, which compresses your skeleton. Similarly, buildings and bridges experience gravitational loading as their own weight, affecting their design and stability. It’s an essential consideration in engineering and biomechanics because it influences how structures and bodies withstand weight and maintain integrity under the influence of gravity.