The dead load of a building includes which of the following?

The dead load of a building refers to the permanent static forces acting on the structure, which are essentially the weight of the building components that do not change over time. This includes the weight of the structural elements and any other fixed installations. In this context, walls, floors, and ceilings all contribute to the dead load.

Walls are considered part of the dead load because they form the vertical structure of the building, and their weight is supported by the foundation. Floors also contribute to the dead load as they provide levels for occupancy and installations. Ceilings, while often less substantial than walls or floors, still add to the overall weight of the building as they are integral parts of the interior space.

Therefore, since all three components—walls, floors, and ceilings—are included in the calculation of dead load, the correct answer encapsulates all these elements collectively, confirming that they all contribute to the overall weight of the building.