Which is a Permanent Load related to time-dependent deformation?

• A. Water load
• B. Force effects due to creep
• C. Temperature gradient
• D. Settlement

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is time-dependent deformation that remains as a permanent change when a load is applied for a long period—creep. Under a sustained, constant load, materials can continue to deform gradually over time, and this creep deformation is typically permanent or only partially recoverable when the load is removed. So the option that describes the ongoing, time-accumulating effects of a sustained load on the material—force effects due to creep—best fits a permanent load related to time-dependent deformation.

Water load represents external pressure that can be transient or vary with time but isn’t inherently about creep. A temperature gradient causes thermal strains that depend on temperature changes, usually reversible if the temperature returns to its original value. Settlement describes how soils gradually compress under load over time; while it is time-dependent, it’s a soil consolidation effect rather than the material creep response of structural members under a sustained load.