A nonbuilding structure, often referred to simply as a structure, is any built structure that is not a building, i.e. not designed for continuous human occupancy. The term is particularly used by architects, structural engineers, and mechanical engineers to distinguish load-bearing structures not designed for continuous human occupancy.[1]
Some structures that are occupied periodically and would otherwise be considered "nonbuilding structures" are categorized as "buildings" for life and fire safety purposes: