Which of the following would be considered a dead load?

A dead load refers to the permanent static weight of a structure and its material components. This includes elements that are unlikely to change over time and remain constant throughout the life of the building. Formwork is specifically designed to hold concrete in place while it sets, and once in place, it becomes a permanent part of the structure until it is stripped away after the curing process.

When you consider the other options, they have characteristics distinct from dead loads. Workers and equipment are considered live loads, as they can vary significantly during the use of the structure. While stored materials could potentially be considered as part of a live load, depending on whether they are permanent or temporary, they also can fluctuate in quantity and location, reinforcing them as a live load category. Thus, formwork is the option that definitively aligns with the definition of a dead load.