Which term describes a structural member that supports vertical loads and may resist lateral loads?

Which term describes a structural member that supports vertical loads and may resist lateral loads?

• A. Incapacitation
• B. Occupant Load
• C. Load-Bearing Element
• D. Flame Spread Index

Answer: (C)

The main concept being tested is identifying the structural component that carries vertical gravity loads and may also resist lateral forces. A load-bearing element is exactly that kind of member—columns, beams, and load-bearing walls are designed to support the weight of floors and roofing, and they may be configured to resist horizontal forces from wind or seismic activity as part of the building’s structural system. The other terms point to different concepts: incapacitation refers to a person’s ability to function during an emergency, occupant load is the estimated number of people in a space for egress planning, and flame spread index measures how quickly fire can spread across a surface. Therefore, the term that best fits the description is load-bearing element.

The main concept being tested is identifying the structural component that carries vertical gravity loads and may also resist lateral forces. A load-bearing element is exactly that kind of member—columns, beams, and load-bearing walls are designed to support the weight of floors and roofing, and they may be configured to resist horizontal forces from wind or seismic activity as part of the building’s structural system. The other terms point to different concepts: incapacitation refers to a person’s ability to function during an emergency, occupant load is the estimated number of people in a space for egress planning, and flame spread index measures how quickly fire can spread across a surface. Therefore, the term that best fits the description is load-bearing element.