In structural engineering, a force exerted on a building from any source is known as a

In structural engineering, a force exerted on a building from any source is known as a

• A. Stress
• B. Load
• C. Moment
• D. Strain

Answer: (B)

The main idea is the term used for any external force acting on a structure. In structural engineering, a force exerted on a building from any source is called a load. Loads come in many forms—dead loads from the building’s own weight, live loads from occupants and movable items, and environmental or accidental loads such as wind, snow, or seismic forces. Stress, on the other hand, is the internal resistance per unit area within materials caused by those external forces. Strain is the resulting deformation of the material. Moment is the rotational effect (torque) produced by a force, a specific consequence of certain loads rather than the general external force itself. So, load is the best term because it covers all external forces acting on the structure.

The main idea is the term used for any external force acting on a structure. In structural engineering, a force exerted on a building from any source is called a load. Loads come in many forms—dead loads from the building’s own weight, live loads from occupants and movable items, and environmental or accidental loads such as wind, snow, or seismic forces. Stress, on the other hand, is the internal resistance per unit area within materials caused by those external forces. Strain is the resulting deformation of the material. Moment is the rotational effect (torque) produced by a force, a specific consequence of certain loads rather than the general external force itself. So, load is the best term because it covers all external forces acting on the structure.