Civil Engineering Professional Engineer Practice Exam

What defines a load in structural engineering?

1. The design of a structure

2. The materials used in construction

3. The forces a structure must withstand

4. The aesthetic value of a building

The correct answer is: The forces a structure must withstand

In structural engineering, a load is defined as the forces or weight that a structure must support or withstand during its intended use. These loads can include various types of forces such as dead loads (permanent static forces like the weight of the structure itself), live loads (temporary forces like occupants or furniture), wind loads, seismic loads, and snow loads, among others. Understanding these loads is crucial in the design and analysis of structures to ensure they can safely support the anticipated forces without failure. The other options relate to aspects of structural engineering but do not define what a load is. The design of a structure refers to the overall planning and configuration of the building, rather than the forces involved. The materials used in construction directly impact the structural integrity and capacity but are separate from the definition of loads themselves. The aesthetic value of a building pertains to its design and visual appeal, which is important in architecture but does not contribute to the engineering definition of loads.