M A S T E R P A G E
C. Summary
1. What is a load path?
The path that the load (or force) follows through the structural elements of a building.
2. Why must additional structural elements be added to a wall before it can carry horizontal forces?
Normally, buildings only have to support vertical force (gravity). When horizontal forces are applied, as in an
earthquake, additional elements are needed to carry them.
3. How many additional elements did you need to add?
Each joint needs only one additional structural element. Only one joint on each floor needs to carry the horizontal
force, in this model.
4. Why doesn’t the force take some path other than the one you diagrammed?
The diagram shows the places that are strong enough to carry the load. If there were more than one place, the
load (or force) would travel through both.
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