Primary structural element that delivers the weight of the beam to the foundation.

Primary structural element that delivers the weight of the beam to the foundation.

• A. Beams
• B. Slabs
• C. Columns
• D. Joints

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that vertical load paths in a typical frame go from floors or roofs into horizontal members (beams) and then down through vertical supports into the foundation. The element that takes the weight from the beam and sends it to the ground is the column. Columns are the vertical carriers of load; they transfer those forces down to the footings and into the foundation. Beams carry loads along their length to supports, not directly to the foundation. Slabs distribute loads to supporting members, but the actual transfer to the foundation happens through the vertical elements, typically columns or walls. Joints are connections that tie members together rather than primary load-carrying members.

The main idea is that vertical load paths in a typical frame go from floors or roofs into horizontal members (beams) and then down through vertical supports into the foundation. The element that takes the weight from the beam and sends it to the ground is the column. Columns are the vertical carriers of load; they transfer those forces down to the footings and into the foundation.

Beams carry loads along their length to supports, not directly to the foundation. Slabs distribute loads to supporting members, but the actual transfer to the foundation happens through the vertical elements, typically columns or walls. Joints are connections that tie members together rather than primary load-carrying members.