Which term best describes a primary structural element that spans between supports to carry loads in a building?

• A. Open web joists
• B. Flight
• C. Beam & girder
• D. LU/LA Elevator

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is identifying the primary horizontal member that carries loads across supports. In building framing, the key load path runs through beams that span between columns or walls, transferring gravity loads to supports. A beam does the bending work, carrying loads across its span, and a girder is a larger beam that supports other members like joists or smaller beams. Together, they describe the primary load-carrying horizontal element in a structural frame.

Open web joists are lightweight elements used to support floors or roofs and transfer loads to beams; they’re important but not the main load-carrying member of the frame. A flight refers to a set of stairs, and LU/LA Elevator is a type of shaft/elevator system, not a structural member.