Question

chapter 13 quiz: what is one drawback...

what is one drawback of a load-bearing structure?

multiple choice

heavy materials

weak walls

complicated structure

few windows

rusting

Explanation:

Analyze load-bearing construction

Using the Architectural Terminology knowledge point

Load-bearing construction (stacking and piling) relies on the weight of the walls themselves to support the structure and roof. Because the walls carry the entire weight, cutting large openings into them for windows or doors compromises their structural integrity and can lead to collapse. Consequently, a major drawback of this method is having very few or small windows.

Evaluate the given options

• heavy materials: While load-bearing structures often use heavy materials (like stone or brick), this is a characteristic of the construction method rather than its primary functional drawback.
• weak walls: The walls must be exceptionally thick and strong to support the weight, so they are not weak.
• complicated structure: Stacking and piling is one of the simplest, most straightforward historical building techniques.
• few windows: Correct. Cutting openings weakens the load-bearing capacity, limiting the size and number of windows.
• rusting: Rusting is a chemical process affecting iron/steel, which is not a defining drawback of traditional load-bearing masonry.

Answer:

• heavy materials
• weak walls
• complicated structure
• few windows (Correct answer)
• rusting