Guides ยท Engineering
Load Paths Basics
Understand how structures carry loads
This guide introduces load paths in structures: identify loads, trace how forces flow through beams, columns, and foundations, recognize weak links, and understand redundancy for safer design.
- load paths
- structures
- forces
- engineering
- foundations
Identify loads
List dead load, live load, wind, and seismic forces relevant to the structure.
Trace the path
Follow forces from floors/roofs into beams, columns/walls, and foundations.
Find discontinuities
Look for missing connections, soft stories, or weak links where load cannot transfer cleanly.
Design for redundancy
Use multiple paths and robust connections so localized failure does not collapse the system.