Planning glossary
Load path
The continuous transfer of forces through members and connections to the supporting ground.
Example
Roof loads may pass through rafters, walls, floor framing, beams, foundation, and soil.
Related concepts
Bearing wall
A wall intended to transfer structural loads from elements above to supports below. Intent on a sketch is not structural verification.
Read definitionHeader
A structural element spanning an opening and transferring load to supports at its sides.
Read definitionSpan
The unsupported distance between defined supports for a structural element.
Read definitionUse the term in context
Definition boundaryThis planning definition is not a substitute for the definition in an adopted code, standard, contract, manufacturer instruction, or professional document. Confirm the controlling meaning for the project.