Question

Maximum load a structure can bear before its failure is called

• A. Normal Load
• B. Shear load
• C. Ultimate load
• D. Safety load

Hint:

Ultimate load is the maximum load before failure. Safe load is always less than ultimate load.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept:
In strength of materials, different terms are used to describe the load-carrying capacity of a structure. The load at which a structure finally fails is called the ultimate load. It represents the maximum load-carrying capacity of the structure before collapse or fracture.

Step 1: Understand the meaning of load.
A structure may be subjected to different types of loads such as tensile load, compressive load, shear load, or bending load. As the load increases, stress inside the material also increases.

Step 2: Understand failure point.
Every material or structure has a maximum limit. If the applied load exceeds this limit, the structure fails. This maximum load before failure is called: \[ \text{Ultimate load} \]

Step 3: Differentiate ultimate load and safe load.
Safe load is the load that a structure can safely carry during normal use. Ultimate load is higher than safe load. Usually: \[ \text{Safe load}=\frac{\text{Ultimate load}}{\text{Factor of safety}} \] So safe load is always less than ultimate load.

Step 4: Check the options.
Option (A) Normal load is not the failure load.
Option (B) Shear load is a type of load, not the maximum load before failure.
Option (C) Ultimate load is correct.
Option (D) Safety load is the permissible safe load, not the failure load. Hence, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{(C)\ \text{Ultimate load}} \]