What does the capability of a structural system to transmit various loads safely to the ground refer to?

The capability of a structural system to transmit various loads safely to the ground is most accurately described as stability. Stability refers to the structure's ability to remain upright and undamaged under various load conditions, including dead loads (permanent/static loads), live loads (temporary/dynamic loads), and environmental loads such as wind and seismic activity. A stable structure ensures that loads are effectively distributed through its framework to the foundation and ultimately to the ground, preventing failure or collapse.

While load-bearing capacity is related and signifies the maximum load a structure can support, it does not encompass the overall ability of the structure to maintain its form and support additional loads without risk. Integrity pertains to the soundness and completeness of the structure, ensuring materials are free from defects rather than focusing on load distribution or safety. Resilience generally refers to the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties or adapt to changes, which, while important, focuses on adaptability rather than the foundational capability of load transmission.