What types of loads do building frame systems support?

Building frame systems are designed to support various loads that a structure experiences, which primarily include lateral and vertical loads.

Vertical loads consist of the weight of the building itself, as well as any additional weight from occupants, furniture, equipment, and snow accumulation. These loads act downwards due to gravity, and building frames need to be engineered to effectively support them to ensure structural integrity and safety.

Lateral loads, on the other hand, typically arise from environmental forces, such as wind and seismic activities. These forces push or pull on the structure horizontally, and effective frame systems must be capable of resisting and transferring these loads to the ground, maintaining stability.

Together, the ability to handle both lateral and vertical loads is crucial for the design and function of any building frame. Other options refer to different types or classifications of loads but do not encompass the full range of forces that building frame systems must support in a practical construction context.