ABSTRACT
The adequacy of a load path is implemented by ensuring that, at any point along its path, it can withstand the actions occurring at that point. In design practice, adequacy is determined for only one engineer-selected load path, generally referred to as the “structural system.” The engineerselected load path is a “designated path,” meaning that the natural load path of the loads may be different from the path selected by the engineer. The designated load path design provides an acceptable design, as long as the engineer can demonstrate that it is adequate.
