NICET - Highway Construction Inspection Practice Exam

The term 'load and resistance factor design' relates primarily to which field?

1. Civil Engineering

2. Environmental Science

3. Architectural Design

4. Structural Engineering

The correct answer is: Structural Engineering

Load and resistance factor design (LRFD) is a methodology primarily used in structural engineering. It incorporates a systematic approach to safety by considering both the loads that a structure will experience during its lifetime—such as dead loads, live loads, environmental loads (like wind or seismic)—and the resistance offered by the materials used in construction. This design philosophy applies factors that account for variability in both loads and material strengths, ensuring that structures are not only adequately designed to withstand anticipated forces but also optimized for economy and efficiency. The focus on balancing these factors helps to enhance safety and reliability while promoting the use of advanced materials and construction techniques. While civil engineering encompasses LRFD concepts, its specific use is more closely aligned with structural engineering, where the design of beams, columns, frames, and overall structural integrity is a primary concern.