What is the term for the structural failure of a building or any portion of it, resulting from a fire, snow, wind, water, or damage from other forces?

• A. Progressive collapse
• B. Buckling
• C. Structural collapse
• D. Settlement

Answer: (C)

Structural collapse is the loss of load-carrying capacity in a building or part of it, caused by events like fire, snow, wind, water, or other damaging forces. When the structural system is compromised, a portion of the structure can give way, leading to a fall or failure of that part. This term encompasses the general scenario described, where external forces or damage cause the building to fail.

A progressive collapse is a related but more specific idea: an initial local failure that triggers a chain reaction, leading to a larger portion of the structure failing. Buckling refers to a failure mode of individual members under compression, not the entire structure. Settlement is the slow downward movement due to foundation or soil issues, not a sudden structural failure from external loads.