What is the term for the total downward load on a bridge, including its own weight and the load it carries?

• A. Gravity
• B. Load
• C. Tension
• D. Compression

Answer: (B)

The term is load. In structural engineering, load means the external forces acting on a structure, including the bridge’s own weight (dead load) and the weight of whatever it carries (live load). Gravity is the underlying force that creates weight, but the combined downward effect that the bridge must resist is called the load. Tension and compression refer to internal forces within members, not the total external downward force.