What structural element can cause a collapse if it becomes overloaded?

The vertical support is a critical structural element that plays a fundamental role in maintaining the integrity of a building. These supports, which include columns, beams, and walls, are designed to bear the loads imposed by the building's weight and any additional loads from occupants, furniture, equipment, and environmental factors.

If the vertical supports become overloaded, either due to structural modifications, unanticipated loads, or failure of other crucial components, they can exceed their load-bearing capacity. This can lead to failure, causing a section or the entire structure to collapse. For instance, if floors above are not appropriately supported or if heavy equipment is improperly placed on a floor, the vertical members may be unable to handle the additional weight, resulting in structural failure.

In contrast, while foundations, sheathing, and roof trusses also play important roles in a structure, their mechanisms of failure differ from those associated with vertical supports. Foundations are mainly designed to distribute loads to the ground, sheathing serves as a protective outer layer, and roof trusses support the roof's weight and resist lateral forces. However, it is the vertical supports that are most directly linked to the risk of collapse when overloaded. Understanding this is crucial for ensuring structural safety and preventing potential catastrophic events in the event