Which structural design focuses on resisting loads through the use of triangular shapes?

The choice of trusses as the correct answer is based on their fundamental design characteristics. Trusses are structural frameworks that are specifically designed using triangular units, which provide a highly efficient way to distribute weight and resist various types of loads. The geometry of a triangle is inherently stable; when force is applied to a triangular shape, it is evenly distributed across its three sides, which prevents deformation.

This structural design maximizes strength while minimizing material use, making trusses both effective and economical for spanning large distances without the need for intermediate supports. Commonly found in bridges, roofs, and towers, trusses can be configured in various ways—such as how they connect and the number of triangles that compose them—to achieve desired structural performance.

In contrast, rectangular grids mainly consist of squares or rectangles, which do not inherently possess the same level of stability under load. Arches provide structural support but rely on a different principle of load distribution that involves compressive forces rather than tension and triangle stability. Walls can provide vertical support but are not designed using triangulated forms and rely more on materials and thickness for their strength rather than the geometric properties that trusses utilize. Thus, the emphasis on triangular shapes in trusses is what makes them particularly effective in resisting loads, making