An exterior wall brace used to resist lateral forces where roof beams rest on the wall is called what?

An exterior wall brace used to resist lateral forces where roof beams rest on the wall is called what?

• A. Column
• B. Pilaster
• C. Buttress
• D. Pier

Answer: (C)

An exterior wall brace that resists lateral forces from roof loads is a buttress. A buttress projects from the wall and works by transferring the outward thrust from the roof or arches into the ground, preventing the wall from bowing outward. This is different from a column, which is a vertical member that carries weight downward; a pilaster, though attached to a wall, is usually shallow and primarily decorative or lightly reinforcing rather than designed to counter horizontal thrust; and a pier is a substantial vertical support that carries heavy loads, often supporting arches or vaults, not a wall brace that resists lateral push. The buttress specifically addresses the outward forces the roof and arches impose on the wall, keeping the structure stable.

An exterior wall brace that resists lateral forces from roof loads is a buttress. A buttress projects from the wall and works by transferring the outward thrust from the roof or arches into the ground, preventing the wall from bowing outward. This is different from a column, which is a vertical member that carries weight downward; a pilaster, though attached to a wall, is usually shallow and primarily decorative or lightly reinforcing rather than designed to counter horizontal thrust; and a pier is a substantial vertical support that carries heavy loads, often supporting arches or vaults, not a wall brace that resists lateral push. The buttress specifically addresses the outward forces the roof and arches impose on the wall, keeping the structure stable.