Which two forces are considered interior loads in a structure?

In the context of structural engineering and fire inspection, understanding the different forces acting on a structure is crucial. Strain and stress are particularly relevant as interior loads because they describe how materials respond to forces applied to them within the structural system.

Strain refers to the deformation that occurs in a material as it is subjected to an external force. This deformation can manifest as elongation, compression, or other changes in shape. Stress, on the other hand, represents the internal resistance of the material to deformation when subjected to an external load, typically measured as force per unit area.

Together, strain and stress capture the behavior of materials under load within the structure, allowing engineers and inspectors to assess the integrity and safety of buildings and other structures. Understanding these concepts is essential for evaluating how structural components will respond during events such as fires, which may lead to increased loads or changes in material properties.

The other options involve aspects of forces but do not directly address the internal phenomena within materials that strain and stress encompass. Weight and force are external factors, while load and torque refer to different types of forces that impact structures in various ways.