Which type of steel structures may be 2 to 100+ stories tall and include highway bridges?

• A. Heavy Frame
• B. Light Frame
• C. Open Web
• D. Framed Arch

Answer: (A)

Heavy frame describes a steel framing system built as a robust, rigid skeleton of large columns and beams that directly carries both vertical and lateral loads. This approach provides the strength and stiffness needed for very tall buildings, where loads from many floors and wind or seismic forces must be resisted through the frame itself. It also accommodates heavy, deck-supported structures such as highway bridges that rely on a continuous frame to transfer loads from the deck to the supports.

In contrast, light frame uses much smaller members geared toward shorter, less demanding structures; open web systems rely on lighter joists or trusses for floors rather than forming a complete load-bearing frame for many stories; framed arches depend on arch action and are not typical for modern high-rise or highway bridge framing. Because only heavy frame offers the required load paths and stiffness for both 2 to 100+ story skyscrapers and bridge-type decks, it is the best fit for the described structures.