Which type of construction is most susceptible to total failure from the failure of a small section?

The truss design is particularly susceptible to total structural failure from the failure of a small section due to the way loads are distributed throughout the system. Trusses are made up of triangular units that rely on tension and compression to maintain their integrity. If one member of a truss fails, the load that it was supporting will transfer to adjacent members. This cascading effect can lead to a rapid and total collapse of the entire structure.

In contrast, wood frame, post and beam, and steel frame constructions have different load distribution characteristics and redundancy built into their designs, meaning that the failure of one small section does not always result in a total collapse. For instance, wood frame construction often has multiple load-bearing elements that can compensate for some level of failure. Therefore, understanding the specific vulnerabilities of truss systems is crucial for fire safety and building design considerations.