Light frame metal constructions is typically very ____ in regards to ____ movements.

• A. Flexible; Lateral
• B. Rigid; Vertical
• C. Brittle; Torsional
• D. Elastic; Longitudinal

Answer: (A)

Light frame metal constructions are built with slender members and connections that primarily carry vertical loads, so their resistance to horizontal forces is relatively low. The joints often allow rotation and the framing lacks heavy triangulation, making these frames more able to sway laterally. That means they’re usually flexible when it comes to lateral movements, even though they can be quite stiff against vertical loads. The other options don’t fit because light-frame metal frames aren’t inherently brittle or torsion-dominant, and they’re not defined by elasticity along the length in this context; their notable behavior is their lateral flexibility, not an elastic longitudinal response or vertical rigidity.