What does the term 'structural integrity' refer to?

The term 'structural integrity' is fundamentally about the ability of a structure to safely support the loads and forces it encounters during its lifespan without experiencing failure. This includes considerations of the materials used, the design, and the construction processes to ensure that the structure can endure applied loads—such as weight, environmental factors like wind and seismic activity, and wear over time—while still maintaining its intended shape and function.

Structural integrity is critical for ensuring safety and reliability in any construction project, particularly in ironworking, where strong frameworks and load-bearing components are essential. The other options address aspects that, while relevant to construction and architecture, do not encapsulate the primary meaning of structural integrity. For example, visual appeal relates to aesthetics, speed of construction deals with timelines, and ease of maintenance focuses on the upkeep of the structure, none of which directly concern the fundamental ability of a structure to resist failure due to load.