Which term describes a load imposed off center, causing bending?

• A. Axial load
• B. Eccentric load
• C. Torsion load
• D. Tension

Answer: (B)

The key idea is how the line of action of a force relates to the member’s center. When a force is not aligned with the centroid, it creates a bending moment in addition to any straight either compression or tension. This off-center condition is described as an eccentric load. The bending arises because the offset distance between the force and the centroid times the force equals the bending moment that tends to bend the member. If the load passes exactly through the center, you get pure axial stress (compression or tension) with no bending. If the force twists around the axis, that’s torsion. If you’re pulling along the length, that’s tension. So the term for a load applied off center that causes bending is eccentric load.