Widely spaced ___ in the exterior walls of a post-and-beam frame allow for wide expanses of glass to be used from floor to ceiling.

Widely spaced ___ in the exterior walls of a post-and-beam frame allow for wide expanses of glass to be used from floor to ceiling.

• A. Beams
• B. Studs
• C. Joists
• D. Posts

Answer: (D)

In a post-and-beam frame, the wall is defined by vertical posts carrying the load, with horizontal beams spanning between them. When those vertical posts are spaced far apart, the wall between them becomes a large opening that can be filled with floor-to-ceiling glass. The beams handle the roof and ceiling loads, not the wall openings, so the spacing of the posts directly enables wide glass expanses. The other terms—beams, studs, and joists—serve different roles: beams are horizontal load-bearing members between posts, studs are the vertical members in conventional stud walls, and joists are horizontal members that support floors or ceilings.

In a post-and-beam frame, the wall is defined by vertical posts carrying the load, with horizontal beams spanning between them. When those vertical posts are spaced far apart, the wall between them becomes a large opening that can be filled with floor-to-ceiling glass. The beams handle the roof and ceiling loads, not the wall openings, so the spacing of the posts directly enables wide glass expanses. The other terms—beams, studs, and joists—serve different roles: beams are horizontal load-bearing members between posts, studs are the vertical members in conventional stud walls, and joists are horizontal members that support floors or ceilings.