In a pre-engineered building, which member reinforces the side and end walls and is bolted to the columns?

• A. Purlins reinforce the side and end walls and bolted to the columns
• B. Reinforces the side and end walls and bolted to the columns
• C. Anchor bolts
• D. End wall framing

Answer: (B)

The main idea is recognizing which horizontal member ties the walls to the frame and strengthens the structure. In a pre-engineered metal building, wall girts run horizontally between columns to reinforce the side and end walls. They provide a solid backing for the wall panels and serve as the load path that transfers wind and other forces from the wall into the columns, and they are bolted to those columns to secure the frame.

That’s why this description matches the correct concept: it specifically defines the wall-supporting member that reinforces the walls and connects to the columns. Purlins, on the other hand, are used to support roof panels, not wall panels. Anchor bolts secure columns to the foundation, not reinforce the walls. End wall framing refers to the overall framing around end walls rather than the horizontal member that bolts to columns to reinforce the walls.