What is an example of collapse by tension stress in a structural element?

An example of collapse by tension stress occurs when a structural element experiences forces that pull it apart rather than compress it. In the case of brick veneer breaking away from its cement bonding and falling, this situation exemplifies a failure due to tensile stress. The bond between the brick veneer and the cement is weakened, leading to the bricks being subjected to tensile forces that exceed the adhesive strength, ultimately causing them to detach and fall.

This scenario highlights the effects of tension stress, where the material cannot withstand the pulling forces, resulting in a failure that is distinctly different from other types of structural collapses that involve compression or shear forces. The other options represent different types of structural failures. For instance, a wall buckling under pressure involves compressive forces, a roof collapsing due to weight deals with excessive loads (dead loads or live loads), and floor sagging under load is primarily a response to bending or shear. Therefore, the correct scenario demonstrating collapse due to tension stress is the one where the brick veneer separates from the structural support.