Which of the following is a purpose of structural requirements in the Building Code?

The purpose of structural requirements in the Building Code is primarily to ensure that buildings can withstand natural forces, such as wind, earthquakes, and snow loads. This is critical for the safety and longevity of a structure, as understanding and anticipating these forces allows engineers and architects to design buildings that are not only functional but also resilient. Structural requirements dictate factors such as materials, load-bearing capacities, and design specifications to withstand these external pressures.

While enhancing creative design could be a goal in some contexts, the fundamental focus of structural requirements is safety and functionality. Similarly, increasing the number of stories in buildings or minimizing construction duration are not directly related to the core mission of ensuring structural integrity against natural forces. These factors play a role in the overall design and project management of a building but do not address the essential safety standards that structural requirements are meant to uphold.