What is the minimum depth of standing water that can collapse the walls of a frame house?

The correct choice indicates that a minimum depth of 3 feet of standing water can lead to the collapse of the walls of a frame house. This is based on engineering principles concerning hydrodynamic forces acting on structures during flooding.

As the depth of water increases, the pressure exerted on the walls of a house also rises significantly. At 3 feet, the pressure becomes sufficient to compromise the structural integrity of typical frame construction, particularly if the house is not designed or fortified to withstand such hydrodynamic forces.

Additionally, most building codes and floodplain management practices account for this risk, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that structures in flood-prone areas can withstand specific water levels. Therefore, a depth of 3 feet is critical, as it represents a threshold where structural failure can occur, particularly if materials are saturated or if the building was not designed to accommodate such conditions. Understanding this helps in flood risk assessments and in making informed decisions regarding building codes and disaster preparedness.