The document discusses different types of loading on structures, including tension, compression, torsion, and bending. It describes four basic types of loading structures may experience: dead loads from the structure itself, live loads from occupants/contents, and environmental loads from wind, snow, and earthquakes. The document outlines different failure modes structures may experience like buckling, tension, compression, bending, shear, corrosion, and fatigue. It explains two common design concepts: allowable stress design which uses a factor of safety below yield stress, and load and resistance factor design which applies factors to loads and material strength.