Which component is required to prevent walls and floors from shifting under lateral loads?

To effectively prevent walls and floors from shifting under lateral loads, such as those generated by wind or seismic activity, the use of straps attached to the foundation is crucial. These straps, often referred to as tie-downs or anchorage straps, provide a method to secure the structural elements of a building to its foundation. This connection helps resist the forces that can cause structural movement, ensuring the integrity and stability of the building during lateral events.

Straps work by transferring the loads from the walls and floors down to the foundation, maintaining the alignment of the building and preventing it from racking or shifting. This is particularly important in areas prone to hurricanes or earthquakes, where lateral forces are significant and can result in severe damage if not properly mitigated.

The other options, while they might contribute to structural stability in different ways or under specific conditions, do not serve the primary purpose of securing the building structure against lateral loads as directly and effectively as straps attached to the foundation.