The correct answer is: D. Sometimes greater than factor of safety
A load factor is a multiplier that is used to increase the design load on a structure. This is done to account for uncertainties in the loading conditions and the strength of the materials. The factor of safety is a margin of safety that is built into a design to account for unexpected loads or events.
In general, the load factor is greater than the factor of safety. This is because the load factor is used to account for uncertainties in the loading conditions, while the factor of safety is used to account for uncertainties in the strength of the materials. However, there are some cases where the load factor may be less than the factor of safety. This can happen if there is a very high degree of confidence in the loading conditions or the strength of the materials.
Here is a more detailed explanation of each option:
- Option A: Load factor is always equal to factor of safety. This is not always the case, as explained above.
- Option B: Load factor is always less than factor of safety. This is also not always the case, as explained above.
- Option C: Load factor is always greater than factor of safety. This is the most common case, as explained above.
- Option D: Load factor is sometimes greater than factor of safety. This is the correct answer, as explained above.