What is a potential risk associated with the failure of a single truss in a structure?

A potential risk associated with the failure of a single truss in a structure is indeed the creation of a domino effect where nearby trusses may also fail. When a truss fails, it can lead to the loss of support for other components of the structure that rely on it for stability. This failure can trigger a cascade of failures in adjoining trusses, compromising the structural integrity of the entire framework.

Trusses are designed to distribute loads evenly; however, if one truss collapses under stress, it may transfer an excessive load to adjacent trusses. This increased stress can exceed the capacity of those trusses, leading to their failure as well. This chain reaction is a critical concern in engineering and architecture since it can result in significant structural damage or even complete collapse of the building.

In contrast, the other options suggest outcomes that aren't aligned with the risks of structural failure. Redundant support typically enhances safety by providing backup in case one element fails, while increased structural integrity or improved load distribution are desirable traits that would not result from a failure scenario.