Question:

In civil engineering, what method is commonly employed to determine the lightest section that can support a specified load?

A$)$ Finite element analysis $($FEA$)$ of various section geometries.

B$)$ Trial and error approach based on intuition and experience.

C$)$ Analysis of deflection under the specified load.

D$)$ Calculation of the section$\text{'}$s moment of inertia.

E$)$ Optimization algorithms considering material properties and load requirements.