At what weight threshold is brake failure likely to occur?

Brake failure is closely associated with the amount of energy that the braking system must manage during operation, which is typically measured in foot pounds. The threshold noted in option B, greater than 14.8 million foot pounds, signifies a critical point where the system may exceed its engineering capacity, leading to potential brake failure.

This figure takes into account the heat and stress generated during braking; if the energy transferred exceeds the capacity of the braking components, it can result in overheating and eventual failure. Therefore, understanding this threshold is crucial for safe operational practices, as exceeding it can compromise the effectiveness of the braking system.

In contrast, the other options reflect lower energy thresholds, which are less critical concerning brake performance. However, they do not represent the point at which the likelihood of brake failure is notably increased compared to the higher limit specified in option B.