BArch Bachelor of Architecture Structural Systems & Engineering 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which structural system uses a grid of beams and columns to transfer loads directly to the foundation?
- Skeleton frame (Correct answer)
- Load-bearing wall
- Tensile structure
- Shell structure
Correct answer: Skeleton frame
A skeleton frame system uses a grid of columns and beams to carry loads from the roof and floors down to the foundation.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a shear wall in a building's structural system?
- Resist lateral loads from wind or earthquakes (Correct answer)
- Support vertical gravity loads only
- Provide thermal insulation
- Act as a vapor barrier
Correct answer: Resist lateral loads from wind or earthquakes
Shear walls resist lateral forces such as wind and seismic loads by acting as vertical cantilevers fixed at the foundation.
Question 3: A simply supported beam spanning 20 feet with a uniform load of 500 lb/ft has a maximum bending moment of approximately:
- 25,000 lb-ft (Correct answer)
- 50,000 lb-ft
- 100,000 lb-ft
- 12,500 lb-ft
Correct answer: 25,000 lb-ft
Maximum bending moment for a simply supported beam with uniform load is wL²/8 = 500×(20²)/8 = 25,000 lb-ft.
Question 4: Which type of truss is commonly used in residential roof construction in the US due to its efficiency and ease of fabrication?
- Fink truss (Correct answer)
- Pratt truss
- Vierendeel truss
- Warren truss
Correct answer: Fink truss
The Fink truss is the most common residential roof truss in the US because its W-shaped web pattern is structurally efficient and easy to prefabricate.
Question 5: In reinforced concrete construction, the purpose of stirrups (transverse reinforcement) in a beam is to:
- Resist shear forces (Correct answer)
- Increase compressive strength
- Prevent thermal expansion
- Reduce dead load
Correct answer: Resist shear forces
Stirrups are closed loops of rebar placed perpendicular to the longitudinal bars to resist diagonal tension and shear forces in the beam.
Question 6: What does the term 'live load' refer to in structural engineering?
- Loads from occupants, furniture, and movable equipment (Correct answer)
- The self-weight of the building structure
- Lateral forces from wind
- Seismic forces only
Correct answer: Loads from occupants, furniture, and movable equipment
Live loads are variable, non-permanent loads imposed by building occupants, furniture, snow, and movable equipment, as opposed to dead loads (permanent structure weight).
BArch Bachelor of Architecture Structural Systems & Engineering 1
Which structural system uses a grid of beams and columns to transfer loads directly to the foundation?