BArch Bachelor of Architecture Structural Systems in Architecture 2

Question 1

Which type of foundation is most appropriate for a heavy building on soft, compressible soil?

Accepted Answer

Mat/raft foundation

Answer

Spread footing

Answer

Pile foundation

Answer

Grade beam

Question 2

What is the primary structural function of a shear wall in a building?

Accepted Answer

Resist lateral (wind and seismic) forces

Answer

Support vertical gravity loads only

Answer

Transfer point loads to foundations

Answer

Provide thermal insulation

Question 3

In timber framing, what is the purpose of a king post truss?

Accepted Answer

To provide a central vertical member suspending the tie beam

Answer

To create a flat roof deck

Answer

To allow for roof overhangs

Answer

To carry curtain wall loads

Question 4

Which structural concept describes a beam that projects beyond its support without support at its free end?

Accepted Answer

Cantilever

Answer

Propped cantilever

Answer

Continuous beam

Answer

Suspended span

Question 5

What does the slenderness ratio of a column indicate?

Accepted Answer

Its susceptibility to buckling failure

Answer

Its material strength

Answer

Its load-carrying capacity under tension

Answer

Its fire resistance rating

Question 6

In a Vierendeel truss, how are members connected compared to a conventional truss?

Accepted Answer

With rigid moment-resisting joints instead of triangulation

Answer

With pin joints allowing rotation

Answer

With tension rods and turnbuckles

Answer

With friction bolted slip-critical connections