Building Civil Engineering Flashcards
7 cards from real Building Engineering practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Building Civil Engineering flashcards as text
What is the purpose of 'camber' built into a steel beam before installation?
Answer: Offset anticipated dead-load deflection so the beam remains level in service
Camber is a slight upward pre-bend applied to a steel beam so that dead load deflection brings it back to a level position.
According to the ACI 318 building code, what is the minimum specified compressive strength (f'c) commonly used for structural concrete?
Answer: 3,000 psi
ACI 318 sets 3,000 psi as the general minimum f'c for structural concrete in buildings, though higher strengths are common in practice.
What is 'consolidation settlement' in fine-grained soils?
Answer: Time-dependent settlement as excess pore water pressure dissipates under sustained load
Consolidation settlement occurs as excess pore water slowly drains from clay or silt, allowing the soil skeleton to compress over time.
Which type of structural diaphragm transfers lateral loads to vertical elements by acting as a horizontal plate?
Answer: Floor or roof diaphragm
A floor or roof diaphragm acts like a horizontal plate that collects and transfers lateral loads to shear walls or frames below.
What does 'LRFD' stand for in structural engineering design?
Answer: Load and Resistance Factor Design
LRFD stands for Load and Resistance Factor Design, a probabilistic design approach that applies separate factors to loads and to material resistance.
What is the purpose of 'expansion joints' in a large concrete building?
Answer: Allow for movement due to thermal expansion and contraction
Expansion joints are gaps in a structure that allow sections to move independently, preventing cracking caused by thermal expansion, contraction, or differential settlement.
In building construction, what is the 'critical path' in project scheduling?
Answer: The sequence of dependent tasks that determines the minimum project duration
The critical path is the longest sequence of dependent activities, and any delay on it directly delays the overall project completion date.