Architecture Structural Systems 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a transfer beam or transfer slab?
- To resist seismic forces at the base
- To redirect loads around discontinuities in the vertical structural system (Correct answer)
- To support mechanical equipment on roofs
- To connect isolated footings
Correct answer: To redirect loads around discontinuities in the vertical structural system
Transfer beams or slabs redirect structural loads horizontally around openings or column discontinuities in mixed-use buildings where column grids change.
Question 2: What is the definition of tributary area in structural design?
- The total floor area of a building
- The area of floor or roof that contributes load to a specific structural member (Correct answer)
- The catchment area for stormwater drainage
- The fire egress area per occupant
Correct answer: The area of floor or roof that contributes load to a specific structural member
Tributary area is the portion of a floor or roof whose load is assigned to a specific beam, column, or other structural member.
Question 3: In seismic design, what is a soft story?
- A story built on soft soil
- A floor level with significantly less lateral stiffness than adjacent stories (Correct answer)
- An unoccupied mechanical floor
- A story below grade
Correct answer: A floor level with significantly less lateral stiffness than adjacent stories
A soft story is a floor level that is substantially less stiff laterally than adjacent stories, concentrating earthquake damage at that level.
Question 4: What is the function of a diaphragm in a building's lateral system?
- To separate occupied floors acoustically
- To distribute lateral forces to vertical resistance elements like shear walls (Correct answer)
- To prevent moisture infiltration at grade
- To provide uniform gravity load distribution
Correct answer: To distribute lateral forces to vertical resistance elements like shear walls
A floor or roof diaphragm acts as a horizontal structural element that collects and distributes lateral forces to vertical resistance elements.
Question 5: What is the difference between a determinate and an indeterminate structure?
- Determinate structures are more complex; indeterminate are simpler
- Determinate structures can be analyzed with equilibrium equations alone; indeterminate require compatibility equations (Correct answer)
- They refer to foundation depth
- Determinate means fixed connections; indeterminate means pinned
Correct answer: Determinate structures can be analyzed with equilibrium equations alone; indeterminate require compatibility equations
Statically determinate structures can be fully analyzed using the three equations of equilibrium, while indeterminate structures require additional compatibility equations.
Question 6: Which structural system uses cables as primary load-carrying elements?
- Rigid frame
- Tension structure or cable-stayed system (Correct answer)
- Flat slab
- Braced frame
Correct answer: Tension structure or cable-stayed system
Tension structures and cable-stayed systems use high-strength cables as primary structural elements, which carry loads through pure tension.
Architecture Structural Systems 2
What is the purpose of a transfer beam or transfer slab?