Architecture Structural Systems 2

Question 1

What is the purpose of a transfer beam or transfer slab?

Accepted Answer

To redirect loads around discontinuities in the vertical structural system

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The area of floor or roof that contributes load to a specific structural member

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

A floor level with significantly less lateral stiffness than adjacent stories

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

To distribute lateral forces to vertical resistance elements like shear walls

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Determinate structures can be analyzed with equilibrium equations alone; indeterminate require compatibility equations

Answer

Statically determinate structures can be fully analyzed using the three equations of equilibrium, while indeterminate structures require additional compatibility equations.

Architecture Practice Test

Architecture Practice Test

Architecture Structural Systems 2