Architecture Structural Systems 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary function of a shear wall in a building's structural system?
- Supporting gravity loads from floors
- Resisting lateral forces such as wind and seismic loads (Correct answer)
- Providing thermal insulation
- Distributing roof loads to columns
Correct answer: Resisting lateral forces such as wind and seismic loads
Shear walls resist lateral forces from wind and earthquakes by acting as vertical cantilevers fixed at the foundation.
Question 2: In a moment frame, what resists lateral loads?
- Diagonal bracing members
- Rigid connections between beams and columns (Correct answer)
- Shear walls at the core
- Deep foundation piles
Correct answer: Rigid connections between beams and columns
A moment frame resists lateral forces through rigid beam-to-column connections that transfer bending moments rather than diagonal bracing.
Question 3: What is the difference between live load and dead load?
- Dead load is temporary; live load is permanent
- Live load is occupancy and movable; dead load is permanent building weight (Correct answer)
- They are interchangeable terms
- Live load applies only to roofs
Correct answer: Live load is occupancy and movable; dead load is permanent building weight
Dead load is the permanent weight of the building structure and fixed components, while live load represents variable occupancy, furniture, and movable equipment.
Question 4: What is a flat plate structural system?
- A roof system with no slope
- A two-way concrete slab supported directly on columns without beams (Correct answer)
- A steel deck on open-web joists
- A post-and-beam wood frame
Correct answer: A two-way concrete slab supported directly on columns without beams
A flat plate system is a two-way reinforced concrete slab that transfers loads directly to columns without beams or drop panels.
Question 5: What structural element is used to transfer column loads over an opening such as a door or window?
- Purlin
- Lintel or header (Correct answer)
- Girt
- Bridging
Correct answer: Lintel or header
A lintel (in masonry) or header (in wood framing) is a horizontal structural member that spans an opening and transfers loads to the adjacent supports.
Question 6: Which foundation type is used when soil near the surface cannot support building loads?
- Spread footing
- Mat foundation
- Deep pile or caisson foundation (Correct answer)
- Grade beam
Correct answer: Deep pile or caisson foundation
Deep foundations such as piles or caissons transfer building loads down through weak near-surface soils to competent bearing strata below.
Architecture Structural Systems 1
What is the primary function of a shear wall in a building's structural system?