BArch Bachelor of Architecture Structural Systems & Engineering

Question 1

Which structural system uses a grid of beams and columns to transfer loads directly to the foundation?

Accepted Answer

Skeleton frame

Answer

A skeleton frame system uses a grid of columns and beams to carry loads from the roof and floors down to the foundation.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of a shear wall in a building's structural system?

Accepted Answer

Resist lateral loads from wind or earthquakes

Answer

Shear walls resist lateral forces such as wind and seismic loads by acting as vertical cantilevers fixed at the foundation.

Question 3

A simply supported beam spanning 20 feet with a uniform load of 500 lb/ft has a maximum bending moment of approximately:

Accepted Answer

25,000 lb-ft

Answer

Maximum bending moment for a simply supported beam with uniform load is wL²/8 = 500×(20²)/8 = 25,000 lb-ft.

Question 4

Which type of truss is commonly used in residential roof construction in the US due to its efficiency and ease of fabrication?

Accepted Answer

Fink truss

Answer

The Fink truss is the most common residential roof truss in the US because its W-shaped web pattern is structurally efficient and easy to prefabricate.

Question 5

In reinforced concrete construction, the purpose of stirrups (transverse reinforcement) in a beam is to:

Accepted Answer

Resist shear forces

Answer

Stirrups are closed loops of rebar placed perpendicular to the longitudinal bars to resist diagonal tension and shear forces in the beam.

BArch Bachelor of Architecture Practice Test

BArch Bachelor of Architecture Practice Test

BArch Bachelor of Architecture Structural Systems & Engineering