BArch Bachelor of Architecture Structural Systems in Architecture 2

Question 1

Which type of foundation is most appropriate for a heavy building on soft, compressible soil?

Accepted Answer

Mat/raft foundation

Answer

A mat or raft foundation distributes the building's load over the entire footprint, reducing bearing pressure on weak soils.

Question 2

What is the primary structural function of a shear wall in a building?

Accepted Answer

Resist lateral (wind and seismic) forces

Answer

Shear walls are vertical planar elements designed to resist lateral forces from wind and seismic events by acting as vertical cantilevers.

Question 3

In timber framing, what is the purpose of a king post truss?

Accepted Answer

To provide a central vertical member suspending the tie beam

Answer

A king post truss uses a central vertical member (king post) connecting the apex to the tie beam, preventing the tie beam from sagging.

Question 4

Which structural concept describes a beam that projects beyond its support without support at its free end?

Accepted Answer

Cantilever

Answer

A cantilever is a structural element fixed at one end and free at the other, resisting loads through bending and shear at the fixed support.

Question 5

What does the slenderness ratio of a column indicate?

Accepted Answer

Its susceptibility to buckling failure

Answer

The slenderness ratio (effective length divided by radius of gyration) indicates how likely a column is to fail by buckling under compressive load.

BArch Bachelor of Architecture Practice Test