System Architecture and Design Flashcards

What is the IBC definition of 'grade plane' and why is it significant in building design?

Answer: A reference plane representing the average finished ground level adjoining the building, used to measure height and stories

The grade plane is the average finished ground level around the building perimeter and is the reference from which building height in feet and number of stories above grade are measured.

Which IBC provision allows a building of otherwise non-permitted height or area if it is provided with an automatic fire sprinkler system throughout?

Answer: Section 504 and 506 increase allowances for sprinklered buildings

IBC Sections 504.2 and 506.3 grant increased height (in feet and stories) and floor area allowances for buildings fully equipped with NFPA 13 automatic sprinkler systems.

In structural system design, what is the purpose of 'expansion joints' in large buildings?

Answer: To allow controlled structural movement due to thermal expansion, settlement, or seismic activity

Expansion joints divide a building into independent structural units, allowing each to move independently in response to thermal changes, differential settlement, or seismic forces.

Under ICC codes, which condition would require a building to be classified as an 'irregular' structure for seismic design purposes?

Answer: The building has a re-entrant corner where the projection exceeds 15% of the plan dimension

ASCE 7 (referenced by IBC) classifies a plan irregularity Type 2 when re-entrant corners project more than 15% of the plan dimension in each direction.

What is the primary design intent of a 'moment-resisting frame' in a building's lateral system?

Answer: To resist lateral loads through rigid beam-column connections that develop bending moments

A moment-resisting frame uses rigid connections between beams and columns to resist lateral loads through bending (moment) in the members rather than diagonal bracing.

In ICC-governed mixed-use buildings, what is the 'unseparated occupancies' approach and its key trade-off compared to the separated approach?

Answer: Unseparated allows mixed occupancies without fire barriers but requires the most restrictive construction type and egress requirements to apply to the entire building

The unseparated (nonseparated) approach eliminates fire barriers between occupancies but mandates that the most restrictive occupancy's requirements govern the entire structure.

Which ICC-referenced standard governs the design and construction of steel structures, including column, beam, and connection design?

Answer: AISC 360

AISC 360 (Specification for Structural Steel Buildings) is the standard referenced by the IBC for the design of structural steel members and connections.