MArch Master of Architecture Structural Systems in Architecture

Question 1

In a post-and-beam structural system, loads are transferred primarily through which mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Vertical compression and horizontal bending

Answer

Post-and-beam (trabeated) systems transfer loads through vertical compression in posts and bending (flexure) in horizontal beams.

Question 2

What structural advantage does a triangulated truss offer over a solid beam of the same span and material volume?

Accepted Answer

Members in pure axial force (tension/compression) rather than bending

Answer

A truss converts bending moments into axial forces in its individual members, allowing material to work more efficiently in pure tension or compression.

Question 3

In reinforced concrete design, steel reinforcement bars are strategically placed primarily to resist which type of stress that concrete alone cannot handle?

Accepted Answer

Tension

Answer

Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension, so steel rebar is placed in the tensile zones of beams, slabs, and columns to carry tensile forces.

Question 4

A shear wall in a building primarily resists which type of structural force?

Accepted Answer

Lateral forces from wind or seismic activity

Answer

Shear walls are stiff, planar structural elements designed to resist lateral forces such as wind loads and seismic forces that act horizontally on a building.

Question 5

What is the primary structural behavior of a cable-stayed roof or bridge system?

Accepted Answer

Cables carry loads in pure tension, transferring them to masts and anchorages

Answer

Cables can only resist tension, and in cable-stayed systems all loads are converted into tensile forces transferred along the cables to vertical masts and foundation anchorages.

MArch Master of Architecture Practice Test

MArch Master of Architecture Practice Test

MArch Master of Architecture Structural Systems in Architecture