Midterms

Question 1

List the Three Characteristics of a successful structural design

Answer 1

Safe, functional, economical

Question 2

What are the three basic assumptions of the Companion Load Principle as it is applied in the National Building Code.

Answer 2

1) Dead Load is always present
2) The Principal transient load is at its maximum expected value
3) The companion transient loads are a their maximum values expected when the principal load is at its extreme value.

Question 3

List three examples of serviceability considerations

Answer 3

Deflections, Vibrations, Cracking, Differential foundation Settlement, Maintenance Costs

Question 4

How do the load levels used to design for a serviceability limit state differ from those used to design for an ultimate limit state?

Answer 4

Normal service loads are used for serviceability limit states, where extreme loads are used for ultimate limit states. Normal service loads are smaller than the extreme loads.

Question 5

When is a live load reduction factor applied? What is the rationale for the use of this factor?

Answer 5

A live load reduction factor is appleid when the tributary area supporting live load due to use and occupancy is sufficiently large. The rationale is that it becomes increasingly unlikely that a structural member will carry full design live load as the tributary area increases.