Structural patterns

Question 1

Pattern of supports

Answer 1

-Vertical supporting beams
-Bearing walls
-Series of columns
-column and beam frames

Question 2

Pattern of spanning systems

Answer 2

-one way
-two way

Question 3

Pattern of lateral force resisting elements

Answer 3

-braced frames
-moment-resisting frames
-shear walls
-horizontal diaphragms

Question 4

Pattern of supports definition

Answer 4

A structural unit is a discrete assembly of structural members capable of forming or marking the boundaries of a single spatial volume

Question 5

Spanning systems

Answer 5

bridge the space between support systems

Question 6

One way spanning systems

Answer 6

Transfer applied forces to a pair of more or less parallel supporting planes

Question 7

two-way spanning systems

Answer 7

transfer applied forces in two directions, requiring two sets of supporting planes, more or less perpendicular to each other

Question 8

structural grid definition

Answer 8

a system of lines and points for locating and regulating the position of major structural elements
-generally a plan device but can be extended into the third dimension to regulate the height and location of floor and roof structures -Principle vertical supports mark and define a series of structural bays

Question 9

Structural grid characteristics

Answer 9

direction of span - affects nature of spatial composition, the qualities of the spaces defined and the economics of construction
Span lengths - affects the choice of materials and the type of spanning system employed
◦ The greater the span, the deeper the spanning system

Question 10

Regular Grids

Answer 10

Regular grids define equal spans, allow the use of repetitive structural elements, and offer the
efficiency of structural continuity across a number of bays

Question 11

Square grids

Answer 11

-one way or two way
-allows continuity in only one direction
-

Question 12

Rectangular Grids

Answer 12

-One-way spanning systems work best
-Collector beams are primary beams or girders that support
one or more secondary (feeder) joists and beams
-Keep the spans of major collector beams and girders as short
as possible

Question 13

Radial grids

Answer 13

-Vertical supports arranged in a radial pattern about a real or
implied center
-Direction of the span is influenced by the support spacing,
measured both radially and circumferentially
-One-way or two-way systems
-Typically collector beams or girders of constant length span in
a radial pattern with feeder beams or joists having varying
span lengths
-If collector beams or girders span in a circumferential manner,
their spans will vary while the feeder beams or joists will have
constant span lengths

Question 14

Transitional Patterns - Corners

Answer 14

Equivalent Sides – two-way corner bay or one-way with additional column
◦ One Side Dominant – two-way corner bay or dominance in the one-way framing system and length
◦ Corner Emphasized
◦ Significant size
◦ Contrasting orientation
◦ Distinctive shape
◦ Curved Corner – reduced wedge-shaped spans or increased radius
◦ Corner as a Void – wings become independent

Question 15

Patterns in Context -
Building on Slopes

Answer 15

Pile foundations and retaining walls are the primary
means of support
Grade beams can sometimes be used for small projects
not needing excavation into the sloping site
Stepped foundation walls perpendicular to the slope are
another solution

Question 16

Patterns in
Context -
Foundation
Grids

Answer 16

Primary function = support and
anchor the superstructure above
and transmit its loads safely into
the earth
Foundation pattern of supports
must be designed for the form and
layout of the superstructure above
and respond to the varying
conditions of the supporting soil
below