Structural Systems

Question 1

One way concrete slab characteristics

Answer 1

Light to moderate loads

short spans - typically 6-18ft

Rectangular bays formed by parallel supporting beams / girders or bearing walls

Question 2

Concrete joist slab characteristics

Answer 2

light to medium loads over mid-spans - 15-35ft

Question 3

Flat plate characteristics

Answer 3

supports heavy loads

supports mid-spans - 20-40ft

plate supported by columns with no beams or girders.

allow lower floor to floor heights and flexible column placement

good for hotel or apartment construction

Question 4

Two way slab characteristics

Answer 4

supports medium to heavy loads

mid-span - 15-30ft

slab with integrated beam and columns

advantage over flat slab is beams-column provide rigid frame that provides more lateral support

Greater floor depth than flat slab

Question 5

Waffle Slab characteristics

Answer 5

Two-way concrete slab

lighter weight slab then flat slab system due to coffers

mid-span ability - 24-40ft

can span up to 60’ if post-tensioned

Question 6

Steel beam and girder characteristics

Answer 6

mid-span ability - 20-40ft

Question 7

Open web steel joists characteristics

Answer 7

economical alternative to steel beams for light to moderate loads

mid to long span ability -
typically 12-60ft

LH and DLH joists provide longer spans (90-140ft)

Question 8

Wood joists (2x’s) span

Answer 8

short spans of 10-20ft

Question 9

Wood I-Joists span

Answer 9

mid spans of 16-60ft

Question 10

Wood truss joists span

Answer 10

mid spans of 16-60ft

Question 11

What must wood construction be stabilized with?

Answer 11

shear walls or diagonal bracing to resist lateral forces

Question 12

Glue-Laminated Timber span

Answer 12

Long spans - up to 100ft +