EXAC CARDS - SECTION 3 - FINAL
PROJECT EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT ANSWERS
What is: Design wind pressure? - Correct Answers -Minimum design value for the
equivalent static pressure on the exterior surfaces resulting from critical wind velocity
(equal to a reference wind pressure measured at 33', 10m). The # is modified by a
bunch of coefficients to account for exposure conditions, building height, wind gusts,
geometry/orientation.
Why are horizontal forces more critical than vertical ones in seismic design? - Correct
Answers -Because structures usually have considerable reserve for dealing with
additional vertical loads.
Define Base Shear? - Correct Answers -Minimum design value for the total lateral
seismic force (assumed to act in any horizontal direction)
Define the following: Collinear Forces, Concurrent Forces, Nonconcurrent Forces. -
Correct Answers -Collinear Forces:
Occur along straight line. Vector sum= sum of magnitude of forces acting along same
line of action.
Concurrent Forces:
Lines of action intersecting at common point. Vector sum=equivalent to, and produces
same effect on rigid body as the application of the vectors of the several forces.
Nonconcurrent Forces:
Lines of action that do not intersect at common point. Vector sum=single force that
would cause the same translation and rotation of a body as the set of original forces.
What is a moment (structural forces)? - Correct Answers -The tendency of a force to
produce rotation of a body about a point or line
What is a Couple (structural forces)? - Correct Answers -Force system of 2 equal
parallel forces acting in opposite directions tending to produce rotation but not a
translation
,What are beams designed to do? - Correct Answers -Designed to carry and transfer
transverse loads across to supporting elements.
Define Deflection - Correct Answers -the perpendicular distance a spanning member
deviates from a true course under transverse loading
What is the difference between a simple beam and a Fixed-End Beam? - Correct
Answers -Simple Beam:
Rests on supports at both ends - no moment resistance (ends free to rotate)
Fixed-end beam:
Both ends fixed against translation and rotation (reduced max deflection, transferred
bending stresses, increased rigidity)
Distinguish between the following three frame types:
-Fixed Frame
-Hinged Frame
-Three Hinged Frame - Correct Answers -Fixed Frame
rigid frame connected to its supports with fixed joints (more resistant to deflection than
hinged from but also more sensitive to settlements and thermal expansion/contraction)
Hinged Frame -
Rigid frame connected to its joints with pinned connections (pinned connections prevent
high bending stresses by allowing rotation)
Three-hinged Frame - structural assembly of 2 rigid sections connected to each other
and to its supports with pin joints (more sensitive to deflection than fixed or hinged, 3-
hinged system is least affected by support settlements and thermal stresses - can also
be analyzed as a statically determinate structure
Name 1 kind of beam for each wood, steel, and concrete, that can span >60' (18m). -
Correct Answers -Wood:
Laminated Beams (Timber)
Trusses (Timber)
Steel:
OWSJ
Concrete:
Precast Tees
List three basic mechanisms for resisting lateral loads. - Correct Answers -Rigid Frame
steel or reinforced concrete with rigid joints
Shear Wall
, wood/concrete/masonry - resist changes of shape and transfer cert loads to ground
foundation
Braced Frame - timber or steel
Knee brace
K-brace
Cross-brace
What is the least effective way to achieve lateral stability? - Correct Answers -Rigid
frame (only appropriate in low-mid rise buildings)
What do vents and traps do in relation to plumbing design? - Correct Answers -Vents
permit septic gases to escape and prevent siphonage and backpressure
Traps - seal sewer gases from escaping the fixture
What is the difference between a soil stack and a waste stack? - Correct Answers -Soil
stack (vert pipe) for urinals and WC's
Waste stack (vert pipe) from plumbing fixtures other than urinals or WC's
List considerations in specifying and designing HVAC systems: - Correct Answers -
Performance - technical and cost efficiency (capital and operating costs)
Fuel/Power source - regional availability and efficiency
Flexibility - to meet various demands throughout building
Noise and Vibration - relating to programmatic requirements
Space Consumption - how much room is req
Building size and configuration
What is the intent of Fire Protection Systems? - Correct Answers -Intent is to protect
building from fire and contain fire long enough for safe evacuation of occupants, and
long enough for firefighters to respond
Why are Wet-Pipe sprinkler systems the most common? - Correct Answers -easy to
design,
easy to install,
easy to maintain,
cost less due to simplicity and design mechanics
PROJECT EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT ANSWERS
What is: Design wind pressure? - Correct Answers -Minimum design value for the
equivalent static pressure on the exterior surfaces resulting from critical wind velocity
(equal to a reference wind pressure measured at 33', 10m). The # is modified by a
bunch of coefficients to account for exposure conditions, building height, wind gusts,
geometry/orientation.
Why are horizontal forces more critical than vertical ones in seismic design? - Correct
Answers -Because structures usually have considerable reserve for dealing with
additional vertical loads.
Define Base Shear? - Correct Answers -Minimum design value for the total lateral
seismic force (assumed to act in any horizontal direction)
Define the following: Collinear Forces, Concurrent Forces, Nonconcurrent Forces. -
Correct Answers -Collinear Forces:
Occur along straight line. Vector sum= sum of magnitude of forces acting along same
line of action.
Concurrent Forces:
Lines of action intersecting at common point. Vector sum=equivalent to, and produces
same effect on rigid body as the application of the vectors of the several forces.
Nonconcurrent Forces:
Lines of action that do not intersect at common point. Vector sum=single force that
would cause the same translation and rotation of a body as the set of original forces.
What is a moment (structural forces)? - Correct Answers -The tendency of a force to
produce rotation of a body about a point or line
What is a Couple (structural forces)? - Correct Answers -Force system of 2 equal
parallel forces acting in opposite directions tending to produce rotation but not a
translation
,What are beams designed to do? - Correct Answers -Designed to carry and transfer
transverse loads across to supporting elements.
Define Deflection - Correct Answers -the perpendicular distance a spanning member
deviates from a true course under transverse loading
What is the difference between a simple beam and a Fixed-End Beam? - Correct
Answers -Simple Beam:
Rests on supports at both ends - no moment resistance (ends free to rotate)
Fixed-end beam:
Both ends fixed against translation and rotation (reduced max deflection, transferred
bending stresses, increased rigidity)
Distinguish between the following three frame types:
-Fixed Frame
-Hinged Frame
-Three Hinged Frame - Correct Answers -Fixed Frame
rigid frame connected to its supports with fixed joints (more resistant to deflection than
hinged from but also more sensitive to settlements and thermal expansion/contraction)
Hinged Frame -
Rigid frame connected to its joints with pinned connections (pinned connections prevent
high bending stresses by allowing rotation)
Three-hinged Frame - structural assembly of 2 rigid sections connected to each other
and to its supports with pin joints (more sensitive to deflection than fixed or hinged, 3-
hinged system is least affected by support settlements and thermal stresses - can also
be analyzed as a statically determinate structure
Name 1 kind of beam for each wood, steel, and concrete, that can span >60' (18m). -
Correct Answers -Wood:
Laminated Beams (Timber)
Trusses (Timber)
Steel:
OWSJ
Concrete:
Precast Tees
List three basic mechanisms for resisting lateral loads. - Correct Answers -Rigid Frame
steel or reinforced concrete with rigid joints
Shear Wall
, wood/concrete/masonry - resist changes of shape and transfer cert loads to ground
foundation
Braced Frame - timber or steel
Knee brace
K-brace
Cross-brace
What is the least effective way to achieve lateral stability? - Correct Answers -Rigid
frame (only appropriate in low-mid rise buildings)
What do vents and traps do in relation to plumbing design? - Correct Answers -Vents
permit septic gases to escape and prevent siphonage and backpressure
Traps - seal sewer gases from escaping the fixture
What is the difference between a soil stack and a waste stack? - Correct Answers -Soil
stack (vert pipe) for urinals and WC's
Waste stack (vert pipe) from plumbing fixtures other than urinals or WC's
List considerations in specifying and designing HVAC systems: - Correct Answers -
Performance - technical and cost efficiency (capital and operating costs)
Fuel/Power source - regional availability and efficiency
Flexibility - to meet various demands throughout building
Noise and Vibration - relating to programmatic requirements
Space Consumption - how much room is req
Building size and configuration
What is the intent of Fire Protection Systems? - Correct Answers -Intent is to protect
building from fire and contain fire long enough for safe evacuation of occupants, and
long enough for firefighters to respond
Why are Wet-Pipe sprinkler systems the most common? - Correct Answers -easy to
design,
easy to install,
easy to maintain,
cost less due to simplicity and design mechanics
