BC Ch.2 Defintions

Construction Concepts

• Arches combine the functions of beams and columns, primarily supporting lateral loads through their curved shape.
• Attitude in construction refers to the vertical or horizontal orientation of structural elements.
• Axial loads pass through the centroid of a section, acting along the member's length.
• Bar joists are lightweight steel trusses used for floor and roof constructions.
• Beams transmit forces perpendicular to reaction points, crucial for structural integrity.
• Bents consist of lines of columns, effectively supporting horizontal loads in various directions.
• Braced frames utilize diagonal members to brace against lateral loads, enhancing stability.
• Brackets are supports that prevent cantilever action while providing additional strength.
• Brick and block composite walls consist of an exterior wythe of brick paired with a CMU inner wythe, ensuring durability and insulation.
• Btu (British thermal unit) measures the heat required to raise 1 pound of water by 1°F at 1 atmosphere.
• Built-up girders are constructed from steel plates and angles riveted together to form a composite beam.
• Buttresses strengthen masonry walls subjected to heavy loads and resist lateral thrust.
• Caloric value is essential for understanding the thermal resistance of building materials, indicating heat requirements.
• Camber refers to an upward curvature intentionally designed in beams to counteract deflection under load.
• Cantilever beams are supported at one end and resist bending loads effectively, often used in balconies and overhangs.
• Cavity or hollow walls promote drainage and insulation, formed by two wythes with a gap in between.
• The centroid is the ideal balance point of a structural section under gravity.
• In trusses, chords are the outer members on the top and bottom, functioning in tension and compression.
• Columns transmit compressive forces vertically to support superstructures.
• Composite structures incorporate different materials or parts to enhance strength and utility.
• Composite walls consist of multiple masonry types that work together under load conditions.
• Compression describes a pushing force applied along a member's axis, essential for structural support.
• A concentrated load affects a small area, significant in evaluating localized stresses on beams and structures.
• Continuous beams have supports at three or more points, distributing loads more uniformly.
• Core construction involves internal bracing, reinforcing the stability of structures while minimizing external support.
• Cross walls add stability against lateral forces, compartmentalizing large spaces.
• Dead loads consist of the weight of all construction materials and fixed components in a building, essential for load calculations.
• Deflection indicates the displacement of a structural member due to applied loads, influencing design choices.
• A demising wall separates spaces and is typically a non-load-bearing partition in multi-tenant buildings.
• Diaphragm floors enhance structural rigidity against lateral forces like wind.
• Eccentric loads apply force off-center, influencing stability and stress distribution in structures.
• Fire cuts on joists facilitate the movement of joists during a fire, minimizing damage to load-bearing walls.
• The fire load quantifies the potential fuel that could ignite in a structure, guiding fire safety designs.
• Fire resistance measures a material's ability to withstand fire without losing structural integrity.
• Fire walls prevent fire spread and provide stability, capable of bearing loads as part of the overall structure.
• Fixed beams are rigidly held at both ends, stabilizing structures subjected to bending moments.
• A flitch plate girder combines wood and steel, enhancing strength and load-bearing capability.
• Foundations anchored to the ground distribute loads from the superstructure, crucial for structural safety.
• Gusset plates connect truss components, ensuring stability and load transfer in lightweight wood trusses.
• Headers in masonry tie together adjoining wythe layers, strengthening overall wall integrity.
• Heat Release Rate (HRR) assesses the speed at which heat is produced in fire scenarios.
• A homogeneous wall is consistent in material composition, promoting strength and durability through uniform bonding.
• Hurricane bracing mitigates uplift in structures during severe weather, addressing safety concerns.
• Impact loads result from moving forces acting on stationary structures, influencing design for dynamic situations.
• An inverted king post truss features a unique configuration with a downward-extending compression member, ideal for specific architectural needs.