BC Ch.2 Defintions

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of an arch in construction?

Supports lateral loads

Acts as a tension member

Provides bracing against seismic loads

Combines the function of a beam and a column (correct)

What does the term 'attitude' refer to in construction?

The load distribution in a structure

The stress on a structure

The force applied to a structural member

Vertical or horizontal orientation (correct)

What type of load passes through the centroid of a section under construction?

Eccentric load

Dead load

Lateral load

Axial load (correct)

What is a bar joist?

A lightweight steel truss joist Signup and view all the answers

Which structural member transmits forces perpendicular to the reaction points?

Beam Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'bent' in construction?

A line of columns in any direction Signup and view all the answers

Which structural system uses diagonal members to provide bracing against lateral loads?

Braced frame Signup and view all the answers

What is a bracket used for in construction?

To support what would otherwise be a cantilever Signup and view all the answers

What type of wall consists of two wythes separated by a space for rain drainage or insulation?

A cavity wall Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'dead load' refer to in construction?

The weight of all materials of construction incorporated into a building Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a beam that is supported only at one end?

A cantilever beam Signup and view all the answers

What primarily characterizes a composite wall?

Composed of two or more masonry materials that react together under load Signup and view all the answers

What does 'compression' refer to in structural forces?

A direct pushing force in line with the axis of the member Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a buttress in masonry construction?

To strengthen a wall subjected to heavy loads Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'caloric value' relate to in construction terms?

The amount of heat required to raise 1 pound of water 1°F Signup and view all the answers

Which element of a truss is referred to as the 'chord'?

The outside members (top and bottom) Signup and view all the answers

What is a concentrated load in the context of structural forces?

A load acting on a very small area of the structure's surface Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a diaphragm floor in a building?

To transmit lateral loads to the vertical structural elements Signup and view all the answers

What defines 'core construction'?

Bracing is incorporated within the core of the structure Signup and view all the answers

Where is the centroid of a structural section generally located?

At the center point at which a body would be stable under gravity Signup and view all the answers

What effect does deflection have on a structural member?

It is the deformation due to loads acting on it Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a built-up girder from other types of girders?

It is constructed from steel plates and angles riveted together Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of stiffening a building against lateral loads?

To prevent structural failure from wind or earthquakes Signup and view all the answers

How is an eccentric load characterized?

A load that doesn’t pass through the center but is perpendicular Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a fire cut on a joist?

To facilitate safe collapse of the joist during a fire Signup and view all the answers

What defines the fire load in a building?

The potential fuel that could contribute to a fire Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of fire resistance in materials?

The ability to resist high temperatures without burning Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a fire wall in a building?

To provide structural stability and prevent the spread of fire Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic best describes a fixed beam?

It is rigidly held at both ends preventing rotation Signup and view all the answers

What is a flitch plate girder?

A structural member with steel plated in between wooden sections Signup and view all the answers

What role does a foundation play in building construction?

To transmit and anchor loads from the structure to the ground Signup and view all the answers

What is the alternative term for a gusset plate in a lightweight wood truss?

Gang nail connector Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of girders in construction?

To support other beams Signup and view all the answers

What defines a gravity connection in building construction?

A connection that relies on the building's weight for stability Signup and view all the answers

What is encompassed by the gravity resistance system in architecture?

All elements that handle and transfer the building's loads effectively Signup and view all the answers

What does a grillage in construction refer to?

A system of closely spaced beams designed for heavy loads Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct function of a gusset plate in a truss?

To connect and reinforce truss components Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key construction concepts such as arches, beams, and braced frames. This quiz covers essential terms and definitions crucial for understanding structural integrity and design. Perfect for students and professionals in the field of construction.