BC Ch 2: Concepts of Construction

Questions and Answers

What was the primary cause of the Strand Theatre collapse in 1941?

Heated steel trusses (correct)

Overloading

Earthquake

Water damage

What key lesson was learned from the Strand Theatre collapse?

Fire always spreads from the roof downwards.

Trusses cannot fail in a fire.

Truss failure can involve a significant area. (correct)

Fire cannot spread through void spaces.

Why must firefighters understand local building types?

To calculate building costs.

To recommend the best construction materials.

To ensure their safety under fire conditions. (correct)

To quickly identify the building materials.

Why is knowledge of building construction principles essential for firefighters?

Experience alone is insufficient. Signup and view all the answers

What force acts continuously on all buildings?

Gravity Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of fire on structural elements in a building?

Weakens or destroys them Signup and view all the answers

Which type of building is designed to withstand fire-caused collapse?

Fire-resistive buildings Signup and view all the answers

What does compression mean in structural terms?

The squeezing or pushing together of materials Signup and view all the answers

What type of force is responsible for compressing a structural member?

Compression Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following loads includes factors like furniture and occupants?

Live load Signup and view all the answers

How is torsion best described in structural terms?

Twisting force Signup and view all the answers

What does shear force describe in structural engineering?

Forces pulling a member in opposite directions Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of stress in building materials?

The force per unit area resisting deformation Signup and view all the answers

Which load is characterized as being applied in a short time?

Impact load Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a shear wall in construction?

To resist lateral forces from wind and earthquakes Signup and view all the answers

What does the term eccentric load refer to?

A load applied off-center, not passing through the centroid Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic does a braced frame provide in construction?

Resistance to lateral wind and earthquake loads Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a moment frame in structural design?

To resist rotation and counter lateral loads Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of fire load is essential for design considerations?

The amount of fuel available to a fire Signup and view all the answers

What is a composite material known for?

Combining materials to utilize their strengths Signup and view all the answers

What defines a reinforced concrete material?

Concrete reinforced with steel for better load-bearing Signup and view all the answers

What is a concentrated load in structural terms?

A load applied at a specific point Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a composite floor?

A floor that combines steel and concrete for added strength Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the top chord in a truss?

To provide compression Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of a flitch plate girder?

It sandwiches a steel plate between two wooden beams Signup and view all the answers

What impact does increasing the depth of a beam have on its load capacity?

Increases the load capacity Signup and view all the answers

What describes a simple beam in structural engineering?

It is supported at two points near its ends Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a girder in a building structure?

To support other beams in the structure Signup and view all the answers

What role does a gusset plate serve in a truss system?

To provide a connection between members Signup and view all the answers

How does the span length of a beam affect its load capacity?

As span length increases, load capacity decreases Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best defines a truss?

A framed structure composed of triangles Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical characteristic of a continuous beam?

Supported at three or more points Signup and view all the answers

What happens to columns that experience buckling?

They bend due to compressive loads Signup and view all the answers

Which function does a fire wall serve in construction?

To contain fire spread effectively Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a veneer wall from a load-bearing wall?

It is designed primarily for aesthetic purposes Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining feature of a composite wall?

Comprised of two or more masonry materials reacting under load Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Structural Failures and Safety

The Strand Theatre collapse in 1941 was primarily caused by heated steel trusses.
Truss failure can encompass a significant area, highlighting the risks associated with structural design under fire conditions.

Importance of Firefighter Knowledge

Firefighters must understand local building types to ensure their safety during fire emergencies.
Knowledge of building construction principles is crucial as experience alone is insufficient for effective firefighting.

Forces Acting on Buildings

Gravity is a continuous force affecting all buildings, contributing to the overall load they must support.
Fire can weaken or destroy structural elements, compromising the integrity of buildings.

Building Types and Load Specifications

Fire-resistive buildings are specifically designed to withstand potential collapse due to fire.
A dead load refers to the weight of the building and permanently attached equipment, while a live load includes occupants and furniture.

Load Types Defined

Impact loads are delivered in a short time, while wind loads are forces exerted on structures by atmospheric conditions.
A concentrated load refers to a force applied at a specific point within a structure, whereas an axial load is applied through the center.

Strength and Material Concepts

Compression is the force that squeezes a structural member, while tension refers to stretching forces.
Torsion describes twisting forces, and shear forces pull a member in opposite directions.

Stress, Strain, and Safety

Stress is the force per unit area resisting deformation in building materials, whereas strain measures the percentage of elongation under stress.
The safety factor represents the ratio of a material’s strength before failure to its safe working stress, critical for structural integrity.

Material and Structural Components

Composite materials combine two or more materials to maximize strength, while reinforced concrete incorporates steel for added compression and tension capacity.
A bar-joist truss features steel beams embedded in concrete, reinforcing structural strength.

Functionality of Structural Elements

Beams transmit forces laterally to supporting points, with increased depth enhancing load capacity.
Girders support other beams within the structure, while trusses provide stability through a framed structure of triangles.

Types of Beams and Supports

A simple beam is supported at two points, a continuous beam at three or more, and a cantilever beam is supported at one end only.
Gusset plates provide connections in trusses, while the top chord delivers compression.

Walls and Their Functions

Load-bearing walls support both their weight and additional structural loads.
Fire walls contain fire spread with little assistance, while veneer walls serve primarily for aesthetic purposes.

Arches and Shear Walls

Arches distribute loads from above to supports on either side, crucial for structural stability.
Shear walls are designed to resist lateral forces such as wind or earthquakes, providing essential support in vulnerable structures.

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Description

Test your knowledge about the 1941 Strand Theatre collapse and the lessons learned from this tragic event. This quiz focuses on the causes of the collapse and important safety insights related to structural failures.