Basic Structural Design Trivia Questions

The formula to calculate the area of a triangle is 1/2 base times height (1/2 bh). This formula is derived from the fact that the area of a triangle is equal to half the product of its base and height. By multiplying the base and height of the triangle and dividing it by 2, we can obtain the area of the triangle.

Demolition refers to the process of systematically dismantling or destroying a building or structure, either entirely or partially. This involves the use of various techniques such as explosives, wrecking balls, or machinery to bring down the structure safely. Renovation, alteration, and eradication do not necessarily involve the complete or partial destruction of a building, making them incorrect choices for this question.

Thermal stress refers to the stress that is generated in a material due to a change in temperature. When a material undergoes a temperature change, it expands or contracts, causing internal stresses. These stresses can lead to deformation or failure of the material if they exceed its strength. Therefore, thermal stress is a plausible explanation for the stress produced by the change in the surrounding temperature.

The strength of a pile is dependent on the cohesion of the soil, which refers to the ability of the soil particles to stick together. A higher cohesion will result in a stronger pile. The depth of the pile also plays a crucial role as it determines how much load the pile can bear. A deeper pile can support a greater load. Additionally, the internal angle of friction of the soil affects the pile's strength. A higher angle of friction will provide more resistance against lateral forces. Therefore, all of these factors contribute to the strength of a pile.

Tensile stress is the correct answer because it is a stress that occurs when a pulling force is applied to a member, causing it to elongate. This type of stress is commonly seen in materials like steel or ropes when they are subjected to stretching or pulling forces. Tensile stress is important to consider in engineering and construction to ensure the strength and durability of structures and materials.

The correct answer is Modulus of Elasticity. The ratio of unit-stress to unit strain is known as the modulus of elasticity. It is a measure of a material's stiffness or ability to deform under stress. A higher modulus of elasticity indicates a stiffer material, while a lower modulus of elasticity indicates a more flexible material.

A keystone is a wedge-shaped stone that is placed at the top of an arch to hold all the other stones in place. It is an essential component of the arch structure as it distributes the weight and prevents the arch from collapsing. Without a keystone, the arch would not be able to maintain its stability and strength.

The rounded edge of a stair tread is called "nosing." This term refers to the protruding part of the tread that extends beyond the riser. Nosing is designed to provide additional safety and prevent tripping by creating a more visible and defined edge to step on. It also helps to improve the overall aesthetics of the staircase by adding a finishing touch to the edge of each step.

A float is a masonry tool used in the process of finishing concrete surfaces. It is typically made of wood, metal, or plastic and has a flat rectangular or square shape. The float is used to smooth and level the surface of freshly poured concrete, helping to remove any imperfections or air bubbles. It is an essential tool in masonry work and is commonly used by professionals in construction and concrete finishing.

The total of all the tread widths in a stair is referred to as the Total Run. This includes the width of each individual tread, which is the horizontal surface that you step on when climbing or descending a staircase. The Total Run is an important measurement in stair design and construction as it helps determine the overall length and layout of the staircase.

Per fabrication refers to the process of constructing components or parts of a structure in a controlled environment before they are transported to the construction site for assembly. This method allows for greater efficiency, quality control, and faster construction times. Instead of building each component on-site, they are manufactured off-site and then brought to the location for installation. This approach can be used in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and engineering, to streamline the construction process and improve project outcomes.

A KALOMEIN door is a fireproof door with metal covering. This type of door is designed to provide protection against fire and is commonly used in buildings where fire safety is a priority. The metal covering adds an extra layer of durability and strength to the door, making it more resistant to heat and flames.

Undressed lumber refers to lumber that has not been squared or finished. This means that it has not been cut into precise dimensions or had its rough edges smoothed out. Instead, it is in its natural, raw state. The term "undressed" implies that the lumber has not undergone any additional processing or refinement beyond its initial milling. This type of lumber is often used for rough construction purposes where precision and aesthetics are not as important.

Glass is a hard, brittle, inorganic substance that is usually translucent or transparent. It is produced by melting a mixture of silicon, a flux, and a stabilizer. Glass is known for its brittle nature and is commonly used in windows, bottles, and various other applications. Plastic, acetate, and marble are not produced in the same way as glass and do not possess the same characteristics.

The correct answer is "Smooth on four sides." This term refers to lumber that has been planed or sanded on all four sides, resulting in a smooth and even surface. This specification is often used in woodworking and construction projects where a clean and finished appearance is desired.

Effluent refers to the liquid discharge from a septic vault after undergoing bacterial treatment. This liquid is typically the treated wastewater that is released into the environment or further treated for reuse. It is important to properly treat and manage effluent to prevent contamination of water sources and ensure environmental sustainability.

An open court is typically an outdoor space that is enclosed by walls or buildings. A patio is a similar outdoor space that is usually attached to a house or building and is used for dining or recreation. Therefore, a patio is the best option among the given choices as it closely matches the concept of an open court. The other options, lanai, quad, and facade, do not convey the same meaning as an open court.

A chase is a vertical space in a building that is specifically designed for housing ducts, pipes, wires, and cables. It is a dedicated area where these utilities can be installed and easily accessed for maintenance and repairs. Unlike a trench, which is typically a horizontal space dug into the ground, a chase is vertical and located within the building's structure. A crevice refers to a narrow crack or opening, while a niche is a recessed area for displaying or storing objects.

A caisson is an underwater watertight chamber that is used for construction work. It is designed to allow workers to work in a dry environment underwater. Caissons are typically used for building foundations, bridges, and other structures in water. They are made of strong materials such as concrete or steel and are sealed to prevent water from entering the chamber. The caisson is then sunk into place and workers can enter the chamber to carry out construction work.

A check valve is a type of valve that allows flow in only one direction. It is designed to prevent backflow or reverse flow in a pipe system. When the fluid flows in the desired direction, the check valve opens and allows passage. However, when there is reverse flow or backflow, the check valve closes and prevents any further passage. This ensures that the flow of fluid is controlled and regulated in a single direction, making it an effective solution for preventing backflow in piping systems.

A knee wall is a low wall that is typically found in 1 1/2 story construction. It is a short wall that is usually built beneath a sloping roof or on the upper floor of a house. Knee walls are commonly used to create storage space or to divide a room into different areas. They are shorter in height compared to full walls and are often used to support the roof structure.

A cesspool is a pit or cistern that is used to hold sewage. It is a type of underground storage system that is designed to collect and contain waste materials. Cesspools are commonly used in areas where there is no access to a public sewer system. They are typically made of concrete or brick and are covered with a lid or grate to prevent odors and pests from escaping. Cesspools require regular maintenance and emptying to prevent overflow and contamination of the surrounding environment.

Buildings over 10 stories in height are recommended to be provided with no less than 3 approved recording accelerographs. This means that any building that is taller than 10 stories should have at least 3 of these devices installed. These accelerographs are used to measure and record the acceleration of the building during seismic events, such as earthquakes. By having multiple devices, it ensures that there is redundancy and accurate data can be collected from different locations within the building.

The correct answer is "Katam" because it is the only term in the given options that refers to a carpentry tool. "Lukob" means to fold or bend, "Paet" means chisel, and "Martilyo" means hammer, none of which are carpentry tools specifically.

Buoys are floating objects made of wood or metal that are used to guide and direct the course of sea traffic. They come in various shapes and colors, and they convey navigational information to sailors and mariners. Lighthouses are tall structures with lights used to warn ships of hazards, while lightships are floating vessels equipped with lights. Beacons are also used for navigation, but they are typically fixed structures on land. Therefore, the correct answer is buoys.

An escutcheon is a decorative plate that is used to cover the keyhole and other hardware on a door. It is designed to provide a finished and polished look to the door, while also protecting the hardware. The escutcheon is typically made of metal and can be found in various shapes and designs to match the style of the door. It is an essential component in ensuring the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the door's knob and lockset.

Veneer refers to a thin layer of expensive material that is applied to a less expensive material. This process is commonly used in furniture and woodworking to enhance the appearance of the cheaper material by giving it the look of the more valuable material. Veneer is a popular technique because it allows for cost savings while still achieving an aesthetically pleasing finish.

The prefix "micro" is used to represent one millionth (1/1,000,000) of a unit. In scientific notation, it is represented as 10 raised to the power of -6. Therefore, the correct answer is -6.

Ergonomics is the study of how a workplace and the equipment used there can best be designed for comfort, safety, efficiency, and productivity. It focuses on creating a work environment that promotes the well-being and performance of individuals by considering factors such as body posture, movement, and equipment design. Ergonomics aims to prevent work-related injuries and improve overall productivity by optimizing the interaction between people and their work environment. Safety Engineering is more focused on identifying and mitigating workplace hazards, while Product Management and Aesthetics are not directly related to workplace design.

Glasing refers to the process of placing glass in windows or doors. It involves securing the glass in the frame using putty or other materials to create a seal. This process is commonly done to ensure that the glass is properly installed and provides insulation and protection from the elements.

Sleepers are strips of hardwood that are commonly used to create a level and stable surface for flooring installations over a concrete slab. They are typically 2x2" in size and are laid directly on top of the concrete slab. Sleepers help to provide a buffer between the concrete and the flooring material, preventing direct contact and potential moisture issues. They also help to level out any unevenness in the concrete slab, ensuring a smooth and even surface for the flooring to be installed on.

Balloon framing is a building frame construction system that utilizes one-piece structural studs extending from the foundation to the roof. This technique was commonly used in the 19th century and early 20th century. It involves long, continuous studs that run from the foundation, through multiple floors, and up to the roof. The studs provide structural support and allow for the construction of tall, open spaces without the need for intermediate floor beams or load-bearing walls. Balloon framing was eventually replaced by platform framing, which is more commonly used today.

Banister is another word for handmaid in the context of stair construction. A banister is a handrail that is fixed to a staircase, providing support and safety for people climbing or descending the stairs. It is typically made of wood or metal and runs along the edge of the staircase. In this context, handmaid refers to a structure that aids or assists with hand support while using the stairs, which aligns with the function of a banister.

A cripple is a structural member that is cut less than full length, typically used above a window or door. It provides additional support and stability to the frame.

An obligation refers to a juridical necessity to give, do, or not do something. It is a legal or moral duty that one is bound to fulfill. In the context of the given options, a contract, restraining order, and motion for reconsideration are all legal instruments or actions that can create obligations. However, the term "obligation" is a more general and encompassing concept that can apply to various legal situations, whereas the other options are specific legal terms with narrower scopes.

A battlement is a parapet with a series of indentations or embrasures, which are the open spaces between raised portions called merlons. This architectural feature was commonly used in medieval fortifications to provide protection for defenders while allowing them to shoot or throw objects at attackers. The term "battlement" specifically refers to this design element, making it the correct answer in this context.

A quad is an enclosed court or quadrangle, typically found in educational institutions or residential complexes. It is an open space surrounded by buildings or walls on all four sides. The other options, such as patio, lanai, and facade, do not specifically refer to an enclosed court. A patio is an outdoor space attached to a house, a lanai is a covered outdoor area, and a facade is the front exterior of a building. Therefore, quad is the correct answer as it accurately describes an enclosed court.

A projection on a masonry wall made by setting course beyond the lower ones is called a corbel. A corbel is a structural element that is used to support weight or to create an overhang. It is often made of stone or brick and is designed to gradually step out from the wall. Corbels are commonly used in architecture to support balconies, cornices, or other architectural features. They can also be decorative, adding visual interest to the building's facade.

A diamond interchange is the simplest and low-cost form of interchange. It consists of two perpendicular roads crossing each other at a grade-separated intersection, forming a diamond shape. This type of interchange allows for easy and efficient traffic flow, as vehicles can smoothly transition from one road to another without the need for complex ramps or loops. Diamond interchanges are commonly used in areas with moderate traffic volumes and provide a cost-effective solution for improving traffic flow and reducing congestion.

The moment distribution method is not used to solve beam deflections. This method is primarily used to analyze and distribute moments in continuous beams and frames. It is a technique that simplifies the analysis of indeterminate structures by distributing the moments at the supports based on stiffness and rotational compatibility. However, it does not directly solve for beam deflections, which are typically determined using methods such as the area-moment method, double-integration, or the conjugate beam method.

The tension limit refers to the maximum amount of stretching stress that a structural member can withstand without breaking or cracking. It is the point at which the material reaches its maximum capacity to resist tension forces. This limit is important to determine the safety and structural integrity of a member, as exceeding the tension limit can result in failure and structural damage.

A rheostat is an instrument used for regulating electric current. It is a variable resistor that can adjust the flow of current in a circuit by changing its resistance. This allows for the control of the amount of current flowing through a device or circuit. Unlike the other options, a voltage meter is used to measure voltage, a thermostat is used to regulate temperature, and a galvanometer is used to detect and measure small electric currents. Therefore, a rheostat is the correct answer for an instrument used specifically for regulating electric current.

Vitreoun is the correct answer because it is the only option that pertains to a material description resembling glass. Cellulose is a type of organic compound found in plant cell walls, fiberglass is a composite material made of glass fibers, and alabaster is a mineral or rock that is often used for carving. Vitreoun, on the other hand, sounds similar to the word "vitreous," which means glass-like or resembling glass. Therefore, vitreoun is the most appropriate option in this context.

Argillite is a type of sedimentary rock that is mainly composed of calcium and carbonate. It is formed from the compaction and cementation of clay particles. Argillite is typically fine-grained and has a smooth texture. It is commonly found in areas where there has been intense pressure and heat, such as mountain ranges. Argillite is often used as a building material and for decorative purposes due to its durability and attractive appearance.

Longitudinal stress refers to the stress that acts in the longitudinal direction of an object, parallel to its length. It is also known as axial stress. This type of stress occurs when a force is applied perpendicular to the cross-sectional area of an object, causing it to stretch or compress along its length. In the given options, the term "longitudinal" specifically relates to stress acting in the direction of length, making it the correct answer.