Structural Systems: Types, Advantages, Disadvantages, and Applications

Question 1

Which structural system allows for vast, column-free spaces, like auditoriums and stadiums?

Accepted Answer

Truss

Answer

Moment frame

Answer

Braced frame

Answer

Shear wall

Question 2

Shear walls in buildings primarily serve which purpose?

Accepted Answer

Resisting lateral forces (e.g., wind, earthquakes)

Answer

Supporting the building's weight

Answer

Insulating the building thermally

Answer

Dividing interior spaces

Question 3

Which type of foundation is often used for buildings on unstable ground conditions?

Accepted Answer

Pile foundation

Answer

Spread footing

Answer

Raft foundation

Answer

Mat foundation

Question 4

What is a primary benefit of utilizing precast concrete in construction?

Accepted Answer

Reduced construction duration and expenses

Answer

Enhanced structural performance

Answer

Increased adaptability in design

Answer

Improved longevity

Question 5

Which design element is essential for preventing building overturning?

Accepted Answer

Lateral bracing

Answer

Shear capacity

Answer

Moment resistance

Answer

Foundation embedment depth

Question 6

What is the primary goal of incorporating a damping system in a building?

Accepted Answer

To reduce vibrations and optimize structural performance

Answer

To increase the structure's rigidity

Answer

To enhance the building's fire safety

Answer

To provide additional support to the foundations

Question 7

In the design and construction process, what is the primary duty of a structural engineer?

Accepted Answer

Designing and analyzing structural components to ensure building safety and stability

Answer

Supervising construction to verify compliance with the design

Answer

Inspecting completed structures to assess structural integrity

Answer

Providing guidance on maintaining and repairing structural components of a building

Question 8

In the context of building design, what is a structural system and why is it crucial for a building's stability?

Accepted Answer

A structural system is a network of interconnected elements that provide support and stability to a building.

Answer

A structural system refers to the visual appeal of a building's exterior.

Answer

A structural system is the method used to construct a building's framework.

Answer

A structural system is a type of roofing material used in building construction.

Question 9

Examine the Ronan Point tower collapse case study. Identify the primary reason(s) for the structural failure and explain the key lessons learned from this incident.

Accepted Answer

Insufficient shear wall design

Answer

Substandard building materials

Answer

Construction errors

Question 10

Which factor is **least** significant when choosing a structural system for a building?

Accepted Answer

Aesthetic preferences

Answer

Building function

Answer

Site conditions

Answer

Cost

Question 11

Which of the following structural systems is characterized by vertical load-bearing elements and horizontal force-resisting elements?

Accepted Answer

Beam and column

Answer

Shear wall

Answer

Braced frame

Answer

Roof truss

Question 12

What is a key advantage of utilizing a braced frame structural system?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced strength and rigidity

Answer

Cost-effectiveness

Answer

Simplified construction process

Answer

Improved fire resistance

Question 13

Which type of building is most compatible with a shear wall structural system?

Accepted Answer

High-rise residential building

Answer

Commercial office building

Answer

Industrial warehouse

Answer

Sports stadium

Question 14

What is the primary function of a column in a structural system?

Accepted Answer

To transfer vertical loads

Answer

To resist horizontal forces

Answer

To connect structural elements

Answer

To provide stability to the structure

Question 15

What is the key distinction between a pinned joint and a fixed joint in a structural system?

Accepted Answer

Pinned joint permits rotation, while fixed joint does not.

Answer

Fixed joint permits rotation, while pinned joint does not.

Answer

Pinned joint transfers solely axial forces, while fixed joint transfers all forces.

Answer

Fixed joint transfers solely axial forces, while pinned joint transfers all forces.

Question 16

Which of the following is a characteristic of a pre-stressed concrete structural system?

Accepted Answer

High strength and durability

Answer

Low weight

Answer

Simplified construction process

Answer

Low cost

Question 17

In earthquake-prone regions, what is the primary design consideration for a structural system?

Accepted Answer

Resistance to lateral forces

Answer

Minimization of structural mass

Answer

Ensuring adequate stiffness

Answer

Use of lightweight materials

Question 18

Which structural system is characterized by a primary supporting framework made of beams and columns?

Accepted Answer

Framed

Answer

Load-bearing

Answer

Shell

Answer

Tensile

Question 19

Which structural system relies on the thickness and strength of its walls to support loads?

Accepted Answer

Load-bearing

Answer

Framed

Answer

Suspension

Answer

Tensile

Question 20

Which structural system is commonly used for large-span structures such as auditoriums and sports stadiums?

Accepted Answer

Shell

Answer

Cable-stayed

Answer

Braced frame

Answer

Moment frame

Question 21

Which structural system transfers loads through a series of cables anchored to a central support structure?

Accepted Answer

Cable-stayed

Answer

Suspension

Answer

Arch

Answer

Truss

Question 22

Which of the following factors does NOT influence the choice of structural system for a building?

Accepted Answer

Personal preference

Answer

Building type

Answer

Span length

Answer

Budget

Question 23

Which structural system is best suited for buildings with irregular shapes and complex geometries?

Accepted Answer

Shell

Answer

Framed

Answer

Load-bearing

Answer

Suspension