01
Choose one
1 point
A designer wants an open interior plan with lightweight exterior enclosure that does not carry the primary building weight. Which structural arrangement best fits this goal?
Free Practice Quiz Question List
10/15 10 — Building Structure and Structural Systems Online Quiz Questions
Use this free practice quiz with 20 questions to review 10/15 10 — Building Structure and Structural Systems, test your knowledge, and prepare for your next test or exam.
20 questions
02
Choose one
1 point
A masonry arch is proposed over a large opening. Which consequence of the arch's structural behavior must the designer address at its supports?
- A
The arch eliminates all horizontal forces at its supports.
- B
The arch carries loads mainly through tension along its curved path.
- C
The supports must resist outward horizontal thrust as well as vertical reactions.
- D
The arch can span only if its members act primarily in bending.
03
Choose one
1 point
Which sequence best represents a typical lateral load path for wind acting on a building envelope?
- A
Building envelope → diaphragms → collectors → lateral-resisting elements → foundations → soil
- B
Building envelope → foundations → roof deck → collectors → soil
- C
Roof covering → beams → columns → diaphragms → soil
- D
Floor finishes → bearing walls → collectors → roof deck → foundations
04
Choose all
1 point
Which two statements correctly describe diaphragms and collectors in a building's lateral system? Select all correct choices.
- A
A floor or roof diaphragm can distribute lateral forces to vertical resisting elements.
- B
A collector is primarily a foundation element that spreads gravity loads into soil.
- C
A collector can gather forces within a diaphragm and deliver them to a shear wall or braced frame.
- D
A diaphragm prevents all deformation and therefore makes vertical resisting elements unnecessary.
05
Choose all
1 point
Near-surface soil is weak and compressible, so a project must transfer loads to deeper, stronger material. Which two foundation choices are appropriate? Select all correct choices.
- A
Use a strip footing because the near-surface soil is strong.
- B
Use piles because near-surface soil is weak or highly compressible.
- C
Use a spread footing because it transfers loads mainly through a long embedded shaft.
- D
Use drilled shafts when loads must reach deeper, stronger soil layers.
06
True or false
1 point
True or false: A structure may satisfy strength requirements yet still be unsuitable because it is too flexible.
- A
True
- B
False
07
True or false
1 point
True or false: For earthquake loading, increasing a building's mass generally reduces its inertial forces.
- A
True
- B
False
08
Written response
1 point
How many basic equilibrium conditions must a building at rest satisfy according to the material?
09
Written response
1 point
What is the name of the curved shape naturally taken by a cable carrying a uniform load per unit length?
10
Fill in the blank
1 point
Masonry is particularly effective in but comparatively weak in .
11
Fill in the blank
1 point
Unequal downward movement of different parts of a building foundation is called .
12
Open ended
1 point
Explain what a continuous load path is and why it is central to structural design. Trace one plausible gravity-load path and one plausible lateral-load path from where the force acts to the ground, and describe what a transfer condition indicates.
13
Choose one
1 point
Why can diagonal braces efficiently stabilize a frame against lateral movement?
- A
They make every member carry only bending.
- B
They eliminate the need for foundations.
- C
They prevent all vertical gravity loads from reaching columns.
- D
They create stable triangular geometry that resists lateral movement.
14
Choose one
1 point
A floor system does not fail under its design load, but occupants notice excessive vibration and deflection. Which structural property most directly needs improvement?
- A
The capacity to resist failure under applied forces
- B
The capacity to limit deformation, vibration, or movement
- C
The capacity to remain in equilibrium against overturning
- D
The capacity to transfer loads into the soil
15
Choose one
1 point
In a building subject to wind forces, what is the primary structural role of a floor diaphragm?
- A
It transfers gravity loads directly to the soil without foundations
- B
It prevents all vertical movement in a building
- C
It distributes lateral forces to vertical resisting elements
- D
It carries only tension through suspended cables
16
Choose one
1 point
A designer wants lightweight exterior walls that do not carry the primary weight of the floors and roof. Which structural arrangement best supports that goal?
- A
Columns and beams carry the primary gravity loads
- B
Continuous exterior walls carry all floors and roofs
- C
Cables suspend every floor from a central mast
- D
A curved shell carries all loads without discrete supports
17
Choose one
1 point
Which feature allows a truss to span efficiently while its members carry primarily axial forces rather than bending?
- A
A solid bearing wall with no openings
- B
A flat plate designed to resist loads only through bending
- C
A cable that has no anchorage or compression element
- D
An assembly of slender members connected to form triangles
18
True or false
1 point
True or false: A cable roof requires anchorage or complementary compression elements, such as masts, arches, or towers, because cables cannot resist compression.
- A
True
- B
False
19
Written response
1 point
What structural term describes a discontinuity in which a beam appears to support a column but no adequately aligned supporting member exists directly below it?
20
Written response
1 point
What is the structural term for a floor or roof plane that distributes lateral forces to shear walls, braced frames, or other vertical resisting elements?