3.1 essential questions

1. How do Land Use and Development regulations help or hinder development in a community?
They help by making sure land is used properly and by preventing construction on a contaminated site, and they hurt by sometimes preventing use of land because there is nobody wanting to build on a particular spot of land for its zoned use.

2. Why are building codes important in the construction of buildings?
Without them, buildings would be constructed haphazardly and without regard for use or location.

3. How does commercial building design and construction differ from residential building design and construction?
Commercial buildings usually are larger and have higher traffic and loads than residential buildings.

4. What factors influence the choice of commercial construction materials?
Cost, strength, and weight

5. How do sustainable design alternatives, such as a green roof, impact the environment and quality of life?
Sustainable design alternatives often make things more attractive as well as making them more energy efficient.

3.1.5 Structural Efficiency report

Our structure was strong and sturdy, holding 10 pounds before being tested to its breaking point. It was also highly structurally efficient, but even after improvements, it still had definite room to improve, particularly in the base.

Our structure held 10 pounds successfully.

Structural efficiency rating = 143

Preliminary testing told us that we needed to improve the support in the center of the base level of the structure. Without time to make major compensations or adjustments, we quickly added the small central pillar. Beyond that, we only tweaked the structure's base a little to prevent the possibility of collapse due to leaning supports. If we had had time, I would have liked to move some of the supports and rid ourselves of the center support on the base without damaging the structural integrity.

1.    What factors could affect the choice of materials for the structural frame of a building?
Cost, strength, efficiency

2.     Is it advisable to compare the Structural Efficiency Rating for two different proposed framing systems for a building if one system uses structural steel framing and the other uses cast-in-place concrete? Why or why not? If not, what would be a better comparison to determine efficiency?
It isn't advisable, because they are for totally different purposes.

3.     Why would a structural engineer be more interested in the Structural Efficiency Rating using the maximum design load than the efficiency determined by using the maximum load capacity of the structure?
It will show that it is strong enough to hold what it needs to and not more.

3.1.2 Land Use and Development Regulations