3.2.8 Essential Questions

1. How do weight and applications of loads affect the design of a structure?

You need larger footings and stronger beams and girders in areas with heavier loads.

2. What factors determine whether soil is suitable to support a structure?

density, compacting ability

3. What considerations influence the depth and height of the foundation?

frost level, soil type

4. What are the typical modes of failure of a concrete footing?

soil heave, breaking due to insufficient thickness

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

2.3 Essential Questions

1. How do you achieve a balance between cost-saving measures, important features, and environmental responsibility when designing a residential structure?
You use local materials with the best combination of cost and efficiency, and you strive for simplicity.

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using 3D architectural software rather than creating hand-produced plans?
You can physically see every detail from any angle in the software, but making a single change can be painstaking and can throw off several other features.

3. Why are organizations such as LEED important?
They provide design specifications to make a home efficient and for it to have a low environmental impact.

4. When planning a project, how does the availability of public utilities impact the design?
You must consider any factors which could have an impact on the materials put into construction, including facilities such as sewers and electricity.

5. What options are available for the management of wastewater from a building?
You can have a personal home septic system or you can get water from the public sewage system where available.

6. What are the important considerations when design a plumbing system?
Pipe size, slope, materials, and paths, as well as water heating and pipe insulation.

7. Why should a designer know about the different types of lighting and their applications?
Designers should know how to best and most efficiently light a space, wherever it may be.

8. What are the important considerations when designing an electrical system?
One must consider efficiency, simplicity, and compatibility for expansion and maintenance.

9. What information is important when documenting the design of a building?
You must include materials, dimensions, and external views.

Affordable Housing Project

Affordable Housing Project