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CHh 17 Structural Elements Flashcards

1
Q

What are the structural questions a designer needs to know about to make informed decisions?

A

(1) Is an element structural, and is it feasible to modify it? (2) Can floor penetrations be made? (3) Is building movement expected and how can it be accomodated? (4) Is a structural review necessary for the proposed new floor load? (5) How should new interior construction elements interface with existing structural elements? (6) Will fire protection of structural elements need to be repaired, or should new protection be included in the design?

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2
Q

When will the interior designer most likely encounter common structural systems?

A

When modifications are proposed or required because of interior design decisions.

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3
Q

What are two of the most common steel structural systems?

A

Beam-and-girder system and open-web steel joist system.

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4
Q

Beam-and-Girder System (Steel)

A

Large members span between columns and smaller beams are framed INTO them. The girders span the shorter distance, while the beams span the longer distances. Typical spans are from 25’ to 40’, with beams spaced at 8 ft to 10 ft O.C. The steel framing is usually covered with steel decking, which spans between the beams. A concrete topping is poured over the decking to complete the floor slab. (Common in mid- to high-rise office buildings). THERE IS USUALLY LIMITED SPACE BETWEEN THE BOTTOM OF THE GIRDERS AND THE SUSPENDED CEILING. The possibility of adding new mechanical ductwork or installing large recessed light fixtures should be reviewed before final decisions are made about the reflected ceiling plan.

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5
Q

Open-Web Steel Joist System

A

Joists span between beams or bearing walls. Web joists can span from 20 ft up to 144 ft. Depths range from 8 in. to 72 in. They are typically spaced 2 ft to 6 ft O.C. Steel decking spans between the joists, and a concrete slab is poured on top of the decking. (Usually in one-story or low rise buildings with wide column spacing.) Because webs are open, mechanical and electrical service ducts, pipes, and conduits can easily be run between the web members. Suspended ceilings and other lightweight interior elements can be easily hung from the bottoms of the joists.

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6
Q

What are the two primary types of concrete structural systems?

A

Cast-in place and precast concrete.

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7
Q

Cast-in-Place Concrete

A

Concrete is poured into forms where it hardens before the forms are removed. The majority of cast-in-place concrete systems utiliize only mild steel reinforcing set in the formwork before the concrete is placed. Sometimes it is post-tension where there are long span structures.

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8
Q

Precast Concrete

A

Formed in a plant and shipped to the job site where they are set in place and rigidly connected to form the structure.

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9
Q

Post-Tensions Concrete

A

Steel cables within the concrete are tightened after the concrete sets, creating extra compression forces in the beam or slab. If a slab is post tensioned, it should not be penetrated for pipes or conduit.

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10
Q

What are the five basic types of cast-in-place concrete?

A

(1) Concrete Joist System (2) Flat Plate Construction (3) Flat Slab Construction (4) Waffle Slab construction (5) Beam-and-Girder System

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11
Q

Beam-and-Girder System (Concrete)

A

One of five types of cast-in-place structural concrete systems that functions in a manor similar to a steel systems in which the slab is supported by intermediate beams, which are carried by larger girders. Typical spans are in the range of 15’ to 30’. The slab is poured INTEGRALLY with the beams.

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12
Q

Concrete Joist System

A

One of five types of cast-in-place structural concrete systems, and is comprised of concrete members spaced 24” or 36” apart, running in one direction, which frame into larger beams. The slab is poured integrally with the joists. Because the joists are close together, it is more DIFFICULT to drill holes for small pipes and conduit.

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13
Q

Flat Plate Construction

A

One of five types of cast-in-place structural concrete systems, where the floor slab is designed and reinforced to transfer loads directly to the columns, which generally do not exceed 25’ spacing. Flate plate construction is commonly used in situations where FLOOR-TO-FLOOR HEIGHT MUST BE KEPT TO A MINIMUM. Because of the closely spaced reinforcing required, it is often difficult if not impossible to drill these types of floors for electrical service or small pipes.

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14
Q

Flat Slab Construction

A

One of five types of cast-in-place structural concrete systems, which is similar to flat plate construction, except that drop panels (increased slab thickness around the columns) are used to increase strength. Sometimes the truncated pyramids or cones are used instead of drop panels.

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15
Q

Waffle Slab Construction (Two-Way Joist System)

A

One of five types of cast-in-place structural concrete systems, which can provide support for heavier loads at slightly LONGER SPANS than the flat slab system. Waffle slabs are often left exposed, with lighting integrated into the coffers.

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16
Q

What does precast concrete consists of ?

A

Factory-made pieces with high-strength steel cables stretched in the precasting forms before the concrete is poured. After the concrete attains a certain minimum strength, the cables are released and they transfer compressive stresses to the concrete. The members are then shipped to the construction site and set in place.

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17
Q

What do precast concrete floors include?

A

Single Tees, Double Tees, and Hollow-Core Slabs.

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18
Q

What elements can be precast concrete?

A

Floors, Columns and Beams

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19
Q

Why are single- and double-tee members a popular form of precast concrete?

A

Because they can simultaneously serve as beam and floor decking and are easy and fast to erect.

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20
Q

How are single- and double-tee members installed?

A

A topping of concrete (about 2”) is placed over the tees to provide a uniform, smooth floor surface. Double-tee construction is commonly found in industrial buildings, one- and two-story commercial buildings, and parking garages.

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21
Q

Masonry in structural walls is generally limited to . . .

A

Loadbeading Walls

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22
Q

Nearly all masonry structural walls are built of . . .

A

Concrete Block

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23
Q

Brick use is generally limited to . . .

A

Veneer over wood stud walls or over concrete block walls.

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24
Q

Concrete Block

A

Manufactured with cement, water, and various agregates, including gravel, expanded shale or slate, expanded slag or pumice, and limestone cinders. The dimensions of CMU is based on a nominal 4” module, with actual dimensions being 3/8” less to allow for joints. Dimensions are referred to by width, height, then length. One of the most common sizes is 8 x 8 x 16. There are two open cells on either side of an intermediate rib. Cells in teh block may be left open when loading is light, or reinforced and filled with grout if more strength is needed. Interior design elements may be suspended from masonry walls by using appropriate types of fasteners.

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25
When does a structural engineer need to be consulted when building a concrete block or brick wall?
When an opening is required.
26
Loadbearing walls support . . .
loads from above, including live and dead loads.
27
Live Loads include . . .
People and Furniture
28
Dead Loads include . . .
The weight of the structure itself.
29
A loadbearing wall may be made of . . .
Concrete, Masonry, or Wood Framing
30
Because of their nature as structural supports, loadbearing walls cannot . . .
be removed and can only be pierced for door and other openings if the top of the opening is framed with an adequately engineered lintel or beam.
31
Interior designers should be able to . . .
recognize common instances of loadbearing walls, either from architectural drawings or from field observations. When it is not clear if a wall is loadbearing or not, an architect or structural designer should be consulted if any modifications are contemplated.
32
Where are loadbearing walls located in residential construction?
Most exterior walls are usually loadbearing, with some interior partitions also being loadbearing. The first-story exterior walls of a two-story house are nearly always loadbearing.
33
How can a moderately sized opening be added to a residential loadbearing wall?
Additional studs are installed with a double header or other type of lintel.
34
In _________ construction, fewer loadbearing walls are used. Most structures are some form of column and beam system with nonloadbearing infill in this type of construction.
Commercial
35
The _____ walls of high-rise buildings are nearly always structural and cannot be pierced except for small openings for pipes.
Core
36
When must a structural engineer be consulted?
When the interior designer is unsure whether a wall is loadbearing or not, and when an opening needs to be created in the wall.
37
What is a building load?
A force acting on a building element.
38
What are the three major load types?
Gravity, Lateral and Dynamic
39
What do GRAVITY loads include?
Dead & Live Loads
40
Dead Loads
The vertical loads due to the weight of the building and any permanent equipment. These include things such as columns, beams, exterior and interior walls, floors, and mechanical equipment. Building designs are initially designed to support all the dead loads. Even though the interior designer will plan interior partitions and other construction elements that change the dead loads, the original design of the building considers these normal dead loads on an average square-foot basis; in initial design, an allowance is made for interior partitioning. THE ONLY TIME A DESIGNER NEEDS TO CONSULT A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER RELATIVE TO DEAD LOADING IS IF PLANS CALL FOR THE INSTALLATION OF UNUSUALLY HEAVY PARTITIONING (such as masonry walls) OR HEAVY EQUIPMENT.
41
Live Loads
Include the weight of people, furniture and other moveable equipment. Buildings are originally designed to accomodate a particular amount of uniform live load, which is established by building codes for different occupancies.
42
Concentrated Loads
Codes require that floors be designed to support concentrated loads if the specified load on an otherwise unloaded floor would produce stresses greater than those caused by the uniform load. The concentrated load is assumed to be located on any space 2-1/2 sq. ft.
43
What should the designer do if a space is being designed for a use other than its original purpose?
If the floor loading will be increased, the designer should consult with a structural engineer to determine if the floor is capable of carrying the additional load and, if not, to have additional structural reinforcement engineered.
44
Where are structural bays located in some high-rise buildings?
They're located near the center of the building, and are designed for heavier loading, so file rooms and book stacks should be located in these areas in early planning stages.
45
Lateral Loads
Include wind loads and earthquake loads. These are provided for in the original design of the building. They may need to be taken into account if interior construction elements will be attached to the structure of the building or are required by code to resist earthquake loads.
46
In the least severe earthquake zones . . .
No special detailing is required by the interior designer.
47
In high-risk earthquake zones . . .
The designer must ascertain the requirements for the particular geographical area in which the project is located.
48
What interior construction elements may need to be detailed to resist earthquake forces?
Partitions attached to the ceiling or those that are over 6 ft high; Suspended ceilings; HVAC ductwork; Light fixtures; Sprinklers and other piping; Bookcases; Storage cabinets and lab equipment; & Access floors.
49
Impact Load
When a FORCE is only applied suddenly.
50
Dynamic Load
When a LOAD is applied suddenly or changes rapidly.
51
What are examples of Dynamic Loads?
Automobiles moving in a parking garage, elevators traveling in a shaft, or a helicopter landing on the roof of a building.
52
What is an example of an Impact Load?
Large industrial punch press.
53
If a designer encounters a situation where dynamic loads are imposed by the interior use of the building . . .
the designer should consult a structural engineer.
54
What is building movement caused by?
Shrinkage of materials, compression of materials over time, deflection of materials under load, ground settling or heaving, earthquakes, swaying caused by wind, and expansion and contraction caused by temperature differentials.
55
Interior partitions in commercial construction that attach to the structural floors above and to the perimeter of the building should be designed with ___ ______ to allow the building to move slightly without putting pressure on the partitions.
Slip Joints
56
What is movement at the top of the partition caused by?
Structural deflection of the floor above.
57
What is movement at the perimeter of the partition caused by?
Wind sway.
58
What will happen to partitions rigidly attached to the structure if slip joints are not used?
They may buckle and crack.
59
Minor building movement is accomodated by . . .
Slip Joints
60
Large building movement is accomodated by . . .
Building Expansion Joints
61
In large buildings, the structure of each part is entirely _______ during design and construction.
Separated
62
Expansion Joint Covers
Cover large joints insides the building (from 2" to 8" wide) and slide back and forth as the building moves. IF THESE CONDITIONS ARE ENCOUNTERED DURING INTERIOR DESIGN, THEY CANNOT BE COVERED UP WITH OTHER FINISH MATERIALS, NOR SHOULD PARTITIONS OR FURNITURE BE PLACED OVER THEM.
63
Core Drill
A 2" to 4" round hole drilled through the concrete with a special hollow drill bit. This is used to create penetrations for minor electrical or telephone conduit.
64
Floor construction may limit the number and types of floor _______, if any are possible at all.
Penetrations
65
Floors in commercial buildings are constructed primarily of . . .
Cast-in-place concrete, precast concrete, or concrete on metal decking.
66
All of what type of concrete structural floor systems are difficult to cut through?
Cast-in-Place (Although the beam-and-girder system and the one-way pan joist system are the easiest to penetrate wiith small core drilling for pipes and poke-through electrical outlets, because there is less reinforcing in these systems.)
67
In what type of concrete floor can holes NOT be cut near where the columns intersect the floor or where beams are located.
Cast-in-Place
68
What are the easiest types of concrete floors to cut for LARGE openings?
Flat Plates & Flat Slabs
69
Large floor openings require:
additional sturctural support around the opening, which must be designed by a structural engineer.
70
Can a waffle slab be cut for large openings?
The ribs of waffle slabs can be cut for large openings but this task is DIFFICULT and EXPENSIVE and also requires additional support around the cut.
71
Can tee sections be cut?
No, because the stems of tee systems are deep and contain prestressed cable.
72
Can hollow-core slabs be cut?
Small openings can be cut through the existing cores but should not be cut through the solid portion where the prestressing cables are located.
73
Post-Tensioned Concrete
In this system, the post-tensioning steel strands (called TENDONS) are stressed after the concrete has been poured in placed and cured. Because they are stressed under high pressure and keep this stress during the life of the building, the slabs in which they are located CANNOT be cut.
74
Can post-tensioned concrete slabs be cut?
NO
75
One of the most common types of floor and roof construction is . . .
Concrete on Metal Decking
76
Concrete on Metal Decking
Corrugated sheet steel is supported by steel beams and columns and serve as a working platform, the form for the concrete, and part of the structural system. Concrete is poured over the decking and leveled to create the final rough floor. IT IS EASY TO HAVE SMALL and MODERATELY sized HOLES cut for conduit, ductwork, etc. If larger penetrations are required, steel angles or beams can be placed around the perimeter of the cut to provide support.
77
When should the floor be X-rayed?
When a cut in a concrete floor is proposed, reinforcing bars and other embedded items can be located by having the floor x-rayed near the proposed cut.
78
In commercial construction, the structural framing of a building may be protected with fire-resistant construction rated from __ to __ hours, which is part of the original architect's building design.
1 to 3 hours
79
When the interior designer removes the existing covering of a fire-rated material and replaced it with another material, the new covering must . . .
provide the same amount of fire protection as the existing covering. Examples include replacing a column or beam cover with another size or shape of cover, or enclosing a new vertical shaft, such as a stairway or dumbwaiter.)
80
Most laws DO NOT allow interior designers to design, specify, or modify fire-protection of structural systems. If this is the case, the designer should retain the services of an ________ to conduct this part of the design.
Architect
81
What is the oldest and most common structural materials?
Wood
82
Wood is . . .
Plentiful, inexpensive, and relative strong in both compression and tension, and easy to work with and fasten.
83
In residential construction, the joists are set on a ____ _____, which is anchored to the concrete foundation.
Sill Plate
84
In residential wood construction, structural walls are made with small, repetitive elements called _____.
Studs
85
For residential construction, the most common type of stud walls consist of . . .
2" x 4" (1-1/2" x 3-1/2" actual) studs placed 16" O.C. Occasionally, 6" deep studs will be used. Studs of this size are adequate to support a one-story or two-story house. The same stud size and spacing are used for nonloadbearing walls and interior partitions.
86
Joists
Horizontal repetitive members used to support the floor. They are made of 2" nominal thick wood, and their depth is determined by the distance they are required to span. Common depths are 8, 10, and 12 inches. The actual size of an 8" joist is 7-1/4". The actual size of 10" and 12" joists are 9-1/4" and 11-1/4", respectively.
87
What is the space between joists spanned with?
Plywood or particleboard subflooring on which an underlayment is placed in preparation for the finish flooring. Sometimes, a single sheet of 3/4" subfloor/underlayment is used, but this approach is not as desirable.
88
_______ is nailed to the outside of the stud wall to stiffen the wall and provide a nailing base for the exterior finish material.
Sheathing
89
How is brick held to sheathing?
With corrugated metal strips.
90
What is attached to the inside stud walls of residential construction?
1/2" gypsum board is nailed or screwed to the stud. Insulation is placed between the studs and joists in thicknesses as required by the climate region.
91
Small openings such as windows and doors in residential stud walls are framed at the top with _____.
Lintels (also called headers)
92
Lintels (headers) are usually . . .
Double 2" x 4", 2" x 6", or 2" x 8" members oriented vertically to act as a beam to carry the loads.
93
Large openings in residential stud walls require more than using double two-by members, and may include . . .
using stronger laminated veneer lumber, glued-laminated beams, or small steel beams.
94
Joists can span up to about ___ ft.
20
95
When wood joist spans longer than 20 ft are required, or a beam is needed to support several joists, what must be used?
Steel or manufactured wood products must be used.
96
Platform Framing
Used for residential two-story construction. With this method, wood studs one story high are are placed on a sole plate at the bottom and spanned with a double top plate at the ceiling level. The second-floor joists bear on top of the top plate and, when the second-floor sheathing is in place, serve as a platform on which to erect the second-story stud walls and roof.
97
When is glued-laminated wood members used?
When are stronger members are required in small commercial construction and some residential construction. Glulams are used where larger wood members are required for heavy loads or long spans and simple sawn timber pieces are not available or cannot meet the strength requirements. Glulam construction is also used where unusual structural shapes are required and appearance is a consideration.
98
Glued-Laminated Wood Members (Glulams)
Built up from a number of individual pieces of lumber, which are glued together and finished under factory conditions for use as beams, columns, purlins, and other structural components. In addition to being fabricated in simple, linear rectangular shapes, glulam members can be formed into arches, tapered forms, and pitched shapes.
99
What are the standard widths and depths of glulam members?
WIDTH: Nominal: 4", 6", 8", 10", 12", 14" Actual: 3-1/8", 5-1/8", 6-3/4", 8-3/4", 10-3/4", 12-1/2" Height: Multiples of 1-1/2" or 3/4"
100
Interior design components may be framed into _____ beams using simple wood fasteners.
Glulam
101
Plywood Web Joist
Lightweight, I-shaped joist consisting of a top and bottom chord of solid or laminated construction separated by a plywood web. This type of joist is used in residential and light commercial construction and allows LONGER SPANS that are possible with a solid wood joist system. It has very efficient structural shape, like a steel wide-flange beam, and because it is manufactured in a factory, problems such as warping, splits, checks, and other common wood defects are eliminated. THIS PRODUCT IS STRONGER AND STIFFER THAN A STANDARD WOOD JOIST. Within limits, holes can be drilled in the web to accomodate small pipes and electrical wiring.
102
Why are plywood web joists being used increasingly?
Because good quality, straight, solid joists are becoming more expensive and difficult to find.
103
Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL)
A wood member manufactured with individual layers of thin veneer glued together (also called thin glued-laminated framing). It is STRONGER THAN SOLID LUMBER OF THE SAME DIMENSION.
104
What is laminated veneer lumber primarily used for?
For headers over large opening, and singly or built-up for beams.
105
The interior designer must know how to . . .
identify structural elements on plans and sections in order to plan spaces and locate other interior elements intelligently.
106
CORE DRILL
Machine used to cut a small opening in a concrete floor for conduit or poke-through electrical outlets.
107
CORE WALL
In a high-rise building, the wall generally used as part of the structure of the building and surrounding the common building and surrounding the common building services such as elevator and stairway shafts, toilet rooms, mechanical rooms, and the like.
108
CRIPPLE STUD
A stud above a door opening or below a windowsill.
109
DECKING
Light-gage sheets of steel that are ribbed, fluted, or otherwise stiffened by shape for use in constructing a floor or roof.
110
GROUT
Mixture of portland cement, water and sand, containing enough water to allow it to be poured or pumped into joints, spaces, and cracks within masonry walls.
111
HEADER
A framing member that crosses and supports the ends of joists, transferring the weight of the joist to parallel joists. Headers are used to form openings in wood-framed floors.
112
LINTEL
A horizontal structural member over an opening that carries the weight of the wall above it.
113
PURLIN
A piece of timber laid HORIZONTALLY.
114
SHEATHING
The plywood or particleboard covering placed over exterior studding or rafters of a building that provides strength and a base for the application of wall or roof cladding.
115
SOLE PLATE
A horizontal wood member that serves as the base for the studs in a stud partition.
116
TRIMMER
A wood member in a FLOOR or ROOF used to SUPPORT A HEADER.
117
WIDE-FLANGE BEAM
A structural beam of steel having a shape whose cross section resembled the letter "H". A wide flange beam has wider flanges than an I-beam. Wide-flange beams are used for beams as well as columns because their shape gives them approximately equal strength in both directions.

Interior Design (50 decks)

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