Structure

Essential questions 6.1

1. What is structural engineering?
Structural engineering is a form of engineering focused on the design part of a building. More specifically it deals with the strength and stability of the structure.
2. How does the design of a structure impact how loads are dispersed?
When designing the structure the engineer must take into account the placement of beams and columns. The designer must arrange the beams and columns in such a way that the loads are dispersed evenly and transfer the majority of the weight to the ground.
3. In what ways are wind, snow, and dead and live loads similar or different?
Wind, snow, and DL and LL are a similar because they impose a weight issue on the structure. Although wind and snow are both LL they still cause a less controllable weight onto the structure.
4. How does the use of mathematics help in understanding about the forces and loads on a structure?
We use math to help calculate the different forces and loads placed on the building and then build the structure to best handle the loads and forces.
5. How do you determine what loads are applied to a structure?
You must research the area you are building the structure in and plan accordingly for weather. Also you must take into account the use of the structure such as books in a library.
6. Where would you locate a load table to assist your design process?
Some good places to locate a load table would be on the Internet or maybe a book addressing the different weights of common objects used during the construction process.

Sustainable Design

Essential Questions 5.2-5.3

1.How are the interior and exterior traffic flow patterns related? As a designer, why should you consider them when preparing a floor plan?
As a designer you need to allow for customers moving in and out of the restaurant and to and from the bathroom. Also you must give space between tables for waiters/waitresses to move and also the customers.
2. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1997 provided clear guidelines for universal accessibility. What accessibility issues are important with a project?
The most important guidelines are about the restrooms and the hallways being wide enough and easily accessible for people with disabilities
3.What factors determine the functionality of a room and its size, shape, and location?
The most important factor is what the room will be used for. When a room is used for a private seating you want to make sure it is closed off and appropriate for the student.
4.In preparing a floor plan, what is the purpose and value of floor plan symbols?
The symbols are needed to show the different aspects of the room not showed with normal design lines or features.
5.What is R-value and how is it determined?
The R-value is the resistance to heat of a certain material.
6. Where would you find air leakage, and how could it be prevented?
Normally you would find air leakage near windows or doors which are not sealed. To prevent this you could use a sealing material of some kind.
7. What is a vapor retarder? How is it used?
A layer of material or a laminate used to appreciably reduce the flow of water vapor into a roof assembly.
8. What is a BTU and how would you calculate the BTUs needed for your building?
A BTU is a British thermal unit. It is calculated by using the formula of Q' = UA(delta)T

Sketches and Bubble Diagrams