4. Materials and Mathematics

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is a dead load?

   Hint

   Think about what is permanently attached to a building.

2. 2.

   Name one type of live load.

   Hint

   Consider what fluctuates in a building.

3. 3.

   What defines a dead load?

   • A variable weight on a structure
   • The weight of the structure itself
   • Environmental forces acting on a structure

   Hint

   Consider what doesn’t change in the building.

4. 4.

   True or False: Live loads include the weight of fixtures permanently attached to a building.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think of what changes inside a building.

5. 5.

   A building has a total dead load calculated at 200 kN and a live load of 50 kN. What is the total load intensity if the area of the building design is 250 m²?

   Hint

   Add up the dead load and live load first.

6. 6.

   Explain how the choice of material for a bridge might vary between a pedestrian bridge and a highway bridge.

   Hint

   Consider the different types of loads and usage scenarios.