5. Mechanics

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define dead loads.

   Hint

   Think about what is non-movable in a structure.

2. 2.

   What is a live load?

   Hint

   Consider what varies with time.

3. 3.

   What is the primary difference between dead loads and live loads?

   • Dead loads are permanent
   • live loads are transient
   • Both are permanent
   • Both are transient

   Hint

   Think about what weight is always there compared to what changes.

4. 4.

   True or False: Environmental loads include only wind loads.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider various forces of nature.

5. 5.

   A building design needs to account for a live load that can vary from 25 to 50 psf based on occupancy. How would you approach determining the required structural elements to handle this variability?

   Hint

   Focus on variability and safety factors.

6. 6.

   Design a beam that must support a dead load of 3000 lbs and a live load of 1500 lbs. Calculate the necessary beam size if the allowable load intensity is 100 lbs/ft².

   Hint

   Remember to calculate total load first.