11.2. Horizontal Loads

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define what a column shear is.

   Hint

   Think about the vertical forces acting on a vertical structure.

2. 2.

   What is the formula for calculating top column moments?

   Hint

   Consider what happens when a force is applied at a distance.

3. 3.

   What is a column shear?

   • The load at the top of a column
   • The internal force resisting lateral loads
   • The total weight of the structure

   Hint

   Focus on the resistance to lateral forces.

4. 4.

   True or False: Girders do not affect column shears.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about load distribution.

5. 5.

   You have a structure with three columns carrying lateral loads of 30 kN. If the height of each column is 12 ft, calculate the moments at the top and bottom of each column.

   Hint

   Use V × H for each column and ensure total loads equal across.

6. 6.

   Evaluate the impacts on structural stability if one column experiences a sudden increase in shear force. How would you redesign?

   Hint

   Consider load transfer and additional supports if necessary.