14.1. Safety Provisions

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is a dead load?

   Hint

   Think about what remains constant in a building.

2. 2.

   Explain the term safety factor.

   Hint

   How do we ensure that structures are built stronger than they need to be?

3. 3.

   What is a safety provision?

   • An economic construction method
   • Measures in design to prevent failure
   • An outsourcing strategy

   Hint

   Think about the main purpose of these provisions.

4. 4.

   True or False: Live loads are fixed and do not change over time.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Recall the difference between live and dead loads.

5. 5.

   A structural engineer is designing a bridge that will experience highly variable traffic loads. Given this challenge, what safety provisions should be implemented to ensure the bridge remains safe under unexpected heavy loads?

   Hint

   Think about how the bridge might be used over time.

6. 6.

   An existing building's column has shown signs of deformation. What steps should be taken to assess its safety and make necessary changes?

   Hint

   What signs would indicate a need for structural assessment?