1.1.1 A History of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Conclusion Questions
1. Give an example of a modern pyramid not shown in the presentation. How does its function differ from that of the Egyptian pyramids? What do you think accounts for this difference?
The Nima Sound Museum is made of glass materials and six pyramids. it serves a tourist attraction in Japan.
2. Give an example of a modern structure that uses an arch and dome system.
The National Performing Center for Arts is an example of an arch and dome system.
3. What is the main purpose of modern roads? How is the cost of modern roadways defrayed?
Modern roads today are used for transportation. The cost of modern roadways can be funded by governments or private sectors.
1. Give an example of a modern pyramid not shown in the presentation. How does its function differ from that of the Egyptian pyramids? What do you think accounts for this difference?
The Nima Sound Museum is made of glass materials and six pyramids. it serves a tourist attraction in Japan.
2. Give an example of a modern structure that uses an arch and dome system.
The National Performing Center for Arts is an example of an arch and dome system.
3. What is the main purpose of modern roads? How is the cost of modern roadways defrayed?
Modern roads today are used for transportation. The cost of modern roadways can be funded by governments or private sectors.
1.1.2 Design Principles and Elements-
Conclusion Questions
1. In what way do certain elements or principles identify the time period in which a structure was created?
The use of materials, whether steel, titanium, or woods and bricks, gives us a clue as to which time period structures were created. This has been, over the years, been incorporated into modern buildings.
2. What factors might account for an incorrect identification?
The factors that might cause incorrect identification is not taking into account the technological capabilities of different ancient civilizations during the time because many started at different places in terms of what they could do.
3. Describe an example of a way that design principles and elements could impact the function of a building.
For example, one wouldn't want a building with very smooth texture to the point that it can blind people in the road because it reflects more light. Moreover, If one is to design a commercial building, they would have incorporate vertical lines since it represents a form of stability and strength.
1. In what way do certain elements or principles identify the time period in which a structure was created?
The use of materials, whether steel, titanium, or woods and bricks, gives us a clue as to which time period structures were created. This has been, over the years, been incorporated into modern buildings.
2. What factors might account for an incorrect identification?
The factors that might cause incorrect identification is not taking into account the technological capabilities of different ancient civilizations during the time because many started at different places in terms of what they could do.
3. Describe an example of a way that design principles and elements could impact the function of a building.
For example, one wouldn't want a building with very smooth texture to the point that it can blind people in the road because it reflects more light. Moreover, If one is to design a commercial building, they would have incorporate vertical lines since it represents a form of stability and strength.
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1.1.3 Architectural Styles
Conclusion
1. How is the culture of the people reflected in the architectural style?
The culture of the people would reflect the architectural style in the sense that they will come to use local materials available to them so its the architecture more character that is a direct reflection of their culture.
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of building a home with your chosen style today?
Using wood, which was a primary part in Normandy architecture, is more resistant to erosion over time so structures that might use it today will have issues in the long run. The advantage of it is wood being cheaper compared to other materials.
1. How is the culture of the people reflected in the architectural style?
The culture of the people would reflect the architectural style in the sense that they will come to use local materials available to them so its the architecture more character that is a direct reflection of their culture.
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of building a home with your chosen style today?
Using wood, which was a primary part in Normandy architecture, is more resistant to erosion over time so structures that might use it today will have issues in the long run. The advantage of it is wood being cheaper compared to other materials.
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2.2.1 Concrete Pad Estimate
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Conclusion
1. Describe the problems that would result from ordering too much concrete.
Ordering too much concrete is wasteful; thus, it is nonessential to acquire at a greater amount than needed.
2. Describe the problems that would result from ordering too little concrete.
On the other hand, ordering too little concrete would halt construction. Time is in essence!
3. What percentage of the total cost of the pad does the steel rebar account for?
It accounted for 34% of the total cost.
4. Why is it important to estimate the cost of construction for a building project?
It is important to estimate what the project costs to make sure that it is not going above the budget.
1. Describe the problems that would result from ordering too much concrete.
Ordering too much concrete is wasteful; thus, it is nonessential to acquire at a greater amount than needed.
2. Describe the problems that would result from ordering too little concrete.
On the other hand, ordering too little concrete would halt construction. Time is in essence!
3. What percentage of the total cost of the pad does the steel rebar account for?
It accounted for 34% of the total cost.
4. Why is it important to estimate the cost of construction for a building project?
It is important to estimate what the project costs to make sure that it is not going above the budget.
2.2.2 Shed Cost Estimate
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Conclusion
1. What category costs the most to build – the walls, floor, roof, or door/windows?
The doors and windows, by themselves, cost the most to build.
2. In what category do you find the most waste?
I find the doors and windows wasteful. I don't see the point on vinyl windows or steel doors for a utility shed.
3. How could you lower the cost of building this structure without sacrificing quality?
I would just use wood for the doors and windows; I don't exactly fancy a bauble of a shed.
1. What category costs the most to build – the walls, floor, roof, or door/windows?
The doors and windows, by themselves, cost the most to build.
2. In what category do you find the most waste?
I find the doors and windows wasteful. I don't see the point on vinyl windows or steel doors for a utility shed.
3. How could you lower the cost of building this structure without sacrificing quality?
I would just use wood for the doors and windows; I don't exactly fancy a bauble of a shed.
2.2.3 Heat Loss and Gain
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Conclusion
1. Where does the greatest heat loss occur in this structure?
The greatest heat loss occurs in the door.
2. What was the most significant change made to make this structure more energy efficient?
I excluded the second window.
3. What effect could using 2x6 studs in the shed construction have on energy heat loss/gain?
It would increase heat gain.
1. Where does the greatest heat loss occur in this structure?
The greatest heat loss occurs in the door.
2. What was the most significant change made to make this structure more energy efficient?
I excluded the second window.
3. What effect could using 2x6 studs in the shed construction have on energy heat loss/gain?
It would increase heat gain.
2.3.2 Green Building and Sustainable Design
Conclusion
1. Describe an original green and sustainable idea that you have. Choose one that is not currently in use as far as you know.
Living under a rock is a green and sustainable idea.
2. Describe an improvement that you believe could be made to the building where you live to make it greener. Explain why it is an improvement.
Solar panels; they save energy although they cost more to build.
1. Describe an original green and sustainable idea that you have. Choose one that is not currently in use as far as you know.
Living under a rock is a green and sustainable idea.
2. Describe an improvement that you believe could be made to the building where you live to make it greener. Explain why it is an improvement.
Solar panels; they save energy although they cost more to build.
2.3.4 Adding up to Green
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Conclusion
1. What specific passive solar building orientation practices can earn LEED credit?
Solar water heaters can earn LEED credit.
2. What types of sensitive lands should be avoided when choosing a site location in order to obtain maximum LEED credit?
Lands near 100 feet of water should be avoided.
3. What basic landscape/site design practices can be followed in order to obtain LEED credits? Consider both Sustainable Sites and Water Efficiency credits.
Soil amendments is one design practice that can obtain LEED credit.
4. What types of fixtures should be specified for single family homes in order to gain LEED credit for efficient indoor water use?
Using captured rainwater or reusing greywater from home sinks and showers can gain LEED credit.
5. What characteristics of windows, skylights, and doors affect the number of LEED credits obtained for energy efficiency?
Its composition affect the number of LEED credits.
6. What types of high-efficiency appliances should be specified for single family homes in order to earn LEED credit for energy efficiency?
Energy Star appliances can earn points.
7. At what spacing should wall studs, joists and rafters be placed in order to earn LEED credit for energy efficiency?
Greater an 16".
8. What is the baseline waste allowance for a two-bedroom home? What volume of concrete does this represent? What volume of tree limbs and stumps does this represent? Note that a typical residential construction dumpster (8’ x 3.5’ x 20’) can hold 20 cubic yards of waste material.
6720 lbs, representing 1600 sq. feet.
9. How many LEED points are possible in the C category for each of the following situations:
10. From a public relations perspective, why might a company want to have a high LEED score?
A high LEED score attractions potential buyers, not to mention its savings from the long run.
1. What specific passive solar building orientation practices can earn LEED credit?
Solar water heaters can earn LEED credit.
2. What types of sensitive lands should be avoided when choosing a site location in order to obtain maximum LEED credit?
Lands near 100 feet of water should be avoided.
3. What basic landscape/site design practices can be followed in order to obtain LEED credits? Consider both Sustainable Sites and Water Efficiency credits.
Soil amendments is one design practice that can obtain LEED credit.
4. What types of fixtures should be specified for single family homes in order to gain LEED credit for efficient indoor water use?
Using captured rainwater or reusing greywater from home sinks and showers can gain LEED credit.
5. What characteristics of windows, skylights, and doors affect the number of LEED credits obtained for energy efficiency?
Its composition affect the number of LEED credits.
6. What types of high-efficiency appliances should be specified for single family homes in order to earn LEED credit for energy efficiency?
Energy Star appliances can earn points.
7. At what spacing should wall studs, joists and rafters be placed in order to earn LEED credit for energy efficiency?
Greater an 16".
8. What is the baseline waste allowance for a two-bedroom home? What volume of concrete does this represent? What volume of tree limbs and stumps does this represent? Note that a typical residential construction dumpster (8’ x 3.5’ x 20’) can hold 20 cubic yards of waste material.
6720 lbs, representing 1600 sq. feet.
9. How many LEED points are possible in the C category for each of the following situations:
- A garage is not constructed? 3 points
- A fireplace is not installed? 2 points
- A shoe removal and storage space near the primary entryway, separated from living areas without conventional carpet? 1 point
- At least 90% of the site-applied paints and coatings, flooring, insulation, and site-applied adhesives and sealants have been tested and meet the requirements of CA Section 01350? 4 points
10. From a public relations perspective, why might a company want to have a high LEED score?
A high LEED score attractions potential buyers, not to mention its savings from the long run.
2.3.5 Residential Foundations
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Conclusion
1. What type of foundation would you recommend for a beach front home with a flood elevation eight feet above grade? Why?
I would recommend a spread foundation since it’s used for piers and columns.
2. What type of foundation would you recommend for a home located in southern Florida? Why?
Since it’s near the coast, I would use spread.
3. How does the location of a project site impact the cost of the foundation?
The location determines the cost since you will need to take into account amount of concrete, beams, etc.
1. What type of foundation would you recommend for a beach front home with a flood elevation eight feet above grade? Why?
I would recommend a spread foundation since it’s used for piers and columns.
2. What type of foundation would you recommend for a home located in southern Florida? Why?
Since it’s near the coast, I would use spread.
3. How does the location of a project site impact the cost of the foundation?
The location determines the cost since you will need to take into account amount of concrete, beams, etc.
Activity 3.1.2 Land Use and Development
Conclusion
1. Why is it important to research building codes and local ordinances before beginning the design of a project?
A project can be deemed void if it doesn't follow codes.
2. Give some examples of how building codes protect people and property.
Having the required slope of a roof prevents erosion.
3. How do local ordinances control development?
They can prevent companies from abusing a particular land.
1. Why is it important to research building codes and local ordinances before beginning the design of a project?
A project can be deemed void if it doesn't follow codes.
2. Give some examples of how building codes protect people and property.
Having the required slope of a roof prevents erosion.
3. How do local ordinances control development?
They can prevent companies from abusing a particular land.
Activity 3.1.3 Commercial Wall Systems
Conclusion
Explain why the materials used in a residential wall system are different from a commercial system.
They have different functions.
Why is concrete a popular commercial construction material?
It is cheaper and more stronger than, for instance, wood.
What factors affect the selection of the exterior façade of a commercial structure?
It can depend on the location's climate and weather patterns. or simply what is trying to be achieved in terms of looks.
Explain why the materials used in a residential wall system are different from a commercial system.
They have different functions.
Why is concrete a popular commercial construction material?
It is cheaper and more stronger than, for instance, wood.
What factors affect the selection of the exterior façade of a commercial structure?
It can depend on the location's climate and weather patterns. or simply what is trying to be achieved in terms of looks.
Activity 3.1.4 Commercial Roof
Conclusion
Why are flat roofs common on larger commercial buildings?
It is more cost-efficient.
Why are the standard pitched roof treatments not acceptable for a low-slope roof?
It's more prone to water buildup.
Why are the typical low-slope roof surfaces not appropriate when public access is planned?
It can lead to leaks if low-slope roofs are used.
What factors are important to consider when designing a green roof?
The weight is a crucial factor to consider.
What advantages do green roofs provide over standard low-slope roof treatments?
It protects from UV radiation.
Why are flat roofs common on larger commercial buildings?
It is more cost-efficient.
Why are the standard pitched roof treatments not acceptable for a low-slope roof?
It's more prone to water buildup.
Why are the typical low-slope roof surfaces not appropriate when public access is planned?
It can lead to leaks if low-slope roofs are used.
What factors are important to consider when designing a green roof?
The weight is a crucial factor to consider.
What advantages do green roofs provide over standard low-slope roof treatments?
It protects from UV radiation.
3.1.5 Structural Efficiency (3/28/16)
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Conclusion
What factors could affect the choice of materials for the structural frame of a building? Cost, strength, efficiency, and labor are all factors that could affect the choice of materials for the structural frame of a building. Is it advisable to compare the Structural Efficiency Rating for two different proposed framing systems for a building if one system uses structural steel framing and the other uses cast-in-place concrete? Why or why not? If not, what would be a better comparison to determine efficiency? It is advisable to compare the efficiency of two different framing systems out of two different materials because it is measuring strength and how well the structure can stand while bearing a load. Why would a structural engineer be more interested in the Structural Efficiency Rating using the maximum design load than the efficiency determined by using the maximum load capacity of the structure? A structural engineer would be more interested in the Structural Efficiency Rating that way there is the possibility of using up less materials and saving money. |
3.1.6 Commercial Floor System
Conclusion
Explain why the materials used in a residential floor system are different from a commercial system, They don't need to hold as much weight Describe the advantages of using precast concrete floor components. It's easier to install. When comparing two different concrete flooring systems (such as precast panels and cast-in-place slabs), what factors would you consider as you choose a system for a building design? Time, money, etc. Describe how engineers can change the strength of a concrete floor so that it can carry a heavier load. The span changes the strength of the concrete floor. |
3.2.1 Structural Forms
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Conclusion
What factors affect the development of a structural form? -what it will be used for -style -strategy -size What caused the evolution of the vault from barrel to groin to fan? -Groin was harder to install--it requires precise stone cutting. |
3.2.2 Loads
Conclusion
Why are dead load and live load considered separately? How do they affect the structure differently?
Dead load is the weight of the structure itself while live load takes into account people, vehicles, and anything that passes by the structure.
What is the justification for requiring engineers to consider many load combinations when designing a structure rather than just one or two?
Requiring engineers to consider a myriad of load combinations ensures that the structure does not collapse under certain circumstances, which is why they must abide by codes that regulate these.
How would the size of the roof decking and roof beams change if the spacing of the beams was increased?
The size of the roof decking would decrease.
Why are dead load and live load considered separately? How do they affect the structure differently?
Dead load is the weight of the structure itself while live load takes into account people, vehicles, and anything that passes by the structure.
What is the justification for requiring engineers to consider many load combinations when designing a structure rather than just one or two?
Requiring engineers to consider a myriad of load combinations ensures that the structure does not collapse under certain circumstances, which is why they must abide by codes that regulate these.
How would the size of the roof decking and roof beams change if the spacing of the beams was increased?
The size of the roof decking would decrease.
3.2.3 Beam Analysis
Conclusion
What is common about the location of the maximum moment along the beam in each loading case? It's in the center. Note that loading case #3 is a combination of loading cases #1 and #2. What is the relationship between the maximum shear and maximum moment for loading cases #1, #2, and #3? For loading cases #2, #4, and #5? The maximum moment for 1,2,3 will be on the middle, while 2,4,5 will be elsewhere. Can you identify similarities and differences in the shear and moment diagrams for these loading cases?
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3.3.4 Beam Analysis Shortcuts
Conclusion
Which of the three analysis methods (sketching shear and moment diagrams, beam formulas, or MD solids) do you prefer? Why?
MD Solids; it does the work for me.
Which method provides the quickest calculation for maximum shear and moment?
MD Solids
Which method provides the most comprehensive analysis?
MD Solids
Why is it important to understand the mathematics and physics behind a formula or computer program before relying on the results?
The results are pointless if you don't know what they mean.
Which of the three analysis methods (sketching shear and moment diagrams, beam formulas, or MD solids) do you prefer? Why?
MD Solids; it does the work for me.
Which method provides the quickest calculation for maximum shear and moment?
MD Solids
Which method provides the most comprehensive analysis?
MD Solids
Why is it important to understand the mathematics and physics behind a formula or computer program before relying on the results?
The results are pointless if you don't know what they mean.
3.3.1 Utilitities
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3.3.4 Energy Codes
Conclusion
1. What is the purpose of energy codes?
Energy codes ensure that energy is used efficiently.
2. How does adding a vestibule improve energy efficiency?
It keeps the air circulated within the room.
3. What recommendations would you make to improve the energy efficiency of the existing structure during the renovation process for the Keystone Library?
No windows.
1. What is the purpose of energy codes?
Energy codes ensure that energy is used efficiently.
2. How does adding a vestibule improve energy efficiency?
It keeps the air circulated within the room.
3. What recommendations would you make to improve the energy efficiency of the existing structure during the renovation process for the Keystone Library?
No windows.
4.1.2 Team Building Conclusion Questions
Was the group successful? How do you define success? The group was successful in making a standing structure, but when we expanded our structure, we started to see failure.
What role(s) did each team member play? Josh: Designer
Ted: Builder
How did the group come up with its best ideas? We recycled ideas off of the cards project.
What would an outside observer have seen as the strengths and weaknesses of the group? The strengths were the bottom foundation where the weaknesses were the upper levels.
What lessons did you learn from this activity that could be applied to future situations? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
What role(s) did each team member play? Josh: Designer
Ted: Builder
How did the group come up with its best ideas? We recycled ideas off of the cards project.
What would an outside observer have seen as the strengths and weaknesses of the group? The strengths were the bottom foundation where the weaknesses were the upper levels.
What lessons did you learn from this activity that could be applied to future situations? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.