Chapter 1: Introduction
1. What do we mean by a structure?
A physical system used to direct loads from one place to one another.
2. What is the difference between the design and analysis of
structures? The analysis of structures is required to prove that the structure is strong
enough to carry the load.
3. Describe, in words, the meaning of the formula 𝑆𝑑 ≤ 𝑅𝑑.
The loads acting on a structure are equal or smaller than the resistance/strength of the
structure.
4. Which types of loading does Eurocode distinguish?
Permanent loads, variable loads and accidental loads.
5. Give examples of the types of loads from question 4.
Self-weight, snow-load and loads with disastrous consequences.
6. What is the difference between the quasi-permanent and the
extreme value of a load?
Quasi-permanent values occur at all times, extreme values occur seldom.
7. What considerations act on determining the required safety of
structures?
Probability of failure, damage caused by collapsing and risk of human lives.
8. How do we call the codes of practice, in which the size of loads,
maximum allowable deformations and methods of determining
the resistance of structures are described?
Eurocodes
9. What is the difference between the characteristic value of the
material strength and the design strength?
The characteristic value has to be divided by the partial safety factor to get the design
strength.
10. Which structural materials are used in the Netherlands?
Timber, concrete, stone and steel.
11. What is the stress-weight-ratio (SWR)?
Characteristic strength / Volumetric weight
12. Compare the SWR of timber (K17) and steel (S235), if the
strength of the timber is 12 N/mm².
SWR = Characteristic strength / Volumetric weight
13. Which properties of structural materials are most important for a
successful application in structures?
Strength and stiffness.
, Chapter 2: Columns
1. What is the definition of a column?
A column is a vertical structural element which is primarily loaded in compression.
2. What is a pendulum column?
A column which has hinged connections.
3. What is a slender column?
A column that has a large cross section compared to its height.
4. Describe the phenomenon buckling.
Buckling occurs when a slender column, which is increasingly loaded in compression,
suddenly deflects sideways at a certain load.
5. On what does the buckling force of a column depend?
Elastic Modulus, Moment of Inertia and the length of the column.
6. What cross section shape gives the maximum buckling force (for
constant cross sectional area)?
A square area.
7. A column has to carry a certain centric compression load. For
structural materials qualify: concrete, steel, timber and stone.
Give the order of these materials with increasing slenderness.
Stone – Concrete – Timber - Steel
8. Explain why column heads are applied when connecting a
concrete floor and a concrete column. Sketch some examples of
the shape of the column head.
The column will have concentrated loads, so to spread the loads.
9. How can stability be guaranteed for a column with a hinged base?
At least two braces or at least 3 cables.
1. What do we mean by a structure?
A physical system used to direct loads from one place to one another.
2. What is the difference between the design and analysis of
structures? The analysis of structures is required to prove that the structure is strong
enough to carry the load.
3. Describe, in words, the meaning of the formula 𝑆𝑑 ≤ 𝑅𝑑.
The loads acting on a structure are equal or smaller than the resistance/strength of the
structure.
4. Which types of loading does Eurocode distinguish?
Permanent loads, variable loads and accidental loads.
5. Give examples of the types of loads from question 4.
Self-weight, snow-load and loads with disastrous consequences.
6. What is the difference between the quasi-permanent and the
extreme value of a load?
Quasi-permanent values occur at all times, extreme values occur seldom.
7. What considerations act on determining the required safety of
structures?
Probability of failure, damage caused by collapsing and risk of human lives.
8. How do we call the codes of practice, in which the size of loads,
maximum allowable deformations and methods of determining
the resistance of structures are described?
Eurocodes
9. What is the difference between the characteristic value of the
material strength and the design strength?
The characteristic value has to be divided by the partial safety factor to get the design
strength.
10. Which structural materials are used in the Netherlands?
Timber, concrete, stone and steel.
11. What is the stress-weight-ratio (SWR)?
Characteristic strength / Volumetric weight
12. Compare the SWR of timber (K17) and steel (S235), if the
strength of the timber is 12 N/mm².
SWR = Characteristic strength / Volumetric weight
13. Which properties of structural materials are most important for a
successful application in structures?
Strength and stiffness.
, Chapter 2: Columns
1. What is the definition of a column?
A column is a vertical structural element which is primarily loaded in compression.
2. What is a pendulum column?
A column which has hinged connections.
3. What is a slender column?
A column that has a large cross section compared to its height.
4. Describe the phenomenon buckling.
Buckling occurs when a slender column, which is increasingly loaded in compression,
suddenly deflects sideways at a certain load.
5. On what does the buckling force of a column depend?
Elastic Modulus, Moment of Inertia and the length of the column.
6. What cross section shape gives the maximum buckling force (for
constant cross sectional area)?
A square area.
7. A column has to carry a certain centric compression load. For
structural materials qualify: concrete, steel, timber and stone.
Give the order of these materials with increasing slenderness.
Stone – Concrete – Timber - Steel
8. Explain why column heads are applied when connecting a
concrete floor and a concrete column. Sketch some examples of
the shape of the column head.
The column will have concentrated loads, so to spread the loads.
9. How can stability be guaranteed for a column with a hinged base?
At least two braces or at least 3 cables.
