Deck 16: Columns, Piers, and Girders

Question 1

One of the least common systems of floor framing in light construction involves the use of joists and girders.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

____ (LVL) is popular for use as girders.

A) Light veneer lumber
B) Low volatility lumber
C) Laminated veneer lumber
D) Low volume lumber

Answer 2

C

Question 3

____ are parallel beams used in the floor framing. Usually buildings are too wide for them to span the full width.

A) Girders
B) Joists
C) Columns
D) Piers

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Built-up wood girders consist of three or more pieces of ____-inch lumber nailed together with staggered joints to form larger beams.

A) 1
B) 2
C) 2.5
D) 4

Question 5

What is the feature labeled in the accompanying figure?

A) Masonry pier
B) Bearing plate
C) Veneer
D) LVL

Question 6

Before the total length of the columns or height of the piers can be calculated, it is necessary to determine the size of the girder and its relationship to the floor joist.

Question 7

The locations of columns, posts, or piers are given by ____.

A) height
B) dimensions to their closest edge
C) approximation only
D) dimensions to their centerlines

Question 8

Metal posts called ____ are the most common supports for girders.

A) piers
B) bearing plates
C) pipe columns
D) joists

Question 9

Steel beams are often used where strength is a(n) _________.

A) nonissue
B) concern
C) critical factor
D) issue

Question 10

The length of the columns or height of the piers is independent of how the joists will be attached to the girder.

Question 11

If the girder is supported by masonry or concrete piers, a special detail may be included to give dimensions and reinforcement details.

Question 12

As illustrated in the accompanying figure, ____ beams are popular, because they are strong and can be manufactured in any length and depth.

A) titanium
B) built-up wood
C) LVL
D) steel

Question 13

To find the height of the columns or piers, first ____.

A) add the depth of the first floor
B) add the distance from the top of the basement floor to the bottom of the column
C) determine the dimension from the basement floor to the finished first floor
D) subtract the depth of the first floor

Question 14

The length of the columns or height of the piers does not depend on how the joists will be attached to the girder.

Question 15

In choosing material for a girder, the green designer may see some benefits in using ____ instead of built-up lumber girders or steel girders.

A) PVC
B) LVL
C) plywood
D) cast iron

Question 16

The girder running the length of the building is supported at regular intervals by wood or metal posts or by masonry or concrete piers.

Question 17

A ____ plate is a steel plate that provides a flat surface at the top or bottom of the column or post.

A) bearing
B) joist
C) girder
D) pier

Question 18

Joists are supported by one or more ____ running the length of the building.

A) girders
B) plates
C) columns
D) piers