The sum of the tributary widths is equal to a quarter of the total distance between the bearing points on each side of the beam being determined.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sum of the tributary widths is actually equal to the total distance between the bearing points on each side of the beam, not a quarter of it. Tributary width is a concept used in structural engineering to determine the area of floor that contributes load to a structural component, such as a beam. Each point on the beam supports a section of the floor on either side, up to the midpoint between adjacent beams, thus covering the entire span between supports, not just a quarter of it.

The Sum of the Tributary Widths Is Equal to a Quarter