Which listed arrangement describes platform framing?
Correct Answer
B) Each floor forms a platform supporting the next story’s wall framing
Platform framing builds a floor platform on which the next story’s wall framing is erected. It is common in low-rise housing, but the definition concerns the arrangement rather than a universal property-type frequency or cost claim.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option B is correct because in platform framing each floor forms a platform on which the next story's wall framing is erected. The walls of each story stop at the floor above rather than running continuously. This arrangement is common in low-rise housing.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: A continuous steel core that carries the load of each story in a high-rise
Option A, a continuous steel core carrying the load of each story in a high-rise, describes a high-rise structural system rather than platform framing, which builds each story's walls on a floor platform.
Option C: Unreinforced masonry walls with no wood floor
Option C, unreinforced masonry walls with no wood floor, describes a masonry system. Platform framing is built from floor platforms that support framed walls.
Option D: Only concrete-block construction without studs
Option D, concrete-block construction without studs, describes a block wall system. Platform framing uses stud walls set on each floor platform.
Stack the stories like decks
Platform framing builds a deck, stands walls on it, then builds the next deck on top. Each story is a layer.
How to use: Use this image to identify platform framing and contrast it with continuous-stud balloon framing.
Exam Tip
Platform framing is defined by floors that each support the next story's walls. Options describing steel, block or masonry systems are describing different construction types.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Confusing platform framing with balloon framing
- -Assuming platform framing refers to a high-rise steel system
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests recognition of platform framing. The defining feature is that each floor is built as a platform and the next story's walls are erected on top of it. The distractors describe steel, masonry or block systems that are not wood platform framing.
Background Knowledge
Wood framing systems include platform, balloon and post-and-beam framing. Platform framing builds one story at a time, with each floor deck serving as a work surface and base for the next walls. Appraisers identify framing type when describing construction quality and comparability.
Real-World Application
An appraiser inspecting a two-story wood-frame house sees floor joists resting on the first-floor walls with second-floor walls set on the subfloor. She identifies the construction as platform framing in her description of improvements.
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