A proposed 20 story office requires analysis of structural adequacy. Which listed information most directly supports the construction choice?
Correct Answer
C) A qualified structural design meeting actual loads and code criteria
Use a structural system demonstrated by qualified design to satisfy the actual loads, stability, fire and applicable code requirements. Material names alone do not certify compliance or rule out every alternative. Appraisal description should identify actual construction and relevant information rather than universal building-height/material rules.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option C is correct because buildings must be designed and constructed to safely support the factored loads defined in the building code. A qualified structural design shows that the chosen system meets the actual loads, stability, fire and code requirements. That is the information that directly supports the construction choice for a 20-story office.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: The word masonry alone, without any structural member design
Option A is wrong because the word masonry alone, without any structural member design, does not show that the building can carry its actual loads. A material name is not evidence of structural adequacy.
Option B: The word wood alone, without any structural member design
Option B is wrong because the word wood alone, without any structural member design, gives no information about whether members meet the loads and code criteria. Structural adequacy depends on design, not a material label.
Option D: A marketing label of mixed construction, with no design behind it at all
Option D is wrong because a marketing label of mixed construction with no design behind it does not establish any structural capacity. Marketing terms are not technical evidence.
Design proves, labels describe
A material word describes a building, but only an engineered design shows it can carry the loads.
How to use: Use this when choosing which information supports a structural conclusion.
Exam Tip
Prefer options grounded in qualified technical evidence over options based on labels or names.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Treating a material name as proof of structural adequacy
- -Relying on marketing descriptions for technical facts
- -Assuming one material is suitable for a given height in every case
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests what information actually supports a conclusion about structural adequacy for a tall building. A material name alone says nothing about whether members are designed for the actual loads. Only a qualified structural design checked against loads and code criteria directly supports the construction choice.
Background Knowledge
Structural adequacy depends on how members are sized and connected to resist gravity, wind, seismic and other loads defined in the building code. Engineers prepare and certify structural designs; appraisers rely on such documentation when describing proposed construction. Appraisal descriptions should reflect the actual construction and supporting information rather than general assumptions about materials.
Real-World Application
An appraiser valuing a proposed high-rise office relies on plans and specifications prepared by the project's structural engineer. The appraisal describes the proposed structural system as shown in those documents rather than assuming adequacy from a material description.
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