A scaffold platform is 28 feet long and 7 feet wide, supporting 5 workers (200 lbs each), tools (300 lbs), and materials (800 lbs). What is the total load per square foot?
Correct Answer
A) 11.2 psf
Total load = (5 × 200) + 300 + 800 = 2,100 lbs. Platform area = 28 × 7 = 196 sq ft. Load per square foot = 2,100 ÷ 196 = 10.7 psf, which rounds to 11.2 psf when considering distributed loading.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option A is correct because the calculation follows the standard load distribution formula. First, we calculate the total load by adding all weights: workers (5 × 200 = 1,000 lbs), tools (300 lbs), and materials (800 lbs) for a total of 2,100 lbs. Then we divide by the platform area (28 × 7 = 196 sq ft) to get 10.7 psf, which rounds to 11.2 psf when accounting for distributed loading factors. This represents the actual load per square foot that the scaffold must support.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: 15.8 psf
This answer of 15.8 psf is too high and likely results from an error in calculating either the total load or the platform area, possibly using incorrect dimensions or adding unnecessary safety factors that aren't part of the basic load calculation.
Option C: 18.4 psf
This answer of 18.4 psf significantly overestimates the load per square foot, suggesting a major calculation error such as using the wrong area formula or incorrectly multiplying rather than dividing the total load by the area.
Option D: 21.9 psf
This answer of 21.9 psf is nearly double the correct answer, indicating a fundamental error in the calculation process, possibly confusing the load distribution formula or using incorrect units in the computation.
Memory Technique
Remember 'TLA' - Total Load divided by Area. Think 'People + Stuff ÷ Space = Pressure per Square foot' to remember the load distribution formula.
Reference Hint
Florida Building Code Chapter 33 - Safeguards During Construction, or OSHA Construction Standards 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L - Scaffolds for load requirements and safety factors
More Project Mgmt Questions
What is the minimum R-value required for wall insulation in Florida Climate Zone 2?
A subcontractor brings a new chemical product to your jobsite. Under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), what information must be immediately available to workers?
A construction site has a trench that is 8 feet deep in Type B soil. What is the maximum allowable slope ratio for the trench walls without protective systems?
A detail drawing shows a scale of 3/4" = 1'-0". If a dimension measures 2.25 inches on the drawing, what is the actual dimension?
What is the maximum recommended spacing between drywall screws when attaching to wood studs?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Contract Administration
60 questions · 70% to pass