A structural plan shows a beam span of 24 feet with a notation 'L/360'. If the maximum allowable deflection under live load is L/360, what is the maximum deflection in inches?
Correct Answer
B) 0.8 inches
L/360 deflection limit means the beam can deflect a maximum of span length divided by 360. For a 24-foot span: (24 × 12) ÷ 360 = 288 ÷ 360 = 0.8 inches maximum deflection.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The L/360 deflection limit is a standard structural engineering notation where L represents the span length and 360 is the divisor. To calculate maximum deflection, you divide the span length by 360. Since the span is 24 feet, you must first convert to inches (24 × 12 = 288 inches), then divide by 360 to get 0.8 inches. This is a common deflection limit for live loads in residential and commercial construction.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 0.6 inches
This answer of 0.6 inches would result from incorrectly using a divisor of 480 instead of 360, or from a calculation error in the conversion process.
Option C: 1.0 inches
This answer of 1.0 inches would result from using L/288 instead of L/360, which is not the specified deflection limit in the problem.
Option D: 1.2 inches
This answer of 1.2 inches would result from using L/240 instead of L/360, which is actually the deflection limit for total loads (dead + live), not just live loads.
Memory Technique
Remember '360 Live' - L/360 is for Live loads only. For total loads, it's typically L/240. Think '360 degrees in a circle' to remember the live load divisor.
Reference Hint
International Building Code (IBC) Chapter 16 - Structural Design, or Florida Building Code Structural Chapter 16 for deflection limits and beam design requirements.
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
Previous Question
A project has a building footprint of 4,800 square feet with a site area of 1.2 acres. If the local zoning requires a maximum building coverage of 35%, does this project comply?
Next Question
A commercial project requires 3,200 square feet of VCT flooring. Including waste factor, how many cartons should be ordered if each carton covers 45 square feet?