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
A) 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 C: 0.6 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.
Option D: 1.2 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.
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.
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