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Name: strountree
Status: N/A
Age: N/A
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: Around 1993
Question:
1. What type of beam is best used for constructing a building? 2. How much does a building sway back and forth when in a storm?


Replies:
There are a number of types of beams used in the construction of a building but probably the most common is the I-beam. It is called this because the cross section of the beam looks like the letter I. This beam is used heavily because it can sustain heavy loads and is constructed of a minimal amount of material (steel is the most commonly used material for construc- tion I beams).

You second question depends not only on the types of beams used in the building construction, but also on the geometry of the construction, the cross sectional area of the building perpendicular to the wind direction and the strength (or velocity) of the wind. Therefore, the question cannot be answered unless you have more information.

david r munoz

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