Discuss NCARB PDD Exam Topic 3 Question 6

Refer to the exhibit.

For which of the following connections could diagonal bracing be eliminated?

Suggested Answer: A

The diagrams depict metal stud or curtain wall connections to structural frames under wind loading. Diagonal bracing can be eliminated when the connection itself provides lateral restraint in both directions.

A: Shows a connection with angles or plates attached to resist both in-plane and out-of-plane forces, creating a moment-resisting connection that can handle wind loads without diagonal bracing.

B, C, D: These connections allow slip or have limited fixity---requiring separate bracing to resist lateral loads.

PDD Reference: ARE 5.0 PDD ''Structural Systems---Lateral load resistance in curtain wall and stud framing connections''; AISC Steel Design Guide for cladding attachment; Curtain wall engineering details.

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30 comments · newest first

Mica 6 months ago

I feel A is the safest bet overall.

Chun 6 months ago

C is the best choice. Less bracing needed.

Alishia 6 months ago

No way, it's B. Stronger connection.

Leah 7 months ago

I agree, A seems right.

Novella 7 months ago

I think it's A. Looks stable.

Chantell 7 months ago

Wait, are we sure about A? That seems too easy!

Yun 8 months ago

B is definitely the right choice, A seems risky.

Chara 8 months ago

Not so sure about that, what if there's more load?

Jame 8 months ago

Totally agree, A looks solid without it!

Jordan 8 months ago

Hmm, this is a tough one. I'm going to have to go with C. The diagonal bracing just seems unnecessary there.

Rusty 8 months ago

Definitely A. That connection looks the most stable and doesn't need any extra bracing.

Devora 8 months ago

Haha, this question is a real head-scratcher! I'm going to go with B just to be different.

Arleen 9 months ago

D seems like the correct answer to me. The diagonal bracing is necessary to provide lateral stability for the tension members in that connection.

Deja 9 months ago

I recall that connection D might allow for bracing elimination, but I need to double-check the criteria for stability.

Erasmo 9 months ago

I practiced a similar question last week, and I feel like it was about connection C. Maybe that’s the right answer?

Werner 9 months ago

I think diagonal bracing can be eliminated for connection A, but I'm not entirely sure. I remember something about load paths.

Virgilio 9 months ago

This is a tricky one. I'm going to sketch out some quick diagrams to visualize the forces and see if that helps me identify the right answer.

Roxane 9 months ago

Okay, I've got a strategy here. I'll methodically analyze each connection option and consider the forces acting on that part of the structure to decide where diagonal bracing is truly necessary.

Roselle 10 months ago

I think diagonal bracing can be eliminated for connection A.

Beth 10 months ago

I think I know the answer, but I want to double-check my reasoning. Let me re-read the question and review the exhibit one more time to be certain.

Audra 10 months ago

I think the answer is C. The diagonal bracing could be eliminated for connection C since it appears to be a simple compression member.

Shelton 10 months ago

I’m confused about this one. I thought diagonal bracing was always needed unless there’s a specific condition met.

Maurine 10 months ago

D has too many forces. Not a good option.

Jenelle 11 months ago

Hmm, this looks like it's testing our understanding of structural engineering principles. I'll need to think through the load-bearing requirements for each connection to determine where diagonal bracing could be safely eliminated.

Helaine 11 months ago

I'm not sure, I'll need to carefully examine the exhibit to see where the diagonal bracing is located and consider the structural implications of removing it.

Shenika 5 months ago

↳ replying to Helaine

Let’s not overlook connection B either!

Pearlene 5 months ago

↳ replying to Helaine

I agree, C seems like a good option.

Pansy 6 months ago

↳ replying to Helaine

I’m leaning towards connection C.

Una 6 months ago

↳ replying to Helaine

Yeah, but what about connection D?

Melvin 6 months ago

↳ replying to Helaine

I think we should look closely at connection A.

NCARB PDD Exam - Topic 3 Question 6 Discussion