Coastal and Floodplain Construction Inspector's Practice Exam

Which term describes a horizontal diaphragm element that collects and transfers shear forces?

1. Collector

2. Diaphragm

3. Brace

4. Strut

The correct answer is: Collector

The term that accurately describes a horizontal diaphragm element that collects and transfers shear forces is "Collector." In structural engineering, collectors are crucial components that gather shear forces from various elements of a structure, such as shear walls or braced frames, and effectively transfer these loads to the vertical elements, like columns or walls. This ensures that the forces are distributed evenly and aids in maintaining the stability of the structure, especially in areas subject to lateral loads such as wind or earthquakes. The other terms, while related to structural components, do not fit the specific description of a horizontal element functioning to collect and transfer shear forces. A diaphragm is more general, referring to a structural element that resists lateral forces but does not specifically describe its function as a load collector. A brace typically refers to diagonal supports that help resist lateral loads, and a strut is a compression member that supports axial loads, but neither serves the specific function of collecting shear forces like a collector does.