North Carolina Building Contractor License Practice Exam

How much of the specified yield strength must mechanical connections develop in tension or compression?

1. 60%

2. 80%

3. 100%

4. 125%

The correct answer is: 125%

In the context of mechanical connections, especially when referring to structural engineering and building codes, the requirement is that mechanical connections must be capable of developing a specific percentage of the yield strength of the materials they are using. This is vital to ensure the safety and reliability of a structure under loads. Developing 125% of the specified yield strength in tension or compression ensures that the connection is not only able to handle normal load conditions but also withstands unexpected forces, variations in material properties, and factors of safety in the design. By requiring a connection to have the capacity to develop this heightened level of strength, it minimizes the risk of failure under extreme conditions, thereby maintaining structural integrity. In structural engineering practices, particularly in North Carolina’s building code context, meeting or exceeding this percentage is a common safety standard that aligns with industry norms aimed at safeguarding both human lives and property against potential structural failures.