Question 1

What is NCEA AS 91348 about?

Accepted Answer

This internal standard (assessed by your teacher, not an exam) is worth 3 credits and is all about how structures like bridges, roof trusses, and frames are built to handle forces and loads. You need to show you understand how the different parts of a structural framework work together — including the types of joints, the forces acting inside members, what shapes and forms members come in, and how engineers make sure structures are safe enough.

Question 2

What do students need to do for AS 91348?

Accepted Answer

1. Describe where pin joints and moving joints are used in frameworks, and what happens to fixed joints when loads are applied 2. Explain the different types of framework members (struts and ties) and how they work together to resist and transfer forces 3. Explain forces inside framework members — including tension, compression, torsion, and shear — and use vector diagrams to calculate the size of those forces 4. Explain different member profiles (like I-beams and channel sections) and forms (like solid, tube, or cable), and where each type is used 5. Explain how safety factors are worked out, taking into account things like static loads, dynamic loads, wind, and earthquakes 6. Discuss how safety factors have actually been applied in a real framework to make sure it stays structurally sound

Question 3

What's the difference between Achieved, Merit, and Excellence for AS 91348?

Accepted Answer

Achieved: You can describe where different joints are used, explain how members and forces work together to resist loads, and explain how safety factors are determined. You cover the basics clearly and correctly. Merit: On top of the Achieved content, you can explain the forces (tension, compression, torsion, shear) that exist inside specific framework members — including using vector diagrams to calculate those forces — and explain different member profiles and forms and where they are used. Excellence: On top of Merit, you go further and discuss how safety factors have actually been applied to a specific framework to ensure its integrity. This means linking safety factor choices to real decisions about joints, member form and profile, and loading conditions — not just listing what safety factors are.

Question 4

What mistakes do students typically make in AS 91348?

Accepted Answer

1. Not using vector diagrams correctly (or at all) when calculating forces in framework members — this is required for Merit 2. Confusing member profiles (the cross-sectional shape, e.g. I-beam) with member forms (the physical construction, e.g. solid vs hollow tube) 3. Describing safety factors in general terms without connecting them to specific decisions made in an actual framework — needed for Excellence 4. Mixing up pin joints and fixed joints, or not explaining clearly what each type does under load 5. Not explaining why certain member profiles or forms are chosen for particular situations — just naming them is not enough for Merit

Structural frameworks

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