Final answer:
A construction technique combining concrete masonry exterior bearing walls with open-web steel joists offers structural support, flexibility in design, and allows for larger windows or façade elements. This method is key to balancing weight distribution and ensuring the structural integrity of the building.
Step-by-step explanation:
The construction technique involving a concrete masonry exterior bearing wall with open-web steel joists is integral for the structure's integrity and design. The concrete masonry provides sturdy support for the building's weight and enhances the building's thermal mass, which can be influential in energy efficiency. The open-web steel joists provide a bridge for this load, allowing for longer spans and flexibility in the floor layout while also accommodating mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services within their web structure. This synergy supports structural integrity by evenly distributing the loads and providing resistance against various forces that the building may encounter. Furthermore, such a design enables architects more freedom in the façade design, similar to how the use of flying buttresses in Gothic architecture allowed for walls with extensive stained glass. Historical examples from Steven's reference indicate that buttresses and iron rods can counter roof forces, and support the idea that even in the past, different structural elements were used to allow for more light and a sense of divinity within buildings. The use of steel with a similar coefficient of expansion as concrete ensures that the structural integrity is maintained despite temperature variations, which is a significant consideration in modern engineering practices.