02 Flashcards
Bentonite Clay
Foundations with habitable spaces must be protected from moisture intrusion. Bentonite clay is a type of clay that has unusual qualities of cohesion and sealing when exposed to moisture. Used as a waterproofing membrane at a fountain wall, it can provide an impermeable barrier to moisture intrusion from the soil. It cannot be ripped, punctured, or cracked. Bentonite clay can also be used under slabs. It is found naturally in South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana and is mined for its unique qualities.
Compare and contrast storefront, curtain wall, and window wall systems.
Storefront: a non-load-bearing, single-span glazing system that sits within the building structure and spans from slab to slab. Storefronts are often limited to a height of 10’ and are mostly used at the ground floor, but they can be placed at the upper levels of low-rise buildings.
Curtain wall: Non-load-bearing glazing system that “hangs” outside of the building structure and can span up to 20’ (or even further with reinforcement). Curtain walls are appropriate for use in the higher floors of tall buildings, and because curtain walls often hang outside of the building structure, they can span between floors.
Window wall: a non-load-bearing glazing system that spans from slab to slab, similar to storefronts. Unlike storefronts, window wall systems are rated for use in upper floors and can provide a look similar to curtain walls at a lower cost.
Parging
A coat of mortar or plaster on the outside of concrete or masonry walls.
Thermal Bridge
An area or component of an object which has higher thermal conductivity than the surrounding materials, creating a path for heat transfer.
USCPSC
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission is an independent federal agency that serves to protect the public from products that may be unsafe due to risk of fire, mechanical failure, chemical exposure, or electrical malfunction.
Float Glass
A sheet of glass made by pouring molten glass onto a sheet of molten metal, usually tin. Also called annealed glass. Float glass is very smooth and free from distortions.
Low-E Glass
Low-E or low-emissivity glass is a hard or soft metallic coating that provides more reflectivity for shortwave solar energy that strikes the glass at a high angle of incidence during summer, and permits warmth to enter in winter when the angle of incidence is lower.
Reflective Glass
Reflective glass is coated with a very thin layer of metal with the primary purpose of reflecting radiative heat.
Heat-Strengthened Glass
Float glass that has been heated and cooled for strength. It is about twice as strong as annealed glass. When broken, glass pieces tend to break in larger pieces. It is not considered a safety glass.
Electrochromic Glass
Glass whose light transmittance is altered by the application of an electric current.
Glazier’s Points
Small metal pieces that hold a piece of glass in place while putty is applied.
Structural Glazing
Structural glazing is a glass wall system that does not use conventional frames, but instead uses stainless steel fittings to attach the glass back to the structure and/or silicone structural joints to provide a flush glass surface across a façade.
Strut
A strut is a structural member designed to resist longitudinal compression. In other words, it is a member intended to keep two other structural members apart, the opposite of a tie.
Flashing
Traditionally sheet metal or modern elastomeric sheets, it is a thin material inserted in an assembly to direct the flow of water to the exterior.
Counterflashing
A strip of flashing bent down over other flashing to prevent water from running behind the upturned edge of the base flashing.
Face Brick
Face Brick
More uniform in size and color than common brick.
Cricket
A cricket is used on a roof to divert water, such as that on the high side of a chimney or skylight on a pitched roof or away from a corner on a flat roof.
Gravel Stop
A sheet metal component that is installed on the edge of a flat built-up roof to keep water and gravel from washing off.
Sill Pan or Sill Flashing
A type of flashing installed under windows to prevent water from entering the wall under the window.
Thermoplastics
A polymer material that becomes pliable with heat and remains in that shape upon cooling.
Janka Hardness Scale
Wood hardness scale; measures a piece of wood’s resistance to denting and wear; the higher the number, the harder the wood.
Mohs Hardness Scale
A relative scale of hardness, based on a material’s ability to scratch another material.
Brake Metal
Sheet metal that is bent into shape by a machine called a brake. The metal is then used for flashing, trim, and cladding.
Where do you use screws?
Subflooring, gypsum board, and decking.
Where do you use nails?
Framing, roofing, siding, and finish work.
Connector Plates or Toothed Plates
Sheet metal plate connectors with tooth-like spikes used to connect the members of wood trusses.
Stucco Coats
- Scratch coat
- Brown coat
- Finish coat
Aircraft Warning Lights
Negative pressure due to wind; important for structure design, as well as site and façade design.
Every room or space that is a(n) _______ occupancy must post the occupant load.
Assembly
List three types of flat roof membranes.
- Fluid Applied Membrane: ideal for complex shapes, including vaults and domes; consists of a rubbery membrane applied in several coats by a roller or spray application.
- Built-Up Membrane: composed of alternating layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics covered with gravel to protect the top surface from ultraviolet rays.
- Single Ply Roof: a membrane of synthetic rubber that is applied in a single layer, requiring less on-site labor than built-up membranes and less prone to cracking from building movement.
Mortar Net
A net, typically placed at the bottom of a masonry cavity wall, designed to capture excess mortar that drops behind the cavity wall to prevent this mortar from blocking cavity wall drainage. The net’s profile is staggered to still allow for drainage. The mortar net is important to use at the bottom of the cavity wall or in any areas where the cavity wall air space is less than 1”.
Anchored Veneer
A cladding system in which masonry units are mechanically anchored to the backup wall.
Ballast—In Roofing
Aggregate or concrete pavers used over a loose-laid, single-ply roof membrane to resist wind uplift and protect the membrane from degradation by solar radiation.
Billet
A large rectangular bar of cast steel used to roll finished shapes, such as smaller bars and rods.
Bond Breaker
A material used to prevent the adhesion of an elastomeric sealant to a backup surface.
Cant Strip
A triangular strip of perlite board or pressure-treated wood used to provide a smooth transition between a horizontal and vertical surface on a roof, required with a built-up or modified bitumen roof membrane.
Clad Window
Framing members of a wood window clad in aluminum, PVC, or fiberglass on the outside to increase the wood’s durability.
Double-Strength Glass
1/8” thick flat glass.
Dry Glazing
Use of preformed compression gaskets to seal the glass against the metal frame of a window or metal-glass curtain wall.
Gasket
A shaped piece of resilient material that provides a weatherproof seal between the glass and the frame in a window or metal-glass curtain wall.
Heat-Soaked Glass
A type of tempered glass obtained from a process that reduces the possibility of spontaneous breakage of tempered glass during its service life.
List three types of flat roof membranes.
- Fluid Applied Membrane: ideal for complex shapes, including vaults and domes; consists of a rubbery membrane applied in several coats by a roller or spray application.
- Built-Up Membrane: composed of alternating layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics covered with gravel to protect the top surface from ultraviolet rays.
- Single Ply Roof: a membrane of synthetic rubber that is applied in a single layer, requiring less on-site labor than built-up membranes and less prone to cracking from building movement.
Light-Transmitting Plastic
Transparent or opaque polycarbonate or acrylic sheet used as glazing in some limited situations.
Point-Supported Curtain Wall
Mullionless glass curtain wall with glass panes supported at its corners by a metal connector and glass panes sealed at vertical and horizontal joints with a sealant.
Shading Coefficient
Solar heat gain through a glass divided by the solar heat gain through clear 1/8” thick glass.
Single-Strength Glass
A 3/32” thick flat glass.
Spandrel Area
The area of the exterior façade of a building at the level of the spandrel beam.
Storefront System
Glazed façade, generally one or two stories high from the ground, with a framing system similar to a metal-glass curtain wall but with less stringent performance requirements.
Tinted Glass
A type of glass made by adding a metallic pigment during manufacturing.
Ultraviolet Transmittance
A measure of the transmission of ultraviolet radiation through glass.
Unitized Curtain Wall
Preassembled metal-glass curtain wall units attached to the building frame.
Industry Organization
Any of the many organizations that serve the general interests of a faction of the construction industry. These groups provide information and guidance, as well as perform promotional activities and serve to maintain industry standards. Examples of industry organizations include: American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and American Concrete Institute (ACI).
AISC
American Institute of Steel Construction Industry organization concerned with: -Steel construction -Rolled products -Steel connectors
AISI
American Iron and Steel Institute Industry organization concerned with: -Steel construction -Steel products -Cold-formed (light gauge) products
SJI
Steel Joist Institute
Industry organization concerned with prefabricated, light steel trusses such as open-web joists.
SDI
Steel Deck Institute
Industry organization concerned with formed sheet steel products.
AWS
American Welding Society
Industry organization concerned with welding.
ACI
American Concrete Institute
Industry organization concerned with cement and concrete construction.
PCA
Portland Cement Association
Industry organization concerned with cement and concrete construction.
PCI
Precast Concrete Institute
Industry organization concerned with pre-cast concrete products and construction.
CRSI
Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute
Industry organization concerned with steel reinforcing for concrete and concrete structural design.
NFPA
National Forest Products Association
Industry organization concerned with wood, structural lumber, and fasteners and wood structures.
AITC
American Institute of Timber Construction
Industry organization concerned with wood, wood products, and fasteners and wood construction.
APA
American Plywood Association
Industry organization concerned with plywood and buildings constructed with plywood.
MIA
Masonry Institute of America
Industry organization concerned with masonry products and masonry structures.
Shrinkage
Shrinkage is caused by reduction of moisture content and can occur in wood, concrete, plaster, and mortar. Control joints must be provided to accommodate shrinkage.
Progressive Loosening
A long-term effect that occurs in connections over time. Connections must be designed so that this does not happen.
Structural Clay Tile
A type of load-bearing masonry unit made from fired clay that often has a glazed finished surface; thinner and more lightweight than concrete masonry units.
Kynar
A type of high-performing, long-lasting, resin-based coating.
Weep Screed
A perforated metal screed used at the base of a stucco finish; provides a straight and true line, and the perforations allow for drainage of water that may have penetrated the stucco.
Approved
The word “approved” in building codes means approved by the local AHJ.
Thermal Sailing
Common in passive solar structures, thermal sailing occurs when the building’s users manipulate the building envelope based on the effect desired at a later time. An example would be operable shades.
Building Envelope
The components of a building that make up the transition from inside to outside. Includes windows and skylights, doors, walls, roof, and floors. The building envelope can be thought of in five ways regarding the design intent of the energy exchange: filter, barrier glazing (a barrier to wind), connector (glazing is a connector to daylight), switch (shutters), and transformer (PV roof shingles). The energy flow through the building envelope varies with the seasons.
Visible Light Transmittance (VT)
A property of window glazing. A higher visible light transmittance (VT) means more light is passing through.
NFRC Label
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) established a standard for rating the performance aspects of windows. Windows have NFRC labels that list the following properties: U-Factor, solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), and visible transmittance (VT).
Define sensible and latent heat. Why is it important to know these two terms as an architect?
Sensible heat is the heat energy required to change the temperature of a substance without a phase change. Sensible heat can be “sensed.” Latent heat is the energy absorbed or released when a material changes state, such as from a liquid to a gas. It is useful for architects to know these terms in order to understand heating and cooling systems in buildings.
Unistrut
Unistrut is a proprietary name for a metal framing system used to support pipes, conduit, and cable trays.
Enthalpy
The total amount of heat in a substance, including both latent and sensible heat.
DX
Direct expansion (DX) systems are air-cooling units that use vapor-compression refrigeration cycles to cool the air in a building.
VAV
Variable Air Volume: A type of Heating, Ventilating, and/or Air-Conditioning (HVAC) system that provides a varying rate of airflow through diffusers in each zone under the control of zone thermostats.
Heat Pump
A device that transfers heat energy from a source of heat to a “heat sink,” which absorbs heat from a cold space and releases it to a warmer space (i.e., air conditioner, freezer).
AHU
An air handling unit (AHU) is a machine which manages a building’s climate. As it moves air through a building, it filters and exhausts air, brings in fresh air, and regulates temperature and humidity.
CUH
A cabinet unit heater (CUH) is a metal housing enclosing a heating element, with an opening to facilitate airflow (typically on top and bottom).
Rain Leader
Pipe used to carry rainwater from the roof to the ground and away from the building. Rain leaders can be enclosed within the building thermal envelope and daylight only when discharging from the building or can be surface-mounted on the exterior of the building.
Secondary Drain
Back-up roof drain used to carry excess rainwater off of the roof in the event the primary drain allows buildup for any reason. The inlet and outlet for the drains shall be independent from one another; and the discharge from the secondary drain shall be above grade (daylight).
Roof Scupper
An opening in a parapet or roof that provides an outlet through which excess water can drain; typically have grates to filter any debris.
Fin Tube Radiator
Radiation heating system, typically mounted close to floor with metal tubes carrying hot water or steam. Metal fins are attached perpendicular to the tube to provide additional surface area through which heat can radiate.
Transfer Switch
A mechanism designed to switch an electrical conductor from one circuit to another without interrupting the current flow.
Damp Proofing vs. Waterproofing
Methods of coating sub grade slabs or foundation walls to ensure water/moisture does not penetrate into wall/assembly. Damp proofing is intended to keep out soil moisture, whereas waterproofing keeps out moisture and liquid water. Waterproofing should be considered over damp proofing when there are habitable subgrade spaces and/or when the water table is high and could potentially penetrate into habitable space.
Lamb’s Tongue
A pipe accessory for the end of a concealed roof drain downspout or parapet overflow where rainwater is discharged away from the building; looks like a lamb’s tongue; also called an outlet nozzle.
DETD
Design Equivalent Temperature Difference
Used for calculating heat gain through a building’s envelope, taking into account air temperature differences, sunlight impact, thermal mass, material, color, etc.
DCLF
Design Cooling Load Factor
Used for calculating heat gain through glazing, taking into account type of glazing, shading methods, and outdoor air temperature.
CLTD
Cooling Load Temperature Difference
Cooling load calculation that represents the difference in indoor and outdoor air temperature and helps size HVAC equipment.
common brick configurations
stretcher (common)
header (across wythe)
soldier (vertical)
less common brick configurations
sailor (vertical) rowlock (face down across wythe) bull stretcher (on face)
A: max min riser dim
B: min run
C: horizontal rail extension
D: at grade horizontal extension at bottom of stair
A: 4” minimum, 7” maximum
B: 11” minimum
C: 12” minimum
D: 12” + tread width
Wet pipe, dry pipe, pre-action, and deluge are the four common types for what system?
Fire sprinkler system.
A leach field is part of what system?
A private septic sewer system.
Economizer Cycle
Introduces additional fresh air into the HVAC cycle to improve overall air quality and reduce energy cost.
Where can greywater be used and where does it come from?
Greywater is nonpotable water that may contain traces of dirt, grease, and household cleaning products. Greywater can be used for toilet water, as well as plant irrigation. Sources for greywater include lavatories, roof drains, swales, washing machines, and bath drains; it cannot come from any sources that contain human waste.
