3. Building Systems & Construction Flashcards
A door assembly fire rated for 20 minutes is used where?
A. as a non-rated interior door in a partition wall
B. as the entry door off an office corridor to a tenant suite
C. as the entry door to a fire stair
D. in a fire wall separating two buildings
B. as the entry door off an office corridor to a tenant suite
The entry door off an office corridor is in a 1-hour wall. Most commercial scenarios require a 20-minute door in a 1 hour-rated exit access corridor.
A fire stair requires a 1 1/2 hour rated door, a 45 minute door. Because this will vary according to local code, an interior designer should verify requirements with the AHJ.
In which structural system do larger member span between columns with smaller members framed into them?
A. beam-and-girder system
B. waffle slab system
C. one-way pan joist system
D. open-web joist system
A. beam-and-girder system
Explanation: In a beam and girder system, large members, called girders, span between columns and small beams are framed into them. The girders span shortened distances because they carry the weight of the beams. The beams span the longer distances and are framed into the girders.
In the HVAC air system, heated or cooled air is transported to the interior spaces with supply and return _____.
A. piping
B. plenums
C. valves
D. ducts
D. ducts
Explanation: In the HVAC air system, heated or cooled air is transported to the interior spaces with supply and return ducts. In residential spaces, these ducts are generally run below floor joists, above the ceiling, or even in an attic space. In commercial work, the ducting is run in the space between a suspended ceiling and the structure above.
The absorption of material is defined by the ratio of the sound intensity absorbed by the material to the total intensity reaching the material.
This is called the:
A. noise reduction of coefficient
B. coefficient of absorption
C. sound absorption average
D. sound transmission
B. coefficient of absorption
Explanation: Sound absorption is used to control unwanted sound reflections (noise), improve speech privacy, and decrease or increase reverberation.
Materials with a coefficient below 0.2 are reflective.
Materials with a coefficient above 0.2 are sound absorbing.
Which of the following is not a typical component of a 1-hour fire rated partition?
A. 1/2” Gypsum Board
B. Insulation
C. Extends slab to slab
D. Caulk top and bottom
A. 1/2” Gypsum board
Explanation: 5/8” Type X Gypsum board would meet the requirements for a 1-hour fire rated partition, not a 1/2” gypsum board.
In regards to plumbing, all of the following are true about vents EXCEPT?
A. required in drainage systems
B. traps are connected to vents
C. designed to catch and hold a quantity of water to provide a seal that prevents gases from the sewage system from entering the building
D. allow built up sewage gases to escape
C. designed to catch and hold a quantity of water to provide a seal that prevents gases from the sewage system from entering the building
Explanation: Traps not vents are designed to catch and hold a quantity of water to provide a seal that prevents gases from the sewage system from entering the building.
Level 4 Gypsum wallboard finish is MOST suitable for which of the following applications?
A. areas where heavy-grade textured wall coverings are to be applied as a final finish.
B. areas where gloss or semi-gloss paint finishes are to be applied as a final finish
C. behind porcelain wall tile in wet areas with plumbing
D. areas where eggshell finish paints are to be applied as a final finish where economy is of concern
D. areas where eggshell finish paints are to be applied as a final finish where economy is of concern
Explanation: level 4 is the most commonly used for areas receiving light textures of wall coverings, or where economy is of a concern for painted walls. Areas where heavy-grade textured wall coverings are to be a final finish also don’t require a Level 4 – they can be finished in a Level 3 as the textured wall covering generally would hide any imperfections in the drywall. Areas where gloss or semi-gloss paint finishes are to be applied are better suited for a Level 5 finish in order to provide a more uniform, smooth surface for these finishes.
In cooler climates, the HVAC system can employ ___ to capture exhausted heated air and return that energy to augment the building’s heating system.
A. energy recovery vents
B. automated sprinklers
C. ceiling plenums
D. renewable transport liquid
A. energy recovery vents
Explanation: The HVAC system does more than provide heating for winter and cooling for summer. It brings in fresh air, circulates it through the interiors, and exhausts stale air and odors. It can also treat air to control humidity, dust, pollen and other undesirable conditions. In cooler climates, it can employ energy recovery vents (ERV) to capture exhausted heated air and return that energy to augment the building’s heating system.
What type of door is typically used in commercial construction contains one or more glass lights?
A. sash
B. bypass
C. louvered
D. pivot
A. sash
Explanation: Metal doors and frames (often referred to as hollow metal) are seldom used for residential construction. They are, however, frequently used in commercial construction because of their durability, security, and fire-resistive qualities. The three most common types of metal doors are flush, sash, and louvered. Flush doors have a single surface on both sides. Sash doors contain one or more glass lights. Louvered doors have an opening with metal slats to provide ventilation.
In which building types are fire-resistive construction requirements likely to be the MOST restrictive?
A. Type III & IV
B. Type III
C. Type I
D. Type IV
C. Type I
Explanation: Every building is classified into one of five major types of construction based on the fire resistance of certain building components. Under the IBC, these components included the structural frame, interior and exterior bearing walls, and floor and roof construction. Type I buildings are the most fire resistive, while Type V buildings are the least fire resistive.
What is NOT allowed in a return-air plenum?
A. fire dampers
B. water supply pipes
C. wood blocking
D. electrical cable
C. wood blocking
Explanation: Most building codes do not allow any combustible material in a return-air plenum (the space above the suspended ceiling). Electrical cable is allowed if it is enclosed in steel conduit.
Which is NOT one of the purposes for a plumbing vent?
A. eliminate toxic gases
B. prevent back flow
C. prevent siphoning
D. equalize pressure
B. prevent back flow
Explanation: Vents are pipes connected to the drainage system at various locations, open to outside air, and designed to serve 2 purposes:
- allow built-up sewage gases to escape instead of bubble through the water in the traps
- allow pressure in the system to equalize so discharging water does not create a siphon that would drain the water out of the traps
If a material supplier says that adding his product to a wall assembly in a critical acoustic situation would increase the noise reduction (STC rating) between the two rooms by slightly more than 3 dB, what should the designer’s reaction be?
A. Ask if some modification can be made to the product to increase its rating to 6 dB
B. thank him for stopping by, but explain that the amount of noise reduction is nominal
C. determine what the additional cost would be and then decide whether or not to use the product
D. specify it as long as it does not affect the construction cost by more than 5%
B. thank him for stopping by, but explain that the amount of noise reduction is nominal
Explanation: Because a change in intensity level of 3 dB is considered just perceptible, it would probably be better not to use the material, regardless of how low the added cost was.
Which of the following would not be acceptable for step height (riser) and width (tread) size in a commercial space?
A. none of these are an acceptable size for a commercial step
B. 7.5” R x 10” T
C. 7” R x 10” T
D. 7.75” R x 11 in” T
A. none of these are an acceptable size for a commercial step
Explanation: Most stairs are 7” in height with an 11” deep thread.
Which of the following is a common commercial lighting system?
A. task/ ambient system
B. fluorescent system
C. recessed system
D. direct system
A. task/ ambient system
Explanation: A task/ ambient system is a common commercial lighting system. This kind of system provides a general background illumination level with separate light fixtures used at individual workstations or wherever light is needed.
Walls adjoining a corridor or an adjacent tenant space require how long of a fire rating?
A. 1 hour
B. 30 minute
C. 2 hour
D. 20 minute
A. 1 hour
Explanation: A fire partition with a rating of 1 hour, used in the following locations:
- 1 Demising partitions between tenant spaces MUST be 1-hour fire rated.
- 2 Partitions along a public corridor MUST be 1-hour fire rated.
- 3 Partitions that demise an Assembly Occupancy of 750 sq. ft. or greater MUST be 1-hour fire rated.
- 8 Storage rooms exceeding 100 sq. ft. MUST be 1-hour fire rated.
What is the purpose of insulation used in interior walls?
A. improve the strength of the wall
B. increase the fire resistance of the wall
C. prevent heat transmission from one side to the other
D. improve the acoustic characteristics of the wall
D. improve the acoustic characteristics of the wall
Explanation: For interior partitions, insulation is only good to dampen sound within the cavity of the partition.
Which is the most correct statement about acoustic quality?
A. sound of 50 dB is twice as loud as a sound of 25 dB
B. A 7 dB reduction of the noise within a room would be clearly noticeable.
C. a desirable goal of acoustic design is to eliminate all background noise
D. a good acoustic material absorbs all frequencies equally
B. a 7 dB reduction of the noise within a room would be clearly noticeable.
Explanation: Any change above 5 dB is clearly noticeable.
A compact filing system is an example of:
A. dynamic load
B. live load
C. lateral load
D. dead load
B. live load
Explanation: Live loads include the loads of people, furniture, snow and other moving equipment. However, dead loads can also include permanent mechanical (moving) equipment.
What index is used to rate how well one light source renders the color of an object when compared with a reference source of similar chromatic-properties?
A. CRTLI - color rendering to light index
B. correlated color temperature index
C. color rendering index
D. spectral energy distribution index
C. color rendering index
Explanation: Color Rendering Index (CRI) is a method used to rate the color rendering of light sources.
Which of the following is not a typical component of a 1-hour fire rated partition?
A. Caulk top and bottom
B. Fire damper
C. 1/2” Gypsum Board
D. Insulation
C. 1/2” Gypsum board
Explanation: 5/8” Gypsum board would meet the requirements for a 1-hour fire rated partition, not 1/2” gypsum board.
Which of the following door hardware is required on fire rated doors?
A. astragel
B. panic bar
C. pivot
D. closer
D. closer
Explanation: All door assemblies requiring a fire-protection rating shell have self-closing devices. Closers are devices that automatically return the door to its closed position after it is opened to maintain fire separation. Closers may also be required for privacy and accessibility codes.
Which of the following is an INCORRECT statement about fire-rated door assemblies?
A. glass area is limited based on rating
B. under some circumstances a closer is not needed
C. either hinges or rated pivots may be used
D. labeling is required for both the door and frame
B. under some circumstances, a closer is not needed
Explanation: A closer is always required with fire-rated door assemblies.
Which of the following is not a characteristic of gypsum wallboard?
A. has fire resistance
B. poor sound control capabilities
C. easy to install doors and windows within
D. is a low cost installation
B. poor sound control capabilities
Explanation: Gypsum wallboard is inexpensive to install, quick and easy installation, has fire resistance, sound control capabilities, easy availability, versatility, ease of finishing and decorating, and provides ease of installation of doors and other openings.
Which of the following is NOT one of the most important considerations for light quality?
A. color
B. bulb type
C. glare
D. uniformity
B. bulb type
Explanation: The quality of light is just as important as the quantity. Important considerations are glare, contrast, uniformity and color.
Which of the following requires flexible ducting that is connected to main ductwork:
A. return air grill
B. supply air register
C. air handling unit
D. sprinkler branch line
B. supply air register
Explanation: Supply air registers are often connected to the main duct work with flexible ducting. This allows some adjustability in the exact location of an air register if its location conflicts with some other ceiling mounted item. The mechanical engineer should be consulted to determine how much the registers can be moved.
The plywood or particleboard covering placed over exterior studs or rafters of a building that provides strength and a base for the application of wall or roof cladding is which of the choices below?
A. Sheathing
B. Tyvek
C. Drywall
D. Sole plate
A. Sheathing
Explanation: The key word is exterior.
Drywall has a similar purpose; however, it is not used in an exterior application. It is not a sole plate which is a steel structural element and grout is only a mortar/paste for filling joints; typically in masonry. Tyvek is used as a house wrap during construction, but it does not provide any strength.
