Building Design and Construction Systems Flashcards
What are three common types of wood sheathing?
Particle board, oriented strand board (OSB), plywood
What are the three grades of lumber as classified by the American Woodworking Institute (AWI)?
Grade I, Grade II and Grade III. Grading is based on the type and size of defects.
What types of joints are required in every concrete walk more than 30 feet long?
Control joints at 5 ft on center and expansion joints at 20 ft on center
Name three common wood veneer cuts and two less common.
Common cuts include rotary slicing, plane slicing (a.k.a. flat slicing) and quarter slicing. Less common include half round slicing and rift slicing.
What hardware is needed for an exterior door in a cold climate?
Door hardware should include: hinges, lock set, deadbolts, threshold, and weatherstripping.
List three primary methods for finishing metal.
Chemical treatment, mechanical polishing, or coating (including painting)
In what type of environment is epoxy-coated reinforcing steel used?
In a corrosive environment
What two tests are used to measure the flammability of carpet?
The pill test and the flooring radiant panel test
List five advantages of terrazzo flooring.
Durable, easy to clean, few joints, available in many colors and patterns, and resists water
What are three disadvantages of aluminum as a building material?
Capable of high heat conduction, lower strength than steel, can exhibit high galvanic action
How is an open web steel joist built?
It is built in the shop by welding together a continuous steel rod or steel angles, forming the web, and steel angles, forming the chord.
Name the term for beams used in underpinning.
Needle beams
What is terra-cotta?
Clay that has been high fired and is used for cladding, roof tiles, and ornamentation.
What are two advantages and two disadvantages to installing a slate roof?
Advantages include resistance to fire and very long life expectancy. Disadvantages include its high cost and it is very heavy.
Name six types of finishes used on woodwork.
Lacquer, polyurethane, varnish, vinyl, penetrating oils and polyester
What are three advantages of light gauge metal framing?
Easy to assemble, noncombustible, will not shrink or rot
What environmental concerns are associated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) roofing systems?
The material used contains plasticizers, and dioxins are released when the material is manufactured or incinerated
Slip-forming is commonly used in construction of what kind of structures. What two?
This type of concrete forming is commonly used in the construction of tunnels and the cores of high-rise buildings.
For most occupancies, what are the minimum tread width and maximum riser height allowed by the International Building Code?
Minimum 11 inch tread and maximum 7 inch riser.
What is the principal difference between shakes and wooden shingles?
Shakes are split and shingles are sawn wood.
Name four common products that would be included in construction specifications under section 07 72 00: Roof Accessories.
Expansion joints, hatches, smoking other vents, and copings
What are the principal advantage and disadvantage of metal roofing?
Principal advantage is long life and little maintenance.
Principal disadvantage is high cost for both materials and installation.
Went to the door be hung using pivots instead of hinges?
When a door is frameless (as with glass doors) or when visual appearance is critical.
Name two materials used to glaze skylights.
Plastic or glass
What are two common uses of 1/4-inch thick gypsum board?
To form curved surfaces and to provide a new finish over an existing surface.
Under what circumstances should a hole-less hydraulic elevator be used?
Where drilling is not feasible or would be prohibitively expensive.
What are two uses for type three cement?
For projects requiring higher early strength and/or cold-weather curing.
Name two kinds of wall framing used in wood construction.
Balloon framing and platform framing.
What are two common reasons for the use of double layers of gypsum board in wall construction?
To increase fire resistance and to enhance acoustic performance.
What is the nominal diameter of no. 5 rebar?
5/8”
How are chipped edges reduced informed concrete?
A chamfer strip is used at the corners of a concrete pour.
What construction elements are required at the bottom of a brick cavity wall?
A through-wall flashing and weep holes .
What are three common reasons to use a concrete sealer?
To prevent against the penetration of water, to increase resistance to chemicals, and to prevent dusting of the surface.
How is brick veneer supported in a multi story building?
A steel shelf angle is anchored to the structure at every story.
What is an HVAC duct required to have if it penetrates a fire-rated wall?
A fire damper
What materials are combined to make concrete?
Portland cement, water, aggregate, and admixtures.
What joint thickness is used with concrete masonry units (CMU)?
3/8 inch joint is used to create an 8 inch module.
In the steel designation W18×36 what does the 18 represent?
It is the nominal depth of the steel beam in inches.
Why is a running bond stronger than a stack of bond?
Running bond has vertical joints that are staggered, stack bond has joints that align, forming weak vertical planes within the wall.
What type of elevator is commonly used in a high-rise building?
A gearless traction elevator.
What type of poured joint keeps two sections of a concrete slab in alignment after the concrete Cures?
A keyed joint
Name three reasons to use laminated glass.
To control breakage, to control sound, and to provide extra security.
What is galvanic action?
The corrosive process that takes place when two dissimilar metals come into contact.
Name three types of insulation commonly used in wall construction.
Batt, board and sprayed foam
What are three methods by which single-ply roofing can be attached?
Adhered, mechanically fastened, or ballasted
A masonry joint has a width of 3/4-inch. What should the depth of the sealant be?
1/2-inch
What are two methods of tensioning are used for prestressed concrete?
Pretentioning and post-tensioning
What layers are added to a basic exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) to create a high impact EIFS?
A layer of heavy duty mash and a layer of basecoat
What method must be used to ventilate a crawlspace?
Cross ventilation must be provided by placing vents around the perimeter.
What type of brick is required in a severe weathering climate?
SW brick
What is the primary advantage of using tiebacks instead of braced excavation shoring?
It allows the excavated area to be free of bracing so that the foundation construction can proceed.
Name three common finishes used on granite.
Polished, honed, and thermal
What are two common reasons for using cork as a flooring material?
Its resilience and for sound control.
What size increments are standard for reinforcing bars?
Increments of 1/8-inch in diameter
In masonry, what is efflorescence?
It is a white powdery crystalline salt that forms as a deposit on brick masonry.
In architectural wood paneling, what is bookmatching?
It is the placing of wood panels so that the adjacent leaves form a symmetrical grain pattern.
What is autoclaved aerated concrete, or AAC?
It is a lightweight precast building material made by adding aluminum powder to concrete, placing the mixture in molds, and curing it in a pressurized steam chamber.
Name three kinds of materials used in site paving.
Concrete, asphaltic concrete, and unit pavers such as brick and stone.
What metal must be used for hinges on a fire-rated door?
Steel
What are the door and hardware requirements for a fire-rated door assembly?
A labeled door and frame, a door closer, a door latch, and ball-bearing type hinges.
All hardware must be UL listed.
What type of pressure is a structure subjected to if it is below the water table?
A structure under these circumstances is subjected to hydrostatic pressure.
Why is a vapor barrier used under a concrete slab on grade?
To prevent the migration of moisture through the slab.
What is the difference between a latchset and a lockset?
A latchset allows the door to be held in place. Lockset allows the door to be locked.
What types of glass may be used where safety and strength are concerns?
Tempered glass or laminated glass
What to materials are most commonly used in creating a curtainwall system?
Aluminum framing and glass panels
What is the difference between stucco and the finish material used in an exterior insulation and finish system (EFIS)?
Stucco is a natural plaster made from sand, Portland cement, lime, and water. The finish material used in an EIFS is similar in appearance, but it is a synthetic finish coat, typically acrylic based.
For what kind of occupancy is panic hardware required?
On exit doors for assembly occupancies. Examples include restaurants and theaters.
Name three materials that roofing tiles are often made from.
Slate, clay, or concrete
Name 6 types of operable windows.
Double hung, horizontal slider, casement, single hung, awning and jalousie (louvred)
What are two materials often used for a cool roof system membrane?
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) can minimize heat transfer into a building.
What type of insulation is used in an exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS)?
Expanded or extruded polystyrene
Name two drawbacks to steal as a building material.
Vulnerability to the heat of the fire and tendency to corrode.
Why are rakes joints and struck joints avoided in cold climates?
They do not shed water well and thus are vulnerable to frost damage.
Which metal should be used in building construction only with steps taken to mitigate its harmful effect on people and the environment?
Lead
What are the three grades of work set by the Architectural Wood Institute (AWI)?
Premium grade (highest level), custom grade, and economy grade (lowest)
What type of building is lift slab construction used for?
For multi story buildings with entire floor sections cast on the ground.
What is the primary reason for using low-emissivity glass (low-E glass)?
To improve wintertime insulation performance, allowing sunlight to pass through but reflecting interior infrared radiation.
What is eliminated by the process of hot rolling steel?
Flaws
Name the two most common methods of obtaining soil samples to determine bearing capacity.
Test pits and borings
What two characteristics of steel are increased by cold rolling?
Strength and elastic limit
What exterior concrete finish is used to give slip resistance?
Broom finish
Name eight types of unit masonry.
Brick, stone, concrete block, glass block, clay tile, ceramic veneer, gypsum block, and terra-cotta
In which two brick courses is the longest dimension of the bricks placed vertically?
Soldier and sailor
What are three types of roofing systems?
Single-ply membrane (EPDM, TPO, or PVC system), built up, modified bitumen
How is the U-value (overall heat transfer coefficient) related to R, thermal resistance to heat transfer?
They are reciprocals
How is the suspended ceiling of acoustical ceiling tile (ACT) restrained from seismic loads?
A rigid vertical strut to prevent uplift and lateral braces using metal wires played in four directions and anchor to the structure above
If you were pouring a large concrete slab and wish to avoid random cracks caused by shrinkage you would likely provide: A. expansion joints B. isolation joints C. control joints D. construction joints
C. Control joints
When pouring concrete in hot weather, what kind of agent would be one add to the mixture? A. Retarding agent B. Air-entraining agent C. Hardening agent D. Workability agent
A. Retarding agent
The purpose of a concrete form test is to:
A. determine the plasticity of the mix. B. measure the consistency and workability of the mix.
C. test the compression of the mix.
D. define the compression strength of the mix.
B. measure the consistency and workability of the mix.
Which of the following qualities are normally associated with lightweight concrete? I. Good thermal insulation II. High density III. Excellent fire resistance IV. Low cost V. Difficulty of handling
A. I and III
B. II and III
C. I, III and V
D. II, IV and V
A. I and III
The principal determinant of concrete strength is the: A. Amount of air entrained B. Type of Portland cement used. C. Volume of aggregate in the mix. D. Water-cement ratio
D. Water-cement ratio
In curing concrete slabs, which of the following procedures is rarely used? A. Overlay with the plastic membrane B. Spray with moisture C. Blow with fans D. Cover with sand
D. Cover with sand
If the roof and ceiling assembly of a structure has a factor of thermal conductance (U-factor) of 0.04, what should the R-value of the insulation used in this same assembly? A. 2.5 B. 10 C. 25 D. 40
C. 25
The ancient Roman structure consisting of a 142 ft diameter dome resting on a circular masonry wall is the: A. Parthenon B. Colosseum C. Pont du Gard D. Pantheon
D. Pantheon
Which of the following techniques is MOST effective in reducing sound transmission through a wall? Check all that apply:
A. Decrease wall mass
B. Detach the two faces of the wall from each other
C. Apply spray-on mineral fiber to both walk faces
D. Seal or avoid flanking paths
B. Transmission is reduced by detaching the wall faces - this prevents the wall faces from vibrating as a unit.
D. Flanking paths refer to unrestricted sound paths, such as cracks at wall perimeters, back-to-back electrical receptacles, recessed medicine cabinets, etc. Failure to control such paths greatly increases noise transmission through a wall.
Which of the following buildings of the Chicago School is considered to be the first iron-and-steel-framed skyscraper? A. Monadnock Building B. Carson Pirie Scott Store C. Marquette Building D. Home Insurance Building
D. Jenney’s Home Insurance Building (1883) is considered the first iron-and-steel-framed skyscraper. Although it is only 10 stories tall, it was the predecessor of all the tall metal-framed buildings that followed.
In the latter half of the 19th century, buildings with longer spans and greater heights were made possible by the development of steel construction. Which of the following buildings did NOT utilize a metal frame? A. Crystal Palace B. Home Insurance Company Building C. Reliance Building D. Marshall Field Wholesale Store
D. Marshall Field Wholesale Store (1885-1887), designed by H. H. Richardson, did not utilize metal framing. Its floors were supported by timber framing, and its exterior walls were largely of stone construction.
Volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) affect indoor air quality and may originate from which of the following? A. Paints and lacquers B. Glues and adhesives C. Building materials and furnishings D. All of the above
D. All of the above
Which of the following were large iron or steel structures built during the latter half of the 19th century? I. Eiffel Tower II. Woolworth Building III. Brooklyn Bridge IV. Crystal Palace V. C.N.I.T. Dome A. I, II, III and IV B. I, III and IV C. II, IV and V D. I, III and V
B. Crystal Palace (1851), Eiffel Tower (1889) and Brooklyn Bridge (1883)
Life-cycle costing is an economic evaluation of architectural elements that includes which of the following factors? I. First cost II. Maintenance costs III. Repair costs IV. Replacement cost A. I B. II, III and IV C. II and IV D. All of the above
D. All of the above
An interior partition is constructed of metal studs 16" O.C. with one layer of 5/8" Type "X" gypsum wallboard on each side. What is the fire-resistive rating of the partition? A. None B. One hour C. Two hours D. Three hours
B. One hour
Asbestos is a material fiber that had been used commonly in a variety of building construction materials. Although it has been out of widespread use for many years, in older buildings asbestos can still be found in which materials? I. Pipe and furnace insulation II. Shingles III. Floor tiles IV. Insulation A. I and II B. II and III C. I, III, and IV D. All of the above
D. All of the above
A one-hour fire-resistive rating for a drywall wood stud interior partition may be achieved as follows: 2x4 wood studs at 16” O.C. are covered with 5/8” fire-rated gyp., and the joints are taped and sealed. To increase the fire rating you would specify that:
A. The studs would be placed 8” O.C.
B. The 5/8” gyp. would be applied over a base layer of 3/4” plywood
C. 3 layers of 3/4” gyp would be applied on both sides
D. 2 layers of 5/8” gyp would be applied to both sides
D. 2 layers of 5/8” gyp would be applied to both sides
A wall that is classified by the building code as nonbearing is a(n)
A. Interior wall
B. Wall that has no separate footing
C. Wall that is less than 50% solid
D. Wall that supports only its own weight
D. Wall that supports only its own weight
Select the correct statement about the construction of semicircular masonry arches.
A. Centering is not usually necessary
B. Centering is usually necessary until placing of the keystone
C. The arches are almost always parabolic in shape
D. The maximum arch span is about 60 feet
B. Arches are constructed with scaffolding or centering, which is removed after the keystone, the uppermost masonry block, is placed.
What are the four groups of soil?
Sands and gravels, silts, clays, and organics
Which soils are best for drainage?
Sands and gravels, they are very good basis for building foundations
What is silt?
A fine-grained sedimentary soil composed of material smaller than sand but larger than clay. Silts behave as granular materials, but they are sometimes slightly plastic in their behavior
What are some of the problems with clays?
They are composed of smaller particles than silts and are plastic in their behavior when wet. Clay is unpredictable because it swells when is absorbs water and shrinks when it dries.
When are clays good for foundations?
If soil investigation shows that they are stable or if they are mixed with other types of soil.
What are organics?
Organics are materials of vegetable or other organic matter and make poor bases for foundations.
What is hardpan?
In unbroken mixture of clay, sand, and gravel. It is a good base for building foundations.
What are shale and slate?
Soft rocks with a fine texture. They are the group with the second-highest bearing capacity of all soil types.
What are boulders?
Rocks that have broken off of bedrock
What is bedrock?
Solid rock that forms the earths crust. It has the highest bearing capacity of all soil types.
How is the number of soil borings taken at a building site determined?
It is based on many factors including the size of the building, the suspected the subsurface geological conditions, and requirements by code. Usually a minimum of four borings are taken, one in each corner of the proposed building. If wide variations are found in the initial boring logs, additional tests may be warranted.
What two difficulties are the result of hydrostatic pressure?
It puts additional loads on the structural elements and makes waterproofing more difficult because pressure tends to force water and any crack or inperfection in the structure.
How are soil types classified?
They are classified according to the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS)
What soil treatments are used to increase bearing capacity, decreased settlement, or do both?
Drainage, fill, compaction, densification, surcharging, and mixing
