Chapter 8

Question 1

Portland Cement

Answer 1

Most commonly used cement, consisting chiefly of calcium and aluminum silicate. It is mixed with water to form mortar, a paste that hardens, and is therefore known as a hydraulic cement.

Question 2

Spalling

Answer 2

Expansion of excess moisture within masonry materials resulting in tensile forces within the material, and causing it to break apart. The expansion causes sections of the material’s surface to disintegrate, resulting in pitting or chipping of the material’s surface.

Question 3

Wythe

Answer 3

Single vertical column of masonry units in a wall; usually brick or concrete block.

Question 4

Course

Answer 4

Horizontal layer of individual masonry units.

Question 5

Concrete Block Brick Faced (CBBF)

Answer 5

Wall construction system that includes one wythe of concrete blocks with a brick wythe attached to the outside. See Course, Header Course, and Wythe

Question 6

Grout

Answer 6

A mixture of cement, aggregate, and water that hardens over time; used to embed reinforcement materials in masonry walls. Similar to mortar.

Question 7

Buttress

Answer 7

Structure projecting from a wall, designed to receive lateral pressure action at a particular point. Flying buttresses include a gap between the lower part of the support and the structure.

Question 8

Pilaster

Answer 8

Rectangular masonry pillar that extends from the face of a wall to provide additional support for the wall. Decorative pilasters may not provide any support.

Question 9

Fire Cut

Answer 9

Angled cut made at the end of a wood joist or wood beam that rests in a masonry wall to allow the beam to fall away freely from the wall in case of failure of the beam. This helps prevent the beam from acting as a lever to push against the masonry.

Question 10

Lintel

Answer 10

Support for masonry over an opening; usually made of steel angles or other rolled shapes, singularity or in combination.

Question 11

Corbel

Answer 11

Bracket or ledge made of stone, wood, brick, or other building material projecting from the face of a wall or column used to support a beam, cornice, or arch.

Question 12

Corbelling

Answer 12

Use of a corbel to provide additional support for an arch.

Question 13

Fascia

Answer 13

(1) Flat horizontal or vertical board located at the outer face of a cornice. (2) Broad flat surface over a storefront or below a cornice.

Question 14

Cornice

Answer 14

Concealed space near the eave of a building; usually overhanging the area adjacent to exterior walls

Question 15

Facade

Answer 15

Fascia added to some buildings with flat roofs to create the appearance of a mansard roof. Also known as False Roof or Fascia.