Light Frame Construction

Question 1

insulating concrete form (ICF)

Answer 1

A type of concrete-forming system that consists of a layer of concrete sandwiched between expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam forms on each side.

Question 2

post-and-beam framing

Answer 2

A framing method in which the basic framework of the building consists of vertical posts and horizontal or sloping beams.

Question 3

in-line framing

Answer 3

A framing system in which all joists, studs, and roof rafters are in a direct vertical line with one another, allowing loads to be directly transferred to the foundation.

Question 4

corbel

Answer 4

A short projection from the face of a wall formed with successive courses of masonry to provide bearing space for the joists.

Question 5

box beam

Answer 5

A hollow horizontal member used as a floor or roof support or to span wide distances over openings.

Question 6

drain tile

Answer 6

Perforated pipe installed along the outer edge of foundation footings to collect stormwater and surface water and move it away from the foundation.

Question 7

live load

Answer 7

A moving or changing load that may be placed on different sections of a structure.

Question 8

full-cut header

Answer 8

A special concrete masonry unit that is notched to receive the brick header course.

Question 9

snap tie

Answer 9

A patented tie system with spreader cones to maintain form wall spacing and tie the walls together when concrete is placed.

Question 10

cavity wall

Answer 10

A masonry wall with at least a 2’’ air space between adjacent faces.

Question 11

western framing

Answer 11

A framing method in which each story of a building is framed as a unit consisting of walls, joists, and a subfloor.

Question 12

parging

Answer 12

A thin coat of mortar on a vertical masonry surface that is used to provide additional waterproofing.

Question 13

stressed-skin panel

Answer 13

A structural unit used in floor, wall, and ceiling systems that consists of plywood panels nailed and glued to a wood frame.

Question 14

SCR brick

Answer 14

A solid masonry unit with nominal dimensions of 6’’ 2-2/3’’ 12’’.

Question 15

platform framing

Answer 15

A framing method in which each story of a building is framed as a unit consisting of walls, joists, and a subfloor. Also called western framing.

Question 16

bearing partition

Answer 16

An interior partition capable of supporting structural loads that are imposed from above.

Question 17

glued laminated timber (glulam)

Answer 17

An engineered wood product comprising layers of wood members (lams) that are joined together with adhesives to form larger members.

Question 18

balloon framing

Answer 18

A multistory framing method in which one-piece studs extend from the sill plate to the double top plate.

Question 19

structural insulated panel (SIP)

Answer 19

A structural member consisting of a thick layer of rigid foam insulation pressed between two OSB or plywood panels.

Question 20

dead load

Answer 20

The weight of the permanent structure of a building and includes the materials that make up the wall, floor, ceiling, finish materials, fixtures, and roof units.

Question 21

open web steel joist

Answer 21

A structural steel member constructed with steel angles and bars that are used as chords with steel angles or bars extending between the chords at an angle.

Question 22

R-value

Answer 22

A value that represents the ability of a material to resist heat flow.