MATERIALS + TECHNOLOGY - Construction Materials

Question 1

Master Format

Answer 1

A standard for organizing specifications and other written information for commercial and institutional building projects

Question 2

CSI

Answer 2

Construction Specification Institute - One of the master specifications available. These are prewritten texts that include the majority of requirements for a particular section

Question 3

Master Format Divisions
Division 02
division 03
division 31
division 32
division 33
division 34

Answer 3

02 - existing conditions
03 - concrete (footing)
31 - earth work
32 - exterior improvements 
33 - utilities 
34 - transportation

Question 4

Improve Soil Bearing

Answer 4

Fill - Poor soil is replaced with the appropriate soil, sand and gravel mix

Compaction - usually of existing soil with a technique similar to compaction of fill

Densification - use heavy pounding piles/vibration/ weights to compact and fill voids

Surcharging - adding fill to existing soil and allowing settlement to take place with time

Mixing - addition of sand or gravel to the soil

Question 5

3 types of specifications

Answer 5

Proprietary spec (closed) - does not allow for substitutions, typical used to control aesthetics

Descriptive spec (open) - used in a competitive bidding. gives list of comparable products

Performance Spec - used with vendors who propose products they think will meet requirements