Random Questions

Question 1

What is the typical Human Comfort in Winter and Summer? Also, what is the typical tolerable humidity?

Answer 1

Winter: 63-71 degrees
Summer: 66-75 degrees
Tolerable Humidity 30-60%

Question 2

What is the difference between a flat-plate and a flat-slab roof?

Answer 2

The flat plate is a two-way reinforced concrete framing system utilizing a slab of uniform thickness, the simplest of structural shapes. The flat slab is a two-way reinforced structural system that includes either drop panels or column capitals at columns to resist heavier loads and thus permit longer spans.

Question 3

What are the min. and max arch spans for Wood, concrete and steel?

Answer 3

Wood: 50’-240’
Concrete: 20’- 320’
Steel: 50’-500’

Question 4

Trusses: What is the typ depth to span ratio?q

Answer 4

1:10-1:20

Question 5

What is the typ span of a Truss and what is the average spacing.?

Answer 5

Typ. Trusses span 40’-200’ and typ. spacing is 10’-40’ OC

Question 6

Residential and light commercial trusses are smaller. What the the material, size and spacing for these?

Answer 6

2x 4 or 2x 6 members spaced at 24” oc

Question 7

What is the typical weight for Timber, Steel, Concrete?

Answer 7

7-10 lb/sf Timber, 15-20 lbs/sf Steel, 15–200 lbs/sf for concrete or masonry construction.

Question 8

How much should the ground surrounding a building slope away? Name the min slope.

Answer 8

1/4”/ft

Question 9

Note: Aggregate shall not be larger than 1/3 of the slab thickness or three quarters of the min. space between reinforcing bars, whichever is smaller.

Answer 9

A

Question 10

What is the size of a no. 4 rebar?

Answer 10

.5” (1/2”)

Question 11

When is epoxy coated rebar typ. used?

Answer 11

Epoxy Coated rebar are used when the concrete will be exposed to chlorides (salts), The epoxy helps the steel not corrode from the salts.

Question 12

What are the specified dimensions of modular brick?

Answer 12

7 5/8” long x 3 5/8” thick x 2 1/4” high (3 brick courses plus three 3/8” mortar joints = 8”) Note the length of the brick to receive 3/8” mortar will = 8” as well.

Question 13

What are small wire supports that help to keep rebar a specified distance from outside of the concrete and help ensure adequate concrete cover?

Answer 13

Chairs

Question 14

What technique is used to have a slip resistant concrete floor?

Answer 14

Broom Finish. - Float Finish is a rough finish meant for outdoor surfaces or indoor slab that will be covered with carpet or tile. The trowled finished are very smooth and can be sealed and painted for a finish floor or for the installation on VCT.

Question 15

What mortar should be specified for an exterior application below grade?

Answer 15

Type S mortar (Type M or N is best for exterior application above grade and Type O is used for interior and protected exterior non load bearing walls.

Question 16

What mortar joint is not recommended for exterior use?

Answer 16

Raked (Re pointing is fixing the mortar joints)

Question 17

What type of rock is limestone?

Answer 17

Sedimentary (brownstone and sandstone are sedimentary as well)

Question 18

Which type of lockset is most secure?

Answer 18

Mortise

Question 19

What does the 32/16 numbers mean when ref. plywood sheathing?

Answer 19

32 is the number of inches used to span rafters (rafters spaced at 32” oc) and can be used for joists spaced 16” on center.

This designation also certifies that this plywood meets the standard of Engineered Wood Association.

Question 20

What is embodied energy?

Answer 20

The sum of all energy required to extract, process, deliver and install materials needed to construct a building.

Question 21

What report are almost all US embodied energy applications based on?

Answer 21

Energy Use for Building Construction report written in 1967.

Question 22

What are three different methods of measuring embodied energy in a historical building?

Answer 22

1. Concept Model. - Gives rough estimates
2. Inventory Model - More accurate then concept model
3. Survey Model - most of the embodied energy is in the architectural materials.

Question 23

What is half timbering?

Answer 23

A half-timbered building has exposed wood framing. The spaces between the wooden timbers are filled with plaster, brick, or stone.

Question 24

Name the Types of Fires

Answer 24

Type A - Wood and Paper
Type B - Gases, Grease
Type C - Electrical
Type D - Combustible Metal