ARE 5.0 PDD

In Situ

"In situ" means "in place." It is used to describe concrete that has been cast in place as opposed to precast concrete cast away from the site.

Normal

"Normal" means perpendicular in physics.

Lift (for Water, Plumbing Formula)

(total feet of height) / (2.31 psi/ft); 1 PSI will raise a column of water 2.31 feet.

CSI MasterFormat Divisions (Selected Sections)

02 Existing Conditions 03 Concrete 04 Masonry 05 Metals 06 Wood, Plastics, and Composites 07 Thermal and Moisture Protection 08 Openings (Doors and Windows) 09 Finishes 10 Specialties 11 Equipment 12 Furnishings 13 Special Construction 14 Conveying Equipment 21 Fire Suppression 22 Plumbing 23 HVAC 26 Electrical 27 Communications 31 Earthwork

Window Wall and Glass Curtain Wall

A wall in which the windows extend from floor to roof or from floor to floor, called a window wall

Wet Wall

A wall with pipes in it

Cofferdam

A watertight enclosure that is built in a body of water to allow construction to occur such as when building bridges. The cofferdam is built and the water is pumped out to create a dry working environment for construction.

Wet Standpipe

A wet standpipe system is equipped with a water supply that is capable of supplying the system demand automatically.

Access Panel

An operable panel used to access elements hidden inside walls or ceilings; typically used for gypsum board assemblies

LED Driver

An operator used to control the functions of an LED light fixture, similar to the ballast of a fluorescent lamp. Can be installed remotely or adjacent to the fixture and is often hidden behind an access panel.

Aquifer

An underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock, rock fractures, or unconsolidated materials (gravel, sand, or silt) from which groundwater can be extracted using a water well

Site Exposure Category A

An urban or suburban location

Conductors

Any material that allows the flow of electricity: for example, a wire. Copper is a good conductor. The opposite of a conductor is an insulator. Most nonmetallic solids are insulators.

Framing Anchors

Any of the various sheet metal connectors for joining light wood frame construction members

Housewrap

Any synthetic sheathing paper product that performs as a weather barrier

Backflow Preventer

Backflow Preventer Any device in a plumbing system that prevents sewage from reversing flow

Bus Bars

Bus Bars Metallic bars where power is concentrated for distribution to many wires. They can be found inside electrical panels.

Copper grades

Copper grade K has the thickest walls and is used for underground piping needs; grade L has thinner walls and is used for most plumbing; grade M is the thinnest and is used only for low pressure or drainage

Cornerguard

Cornerguard Metal, plastic, or wood angles to cover and protect gypsum board corners in high-use areas such as corridors in heath-care and senior living facilities

What are the IBC (International Building Code) corridor and exit width requirements?

Corridor: 44" minimum Door width: an equation of 0.2" x (# of occupants) or 32" minimum; Stair width: an equation of 0.3" x (number of occupants) or 44" minimum.

Wall Pack

Cost-effective luminaires mounted to exterior walls that provide area lighting

Fire Sprinkler Escutcheon

Cover plates used to conceal fire sprinkler heads

CPVC

Cream plastic pipe, used for hot and cold supply pipes in plumbing

Cricket

Cricket A cricket is used on a roof to divert water, such as that on the high side of a chimney or skylight on a pitched roof or away from a corner on a flat roof.

Wood Defects

Cupping, warping, bowing, crooking, pitch pockets, checks, wanes, knots, and shakes

Sources of Electricity

Currently, most electricity is produced by large centralized power plants fueled by coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear, or hydroelectric energy. Increasingly, wind and solar farms are contributing to the electric energy supply.

Radon

Dangerous source of indoor air pollution. It is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas present in some soils, which may leak into the interior of the building through cracks in the floor.

Examples of gravity loads

Dead load, live load, rain load, and snow load

Retention Pond

Designed to hold a specific amount of water indefinitely

Type X

Fire-resistant gypsum board

Type FBA

Grade for Facing Bricks: Nonuniformity in size, color, and texture per unit

Type FBX

Grade for Facing Bricks: high degree of perfection, narrow color range, slight size variation

Lightness

In color theory, lightness is how bright or dark a color is. It is the amount of black or white in color. It is independent of hue and saturation. Also called value.

Mil

One one-thousandth of an inch

Haptic

Relating to the sense of touch

Rotary Cutting

Rotary Cutting A veneer cutting technique in which a log is mounted on a lathe and spun against a blade. The result is a "peeled" wood veneer roll that produces wide sheets with broad grain patterns.

Moment

Rotational force. It is the same thing as torque. It is a product of force multiplied by distance.

USCPSC

USCPSC The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission is an independent federal agency that serves to protect the public from products that may be unsafe due to risk of fire, mechanical failure, chemical exposure, or electrical malfunction.

The cable of a uniformly supported suspension bridge hangs in the form of a ________.

parabola

UV radiation helps mitigate which type of indoor air contaminant?

biological

Wind speeds are ______ (lower/higher) at the base of a building.

lower

On a psychrometric chart, the saturation line at 100% relative humidity is also called the _______.

dew point

As air temperature rises, its capacity to hold moisture ______ (rises/falls).

rises

Sheet Type Designators

0: General 1: Plans 2: Elevations 3: Sections 4: Large-scale views 5: Details 6: Schedules and diagrams 7: User-defined 8: User-defined 9: 3-D representations

What are the actual dimensions of the following nominal lumber sizes? 1", 2", 3", 4", 5", 6", 8", 10", and 12"

1" = 3/4" 2" = 1 1/2" 3" = 2 1/2" 4" = 3 1/2" 5" = 4 1/2" 6" = 5 1/2" 8" = 7 1/4" 10" = 9 1/4" 12" = 11 1/4"

What are two types of paint finishes for aluminum?

1) Baked-enamel coating 2) Fluropolymer caoching

What are two ways hollow metal doorframes can be installed?

1) Buts against the jambs of a CMU wall 2) Wraps around the jambs of a CMU wall

Two types of subfloors

1) Concrete subfloor: elevated concrete floors and concrete slabs-on-grade 2) Wood subfloors: wood panels supported by wood light frame or light-gauge steel frame members

What are three commonly used glass-aluminum wall systems?

1) Glass-aluminum curtain walls 2) Punched and strip glazing systems 3) Storefront systems

What are two types of mullion spans generally used in stick-built glass curtain walls?

1) Single-span mullion systems: each mullion extends only over one floor. 2) Twin-span mullion systems: the mullions extend over two floors.

What are the five categories glass curtain wall systems are divided into?

1) Stick-built systems 2) Unitized systems 3) Unit and mullion systems 4) Panel systems 5) Column cover and spandrel systems

What are the two most important components of a window?

1) Window frame 2) Window sash

To form a monolithic membrane, sheet membranes must be _________ and bonded to each other by ______ or _______.

1) overlapped 2) adhesive 3) heat welding

Two factors directly affecting air leakage in a building:

1. Area in the envelope that is prone to air leakage 2. Air pressure difference between the inside and outside air

What are two ways to reduce the HVAC noise in a building?

1. By using vibration isolators composed of springs or pads between the building foundation and mechanical equipment; 2. By creating a separate foundation for the mechanical equipment

Decibel levels

1. Comfortable Range: threshold of hearing is 0 dB, watch ticking is 20 dB, bird singing is 40 dB, toilet flushing is 60 dB; 2. Annoying Range: table saw is 80 dB; Extremely Loud Range: chain saw is 100 dB, emergency vehicle siren is 110 dB; Painful Range: jet engine is 120dB; Intolerable Range: gunshot is 140 dB

Three types of air filters

1. Dry mat 2. Spray washer 3. Electrostatic

List three types of flat roof membranes.

1. Fluid Applied Membrane: ideal for complex shapes including vaults and domes; consists of a rubbery membrane applied in several coats by a roller or spray application 2. Built-Up Membrane: composed of alternating layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics covered with gravel to protect the top surface from ultraviolet rays 3. Single Ply Roof: a membrane of synthetic rubber that is applied in a single layer, requiring less on-site labor than built-up membranes and less prone to cracking form building movement

Layers of light

1. General Lighting: fundamental and required by code; 2. Accent Lighting: creates mood or ambiance; 3. Task Lighting: localized lighting for any particular task like cooking or reading, for example

Principal advantages of steel

1. Immense strength, 2. flexibility (can sway under seismic loads), 3. ductility (deforms before fracturing)

Give an example of how the thermal and luminous environment of a building cannot be separated.

1. Lighting in commercial buildings are a primary source of heat gain, directly effecting the HVAC system. 2. Shading devices designed to limit solar heat gain affect the quality of daylighting. 3. When designing for passive solar , one must also consider glare, contrast, and privacy.

Four factors in achieving IAQ

1. Limit the source of the pollutant 2. Isolate pollutants that are unavoidable 3. Supply filtered fresh and recirculated air 4. Maintain the building and equipment

List the three major components that make up the building's electrical power system.

1. Loads: the required demand created by appliances, lights, and mechanical systems required for the project's various programs; 2. Interior-Distribution Equipment: the conductors, raceways, subpanels, and submeters used to distribute the electricity; 3. Service-Entrance Equipment: the transformers, service disconnect, fuses, meters, and circuit breakers

Principal disadvantages of steel

1. Loss of strength when exposed to fire, 2. rusting 3. cost

Below-grade waterproofing strategies

1. Membrane: coatings, oil-based, or sprayed 2. Water Management: damp proofing aided by foundation perimeter drainage

List the advantages of insulating ductwork.

1. Reduces heat gain, 2. reduces heat loss, 3. reduces noise, 4. prevents the buildup of condensation

What are three types of private on-site waste disposal systems?

1. Sand Filters: collection drains carry effulent to a non-potable watercourse, used in areas with impervious soil; expensive compared to other systems; 2. Leaching Cesspools: naturally occurring bacteria in the cesspool convert the organic matter to liquid, then the effluent flows from the septic tank through porous conduits and is absorbed by the soil; inexpensive compared to other systems; 3. Subsoil Disposal Beds: effluent drains a minimum of 2' below the water table.

Process of Soil Nailing

1. Soil is first excavated 5-7' deep, depending on the ability of the cut face to remain vertical without supports. 2. Holes are drilled along the cut face at 3-4' on centers so that one hole covers approx. 10-15 SF of the cut face. 3. Threaded steel bars are inserted into the holes. The length of bars is a function of the soil type but is approx. half the final depth of excavation. Bars protrude a few inches out of the holes. 4. The holes are grouted with concrete. 5. Welded wire reinforcement is placed over the wall and tied to the protruding bars. 6. A layer of shotcrete is applied to the mesh. 7. Plates and washers are inserted in the protruding bars and locked in position with a nut. 8. A second layer of shotcrete is applied. 9. Steps are repeated with the next depth of cut.

Four Major Design Parameters of Footings

1. Spread of footing 2. Thickness of footing 3. Depth below grade 4. Amount and location of steel

Two different strategies for joining building components

1. Static Joint: nonmoving joint between the components. In the case of a window, a static joint would result in broken glass, broken frame, or both. 2. Movement Joint: allows materials to move independently and at the same time hold the window glass securely in the frame.

How does water vapor enter the envelope assembly?

1. Vapor movement through air leakage 2. Vapor diffusion (due to the vapor pressure differential)

Types of Footings

1. Wall Footings: used for load-bearing wood, masonry or concrete walls 2. Isolated Column Footings: used where columns are lightly loaded or bear on soils with a high bearing capacity 3. Combined Footings: combination of two isolated column footings; used when a column must be placed on a property line or adjacent to an existing building 4. Mat Footing: all columns and walls of a building bear on one large and thick reinforced concrete slab 5. Raft or Floating Foundation: type of mat foundation; consists of a hollow mat formed by a grid of thick reinforced concrete walls between two thick reinforced concrete slabs

Two waterproofing methods

1. Water Seal: monolithic; prevents any water from entering 2. Water Management: examples include pitched roof and drainage rock at foundation

Which discontinuities require building separation joints?

1. Where a low building mass meets a tall mass 2. Where the building changes direction, such as in an L-shape or T-shape building 3. Where the building's structural material changes, such as where a steel frame building meets a concrete frame

Soil types CL, ML, MH, and CH

1.5 ksf

Typical width of a building separation joint

1.5" to 2" running throughout the entire building from floor to floor and from face to face

Double-Strength Glass

1/8" thick flat glass

A smooth surface must be provided on the push side of swing doors for a minimum of __ inches AFF.

10 inches. This is because people in wheelchairs often use their toes to help kick a door open and is therefore not required on sliding doors.

Wind Speeds

10 mph mild breeze; 25 mph stiff breeze; 50 mph strong gale

When the wet bulb temperature equals the dry bulb temperature, what occurs?

100% humidity

The rise of one flight of stairs is usually limited to ____.

12' per code

Crystalline bedrock allowable bearing capacity

12.0 ksf

Dimension Lumber

2-by and 4-by lumber ; joists, rafters, studs, etc.

Soil types SW, SP, SM, SC, GM, and GC

2.0 ksf

Air leakage accounts for _______ % of heat loss in buildings in North America.

20-40

Modulus of Elasticity of Steel (E)

29,000 Kips/Square inch (ksi)

Equation for determining riser and tread dimensions in a stair

2R + T = 24" to 25"

Name the ratings that fire doors come in.

3-hour-, 90-minute-, 60-minute-, 45-minute-, and 20-minute-rated door

Soil types GW and GP bearing capacity

3.0 ksf

Effect of relative humidity on comfort sensation

30% change in RH is equal to about 2 ºF of thermal change. Higher humidity makes hot air more uncomfortable.

Sedimentary and foliated rock bearing capacity

4.0 ksf

Minimum width of stairways that are a part of an accessible means of egress?

48" clear between handrails

The maximum opening force for interior doors is ____ lbf.

5. Exterior doors' opening force is not specified due to wind loading and air pressure and should be set at the minimum force possible to maintain a latch.

What is the maximum depth for the basin of an accessible sink?

6.5"

What is the constant temperature and RH for modern buildings?

70 degrees F; 45% relative humidity

Per ADA required clearances at doors, a door can be recessed no more than __ inches beyond the wall it is in.

8. Typically the door would not be recessed at all, but if a door with a deeper recess is needed, 8" is allowed.

Audible Alarm Requirements

907.5.2.1 requires audible alarms to have a distinctive sound, not used for any other purpose and must be at least 15 decibels above the ambient sound or 5 dBA above the maximum sound level

Fire extinguisher classes

A (for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper); B (for flammable liquids such as grease, gas, or oil; C (for electrical fires); D (flammable metals) K (kitchens)

Single-Strength Glass

A 3/32" thick flat glass

Area of a Triangle

A = 1/2 x base x height

Cross section area of a duct formula

A = CFM/V

Area of a Circle

A = π r2

MSDS

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a document that contains information on the potential hazards of a material.

Lintel

A beam that spans over a door or window opening

Chamfer

A beveled edge formed by cutting away a corner in a construction material. Chamfers are common on concrete corners to prevent the corner from breaking off. Also found on furniture.

Anchor Bolt

A bolt that is used to anchor a structure to concrete. Types include expansion, expoxy, l-bolts, and j-bolts.

Project Manual

A bound book that contains all the documents for the project except the drawings

Cast Iron

A brittle ferrous metal with large amounts of carbon and impurities. Pipes are sometimes made from cast iron.

CUH

A cabinet unit heater (CUH) is a metal housing enclosing a heating element, with an opening to facilitate airflow (typically on top and bottom).

Urethane Paint

A catalyst paint known for exceptional durability (long lasting)

Building Automation System (BAS)

A centralized computer system that controls the building's HVAC and electrical systems to maximize occupant comfort and minimize energy usage and operating costs. Information gathered from the building automation system (BAS) can be analyzed and used to optimize building systems.

Certificate of Compliance

A certificate stating that materials and products meet specified standards or that work was done in compliance with approved construction documents

Anchored Veneer

A cladding system in which masonry units are mechanically anchored to the backup wall

Lacquer

A clean or colored finish that is usually sprayed on. It can be scratched easily but is otherwise resistant to damage; any blemishes that occur to lacquer are easily fixed.

Cleanout

A cleanout is a place in a sewer line where access can be gained to clear out clogs.

Intumescent

A coating or sealant that rapidly expands when exposed to heat such as from a fire. The swelling protects the underlying material by becoming less dense and acting as an insulator. One example is intumescent fire-retardant paint on structural steel.

Formaldehyde

A colorless gas; is a major source of indoor air pollution

Pilaster

A column formed by thickening an area of a masonry or concrete wall

Combined Sewer

A combined sewer collects sanitary and storm water together in one system. They are no longer used but are found in operation in older cities.

Gypsum

A common mineral mined out of the earth that is the main ingredient in plaster and drywall

Globe Valve

A common type of valve used in faucets and hose bibs , where a lever operates a stem that can vary the water flow

Luminaire

A complete lighting unit including the fixture, ballast, and lamp (lamp includes the bulb and housing)

Terrazzo

A composite material made of chips of marble, quartz, glass, granite, and so on that is mixed with a cementitious binder and applied to the slab. The material is leveled and then ground to provide a smooth, semi-gloss finish. The flooring is suitable for high-traffic areas, where there are concerns about flooring longevity.

Green Seal Label

A comprehensive, life-cycle environmental evaluation of a product based on EPA and International Standards Organizations standards

Energy Model

A computerized simulation of how a building will perform in terms of energy usage. Using an energy model is an alternative to following code prescribed U-value requirements.

Broom Finish

A concrete finish that is striated and obtained by stroking a broom or stiff brush over a freshly troweled concrete surface

Gunnite

A concrete mixture that is pumped through a hose and sprayed over reinforcing to desired thickness; also called shotcrete

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

A condition in which people are sensitive to "normal" amounts of environmental contaminants.

Composite Construction

A construction system using two or more dissimilar materials; typically refers to concrete and steel used together.

Septic Tank

A container for domestic wastewater primary treatment located on-site; often found in rural areas where there is no municipal sewer service

Contingency

A contingency is an amount of money held in reserve in a construction budget to cover costs from unforeseen circumstances. Contingencies are risk management tools and are often expressed as a percent of the total construction cost.

Mat Foundations

A continuous foundation system that is used when soils are weak. They cover the entire building footprint to distribute heavy loads, making it a very expensive system.

Piano Hinge

A continuous hinge that is the same length as the material being hinged

Smoke Barrier

A continuous membrane, either vertical or horizontal, such as a wall, floor, or ceiling assembly, that is designed and constructed to restrict the movement of smoke

Waterstop

A continuous piece of neoprene rubber or other material installed in a concrete joint to prevent the flow of water through the joint

Smoke Barrier

A continuous vertical or horizontal membrane with a minimum one-hour rating. The barrier is designed to resist the movement of smoke.

Dead End Corridor

A corridor without an exit at the end. The distance is limited to 20 feet in an unsprinklered building or 50 feet in a fully sprinkled building.

Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP)

A cost-type contract that binds the contractor to a price determined by an estimate. The contractor is responsible for any cost that overruns unless the scope of work is increased by a formal change order.

What is color blindness?

A decreased ability to see color, usually genetic. Color blindness is usually of the red-green type, meaning these colors appear similar to each other as a subdued shade and are hard to distinguish. It also means greens and reds in other colors are harder to see; for example, purple looks blue because the red part is not perceived. Men are much more likely to be color-blind than women because they only have one X chromosome where the gene is carried, making it more likely that the deficiency cannot be overcome. It is rare for a human to not be able to see any color at all.

Vacuum Breaker

A device in a plumbing fixture that prevents siphonage; often found on hose bibs

Shock Arrester

A device in plumbing systems to absorb the shock that causes water hammer

Photocell

A device that alters the level of light output of a luminaire based on response to ambient light

Step-Down Transformer

A device that converts electrical power from a higher voltage to a lower voltage. Step-down transformers are often used to convert electricity from the main power grid to power typically used in buildings.

Heat Pump

A device that transfers heat energy from a source of heat to a 'heat sink,' which absorbs heat from a cold space and releases it to a warmer space (i.e., air conditioner, freezer)

Tie-Down (Hold Down)

A device used to resist uplift of the chords of shear walls

Free-Body Diagram

A diagram of a body that shows the external forces with the magnitude and angle of all the forces. Also called a force diagram.

Lighting Level

A different level of lighting is needed for various tasks. Recommended lighting levels by activity are published by IES.

Doweling (Reinforcing Bar)

A dowel is a solid cylindrical rod, such as a cut section of rebar. Dowels are used as reinforcement in concrete and masonry construction to provide resistance to uplift and lateral forces.

Site Exposure Category B

A downtown location.

Sketch (Architectural, Structural, etc.)

A drawing that is issued after the initial contract documents and addresses a specific portion of the work. Sketches are associated with ASIs, RFI responses, bulletins, and other documents that formally change the scope of work.

Manual Dry Standpipe

A dry standpipe system does not have a permanent water supply attached to the system. Manual dry standpipe systems require water from a fire department pumper to be pumped into the system through the fire department connection in order to meet the system demand.

Semiautomatic Dry Standpipe

A dry standpipe system is arranged through the use of a device, such as a deluge valve, to admit water into the system piping upon activation of a remote-control device located at a hose connection. A remote control activation device shall be provided at each hose connection. The water supply for a semiautomatic dry standpipe system shall be capable of supplying the system demand.

Automatic Dry Standpipe

A dry standpipe system, normally filled with pressurized air, that is arranged through the use of a device, such as a dry pipe valve, to admit water into the system piping automatically upon the opening of a hose valve. The water supply for an automatic dry standpipe system shall be capable of supplying the system demand.

Corner Bead

A drywall accessory to provide shape to, protect, and reinforce outside corners of walls; composed of paper and thin galvanized metal or plastic

Powdercoat

A durable coating of dry powder that is applied electrostatically and has no solvent like other coatings

Replacance

A factor in designing ventilation systems, replacance is a measure of the effectiveness of an air exchange. Not the same as air changes per hour (ACH).

Lamp Lumen Depreciation Factor

A factor used in lighting design to predict the depreciation in output of light from a luminaire over time due to the lamp aging

Glazing Stop

A feature that holds the glass against the rabbet in the sash or frame.

Float Finish

A fine-textured finish obtained by smoothing a fresh concrete or plaster surface with a wood float

Site Exposure Category D

A flat, unobstructed site facing a large water body

Hurricane Anchors

A framing anchor for tying a rafter or truss to a wall plate; secures against lateral and uplifting forces; also called a hurricane tie

Three-Hinged Structure

A gable roof where members are supported only by one another at the top is called a three-hinged structure. It requires additional support, such as collar ties or ceiling joists, to keep the rafters from collapsing.

Submittals

A general term for documents delivered by the contractor to the architect during the construction administration phase. This includes shop drawings, product data, color charts, and samples that need to be reviewed for compliance with the design intent.

Tempered Glass

A glass obtained by heating annealed glass to a high temperature and then suddenly cooling it, which makes it four times stronger than annealed glass; used as safety glass because it breaks into pieces that are small and blunt enough not to cause injury

Dimmable Glass

A glass that changes from transparent to translucent or opaque condition when exposed to sun or electrical current

Superwindow

A highly insulated window that is popular in energy efficient design

Soil Boring

A hole drilled into the ground to obtain soil samples. Borings are used to determine the load-bearing capacity of the soil and the depth of the water table.

Bond Beam

A horizontal grouted element within masonry in which reinforcement is embedded

Jamb Extension

A horizontal or vertical trim that covers the rough head and jamb and extends the depth of window frame

Rail

A horizontal sash member

Stool

A horizontal trim member that abuts against the windowsill and covers the rough sill

Tungsten Halogen Lamps

A lamp that uses a small, gas-filled, quartz tube that must be used with a reflector. It is manufactured with different terminations to suit the fixture reflector or secondary lamp enclosure, which it is held in. It is a type of incandescent lamp consisting of a tungsten filament sealed into a compact transparent envelope that is filled with a mixture gas and halogen.

Billet

A large rectangular bar of cast steel used to roll finished shapes, such as smaller bars and rods

Latch

A latch is required on all fire doors to keep them from blowing open during a fire and allowing smoke and fire to spread.

Bundled Tube System

A lateral load-resisting system used in high-rise construction. In a bundled tubes system, thinner structural tubes act together to create a more efficient system. Similar to cantilevered tubes, bundled tubes are treated as a rigid connection perpendicular to the ground. The Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) in Chicago is an example of a bundled tube.

Leach Field

A leach field or septic drain field is part of an on-site sewage facility composed of subsurface pipes that dissipate effluent into the groundwater.

LED

A light emitting diode (LED) produces light by passing current through a semiconductor material.

Ballast Factor

A light loss factor applied to the initial illuminance due to the ballast

Luminaire Dirt Depreciation Factor

A light loss factor due to dirt and dust accumulating on the fixture over time

How long has electricity been used in buildings?

A little over 100 years. Thomas Edison opened direct current generating stations in London and New York in 1882. The White House got electricity in 1891.

Escarpment

A long, steep slope, separating areas of land at different heights. It increases wind speed, and therefore wind loads on buildings.

Keyway

A longitudinal groove or channel formed in a concrete footing or other member that has set, providing a shear-resisting key for newly placed concrete at a construction joints

Bituminous Paint

A low-cost coating that contains asphalt or coal tar, a thinner, and drying oils that is used to waterproof concrete and to protect piping where bleeding of the asphalt is acceptable

Plastic Laminate

A material constructed using multiple sheets of paper that are impregnated with a resin and glued together. The topmost layer is a finished plastic sheet that provides the desired finish and is resistant to damage. Plastic laminates are often used for countertops and millwork.

Brittle Material

A material that deforms little before failure. This type of material is generally stronger in compression than in tension.

Flashing

A material that directs water away from openings or edges. Used where two dissimilar materials meet, at roof edges and penetrations and window and door openings, for example.

Low-E Material

A material that is an efficient reflector of long-wave radiation, generally obtained through low-E lamination or low-E coating

Hygroscopic

A material that is hygroscopic absorbs moisture from the environment.

Sill Sealer

A material that is inserted between the sill plate and the top of the foundation to provide a seal against air infiltration and moisture wicking

Bond Breaker

A material used to prevent the adhesion of an elastomeric sealant to a backup surface

Moment of Inertia

A measure of a material's resistance to buckling and bending.

British Thermal Unit

A measure of energy, typically noted as the amount of energy needed to raise one pound of water by 1º F

Lux

A measure of illuminance equal to 1 lumen in 1 square meter.

Liquid limit of soil

A measure of the soil's plasticity. It indicates the behavior of the soil in the presence of water.

Young's Modulus

A measure of the stiffness of a material; also known as the elastic modulus or modulus of elasticity

Ultraviolet Transmittance

A measure of the transmission of ultraviolet radiation through glass

Air Changes

A measurement of how many times the air is removed from a space, usually measured in instances per hour

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)

A measurement of the fuel used yearly by an individual furnace, displayed on all furnaces manufactured in the United States

Transfer Switch

A mechanism designed to switch an electrical conductor from one circuit to another without interrupting the current flow

Zero Force Member

A member in a truss that takes no load

Holddown

A metal device for restraining a wood frame structure against uplift

Hasp Lock

A metal fastener composed of a metal plate with a slot in it that fits over a u-shaped piece with a padlock or bolt that can be inserted in order to close and lock

Lightning Rod

A metal rod or wire on a building that diverts lightning to the ground

Stick-Built Curtain Wall

A metal-glass curtain wall whose framing members are installed at the site member by member

Keyed Note

A method for improving drawing clarity, it consists of an alphanumeric indicator symbol and leader line with a legend of those symbols and the full text notes located elsewhere on the drawing sheet.

Keynote

A method for noting details, where items in details are called out by their specification section number

Calculation of horizontal illuminance by the lumen (flux) method (definition)

A method of calculating the average maintained illuminance in food candles on the work plane within a space. The method assumes that luminaries are spaced to provide a uniform illumination level within the space.

Allowable Stress Design

A method of proportioning structural members, such that elastically computed stresses produced in the members by nominal loads do not exceed specified allowable stresses (also called "working stress design").

Micropile

A micropile is a bored, grouted-into-place deep foundation element that develops its load-carrying capacity by means of a bond zone in soil, bedrock, or a combination of soil and bedrock.

Alkyd

A modern synthetic resin used to replace oil in varnishes, paints, and adhesives

Track Lighting

A mounting system for lights in which the lights are on tracks to allow for a variety of positions and lighting conditions. Typically used to highlight a feature on a wall, a display, or hanging art. Typically not used for task lighting.

Visible Light

A narrow slice of the electromagnetic spectrum located between infrared and ultraviolet waves; includes energy that is visible to the human eye as light

Detention Pond

A naturally low-lying area that is designed to temporarily hold excess rainwater to help prevent flooding

Audible Alarm Notification Appliance

A notification appliance that alerts by the sense of hearing

Circuit

A path through which electricity flows from a source to one or more devices and then returns. Circuits are either in series (older Christmas lights) or parallel (almost all circuits in a building).

Structural Beam Penetration

A penetration in structural beams through which mechanical, plumbing, electrical, or fire protection elements run. These penetrations must be coordinated with the structural engineer to minimize the effect on the structural integrity of the beam. As a rule of thumb, placing the penetrations at midspan and in the middle of the beam cross-section has the least effect on the beam strength.

Weep Screed

A perforated metal screed used at the base of a stucco finish; provides a straight and true line, and the perforations allow for drainage of water that may have penetrated the stucco

Drain Tile

A perforated pipe surrounded by granular fill for relieving hydrostatic moisture at a foundation wall or in a field. Water runs through the gravel, into the pipe, and away. Also called a French drain.

Dr. Fazlur Khan

A pioneer in high-rise design, Dr. Khan was one of the lead structural engineers for Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in the 1960s and 1970s. He is best known his work with tube structural systems for tall buildings. His work on the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) and the John Hancock Center in Chicago exemplify his theories.

Lamb's Tongue

A pipe accessory for the end of a concealed roof drain downspout or parapet overflow where rainwater is discharged away from the building; looks like a lamb's tongue; also called an outlet nozzle

Conduit

A pipe that encases electrical or data wiring. Typically made of metal, a conduit allows wire to run through concrete and is also required by certain building codes for concealed wire assemblies.

Fall Protection System

A planned system used to protect workers from death or potential injury in the event that they lose their balance while performing a task at a height. Examples of fall protection are permanent or temporary guardrails or rooftop anchor and tether systems.

Sunlight

A point source of illumination producing 6,000 to 10,000+ foot-candles (fc) in direct sunlight and 500 to 2,000 fc in overcast and clear sky conditions

Thermoplastics

A polymer material that becomes pliable with heat and remains in that shape upon cooling.

Subdiaphragm

A portion of a larger wood diaphragm designed to anchor and transfer local forces to primary diaphragm struts and the main diaphragm

Add Alternate

A portion of work that is priced separately to provide the owner an option to determine final scope of work. By considering add alternates the owner can defer certain decisions of the scope of the project until after pricing is obtained to ensure there are enough funds available.

Welded Wire Mesh

A prefabricated grid of wires that are welded together. It is used in reinforced concrete construction.

Termination Bar

A preformed detailing element that is placed at the vertical end points of various waterproofing, flashing, and barrier systems to provide a watertight connection at the system's termination

Mechanical Plenum

A pressurized space—typically located between the structural slab and the dropped ceiling, or within a raised floor system—through which air can be supplied or returned.

A leach field is part of what system?

A private septic sewer system

Vitrification

A process that makes a ceramic material glass-like

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

A process that uses 3-D digital representations of building elements to create a model of the building prior to construction. Among other things, building information modeling (BIM) processes can be used to detect conflicts between building systems, analyze performance, and perform cost estimating.

Value Engineering (VE)

A process through which the overall cost of a building is reduced from an initial estimate by the substitution of more economical products. Ideally, the architect works with a contractor or estimator to find products that maintain the original design intent.

Transmitted Luminance

A product of the transmittance and the illuminance on the reverse side. The unit of transmitted illuminance is either candelas per square foot or footlamberts.

Substitution

A product that is not listed in the Specifications but is meant to replace one that is. Usually suggested by the contractor through a "Substitution Request,",use of this product must be accepted by the architect.

Expanded Metal Mesh

A product whereby a sheet of metal is slit and stretched, creating diamond-shaped openings; used for screens, grates, and security devices; comes in a wide range of options and can be decorative

Section Modulus

A property of a material's cross-section, it is the moment of inertia divided by the distance from the neutral axis to the extreme fiber.

Visible Light Transmittance (VT)

A property of window glazing. A higher visible light transmittance (VT) means more light is passing through.

Factor of Safety

A ratio of structural capacity to actual applied load. Also called safety factor, it means there is a reserve strength built into the design of a structure.

Catchbasin

A receptacle or reservoir that receives surface water runoff or drainage. Typically made of precast concrete, brick, or CMU with a cast-iron frame and grate on top. Water runoff typically connects to storm sewer.

Recessed Slab

A recessed slab is also known as a depressed slab. Certain program areas may require a recessed floor slab to accommodate their function. Recessing a floor slab is a way to accommodate thicker floor systems (to meet ADA requirements), coolers, etc. This needs to be communicated and coordinated with structural drawings.

Radiant Barrier

A reflective layer, sometimes attached to sheathing or insulation, that blocks radiant heat

Bond Beam

A reinforced horizontal beam of concrete or masonry frequently placed in walls at foundations and below roofs

Grade Beam

A reinforced-concrete beam constructed at ground level

Mohs Hardness Scale

A relative scale of hardness, based on a material's ability to scratch another material

Candlepower Distribution Curve

A representation of the variations in luminous intensity of a luminaire. Found on product data sheets provided by manufacturers, CDCs are fairly intuitive to read.

Resilient Channel

A resilient channel is a type of metal furring channel that is designed to limit sound transmission through a wall or ceiling. The channels isolate the drywall, weakening the sound waves.

Cartoon Set

A road map to the final set of documents, showing all the drawings required to document and communicate the design to the constructor. The cartoon set shows all the elevations, details, plans, and so on needed in the set, and should be updated as the project evolves.

Anechoic Chamber

A room that is designed to be echo-free by completely absorbing all reverberant sounds.

Slip Resistant

A rough finish that is not abrasive to the bare foot

Sallyport

A security vestibule with two or more doors or gates whose intended purpose is to prevent continuous and unobstructed passage by allowing the release of only one door or gate at a time.

Vent Stack

A separate pipe used for venting in multistory buildings that extends through the roof or connects with the stack vent above the highest fixture; an air intake line for all fixtures that is separately open to the outside air at the top; used to break the siphoning suction which would occur when water passes down through the system

Ribbon Window

A series of windows set side by side in a long horizontal band

Legionnaire's Disease

A severe, potentially lethal disease caused by airborne microorganisms that can be incubated and distributed by HVAC systems

Gasket

A shaped piece of resilient material that provides a weatherproof seal between the glass and the frame in a window or metal-glass curtain wall

Float Glass

A sheet of glass made by pouring molten glass onto a sheet of molten metal, usually tin. Also called annealed glass. Float glass is very smooth and free from distortions.

Water Curtain

A sheet of water from fire sprinklers that forms a temporary fire separation

Short Circuit

A short circuit is when a current flows through an alternative path of lower resistance than the normal circuit.

Double Acting Doors

A single door that is able to swing in both directions because of pivot hinges or double acting hinges

Knox Box

A small locked box that holds keys for emergency personnel, like the fire department, so that they can enter a property in an emergency situation.

Weep Hole

A small opening in a wall assembly that allows for water to drain from the cavity of the wall; typically found in masonry cavity walls

Mechanical Room

A space dedicated to mechanical equipment, such as air handling units. Often located in a service portion of the building, mechanical rooms require extensive coordination with mechanical engineers, as they are often the major hub from which the HVAC system operates.

Accessory Occupancy

A space or room that is different than the main occupancy but doesn't exceed 10% of the main occupancy floor area (e.g., a gift shop in a hospital)

Construction Joint

A special type of static joint that is provided between two concrete placements.

Sidewall Sprinkler

A sprinkler head mounted on a wall that is designed to discharge most of its water away from the wall, with a small portion of the discharge directed at the wall behind the sprinkler; typically used when ceiling material does not facilitate use of ceiling mounted heads

Bid Forms

A standard form for bidders to enter information. Allows for bids to be easily compared. It includes space for bidders to enter, including - The base bid in both words and numbers - Prices for alternates and unit prices (if used) - Number of days proposed to complete the work, either calendar or working - Acknowledgement of addenda - Signature

Benchmark

A standard point of reference that is fixed in the drawings as well as in the field. All other building elevations and measurements are based on this point.

Open-Web Steel Joist

A standardized, prefabricated, steel parallel chord truss used to span between beams, larger joists, or trusses

Shear Stud

A steel element that is welded to the top of a steel beam and extends into the concrete portion of a composite deck. Shear studs help transfer stresses between the two elements and create a more efficient structural system.

Rabbet

A step in a sash or frame cross section against which the glass is held

Counterflashing

A strip of flashing bent down over other flashing to prevent water from running behind the upturned edge of the base flashing.

Gasket

A strip of resilient material between the glass and the glazing pocket

Transfer Beam

A structural beam used to transfer the loads from a column resting on it to its supports. Transfer beams are typically deeper and are used when column grids cannot align between different levels.

Ledger

A structural board that is mounted to a vertical frame or surface. For example, ledger boards are used to attach decks to houses.

Strut

A strut is a structural member designed to resist longitudinal compression. In other words, it is a member intended to keep two other structural members apart, the opposite of a tie.

Test Pit

A subsurface investigation to determine the nature of the subsoil strata

Solid Surface

A synthetic, nonporous material that is consistent in finish through the entirety of its thickness. Solid surface is often used as an economic alternative to granite or stone. Solid surface is often used for countertops, windowsills, and benches.

Riparian Rights

A system for allocating water among those who possess land along its path. It has its origins in English common law. Riparian water rights exist in many jurisdictions with a common law heritage, such as Canada, Australia, and states in the Eastern United States.

Swirl Finish

A textured finish given to a fresh plaster or concrete surface by troweling with an overlapping circular motion

Working Plane

A theoretical horizontal plane on which the level of illuminance is measured and specified; typically 30" above the floor unless given otherwise

Polycarbonate

A thermoset plastic made for glazing applications. It has high impact resistance and low scratch resistance.

Gusset Plate

A thick triangular-shaped piece of steel used to strengthen a structural connection such as the joint between a beam or brace and a column.

Haunch

A thickened or deepened part of a beam located at one end to create greater resistance to movement. In other words, a haunch puts more "meat" at the joint where stresses are greatest instead of providing depth throughout the beam, where it is wasted.

Lamella

A thin finished top layer of an engineered wooden floor

Thin-Set Tile

A thin-set installation uses adhesive mortar typically no more than 3/16" thick to attach tile to a substrate.

BOD (Basis of Design)

A tool to present the thought processes used in the writing of a specification. Describes the technical approach to a design and identifies parameters to be used.

Polyurethane

A topcoat of liquid plastic applied to wood as a finish; Durable and hardworking for floors and tabletops; can be either oil- or water-based

Cant Strip

A triangular strip of perlite board or pressure-treated wood used to provide a smooth transition between a horizontal and vertical surface on a roof, required with a built-up or modified bitumen roof membrane

Culvert

A tunnel carrying a stream or open drain under a road or railroad

Fire Wall

A two to four-hour rating that must extend continuously from foundation to the roof. This creates separate buildings in an attached space.

Thin Brick

A type of brick veneer that is very thin, similar to tile, that is adhesively bonded to a structural wall.

Sink Base

A type of cabinet that is built to have a sink placed in it

Isofootcandle Chart

A type of chart that is based on the output from a luminaire; typically is provided by the manufacturer of the luminaire

Shellac

A type of clear or colored finish for wood that is made from the secretions of the lac bug, which secretes lac to create a shell. The lac secretions are mixed with alcohol to dissolve and form a working solution. Adds a warm tone to the product being finished. Has been around for a long time.

Varnish

A type of clear, hard, topcoat finish for wood that is easy to apply and takes longer to dry than polyurethane. Not as durable as polyurethane.

Composite Decking

A type of composite construction that combines concrete and steel construction. Composite decking uses a fluted metal deck as the formwork for a concrete floor. This combines the tensile strength of steel with the compressive strength of concrete. Commonly, shear studs are used to connect the composite deck to steel beams below.

Prestressed Concrete

A type of concrete construction in which the concrete is "prestressed" after it is poured, but before any additional load is placed on it. This results in thinner slabs and beams that have a smaller cross-sectional area than traditional concrete construction.

Infrared Radiation

A type of electromagnetic radiation located just below (longer wavelengths) red light in the spectrum. The source for infrared radiation is heat, and infrared detection can be used as occupancy sensors. Infrared also produces warmth from a heat lamp such as those used for food warming and patio lamps.

Smokeproof Enclosure

A type of exit stairway that is designed to keep out smoke in the event of a fire so that occupants can escape

Sill Pan or Sill Flashing

A type of flashing installed under windows to prevent water from entering the wall under the window.

Energy Transfer Wheel

A type of heat and moisture exchanger. It is composed of a rotating wheel of a material that is in a honeycomb configuration in which incoming and outgoing air exchange heat and humidity. This reduces energy use by preconditioning fresh air with exhaust air. Also called an enthalpy wheel or thermal wheel. See also ERV.

Tenon and Mortise

A type of joint used in woodworking that connects two pieces by a mortise (hole) and tenon (tongue or stub). It is a simple and strong connection.

Finger Joint

A type of joint used in woodworking that connects two pieces of wood at a 90º angle where the ends are cut with complementary rectangular cuts that are then fitted and adhered to each other. It is called a finger joint because it looks like a person's interlocked fingers. It is often used at corners of drawers.

Dovetail Joint

A type of joint used in woodworking that connects two pieces of wood at a 90º angle where the ends are cut with complementary trapezoidal cuts that are then fitted and adhered to each other. It is called a dovetail because the trapezoidal cuts resemble the tail of a dove. It is a strong joint often used in box construction such as drawers.

Scarf Joint

A type of joint used in woodworking that connects two pieces of wood end-to-end, where the ends are cut with steep opposing angles and adhered to each other. It is not a strong joint, so it is mostly used for decorative molding.

Structural Clay Tile

A type of load-bearing masonry unit made from fired clay that often has a glazed finished surface; thinner and more lightweight than concrete masonry units

Standing Seam Metal Roof

A type of metal roof for pitched roofs made from panels that are joined to make seams that "stand up." More expensive and longer lasting than conventional shingle roofing.

Ground Fault Interrupters (GFI)

A type of outlet that can detect small current leaks and will disconnect the power to the circuit if a leak is detected. This type of power outlet is required in bathrooms, laundry rooms, utility closets, and often in kitchens at distances within 10' of the sink.

Friction Pile

A type of pile foundation used in softer soil that uses friction to transfer loads across the full height of the pile. The piles do not reach down to harder surfaces below the surface and thus can be driven shallower. Bearing capacity is limited by the weaker of either the pile or soil strength.

Laminated Glass

A type of safety glass consisting of two or more pieces of glass with layers of polyvinyl butyral resin sheet interlayers. It is good for security because the plastic interlayer holds the glass together instead of shattering. Laminated glass is also a better sound protector than regular glass, due to the inner layer.

Heat-Soaked Glass

A type of tempered glass obtained from a process that reduces the possibility of spontaneous breakage of tempered glass during its service life

Melamine

A type of thermosetting plastic commonly used as a veneer laminate for shelving and casework

Cartridge

A type of valve located inside a plumbing faucet; made of plastic or brass

Fixture Unit (FU)

A unit of measure that can be used to determine the required size of plumbing drainage pipes based on average rate of discharge, time of operation, and frequency of use

Sabin

A unit of sound absorption. 1 sf of 100% sound absorbing material has a value of 1 imperial sabin.

Perm

A unit of water vapor transmission

Reduced Pressure Back-Flow Preventer

A valve assembly used to protect the potable water supply from contaminated water. The valve stops used/return water from the building from flowing back into the public water supply.

Check Valve

A valve that allows water to flow in one direction only, preventing backflow that could contaminate the supply

Gate Valve

A valve that uses a metal wedge to cut off flow. When it is open, it has lower friction loss than other types of valves because there are no turns .

Astragal

A vertical element used between double doors that seals the gaps between the two leaves to act as a doorstop or to give added security

Riser

A vertical pipe or conduit that carries electrical wiring

Stile

A vertical sash member

Fire Partition

A wall assembly with a one-hour fire resistance rating. Must provide a continuous barrier from slab to slab. Openings in fire partitions must have a minimum rating of 45 minutes, except corridors, which need 20-minute fire protection assemblies.

Double Wythe Masonry Wall

A wall formed with two masonry units thick, grouted solid

Cavity Wall

A wall formed with two masonry walls, typically one brick tied back to CMU, with an air space in-between

Advertisement to Bid

A way to call for potential bidders by advertising the project in newspapers or trade journals. The advertisement to bid is also included in the project manual. It is required for public projects.

Manual Wet Standpipe

A wet standpipe system is connected to a water supply for the purpose of maintaining water within the system but does not have a water supply capable of delivering the system demand attached to the system. Manual-wet standpipe systems require water from a fire department pumper (or the like) to be pumped into the system in order to meet system demand.

Side Light

A window adjacent to a door to introduce light into the room and provide a view

Transom Light

A window over a door

Punched Window

A window with an opaque wall around it

Chair Rail

A wood molding that runs horizontally around a room 24" or higher above the floor; provides wall protection

Screed

A wood or metal straight edge drawn over a newly placed concrete slab to make it level

Tensile Strength of Steel (Fu)

A36 Steel - Fu = 58 ksi; A992 Steel - Fu = 65 ksi

Yield Strength of Steel (Fy)

A36 Steel - Fy = 36 ksi; A992 Steel - Fy = 50 ksi

ACH

ACH refers to air changes per hour.

ASD vs. LRFD

ASD is Allowable Stress Design. LRFD is Load and Resistance Factor Design and is also called Ultimate Strength Design. Both are ways to calculate stress and therefore choose structural members. ASD treats live load and dead load the same and applies a factor of safety at the end of a calculation. LRFD treats live loads and dead loads differently with a factor of safety applied to each. ASD is the "old" way of doing things and LRFD is the "new" way, but they are very similar and yield similar results. ASD is simpler, while LRFD is more nuanced.

Highest recorded surface wind speed

About 300 mph (during a tornado)

Acoustic Ceiling Baffles

Acoustic baffles are ceiling-mounted, either vertically or horizontally oriented panels that absorb the reflected noise that bounces off hard flat walls, floors, and ceilings. A typical use of ceiling baffles is to orient them vertically and stack several in a row, which provides more surface area for sound absorption. Sound baffles are typically made of fabrics and low in cost.

Estimate diameter of a pendant for a dining room.

Add the width of the room plus length and make it equal to x. Turn the value of x feet into x inches and that is the diameter of the pendant. For example, imagine a room that is 16' x 14'. Because 16+14 = 30, the pendant should be around 30" in diameter.

Add Services

Additional services or add services are additional tasks outside of the basic scope of work that the owner might ask the architect to perform. Add services may include assisting in site selection, programming, renderings, existing building surveys, substantial revisions or redesign, on-site project representation, fast-tracking, and record drawings.

Ballast—In Roofing

Aggregate or concrete pavers used over a loose-laid, single-ply roof membrane to resist wind uplift and protect the membrane from degradation by solar radiation

Which term is more appropriate: air barrier or air retarder?

Air retarder, because most commercially available air barriers retard the flow of air through them rather than completely stop it

Thermal properties of air spaces and air films

Air spaces and air films have thermal insulating properties and can contribute significantly to the insulating capabilities of some materials.

Psychrometry

Air, moisture, and heat have complex interactions and psychrometry is the study of these interactions.

Important design criteria for a curtain wall

Air-infiltration control - Rainwater- and meltwater-penetration control - U-value - Solar heat gain - Condensation resistance - Vapor diffusion - Acoustical transmission - Hurricane resistance - Seismic resistance - Thermal and structural movement - Glass-cleaning equipment load

Scald Guard

Allows one to set a maximum temperature at the faucet without having to adjust the temperature at the water heater

Swing-Clear Hinges

Allows the door to get completely out of the way of the frame, increasing the clear width of the opening

Ferrous Alloy

Alloys that contain a lot of iron (e.g., stainless steel, galvanized iron)

Weathering Steel

Also called corten. Weathering steel is a steel alloy that is designed to form a protective oxide coating as it weathers. Cor-ten stands for corrosion and tension.

English Bond

Alternate course of headers and stretchers

Flemish Bond

Alternates headers and stretchers in each course

Ton

Amount of cooling required to convert a ton of water to ice in a 24-hour period; equal to 12,000 BTU

Occupant Load Factor

Amount of floor area presumed to occupied by one person

Luminous Flux

Amount of light flowing through a theoretical surface called flux that is 12" x 12" square and is 12" from the light source. Luminous flux is measured in lumens. A light source that emits one candela in all directions has 12.57 units of luminous flux (lumens), which is equal to 4π.

Service Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER)

An HVAC energy rating

Elevated Slab

An above-ground floor or roof slab, supported on columns and/or beams and forming an integral part of a structural frame

AHU

An air handling unit (AHU) is an encased mechanical assembly consisting of a fan(s) and other necessary equipment, intended to perform one or more of the functions of circulating, cleaning, heating, cooling, humidifying, dehumidifying, or mixing air for the comfort of building user(s).

Scope of Services

An architect's scope of basic work includes: Evaluating the proposed program, budget, schedule, site, and project delivery method. Assembles the team for the project and reviews and negotiates consultant fees. Provides a schematic design where the architect develops an approach that synthesizes the information gathered about the site and the building and arranges spaces to correspond to and meet requirements. Performs design development where the project is refined and design decisions are considered and confirmed. Draws up construction documents, the biggest phase, where the working drawings and specifications are produced. Participates in bidding and negotiation where the architect helps the owner bid the project and find a contractor. Carries out contract administration, where the architect acts as administrator of the contract.

Strip Windows and Glazing

An array of windows placed side by side to form a horizontal strip window system

Echo

An echo is caused when sound is reflected at a sufficient intensity (defined as being heard between 50 ms to 80 ms after a person heard the initial sound). Echoes make speech less intelligible and make music sound muddy.

Galvanic Corrosion

An electrochemical process where one metal corrodes preferentially to another when they both are in electrical contact and immersed in an electrolyte (which is a liquid or gel that contains ions and can be decomposed by electrolysis).

Mullion

An element that forms a division between window or door units

One-Way Slab

An elevated reinforced concrete slab where most of the load on the slab is carried to the supporting beams in one direction; a four-sided, supported rectangular slab whose length is greater than or equal to twice its width

EIFS

An exterior insulation finish system (EIFS; pronounced ee-fiss) is an exterior cladding system composed of rigid insulation board over a substrate and finished with a coating that resembles stucco.

Invitation to Bid

An invitation to bid is a way to solicit a prequalified contractor to bid on a project.

Tie Rod

An iron or steel rod that serves as a structural tie, especially in an arched structure, to keep the lower ends from spreading

Tactile

An object that can be perceived using the sense of touch

Site Exposure Category C

An open country or grassland location

Industry Organization

Any of the many organizations that serve the general interests of a faction of the construction industry. These groups provide information and guidance as well as perform promotional activities and serve to maintain industry standards. Examples of industry organizations include: American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and American Concrete Institute (ACI).

Sheet membrane application techniques

Applied fully bonded or unbonded

Backbutter

Applying mortar to the back of a tile or brick before setting to help ensure a proper bond

Rigid Insulation

Approximate R-value per inch: Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso): 5.7 to 6 Extruded Polystyrene (XPS): 5 Expanded Polystyrene (EPS): 3.6 to 4.2

ASI

Architectural Supplemental Instructions (ASI) is a document that modifies the contract documents after their original issue. ASIs usually signify small changes in the design and do not affect scope, but rather change or clarify the intent.

What does this sheet number represent based on NCS? A-204

Architectural; Elevations; Fourth sheet in the series

Fire Escapes

Are no longer allowed as a means of egress; older ones are grandfathered in

Advantages of sheet membranes

Arrive to jobsite with uniform thickness, strength, and quality - Immediate setting - Good insulating properties - Low risk of failure if installed properly

Self-Closing

As applied to a fire door or other opening protective, it means being equipped with an device that will ensure closing after having been opened.

Why are clear skies blue?

As white light from the sun is scattered by oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere, the blue wavelength scatters more and this is what makes the sky appear blue.

Coursed Ashlar

Ashlar masonry is laid in courses of stone of equal height for each course, although different courses shall be permitted to be of varying height.

Assembly Group A4 Occupancy

Assemblies for activities intended for viewing indoor sports with spectator seating such as arenas, pools, skating rinks, and so on

Assembly Group A2 Occupancy

Assembly intended for food and drink consumption including banquet halls, night clubs, restaurants, and bars

Assembly Group A5 Occupancy

Assembly intended for participating in or viewing outdoor activities including stadiums, grandstands, and outdoor bleachers

Assembly Group A1 Occupancy

Assembly uses with fixed seating intended for viewing performing arts or motion pictures

Ventilating of attics and crawlspaces

Attics and crawlspaces must be ventilated to keep moisture from damaging building materials.

Required CFM Per Person Depending on Program Type According to IMC 2015 (Auditoriums, Bars/Clubs, Art Classrooms, Lecture Classrooms, Computer Rooms [Without Printing], Dry Cleaners)

Auditoriums (150 people per 1000 sf): 5 CFM/person Bars/clubs (100 people per 1000 sf): 7.5 CFM/person Art classrooms (20 people per 1000 sf): 10 CFM/person Lecture classrooms (65 people per 1000 sf): 7.5 CFM/person Computer rooms (without printing) (4 people per 1000 sf): 5 CFM/person Commercial dry cleaner (30 people per 1000 sf): 30 CFM/person

Secondary Drain

Back-up roof drain used to carry rainwater off roof, into rain leaders, and away from the building; typically mounted 2" higher than primary roof drains to capture additional water during heavy rains, or if primary roof drains are clogged

Types of Cabinets

Base, wall, and tall; framed or frameless; flush inset, flush overlay, reveal overlay, and lipped overlay

Beamless Floor

Beamless Floor A reinforced-concrete slab supported directly on columns without supporting beams

Drag

Because air is a fluid, wind blowing around a building has a drag effect.

Why does water vapor pass more easily through building assemblies?

Because of the typical difference between inside and outside air pressure, vapor moves through buildings with relative ease.

Belled Caisson

Belled Caisson Type of foundation system in which holes are drilled into the earth and concrete is poured; for use when deep foundations are required. The ends of these elements are made wider and belled to distribute loads more evenly in the firm strata. This is used in areas where firm soil lies beneath soft or expansive upper soil.

Should a building's footing be located at the frost line or below it?

Below. In other words, the top of the footing should be at frostline, and therefore the entirety of the footing is below the frostline.

Common noise levels by decibels (dB). At what level is residential no longer recommended?

Beyond 65 dB is not recommended for dwelling use

Bid Security

Bid security is a security against the contractor not entering into a bid with the owner. It is in the form of a check or a bid bond. If the successful bidder fails to enter into the contract, the bid security is forfeited.

Prequalification (AIA A305)

Bidders are often prequalified before being able to bid on projects. Prequalification provides information about bidder's ability to meet standards of reliability, experience, financial stability, and performance.

Contents of a project manual include

Bidding requirements -contract Conditions (General, Supplementary, and special if There are any) -contract Forms -Specifications

General effects of wind on objects

Big Three: 1. Direct positive pressure, 2. drag, 3. negative pressure (aka, suction on the leeward side). Also rocking effects (wind is not a constant velocity), harmonic effects (vibration, flutter, whistling), and clean-off effect (the impact of wind on protruding objects such as equipment, canopies, and signs). Wind damage can be local or total. Damage can be collapse, roll-over, or uplifting. Factors include nature of the wind, nature of the object (size, shape, period, stiffness of surfaces, and strength of connections), and nature of the environs (sheltering and funneling).

ABS

Black plastic pipe used for drain, vent, and waste lines in plumbing

Will braced frame members work in tension, compression, or both?

Both

Binocular Vision

Both eyes focus on the same center of vision. The slight difference in the information each eye receives is what provides us with 3-D depth.

Building Envelope

Building Envelope The components of a building that make up the transition from inside to outside. Includes windows and skylights, doors, walls, roof, and floors. The building envelope can be thought of in five ways regarding the design intent of the energy exchange: filter, barrier glazing is a barrier to wind), connector (glazing is a connector to daylight), switch (shutters), and transformer (PV roof shingles). The energy flow through the building envelope varies with the seasons.

Types of Movement Joints

Building Joints: Joints between different parts of the Building as a whole - Component Joints: Joints between individual components of an assembly

Are building assemblies more susceptible to vapor or air?

Building assemblies are more vapor-permeable than air -permeable. Water vapor can easily pass through walls and roofs with greater ease than air.

Flammability of floor coverings

Building codes require resistance to fire propagation for some applications.

Uplift

Buildings must resist the uplifting force of wind. Uplift may affect the whole building or just parts of it.

Daylight

Buildings should make the most of daylighting for reasons of human comfort and energy savings. Quality of daylight varies according to location and season. For example, a New York City winter sky is ambient and grey, and the light in southern California is sunny and warm. North light is different from south light. Urban light is different than rural light.

How are central heating systems classified?

By the medium they use (steam, air, or water) and by the energy source they use (solar radiation, electricity, or liquid/solid fuels)

How do we prevent the diffusion of water vapor into the envelope assembly?

By using a vapor barrier. This is a material that is impermeable to vapor and is also impermeable to air because if air leaks through it, so will vapor.

Circumference of a Circle

C = 2πr

CMF

CMF Cubic feet per hour, units of ventilation (volume) x ACH/(60 min/hr).

Where are expansive soils found?

California, Nevada, Texas, Arizona, and Maryland

Overturning Effect

Can apply to the building as a whole or parts

Cantilevered Tube

Cantilevered Tube A lateral load resisting system used in high-rise construction. Cantilevered tubes place a rigid structural system on the outside of the building and structurally treat it as a fixed connection, perpendicular to the ground. This simplifies the calculations required to size internal members. The John Hancock Center in Chicago, IL, is a great example of a cantilevered tube.

Capacitors

Capacitors Electrical devices that can correct the out-of-phase current of an inductor and raise the power factor

Most important part of a wood stair

Carriages: structural elements of a stair that are specially cut to support the treads

Certified Wood Label

Carried by wood products that have been produced by manufacturers according to guidelines promulgated by the Forest Stewardship Council.

Waste Stack

Carries waste other than human waste and is open at the top; the minimum diameter of a vent is 1 1/4" or half of the diameter of the drain it services, whichever Is larger.

Casement Window

Casement Window This window type may consist of one operable sash. The sash closes on the frame with pressure providing a compression seal. This window is generally less prone to air leakage and can be more energy efficient than single, double, or sliding windows . It can provide 100% ventilation.

Smoke Shelf

Causes downdrafts in a fireplace to deflect back up

Trowel-Applied Membrane

Cement-based membrane in a two-part mix. Fabric is required at changes from horizontal to vertical, joints and drains

Most important chapters in the code to know for PDD case studies

Chapter 3 Use and Occupancy Classification, Chapter 4 Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy, Chapter 5 General Building Heights and Areas, Chapter 9 Fire Protection Systems, Chapter 10 Means of Egress, Chapter 11 Accessibility, Chapter 12 Interior Environment

Treated Wood

Chemical treatment of lumber for decay, fire, or insect resistance. Chemicals are applied to the lumber under pressure. The chemicals used are always evolving. Copper chromium arsenate used to be widely used to treat lumber but is no longer used because of its high toxicity.

Handgrip requirements for handrail

Circular cross section between 1 1/4" and 2 5/8"; noncircular profiles must provide equivalent graspability

Fire extinguisher class mnemonic

Class A is for any ordinary fire; Class B is for flammables such as gasoline; Class C is for electrical conductance fires; Class D is for metals (medals ); Class K is for kitchens

Moisture movement in concrete and masonry

Clay masonry units expand on absorption of water or water vapor. This expansion is irreversible.

What should be considered when creating schedules?

Client requirements - Size realtive to drawing block, drawing area, and project manual - Method of creation generated by CAD or manually produced - Reproduction Method - Degree of reduction or enlargement - minimum Size of text to remain legible - End Use at office or jobsite

Coal Tar Enamel

Coating for anticorrosion that is resistant to soil bacterial, marine organisms, and root growth; used in subterranean pipelines for petroleum products

Galvanizing

Coating iron or steel with a protective layer of zinc by immersing it in a molten bath Purpose of Galvanizing: when metal is going to be used in an environment where corrosion is likely, it is often galvanized so that it will be able to withstand the conditions.

Thermal Transmittance (U)

Coefficient of heat transmission (air to air) through a building component or assembly, equal to the time rate of heat flow per unit area and unit temperature difference between the warm side and cold side air films. It is the inverse of R.

Cool Colors

Colors that feel cool, including blue, green, violet, and most grays.

Warm Colors

Colors that make you feel warm, including red, orange, and yellow, as well as shades of brown and tan.

Epoxy Terrazzo

Combining assets of cementitious systems with the dramatic improvements made in epoxy resins, this flooring type is lighter and more flexible than cementitious terrazzo.

Stock Cabinets

Come in width increments of 3". For example, 12", 15", 18", 21", 24", 27", 30", 33", 36".

Thermal Sailing

Common in passive solar structures, thermal sailing occurs when the building's users manipulate the building envelope based on the effect desired at a later time . An example would be operable shades.

General Requirements

Commonly known as Division 1, information in this set of sections is intended to communicate the administrative and procedural requirements that govern all of the technical sections. Information includes such topics as payment procedures, submittals, quality control, substitution requests, and contract closeout documents.

Unit Kitchen

Compact all-in-one kitchen unit that contains refrigeration, a sink, and a cooktop

Defend in Place

Concept used in health-care and penal occupancies where people either can't or shouldn't exit on their own in the case of a fire.

Béton Brut

Concrete left in its natural state after the formwork is removed, especially when the concrete surface reflects the texture, joints, and fasteners of a board form

Connector Plates or Toothed Plates

Connector Plates or Toothed Plates Sheet metal plate connectors with tooth-like spikes used to connect the members of wood trusses

Benefits of using NCS for contractors and subcontractors

Consistent drawing sheet order and sheet organization; information appears in the same place in all drawing sets - Consistent detail reference system - Reduction of discrepancies, reducing the potential for errors, change orders , and construction delays - Enhanced potential for automated payment process - Consistent organization of data for all projects

Benefits of using NCS for clients and owners

Consistent organization of data for all projects, from all sources - Greater clarity of communication of design intent to the client - Streamlined electronic data management of facility management data - Enhanced potential for automated document storage and retrieval - Streamlined construction document checking process

Discipline Designator

Consisting of one alphabetical character and a hyphen or two alphabetical characters: AANNN

Sheet Type Designator

Consisting of one numerical character: AANNN

Fusible Link

Consists of two metal parts joined by a link of a metal alloy that is designed to melt at a specific temperature. At the temperature the link melts away, electrical flow across the link is interrupted. This is a mechanism used as a triggering device in fire suppression technologies like fire dampers and fire doors.

Through-Wall Flashing

Continuous flashing used in water sensitive areas such as windowsills. It extends through the entire wall section to prevent water from entering the main portion of the wall and causing damage.

Difference between expansion joint and control joint

Control joints occur in concrete masonry or masonry walls. Expansion joints are provided in almost all components because temperature-induced movement is universal.

Backer rod functions

Controls depth and shape of sealant - Allows the tooling of the sealant, which gives adhesion between the sealant and substrate - Acts as a temporary joint seal until the sealant is applied

Building Management System (BMS)

Controls systems in a building such as temperature, lighting, HVAC, water heaters, appliances, door and window locks, and security cameras

Transformer

Converts voltage either up or down by electromagnetic induction. Overland electrical voltage is very high and is stepped down by substation transformers and again by transformers in buildings.

Cooling Load Temperature Difference (CLTD)

Cooling load calculation that represents difference in indoor and outdoor air temperature and helps size HVAC equipment

Coordinator

Coordinates the closing sequence of double doors when one has an astragal so that they close in the proper order and may close completely

Casing

Decorative members that cover the joints between adjacent materials

Hue

Defined by wavelength and what most of us mean when we say "color"

Gypsum Wallboard Finish Level

Defines how visible joints are and how smooth the finish is for gypsum wallboard. Level 1 is the most rough in appearance, typically used in areas that are not in view (i.e., in a ceiling plenum). Level 5 is the highest end finish, which is used in applications that are to receive any specialty coating, such as unbacked vinyl graphics, specialty paints, or areas that may have harsh light. Level 4 is the commonly specified finish for areas that are to receive paint, or a wall covering.

External loads on a body cause it to elongate or shorten. What is this called?

Deformation or strain

Brick Ledge

Depressed portion of a concrete foundation to support the first story of brick veneer

Pressure Regulator

Devices on plumbing fixtures to reduce pressure when the supply pressure is too great.

Self-Furring Lath

Dimpled lath that holds itself away from the surface it is attached to. This allows a plaster or stucco finish to be interlocked, or keyed, with it.

DX

Direct expansion (DX) systems are air-cooling units that use vapor-compression refrigeration cycles to cool the air in a building.

Cove Light

Directs light, usually linear, toward the ceiling to offer diffuse illumination

Evaporation

Disappearance of water, which is the conversion of water into water vapor. Once in the form of water vapor, it exerts pressure on the surfaces of the enclosure containing it.

Panic Hardware

Door hardware that is required in certain occupancy types (in all instances for Group H and for areas with 50 or more occupants in Group A and E) and will be listed in accordance with UL 305, according to IBC 2015. The hardware should be a push pad type and will open in the direction of egress when subjected to pressure.

Double-Skin Glass Curtain Wall

Double-Skin Glass Curtain Wall A glass curtain wall assembly composed of two layers of glazing separated by 1' to 5' of air space, also called double-skin façade or bioclimatic glass curtain wall

DWV

Drain, waste, and vent piping (DWV) is usually plastic or cast iron.

Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation is a low-pressure irrigation system that allows moisture to drip out rather than spray. It saves water by reducing evaporation and runoff.

Fire extinguisher types

Dry, inert gas (halon); CO2 (carbon dioxide)

Level Loop

Each loop is the same height.

Windows for Ventilation

Each type of window has a different rate of ventilation with casements having the highest rates .

Effectiveness of air filters

Effectiveness is dependent on two factors: efficiency of the collector and the rate of air-circulation

Efflorescence

Efflorescence consists of one or more water-soluble salts that were originally present in the masonry unit or in the mortar. Efflorescence is brought to the surface and deposited there by water that seeped into the masonry, dissolved the salts, then migrated to the surface and evaporated.

Elastic Deformation

Elastic Deformation Building components are designed to remain elastic under loads. Also known as instantaneous deformation. These are routinely determined for all types of structures and are a part of the structural calculations.

Inductors

Electrical devices that use magnetic fields, like ballasts and motors

What is electromotive force and how is it measured?

Electromotive force is a difference in potential that gives rise to an electric current. It is measured in volts. It is analogous to intensity or pressure.

Cantilevered Elevator

Elevator where a side opening is required in addition to a front opening. The rails and bracket supporting the cab are located on one wall of the hoistway (cantilevering the elevator cab) to ensure that doors can be on the side and front.

Embed Plate

Embed plates are metal components that are cast into concrete to provide anchoring for other systems later.

Emergency Lighting—Means of Egress

Emergency lighting is required for means of egress and shall be not less than an average of 1 fc or minimum of 0.1 fc at any one point along the floor. See IBC 1008.3.5.

Engineered Wood

Engineered Wood Any of various products manufactured by taking strands, veneers, fibers, or other parts of wood and bonding them together for a composite product; includes plywood, OSB, glulams, paralams, microlams, LVL s, particleboard, and cross-laminated timber

Autoclave

Equipment sterilizers used in medical facilities that work like pressure cookers

Economizer

Equipment that permits the use of outdoor air instead of refrigeration units for building cooling when conditions are right

Escutcheon Plate

Escutcheon plates are circular plates that cover the joint when pipes penetrate other materials.

Enthalpy Economizer

Evaluates both temperature and humidity; mixes appropriate outdoor/indoor air to achieve comfortable conditions without cooling

Active strategies for IAQ

Exhaust fans Heat exchangers Preheating or cooling of makeup air Air cleaners/filters

Compare and contrast expansion, control, and construction joints.

Expansion joints are continuous breaks in a material to accommodate movement due to thermal expansion. Expansion joints can also be called isolation joints. Control joints are breaks in a material that are designed to create a weak spot so when a material, such as a concrete slab, inevitably cracks, the cracking occurs within the control joint. A construction joint describes the joint created when construction stops and starts again at a later date.

Exposed Aggregate

Exposed Aggregate A decorative finish produced by sandblasting, etching, or scrubbing a concrete surface to remove the outer layer of cement paste and expose the aggregates

Wind Exposure A, B, C, and D

Exposure A is for sites that are among tall buildings; Exposure B is for sites in residential-scaled neighborhoods; Exposure C is for sites surrounded by open fields; Exposure D is for sites next to open water

Externally Braced Frame

Externally Braced Frame The use of external sources of lateral bracing such as guylines, struts, and buttresses

NCS plotted line width recommendations

Extra Fine: 0.005" Fine: 0.007" Thin: 0.010" Medium: 0.014" Wide: 0.020" Extra Wide: 0.028" XX Wide: 0.039" XXX Wide: 0.055" XXXX Wide: 0.079"

Glare

Extreme contrasts in light that cause annoyance or loss of visual performance

True or false? Emergency egress lighting is not required in older buildings that are grandfathered in.

FALSE

Limitations of sheet membranes

Failures due to installation error rather than product - Overlaps, seams, and penetrations can be source of water entry - Poor exposure resistance and temperature stability - Cannot conform to irregular surfaces

True or false? Automated entrance doors are required where public buildings must be accessible.

False, while helpful, they are not required.

True or false? Buildings are designed to resist wind and earthquake loads.

False. Buildings are designed to resist wind or earthquake loads, whichever causes the greatest effect. In regions with low seismic activities, buildings are designed for wind.

True or false? A heavy building is a disadvantage in terms of wind design.

False. Heavy buildings resist overturning, uplift, and sliding.

True or false? The greatest safety threat of electricity in buildings is electric shock.

False. It's fire.

True or false? Exposing structural and mechanical always saves money.

False. Mechanical and structural work that will be left exposed must be installed and finished to a higher degree and therefore costs more than mechanical and structural systems that are not exposed.

True or false? Roof slabs are typically designed to be stronger than floor slabs because of the added forces of wind and snow.

False. Roof structures are typically lighter construction than floor structures.

True or false? The level of mathematics in structural engineering is usually quite rigorous, requiring the use of high-level mathematics such as calculus and differential equations.

False. Structural calculations are usually done with arithmetic, algebra, and the occasional trigonometry or elementary calculus. Calculations that are more complex are done with computer assistance.

True or false? Information about material quality and installation methods should be located in the drawings.

False. This information should be located in the specifications.

True or false? Vapor retarders are required in buildings, regardless of whether they have insulation.

False. Vapor retarders are not needed in buildings that have insulation.

Acrylic Paint

Fast-drying, water-resistant paint containing pigments suspended in acrylic polymer emulsion

Wrought Iron

Ferrous metal with low carbon content. Malleable, ductile, and corrosion resistant. Can be welded. The Eiffel Tower is made of wrought iron.

Fiber Optics

Fiber optics are very thin fibers of glass that can be used to transmit light over long distances.

Duct Liner

Fiberglass lining installed within a mechanical duct or wrapped around its exterior. Duct liners provide thermal insulation and serve as acoustical provisions to reduce noise transmitted along the duct.

FRP

Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) is colloquially called "orange peel." Affordable, durable wall covering used in kitchens, restrooms and more.

Figure (Wood)

Figure is the word used to describe the appearance of wood due to its grain, cut, and properties including species and growing pattern. Cathedral, burl, and bird's eye are examples of different figure markings in wood.

Woods for Structural Use

Fir, pine, spruce, redwood, cedar, hemlock, larch

Wet pipe, dry pipe, pre-action, and deluge are the four common types for what system?

Fire sprinkler system

Primary Fire Protection Systems

Fire sprinklers, smoke-control systems, and smoke and heat vents

Sheet Sequence Number

First sheet in a series is always 01, followed by 02-99. They do not need to be sequential to allow for future inclusion of sheets during design.

Security Camera Types

Fixed: remains focused on a specified area; PTZ (stands for Pan/Tilt/Zoom) can be controlled remotely and adjusted to focus on different areas as needed

Selecting Flashing

Flashing is made of sheet metal, bituminous-coated fabric, plastic, composite, rubber, or other waterproof materials. Flashing can either be concealed or exposed, rigid or flexible. When selecting a flashing material, consider appearance, durability, and galvanic action.

This type of roof appears to have no slope at all; however, there is a slight slope to allow for water drainage.

Flat roof, this is commonly used in commercial and industrial building

Heat-Strengthened Glass

Float glass that has been heated and cooled for strength. It is about twice as strong as annealed glass. When broken, glass pieces tend to break in larger pieces. It is not considered a safety glass.

Sound isolation of floor coverings

Floor coverings can improve the impact insulation class when building codes mandate minimum sound isolation requirements for floors.

Slip Resistance

Floor coverings should be resistant to people slipping and falling.

Types, amount, and frequency of traffic

Floor coverings should be suitable for the abrasive impact that pedestrian foot traffic will have on it. Foot traffic impact can be measured by the number of crossings per day.

Sound absorption of floor coverings

Floor coverings that absorb sound can lower the airborne noise level within rooms.

Electricity

Flow (current) of electrons from negative to positive charges. It is an invisible form of energy that can be transformed into other types of energy, like heat and mechanical energy .

Flush Valve

Flush valves control the release of water into a toilet.

Flushometer

Flushometers are a type of flush valve. They can be manual (lever), pushbutton, or touchless, activated by a sensor.

How to read a wide-flange steel shape designation.

For W 12 x 26, W is the shape (W stands for wide-flange), 12 is the depth in nominal inches (actual depth of this section is 12.22 inches), 26 means the steel shape weighs 26 pounds per linear foot.

Sheet Piles

For depths of up to 15', vertical sheets of steel can be driven into the ground before commencing excavations. These individual sections interlock with one another on both sides. The interlocks form a continuous barrier to retain the earth.

Toilet Wax Ring

Forms a seal between the discharge port of the toilet and the flange in the floor; prevents the toilet from leaking; must be replaced every time the toilet is taken up

Built-Up Section

Forms a structural member by combining two or more structural steel shapes

Pile Foundations

Foundation system that uses piles driven or drilled deep into the earth; typically used when soil is unsuitable for spread footings and the foundation needs to transmit loads through soil to a stronger bearing surface below

Combined Footing

Foundation system used when columns are located in close proximity to one another or too close to a property line; a footing is poured for all of them together

Deep Foundations

Foundations that penetrate deep into the earth's surface. Unlike shallow foundations, deep foundations either use friction to transfer loads or they bear directly on the bedrock below. Piles and caissons are typical deep foundations. Piles are made of steel or timber and are driven into the ground using a pile driver. Caissons are constructed with reinforced concrete and are cast in place.

Bentonite Clay

Foundations with habitable spaces must be protected from moisture intrusion. Bentonite clay is a type of clay that has unusual qualities of cohesion and sealing when exposed to moisture. Used as a waterproofing membrane at a fountain wall, it can provide an impermeable barrier to moisture intrusion from the soil. It cannot be ripped, punctured, or cracked. Bentonite clay can also be used under slabs. It is found naturally in South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana and is mined for its unique qualities.

Spider Connector

Four-pronged stainless steel connector used at the corner of four lites of glass in a mullionless glass curtain wall

Clad Window

Framing members of a wood window clad in aluminum, PVC, or fiberglass on the outside to increase wood's durability

Where do you use nails?

Framing, roofing, siding, finish work

Slanted flanks at either side of a window will do what to the daylight?

Funnel light deeper into a room

Furring

Furring or furring strips are wood or metal strips that are attached to a wall or other surface to provide a structure for attaching a finish material such as gypsum board. It is used to level and resurface or to provide a cavity for insulation or piping.

NCS Discipline Designators

G: General H: Hazardous materials V: Survey/mapping B: Geotechnical C: Civil L: Landscape S: Structural A: Architectural I: Interiors Q: Equipment F: Fire Protection P: Plumbing D: Process M: Mechanical E: Electrical W: Distributed energy T: Telecommunications R: Resource X: Other disciplines

USCS symbols for gravel

G: gravel S: sand M: silt C: clay

What roof shape has an A-frame with an equal slope on each side?

Gable roof, also known as pitched or peaked roof

CSI MasterFormat Division 01

General Requirements. Contains information that applies to all the other specification sections so that it does not have to be repeated in each section.

Fixed Window

Generally does not have a sash because the glass is held directly by the window frame. There is 0% ventilation.

Thermal Movement

Generally the most critical movement, because it occurs in all components, particularly those exposed to the exterior climate, such as exterior walls.

The discovery of the relationship between magnetism and electricity allowed for which technologies?

Generators, motors, and transformers

Tempered Glass

Glass that is heated to a high temperature (about 1200º F) and then quickly cooled. The heating and cooling process creates compressive stresses on the outer surfaces and tensile stresses on the inside. It is about four times stronger than float glass of the same thickness. When breaking, tempered glass shatters into many tiny pieces instead of dangerous shards. Tempered glass cannot be cut, so it must be formed in the desired size and shape.

Electrochromic Glass

Glass whose light transmittance is altered by the application of an electric current.

Glazing

Glazing Glazing is the process of installing glass in a window frame. It can also refer to the glass that has been installed through the glazing process.

Security Glazing

Glazing system that can withstand various levels of assault from handheld weapons, ballistic weapons, and so on

Indoor finishes that can be significant contributors to indoor air quality problems

Glues and binders in wood products, floor leveling compounds, carpets and backings, flooring adhesives, treatments applied to carpets and fabrics, wall covering adhesives, vinyl of all kinds, joint compounds, paint, varnish, stain, and other coatings

Type FBS

Grade for Facing Bricks: wide range of color and greater size variation per unit

Grade MW

Grade for building bricks: Moderate Weathering (Midwest, most of Washington)

Grade NW

Grade for building bricks: Negligible Weathering (Along southern US border)

Grade SW

Grade for building bricks: Severe Weathering (Oregon, most of the Eastern half of the US)

Gravel Stop

Gravel Stop A sheet metal component that is installed on the edge of a flat built-up roof to keep water and gravel from washing off.

Hypocausts

Gravity heating systems used by the Romans to heat public baths and private houses

Two main classifications of loads

Gravity loads -Lateral loads

There are more shades of the color _____ than any other color. Why?

Green. This is because the cones in your eyes are most sensitive to green.

Where can greywater be used and where does it come from?

Greywater is nonpotable water that may contain traces of dirt, grease, and household cleaning products. Greywater can be used for toilet water as well as plant irrigation. Sources for greywater include lavatories, roof drains, swales, washing machines, and bath drains; it cannot come from any sources that contain human waste.

Grounding

Grounding A type of safeguard to protect people from shock and systems from shorting out, grounding allows electrical current to find an easy path to the earth.

Health issues associated with interstitial condensation

Growth of fungi and mold can occur with interstitial condensation

Low-Range Sealants

Have limited movement ability to the order of 5% or less. Included in this category are - Oil-based caulks - Butyl or acrylic caulks

High-Range Sealants

Have movement range larger than 12.5%. Silicone is considered to be in this category and has a movement range of more than 50%.

Medium-Range Sealants

Have movement range of up to 12.5%

Photoluminescent

Having the property of emitting light that continues for a length of time after exposure from visible light has been removed

Common Bond

Header course every sixth course; head joints are aligned between header and stretcher courses

Parts of a schedule according to NCS

Heading: the main subject or title of a schedule - Mark Column: first identifier at far left of schedule, Can be alphanumeric or Can include a graphic symbol - Item Description Column: Name or Identification of each Item provided with a separate Mark in the schedule - Distinguishing Feature Column: distinct, different, or defining characteristics that specifically describe special information related to items in the schedule - Notes Column: special Type of Distinguishing Feature Column used to locate special remarks about items in the schedule that do not warrant their own separate Column identifier

Sapwood vs. Heartwood

Heartwood is the dead, innermost part of a tree and is usually darker in color. Sapwood is the living, outermost part of a tree and is usually paler in color.

Naturally Decay-Resistant Wood

Heartwood of redwood, cedar, black locust, and black walnut are decay resistant per the IBC and redwood and Eastern red cedar are termite-resistant. Specify "All-Heart" wood as sapwood of the same species does not offer this protection.

Mastic

Heavy, paste-like material usually applied with a trowel and used as a bonding agent

Factors that affect wind loads

Height above ground - Exposure classification of the site - Topography of the site - Enclosure classification of the building - Importance of the building's occupancy

High Bay

High output lighting to be used when uniform lighting is required in a space with a high ceiling such as a warehouse or big-box store

Floodlight

High output lights with broad beam spread to light a large area such as a football field

Sewer Brick

High-strength, low-absorption brick used in drainage structures

HEPA Filter

Highly efficient air filters that remove dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and other particulates

Window Hardware

Hinges, latches, locks, levers, and so on

Hollow-Core Wood Door

Hollow-core doors are made with wood veneer faces on each side of a cellular cardboard interior. They transmit sound easily and have no fire-resistive properties.

Story Drift

Horizontal deflection of a single story relative to the story above or below. Story drift is due to wind or earthquake forces. Not specified in the IBC but often limited to 0.005 or 0.0025 times the story height.

Construction Joints

Horizontal or vertical joints between successive concrete pours

Which direction is earthquake load generally directed in?

Horizontal; lateral bracing is required to resist this.

Types of liquid membranes

Hot liquid asphalt or cold asphaltic compounds - Two component polyurethane - Water-based epoxy - Polyester resin with fiberglass mat - Flexible epoxy resin - Bitumen latex - Acrylic copolymer cement - Latex-based single component

Wiremold Raceway

Housing to run electrical, communication, and A/V cables and wires on surfaces of walls, ceilings, and floor; Typically used in retrofit applications where it is too expensive or dangerous to cut into existing conditions

Albedo

How much radiant energy that is reflected by a surface, where 0 is a flat black surface that absorbs all heat and 1 is a mirror (rate is listed as a fraction or percentage)

Tolerable Humidity

Humans can tolerate 20% to 70% humidity, but 30% to 65% is ideal for human comfort.

Ice Storage Cooling

Ice is made at night, when temperatures are cool and energy demand is low, and used throughout the day to cool the building.

Calculating illuminance

If the number of lumens striking a surface and the area of the surface are known, then the illuminance can be calculated. For example, if 5500 lumens are striking an area that is 10' by 10', then the illumination is 55 foot-candles (fc). This is done by taking the lumens and dividing by the area. 5500/100 = 55. This does not account for light loss factors.

Perm Rating

If this is zero, the material is impermeable to vapor flow and makes it a perfect vapor retarder (i.e., a vapor barrier). This is also a function of the material's thickness. A larger thickness of the same material has a lower rating.

Purpose of an air retarder

If wrapped around the entire building, it allows very little air to pass through but has a high degree of permeability to water vapor. It is usually wrapped over the sheathing. It not only reduces heat gain or loss by reducing air leakage but also reduces air movement in the wall cavity in the vicinity of the insulation, increasing the effectiveness of the insulation.

Calculation of horizontal illuminance by the lumen (flux) method (formula)

Illuminance E = (lamp lumens x CU x LLF)/area E: expressed in foot-candles Lamp Lumens: number of fixtures x lamps per fixture x initial lumens per lamp CU: the ratio between the lumens reaching the working plane in the specific space and the lumen generated LLF: Loss light factor

Self-Luminous

Illuminated by a self-contained power source other than batteries and operated independently of external power sources

Seismic Group II

Important or hazardous buildings: schools, health-care facilities, power-generating stations

Purpose of a primer in sealed joints

Improve adhesion of the sealant to substrate.

Collar Tie

In a small, pitched roof formed by two planes of inclined rafters, collar ties are the horizontal framing members that tie the rafter together near the top to reduce outward thrust on the rafters.

Implementing sustainable products

In an effort to implement construction projects that have the least impact on the environment, specifiers include requirements such as - Low or no-VOC paints, coatings, sealants, and adhesives - Products with high recycled content - Products that have been manufactured, harvested, or recovered regionally - Roofing and paving materials with high reflectance values - Particleboard and insulations with no added urea formaldehyde - Flooring products that have received FloorScore Certifications.

Importance Factor

In calculating seismic and wind loads, importance factor is a multiplier assigned to a building based on the building's use. Essential facilities like hospitals and fire stations have the highest importance factor.

Saturation

In color theory, saturation is intensity of color. No saturation of a color is gray. In other words, it is how "pure" a color is. Saturation is also called chroma.

Split Slab Construction

In contrast to a solid slab, which acts as both the structural support and traffic surface for a floor, a split slab separates these two functions into two parts. The lower part is a structural slab, which carries the necessary loads. A waterproofing membrane is placed above this element to separate it from the topping slab. The topping slab is then placed on top of the waterproofing membrane. Split slab construction allows the waterproofing layer to be protected from traffic by the topping slab.

Direct Current vs. Alternating Current

In direct current (DC), the voltage and current remain constant over time. In alternating current (AC), the voltage and current changes direction periodically. Batteries supply DC power. Electrical outlets in buildings provide AC.

Nail Popping and Screw Popping

In drywall or plaster walls, popping occurs when nailheads pop back out, displacing the compound. Could indicate settling. Screws pop less than nails.

Switch

In electrical circuits, switches "make" or "break" a circuit by interrupting the current.

Smoke Compartment

In health-care and penal occupancies, smoke compartments allow for defending in place. The area of a smoke compartment is limited to 22,500 sf. Smoke compartments are enclosed on all sides by smoke barriers.

Dado

In joinery, a dado is a rectangular groove or slot cut into a material such as wood or plastic. Kinds include stopped, through, blind, rabeted, and double.

Termite Shield

In light wood frame construction, a termite shield is a piece of sheet metal that is installed at the top of a foundation to limit termites' migration from the soil to the wood framing above. Used in areas where risk of termite infestation is high.

Optics

In luminaire design, optics is the science of getting a light to do what one wants by interacting the light with lenses and reflectors of the luminaire.

Wire Ties

In masonry construction, wire ties are used to bond the masonry to the substrate or to connect two or more wythes.

Air Gap (Plumbing)

In plumbing, an air gap is the vertical distance between an outlet of water, such as a faucet, and the rim level of the receptacle, such as the sink basin. Prevents siphoning of the water from the receptacle back to the faucet.

Baffle Trim

In recessed can lighting, a baffle is a piece of grooved plastic or metal trim that softens the light as it exits the fixture, reducing glare.

Balusters

In stair design, balusters are the vertical members that support the rails.

Rigid Body Concept

In statics, rigid body concept means to ignore the small deformations of a structural member when loaded in order to greatly simplify calculations and reduce errors.

Matrix

In terrazzo construction, the matrix refers to the binder, either cement or epoxy resin.

Fovea

In the eye, the fovea is a small collection of closely packed photoreceptor cells located in a small pit on the surface of the retina opposite the iris. It constitutes the center of vision where acuity and color discrimination are the greatest.

Parafovea

In the eye, the parafovea is the larger part of the retinal wall that is not the fovea. It is mostly composed of rod cells.

Where would a provision for the owner to pay for utilities instead of the contractor be located?

In the project manual in the supplementary conditions

Incising

In treated lumber, little cuts are sometimes made in the wood to improve chemical impregnation. This is called incising.

Kerning

In typography, kerning is the spacing of the letters within a word to achieve a pleasant and readable text.

Router

In woodworking, a router is a tool to hollow or "rout" out a piece of wood or plastic with a bit. A router can make holes, grooves, and contours and is used in making cabinetry and furniture.

Projected Window

Includes windows whose sashes project out of the window plane when open, such as casement, awning, hopper, and pivoted windows.

Bidding Documents

Includes: - advertisement or invitation to bid - instructions to bidders - bid forms - bid security information - performance bond (if required) - labor and material payment bond (if required)

Reference Specifying

Incorporates reference standards published by industry associations and testing organizations and allows specifiers to use industry-accepted standards of practice and performance

How to prevent surface condensation

Increase the R-Value of the assembly

Compaction

Increasing the density of the soil by mechanical means, such as with a sheepsfoot roller. Compaction is part of almost any building or paving project. It increases soil bearing capacity and stability, reduces settling of the soil, and provides resistance to water penetration. Four means: vibration, pressure, impact, and kneading. The results of poor compaction include cracks, leaks, and erosion.

Creep

Incremental deformation of a component caused by sustained loading. This is significant only in concrete and concrete masonry.

IAQ

Indoor air quality (IAQ) includes odors, irritants, toxins, biological contaminants, and radon and other soil gases. ASHRAE defines acceptable indoor air quality as "air in which there are no known contaminants at harmful concentrations as determined by cognizant authorities and with which a substantial majority (80% or more) of the people exposed do not express dissatisfaction." Poor indoor air quality is tied to sick building syndrome (SBS).

Impedance

Inductors create an opposition to the current as well as resistance, and together they are called impedance. Impedance is measured in ohms.

Power Factor

Inductors throw currents out of phase, which reduces the power in the circuit. This effect is called power factor (PF) and is the ratio of real power to apparent power. Real power is the capacity of the circuit, and apparent power is volts x amps. The power factor is a value between -1 and 1. Capacitors can fix this negative effect.

What are the three different grades found in glulam beams?

Industrial: appearance is not a concern; Architectural: appearance is a concern; Premium: highest grade available, appearance is of high concern

American Concrete Institute (ACI)

Industry organization concerned with cement and concrete construction

Portland Cement Association (PCA)

Industry organization concerned with cement and concrete construction

Steel Deck Institute (SDI)

Industry organization concerned with formed sheet steel products

Masonry Institute of America (MIA)

Industry organization concerned with masonry products and masonry structures

American Plywood Association (APA)

Industry organization concerned with plywood and buildings constructed with plywood

Precast Concrete Institute (PCI)

Industry organization concerned with pre-cast concrete products and construction

Steel Joist Institute (SJI)

Industry organization concerned with prefabricated, light steel trusses such as open-web joists

Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI)

Industry organization concerned with steel reinforcing for concrete and concrete structural design

American Welding Society (AWS)

Industry organization concerned with welding

American Institute of Timber Construction (AITC)

Industry organization concerned with wood, wood products, and fasteners and wood construction

American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)

Industry organization concerned with: -Steel construction -Rolled products -Steel connectors

American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI)

Industry organization concerned with: -Steel construction -Steel products -Cold-formed (light gauge) products

What do notes on drawings provide?

Information -Instruction -Identification

MH CH OH

Inorganic silts, micaceous or diatomaceous fine sands or silts, elastic silts Inorganic clays of high plasticity, fat clays Organic clays of medium to high plasticity

ML CL OL

Inorganic silts, very fine sands, rock flour, silty or clayey fine sands Inorganic clays of low to medium plasticity, gravelly clays, sandy clays, silty clays and lean clays Organic silts and organic silty clays of low plasticity

Smoke alarm requirements for dwellings

Inside every sleeping room, outside every sleeping room in the immediate vicinity, and on each story of the home; must be hardwired and interconnected

What helps minimize the effects of efflorescence in facades?

Installation of a waterproof membrane will help reduce this phenomenon, where salt and minerals migrate to the exterior finish material

Hygrometer

Instrument used to measure the relative humidity of the air

Insulated Glass

Insulated Glass Insulated glass is two or more panes of glass together with a layer of air in the middle for insulating purposes. Also called insulated glass units (IGUs). Insulated glass units are hermetically sealed and contain desiccants for dehumidification. The air space in-between is often filled with an inert gas such as argon.

Non-Load-Bearing Partitions

Interior partitions that are not integral to the structure of the building, and can be altered or removed in the future. Non-load bearing partitions can be made of CMU, metal studs with drywall, wood framing with drywall, etc.

Energy Star Labels

Introduced by the EPA to recognize energy-efficient computers, this is an international energy-labeling system that labels home and office appliances, light sources, windows, etc.

Economizer Cycle

Introduces additional fresh air into the HVAC cycle to improve overall air quality and reduce energy cost

Electromagnetic Field

Invisible fields of energy that surround electrically charged objects

Specific effects of wind on objects

Inward pressure on exterior walls, suction on exterior walls, pressure on roof surfaces (inward and outward), overall horizontal force (the reason we need lateral resistance), horizontal sliding force (the building sliding off the foundation), overturning, wind design for specific building parts such as protruding elements, harmonic effects, effect of openings and "cups" (particularly band shell structures and similar forms), and torsional effects due to asymmetry. In addition to buildings, freestanding exterior walls and signs must be designed for wind resistance.

Why is relative humidity of air used ?

It is based on human sensitivity to the water vapor content in the air. It measures whether the air feels drier or damper.

What is the most important property of a sealant?

It is its ability to withstand cyclic joint movements. Sealants are classified into three categories: - Low-range - Medium-range - High-range

What qualifies a material as a vapor retarder?

Its perm rating must be 1.0 perm or less. For it to be effective, it must be less than or equal to 0.1 perm.

Isolation Joints

Joints located at slab on grade, columns, or walls to allow for independent movement

Control Joints

Joints that allow for shrinkage of large areas, and control and induce cracking to occur along the joint

Expansion Joints

Joints that allow free movement of adjacent parts due to expansion or contraction of concrete; typically waterproof, watertight, filled with an elastic filler; required at buildings over 200' long, at joints of building wings, and at additions

Lapped Joints

Joints that do not need to be sealed because building components overlap. Examples of these joints are - Joints between exterior wall siding - Joints between roof shingles or tiles - Joints between underlayment felts below shingles

What are some key items to consider for wood structures?

Keep it dry -Requires ventilation -Keep joists a minimum of 18" away from the ground -Keep girders a minimum of 12" away from the ground -Any wood within 6" of the ground must be treated -Fire stops are required for multistory wood construction

Continuous Loop Hot Water System

Keeps hot water hot by recirculating it through a closed loop system

Kynar

Kynar A type of high-performing, long-lasting, resin-based coating

Landing Frame

Landing of a steel stair framed with structural steel members as a unit. The frame is supported by suspending it from the upper-level floor beams with hanger bars.

Soil Stack

Large pipe into which all the soil and waste lines from one or more levels empty, open to the outside air at the top

What time of day is the least and the most power being used in the US?

Least: late at night/early morning Most: hot summer, late afternoon

Nosing projections

Less than 1 1/4"

Task Lighting

Light directed to a particular area or work surface. Lower levels of general lighting are possible when task lighting is used.

Material weight relative to earthquake loads

Lighter buildings attract smaller earthquake loads; concrete and masonry framed buildings attract larger loads than those made from wood or steel.

Occupancy Sensors

Lighting control systems that sense motion. Can be infrared or ultrasonic. If no movement is sensed after a period of time, the lights are turned off, saving energy.

Insulating Concrete

Lightweight concrete consisting of Portland cement, water, and expanded aggregate, primarily used as low-slop roof insulation

Terrazzo Flooring

Like concrete, this flooring is mixed with several aggregates and placed, wet and plastic, in its final location.

Maximum size of aggregate in a concrete mixture

Limited by size of the section and spacing of the rebar

Diagonal Brace

Linear, diagonal stiffening element against lateral loads

List four types of dampers.

List four types of dampers. 1. Fire Damper: automatically stops air flow when there is an increase in temperature to prevent the spread of fire; 2. Splitter Damper: is used to send a certain amount of airflow down a duct; 3. Balancing: balances the flow of air, but does not shut off the air; 4. Motorized Control: a remote system that varies the airflow within an automated system, very efficient

Backup Wall

Load-bearing or non-load-bearing wall to which exterior cladding is adhered or anchored

Are red light wavelengths longer or shorter than purple?

Longer

Textured or Multi-Level Loop

Loops are inserted into the backing with different heights for dimensional effect.

Loss Light Factor

Loss light factor (LLF) is a calculation of the effect of light output in a room due to temperature and voltage variations, dirt accumulation on luminaries and room surfaces, lamp output depreciation, and maintenance conditions. LLF is a product of recoverable and non-recoverable factors. Recoverable factors can be fixed by maintenance, and include room surface dirt, lamp lumen depreciation, burnouts, and luminaire dirt depreciation. Non recoverable factors cannot be fixed by maintenance, and include luminaire ambient temperature, voltage, luminaire surface depreciation, and components.

Quarry Tile

Low absorbing tile used in commercial kitchens

Low-E Glass

Low-E or low-emissivity glass has an extremely thin (a few atoms' width) layer of metal on the surface that selectively reflects and transmits certain wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum. Long wave heat radiation is not transmitted but visible light is reflected. Low-E glass is often used in insulated glass units.

Invert

Lowest point of the inside of a drain, pipe, channel, or other liquid carrying conduit

Timber

Lumber 5 inches or more in least dimension; beams, posts, purlins, etc.

Dressed Lumber

Lumber that has been surfaced by a planar

5/4 Lumber

Lumber that is 1.25" thick; often used for decking

Efficacy

Lumen output per watt input. In other words, it is the ratio of luminous flux per unit of power expressed in lumens per watt. It is a measure of energy efficiency.

Luminaire Reflectors

Luminaire Reflectors Different sizes, shapes, and materials of reflectors create different qualities of light output in terms of intensity and direction. Types include parabolic, elliptical, and compound.

Coefficient of Utilization in Lighting (CU)

Luminaire efficiency expressed as a percentage. For example, a luminaire with a coefficient of utilization in lighting (CU) of 80% means it delivers 80% of its light output to the work plane.

Considerations of the effects of wind

Magnitude of sustained velocities; duration of gusts; gust effects such as swirling; prevailing wind direction

Make-Up Air

Make-Up Air When air is exhausted from a space, it must be replaced or it causes negative pressure. This is called make-up air. Older and draftier buildings do not need as much make-up air because of all the random leaks.

Issue with too much water in concrete

Makes it easier to work, but causes excessive water, which manifests in cracking, leakage, and absorption. The water is trapped in the concrete and has to go somewhere, so it typically escapes to the interior of the building.

Green Label and Green Label Plus

Mark assigned to the carpet, rug, and cushion materials that have low VOC emissions. Green Label Plus is more stringent.

Glass Unit Masonry

Masonry composed of glass units bonded by mortar

Ashlar Masonry

Masonry composed of various-sized rectangular units having sawed, dressed, or squared bed surfaces, properly bonded and laid in mortar

Plain Masonry

Masonry in which the tensile resistance of the masonry is taken into consideration and the effects of stresses in reinforcement are neglected

Soil Nailing

Means strengthening the soil with closely spaced, almost horizontal steel bars that increase the cohesiveness of the soil and prevent the soil from shearing along an inclined plane

Positive Drainage

Means that water drains away; used when talking about low-slope roofs and water draining away from a structure

Unit of Electrical Energy

Measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh)

Air Cleaners

Mechanical air filters Electronic air cleaners Absorption filters UV radiation

Roof Curb

Mechanical equipment mounted on roofs must be placed on curbs so they are level and protected from the precipitation that falls on the roof

Monel

Metal used for roofing, flashing, countertops, and sinks

Damp Proofing vs. Waterproofing

Methods of coating sub grade slabs or foundation walls to ensure water/moisture does not penetrate into wall/assembly. Damp proofing is intended to keep out soil moisture, whereas waterproofing keeps out moisture and liquid water. Waterproofing should be considered over damp proofing when there are habitable subgrade spaces and/or when the water table is high and could potentially penetrate into habitable space.

Alabaster

Mineral that when cut thin can be used instead of glass in windows

Head Room

Minimum clearance between a tread and a projection above. Building codes generally require the head room to be a minimum of 80" at any point on the stair.

Minimum requirements for treads and risers

Minimum tread width: 11" Riser height: 4-7"

Subfloors should be free of moisture because ___________.

Moisture can cause wood to swell and damage floor coverings, and moisture in the subfloor causes water-based adhesives to debond.

Moisture movement in Portland cement

Moisture movement in Portland cement Materials with a Portland cement base tend to shrink due to moisture loss.

Thin set for tiles

More popular than other methods, this method is used where the tiles are a) small in size, less than 12" x 12" b) no slope to floor drains is required c) tile thickness is relatively uniform d) subfloor does not have excessive surface irregularities

Face Brick

More uniform in size and color than building

Mortar Net

Mortar Net A net, typically placed at the bottom of a masonry cavity wall, designed to capture excess mortar that drops behind the cavity wall to prevent this mortar from blocking cavity wall drainage. The net's profile is staggered to still allow for drainage. The mortar net is important to use at the bottom of the cavity wall or in any areas where the cavity wall air space is less than 1".

Compare and contrast grout and mortar.

Mortar is for bonding; it holds things together, such as the joints between bricks or a bed for tile. Grout is a filler; it is of a thinner consistency that can be poured, for example, into the cavities of masonry walls. Both come in multiple variations for differing purposes.

Simplifying wind design

Most buildings are box-shaped, which results in a typical aerodynamic response. Most buildings have closed, relatively smooth surfaces. Most buildings are snug to the ground where the earth creates drag. Most buildings are relatively stiff, and there is a relatively limited range of building periods.

Spread Footing

Most economical foundation system that delivers the load directly to the soil over a large area by use of a wide base directly beneath the load-bearing beam or wall. These are typically used in residential or low-rise commercial projects and are not sufficient for high-rise structures.

Seismic Group I

Most important or hazardous buildings: police stations, water-treatment facilities, fire stations

Softwood

Mostly harvested from coniferous trees (i.e., Douglas fir, pine), softwards are foten used as structural lumber. They can also be used for furniture and finishes, but are less dense than hardbwoods so they are more prone to damage. Softwoods can be painted or stained but are often left unfinished in hidden applications.

Hardwood

Mostly harvested from deciduous trees (i.e., oak, maple, birch), hardwoods are often used as finish materials and furniture. Typical applications include flooring and millwork. Hardwoods can be painted or stained depending on the desired application.

Adaptive Controls

Motion sensors, dimmers, and timers used with lighting systems

Point-Supported Curtain Wall

Mullionless glass curtain wall with glass panes supported at its corners by a metal connector and glass panes sealed at vertical and horizontal joints with a sealant

Light Loss Factor

Multipliers that are used to calculate lighting performance at various stages during the life of a lighting system; includes lamp lumen depreciation (LLD), luminaire dirt depreciation (LDD), and ballast factor (BF)

Muntin

Muntin Small bars that separate two panes of glass in order to join them together to make a larger expanse of glass

NPFA 13, NFPA 13D, NFPA 13R

NFPA 13 is the standard for design and installation of sprinkler systems. NFPA 13D (one- and two-family dwellings) and NFPA 13R (up to and including 4 stories residential) are subsets of NFPA 13.

Hot Dip-Galvanized Nails

Nails that are corrosion-resistant due to being dipped in molten zinc. Corrosion-resistant nails, either galvanized or stainless steel, are required for siding, roofing, deck framing, and anywhere moisture can cause corrosion.

National Forest Products Association (NFPA)

National Forest Products Association (NFPA) Industry organization concerned with wood, structural lumber, and fasteners and wood structures

Oleoresinous Paint

Naturally occurring mixture of oil and a resin extracted from pine/fir trees and thinned with a solvent-like turpentine

Limitations of liquid membranes

Needs to dry or cure prior to Water test - Longer turnaround time - Must meet minimum application thickness - Must ensure void free application - Overlaps, seams, penetration details Can be sources of Water entry

Suction

Negative pressure due to wind; important for structure design as well as site and façade design

Are screen or storm doors considered to be "in series"?

No, and they don't have to comply with the maneuvering clearances.

Are doors to pantries and shallow closets required to comply with maneuvering clearances?

No, but walk-in closet and pantry doors are.

Disadvantages of sheet piles

Noise and vibration are created in driving them, particularly in stiff soils where the vibratory method is ineffective, and hydraulic hammers must be employed.

Shaft Wall

Non-load-bearing gypsum wallboard assemblies, used when one side of a shaft cannot be accessed; typically used for vertical penetrations to achieve a fire rating

Nonferrous Alloys

Nonferrous alloys do not contain much iron (e.g., aluminum, copper, zinc).

Dunnage

Nonpermanent structural platform for mechanical equipment used to distribute weight more evenly over an area, typically seen on roof

How much does normal weight concrete weigh? Lightweight concrete?

Normal = 150 pcf lightweight = 90-120 pcf

Seismic Group III

Normal buildings that do not belong in group I or II

Medium set for tiles

Not officially recognized by the several industry standards, this involves thin-set mortars that can be applied thicker than traditional thin-set mortars.

Occupant Load

Number of people that can occupy a building or portion of a building according to IBC. Numbers can be determined by a load factor given in the code, by actual number of people (typically in rooms that have fixed seating), or cumulatively as occupants exit through intervening spaces.

Crazing

Numerous hairline cracks with a shatter appearance in a surface, such as concrete, plaster, ceramic, paints, and other coatings

Allowable Bearing Capacity of Soil

Obtained by dividing its ultimate bearing capacity by a factor of safety

Foot-Candle

One foot-candle is the illuminance cast on a surface from a one-candela source one foot away.

Void Form

One of multiple products that is used to create a void under concrete, thereby isolating the concrete from expansive soils.

One-Line Diagram

One-Line Diagram A map of the electrical power flow between entities of a power system. Includes elements such as circuit breakers, transformers, capacitors, bus bars, and conductors shown as symbols. It is not drawn to scale, and the location and physical size of the elements is not shown.

What are the FHA (Fair Housing Act) requirements regarding accessibility for nonelevator buildings?

Only ground floor units are covered. Exempts owner occupied buildings with no more than four units, single-family housing sold or rented without the use of a broker, and housing operated by organizations and private clubs that limit occupancy to members.

Spray Foam Insulation: Open Cell vs Closed Cell

Open cell: lower R value (around 3-4 per inch) and impermeable to air but permeable to moisture Closed cell: higher R value (around 6 per inch) and impermeable to air and moisture

Opening Protection

Openings such as doors and windows allow fire to come through a rated assembly. In fire-resistance-rated construction, opening protection refers to the ability of an opening to limit the transmission of fire and smoke.

Passive strategies for IAQ

Operable windows Stack effect Underslab ventilation Preheating incoming air (because it allows more fresh air without increasing energy demands)

Technical Sections

Organized around 16-division format and 5-digit numbering system, technical sections were generally organized by the sequence of the introduction of materials on the project.

Assembly Group A3 Occupancy

Other assembly uses not classified elsewhere in Group A. This includes but is not limited to worship, recreation, amusement, art galleries, courtrooms, libraries, museums, waiting areas in transportation terminals, and indoor pools.

Do we see with our eyes or our brain?

Our brain. The eye contains the photoreceptors that receive the light but they cannot see. Sight is done with the occiptital cortex, a large area of the brain at the back of one's head. The brain sees in 2-D but uses learned cues to perceive a 3-D space.

Parts to specify for a prefabricated wood truss

Overhang detail, pitch, and span. The trusses are then designed by the manufacturers.

Identify the following common abbreviations and notations used in construction drawings: PSF, COL, CONT, GYP BD, AFF, HR, VTR, NIC, GALV, GFI, FD, BM, ADJ, BC, EX, RO, MO, RM, SIM, and WF

PSF = pounds per square foot COL = column CONT = continuous GYP BD = gypsum board AFF = above finished floor HR = hour VTR = vent through roof NIC = not in contract GALV = galvanized GFI = ground fault interrupter FD = floor drain BM = benchmark ADJ = adjustable BC = bottom of curb EX = existing RO = rough opening MO = masonry opening RM = room SIM = similar WF = wide flange

Double Egress Doors

Pair of doors that are designed to allow egress in both directions. Each leaf is designed to swing in the opposite direction and is coordinated with the flow of traffic. Typically used in hospital corridors.

Panel Wood Door

Panel doors consist of solid horizontal rail and vertical stile construction with panels in-between that can be either flat or raised.

MasterFormat

Part 1: general requirements, required submittals, quality assurance, warranties, project conditions, specifications for equipment delivery, storage and handling; Part 2: acceptable manufacturers, standards and test methods that materials must conform to, how items are fabricated; Part 3: tells how the product and materials are to be installed or applied, preparation before installation, in field quality control, requirements for cleaning, adjusting and protecting finished work

Lighting Design

Part mathematical, partly a series of assumptions based on needs of the users. Many possible "correct" solutions. People can see better, feel more comfortable, and perform better under good lighting. Lighting design is often "layered." Lighting can change the color and texture of materials and change the mood of any space. Light can be ambient or direct.

Material Takeoff

Part of the cost estimating process, the estimator performs Material Takeoffs by using the drawings to quantify the different elements needed to construct the building (i.e., number of doors, volume of concrete, square footage of carpet, etc.).

PPM

Parts per million (PPM) is a measure of the concentration of one material in another, typically of air, water, or soil.

Fire Damper

Passive fire protection elements installed at the penetration points of mechanical ducts to prevent the spread of fire between fire-rated walls and floors

Basic Wind Speed

Peak 3-second gust wind speed with a 50-year recurrence interval, used to determine wind loads on a building

PT

Peat, muck, and other highly organic soils

Rooftop Curb

Permanent built-up structure to support roof top units; typically seen on roofs and are flashed and sealed to prevent water intrusion.

Photometry

Photometry The science of the measurement of visible light as perceived by human eyes; considers light levels and distribution

Rods and Cones

Photoreceptor cells in the retina of the eye named for their shapes. Rods are very abundant in the human eye, work in low light, and do not see color very well, making everything at night appear grayish. Rods are good at detecting motion. Cones are less abundant, require higher lighting levels to activate, and are closely packed in the fovea, where they are used to perceive color and details.

Paint components

Pigment, binder, and solvent

A common error in kitchen and bath lighting design

Placing downlight fixtures in the ceiling behind a person, where their head casts a shadow over what the person is doing

Flat Glass

Planar glass sheets as opposed to glass block or other glass products

Material with the highest coefficient of thermal expansion

Plastics

Types of elastomeric sealants

Polyisobutylene - Acrylics - Polyurethane - Polysulfide - Silicone

What elastomeric sealants are best for minimal movement and are used as caulking materials?

Polyisobutylene and acrylic sealants

PVDF Finish

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) resin; strong and durable and is primarily suited for exterior applications. A wide range of colors, including exotic colors are available. It comes with two types of durability ratings: 5 year and 10 year.

Stack Vent

Portion of a stack above vents that connect to a soil/waste stack above the highest fixture in the system; vents to the soil stack

Exit

Portion of the means of egress system between the exit access and the exit discharge or the public way (e.g., stairwell between a corridor and a yard that is connected to a street).

Bid Alternate

Portion of the work defined in the procurement documents for which separate pricing is to be identified in the bidder's proposals.

Unitized Curtain Wall

Preassembled metal-glass curtain wall units attached to the building frame

Three categories of joint sealants

Preformed Tapes - Caulks - Elastomeric Sealants

Hydrostatic Pressure

Pressure exerted by a fluid, such as that of soil moisture, on a building's foundation

Purpose of sealing a joint

Primary reason: to prevent water penetration. Control of air leakage, dust penetration, and noise transmission are additional benefits.

Anodizing

Process of coating aluminum with a protective oxide layer by an electrolytic process

Bush Hammering

Process of creating a rough, pockmarked texture on concrete or stone that resembles naturally weathered rock

Acid Etching

Process of cutting into a surface (concrete, glass, etc.) by applying acidic, caustic, or abrasive substances

Abrasive Blasting (Sandblasting)

Process of forcibly propelling a stream of abrasive material against a surface under high pressure to smooth, etch, or clean it

Honing

Process of sanding/polishing for a matte or slightly reflective surface

CSI MasterFormat Division 00

Procurement and Contracting Requirements. These documents describe the project's introductory project information, and include documents for conducting bidding processes. This division also includes the Agreements, General Conditions, and other contractual documents.

Progressive Loosening

Progressive Loosening A long-term effect that occurs in connections over time. Connections must be designed so that this does not happen.

Mechanical Louver

Protected openings in the façade of a building for mechanical systems to intake fresh air and exhaust used air. Mechanical louvers often are a system that have built-in drainage and are designed to protect the building from wind and rain.

Economizer Cycle

Provides 100% outside air

CSI Project Resource Manual

Provides guidelines for specification writing

Wind Speed Maps

Published by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and incorporated into building codes, wind speed maps are continuously updated. The current version is the ASCE 7-10.

Purlin

Purlin Horizontal structural members that support roof/floor load and transfer them to perpendicular beams; typically shallower than traditional beams

Purpose of building joints

Purpose of building joints Resultant of our need to work with materials that can be easily and efficiently fabricated , transported, and assembled on site. Joints allow for field adjustments in assemblies during construction.

Air Barriers

Purpose: to minimize the amount of air leakage through the opaque portions of the building facade Application Methods: mechanically fastened, peel and stick, or fluid applied Water Vapor Permeance: "vapor permeable" types allow water vapor to pass through them, and "vapor impermeable" ones do not. Different levels of permeance are determined by standardized testing. Continuity: Wrap behind door and window frames and overlap with roofing and waterproofing membrane

Quarter Sawn

Quarter sawn lumber produces more waste than plain sawn lumber, so it is more expensive. It is defined as wood cut at a 60-90° angle to the annular rings. Its name derives from the production process, during which logs are cut into quarters before being sliced into boards.

R-Value and U-Factor/U-Value

R-Value = Thermal Resistance. U-Factor/U-Value = Thermal Conductance

Roof Scupper An opening in a parapet or roof that provides an outlet through which excess water can drain; typically have grates to filter any debris

Radiation heating system, typically mounted close to floor with metal tubes carrying hot water or steam. Metal fins are attached perpendicular to the tube to provide additional surface area through which heat can radiate.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Radiation released from stars including the sun; travels in waves of varying wavelengths.

Rain Leader

Rain Leader Pipe used to carry rainwater from the roof to the ground and away from the building. Rain leaders can be enclosed within the building thermal envelope and daylight only when discharging from the building or can be surface-mounted on the exterior of the building.

Rainscreen

Rainscreen Exterior wall system where the cladding material (metal panel, fiber cement panels, etc.) has an air space between the water resistant surface and insulation. Air and moisture are allowed to move through the air space.

Contrast

Ratio of luminance of the object of focus and the background luminance. Expressed in a value from 0 to 1 where one is maximum contrast and zero is no contrast. The human eye sees in contrast and chromacity .

Pile Density

Refers to the quantity of pile yarn used and closeness of the weave

Offgassing or Outgassing

Refers to the releasing of VOCs and other harmful gases. This is an important consideration in indoor air quality.

Blind-Side Waterproofing

Refers to waterproofing applied to the outside of the wall that becomes inaccessible after construction

Reflective Glass

Reflective glass is coated with a very thin layer of metal with the primary purpose of reflecting radiative heat.

Reglet

Reglet A thin strip, often a metal channel, that adjoins panels or provides a reveal molding. It can also be a recess in a masonry wall where the top end of counterflashing is inserted.

Damper

Regulates airflow and prevents downdraft in a fireplace

Secondary Reinforcement

Reinforcement in a one-way concrete slab placed perpendicular to primary reinforcement

Rebar

Reinforcing bar. Provides tensile strength to reinforced concrete. The bar's number is the diameter of the bar in 1/8's of an inch. For example, a #5 bar is 5/8" in diameter.

Exhaust Fan

Removes air that has odors or humidity from bathrooms and other rooms

Descriptive Specifying

Requires the use of technical descriptions of exact characteristics of materials and products. This can be a tedious and time-consuming process.

Windows must be tested for:

Resistance to Wind loads - Resistance to Water leakage - Resistance to air leakage - Resistance to forced entry

Stiffness

Resistance to deformation

Wood that is submerged in water is _________.

Resistant to decay because of lack of oxygen. This does not apply to seawater, only fresh water.

Restoring Moment

Resists overturning moment

Reverse Osmosis

Reverse Osmosis Water purification technology that forces water through a semipermeable barrier that cleans out contaminants based on size, shape, and charge. Reverse osmosis is used in desalination plants.

Ridge Beam

Ridge Beam In a gabled roof, a ridge beam is the horizontal member that the upper end of rafters can be supported on, eliminating the outward thrust of the rafters on the lower walls.

Ways to shape metal

Rolling, extruding, casting, forging, stamping, drawing

Roof Scupper

Roof Scupper An opening in a parapet or roof that provides an outlet through which excess water can drain; typically have grates to filter any debris

Drip Edge

Roof edge flashing that is designed to take water away from the roof edge. A drip edge has an outward projecting lower edge that allows water to drip rather than run down the face of the fascia or wall.

Commonly used vapor retarder materials

Roof membranes: built-up roof, modified bitumen, single-ply membranes Plastics Building paper or kraft paper Aluminum foil

Rough Lumber

Rough Lumber Lumber that has been cut into board shapes and sizes but has not been planed

Countertop corners in high traffic areas can be specified to have _____ or _____ corners.

Rounded, clipped

Define STC, NRC, and IIC.

STC refers to sound transmission class and it indicates a material or assembly's ability to block air-borne noise. The higher the STC, the better it blocks sound. NRC is the noise reduction coefficient, which measures the amount of sound energy absorbed by a material. Materials are given values between 0 and 1, with 0 indicating perfect reflection and 1 indicating perfect absorption. IIC is the impact isolation class and represents a measurement of a floor and ceiling assembly's ability to attenuate impact noises such as footsteps. A larger IIC number means greater attenuation.

Energy Recovery Ventilator

Same as a heat recovery ventilator, but with the added benefit of a humidity recovery system

Heavy Timber

Sawn lumber with both cross-sectional dimensions greater than 5"

Schedules (Working Drawings)

Schedules in working drawings give information about doors, windows, room finishes, hardware, fixtures, equipment, and more.

Helical Stair

Self-supporting, circular steel stairs can be constructed with or without landings. These are fairly common in steel, concrete and wood. There is no central column support.

Define sensible and latent heat. Why is it important to know these two terms as an architect?

Sensible heat is the heat energy required to change the temperature of a substance without a phase change. Sensible heat can be "sensed." Latent heat is the energy absorbed or released when a material changes state, such as from a liquid to a gas. It is useful for architects to know these terms in order to understand heating and cooling systems in buildings.

U-factor is a ______ (sensible/latent) heat property.

Sensible. U-factor does not address moisture related heat flow.

Settlement of Footings

Settlement of Footings The settlement can be predicted and accounted for in foundation design of footings. In fine-grained soils, part of the settlement is immediate and the remainder occurs over a period of several months.

Internally Braced Frame

Shear walls, diagonal bracing, and knee braces that are used to resist lateral loads from within a structure

This roof shape has a single surface sloped in one direction.

Shed roof, also known as skillion or lean-to

What is typically included in the General Sheets of a set?

Sheet list, symbols, code summary, abbreviations, code plans, life safety plans, ADA requirements

Joist Hanger

Sheet metal fastener used to provide support to a joist or beam and provide a strong connection

What are hollow metal doorframes made from?

Sheet steel that is pressed into shape

Shelf Angle

Shelf Angle Steel angle attached to a spandrel beam or a load-bearing wall to support masonry veneer

Shop Drawings

Shop drawings are prepared by contractors, subs, and suppliers. They take the design intent drawings produced by the architect and detail how materials and products will be manufactured and installed.

Flushing a Building

Should be done after construction and again periodically to flush out pollutants that accumulate inside a building from furniture, finishes, equipment, and cleaning supplies

Durability and longevity of floor coverings

Should be durable enough to endure any expected use and provide an adequate service life; should be selected to resist staining from liquids, chemicals and reagents

Shrinkage

Shrinkage is caused by reduction of moisture content and can occur in wood, concrete, plaster, and mortar. Control joints must be provided to accommodate shrinkage.

Tactile Sign

Sign containing raised characters and/or symbols and accompanying Braille

GM GC

Silty gravels, gravel-sand-silt mixtures Clayey gravels, gravel-sand-clay mixtures

SM SC

Silty sands, sand-silt mixtures Poorly graded sands and gravelly sands, little or no fines

Seismic Joint

Similar but also different from a building separation joint. These are also provided where there are major dissimilarities in building form. The purpose is to ensure that one section of the building doesn't collide with the adjacent section during an earthquake.

Advantages of liquid membranes

Simple and fast installation - Ease of installation on walls and floors - Applied to irregular surfaces - Seamless - Semiflexible - UV-Resistant and Economical - Ability to Breathe

Evaporative Cooling

Simply means cooling through evaporation. It is based on the idea that water takes heat in order to turn into vapor. Works well in hot, dry climates.

Wind Tunnel Testing

Simulates real-world conditions to model acute wind behavior on an object

US National CAD Standard

Single standard that supports the seamless transfer of building design and construction information among a broad array of users throughout the building life cycle.

Pipe and tube structural steel is best for columns in ______ (single story/multistory) buildings.

Single story. This is because the spanning members can sit on top of the columns and not have to connect to the side. Wide-flange beams are most useful for multistory buildings where beams are attached to the sides of columns.

Slab on Grade

Slab on Grade Just as it sounds, it is a placement of a concrete floor slab directly over a prepared base set on prepared earth. Welded wire mesh helps keep it from cracking.

Slenderness Ratio

Slenderness Ratio Slenderness is a measure of the propensity of a column to buckle under loading. The slenderness ration is given as l/r where l is effective length and r is radius of gyration. It has no units because it is a ratio.

Benched Excavations

Sloped excavation may either be uniformly sloped or stair-stepped. _______ increase slope stability and are easier to compact.

Slope Stabilization

Slopes that are subject to erosion need slope stabilization. Methods of slope stabilization include terracing, vegetation, riprap, gabions, cribbing, retaining walls, bin-walls, and geo-textiles.

Supplemental Drawings

Small changes on a drawing are normally accomplished with the use of revision clouds and numbers accompanied by a brief description in the revision block.

Softwood vs. Hardwood

Softwood vs. Hardwood Softwoods are from coniferous trees, and hardwoods are from hardwood trees. This is a biological distinction, not a structural one. For example, balsa is a hardwood and doulas fir is a softwood.

Shading Coefficient

Solar heat gain through a glass divided by the solar heat gain through clear 1/8" thick glass

Solid-Core Wood Door

Solid-core wood doors are made from wood veneer faces over solid cores of various materials such as particleboard. They have better acoustical and fire-resistive properties and are more secure and durable than hollow-core doors.

Nailing Flange

Some manufacturers provide windows with this. It runs continuously over the outside of a window frame and functions as a flashing. It provides a means of anchoring the window-to-wall opening.

Spandrel Glass

Spandrel Glass Spandrel glass is glass that is designed to be opaque and is used where vision glass is not desired, such as in a building curtain wall façade, where the glass will need to cover the features of the building at the floor and ceiling or columns.

Special Conditions

Special conditions are used to further extend the supplementary conditions. Government clients often have special conditions.

Cash Allowance Specifications

Specification used when the amount of money that can be used is known but not necessarily a specific product. A dollar amount is set and the contractor and owner can choose based on the allowance.

In the event of a discrepancy between the drawings and the specifications, which prevails?

Specifications

Dry Pipe Fire Suppression System

Sprinkler piping that is filled with pressurized nitrogen or air, which holds a valve closed. In the event of a fire, the valve opens and releases the water from the main pipe. This system is recommended in areas that will not be conditioned and where water may freeze.

What are the IBC (International Building Code) travel distances for a sprinklered and unsprinklered building?

Sprinklered building = 250' unsprinklered building = 200'

Hollow Structural Section

Square or rectangular tubular steel section used as columns or beams in a steel frame structure or as components of a steel truss

Ballast (in Lighting)

Starts the lamp, controls the voltage to a light fixture, and helps with other functions such as dimming; required in fluorescent, neon, HID , and other gas discharge lamps

Hooke's Law

States that stress is proportional to strain up to the elastic limit

Ohm's Law

States the relationship between current, voltage, and resistance. It states that current is directly proportional to voltage and inversely proportional to resistance, or current is equal to volts/resistance.

Sheet piles are generally made of which material?

Steel

Steel Shapes

Steel Shapes Bar, plate, rod, tube (square), pipe (round), structural shapes such as wide-flange, channels, and angles

Steel-Bearing Plates

Steel beams typically sit on steel bearing plates. The plate provides a level surface for bearing, helps distribute the load over a larger area, and helps with setting the beam at the proper bearing height.

Cold-Formed Metal Framing

Steel metal studs that are manufactured by bending sheet metal at room temperature; contrasts with hot-rolled steel . Cold-formed metal framing, also called light gauge metal framing, is used as a non-combustible alternative to wood studs.

Primary Reinforcement

Steel reinforcement in a one-way concrete slab oriented in the direction that carries most of the loads

Cold Rolled

Steel that has been rolled at room temperature. It has closer dimensional tolerances and smoother surfaces than hot-rolled steel and is more expensive. Cold rolled steel is first hot rolled into a general shape.

Hot Rolled

Steel that has been shaped through a roller at high temperatures and then cooled. It is easier to form and less expensive than cold rolled steel.

Bessemer Process

Steelmaking procedure where carbon, silicon, and other impurities are removed from iron to make steel

Storefront System

Storefront System Glazed façade, generally one or two stories high from the ground, with a framing system similar to a metal-glass curtain wall but with less stringent performance requirements

Compare and contrast storefront, curtain wall, and window wall systems.

Storefront: a non-load-bearing, single-span glazing system that sits within the building structure and spans from slab to slab. Storefronts are often limited to a height of 10' and are mostly used at the ground floor, but they can be placed at the upper levels of low-rise buildings. Curtain wall: Non-load-bearing glazing system that "hangs" outside of the building structure and can span up to 20' (or even further with reinforcement). Curtain walls are appropriate for use in the higher floors of tall buildings, and because curtain walls often hang outside of the building structure, they can span between floors. Window wall: a non-load-bearing glazing system that spans from slab to slab, similar to storefronts. Unlike storefronts, window wall systems are rated for use in upper floors and can provide a look similar to curtain walls at a lower cost.

Structural Glazing

Structural Glazing Structural glazing is a glass wall system that does not use conventional frames but instead uses stainless steel fittings to attach the glass back to the structure and/or silicone structural joints to provide a flush glass surface across a façade.

Where do you use screws?

Subflooring, gypsum board, decking

In addition to joint sealants, what other components are important to a sealed joint?

Substrate - Primer - Sealant Backup - Bond Breaker

Spacing between building separation joints

Suggested spacing is 250' between building separation joints. Most buildings of simple rectangular shape up to 300' do not need separation joints.

Water-Cleanable Epoxies

Suitable for heavy-duty installations, for high temperature conditions, or for a specific function, epoxies are composed of an epoxy resin and a hardener.

Sanitary Sewer

System of underground pipes that carries wastewater from plumbing fixtures to a septic tank or centralized treatment plant before releasing into surface waters

T-Beam Action

T-Beam Action In reinforced concrete design with a monolithic beam/slab condition, part of the slab becomes the compressive flange and contributes to the load resistance of the beam.

True or false? Concrete and reinforcing steel have similar coefficients of thermal expansion.

TRUE

True or false? Electric current always generates heat.

TRUE

True or false? Factory finishes tend to be nicer than site finishes.

TRUE

True or false? The drawings show the configuration, size, and layout, and the specifications describe the quality and requirements for the execution of the work.

TRUE

Most important tables in the code to know for PDD case studies

Table 503 Allowable Building Heights and Areas, Table 601 Fire-Resistance Rating Requirements for Building Elements (hours), Table 602 Fire-Resistance Rating Requirements for Exterior Walls, Table 716.5 Opening Fire Protection Assemblies, Ratings, and Markings

Buildings that require a more thorough investigation of the impact of wind

Tall structures, elevated structures where wind can pass underneath, flexible structures such as fabric structures, large overhangs, and unusual aerodynamic shapes. More analysis is typically needed for structures with these qualities and wind tunnel testing might need to be performed.

Tank Toilets vs. Tankless

Tank toilets are gravity-powered. Tankless toilets are powered by water pressure and can be reflushed more quickly than a tank style toilet.

Reference Standards

Technical standards that can be referred to in specifications. The reference standard describes a material or process that meets the requirements set by an authority or test method. For example, ASTM C36 is a reference standard containing criteria for gypsum wallboard. Including ASTM C36 in the specifications means the gypsum wallboard on the project shall comply with this standard.

Adiabatic Temperature Change

Temperature changes due to change in pressure

Centering

Temporary framework for constructing an arch, vault, or dome

Draft-Stopping

Term used for the provision of materials or devices to restrict the movement of air within open spaces concealed in combustible construction, such as floors, ceiling cavities, and attics.

Terracotta

Terracotta From the Latin "baked earth," terracotta is a fired, porous clay, that can be unglazed or glazed, and is used in pottery and as a building material. Historically terracotta in architecture has been used as tiles and decorative elements; in contemporary architecture, it is used as sunshading and in rain screens. Desired for its malleability and lightness, any detailing must be done carefully due to the inherent porous nature of the material.

3-Second Gust

The 3-second gust speed at 33 feet above the ground in exposure category C is used to determine the basic wind speed (V) for building design.

ANSI

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a standards organization that oversees consensus of and publishes information about dimensions, ratings, terminology and symbols, test methods, and performance and safety requirements of systems, products, and processes used throughout many industries. Adoption of standards is voluntary unless mandated by a regulator.

ANSI

The American National Standards Institute's mission is to enhance both the global competitiveness of US business and the US quality of life by promoting and facilitating voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment systems, and safeguarding their integrity.

ASTM

The American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) is a standards organization that develops and publishes technical standards. Adoption of standards is voluntary unless mandated by a regulator.

AWPA

The American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) provides standards for chemically treated wood.

General Conditions

The General Conditions (A-201) contains information pertinent to most projects about the rights and responsibilities of the owner, architect, and contractor. It is a contractual and legal document. It is included in the project manual and provides procedural and administrative procedures for the project such as reviewing shop drawings and pay requests.

General Requirements

The General Requirements, or division 01 of the project manual, expand on specific administrative and procedural provisions in the conditions of the contract. The General Requirements and apply broadly to the execution of the work of all the other sections of the specifications. The General Requirements division is used to identify items of work that are not normally shown on the drawings or in the specification. (Note: General Requirements and General Conditions are not the same thing.)

IES

The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) is a nonprofit scholarly organization with the mission of improving the lighted environment.

ISO

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an international standard-setting organization with representatives from other standards organizations.

MERV

The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) is a measurement scale to rate the effectiveness of air filters. HEPA filters have high MERV ratings (17-20).

NEC

The National Electrical Code (NEC) is written by the NPFA and is used throughout the US.

NFRC Label

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) established a standard for rating the performance aspects of windows. Windows have NFRC labels that list the following properties: U-Factor, solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), and visible transmittance (VT).

UL

The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a safety consulting and certification company

Capillary Action

The ability of water to move through narrow spaces without a force acting on it; also called wicking

Tolerance

The allowed deviation from the ideal; varies by material; must be considered when detailing.

Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT)

The angular-size-weighted temperature of the surrounding surfaces

Oil Canning

The appearance of waves in flat metal panel on the roof or exterior wall of a building using metal panels. This appearance is caused by elastic buckling or stress within the material.

Hearth

The area in front of the fireplace that protects the floor from sparks

Spandrel Area

The area of the exterior façade of a building at the level of the spandrel beam

Candela

The base unit of luminous intensity. It is a measure of output.

Bargeboard

The board on a gable end of a roof

Conspicuity

The capacity of a symbol to stand out against its background, as in the case of lettering on a sign

Doppler Effect

The change in a sound frequency due to an observer's movement.

What is important for sealed joints with regards to the substrate?

The chemical compatibility of the sealant with the substrate material is critical to the adhesion of the sealant.

Reverberation

The collection of reflected sounds in an enclosed space. Reverberation is desirable in auditoriums to overcome the rapid drop-off in sound intensity in a large space. Too much reverberation, however, causes sounds to be garbled.

Luminous Intensity

The degree or amount of light or energy. The unit of intensity is the candela.

Clear Span

The distance between the inside faces of the supports of a span

Effective Span

The distance beween the centerlines of the supports of a span

Daylight Penetration

The distance daylighting will penetrate into a building. A rule of thumb for calculating this distance is to use 1.5 to 2 times the height of the window. Increasing daylight penetration can be done with light shelves, roof monitors, and clerestory windows.

Effective Length Factor (K Factor)

The effective length factor (K) is a coefficient for approximating the length of a column that will actually buckle based on end conditions. The effective length can be longer, shorter, or the actual length, depending on the rigidity of the supports. If the K factor is below 1.0, then the structure has a greater ability to carry forces, and if the K factor is above 1.0, then the structure has a lesser ability to carry forces. For example, fixing both ends of a long column has a K factor of 0.5, which reduces its effective length by half.

Invert

The elevation of the bottom or flow line of a pipe

Fenestration

The entire aperature assembly, including the opening, glazing, and surrounding overhang, and any screens, mullions, louvers, blinds, draperies, etc.

Positive Side Waterproofing

The exterior of a foundation wall, whereby water is blocked from entering the wall

Joint detailing of an expansion joint

The filler of the joint must be elastomeric to allow for unrestrained movement of the components.

60 Cycles per Second

The frequency of alternating current (AC) in the US. It is measured in hertz.

Power

The function of an electrical circuit is to provide power, or energy, for work. Measured in watts. 1 kilowatt = 1,000 watts.

Voltage Drop

The function of an electrical circuit is to provide power, or energy, for work. Measured in watts. 1 kilowatt = 1,000 watts.

Heat of Hydration

The heat generated by the process of hydration, as during the setting and curing of concrete

Working Plane

The horizontal work surface where illumination is specified and measured; usually about 30"-36" above the floor

Illuminance

The intensity of light arriving upon a surface; measured in lumens per unit of area (lux) or foot-candles

Negative Side Waterproofing

The interior of a foundation wall, whereby water can enter the wall and not pass through it

Edge of Deck (EOD)

The length the deck extending beyond the structural line, typically called out in structural drawings and capped with a steel angle; must be coordinated and located architecturally

Lens

The lens is the plastic or glass part of ta light fixture that is between the bulb and the illuminated space. The lens diffuses and controls the light and shields the lamp from the eye. Types include translucent diffusers and prismatic lenses.

LOD

The level of development (LOD) refers to the degree that elements will be modeled in the drawings, broken down by project phase and heavily influenced by project goals.

Plastic Limit

The limit of a soil's moisture content before it becomes plastic or arrives at a semisolid state. A soil that has a moisture content below the plastic limit is considered a solid.

Luminance Exitance

The luminous flux density leaving a surface, irrespective of direction viewer position. It is a product of illuminance and reflectance. Unit is lumens per unit of area.

Luminance

The luminous intensity of light leaving a surface in a given direction; takes into account reflectance; measured in candelas per unit of area or footlamberts

Overhead Electrical Service

The majority of electrical service is overhead. It is usually less expensive.

Incandescent Light Designation

The marking on an incandescent light will always have a letter (first) that notes the shape of the bulb and a number (second) that denotes the diameter of the bulb. A-21 would indicate an A-shape bulb with a 2 1/8" or 2 5/8" diameter.

Electrical Resistance

The measure of the difficulty of an electric current to pass through a conductor; measured in ohms

Conductivity

The measure of the ease at which an electric charge or heat can pass through a material. Metals have high conductivity; soils and sand have low conductivity.

Sound Intensity

The minimum sound intensity for the human ear to detect noise is 0dB, and maximum sound intensity for an ear to hear without damage is 130 dB. 130 dB would be painful to hear, 110dB is an equivalent of a 75-piece orchestra, 90 dB is listening to shouting 5'-0" away, 70 dB is speech at 3'-0" away, 50 dB is ambient noise in an occupied office, and 30 dB is equivalent to ambient noise in an unoccupied office setting. Sound intensity lessens as the distance from the source increases. Sound intensity from the source is defined as: I = P/A, where I is sound (power) intensity, P is acoustic power, and A is area.

Plain Sawn

The most common and least expensive way to manufacture lumber. Plain sawn lumber is cut in such a way as to keep the annular rings of the wood at an angle of 30º or less to the face of the board. Often referred as tangential grain, this cut results in wood that displays a cathedral pattern on the face of the boards.

Rift Sawn

The most expensive and most wasteful method of lumber manufacturing. In rift sawn lumber, the annular rings are positioned between 30 and 60º to the board face, with 45º being optimum. Because cuts are generally done perpendicular to the log's annular rings, rift sawn lumber is very dimensionally stable.

Most important requirement for a curtain wall

The most important requirement is its ability to resist lateral loads, specifically wind loads, including missile-impact resistance in hurricane-prone areas.

Birdsmouth

The notch cut in a roof rafter that is used to connect to and transfer load to the top plate of the wall

Fastest Mile

The old way of measuring wind speeds (prior to 1998). Now it is the 3-second gust.

Coordination

The organization of the different building systems (structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, etc.) so as to enable them to work together effectively with architectural elements and one another

Phototropism

The orientation of an organism in response to light. Can be either toward the light (positive) or away from the light (negative). This can be easily seen in plants that turn or twist towards the light. Sunflowers are a good example.

Thrust

The outward force exerted by one structural member onto another

Service Line

The overhead wire from a transformer on a utility pole to the weather head; also called the service drop

Abutment

The part of a structure that receives and supports thrust of an arch or vault

Nosing

The part of the tread that extends beyond the face of the riser

Flue

The path for smoke to travel up the chimney

Adaptation

The physiological process where the eye changes to adapt to different levels of illumination. Includes changes in the pupil diameter and retinal cell sensitivity.

Common path of egress travel

The portion of an exit that all occupant travels until they get to a point of two separate and distinct paths of egress to different available exits. IBC limits the common path of egress travel from 75' to 100' depending on building occupancy group.

Exit Discharge

The portion of the egress system between the exit termination and the public way

Exit Access

The portion of the means of egress that leads to the entrance of an exit. This is where the travel distance is measured and regulated.

Soil Surcharging

The preloading of an area of ground with fill to cause consolidation of the underlying soil before building

Hydration

The process by which a substance combines chemically with water, as that which occurs when cement mixes with water

Light Dimming

The process of reducing the lumen output of light fixtures; dimming can be done individually or through the building automation system (BAS); dimming can be used as a means to achieve a programmatic requirement or as a means to reduce energy use within a building

K-Factor

The property of a material's ability to conduct heat.

Transmittance

The quality of a material to transmit light either specularly or diffusely. It is the ratio of transmitted light to incident light and is less than 1.0.

Absorption

The ratio of absorbed flux to incident flux

Luminaire Efficiency

The ratio of luminous flux to power required; expressed as a percentage

Daylight Factor

The ratio of the horizontal illuminance inside a building to the horizontal illuminance outside a building; expressed as a percent

Reflectance

The ratio of the reflected flux to the incident flux

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient

The ratio of the solar heat gain entering the space through the fenestration assembly to the incident solar radiation. This coefficient includes directly transmitted solar heat and absorbs solar radiation that is reradiated, conducted, or convected into the space.

Coefficient of Thermal Expansion

The ratio of unit strain to temperature change, describing how an object changes size with increase/decrease in temperature. Formula - Delta L/L = Alpha*DeltaT Delta L - Change in Length L - Original Length Delta T - Change in Temperature Alpha - Linear Coeffienct of Thermal Expansion

Thermal Resistance (R)

The reciprocal of thermal conductance, equal to the sum of the weighted R-values for each layer in the component, such as air films, thermal insulation, framing and glazing

Stair Rise and Run

The rise is the total vertical distance of the stair and is the same as the floor-to-floor height. The run is the total horizontal length of the stairs.

Storm Sewer

The storm sewer is a system is composed of gutters, drains, and pipes that take storm water runoff and carry it to a river or stream.

Stringer

The structural member of a stair that supports the treads and risers; also called the carriage

Lateral Load Resisting System

The structural system responsible for countering wind and seismic loads on a building. The vertical portion is often composed of moment frames, braced frames, shear walls, or a combination of these. A common path of the lateral load is from the façade to the floor plates (which act as diaphragms), to the vertical Lateral Load Resisting System, to the foundations.

Brightness

The subjective experience of luminance; depends on luminance and adaptation

Supplementary Conditions

The supplementary conditions are supplemental to the general conditions and are located in the project manual. The supplementary conditions modify the general conditions.

Thermal Gradient

The temperature at any point within a wall is on a gradient from the inside temperature to the outside temperature.

Sick Building Syndrome

The term "sick building syndrome" (SBS) is used to describe situations in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. The complaints may be localized in a particular room or zone, or may be widespread throughout the building. In contrast, the term "building related illness" (BRI) is used when symptoms of diagnosable illness are identified and can be attributed directly to airborne building contaminants.

Specific Heat

The thermal storage capacity of a material

Thermal Conductance (C)

The time rate of heat flow through a unit area of a given material in terms of the unit temperature difference between two surfaces

Enthalpy

The total amount of heat in a substance, including both latent and sensible heat.

Rough Opening

The total opening inside a wall, floor, or roof that is required to install a window, door, or louver system. Rough openings accommodate the entire system as well as any shims and sealants that are necessary for proper installation.

Apron

The trim installed on the wall under the stool

Mild Steel

The type of steel used as structural steel. It has a low carbon content.

Infiltration

The unintentional influx of outdoor air through leaks in the building envelope

Business Group B Occupancy Classification

The use of a building for office, professional, or storage use. Examples include a bank, carwash, post office, print shop, or animal hospital.

Lippage

The variation of heights between adjacent tiles

Building Height

The vertical distance from the grade plane to the average height of the highest roof surface

Lift

The vertical distance of a layer of fill in earthwork, usually 8 to 12". Each lift is compacted before the next one is laid.

Visual Field

The visual field is 180º wide, minus obstructions from facial features such as nose and cheeks.

Weather Head

The weatherproof head where overhead electrical service enters a building

Zonal Cavity Method

The zonal cavity method takes into account three cavities: a ceiling cavity above the fixture, a floor cavity below the working plane, and a room cavity between the two; this is to account for the luminaire's mounting height and its relationship with the working plane. The coefficient of utilization (CU) connects the utilized fixture to the zone it is lighting by relating the luminaries' light distribution to the rooms size and its surface reflectance.

Coordinating specifications with drawings

There should be a specification for every material shown on the drawings - The same language should be used in both (e.g., don't say "drywall" in the drawings and "gypsum board" in the specifications - Avoid repeating information to reduce the possibility of errors (e.g., don't call out the thickness of flashing in the specs if it is already in the drawings)

Steel movement types in buildings

Thermal , elastic deformation

What causes movement in building components?

Thermal movement - Moisture movement - Elastic deformation and creep - Construction tolerances and other considerations

Brick masonry movement types in buildings

Thermal, elastic deformation, creep, irreversible moisture

Concrete masonry movement types in buildings

Thermal, elastic deformation, creep, reversible moisture

Concrete movement types in buildings

Thermal, elastic deformation, creep, reversible moisture

Wood movement types in buildings

Thermal, elastic deformation, creep, reversible moisture

Mock-Up Set, Cartoon Set, Story Book Set, and Mini-Set

These are all names for referring to drawings at 1/4 size representing all the project sheets required for a phase of construction drawings. This assists in planning the entire drawing set by assigning graphic and textual information to specific sheets in the set.

Partially Enclosed Structures

These include buildings in which the area of openings in one wall is much larger than that of the remaining walls, like for airport hangars or warehouses with docks.

Moisture movement in steel, copper, and aluminum

These materials are generally dimensionally stable with respect to moisture.

Advantages of steel windows

These windows are strong and frame members can be narrower than those of other materials, giving a sleeker appearance.

Advantages of vinyl and fiberglass windows

These windows require no painting and are available in a variety of nonfading colors. They are maintenance-free because the material doesn't corrode or degrade.

FHA (Fair Housing Act) design and construction requirements apply to which buildings?

They apply to all new multifamily housing consisting of four or more dwelling units if such buildings have one or more elevators, and all ground floor dwelling units in other buildings containing four or more units. (To be a covered unit, all of the finished living space must be on the same floor, that is, be a single-story). Multistory dwelling units are not covered by the Guidelines except when they are located in buildings that have one or more elevators, therefore covering the primary entry level.

Thick-Set Tile

Thick-Set Tile

Sump Dewatering

This consists of constructing pits within the enclosure of the excavation. Works well in cohesive soils.

Testing for the liquid limit of fine-grained soils

This consists of using an apparatus that has a metal cup mounted on a hard rubber base. The motor attached to the cup raises it to a prescribed height and releases it for a free fall on the rubber base.

What is the purpose of a 20-minute fire-rated door?

This door's purpose is to minimize the transmission of smoke from one side of the door to the other. It is usually required in a 1-hour-rated corridor wall.

Joint detailing of a control joint

This filler can be elastomeric or nonelastomeric. The detailing must allow for unrestrained shrinkage of the components.

Precast Terrazzo

This flooring type is formed in a manufacturing plant into a variety of precast shapes, including floor tiles, sloped shower-stall floors, stair treads and risers, and wall base strips.

Testing for the plastic limit of fine-grained soils

This involves taking a prescribed weight of dry sample and mixing it with water until it is almost saturated.

Which types of construction is air leakage a bigger concern for?

This is a concern for wood or light-gauge steel frame buildings because their envelope is more inclined to leak than the envelopes of other types of construction such as concrete or masonry.

Picture Window

This is a fixed window that has a width larger than height to provide a panoramic view.

Stair width design criteria

This is a function of occupant load but not less than 48" for enclosed stairs, 44" for open exit stairs or 36" for a stair serving an occupant load of less than 50 or a residential stair.

Subsill

This is a part of a window that catches incidental water that might leak into the window. It has end dams to prevent its runoff from the ends and also weep holes to let the water drain out.

Advantages of wood windows

This is one of the oldest window materials. It has a high R-value and its warmth and beauty make it desirable. They are generally used in high-end homes and offices.

Bond Breaker

This is required only if the third surface is hard and unyielding (e.g., concrete, metal, masonry).

Annual temperature range that a component is subjected to

This is the difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures of the component.

Advantages of aluminum windows

This is the most common window material. It is not subject to moisture shrinkage and swelling. They require very little maintenance. They have a lot of flexibility and malleability and can be extruded into complex cross sections.

Alclad

This material contains an aluminum alloy core that is metallurgically bonded to pure aluminum on the surface. It is a more expensive process than anodizing and is commonly used in aircrafts.

Soil Liquefaction

This occurs in water-saturated, sandy soils where particle sizes of sand are relatively uniform in size. This results in a loss of foundation support for buildings with construction on top.

Interstitial Condensation

This occurs only if the water vapor is able to enter into the envelope assembly and is unable to escape. It is the condensation of vapor inside an envelope assembly.

Purpose of exterior and interior gaskets on a curtain wall

This prevents water from leaking through the wall. Curtain walls have accommodations for the drainage of water if it penetrates beyond gaskets.

Guard Unit

This protects the edge of a stair, which is exposed. It is required by code and has a minimum height of 42". The clear distance between openings is 4" diameter.

Life expectancy in sealants

This refers to the time after which the sealant is first installed that it would need to be reapplied. High-grade sealants have a life expectancy of more than 20 years.

Performance Specification (Open Spec)

This specification explains the results the final assembly should achieve but gives the contractor the choice of how those results are achieved.

Prescriptive Specifications (Closed Specs)

This specification tells the contractor exactly what product or material to use.

Circular Stair

This stairwell may consist of all winders and can take many shapes. A spiral stair is a special type within this category, where the treads twist around a column and are cantilevered from it. The building code has severe restrictions on the use of spiral stairs.

Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations

This system has made it possible to use a concrete slab-on-ground foundation in any climate. This system incorporates insulation in the vicinity of the slab foundation and uses the heat escaping from the ground-floor slab of a heated building to keep the foundation perimeter sufficiently warm.

Issue with water and a water-based flooring adhesive

This will result in floor material lifting.

Single-Hung Window

This window type consists of one sash that can slide vertically over a fixed lite. It can provide up to 50% ventilation.

Sliding Window

This window type consists of one sash that slides horizontally over a fixed sash. It can provide up to 50% ventilation.

Triple Hung Window

This window type consists of three sashes, all of which can slide up and down. It provides ventilation both from the top and bottom.

Double-Hung Window

This window type consists of two sashes, both of which can slide up and down. The maximum ventilation provided is 50%.

Awning Window

This window type is similar to a casement window but provides rain protection when partially open. It opens from the bottom and hinges at the top. It can provide 100% ventilation.

Hopper Window

This window type is similar to an awning window but opens inward at the top. It can provide 100% ventilation.

Pivoting Window

This window type may be pivoted at the center or off-center. It allows for up to 100% ventilation.

Three-Phase Transformer

Three circuits carry three alternating currents, which reach their peak current at different times. Allows for a greater variety of power output options. Three-phase power is 60 cycles / second (hertz), but in three phases that are staggered, so each phase cycles one third of the time apart. This provides more constant power.

Acoustic Ceiling Tile

Tiles coming in a variety of textures and sizes that can be suspended from the structure or glued to a horizontal ceiling surface. These tiles are typically fibrous, sound-absorbing material, such as mineral fiber, fiberglass, wood, cork, and perforated metal panel.

Creep Deflection

Time-dependent additional deflection of the beam is known as________.

Countersink

To countersink means to enlarge the upper part of a drilled hole so that the head of the screw or bolt will lie flush with or below the surface.

Typical Fixture Required PSI (Toilet, Shower, Bathtub Faucet, Hand-Wash Faucet, Washing Machine, Dishwasher)

Toilet: 25 psi, 3 to 5 gallons per flush Shower: 12 psi, 3 gallons per minute Bathtub faucet: 5 psi, 4 gallons per minute Hand-wash faucet: 8 psi, 2.5 gallons per minute Washing machine: 8 psi, approximately 40 gallons per load Dishwasher: 8 psi, approximately 15 gallons per load

Sonotube

Trademark for a brand of a cylindrical column form made of compressed resin impregnated paper

Traditional Lath

Traditional lath in older homes was thin, wood strips nailed to the framing. The plaster was keyed in the small spaces left in-between.

Transmission Loss

Transmission loss is an acoustics term for the barrier ratio, in dB, of the acoustic energy that escapes from one space into another, at the barrier.

Light-Transmitting Plastic

Transparent or opaque polycarbonate or acrylic sheet used as glazing in some limited situations

Treads and Risers

Treads and Risers Treads are the horizontal component of a stair, and risers are the vertical portion

Sill Plate

Treated lumber that is attached to the top of the foundation wall as a way to provide a base for the floor framing; fastened with anchor bolts.

Tributary area of a building component

Tributary area of a building component Area of a building that contributes to a load on a specific component, like a column

Trowel Finish

Trowel Finish A dense, smooth finish obtained by working a fresh concrete or plaster surface with a steel trowel

True or false? A freestanding landscape wall does not need a footing below the frostline because it is not in a thermally controlled space.

True or false? A freestanding landscape wall does not need a footing below the frostline because it is not in a thermally controlled space. False. The wall still needs a footing extending below the frostline because the ground around it will freeze and cause heaving.

True or false? If a local ordinance or code is stricter than the International Building Code (IBC), the design must comply with the local codes.

True. It is important for the candidate to know that local or state requirements that are stricter than the IBC will trump them. The most stringent of the requirements always applies.

True or False? Higher FARs indicate greater building volume on a given parcel of land.

True. The goal of calculating Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is to see how large the footprint of a new building can be on a given lot of land as dictated by the local zoning ordinance.

True or false? The first few inches of insulation are much more effective than the last few.

True. This is also called the law of diminishing returns of insulation.

True or false? An interior wall does not need a footing below the frostline because it is in a thermally controlled space.

True. Where the temperature of the soil is not expected to change, footings don't have to extend below the frostline.

Tuckpointing

Tuckpointing is a masonry repair process whereby mortar joints are ground down, cleaned out, and filled with new mortar.

Force Couple

Two parallel forces of equal magnitude but opposite sense that are displaced by distance

Buckling

Type of failure that results in the sudden bending of a slender structural member subjected to excessive loading.

End-Bearing Piles

Type of foundation system in which a pile reaches down far enough to a strong layer of soil or rock on which the end rests. Loads are thus transferred to the hard soil at this bearing point.

Socketed Caissons

Type of foundation system used where deep foundations are required; holes are drilled deep into the earth and into rock or firm strata, and concrete is poured; bearing capacity is dictated by end-bearing and frictional forces

Cement Mortars

Typically for general-duty installations, cement mortars consist of mixtures of Portland cement, sand, water, and water-retentive additives for dry-set cement mortars or a latex polymer additive for modified cement mortars.

Door Hardware Set

Typically specified in sets, door hardware packages include all latches, locks, hinges, door closers, panic devices, and other devices necessary for the door's operation.

Plenum

Typically the space above a suspended ceiling used to convey return air

Width of a seismic joint

Typically wider than a building separation joint, in highly seismic locations, this joint could be a few feet wide for a tall building.

Most commonly used stair shape

U-shape stair. Two flights of stairs between floors with a midfloor landing.

Types of Kitchens

U-shaped, L-shaped, galley, island, peninsula, straight-line

UV Rays

UV rays, or ultraviolet light, is located between visible light and x-rays on the electromagnetic spectrum. Invisible to the naked eye, UV rays can damage surfaces and cause colors to fade.

Underground Electrical Service

Underground Electrical Service Advantages include less clutter, high reliability, and long life; usually more expensive

Unistrut

Unistrut is a proprietary name for a metal framing system used to support pipes, conduit, and cable trays.

Amps

Unit of electric current

Lumen

Unit of luminous flux or light output. The light of one candle radiating through one steradian is one lumen.

Educational Group E Occupancy Classification

Use of a building by six or more people at a time for educational purposes through the 12th grade. Also includes educational supervision or personal care services for more than five kids older than two years of age.

Dry Glazing

Use of preformed compression gaskets to seal the glass against the metal frame of a window or metal-glass curtain wall

Design Equivalent Temperature Difference (DETD)

Used for calculating heat gain through a building's envelope, taking into account air temperature differences, sunlight impact, thermal mass, material, color, etc.

Design Cooling Load Factor (DCLF)

Used for calculating heat gain through glazing, taking into account type of glazing, shading methods, and outdoor air temperature

Open Specifications

Used for competitive bidding or public projects, in which several acceptable options of material, products, system, manufacturer, etc. can be listed for the contractor to chose from. Contractors may also suggest their own alternative if they can prove equal performance.

Adsorption Filters

Used for filtering gaseous contaminants. To adsorb means to hold liquid or gas particles near the surface of a material. They are usually made of charcoal or activated carbon.

Design Wind Speed

Used in determining the design wind loads on buildings. If the basic wind speed has a 2% annual probability of being exceeded, this is a 50-year recurring value.

Oil Interceptor

Used in drain lines where wastewater may contain oil, the interceptor collects contaminants such as oil and allows for it to be stored and disposed of instead of entering the sewer system. Used in parking garages, service stations, and manufacturing locations where oil could find its way into the wastewater. Other types of interceptors, or traps as they are often called, include sand and grease.

Joint Tape

Used over joints in drywall construction to provide a smooth surface

Maintenance Factor

Used to measure the deterioration of a lamp over time; makes a significant difference in lighting calculations

Joint Compound

Used with joint tape to finish joints in drywall construction; also called mud

Heat Recovery Ventilator

Uses an air-to-air heat exchanger to use warm exhaust air to preheat incoming fresh air into an HVAC system; heat is recuperated and energy costs are reduced

Proprietary Specifying

Using proprietary products and materials is preferred because of brevity and simplicity. This specification type is frequently supplemented with reference standards and performance requirements.

Text size in architectural drawings

Usually 1/8" or 3/32" high

Sound Attenuation Insulation

Usually a type of batt insulation, sound attenuation insulation is placed within walls to dampen sound transmission between adjacent spaces.

Static Electricity

Usually created by friction. It is usually harmless unless it sparks a flammable gas.

Organic Adhesives

Usually ready-to-use, liquid or powdered water-emulsion latex products that cure by evaporation, adhesives are typically for light-duty installations and for interior use only. They are not suitable for high temperatures.

Thick set for tiles

Usually requires 2 to 3-inch-thick mortar beds, this method is necessary where a) the floor tiles are large in size b) the floor must be sloped to floor drains c) there is excessive variation in the thickness of tiles d) the subfloor has surface irregularities

Remote Switching

Utility companies can remotely switch the power to their customers' air conditioner units off during peak times to save energy. In return, the customer gets less expensive electricity.

Visible Transmittance

VT Is the ratio of visible light entering the space through the fenestration assembly to the incident visible light. This includes the effects of glazing material and frame and is expressed as a number between 0 and 1, where 0 is no light transmittance and 1 is 100%.

VAV

Variable air volume (VAV) is a type of HVAC system where the air temperature stays the same but the volume of air increases or decreases based on needs.

Veneer Matching

Veneer Matching When veneer cuts are sliced, rather than rotary cut, veneer boards are kept in the same order they were cut. This allows the faces of adjacent veneer boards to be arranged to achieve certain aesthetic qualities such as book matching, slip matching, or random matching.

Adhered Masonry Veneer

Veneer secured and supported through the adhesion of an approved bonding material applied to an approved backing.

Head Joint

Vertical mortar joint placed between masonry units within the wythe at the time the masonry units are laid

Fire Barrier

Vertical or horizontal assembly designed to restrict the spread of fire or confine it to limited areas. This offers more protection than fire partitions.

Daylight Opening

Visible glass area in a window

VoIP

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is technology that allows the use of the internet to transmit telephone calls instead of traditional telephone lines.

Wall Footing

Wall Footing Continuous strip of concrete below a foundation wall that spreads the load of the building over a larger area. These are used in shallow foundation systems and are among the most common types of footings.

Wall Wash

Wall wash fixtures focus light on wall surfaces, providing indirect light. They produce an even light with few shadows and because of this can make a room feel bigger. A wall wash light can also be a cove light.

Water Hammer

Water Hammer Water hammer is the noise that comes from moving water stopping abruptly in pipes that then shake and make a rattling sound.

What is the general movement of water vapor in an assembly?

Water vapor moves from the warm side to the cold side of an assembly.

GW GP

Well-graded gravels and gravel-sand mixtures, little or no fines Poorly graded gravels and gravel-sand mixtures, little or no fines

SW SP

Well-graded sands and gravelly sands, little or no fines Poorly graded sands and gravelly sands, little or no fines

Dry, Damp, or Wet-Listed

Wet-listed fixtures are for use in areas with direct exposure to water, such as showers or outside in the rain. Damp-listed fixtures are located in areas subject to condensation, like a pool area or bathroom. Listings are provided by the UL . Dry location lights are designated simply as UL-listed.

Undercut

When a door is cut at the bottom to provide clearance for airflow. Undercuts are 3/4" maximum for fire-rated doors.

Creep

When a material moves or deforms slowly over time due to mechanical stresses; may or may not lead to failure

Electromagnetic Induction

When an electric field is created by a changing magnetic field. This is a foundational concept for the way electric motors work.

Filler Strip

When installing modular cabinets, filler strips are installed to make up the difference between the side of a cabinet and the side wall. Filler strips also allow room for a cabinet door with protruding hardware to open the full 90º.

Eccentrically Braced Frame

When one or both ends of the lateral bracing for a structure do not join the end points of other members. Eccentric bracing is the opposite of concentric bracing. Knee bracing is an example of eccentric bracing.

Plastic limit of soil

When soil changes from a semidry state to the plastic state

Liquefaction

When soils behave like liquids, losing the ability to support structures

Finished End

When specifying modular cabinets, those that do not abut another cabinet or a wall on the side need a "finished end."

Saturation Vapor Pressure

When the air contains the maximum amount of water vapor it can possibly hold, this is referred to as saturated air and the corresponding vapor pressure is referred to as the ______________.

Specular Reflection

When the angle of incidence is equal to the specular angle, such as that when light is reflected off a mirror or highly reflective surface

Integrated Appliances

When the appliances are finished with the cabinetry to become indistinguishable

Diffuse Reflection

When the incident light is reflected over a range of angles

Cosine Effect

When the light from a source is reduced as the observer is located away from being directly in front of the source

Inverse Square Law

When the same amount of luminance flux arrives on a surface farther from the source, it is less dense because the same amount of flux is spread out over a greater area. This is called the inverse square law. In other words, illuminance is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the light source.

Why is the sunset shades of red, orange, and yellow?

When the sun is lower in the sky, it travels through more particles that scatter all the shorter blue, green, and violet light, leaving only the longer wavelength red, orange, yellow light to reach our eyes.

Demand Surcharge

When the utility company charges more for power consumed during high demand times

Open Risers

When the vertical portion of the stair between the treads is open

Ice Damming

When warm air rises out of a heated space into an unheated roof and there is snow on the roof, the heat melts the snow and the water runs down the roof to the eave and gutter, where it cools and turns to ice, forming a dam where more water collects and leaks into the walls and ceilings of the building. Areas most susceptible to ice damming include roof eaves and valleys.

Mixing Valve

Where hot and cold water are mixed in a faucet

PVC

White plastic pipe, used for cold-water distribution and drain, vent, and waste pipes in plumbing

Special Wind Region

Wind is affected by local topography and climate such as that near open water or mountains. These areas often have local wind design considerations.

Examples of lateral loads

Wind load, earthquake load, and other lateral loads

Resonant Loading

Winds can make buildings oscillate side to side, the forces of which are called resonant or oscillating loads.

Wire Glass

Wire glass is glass that has a wire mesh embedded in it. It has fire protection qualities but is a concern for safety because of lack of impact resistance.

Where does the dew point generally occur?

Within the insulation, which is why it must be vapor permeable

Five materials used in contemporary windows

Wood - Aluminum - Steel - Vinyl - Fiberglass

WPC

Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) is a mix of wood particles and heated thermoplastics used as an alternative to lumber for exterior trim and decks. Examples: Trex and Azek.

Janka Hardness Scale

Wood hardness scale; measures a piece of wood's resistance to denting and wear; the higher the number, the harder the wood

Wainscot

Wood paneling that lines the lower part of a room

Moisture movement in wood

Wood shrinks and swells, depending on the ambient air's humidity and temperature, changing in dimensions.

Carpet Fibers

Wool, nylon, acrylic, polypropylin (olefin), and polyester

Working Drawings

Working drawings, also called construction drawings, are the scaled plans, elevations, sections, details, and schedules that represent the configuration, size, shape, and location of a building to be built. They are used for estimating, permitting, and constructing the building. They comprise the graphical portion of the contract documents.

Clean and Dirty Zones

Zoning that is done for IAQ purposes. This strategy is used in health-care and laboratory buildings.

Every room or space that is a(n) _______ occupancy must post the occupant load.

assembly

The stack effect only works when outside air is ______ (cooler/wamer) than inside air.

cooler

Factors that affect earthquake loads

ground Motion - Building mass and ductility of Structural frame - Type of soil - Importance of buildings

Mechanical means to keep smoke out of protected areas is done with ______ (low/high) pressure.

high

The part of the eye that controls how much light enters is called the ______.

iris

Larger sections of wood shrink proportionately ________ (less/more) than smaller sections of lumber.

less

A stick-built glass curtain wall is anchored to the structure through ________.

mullions

More than one candlepower distribution curve is needed for __________ (symmetrical/nonsymmetrical) light sources.

nonsymmetrical

Wood is strongest when loaded _________ (perpendicular/parallel) to the grain.

parallel; however, wood is often loaded perpendicular to the grain, as in a beam

When light hits a surface, it can be ______, ______, or ________.

transmitted, reflected, absorbed

The _______ is the point at which a material continues to stretch with no increase in load.

yield point