BDCS - K-Plan - Chapter Quizes

1.10. All of the following are advantages of using precast concrete sections EXCEPT A. better quality control. B. faster curing. C. all-weather construction. D. greater economy.

1.10. B Precast concrete offers a number of advantages, including better quality control (A), all-weather construction (C), and often, greater economy (D). While precast concrete can be steam cured, which provides better quality control, the curing time is not necessarily reduced (B).

1.2. When pouring concrete in hot weather, what kind of agent would one add to the mixture? A. Retarding agent B. Air-entraining agent C. Hardening agent D. Workability agent

1.2. A As hot weather tends to shorten concrete's setting time, one would add a retarding agent to the mixture. This would counteract the weather's effect by lengthening the setting time.

1.3. The purpose of a concrete slump test is to A. determine the plasticity of the mix. B. measure the consistency and workability of the mix. C. test the compression of the mix. D. define the compression strength of the mix.

1.3. B The slump test measures the consistency and workability of the concrete mix and is usually performed in the field. The test employs a standard slump cone mold that is set on a level surface and filled with concrete from the mixer, in three layers of equal volume. Each layer is rodded and after the top layer is leveled, the mold is carefully removed and the wet concrete is permitted to slump. Generally, the acceptable slump from the original height ranges from two to six inches. (2"-6")

1.4. Which of the following qualities are normally associated with lightweight concrete? I. Good thermal insulation II. High density III. Excellent fire resistance IV. Low cost V. Difficulty of handling A. I and III C. I, III, and V B. II and III D. 11, IV, and V

1.4. A Lightweight concrete, whether structural or nonstructural, provides good thermal insulation (I) and resistance to fire (ill). It has low density (II is incorrect) and relatively high cost (IV is incorrect), and it is easy to handle and place (Vis incorrect). The correct combination of answers is found in choice A.

1.5. The principal determinant of concrete strength is the A. amount of air entrained. B. type of portland cement used. C. volume of aggregate in the mix. D. water-cement ratio.

1.5. D The strength of concrete depends on a number of factors, but primarily on the water-cement ratio.

1.6. In curing concrete slabs, which of the following procedures is rarely used? A. Overlay with plastic membrane B. Spray with moisture C. Blow with fans D. Cover with sand

1.6. C After concrete is placed, the proper humidity and temperature must be maintained for some time in order to assure satisfactory hydration of the cement. For this purpose, a number of methods may be employed, including covering the concrete with a membrane (A), supplying additional moisture by spraying (B), and covering the concrete with moist sand (D). Blowing with fans (C) is not normally done, as this would probably result in excessive evaporation of water, which is precisely what curing attempts to avoid.

6.10. Which of the following qualities generally apply to wood windows? I. Low maintenance II. Low initial expense III. High resistance to fire IV. High durability V. Wide availability A. I and III C. II, ill, and V B. I, II, and IV D. II, IV, and V

6.10. D Wood windows are relatively inexpensive, durable, and widely available (II, IV, and V). However, they require periodic maintenance and are not fireresistive (I and III are incorrect).

4.1. All of the following ferrous metals can resist tensile forces EXCEPT A. alloy steel. B. heat-treated steel. C. cast iron. D. wrought iron.

4.1. C Cast iron has a high carbon content and is strong in compression, but weak in tension.

4.10. Most fabricated aluminum window assemblies are produced by A. casting. C. cold rolling. B. pressing. D. extruding.

4.10. D An advantage to using aluminum is that complex sections, such as those used for window assemblies, can easily be produced by extrusion. In this process, a heated billet of aluminum is squeezed through a die to produce the desired shape in any length.

4.2. Which of the following metals is most resistant to galvanic deterioration? A. Bronze B. Brass C. Copper D.Lead

4.2. A Among the metals listed, bronze is most resistant to galvanic deterioration. Refer to the list on page 78.

4.3. Miscellaneous metalwork is most frequently fabricated from A. iron. B. aluminum. C. copper. D. steel.

4.3. D Steel is the most widely used metal in building construction, including those items classified as miscellaneous metalwork.

4.4. Open web steel joists are I. small lightweight trusses. II. standardized. III. fabricated in a shop. IV. strong both vertically and horizontally. A. I and II C. I, II, and III B. II and ill D. I, ill, and IV

4.4. C Open web steel joists are shop fabricated (ill), small, lightweight, standardized steel trusses (I and II). They are strong in the vertical direction, but weak in the flat, horizontal direction (IV is incorrect).

6.1. Which of the following glass types would one select in order to reduce light transmission? A. Insulating B. Patterned C. Reflective D. Laminated

6.1. B Patterned glass obscures vision and reduces light transmission.

1.1. If you are pouring a large concrete slab and wish to avoid random cracks caused by shrinkage, you would likely provide A. expansion joints. B. isolation joints. C. control joints. D. construction joints.

1.1. C The purpose of a control joint is to create a weakened section, so that shrinkage cracking will occur at the joint, rather than in a random fashion.

6.2. Which of the following glass types are appropriate for skylight glazing? I. Laminated II. Tempered III. Wired Iv. Heavy sheet A.I and ill C. I, II, and III B. II and ill D. I, II, and IV

6.2. C Skylight glazing must be safe from breaking and falling, which might endanger occupants. Laminated, tempered, or wired glass are appropriate to specify for skylights.

6.3. Tactile finishes are generally applied to operating hardware in order to provide A. improved corrosion resistance. B. a more decorative finish. C. greater handling control. D. warnings to the handicapped.

6.3. D A tactile finish is used on operating hardware on doors leading to areas that might be dangerous to blind people.

6.4. The principal disadvantage of aluminum door and window sections is their A. high initial expense. B. lack of durability. C. poor resistance to galvanic action. D. poor resistance to building stresses.

6.4. C Aluminum door and window sections are strong and durable (B and D are incorrect), and have relatively low initial expense (A is incorrect). However, special precautions must be taken to prevent galvanic action (C).

6.5. What is the maximum height of a four inch-wide wire-glass glazing strip located in a Class B labeled fire door? A. 13.5 inches B. 25 inches C. Full height of a 10-foot-high door D. No glazing is permitted

6.5. B Referring to Table 6.1, the glazing permitted in a Class B labeled fire door is 100 square inches. Dividing this area by the four-inch width of glazing results in a maximum allowable height of 25 inches.

6.6. Which of the following are advantages of revolving doors? I. Emergency exiting II. Handicapped access ill. Temperature control IV. One-way traffic flow V. Continuous pedestrian flow A. I and V C. I, II, and IV B.ill and V D. ill, IV, and V

6.6. B Revolving doors can carry a continuous two-way flow of pedestrian traffic (IV is incorrect, Vis correct). Very little cold (or warm) outside air is permitted to enter the building (ill is correct). However, revolving doors do not provide for emergency exiting or handicapped access (I and II are incorrect).

6.7. A latching device that is completely concealed within a rectangular cavity carved in the edge of a door stile is commonly known as a A. mortise lock. C. rim lock. B. unit lock. D. cylinder lock.

6.7. A See page 114.

6.8. Compared to glass, plastic sheet substitutes are generally less A. durable. C. transparent. B. fire-resistant. D. expensive.

6.8. A Plastic substitutes for glass are available in transparent sheets (C is incorrect), are fire-resistant (Bis incorrect), and are usually more expensive (D is incorrect). However, plastic is generally less durable than glass (A is correct).

1.7. While observing a concrete pour, an architect notices that the entire concrete load has been deposited from a 6-foot height at the middle of a 40-foot-long form. The architect should direct the contractor to A. spread the concrete throughout the length of the form. B. pour the next two concrete loads at each end of the form. C. pour the next load in exactly the same location. D. remove and discard the concrete.

1.7. D The concrete pour in this question was improper for two reasons: it was dropped from an excessive height, and it was deposited at one point, instead of uniformly along the form. Both of these procedures tend to cause segregation of the mix, and no further treatment will solve this problem. The only solution, therefore, is to remove and discard the concrete.

1.8. The steel in reinforced concrete A. furnishes rigidity. B. provides tensile strength. C. increases bond strength. D. adds ductility and durability.

1.8. B Concrete is strong in compression, but weak in tension. Therefore, reinforcing steel is embedded in the concrete to resist tension, while the concrete itself resists compression. The combination of the two materials is known as reinforced concrete.

1.9. The size of coarse aggregate in a concrete mix is governed by the I. type of cement used. II. strength of concrete desired. III. thickness of concrete section. IV. water-cement ratio. V. space between reinforcing bars. A. V only C. II and III B. I and IV D. III and V

1.9. D The maximum size of coarse aggregate permitted is ~ of the narrowest dimension between forms, or VJ of the thickness of slabs, or % of the minimum space between reinforcing bars. Thus, ill and V are correct (choice D).

2.1. In a situation that requires a lightweight, fire-resistant interior partition, which of the following materials would be preferred? A. Concrete block B. Glass block C. Gypsum block D. Common brick

2.1. C See page 39.

2.10. The most reasonable alternative solution to the problem stated in the previous question would be to A. paint the entire wall with a waterproof sealer. B. spray the entire wall with a clear lacquer. C. fill each joint with expansion joint filler. D. plaster the masonry wall.

2.10. D None of the first three choices provides the weather resistance of a proper mortar joint. Plastering the wall is a reasonable alternative, but it changes the architectural character and may not be acceptable to the owner and/or architect. Rebuilding the wan is still a better choice.

2.2. If a project required a nonbearing exterior wall to minimize solar heat gain while transmitting some light, which of the following materials would be appropriate? A. Glass block B. Face brick C. Modular brick D. Grade MW brick

2.2. A This is an easy question, as it is apparent that glass block is the only material listed that is able to transmit light.

2.3. Face brick differs from building brick in that it is generally A. more resistant to severe weathering. B. harder and more durable. C. more uniform in size and color. D. available in a variety of sizes.

2.3. C Face brick is more uniform in size and color than building brick. Its durability and weather resistance are the same as building brick of the same grade (A and B are incorrect). Face brick is only available in certain sizes, textures, and colors (D is incorrect).

2.4. To construct an eight-inch-thick masonry wall, concrete block might be selected instead of brick because it is I. less expensive. II. easier to handle. III. easier to reinforce. IV. faster to erect. V. more attractive. A. I and IV B. I and III C. I, II, and IV D. II, ill, and V

2.4. A Concrete block is usually less expensive per square foot of wall than brick (I). Concrete blocks are also much faster to erect than brick because of their larger size: one concrete block has the same volume as8 or 12 bricks (IV). Because they are larger and heavier, concrete blocks ~e harder to handle (II is incorrect). Blocks are not easier to reinforce (ill is incorrect), and in general, they are less attractive than brick (Vis incorrect).

2.5. Which of the following has little effect in preventing efflorescence? A. Using solid, tight mortar joints B. Wetting the masonry units prior to setting C. Furnishing adequate weather protection during construction D. Providing a continuous weatherproof cap on walls

2.5. B Efflorescence is a whitish powder that sometimes comes to the surface when water evaporates from brick or other masonry. Choices A, C, and D all help to keep water from penetrating the masonry and therefore tend to reduce efflorescence. Wetting the masonry units (B) may be desirable, particularly for brick, but is does nothing to reduce efflorescence.

2.6. A mortar mixture of portland cement, sand, and water, but no hydrated lime, would probably produce a mortar with A. greater strength and workability. B. insufficient bonding strength. C. little resistance to moisture penetration. D. insufficient water retention.

2.6. D Hydrated lime is used in a mortar mixture to improve workability and water retentivity, although it reduces the strength of the mortar (A and B are incorrect, D is correct). C is also incorrect.

2.7. The considerable variation found in natural brick colors is caused by the I. preference of the manufacturer. II. clays from which they are made. III. pigmented admixtures used. IV. temperatures at which they are fired. V. length of time they are stored. A. II only C. I, ill, and IV B. II and IV D. II, ill, and V

2.7. B The variations in the color and hardness of brick are caused by the varying characteristics of the clays from which they are made (II) and the temperatures at which they are fired (IV).

2.8. A masonry course in which the long dimension of the exposed ends is placed vertically is called a A. header. C. stretcher. B. soldier. D. rowlock.

2.8. D See Figure 2.4.

2.9. During a weekly job-site visit, the architect notices that a mason ha& used troweled joints on an exposed exterior masonry wall, instead of the weather-struck joints that were specified. In the interest of practicality, the architect should A. accept the change, because there is little difference in the two joints. B. accept the change, because there is no practical way to modify troweled joints. C. reject the work and have the mason trowel additional mortar over every horizontal joint. D. reject the wall and have the wall rebuilt.

2.9. D Water tends to collect and remain in troweled joints, so it is likely that if left alone, the mortar would eventually deteriorate, causing leaks and loose units. It is important that joints be well-filled, tightly compacted, and of the proper shape. Troweled joints are a poor choice on an exterior wall, for they collect water, while weather-struck joints shed water. Adding mortar to an existing joint (C) is always poor practice, so the only alternative is to redo the wall.

3.1. If the primary concern for a structure is fire resistance, one should use A. post and beam framing. B. heavy timber framing. C. platform framing. D. balloon framing.

3.1. B Heavy timber construction consists of wood beams, girders, and columns that are very large, as specified by the building code. Such construction is fire resistant because massive wood members bum very slowly.

3.10. The strength of a wood member is affected by which of the following? I. The species of tree from which it is cut II. The method used in its seasoning III. The way it is cut from the tree IV. The number of defects it has V. The direction of the applied loads A. I, IV, and V B. II, Ill, and IV C. I, II, Ill, and V D. All of the above

3.10. D All of the listed factors affect the strength of a wood member.

3.2. Which of the following will help extend the life of wood? I. Keep all underfloor wood members dry and well ventilated. II. Keep subsurface wood supports totally submerged in water. m. Use hardwood members in areas close to the earth. IV. Use antitermite chemicals on the surface of wood members close to the earth. V. Apply intumescent paint on all exposed wood members. A. I and V C. I, II, and V B. II, ill, and IV D. I, III, IV, and V

3.2. C Insects, decay, and fire are continual risks to wood construction. Keeping underfloor wood members dry and well ventilated (I) reduces the risk of damage from insects or decay. Intermittent wetting provides a favorable environment for decay, but complete submersion in water (II), so that air is excluded, minimizes the possibility of decay. Decay-resistant species of wood, such as redwood, are often used for members close to the earth, but these are generally softwood, not hardwood (ill is incorrect). Surface coatings are usually ineffective in preventing termite infestation (IV is incorrect). Vis correct: the use of intumescent paint reduces the rate of flame spread.

3.3. An architect discovers that the anticipated load of a proposed floor exceeds the safe carrying capacity of conventional wood joists spaced at 16 inches. Because the design is limited to a relatively shallow framing depth, the practical solution would be to use A. conventional joists more closely spaced. B. shallow wood trusses. C. glued laminated beams. D. plywood girders.

3.3. A Wood trusses, laminated beams, and girders are all possible substitutes for conventional joists, but their use would be impractical and far more expensive than providing additional joists.

3.4. Mortise-and-tenon joints were used in most 18th century timber framing because A. it was the easiest type of joint to produce with the available tools. B. joint strength could not be achieved by any other method. C. metal fasteners were scarce. D. appearance was of primary importance.

3.4. C Nails and other metal fasteners were not massed produced until the 19th century, which completely changed all types of wood joinery.

3.5. The principal reason that lumber is graded is to establish A. uniform standards of quality. B. uniform standards of appearance. C. the strength of a particular member. D. the characteristics of a particular member.

3.5. A See page 56.

3.6. Wood that has a moisture content of 30 percent is generally A. air dried. B. kiln dried. c. dry. D. green.

3.6. D Wood with a moisture content of 30 percent is considered unseasoned, or green, and will shrink if used in construction.

3.7. Which type of manufactured panel would be most appropriate to use for perimeter foundation wall insulation? A. Beadboard B. Fiberboard C. Flakeboard D. Hardboard

3.7. A Beadboard is an insulating board consisting of a core of small, expanded polystyrene beads with heavy paper laminated to both sides. The major use of headboard is as an insulating material, such as perimeter insulation on foundation walls. Its insulation value is less than that of extruded polystyrene insulation of the same thickness.

3.8. Which type of manufactured panel is generally used as core stock for hardwood wall paneling? A. Prefinished hardboard B. Tempered hardboard C. Particleboard D. Plywood

3.8. C Particleboard is dry-formed of wood particles bonded together with synthetic resin. It is used primarily as core stock for plastic laminate or hardwood veneers and used in the manufacture of furniture, cabinets, countertops, wall paneling, and doors of all types.

3.9. If you wanted to use wood siding with a highly figured grain pattern, you would specify A. rift cut lumber. B. plainsawed lumber. C. quartersawed lumber. D. factory and shop lumber.

3.9. ·B Plainsawed lumber has a more distinctive grain pattern than quartersawed or rift cut. Factory and shop lumber refers to lumber used for remanufacture, not to grain pattern.

4.5. Steel is particularly well suited for structural framing because of its relative I. strength. II. ease of fabrication. III. low cost. Iv. corrosion resistance. V. fire resistance. A.I and IV B. I and ill C. II, IV, and V D. I, II, ill, and V

4.5. B Steel is strong and relatively inexpensive (I and Ill). However, it is susceptible to corrosion and lacks fire resistance (IV and V). Steel usually requires a great deal of precise shop fabrication (II is incorrect).

4.6. Which of the following is NOT a property of aluminum components used in building construction? A. High resistance to galvanic activity B. Good electrical conductivity C. Light weight D. Considerable resistance to corrosion

4.6. A Aluminum has all the properties listed, except high resistance to galvanic action. See pages 80-81.

4.7. Lightweight metal framing systems have all of the advantages below EXCEPT A. dimensional stability. B. speed of construction. C. decay resistance. D. fire resistance.

4.7. D Lightweight metal framing systems have all of the advantages listed, except fire resistance. Although metal is incombustible, it loses so much strength when exposed to a severe fire that it may fail or deform excessively.

4.8. The purpose of galvanizing iron and steel is to A. eliminate all corrosion. B. protect against deterioration. C. prevent galvanic action. D. provide a more attractive finish.

4.8. B Galvanizing iron and steel protects it against deterioration from corrosion.

4.9. Which of the following features apply to metal decking? I. It can support normal live and dead loads. II. It may be nailed to underlying support members. III. Its normal finish affords permanent weather protection. IV. It can serve as permanent formwork for a concrete slab. V. It is generally corrugated or ribbed. A. I and V C. II, III, and IV B. I, IV, and V D. I, II, IV, and V

4.9. B Metal decking can support live and dead loads, can serve as permanent formwork, and is usually corrugated or ribbed (I, IV, and V are correct). Decking is usually welded to the supporting members (II is incorrect). Whether plain or galvanized, metal decking must have a covering of concrete for permanent weather protection (ill is incorrect).

5.1. Which of the following characteristics are generally associated with tile roofs? I. Permanence II. Low initial cost III. Fire resistance IV. Considerable weight V. Suitability for low pitches A. III and IV C. I, III, and IV B. II and V D. I, III, IV, and V

5.1. C Tile roofs are heavy, permanent, and fireproof (I, Ill, and IV). However, they are expensive (II is incorrect), and they are only suitable for relatively steep roof pitches (V is incorrect).

5.10. Which of the following insulation materials has the greatest resistance to heat fl.ow per inch of thickness? A. Fiberglass batts B. Loose vermiculite fill C. Aluminum foil with air space D. Urethane panels

5.10. D Referring to Table 5.1, one can see that the R value for a one-inch plastic panel is 6.00, which is greater per inch of thickness than any other type shown.

5.2. The principal purpose of using granular fill beneath concrete slabs on grade is for the control of A. condensation. B. groundwater. C. thermal loss or gain. D. expansion or contraction.

5.2. B Slabs on grade are often placed over a granular fill several inches thick in order to prevent groundwater from being drawn into the slab by capillary action.

5.3. A sloping roof is framed with 2" x 1 O" rafters at 16 inches on center. The roof decking is %-inch-thick plywood, and the finished ceiling is constructed with 5/8-inch thick plasterboard attached to the bottom of the rafters. Which of the following would NOT be an appropriate system of thermal insulation? A. Mineral fiber rigid sheets B. Mineral wool batts C. Vermiculite loose fill D. Plastic foam panels 104

5.3. C Loose fill is an inappropriate insulation because the fill would tend to slide along the sloping surface and accumulate at the low end. Such insulation should only be used in flat air spaces, such as attics, or in completely filled wall cavities.

5.4. A polyethylene vapor barrier at roof level should be installed A. just above the finish ceiling. B. over the insulation on a roof deck. C. just beneath the roofing. D. between roof rafters.

5.4. A Vapor barriers should always be installed on the warm or room side of construction, in this case just above the finish ceiling. Vapor barriers are never installed between rafters, because the. sheet must be continuous to be effective in preventing the passage of water vapor.

5.5. Expansion joints are provided in a structure in order to A. reduce thermal movement. B. prevent thermal movement. C. permit thermal movement. D. produce thermal movement.

5.5. C Expansion joints cannot reduce, prevent, or cause movement due to temperature change. Their purpose is to provide a complete separation, which will permit movement, while maintaining structural integrity and weathertightness.

5.6. A square of roofing material refers to A. 100 square feet of roofing. B. the amount of the roof deck area. C. the amount of exposed roofing material. D. the amount of roofing material, including the necessary overlaps.

5.6. A See page 94.

5.7. In which of the following ways can condensation normally be controlled in a structure? I. Employ insulating glass. II. Apply a vapor barrier in the walls. Ill. Use a loose-fill type of insulation in the attic. IV. Install perimeter drain tiles. V. Provide crawl space ventilation. A. II only C. I, III, and V B. III and IV D. I, II, and V

5.7. D Condensation can be controlled by using insulating glass (I), applying a vapor barrier (II), and providing ventilation (V). Attic insulation (Ill) is used for thermal control, not condensation control. And perimeter drain tiles (IV) are used to carry groundwater away from a structure.

5.8. The preferred minimum roof pitch for the installation of asphalt roll roofing is A. dead level. B.1:12 C. 3:12. D.4:12.

5.8. B See Figure 5.4.

5.9. Flashing is generally required to be installed in all of the following situations EXCEPT A. at the juncture of a masonry parapet and the turned-up composition roofing material. B. at the standing seams of a sloping galvanized iron roof. C. at the penetration of a sloping asphalt sheet roof by a plumbing vent. D. at the head of a metal window frame in a masonry wall.

5.9. B Flashing is used to provide a seal and prevent water penetration at joints and intersections, such as those in choices A, C, and D. The standing seams of a sloping metal roof form a seal and therefore do not require flashing (B).

6.9. Emergency exits in buildings often require the use of A. knurled knobs. B. lever handles. C. panic hardware. D. fusible links.

6.9. C Panic hardware is used on exit doors to quickly and easily open the doors in case of emergency. Knurled knobs (A) are used as a tactile finish to warn blind people that the doors lead to a dangerous area. A lever handle (B) is a horizontal handle used to open a door and is not suitable for emergency exiting. A fusible link (D) melts in case of fire, thereby closing a door or damper to prevent the spread of fire.