Project Development & Documentation 2
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. It is not required on sliding doors.
The rise of one flight of stairs is usually limited to ____.
12' per code.
Crystalline bedrock allowable bearing capacity
12.0 ksf.
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.
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 joint.
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.
MasterFormat
A master list of numbers and titles classified by work results or construction practices that is primarily used to organize project manuals and detailed cost information and related drawing notations to specifications.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 90° 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 90° 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.
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.
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.
Perm
A unit of water vapor transmission.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Service Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER)
An HVAC energy rating.
Self-Closing
As applied to a fire door or other opening protective, it means being equipped with a device that will ensure door closure after it has been opened.
Coal Tar Enamel
Coating for anticorrosion that is resistant to soil bacteria, marine organisms, and root growth; used in subterranean pipelines for petroleum products.
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.
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", and 36".
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.
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
True or false? Automated entrance doors are required where public buildings must be accessible.
False, while helpful, they are not required.
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? 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? 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.
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.
Fire Damper
Fire DamperPassive fire protection elements installed at the penetration points of mechanical ducts to prevent the spread of fire between fire-rated walls and floors.
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.
Backer Rod
Flexible foam rods that are used to "back up" caulk in construction joints.
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.
What are the IBC (International Building Code) travel distances for a sprinklered and unsprinklered building?
Sprinklered building = 250' Unsprinklered building = 200'.
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.
MHCHOH
Inorganic silts, micaceous or diatomaceous fine sands or silts, elastic siltsInorganic clays of high plasticity, fat claysOrganic clays of medium to high plasticity
MLCLOL
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
What helps minimize the effects of efflorescence in façades?
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Nosing projections
Less than 1 1/4".
Terrazzo Flooring
Like concrete, this flooring is mixed with several aggregates and placed, wet and plastic, in its final location.
Textured or Multi-Level Loop
Loops are inserted into the backing with different heights for dimensional effect.
Quarry Tile
Low absorbing tile used in commercial kitchens.
Invert
Lowest point of the inside of a drain, pipe, channel, or other liquid carrying conduit.
5/4 Lumber
Lumber that is 1.25" thick; often used for decking.
Weather Stripping
Made from a resilient, compressible material, this is used to seal gaps between fixed-operable or operable components.
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.
Moisture movement in portland cement
Materials with a portland cement base tend to shrink due to moisture loss.
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.
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.
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.
Sheet piles are generally made of which material?
Steel.
Substitution
Submittal of a product other than one specifically allowed by the specifications. A substitution must be accompanied by a formal substitution request, with a statement from the contractor explaining the reason for the request, and describing how the proposed product meets the design intent.
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.
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.
Crazing
Numerous hairline cracks with a shatter appearance in a surface, such as concrete, plaster, ceramic, paints, and other coatings.
Damper
Regulates airflow and prevents downdraft in a fireplace.
Haptic
Relating to the sense of touch.
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.
Wood that is submerged in water is _________.
Resistant to decay because of lack of oxygen. This does not apply to seawater, only fresh water.
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.
Allowable Bearing Capacity of Soil
Obtained by dividing its ultimate bearing capacity by a factor of safety.
Commonly used vapor retarder materials
Roof membranes: built-up roof, modified bitumen, single-ply membranes Plastics Building paper or kraft paper Aluminum foil
Countertop corners in high traffic areas can be specified to have _____ or _____ corners.
Rounded, clipped.
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
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 Douglas Fir is a softwood.
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.
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.
Performance Specification (Open Spec)
TSpecification based on performance requirements of a product, such as VOC content, efficiency rating, or sound attenuation rating. May or may not name a specific brand or model.
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.
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.
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 U.S. business and the U.S. 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. Billable costs incurred by the general contractor for items other than direct construction-related materials and labor, or overhead and profit. Can include temporary power, site security, sanitation, or office supplies.
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).
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.
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.
Bargeboard
The board on a gable end of a roof.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cement Mortars
Typically for general-duty installations, cement mortars consist of either mixtures of portland cement, sand, water, and water-retentive additives for dry-set cement mortars or a latex polymer additive for modified cement mortars.
True or false? Factory finishes tend to be nicer than site finishes.
True.
True or false? Plaster can either be machine-applied or hand-applied.
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.
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.
True or false? All bathrooms must be ventilated.
True; can either be ventilated by an operable window or by mechanical means.
Tuckpointing
Tuckpointing is a masonry repair process whereby mortar joints are ground down, cleaned out, and filled with new mortar.
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 mid-floor landing.
Types of Kitchens
U-shaped, L-shaped, galley, island, peninsula, and straight-line.
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.
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.
Joint Tape
Used over joints in drywall construction to provide a smooth surface.
Joint Compound
Used with joint tape to finish joints in drywall construction; also called mud.
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.
Organic Adhesives
Usually ready-to-use liquid or powdered water-emulsion latex products that cure by evaporation; these adhesives are typically for light-duty installations and for interior use only. They are not suitable for high temperatures.
Thick set for tiles
Usually requiring 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
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.
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.
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.
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 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 inches. 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 emit a distinctive sound, not used for any other purpose other than that of a fire alarm, and to be at least 15 decibels above the ambient sound, or 5 dBA above the maximum sound level.
MSDS
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a document that contains information on the potential hazards of a material.
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.
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.
What should be considered when creating schedules?
Client requirements; Size relative 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.
Flemish Bond
Alternates headers and stretchers in each course.
What do notes on drawings provide?
Information -Instruction -Identification.
Pile Density
Refers to the quantity of pile yarn used and closeness of the weave.
Minimum width of stairways that are a part of an accessible means of egress?
44" with allowable handrail protrusions.
In addition to joint sealants, what other components are important to a sealed joint?
- Substrate - Primer - Sealant Backup - Bond Breaker
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
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
Contents of a project manual include
- Bidding requirements -Contract conditions (general, supplementary, and special, if there are any) -Contract forms -Specifications
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, 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
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
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
Common incidental uses that require fire separation or protection
- Furnace rooms with equipment over 400,000 BTU - Boiler rooms with equipment over 15 psi or 10 hp - Incinerator rooms - Laundry rooms over 100 sf - Paint rooms not classified as H occupancies and not located in an F occupancy - Storage rooms over 100 SF in ambulatory care facilities or I-2 occupancies - Waste and linen collection rooms over 100 sf in other than ambulatory care facilities or I-2 occupancies(from IBC Table 509)
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
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
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, and penetration details can be sources of water entry
Types of elastomeric sealants
- Polyisobutylene - Acrylics - Polyurethane - Polysulfide - Silicone
Three categories of joint sealants
- Preformed Tapes - Caulks - Elastomeric Sealants
Windows must be tested for:
- Resistance to wind loads - Resistance to water leakage - Resistance to air leakage - Resistance to forced entry
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
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)
Five materials used in contemporary windows
- Wood - Aluminum - Steel - Vinyl - Fiberglass
What causes movement in building components?
-Thermal movement - Moisture movement - Elastic deformation and creep - Construction tolerances and other considerations
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
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) Fluoropolymer coating
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
Three types of air filters
1. Dry mat 2. Spray washer 3. Electrostatic
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
Below-grade waterproofing strategies
1. Membrane: coatings, oil-based, or sprayed 2. Water Management: damp proofing aided by foundation perimeter drainage
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: non-moving 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.
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%.
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° F of thermal change. Higher humidity makes hot air more uncomfortable.
Sedimentary and foliated rock bearing capacity
4.0 ksf.
Anchor Bolt
A bolt that is used to anchor a structure to concrete. Types include expansion, epoxy, l-bolts, and j-bolts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Trowel Finish
A dense, smooth finish obtained by working a fresh concrete or plaster surface with a steel trowel.
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.
Tie-Down (Hold Down)
A device used to resist uplift of the chords of shear walls.
Bid Forms
A document filled out by a contractor, and submitted to an owner, stating the proposed total construction cost for a project. The bid may include qualifications or assumptions to define the scope of the bid.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Energy Model
A mathematical computer simulation of a building's energy use for heating, cooling, and lighting used to help choose optimum HVAC and lighting systems. Calculations are based on envelope composition (foundation, wall, and roof construction, insulation, windows, etc.) and assumptions for the HVAC and lighting systems.
British thermal unit (Btu)
A measure of energy, typically noted as the amount of energy needed to raise one pound of water by 1° F.
Liquid limit of soil
A measure of the soil's plasticity. It indicates the behavior of the soil in the presence of water
Air Changes
A measurement of how many times the air is removed from a space, usually measured in instances per hour.
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.
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.
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.
Detention Pond
A naturally low-lying area that is designed to temporarily hold excess rainwater to help prevent flooding.
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.
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.
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.
Subdiaphragm
A portion of a larger wood diaphragm designed to anchor and transfer local forces to primary diaphragm struts and the main diaphragm.
Welded Wire Mesh
A prefabricated grid of wires that are welded together. It is used in reinforced concrete construction.
Vitrification
A process that makes a ceramic material glass-like.
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.
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 a 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.
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.
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 multi-story 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.
Double Acting Doors
A single door that is able to swing in both directions because of pivot hinges or double acting hinges.
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).
Toe Kick
A space under cabinets designed to allow for use of the countertops without stubbing toes or leaning over.
Construction Joint
A special type of static joint that is provided between two concrete placements.
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.
Rabbet
A step in a sash or frame cross section against which the glass is held.
Gasket
A strip of resilient material between the glass and the glazing pocket.
Weather Stripping
A strip of resilient material that provides a seal between the sash and the frame to reduce air and water leakage.
Ledger
A structural board that is mounted to a vertical frame or surface. For example, ledger boards are used to attach decks to houses.
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.
Thick-Set Tile
A thick-set or mud-set tile installation consists of finish tiles set over a thick mortar bed that allows the substrate to be uneven or sloped.
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.
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-based or water-based.
Culvert
A tunnel carrying a stream or open drain under a road or railroad.
ACH
ACH refers to air changes per hour.
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 are low in cost.
Add Alternate
Additional project scope to be priced by contractor, which the owner can choose to execute based on project goals and available budget.
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.
Swing-Clear Hinges
Allows the door to get completely out of the way of the frame, increasing the clear width of the opening.
English Bond
Alternate course of headers and stretchers.
Scald Guard
Allows one to set a maximum temperature at the faucet without having to adjust the temperature at the water heater.
Strip Windows and Glazing
An array of windows placed side by side to form a horizontal strip window system.
Mullion
An element that forms a division between window or door units.
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.
Tactile
An object that can be perceived using the sense of touch.
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.
Value Engineering (VE)
An organized effort directed at analyzing designed building features, systems, equipment, and material selections for the purpose of achieving essential functions at the lowest life cycle cost consistent with required performance, quality, reliability, and safety.
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.
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.
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 the National CAD Standard (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.
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.
Types of Cabinets
Base, wall, and tall; framed or frameless; flush inset, flush overlay, reveal overlay, and lipped overlay.
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.
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.
Moisture movement in concrete and masonry
Clay masonry units expand on absorption of water or water vapor. This expansion is irreversible.
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.
UV radiation helps mitigate which type of indoor air contaminant?
Biological.
Veneer Matching
Bookmatch, slipmatch, and random.
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Building Information Modeling is the creation of a digital representation of the design intent and construction specifications, including physical and functional characteristics.
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.
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.
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.
Where are expansive soils found?
California, Nevada, Texas, Arizona, and Maryland.
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.
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.
Stain
Changes the color of wood without covering the grain; does not offer much protection, so a topcoat should be applied.
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.
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 close-out 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.
Discipline Designator
Consisting of one alphabetical character and a hyphen or two alphabetical characters: 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.
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.
The stack effect only works when outside air is ______ (cooler/warmer) than inside air.
Cooler.
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.
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.
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.
Wood Defects
Cupping, warping, bowing, crooking, pitch pockets, checks, wanes, knots, and shakes.
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.
Casing
Decorative members that cover the joints between adjacent materials.
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.
Retention Pond
Designed to hold a specific amount of water indefinitely.
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.
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.
Submittals
Documents and physical samples that describe in detail how the contractor will construct the work. Submittals are closely scheduled and coordinated with the project construction schedule.
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.
Shop Drawings
Drawings, Diagrams, Schedules, and other data specially prepared for the work to illustrate some portion of the work by the general contractor, subcontractors, and fabricators.
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.
Running Bond
Entire row of stretchers.
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.
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.
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"
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.
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 in tiles and decorative elements; in contemporary architecture, it is used in 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.
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
USCS symbols for gravel
G: gravel S: sand M: silt C: clay
CSI MasterFormat, Division 01
General requirements. Contain 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.
Offgassing or Outgassing
Refers to the releasing of VOCs and other harmful gasses. This is an important consideration in indoor air quality.
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 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.
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 U.S. border)
Grade SW
Grade for building bricks: Severe Weathering (Oregon, most of the eastern half of the U.S.).
Hypocausts
Gravity heating systems used by the Romans to heat public baths and private houses.
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%.
Common Bond
Header course every sixth course; head joints are aligned between header and stretcher courses.
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. Specifying all heartwood 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.
Sewer Brick
High-strength, low-absorption brick used in drainage structures.
Mechanical means to keep smoke out of protected areas is done with ______ (low/high) pressure.
High.
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.
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).
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.
Purpose of a primer in sealed joints
Improve adhesion of the sealant to substrate.
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.
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, rabbeted, 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.
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.
Balusters
In stair design, balusters are the vertical members that support the rails.
Matrix
In terrazzo construction, the matrix refers to the binder, either cement or epoxy resin.
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.
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).
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.
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
Softwood
Mostly harvested from coniferous trees (i.e., Douglas Fir, pine), softwoods are often used as structural lumber. They can also be used for furniture and finishes, but are less dense than hardwoods 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 finishmaterials and furniture. Typical applications include flooring and millwork. Hardwoods can be painted orstained depending on the desired application.
A stick-built glass curtain wall is anchored to the structure through ________.
Mullions.
Oleoresinous Paint
Naturally occurring mixture of oil and a resin extracted from pine/fir trees and thinned with a solvent like turpentine.
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.
Void Form
One of multiple products that is used to create a void under concrete, thereby isolating the concrete from expansive soils.
Mil
One one-thousandth of an inch.
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 moistureClosed cell: higher R value (around 6 per inch) and impermeable to air and moisture
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 are 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.
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 footCOL = columnCONT = continuousGYP BD = gypsum boardAFF = above finished floorHR = hourVTR = vent through roofNIC = not in contractGALV = galvanizedGFI = ground fault interrupterFD = floor drainBM = benchmarkADJ = adjustableBC = bottom of curbEX = existingRO = rough openingMO = masonry openingRM = roomSIM = similarWF = 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
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.
Blind-Side Waterproofing
Refers to waterproofing applied to the outside of the wall that becomes inaccessible after construction.
PT
Peat, muck, and other highly organic soils.
Paint components
Pigment, binder, and solvent.
Material with the highest coefficient of thermal expansion
Plastics.
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.
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.
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.
Add Services
Professional services that may, if authorized or confirmed in writing by owner, be rendered for additional compensation, in addition to the basic services identified in the owner-architect agreement.
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.
Supplementary Conditions
Provisions added to a standard form contract. This is a useful tool to address project-specific needs that the standard form does not cover.
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.
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.
Schedules (Working Drawings)
Schedules in working drawings give information about doors, windows, room finishes, hardware, fixtures, equipment, and more.
Weather Stripping
Seals joints and cracks in doors and windows, limiting air infiltration.
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.
U-factor is a ______ (sensible/latent) heat property.
Sensible. U-factor does not address moisture related heat flow.
What is typically included in the general sheets of a set?
Sheet list, symbols, code summary, abbreviations, code plans, life safety plans, and 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.
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.
Tactile Sign
Sign containing raised characters and/or symbols and accompanying Braille.
GMGC
Silty gravels, gravel-sand-silt mixturesClayey gravels, gravel-sand-clay mixtures
SMSC
Silty sands, sand-silt mixturesPoorly 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.
U.S. 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.
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.
Muntin
Small bars that separate two panes of glass in order to join them together to make a larger expanse of glass.
Invert
The elevation of the bottom or flow line of a pipe.
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.
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 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.)
Heat of Hydration
The heat generated by the process of hydration, as during the setting and curing of concrete.
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 extends beyond the structural line, typically called out in structural drawings and capped with a steel angle; must be coordinated and located architecturally.
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.
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 30° 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 60° to the board face, with 45° 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.
Casework
The name given to cabinets in architectural drawings and specifications.
Birdsmouth
The notch cut in a roof rafter that is used to connect to and transfer load to the top plate of the wall.
Occupant Load
The number of persons for which the means of egress of a building or portion thereof is designed. Calculated based on the occupant load table in IBC, occupancy classification of building, and finished square footage of space.
Rough Opening
The opening within which the window is placed.
Coordination
The organization of the different building systems (structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, etc.) so as toenable them to work together effectively with architectural elements and one another.
Service Line
The overhead wire from a transformer on a utility pole to the weather head; also called the service drop.
Nosing
The part of the tread that extends beyond the face of the riser.
Flue
The path for smoke to travel up the chimney.
Common path of egress travel
The portion of an exit that all occupants travel 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Weather Head
The weatherproof head where overhead electrical service enters a building.
Scope of Services
The work an architect or consultant will perform for a project including: Evaluating the proposed program, budget, schedule, site, and project delivery method. Assembling the team for the project and reviews and negotiating consultant fees. Providing 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. Performing design development where the project is refined and design decisions are considered and confirmed. Drawing up construction documents, the biggest phase, where the working drawings and specifications are produced. Participating in bidding and negotiation where the architect helps the owner bid the project and find a contractor. Carrying out contract administration, where the architect acts as administrator of the contract.
Project Manual
The written documents prepared for procuring and constructing the work, which can include the specifications, bidding requirements, contract forms, and conditions of contract. The project manual may also include supplementary information such as the geotechnical report, traffic study, or arborist's report.
Brick masonry movement types in buildings
Thermal, elastic deformation, creep, and irreversible moisture.
Concrete masonry movement types in buildings
Thermal, elastic deformation, creep, and reversible moisture.
Concrete movement types in buildings
Thermal, elastic deformation, creep, and reversible moisture.
Wood movement types in buildings
Thermal, elastic deformation, creep, and reversible moisture.
Steel movement types in buildings
Thermal, elastic deformation.
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.
Orthographic Drawings
These include plans, elevations, and sections; a method that allows a 3-D object to be represented in 2-D.
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 non-fading 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 multi-family 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). Multi-story 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.
Muntins
Thin horizontal and vertical dividers, commonly used in early windows when large sheets of glass were not available.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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%.
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.
VOCs
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gasses that can be emitted from many building materials including paint, adhesives, and varnish. VOCs are common indoor air pollutants and their emissions can have negative effects on the health of building occupants.
Fire Wall
Walls that extend from the building's foundation through the roof to a parapet or to the underside of a noncombustible roof, and must have a fire rating of 2 to 4 hours. Reference IBC Chapter 706.
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.
GWGP
Well-graded gravels and gravel-sand mixtures, little or no finesPoorly graded gravels and gravel-sand mixtures, little or no fines
SWSP
Well-graded sands and gravelly sands, little or no finesPoorly graded sands and gravelly sands, little or no fines
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.
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 90°.
Plastic limit of soil
When soil changes from a semidry state to the plastic state.
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 ______________.
Integrated Appliances
When the appliances are finished with the cabinetry to become indistinguishable.
Open Risers
When the vertical portion of the stair between the treads is open.
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.
Mixing Valve
Where hot and cold water are mixed in a faucet.
Where does the dew point generally occur?
Within the insulation, which is why it must be vapor permeable.
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.
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, polypropylene (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.
