Building Systems and Construction

Question 1

Post Tensioned Concrete

Answer 1

consists of steel cables that at tightened as the concrete hardens to reinforce strength. Once tightened the cables cannot be cut or manipulated without affecting the material strength and damaging the wall

Question 2

Post and Beam Construction

Answer 2

traditional construction method of building with heavy timbers, creating structures using squared-off and carefully fitted and joined timbers with joints secured by large wooden pegs.

Question 3

Precast Concrete

Answer 3

a construction product produced by casting concrete over rebar in a reusable mold or “form” which is then cured in a controlled environment, transported to the construction site and lifted into place.

Question 4

Open Web Steel Joist System

Answer 4

lightweight steel truss consisting, in the standard form, of parallel chords and a triangulated web system, proportioned to span between bearing points.

Question 5

Articulation Class

Answer 5

The measure of how well ceilings absorb sound coming over a partition

Question 6

Articulation Index

Answer 6

measures all elements in a room including furniture, partitions, ceiling, sound masking systems, etc.

Question 7

Ceiling Attenuation Class (CAC)

Answer 7

a measure for rating the performance of a ceiling system as a barrier to airborne sound transmission between adjacent closed spaces (such as offices)

Question 8

Impact Insulation Class (IIC)

Answer 8

a number rating for how well a building floor attenuates impact sounds, such as foot steps

Question 9

Beam-and-Girder System

Answer 9

large members, called girders, span between columns and small beams are framed into them. The girders span shortened distances because they carry the weight of the beams. The beams span the longer distances and are framed into the girders.

Question 10

Piles

Answer 10

when soils are weak or poor surface conditions are encountered, column-like shafts called piles are installed (drilled and filled with concrete, power driven) to depths to reach acceptable supporting stratum.

Question 11

STC

Answer 11

Sound Transmission Class - a numerical rating that indicates the transmission of sound through construction materials. The higher the STC rating, the better the material is at stopping sound from transmitting through it.

Question 12

NRC

Answer 12

Noise Reduction Coefficient - has to do with preventing noise from being transmitted from one space to another

Question 13

Height of wall cabinet above a stove

Answer 13

30”

Question 14

Slip Joints

Answer 14

can be details designed by the interior designer for floor deflection and wind sway

Question 15

Expansion Joints

Answer 15

an assembly designed to hold parts together while safely absorbing temperature-induced expansion and contraction of building materials, and vibration, or to allow movement due to ground settlement or seismic activity. must be designed by architect in initial design

Question 16

No special seismic design is required for:

Answer 16

1. structures in seismic design category a or b
2. ceilings with areas less than 144 sq ft
3. gypsum wallboard suspensions systems
4. plaster and lath ceilings

Question 17

Mortise Lock

Answer 17

the complete assembly that is installed in a door recess (mortise), thus making it one of the most commonly used and secure locking units. Mortise locks are installed in a door as a deadbolt and a latch bolt, which can both be retracted with a single operation.

Question 18

Coefficient of Absorption

Answer 18

measures the amount of absorption or reflection of sound by a ratio system.

A coefficient of 0.20 and higher is absorptive while 0.19 and lower is considered reflective.

Question 19

SAA

Answer 19

Sound Absorption Average - published in most product literature that offers acoustic ratings. The lower the SAA value, the more reflective the material is