Work of the Design Professional Flashcards
What is the role of the design architect and/or engineer?
translates owner’s building ideas and needs into a complete design
What is the purpose of construction documents?
fully describe the building to be built and consist of:
- graphic construction drawings (plans)
- written specifications (specs)
Describe the CSI MasterFormat System. (4)
- comprehensive outline for organizing information about materials and systems
- can be used to cross-reference materials on construction drawings
- organized into 50 primary divisions
- divisions are further subdivided into sections
Describe the role of sections within the MasterFormat System.
sections within divisions define the work of individual trades or suppliers
What are model building codes? (3)
- standardized codes adopted by the state or local jurisdiction
- once adopted, they become legal documents
- new editions published every three years
How do building codes protect public health and safety? (8)
- fire safety
- energy efficiency
- building exits
- air quality
- structural integrity
- sanitation
- electrical systems
- livability/accessibility
What are the two most common model building codes in the U.S.?
International Residential Code (IRC): one and two-family dwellings; three stories maximum height; stand-alone code
International Building Code (IBC): all buildings not covered by the IRC
What is the difference between performance and prescriptive requirements?
- performance: “exterior wall shall have a fire-resistance rating of one hour”
- prescriptive: “exterior wall shall be constructed with 2x4 studs spaced 16” …” etc.
What are some activities defined by the IBC Occupancy Classifications? (10)
- A: Assembly
- B: Business
- E: Educational
- F: Factory
- H: High hazard
- I: Institutional
- M: Mercantile
- R: Residential
- S: Storage
- U: Utility
What degrees of fire resistance are defined by the IBC Construction Types? (5)
- Type I: Most fire resistant (noncombustible materials only; 2-3 hr resistance)
- Type II (noncombustible materials only; 0-1 hr resistance)
- Type III (noncombustible exterior walls and combustible interior materials; 0-1 hr resistance)
- Type IV (noncombustible exterior walls and combustible interior materials; Heavy Timber [HT])
- Type V: Least fire resistant (fully combustible; 0-1 hr resistance)
Describe the relationship between occupancy classification, construction type and allowable building size according to the IBC. (3)
- occupancy classification and construction type determine allowable building size
- occupancies with greater hazards = building size is limited
- construction systems more resistant to fire = larger buildings allowed
Which state regulations affect construction? (2)
- Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS)
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
Which federal regulations affect construction? (2)
- worker safety: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- environmental protections: (EPA) protection of sensitive land, waterways, limits on emission of air pollutants, etc.
Which regulations enforce equal access to facilities for persons with disabilities?
- building code accessibility requirements
- federal civil rights laws such as Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Housing Act, and others
What are construction standards? (4)
- referenced by the model codes
- define good practice
- ensure minimum quality
- encourage standardization and efficiency in methods
