Construction Materials and Methods Flashcards

What is a 'construction joint' in concrete work?

Answer: A planned interruption in a concrete pour where fresh concrete is later cast against hardened concrete

Construction joints are intentional stopping points in concrete pours; proper roughening and treatment of the hardened surface ensures bonding with the next pour.

Which type of glass offers the best resistance to thermal breakage in a curtain wall application?

Answer: Tempered (heat-strengthened) glass

Tempered glass is heat-treated to induce surface compression, making it 4–5 times more resistant to thermal stress and impact than annealed glass.

What is 'EIFS' (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) primarily composed of?

Answer: A continuous insulation board, reinforced base coat, and finish coat applied over a substrate

EIFS consists of a polymer-modified base coat reinforced with fiberglass mesh over foam insulation board, topped with a textured finish coat.

In structural steel construction, what is 'erection' most accurately defined as?

Answer: Field assembly and temporary or permanent connection of steel members to form the structure

Steel erection is the on-site process of hoisting and connecting fabricated steel members into their final positions in the structural frame.

Which roofing membrane material is classified as a thermoplastic single-ply system?

Answer: TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin)

TPO is a heat-weldable thermoplastic membrane widely used for low-slope roofing, offering reflectivity and resistance to UV and ozone.

What is the purpose of a 'rainscreen' wall assembly principle?

Answer: To create a pressure-equalized cavity between cladding and the water-resistive barrier to prevent water intrusion

Rainscreen assemblies use a ventilated cavity and pressure equalization to neutralize the forces that drive water through the cladding, keeping the inner drainage plane dry.