Construction Materials & Methods Flashcards
7 cards from real CBP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Construction Materials & Methods flashcards as text
What is the purpose of adding fly ash as a partial cement replacement in a concrete mix?
Answer: To improve workability, reduce permeability, and lower heat of hydration
Fly ash as a pozzolanic cement replacement improves long-term strength, reduces permeability, enhances workability, and lowers heat of hydration, benefiting mass concrete pours.
What is the primary difference between Type I and Type III Portland cement?
Answer: Type III achieves higher early strength due to finer grinding
Type III Portland cement is ground more finely than Type I, which increases the surface area and accelerates hydration, achieving higher early strengths at 3 and 7 days.
In steel framing construction, what does the designation '600S162-54' refer to?
Answer: A 6-inch stud, 1-5/8 inch flange, 54-mil (16-gauge) thickness
Cold-formed steel stud designations follow the format: web depth (600 = 6 inches), section type (S = stud), flange width (162 = 1-5/8 inch), and thickness in mils (54 = approximately 16 gauge).
What is the typical minimum curing period required for normal Portland cement concrete to achieve adequate early strength in moderate weather conditions?
Answer: 7 days
A minimum of 7 days of wet curing is typically required for normal concrete to develop sufficient strength and reduce permeability under moderate weather conditions per ACI 308.
Which roofing material has the longest expected service life under normal residential conditions?
Answer: Standing seam metal roofing
Standing seam metal roofing typically has a service life of 40–70 years or more, significantly outlasting asphalt shingles (20–30 years), wood shakes (20–25 years), and fiber cement tiles (25–40 years).
What does the term 'balloon framing' describe in residential construction?
Answer: A historic framing system where studs run continuously from foundation to roof without interruption at floor levels
Balloon framing uses continuous studs running from the sill plate to the top of the structure, with floor joists attached to a ribbon board let into the studs, making it a fire spread risk in multi-story buildings.
When specifying a self-leveling underlayment for a floor system, what is the primary function it serves?
Answer: To create a flat, smooth substrate correcting minor surface imperfections before finish flooring installation
Self-leveling underlayment is a cementitious or gypsum-based material poured to fill low spots and create a flat, smooth substrate meeting the tolerance requirements for finish floor installations.