Construction Materials & Methods Flashcards
7 cards from real CMA 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 primary purpose of 'weep holes' in a brick veneer wall system?
Answer: To drain water that accumulates at flashing and exit the cavity wall
Weep holes positioned at flashing allow water that infiltrates the cavity to drain out, preventing moisture accumulation behind the veneer.
In structural steel construction, what is 'composite action' between a steel beam and a concrete slab?
Answer: Using shear connectors so beam and slab act together structurally, increasing stiffness and strength
Composite action is achieved with shear studs welded to the top flange, transferring horizontal shear so the beam and slab function as a single cross-section with greater moment capacity.
Which thermal insulation material has the highest R-value per inch of thickness?
Answer: Closed-cell spray polyurethane foam (ccSPF)
Closed-cell spray polyurethane foam achieves approximately R-6 to R-7 per inch, the highest R-value per inch of common insulation materials.
What is 'galvanic corrosion' in the context of construction material selection?
Answer: Electrochemical corrosion between dissimilar metals in electrical contact in the presence of electrolyte
Galvanic corrosion occurs when two dissimilar metals are in electrical contact in the presence of an electrolyte; the less noble (anodic) metal corrodes preferentially.
Which foundation type is most appropriate when bearing soil is found at great depth and shallow foundations would be inadequate?
Answer: Deep pile or drilled pier (caisson) foundation
Pile or drilled pier foundations transfer structural loads through weak near-surface soils to competent bearing strata or bedrock at depth.
What distinguishes 'hot-dip galvanizing' from 'electroplating' (electrogalvanizing) as a steel corrosion protection method?
Answer: Hot-dip galvanizing produces a thicker, metallurgically bonded zinc coating with greater durability outdoors
Hot-dip galvanizing produces a thick zinc-iron alloy layer (typically 85–100 µm) bonded metallurgically to the steel, offering superior long-term corrosion resistance compared to the thinner electroplated coating.
In a built-up roofing (BUR) system, what is the role of 'interply felts' and 'bitumen moppings'?
Answer: Multiple felt plies embedded in hot bitumen create a redundant, waterproof membrane through layered construction
BUR systems achieve waterproofing redundancy by alternating layers of bitumen-saturated felt plies mopped with hot asphalt or coal tar, creating a monolithic multi-ply membrane.