CPI Material Selection & Specifications Flashcards

Which property is most important when selecting sealant for an expansion joint between two concrete slabs?

Answer: High elongation and recovery after movement

Expansion joint sealants must have high elongation and recovery to accommodate repeated thermal movement without cracking or debonding.

A specification requires 'Schedule 40 PVC pipe.' What does the schedule number indicate?

Answer: The pipe's wall thickness relative to its outer diameter

The schedule number (e.g., Schedule 40) defines the pipe's wall thickness relative to its outer diameter, which determines its pressure rating.

When a project spec lists 'or approved equal,' what responsibility does the installer have before substituting a material?

Answer: Submit a substitution request with supporting data for engineer or architect review

An 'or approved equal' clause requires the installer to submit a formal substitution request with technical data for the engineer or architect to review and approve.

Which fire rating designation indicates a material can resist fire for a specific time period in a standard ASTM E119 test?

Answer: Hour rating (e.g., 1-hour, 2-hour)

An hour rating from ASTM E119 testing indicates how long an assembly can withstand fire exposure before failing structural or integrity criteria.

What does the R-value of insulation material measure?

Answer: The material's resistance to heat flow (thermal resistance)

R-value measures a material's resistance to heat flow; a higher R-value means better thermal insulation performance.

When installing copper tubing, which tube type designation indicates the thinnest wall and is typically used for HVAC refrigerant lines?

Answer: Type ACR

Type ACR (Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) copper tubing is drawn to specific cleanliness standards and sized by actual outer diameter for HVAC refrigerant systems.