Free NASCLA Construction Technology and Building Standards Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers

Question 1: The most widely used type of asphalt shingle is the 3-tab (triple-tab) strip shingle. What is the approximate weight per square?

390 pounds
235 pounds (Correct answer)
330 pounds
165 pounds

Correct answer: 235 pounds

Explanation: The approximate weight per square for a 3-tab asphalt shingle is typically around 235 pounds. This type of shingle is commonly used in roofing applications due to its durability, affordability, and ease of installation. Understanding the weight of different roofing materials is essential for contractors to ensure proper load-bearing capacity and structural integrity of buildings.

Question 2: What is the approximate weight of a bundle of twelve 20' ft #6 rebars?

490 lbs
360 Ibs. (Correct answer)
600 lbs
250 Ibs.

Correct answer: 360 Ibs.

Explanation: The approximate weight of a bundle of twelve 20-foot #6 rebars is calculated by multiplying the weight per foot (1.502 lbs) by the length of each rebar (20 feet), then multiplying by the number of rebars (12). Weight per foot: 1.502 lbs Length of each rebar: 20 feet Number of rebars: 12 Total weight = (1.502 lbs/ft * 20 ft * 12) = 360.48 lbs

Question 3: What is the name of a non-load-bearing exterior masonry wall?

Partition Wall
Shear Wall
Cavity Wall
Curtain Wall (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Curtain Wall

Explanation: A curtain wall is a non-load-bearing exterior masonry wall that is primarily used for aesthetic purposes and to provide weatherproofing for buildings. Unlike load-bearing walls, which support the weight of the structure above them, curtain walls are supported by the building's framework or structural components. Understanding the different types of walls used in construction is essential for contractors to ensure proper planning and execution of building projects.

Question 4: Foundation plates or sills resting on concrete or masonry foundations shall be bolted or anchored to the foundation with steel bolts or approved anchors, bolts shall be embedded not less than _______ into concrete or masonry.

6 inches
10 inches
7 inches (Correct answer)
9 inches

Correct answer: 7 inches

Explanation: Foundation plates or sills resting on concrete or masonry foundations must be bolted or anchored to the foundation with steel bolts or approved anchors. These bolts should be embedded not less than 7 inches into the concrete or masonry to ensure proper anchoring and stability of the structure. Understanding foundation requirements is essential for contractors to ensure structural integrity and compliance with building codes and standards.

Question 5: The SE corner of the property is at elevation 1,422.75 ft. The property is 275 feet wide east to west. The property sits on a 3% downslope. What is the elevation in the SW corner of the property?

1380.07'
1465.43'
1397.80'
1414.50' (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 1414.50'

Explanation: Slope Calculation: Run x Slope = Rise (or Drop) 275' wide x 3% slope = 8.25' drop 1,422.75 - 8.25' = 1414.5' elevation

Question 6: What part of a window holds the glazing?

Sash (Correct answer)
Hopper
Frame
Mullion

Correct answer: Sash

Explanation: The sash of a window holds the glazing, which refers to the glass or transparent material within the window frame. The sash is the movable part of the window that holds the glass in place and allows for opening and closing. Understanding the components of windows is crucial for contractors to ensure proper installation and maintenance in construction projects.

Question 7: What concrete admixture is the least costly and most efficient accelerator?

Calcium Chloride (Correct answer)
Pozzolan
Superplasticizer
Fly Ash

Correct answer: Calcium Chloride

Explanation: Calcium Chloride is the least costly and most efficient accelerator among the options listed. It is commonly used as an admixture in concrete to accelerate the setting time, especially in cold weather conditions. Calcium Chloride helps the concrete to gain strength faster, reducing construction time and costs associated with extended curing periods. Understanding the properties and uses of concrete admixtures is essential for contractors to optimize construction processes and ensure the quality of concrete structures.

Question 8: If blueprints are drawn in a 1/8" scale, what length would represent 50 feet?

6 ¼" (Correct answer)
7 ½"
5 ¾"
5"

Correct answer: 6 ¼"

Explanation: When blueprints are drawn in 1/8" scale, it means that 1/8" on the blueprint represents 1 foot in reality. To find the length representing 50 feet on the blueprint, you divide 50 by 8 (since each inch represents 1/8 foot). So, 50 divided by 8 equals 6.25 inches, which is equivalent to 6 ¼ on the blueprint. Understanding scale drawings is essential for contractors to interpret blueprints accurately and execute construction projects according to specifications. 50' ÷ 8 = 6 ¼"

Question 9: Which of the following gable end frames is prohibited by some codes because it creates a hinge effect below the plane ceiling diaphragm when adjacent scissor trusses with sloped bottom chords are used?

Gable end frame with special end wall bracing
Raked gable end wall with scissors gable end frame
Balloon-framed gable end wall
Flat bottom chord gable end frame (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Flat bottom chord gable end frame

Explanation: Flat bottom chord gable end frames are not prohibited by some codes because they do not create a hinge effect below the plane ceiling diaphragm when adjacent scissor trusses with sloped bottom chords are used. Therefore, they are considered structurally sound and compliant with building codes.

Question 10: Carpet tiles in an accessible route shall be securely attached. The carpet pile shall be ______ maximum in height.

1/2 inch (Correct answer)
1/8 inch
3/8 inch
1/4 inch

Correct answer: 1/2 inch

Explanation: According to building codes and accessibility standards, carpet tiles in an accessible route must be securely attached, and the carpet pile should not exceed 1/2 inch in height. This limitation ensures that the carpet does not impede the mobility of individuals using mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers. Understanding these requirements is essential for contractors to comply with building codes and ensure accessibility in construction projects.

Question 11: Regardless of the number of fire service access elevators served by the same elevator lobby, the enclosed fire service access elevator lobby shall not be less than in an area with a dimension of not less than 8 feet.

150 square feet (Correct answer)
192 square feet
96 square feet
64 square feet

Correct answer: 150 square feet

Explanation: In accordance with the International Building Code (IBC), the enclosed fire service access elevator lobby shall not be less than 150 square feet in an area with a dimension of not less than 8 feet.

Free NASCLA Construction Technology and Building Standards Questions and Answers

The most widely used type of asphalt shingle is the 3-tab (triple-tab) strip shingle.
What is the approximate weight per square?