Chapter 11-14 Study Guide

Question 1

What are the forms in which clay is found?

Answer 1

Surface Clays, fireclays, and shales

Question 2

How do fireclays differ from surface clays?

Answer 2

Fireclays are mined deeper, more heat-resistant, and used for refractory products. Surface clays are closer to the surface and used for common bricks

Question 3

How do the colors of calcareous and non-calcareous clays differ?

Answer 3

Calcareous clays: light colored, contain about 15% calcium carbonate and produce a yellow color when burned Non-calcareous clays: Darker, contain silicate of alumina, feldspar, and iron oxide. The color varies depending on the amount of iron oxide from a buff, red, or salmon color when burned.

Question 4

What methods are used to form bricks?

Answer 4

Stiff mud process, soft mud process, and dry-press process

Question 5

What are some of the common surface textures used on face bricks?

Answer 5

Smooth, wire-cut, sand-finished, and rolled

Question 6

Why are the temperature and humidity carefully controlled when drying bricks?

Answer 6

Prevents cracking and warping; ensures uniform moisture removal.

Question 7

How does the burning temperature influence the size and color of bricks?

Answer 7

Higher temps shrink bricks and darken color.

Question 8

What are the classifications of structural clay masonry units?

Answer 8

Solid, hollow, and architectural units.

Question 9

How can you identify solid masonry clay units?

Answer 9

Less than 25% voids.

Question 10

What is the difference between modular and actual brick dimensions?

Answer 10

Modular: Includes mortar joint (typically 3/8”), Actual: Physical size of the brick.

Question 11

What is the allowable hollow cored area for a hollow brick?

Answer 11

Up to 60% of the cross-sectional area.

Question 12

What two factors are considered when establishing the weathering index?

Answer 12

Climate exposure and freeze-thaw cycles.

Question 13

What is the range of compressive strength for common bricks?

Answer 13

Typically 1,000 to 5,000 psi.

Question 14

What unit of suction provides conditions for the best mortar bond?

Answer 14

5 to 20 grams of water absorbed in one minute.

Question 15

What are the different ways concrete masonry units are cured?

Answer 15

Low-pressure steam, autoclaving, and moist curing.

Question 16

What advantages are there to autoclaved concrete masonry units?

Answer 16

Faster curing, improved strength, and dimensional stability.

Question 17

What two things influence the properties of concrete masonry units?

Answer 17

Aggregate type and manufacturing process.

Question 18

How does the tensile and flexural strength of concrete masonry units compare with compressive strength?

Answer 18

Tensile/flexural strength is much lower than compressive strength

Question 19

What affects the water absorption of concrete masonry units?

Answer 19

Aggregate porosity and curing method.

Question 20

How is the insulation value of concrete masonry units improved?

Answer 20

Use of lightweight aggregates, inserts, or insulation coatings.

Question 21

What are the three major classifications of concrete masonry units?

Answer 21

Solid, hollow, and specialty units.

Question 22

What is the design module used when sizing concrete masonry units?

Answer 22

4-inch increments (ex., 8x8x16 block).

Question 23

What are the grades established for load-bearing concrete masonry units?

Answer 23

Grade N (general use) and Grade S (above-grade only).

Question 24

What is the main use for stone in buildings built today?

Answer 24

Decorative facing and veneer.

Question 25

What are the three basic categories of rock?

Answer 25

Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

Question 26

How is igneous rock formed?

Answer 26

Cooling of molten magma.

Question 27

What colors of granite rock are commonly available?

Answer 27

Gray, pink, red, black, and green.

Question 28

For what construction applications is serpentine rock used?

Answer 28

Interior panels and decorative stone.

Question 29

How is sedimentary rock formed?

Answer 29

Compacted sediments over time.

Question 30

Shale that has high limestone content is used to make what masonry materials?

Answer 30

Used to make bricks and cement.

Question 31

What are the three types of limestone?

Answer 31

Oolitic, fossiliferous, and crystalline.

Question 32

What are the main differences in the three types of limestone?

Answer 32

Vary in texture, fossil content, and durability.

Question 33

What are the major types of metamorphic rock used in building construction?

Answer 33

Marble, slate, and quartzite.

Question 34

In what colors is marble found?

Answer 34

White, pink, green, black, and gray.

Question 35

Where is marble commonly used in building construction?

Answer 35

Flooring, wall panels, and countertops.

Question 36

In what textures is slate produced?

Answer 36

Smooth, rough, and cleft.

Question 37

What type of machine is used in a quarry to cut rock into manageable sizes?

Answer 37

Wire saw or gang saw.

Question 38

What factors must a designer consider when choosing stone for a building?

Answer 38

Appearance, durability, cost, and climate compatibility.

Question 39

What are the commonly used types of masonry load-bearing walls?

Answer 39

Solid masonry, cavity walls, and composite walls.

Question 40

Why are control and expansion joints required in masonry walls?

Answer 40

Prevent cracking from movement and temperature changes.

Question 41

Why are weep holes used?

Answer 41

Allow moisture to escape from wall cavities.

Question 42

What can be done to reduce moisture penetration through masonry walls?

Answer 42

Use of flashing, sealants, and proper drainage.

Question 43

What types of metal flashing can be used with masonry wall construction?

Answer 43

Copper, stainless steel, aluminum, and galvanized steel.

Question 44

How are masonry units supported over openings in a wall?

Answer 44

Lintels, arches, and reinforced bond beams.

Question 45

How can the heat and cold conduction of masonry walls be reduced?

Answer 45

Insulation, air gaps, and reflective barriers.

Question 46

What are the commonly used brick patterns used in wall construction?

Answer 46

Running bond, Flemish bond, English bond, and stack bond.

Question 47

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the various types of mortar joints?

Answer 47

Concave: Best water resistance. Vee: Decorative but less resistant. Flush: Easy to apply but prone to water entry.

Question 48

What size mortar joint is commonly used?

Answer 48

⅜ inch.

Question 49

What is the difference between rubble and ashlar stone used for wall construction?

Answer 49

Rubble: Irregular shapes. Ashlar: Cut and dressed stone.

Question 50

What types of structural clay tile are used for wall construction?

Answer 50

Load-bearing, partition, and furring tiles.