1
Q
BTU
A
British Thermal Unit - amount of heat that it takes to move 1lb of water up 1 degree (F)
2
Q
When wet bulb and dry bulb temperatures are the same, what does this mean?
A
Relative humidity is 100% because there is no moisture being evaporated from wet bulb to cool it off.
3
Q
Altitude
A
Sun’s angular height in the sky taken from the horizon.
4
Q
Azimuth
A
Sun’s angular position in the sky east/west of south.
5
Q
Conductivity (k)
A
Heat transfer through homogenous material (per inch)
6
Q
Resistivity
A
Heat transfer inefficiency through homogenous material (per inch)
7
Q
Conductance
A
Heat transfer through homogenous or heterogenous material of a given thickness
8
Q
Resistance
A
Heat transfer inefficiency through homogenous or heterogenous material of a given thickness
9
Q
Conduction equation
A
Q = U x A x ΔT
10
Q
Convection Equation
A
Q = 1.08 x CFM x ΔT
11
Q
Coolant that is evaporating is ______ (warm/cool)
A
Cool
12
Q
Coolant that is condensing is ______ (warm/cool)
A
Warm
13
Q
Boiling point of water
A
212 degrees (F)
14
Q
Ideal duct aspect ratio
A
3:1
15
Q
What is free cooling?
A
Economizer cooling. Using the free coolth from the outside to chill your coolant. A switch is activated to bypass compression refrigeration during cooler months (but not when it is too cold).
16
Q
Ground Source Heat Pump
A
Water loop sent down through the ground to heat / cool in winter / summer and sent up to the compression coil to heat / cool the coils in contact with the coolant.
17
Q
Grill
A
Intake
18
Q
Register
A
Supply air “vent”
19
Q
Diffuser
A
Air vent that dumps air into a room directionally to diffuse the air
20
Q
Single Zone System
A
1 AHU per thermostat / zone. Requires lots of space on the roof if lots of zones are needed. Lots of space is lost to ductwork.
21
Q
Variable Air Volume (VAV)
A
Multiple zones achieved with a single AHU. Dampers inside branch takeoffs that control the flow of conditioned air. Very efficient on space but not as much temperature control as systems that heat & cool simultaneously
22
Q
Variable Air Volume (VAV) with Terminal Reheat
A
Dampers inside branch takeoffs to control flow of conditioned air. Added option to reheat the air if the room needs to be warmer. Inefficient because you are cooling air just to reheat it again.
23
Q
Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV)
A
A unit that mixes fresh air intake with already-conditioned exhaust air to only have to heat/cool half of the new air. Very energy efficient but requires a large unit.
24
Q
Dual Duct System
A
Each zone has access to fresh warm and cool air. Air is brought in and cooled / heated separately, then combined in a mixing box to achieve desired temperature
25
Evaporative Condenser
Condenser unit that sprays water over top of the unit to use evaporation to cool it down. Best for hot, arid climates
26
Adiabatic Shift
Taking hot, dry air; adding moisture to it causing evaporation and cooling the air.
27
Condenser
High pressure hot refrigerant
28
Compressor
Pump that circulates refrigerant
29
Evaporator
Low pressure cold refrigerant
30
Air-to-Air System
Fan over condenser and evaporator
31
Air-to-Water System
Fan over condenser, pumped water over evaporator
32
Water-to-Air System
Pumped water over condenser, air over the evaporator
33
Water-to-Water System
pumped water over condenser and a different pumped water system over the evaporator
34
Split System
Condenser is outside, evaporator inside (typical residential configuration)
35
Mini-Split
Refrigerant flows through units in rooms under high pressure for heating and low pressure for cooling; heat and cool different rooms simultaneously
36
Swamp Cooler
Uses evaporation of water for cooling, with a fan, for very dry climates only
37
Chiller
Refrigeration machine that cycles refrigerant through a condenser, compressor, and evaporator. Water interfaces with evaporator to heat / cool.
38
Fan Coil Unit
Located in the room it serves. Cools the air by blowing it over pipes filled with chilled water from chiller.
39
Direct Expansion (DX)
Window unit. Has all of the components for cooling including refrigeration machine and fan in one box.
40
Chilled beams
Think of radiators but for coolth. Ideal for lab space that needs high number of air changes per hour but would be costly to condition all the air before cycling through building.
41
Copper Pipe Types (4)
K - thickest, used for underground supply
L - medium thickness, for supply lines
M - thinnest, good for low pressure (condensate lines)
DWV - for drains and vents
42
Blue Roof
Roof designed to allow for ponding during storm surge events. Water is slowly released back to city system so as not to overwhelm the system.
43
Benefits of plastic pipe
Cost effective and less friction than metal
44
Backflow preventer
Air fills the pipe to stop water from backflowing with check valve
45
Reading water supplies / returns in plan
Cold Water Supply = (---o---o---)
Hot Water Supply = (---oo---oo---)
Hot Water Return = (---ooo---ooo---)
46
Water Supply Pressure Equation
P = 0.433 x H (height)
47
Gate Valve
Maintenance (think shutting hose bib in winter)
48
Ball Valve
All the way open or all the way closed (ball rotates into place, typically a flat handle)
49
Globe Valve
Faucets and best for repeated use
50
Check Valve
Used for backflow prevention (water moves one way but not the other by using a ball on a spring or a vacuum breaker (aka air siphon))
51
Typical Pressure at Water Main
50-75 PSI
52
Minimum Water Pressure at Fixtures
4-20 PSI
53
Black Water
Used water that contains human or food waste
54
Grey Water
Used water that does not contain human or food waste
55
Ideal Water Temperatures for Kitchen, Laundry, Showers, and Handwash Sinks
Kitchen & Laundry = 140 (kills legionella bacteria)
Showers = 110
Sinks = 105
56
Types of Vents
Soil Stack = black water (sewage)
Waste Stack = grey water
Stack Vent = directly above waste stack
Vent Stack = no stack below it (offset vent)
57
Where are cleanouts required?
anytime there is a bend greater than 45 degrees and every 50 feet of horizontal lines
58
How can you install a septic tank when you either don't have enough land or percolation is too slow?
Build a mound for the septic to be pumped into
59
Pipe Slope
1/8" per foot
60
Ejector Pump
Used to eject sewage vertically up to the level of discharge
61
Types of Plastic Pipes
ABS, PE, PVC, PVDC
62
What pipe material causes the most friction?
Steel
63
What type of plastic pipe can be used for hot water?
PVDC
64
Decode this pipe label:
2"-SCH40-DWV-PVC1120-280PSI-@73F-ASTMD266
2" = interior pipe diameter
SCH40 = thickness grade of pipe
DWV = used for drainage / waste / vent
PVC1120 = type of PVC used
280 PSI = maximum pressure
73F = maximum temperature
ASTMD266 = testing parameters
65
Wattage Equation
W = I x V x PF
(wattage = amps x volts x power factor)
66
How can I lower the conductor size but still deliver the same amount of wattage?
Raise the voltage. Raising the voltage allows amperage to be lower. Amps control the size of the conductor.
67
Why do we phase electrical circuits?
phasing the current to start at different times means no skipping, no weakening of current, and less vibration
68
What is voltage?
Electrical pressure. Increasing the pressure of electricity allows us to deliver more wattage for less amperage
69
Neutral Wire
A wire that is grounded allowing electrons to move back and forth when a circuit is connected.
70
Types of electrical wire (3)
ROMEX = only legal in single family resi
Steel Conduit = Supports wire and acts as grounding wire
Flex Cable = Plastic or metal (slinky) metal casing acts as grounding wire
71
How does a fuse protect from overcurrent?
Metal fuse inside of vacuum. With a low melting point, the fuse melts and disconnects the circuit acting as a switch
72
Circuit Breaker
Circuit is mechanically switched off when heat is sensed
73
GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter)
Measures current in and current out. When a fault is detected, the circuit switches off
74
What are the (3) types of overcurrent protection?
Fuse, Circuit Breaker, and GFI
75
Pole vs. Throw
Pole = number of closed independent circuits
Throw = number of positions in which a given pole is closed
76
Speed of Sound
1,128 fps
77
How is reverberation time measured?
Amount of time it takes for sound to reduce by 60 dB
78
What are common flanking paths (acoustical leaks)?
ductwork, wall recesses, data jacks, louvered doors, fan coil units, etc.
79
What are characteristics of a good acoustic assembly (3)?
Airtight, massive, and structurally discontinuous
80
Below what noise criteria (NC) is a room considered quiet?
NC 30
81
Above what noise criteria (NC) is a room considered noisy?
NC 55
82
When insulating a duct for sound, should the insulation go on the inside or outside?
Inside
83
Lumens vs. Footcandles
Lumens = light coming off of the lamp
Footcandle = light landing on 1sf of surface
84
Ideal skylight spacing
1.5 x ceiling height
85
What lamp type uses a phosphorous powder that is activated by electrons to throw light?
Fluorescent
86
What type of lamp uses gas, excited by electrons, to throw light?
Metal Halide
87
Where do we install metal halide lamps?
Stadiums & big box stores - high lumen output and high lamp life (cool color temp)
88
Where do we install High Pressure Sodium lamps?
Tunnels - extremely long lamp life means low maintenance
89
Disadvantages of LED lamps
heat is difficult to shed because it has to do so through convection. Fixture must be equipped with an internal fan to maximize lamp life of LEDs
90
Typical footcandle requirement in standard buildings?
10-100 FCs
91
What is LLD factor (Lamp Lumen Depreciation)?
Rate of depreciation of lumen output. Higher LLD means slower depreciation (good!)
92
What is LDD (Luminaire dirt depreciation)
Light loss due to dust. Higher LDD means slower dirt depreciation (good!)
93
Ballast Factor
Rate at which current is regulated. Low ballast factor is more energy efficient but produces less light.
94
Daylight Factor Formula
DF = 0.2 x (window area / floor area)
95
Demand Charge Formula
DC = Max power demand x demand tariff
96
Footcandle Formula
FC = Lumens / SF
97
Noise Reduction Criteria Formula
NRC = Sabins / Total SF of Room
(sabins = sound absorbing units)
98
What is a Pre-Action sprinkler system?
Allows time for small fire to be put out before sprinklers are triggered. Good for areas where you want to avoid water damage.
99
What type of elevator allows for the greatest travel distance?
Gearless Traction
100
What are some disadvantages of hydraulic elevators?
Slow, requires lots of maintenance, not energy efficient, limited in travel distance
101
Disadvantage of an MRL elevator?
Motor is in the hoistway which means size is limited which means it is not suitable for very large buildings
102
Main difference between traction and hydraulic elevators
Hydraulic = activated by oil pumped into piston to move it up / down
Traction = cable is attached directly to motor which drives the car.
103
What percent slope defines a steep roof vs. a low-slope roof
Steep > 17% > Low Slope
104
Lowest slope allowable at roof
2% (1/4" per foot)
105
(3) Main types of Roofing
Bituminous (containing asphalt)
Single Ply (rolled out membrane)
Fluid Applied (sprayed membrane)
106
Albedo
Solar reflectance (want this to be high)
107
Emissivity
How quickly the roof can shed heat (want this to be high)
108
Skip Sheathing
Sheathing cut into strips and spaced out to allow for air movement below roof tiles
109
Difference between shakes and shingles
Shakes are thicker than shingles
110
Inverted roof
Insulation is on top of membrane which protects it from UV rays. Membrane in this case can also serve as the vapor retarder
111
Best graffiti resistant coating
Solvent based urethane
112
Best structure for parking garages
2-way flat slab (has drop panel, and can handle more load without joists below)
113
(4) main layers in tree anatomy (outside to in)
cambium (living, just inside of outer bark)
sapwood (living layer, feeds the tree)
heartwood (dead layer, strong)
pith (dead center, not strong)
114
What is stronger, summer wood or spring wood?
summer, slower growth has more time to build density and strength
115
Modulus of elasticity
measures wood member stiffness in PSI
116
What is stronger, quartersawn lumber or plainsawn lumber?
Quarter - it is cut mostly perpendicular to grain and is more dimensionally stable. Plain cuts parallel to grain and exposes springwood
117
Fiber Saturation Point
the point when wood releases bound water, shrinks, and becomes stiffer
118
What is a flitch?
A log
119
(3) types of veneer slicing
plain (parallel)
quarter (toward pith)
rotary (unrolled like TP)
120
Veneer book matching
Identical patterns mirroring over oneanother
121
Veneer slip matching
Identical patterns marching down the line
122
Veneer pleasing matching
matched by color, not grain
123
Veneer end matching
splicing veneers to lengthen the grain
124
VeneerBalance Matching
Looks symmetrical
125
How to calculate boardfeet (BDFT)
if (1x10x8) is the piece of lumber, multiply them all and divide by 12
126
GLULAM
glue-laminated wood made from smaller pieces. can carry more weight with less board-foot. fiber reinforced plastic can be added to increase tensile strength
127
CLT
Cross-laminated timber - can have very large openings. typically used for large walls, roofs, and floors.
128
LSL (Lumber)
Laminated strand lumber - long strands of wood glued together. not very strong and not very expensive.
129
OSL (Lumber)
Oriented strand lumber - short strands of wood glued together. not very strong or expensive
130
PSL (Lumber
Parallel strand lumber - very strong, strands are oriented in the same direction. very expensive, strong, and heavy
131
LVL (Lumber)
Laminated veneer lumber - thicker plywood that can serve as structural member
132
How to read sheathing rating (32/16)
can be used with supports 32" O.C. at rafter and 16" O.C. at floors
133
What is a balloon frame?
2 story studs that requires firestopping at the floor perimeter where it meets balloon frame
134
What is more fire-safe, balloon or platform framing?
Platform
135
What is a collar tie?
wood tie located in roof structure to add rigidity
136
What is stronger, cold rolled steel or hot rolled?
Cold
137
What does carbon do in steel formulas?
carbon adds strength but makes it more brittle. less carbon is more stable but more malleable.
138
Steel vs. Stainless steel
Stainless steel has nickel and chromium added to make it more weather resistant
139
How to read this steel beam (W12x120)
12" deep and 120 lbs per LF
140
Shear vs. Moment Connection
Shear - gravity
Moment - bending
141
How to tell if a brace frame is eccentric?
If there is a gap at the V. Provides more stability for seismic.
142
What is a sheer stud in composite floor construction?
a steel stub up that helps concrete bite into the decking joining the two systems.
143
After how many stories does steel need to be fire protected?
5
144
How deep should a beam be?
1/20th of span
145
How deep should a girder be?
1/15th of span
146
How deep should a triangular truss be?
1/4 of span
147
How deep should a rectangular truss be?
1/8 of span
148
What are the (3) types of open-web steel joists and what is the max span of each?
K (standard) - up to 60'
LH (long span) - up to 96'
DLH (deep long span) - up to 240'
149
List the 9 metals from anode (most active) to cathode (least active)
1. Zinc
2. Aluminum
3. Steel
4. Iron
5. Stainless (active)
6. Tin
7. Lead
8. Copper
9. Stainless (passive)
150
What is the hydration time (drying time) for concrete?
28 days
151
What are the 5 types of cement (not including air-entrained mixes)
Type I = Normal
Type II = Moderate exposure to ground
Type III = Precast, block, formed
Type IV = Massive infrastructure
Type V = High exposure to ground
152
What types of cement are used in mortars?
Types I, II, and III
153
What are the 2 rules of aggregate sizing?
1. No more than 3/4 size of rebar
2. No more than 1/3 thickness of slab
154
What does a superplasticizer admixture do to concrete?
Makes it easier to work with
155
Slump Test
Concrete is poured into a cone, cone is lifted and if it "slumps" too much, there is too much water in the mixture
156
Cylinder testing
poured at the same time and in same conditions on site. then tested in a lab for strength
157
How much portland cement content can be replaced with flyash?
Up to 50%
158
How to read rebar size (#8)
measured in 8ths of an inch so a #8 bar is 1" (8/8)
159
Difference between control joint and isolation joint?
Control extends about 1/4 of the way through the depth of the slab and is meant to control where cracking occurs. Isolation extends all the way through and is filled with expansion material.
160
1-way slab
single continuous pour that rests of beams running in 1 direction, transferring to girders
161
1-way solid slab
single continuous pour that transfers weight to girders. Good for reducing floor-to-floor height without conflicting with MEPs
162
1-way joist system
Joist bands are broadened at the beam to help carry more diagonal forces. Good for projects needing more diagonal rigidity.
163
2-way solid slab
Girders only, square column grid, slabs should cantilever 30% beyond column lines to reduce bending forces at columns.
164
2-way flat slab
Drop panels to resist shear forces at top of each column. Sometimes mushroom capitals can be added to even further reduce shear forces. Most common for heavily loaded slabs / manufacturing facilities.
165
2-way flat plate
No drop panels. Reinforcing added to slabs to help with shear forces but they are typically minimal at these applications. Best for lightly loaded floor (multistory residential)
166
2-way joist system (waffle slab)
Very strong but very expensive
167
Masonry cement types from strongest to weakest (think MASONWORK) and where they are used
M - below grade, high load, frost
S - exterior reinforced masonry, veneers
N - general purpose
O - low strength, non-load bearing
K - not even available anymore
168
Efflorescence and how to avoid it
salt staining on masonry walls. provide uninterrupted drainage plane behind masonry
169
Brick facing types
FBS (standard)
FBX (exacting, uniform)
FBA (anomaly, variation)
170
Brick types
SW (snow, toughest)
MW (miami, mild climate)
NW (n-terior only)
171
What does igneous mean?
From a volcano, like granite
172
What are some examples of sedimentary stone?
Limestone & quartz
173
What are some examples of Metamorphic stone?
Slate & Marble
174
Modulus of Rupture
metric that determines a stone's ability to accept metal anchors
175
Where should vapor barrier be?
On the warm-dominant side of insulation
176
Examples of non-insulation thermal control
shading elements, radiant barriers, low-e roofs, thermal breaks, thermal mass
177
What is the max size of air space before it loses its R-value?
4"
178
What is air film?
small crags on jagged/bumpy surfaces where air can rest and provide a theoretical R-value.
179
Where should a capillary break go in an exterior wall assembly?
between the exterior cladding and thermal control layer
180
What does a moment connection look like?
flange and web are both engaged at column
181
What does a pin (shear) connection look like?
Only the web is engaged
182
What is generally the cheapest structural frame option?
shear wall
183
Liquid Limit
level of water content a soil type can reach before transitioning to flowable state
184
Liquefication
the sudden loss of shearing resistance in cohesion-less soil (think earthquake)
185
Plastic limit
how much water a soil can absorb before starting to expand
186
Well Graded Soil
Good for supporting building but not good for drainage (different aggregate sizes used to densify the soil, poorly sorted)
187
Poorly Graded Soil
Bad for building support but great for drainage (uniform aggregate sizes allow water to flow through
188
Difference between a pile and caisson
Caisson is drilled and filled with concrete while a pile is hammered in
189
What does damp proofing protect against?
passive water infiltration due to hydrostatic pressure
190
What does an ALTA survey show?
improvements, easements, rights of way, and land ownership
191
What is a check dam?
small choke point at streams to help slow velocity of water during storm surge
192
First right of refusal
first in line to purchase property if it goes up for sale.
193
Eminent domain
government can take (and pay for) property to develop it for the public good
194
Metes and Bounds
boundaries of land defined by distances and compass bearings
195
What is BIPV?
Building integrate photovoltaics or solar panels that are integrated into building elements such as shingles, clads, or glazing
196
Benched excavation
using characteristics of the soil and angle of repose to step down to depth of excavation
197
Crosslot bracing
excavation bracing in a grid pattern. Not great because it is difficult to access around the supports
198
Raker Bracing
excavation bracing using kickers
199
When to use a spread footing
Shallow foundations
When neighbors are close and you want to minimize disturbance
200
Mat Foundation
1 footing for all column bases. Best used for really tight site conditions
201
How to build on a shallow foundation to save money?
Soil improvements: pressure injecting grout into the compaction area, rammed aggregate piers (stone columns)
202
What is used at foundations to resist seismic activity?
Rubber dampers
Hydraulic shock absorbers
Base isolation pads
203
How to improve a foundation that is being underpinned?
Deepen the foundation to reach more competent soils / support
Widen the foundation so that it distributes weight across more soil
Improve the surrounding earth with imported fill or injected grout.
204
Examples of capillary break at foundation wall?
Drainage mat up against foundation wall
Gravel fill at perimeter of building
205
How can foundation blow the budget?
Dewatering, depth, and shoring required (neighboring buildings)
206
How wide must a fire lane be?
20'
207
How far from building overhang must a fire lane be?
10'
208
What are inside and outside turning radii of a fire lane?
inside 40', outside 54'
209
What triggers the need for a fire lane?
If a fire hose cannot reach around both sides of the building within 150'
210
What is included in a subsurface report?
Results of field test
Results of laboratory tests
Recommended types of foundations
Boring location plan
211
What projects are required to file a storm water pollution prevention plan?
Projects that disturb at least 1 acre a land.
212
Minimum width of a curb cut for accessibility?
4'
213
Max length of a dead end corridor?
20'
214
Occupancy load per number of exits
49 or less = 1
50-500 = 2
501-1000 = 3
>1000 = 4
215
How far must exits be separated in sprinklered vs. non-sprinklered buildings
Non-sprinklered buildings = ½ the longest diagonal
Sprinklered buildings = ⅓ the longest diagonal
216
What building height triggers the need for smoke pressurization?
75' (or for underground building occupancies)
217
Fire rating at stairs
4+ stories = 2HR
Less than 4 = 1HR
218
Egress access corridor width requirements
More than 49 people = 44” min.
49 people or less = 36” min.
219
How much can a door protrude into the path of egress while swinging? how about when fully open?
1/2 path while swinging and 7" when fully open
220
Egress stair width requirements (sprinklered vs. unsprinklered)
Unsprinklered = occupant count x 0.3
Spinklered = occupant count x 0.2
221
At what stair width do you need to add an intermediate handrail?
over 60"
222
How to fix the soft story problem?
Add columns, braces, or external buttresses
223
Vortex Shedding
downward wind redirected from tall building. Negative pressure can dislodge windows
224
What is often the lowest energy HVAC system?
VRF
225
Best HVAC systems for dorms, hospitals, hotels; places that need individual thermal control (4)
Fan coil unites
Ducted system with VAV
VRF
Minisplits
226
Why is a dual duct system inefficient?
You are conditioning outside air to be extreme warm and extreme cool just to mix it together to get to room temperature
227
Why is a multi-duct system inefficient?
Too much space taken up by ductwork
228
Why isn't a swamp cooler always the best option?
It brings in unwanted humidity
229
What is stronger, laminated glass or tempered glass?
laminated, when shattered the shards stay in tact. Best for skylights, high security buildings, or buildings in hurricane zones
230
What percentage of building entrances are required to be accessible?
60%
231
How long can grey water be stored?
No time, it should be used up right away
232
How many SF are in an acre?
43560 SF
233
STI
Speech transmission index - measure of speech intelligibility
234
Phytoremediation
using plants to suck up contaminants in the soil to either neutralize or contain the hazard
235
What is bioremediation?
insertion of bacteria into wells or on the ground to attack / feed on the contaminants
236
What is soil washing?
removing contaminants from the ground, washing, and returning it. Sand and gravel are easier to wash than clay and silts
237
What does an economizer do?
turns off the evaporator and condenser because the outside air is cool enough to not need a chiller to cool the refrigerant
238
What construction type have non-combustible exterior walls while the interior walls can be any material allowed by code?
Type III
239
What construction type uses heavy timber?
Type IV
240
What construction types are non-combustible?
Types I & II
241
What construction type can use any material allowed by code?
Type V
242
When are parapets required?
When the exterior wall is required to be fire rated
243
How many occupants trigger the need for a central fire alarm system, safe areas, and a backup generator?
300+
244
Level 1 building alterations
removing / replacing / covering up with new elements but same purpose and function
245
Level 2 building alterations
reconfiguring the space / installing a new mechanical system
246
Level 3 building alterations
More than 50% of building area is being worked on
247
How to calculate R value of material given conductivity (k)?
(k) is going to be the U-value of the material per inch. Convert to R-value per inch first!
Calculate: (1/k) x material thickness
248
Decentralized Water Heating System
2 tanks - one that is closer to discharge system. More expensive startup cost because there is more equipment but eventually saves water & energy.
248
BIPV
Building integrated photovoltaics. solar powered shingles, wall panels, glass, etc.
249
What light category does LED fall under?
Solid State (electric current passes through a solid diode)
250
What light category does a fluorescent light fall under?
gaseous discharge (argon gas is excited by electrons and creates UV light. Phosphors coating the inside of the lamp turn this UV light into light we can see)
251
When deciding which building would perform better in an earth quake, what is most important?
The weight of the building. Lighter buildings perform better in earth quakes because the lighter weight equates to lighter forces.
252
What is flanking?
Gaps or passageways where noise can escape and transfer to an adjacent space (i.e. a plenum)
253
Is a trombe wall a direct gain, indirect gain, sunspace, or Isolated gain?
Indirect gain, it is thermal storage that can be released into the building as needed
254
What is a re-entrant corner?
A building that is L, T, or H shaped that would likely fail in an earth quake due to excessive lateral loads on the building
255
Tropic of Cancer
The angle of the sun from the equator on the summer solstice (23.5 degrees F)
256
How to calculate sun's angle on summer solstice given latitude. For example, angle of sun in Minneapolis (44.9 degrees F)
90 - lattitude + tropic of cancer (23.5) = sun's angle at summer solstice
257
Climate zone numbers are 1-7 which is numbered from ______ to ______
Hottest / humidest to coolest / driest
258
What system has the ability to reverse the refrigeration cycle?
Heat pumps because it can be used for warmth and coolth
259
How to calculate lateral moment forces on 2 columns
lateral force (in kips) / 2 x column height
260
Continuous Bored Pile
Ideal method of excavation for an urban site where anchoring to neighboring buildings is not possible
261
Anchored Soldier Piles
Piles that are tied back to adjacent building, not ideal for urban settings
262
Why would heat-strengthened glass preferred over tempered glass?
Less optical distortion, resistance to thermal stress (good for spandrel), stays in opening when broken, spontaneous breakage is rare
263
What is the drill that aids in installation of piles and caissons?
Auger
264
What is the equipment that hammers piles into the ground?
Ram
265
What does it mean when a material is elastic?
It returns to its original form once the load has been removed.
266
What does it mean when a material is plastic?
It stays deformed once the loads are removed.
267
Pipe Invert elevation
elevation of the bottom of pipe wall
268
Dry well
best groundwater recharge option for moderate rainfall with impermeable soils
269
How to calculate egress door width required
Occupant load x .2
270
What is done to address water hardness?
Ion-Exchanger (Zeolite process)
271
Ohm's Law
Amps = Volts / Ohms
272
3 Classes of Standpipe Systems and their Uses
Class I = Professional Firefighting
Class II = First Aid Firefighting, until professionals arrive
Class III = Both first aid and professional
273
What is the P-Delta Effect?
Problem for tall & slender columns under gravitational and lateral loads
274
What is the most efficient PV panel type for a project limited on roof space?
Monocrystalline
275
Maximum Bending Moment Formula
M = wL^2 / 8
Moment = uniform load (in kip-inches) x beam length (in inches) squared, all divided by 8
276
Flexural stress formula
F = M / S
Flexural stress = Max bending moment divided by section modulus
277
How to find the seismic period of a building
Divide number of floors by 10
278
Modular Boiler
Adjusts heat output to match the building demands. More efficient than traditional boilers that are either on or off.
279
What kinds of light fixtures are ballasted?
Fluorescent, metal halide, and high pressure sodium
280
Other than LED and incandescent, what lamp type has the best CRI?
Metal Halide
281
How to find Sabins
Total surface area of room X noise reduction criteria (NRC)
282
Daylight Factor Equation
DF = .2 x (window area / floor area)
283
Reverberation Equation
Tr = 0.05 x V / A
V (room volume)
A (total room absorption in Sabins)
284
What are drift pins?
Tapered steel pins jammed into bolt holes to temporarily set the steel during install
285
Laser Beam Photoelectric Smoke Detector
best for clean environments that are regularly dusted as this will interfere with detection
286
Project Beam Photoelectric Smoke Detector
best for high ceilings that are not regularly dusted. Requires that there are no ceiling obstructions
287
Benefit of epoxy coated rebar
Resistance to corrosive environments (marine environments)
288
Ground Freezing (soil improvement)
pipes underground circulate coolant that freezes the soil into a hard impermeable mass (temporary)
289
How does wall splaying aid in echo reduction?
disperses sound rebound by skewing the surface and directing the bounce elsewhere
290
How far can single tee pre-stressed concrete span?
60-150 ft
291
Size of modular brick?
4 x 2.66 x 8
292
At roofs less than 17%, there will be _______ pressure on the wayward wind side of the roof?
Negative
293
At roofs more than 17%, there will be _______ pressure on the wayward wind side of the roof?
Positive
294
Aquifer
porous layers of sand, gravel, and other permeable materials that contain large amounts of water that flows freely
295
Main components of a traction MRL elevator
hoisting cables, hoisting machine, and side counterweights
296
What is a hydronic convector?
A radiator unit
297
In terms of site placement in relation to a hill, where should a building be placed based on climate type?
Bottom = Hot, Arid
Bottom-Middle = Cold
Top-Middle = Temperate
Top = Hot, Humid
298
What does a mean when a material is more ductile than another?
It can bend further before it breaks
299
What kind of electrical service is most common for commercial buildings?
120/208 V 3-phase, 4-wire
300
What kind of electrical service is most common for residential?
120/240 V 1-phase, 3-wire
301
Is a stair enclosure considered a fire partition or fire barrier?
Fire Barrier
302
A wall separating two units in R-2 occupancy is a fire_________.
Partition
303
Rank these materials from most expensive rigid connection to least: Wood, Concrete, Steel
Most expensive = steel
Medium = wood
Least expensive = concrete
304
Calculate bending moment on a cantilever
load at end of cantilever x distance from column
305
(4) structural systems that resist seismic forces?
moment frame
shear wall
cross bracing
reinforced concrete core
306
Helical piers
very thin and deep piers that are drilled into earth and left in place. most typically used for stabilizing a home's foundation to prevent further settlement
307
What parking configuration can fit the most amount of parking spaces per acre?
1 way traffic with spaces angled 75 degrees from drive aisle
308
Typical spans for wood joists, wood I-beams, and wood trusses
Joists = 18'
I-beams = 24'
Trusses = 20-40'
309
Why must commercial kitchens have hotter supply water than residential?
Dishes are washed quicker and hotter water ensures that leigionella bacteria is killed
310
What kind of lamps are used in commercial kitchen heat lamps to keep food warm?
incandescent
311
What does NRC measure
Noise reduction criteria. It measures how much mid-level sound can be absorbed by a material. High NRC is good for reducing sound transmission and sound reflectance
312
When do we want to use 277V for light fixtures?
Only in huge skyscrapers. Everywhere else, it is more economical to use 120V
313
What mortar type should be used at cavity walls in buildings where high velocity winds are expected?
Type S
314
Rockwool is non-combustible
Just remember that
315
Why does a rigid frame structure allow for more facade design flexibility?
Absence of bracing members at the perimeter.
316
What structural system resists the most lateral force?
Brace frames
317
Weak Story
similar to soft story but results in total collapse of lower levels
318
What is the difference between a pre-heater box and a mixing box?
Mixing box takes conditioned hot and cool air to create the right temperature. A pre-heat box is where warm return air is mixed with fresh cool air to reduce the amount of heating required.
319
Newton's law of motion
F=MA
320
321
What fire extinguisher class for electrical rooms?
C
