Construction & Building Materials Flashcards

Which roofing material is classified as a Built-Up Roof (BUR) system?

Answer: Multiple layers of bitumen and reinforcing felts

BUR systems consist of multiple alternating plies of roofing felt saturated with bitumen, forming a continuous waterproof membrane.

In masonry construction, what is the purpose of a 'weep hole'?

Answer: Ventilate the cavity to remove moisture

Weep holes at the base of a cavity wall allow moisture that penetrates or condenses in the cavity to drain out and the cavity to vent and dry.

What is the key difference between Type I/II and Type III Portland cement?

Answer: Type III is ground finer for faster strength gain

Type III cement is ground to a finer particle size, increasing surface area for faster hydration and early strength gain (e.g., for rapid formwork removal).

What does the LEED rating system category 'Materials & Resources' primarily address?

Answer: Reducing embodied carbon and construction waste

The M&R category credits projects for waste reduction, use of recycled content, regional materials, and life-cycle impact assessment of building products.

Which property of a material is measured by the Brinell Hardness Test (BHN)?

Answer: Resistance to plastic indentation

The BHN test measures a material's resistance to permanent surface deformation by pressing a hardened steel ball under a known load.

In soil-cement base construction, Portland cement is mixed with soil primarily to improve which property?

Answer: Compressive strength and stiffness

Cement stabilization binds soil particles together, dramatically increasing the unconfined compressive strength and load-bearing stiffness of weak subgrade soils.

What is 'efflorescence' in masonry walls?

Answer: White salt deposits on the surface

Efflorescence occurs when water moves through masonry, dissolves soluble salts, and deposits them as white crystalline stains on the surface upon evaporation.