Mixed Deck — All ETC Topics Flashcards

Which ASTM standard covers the standard specification for carbon structural steel, commonly referred to as A36 steel?

Answer: ASTM A36

ASTM A36 is the specification for carbon structural steel used widely in construction, with a minimum yield strength of 36 ksi.

What does NPDES stand for in stormwater management?

Answer: National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

The NPDES permit program under the Clean Water Act regulates point source discharges of pollutants into waters of the US, including construction site stormwater.

In an orthographic projection drawing using third-angle projection (standard in the US), where is the right-side view placed relative to the front view?

Answer: To the right of the front view

In third-angle projection, the right-side view is placed to the right of the front view, as if the object were unfolded outward toward the viewer.

What distinguishes an 'administrative control' from an 'engineering control' in hazard mitigation?

Answer: Administrative controls change work practices or schedules; engineering controls physically alter the work environment

Engineering controls physically modify equipment or the environment to reduce hazard exposure, while administrative controls involve changes to work procedures, schedules, or practices.

What does tributary area mean in structural load distribution?

Answer: The floor or roof area that contributes load to a specific structural member

Tributary area is the portion of floor, roof, or wall area that is supported by and loads a particular beam, column, or foundation element.

Which type of weld discontinuity does a guided bend test most effectively detect?

Answer: Lack of fusion and cracks

The guided bend test flexes a weld cross-section around a die, opening up internal lack-of-fusion defects and cracks that would not be visible on the surface.

A weld is specified as requiring 100% radiographic examination per ASME Section V. What does '100% RT' mean?

Answer: The entire length of every production weld is radiographically examined

100% RT means that radiographic examination is performed along the complete length of every weld joint, with no portion left uninspected.

What is the purpose of a strainer in a piping system?

Answer: To remove debris and particulates from the fluid to protect downstream equipment

A strainer captures debris, scale, and particulates in flowing fluid before they can damage pumps, valves, meters, and other sensitive equipment.

In a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), what is the lowest-level deliverable called?

Answer: Work package

The lowest-level element in a WBS is a work package, which can be scheduled, cost-estimated, and assigned.

What does an 811 Call Before You Dig utility locate identify on a site?

Answer: Underground utility lines including gas, electric, water, and telecom

An 811 utility locate request causes utility companies to mark the approximate location of buried utilities to prevent accidental damage during excavation.

In thermodynamics, which law states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only converted from one form to another?

Answer: First Law of Thermodynamics

The First Law of Thermodynamics is the law of conservation of energy: energy input equals work output plus heat losses in a system.

In engineering design, what is the 'factor of safety' (FOS)?

Answer: The ratio of ultimate (or yield) strength to the actual applied stress

Factor of safety = material strength (ultimate or yield) ÷ actual working stress, providing a margin against unexpected overloads or material variability.

What is lockout/tagout (LOTO) used for?

Answer: Prevent machinery accidents

Lockout/tagout (LOTO) is a safety procedure used to ensure that dangerous machines are properly shut off and not able to be started up again prior to the completion of maintenance or servicing work. It physically prevents the release of hazardous energy, protecting workers from unexpected startup or energy release. This procedure is critical for preventing severe injuries or fatalities.

A worker receives a chemical splash to the eyes. According to OSHA's First Aid requirements (29 CFR 1910.151), the immediate response should be to flush the eyes for a minimum of how long?

Answer: 15 minutes

OSHA and ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 recommend continuous flushing of the eyes for a minimum of 15 minutes after chemical splash exposure.

Which document defines the legal boundaries of a parcel of land?

Answer: Plat or survey plan

A plat or survey plan is a legal document prepared by a licensed surveyor that defines property boundaries, dimensions, and easements.

What is the primary purpose of materials testing?

Answer: To verify material strength and quality

The primary purpose of materials testing is to verify material strength, quality, and other critical properties. By subjecting materials to various tests, engineers can assess their performance under different conditions, ensuring they meet design specifications and safety standards. This process is crucial for selecting appropriate materials and predicting their behavior in real-world applications.

What is the primary purpose of shoring in an excavation?

Answer: To support the walls of an excavation and prevent cave-in

Shoring systems such as trench boxes, sheet piling, or timber shoring support excavation walls to protect workers from cave-in hazards.

What does structural redundancy mean in building design?

Answer: Having multiple load paths so that failure of one element does not cause total collapse

Structural redundancy provides alternative load paths so that if one member fails, forces redistribute to others, preventing progressive or disproportionate collapse.

A designer specifies a 'limit dimension' on a shaft diameter of 1.500/1.498 inches. What does this indicate?

Answer: The shaft may be any size between 1.498 and 1.500 inches inclusive

Limit dimensioning specifies the maximum and minimum permissible sizes directly; any size within that range is acceptable.

A Venturi meter measures which hydraulic quantity?

Answer: Flow rate by measuring a pressure differential at a constriction

A Venturi meter calculates volumetric flow rate by measuring the pressure drop between the inlet and the narrow throat section, then applying Bernoulli's equation.