Concrete & Masonry Construction Flashcards
7 cards from real FCC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Concrete & Masonry Construction flashcards as text
What is the water-cement ratio (w/c) relationship to concrete strength?
Answer: Lower w/c ratio produces stronger concrete
A lower water-cement ratio results in denser concrete with fewer voids, producing higher compressive strength as established by Abrams' Law.
How long must freshly placed concrete be cured under normal Florida temperature conditions to achieve adequate early strength?
Answer: 7 days
A minimum of 7 days of moist curing is typically required for normal Portland cement concrete to develop sufficient early strength and durability.
When laying CMU block walls, mortar joints are typically how thick according to standard masonry practice?
Answer: 3/8 inch
Standard masonry practice specifies 3/8-inch mortar joints for CMU block walls, providing adequate bond and consistent coursing dimensions.
In Florida, rebar placed in masonry cells must be grouted when the bar size exceeds what diameter?
Answer: All cells with rebar must be grouted
All masonry cells containing reinforcing bars must be fully grouted to ensure proper load transfer and to protect the steel from corrosion.
Which ASTM standard governs the specification of portland cement used in Florida concrete construction?
Answer: ASTM C150
ASTM C150 is the standard specification for Portland cement, defining the requirements for the eight types of Portland cement used in construction.
What is the primary purpose of air entrainment in concrete mixes used in Florida?
Answer: To improve workability and reduce bleed water
Air entrainment improves workability and reduces bleeding and segregation; while freeze-thaw resistance is critical in northern climates, in Florida the workability benefit is primary.
When building a masonry retaining wall in Florida, the Florida Building Code requires that weep holes be provided at what minimum spacing?
Answer: 48 inches on center
The Florida Building Code requires weep holes at maximum 4-foot (48-inch) intervals along the base of masonry retaining walls to relieve hydrostatic pressure.