Exam I
Instructions: -
· The exam is during the class time unless you have received
special accommodation.
· Please note that each student should answer the questions on
his/her own. The exam is open book/open note; but sharing and
consulting with others are not allowed.
· If you are taking the exam via Zoom, you need to make sure
your camera is always on during the exam time, and you are
present in your zoom box.
· Feel free to ask/text any questions you may have pertaining
to the clarity of the questions.
· The exam will be posted in pdf and word format on Canvas;
it is also available in paper copy in class. If you do not have access
to a word processor, you can download the pdf version and use
other typing platforms or write by hand.
· If you submit a hand-written exam, please make sure it is
legible.
· Please make sure you allow enough time for saving the exam
in proper format and uploading it on Canvas under “Exam I” link
before the site closes. The site closes at 1:15 PM. No late
submission will be accepted.
Student Name:
1. Which one of the followings is the most durable and decay
resistant? (4 Points)
a. Wood-plastic composite
b. Oriented strand board
c. Large Timber
d. Laminated strand lumber
Ans.: A.
2. Which one of the rankings of water absorption is correct? (4
Points)
a. Granite > Limestone > Sandstone > Marble
b. Marble> Limestone> Granite> Sandstone
c. Granite>Sandstone>Marble> Limestone
d. Limestone>Sandstone>Granite>Marble
Ans.: A
3. What is critical path and why is it important for construction
scheduling? (10 Points)
Ans.
-The critical path is the scheduling of a project to the maximum time
possible without costing the owner more money. It is important
because it allows the project to be kept within budget and it also
allows it to be kept on schedule. The critical fact ensures that all of the
fundamental and important/ crucial activities and stages are following
the schedule. Some parts of the project that aren’t part of the critical
path don’t have a significant impact on the timing of the project hence
why they are called floats. To keep track of the critical path then we
use a chart called the Gnatt Chart which details all the phases of the
construction.
4. (i) A wood sample 10-foot-long 2 X 6 weighs 25 pounds. After
drying in the oven, it weighs 22 pounds. What is the moisture
content? (2 Points)
Ans. ( ) = 13.64% moistiure
25𝑙𝑏𝑠 − 22𝑙𝑏𝑠
22𝑙𝑏𝑠 * 100
(ii) As the consultant on a structural project in Arizona, you are
asked whether the above optional material is appropriate for use as
a structural framing member? Explain your recommendation and
explain why? (5 Points)
Ans.
Yes. It is appropriate for use since it is below 15-20%. This means
the wood was properly seasoned in its original condition. It is a
13.6% moisture content which makes it a good piece for structural
framing. I would recommend it because it was a piece that was
properly seasoned and prepped for the intended purpose. Because
it is within the allowed range of moisture content it seems to be an
appropriate piece for the structural project.
(iii) If the wood sample after oven drying weighs 20 pounds, will it
be suited for structural framing? (3 Points)
Ans.
= 25%
25𝑙𝑏𝑠 − 20𝑙𝑏𝑠
20𝑙𝑏𝑠 * 100
No. In that case it would not be appropriate to use for structural
purposes as it would indicate that it was not adequatly seasoned
and treated. The moisture content of 25% is way to high to be
appropriate for its intended use in a structural project.
5. Give the actual cross-sectional dimensions of the following
pieces of kiln-dried lumber: 4 × 12, 2 × 6, 4 × 8, 4 × 10, 2 × 10? (5
Points)
Ans.
4 x 12 = 3 ½ x 11 ¼
2 x 6 = 1 ½ x 5 ½
4 x 8 = 3 ½ x 7 ¼
4 x 10 = 3 ½ x 9 ¼
2 x 10 = 1 ½ x 9 ¼
6. (i) Name three geological stone types used in construction. (3
Points)
Ans.
1. Igneous rock
2. Sedimentary rock
3. Metamorphic rock
(ii) Which categories granite, limestone and marble belong to? (3
Points)
Ans.
Granite = Igneous rock
Limestone = Sedimentary rock
Marble = Metamorphic Rock
(iii) Which one of the three has the highest compressive strength?
(2 Points)
Ans.
Granite has the highest compressive strength being able to resist
19,000 psi. On the other hand, limestone has an 8000 psi strength
and marble has 7500 psi strength.
7. Which of the following brick joint is most resistant to freeze
thaw? (5 Points)
Ans.
Concave and vee joints are the most resistant to freeze thaw due to
the design.
8. List any 5 functions of mortar in brick masonry. (10 points)
Ans.
1. It cushions the Mansory units
2. gives them full bearing against one another despite the
imperfections
3. Seals and protects against wind and water
4. Adheres the units into a monolithic unit
5. Gives a final appearance to the wall
9. (i) What are the two important roles of water in mortar? (4
Points)
Ans.
The water that is added into the mix is important because it adheres
the aggregate together and also contributes to the drying of the
mix. This process is called hydration. The amount of water added
in the mix will impact strength, workability, durability,
waterproofing, weathering, etc. It is a fundamental and very
important part of the process.
(ii) Because of the supply chain problem exacerbated by the
pandemic, the only bricks available are the ones with high water
absorption. As the manager on the job site, explain what issues
may exist, and suggest a remedy to allow the mason to continue
working to avoid any delay in the project? (4 Points)
Ans.
Due to the supply chain problems, and the fact that only high
absorption bricks are available, the mortar used can be impacted if
the bricks absorb too much of the water hence creating uneven
finishing and increasing the chances of the bond between the
mortar and brick to be weaker. To solve this problem, the mason
should accommodate and treat the mortar in order for it to be able
to hold in enough water so that it can dry and adhere properly. So it
might require to use more water in the mix so that it can
compensate for the absorption of the bricks.
10. What are differences between simple connection and
fully restrained connection in steel structures? (5 Points)
Ans.
A simple connection is when the pinned connections only have to
have negligible resistance to rotation and a fully restrained
connection is when the connection is able to resist fully and hold
its angle when fully subjected to the limit strength.
11. Explain the designations W10 x 30, MC10 x 22 and L6
x 4 x7/8. (5 Points)
Ans.
W means wide flange type, the 10 stands for its depth wich would be 10
inches, and the 30 would be the weight per foot.
MC would stand for miscellaneous channels, 10 inches, and 22 would be
the weight
L stands for length of each leg, 6 is the thickness.
12. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of a steel
building structure. (10 Points)
Ans. advantages are that it is durable, easy to install, it is easy to
make a good design, light versatile, and flexible. The difficulties
are that it has to be maintained in order to avoid rust so it can
become costly.
13. (i) What are differences between light weight and heavy
weight Concrete Masonry Units (CMU)? (5 Points)
Ans.
The biggest difference is the density of the aggregate. The light
weight has less density and the heavy weight has more density
hence making them different and useful for different purposes.
(ii) As the consultant on an energy efficient building aiming to
minimize energy required for cooling the building which one do
you recommend. (3 Points)
Ans.
14. Explain the relationship of density, water absorption
and durability of various rocks? (5 Points)
Ans.
15. How may horizontal and vertical steel reinforcement be
introduced into a CMU wall? (3 Points)
Ans.
Bonus Question -
Explain what the following phrases mean in construction
domain/discipline. (3 Points)
a) Carbonation
