BC Ch. 13 Defintions

Questions and Answers

What are biopolymers used in construction materials?

A type of steel reinforcement

Naturally produced plastics from renewable, living sources such as starches and wood (correct)

Plastics made from nonrenewable oil sources

Synthetic materials used for insulation

What characterizes building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)?

A type of structural insulated panel

Solar panels that are only used in rural areas

PV systems incorporated into the building itself, such as PV shingles or PV wall panels (correct)

A type of green roof

Cob is primarily used for which purpose in construction?

A synthetic insulation material

A type of metal reinforcement

A composite material made of clay, straw, sand, and earth, similar to adobe (correct)

A type of photovoltaic system

What does the term gray water refer to?

Wastewater from industrial processes, laundries, and other sources Signup and view all the answers

What defines a green roof?

A roof intentionally covered with vegetation Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the function of an inverter in a PV roof panel?

To convert DC electricity generated by solar panels into AC electricity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the advantages of using biopolymers in construction?

They are biodegradable and support sustainable practices. Signup and view all the answers

What type of benefits do building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) provide?

Reduction in energy costs through on-site energy generation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an inverter?

To convert DC into AC Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately defines Off-grid systems?

PV systems not connected to the traditional public electrical grid, often located in rural areas Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)?

Wall assemblies without studs, using a core of polyurethane Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Structural Insulated Sheathing (SIS)?

An exterior sheathing in wood-frame dwellings that provides structural stabilization, insulation, and a moisture barrier Signup and view all the answers

What alternative name is given to Sustainable Construction?

Green construction Signup and view all the answers

Which option best describes a Trombe Wall?

A set of glass exterior panels and a concrete block wall with a void space in between, used in smaller buildings Signup and view all the answers

Which advantage is NOT commonly associated with Sustainable Construction?

Higher material waste Signup and view all the answers

Why are off-grid systems becoming more popular in certain areas?

Lack of public electrical grid access Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biopolymers

Biopolymers are naturally produced plastics derived from renewable sources such as starches and wood.

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)

BIPV refers to photovoltaic systems that are integrated into the building structure, including elements like PV shingles and wall panels.

Cob

Cob is a construction composite made from a mixture of clay, straw, sand, and earth, resembling adobe construction methods.

Gray Water

Gray water is wastewater generated from domestic activities that do not include toilet waste, typically sourced from laundries and industrial processes.

Green Roof

A green roof is designed to be covered with vegetation, contributing to building insulation and biodiversity.

Inverter

The primary function of an inverter in a photovoltaic system is to convert direct current (DC) generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) for use in homes and buildings.

Off-grid Systems

Off-grid systems are photovoltaic systems that operate independently from the traditional electrical grid, commonly used in remote or rural areas.

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

SIPs are wall assemblies that consist of two panels with a core of insulation material, typically polyurethane, without the need for traditional wooden studs.

Structural Insulated Sheathing (SIS)

SIS serves as an exterior sheathing for wood-frame constructions, offering structural stability, insulation, and acting as a moisture barrier.

Sustainable Construction

Also known as green construction, sustainable construction emphasizes eco-friendly practices and materials to reduce environmental impact.

Trombe Wall

A Trombe wall consists of a combination of glass panels and a concrete block wall with a void space, utilized in passive solar heating for smaller buildings.

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Description

Test your knowledge on biopolymers and their role in construction materials with this quiz. Explore the types of biopolymers and their applications in building integration. Perfect for students and professionals interested in sustainable construction practices.