BC Ch.3 Definitions

Concrete and Construction Terminology

• Admixture: Ingredient added to concrete or mortar, excluding water, aggregates, and cement.
• Aggregate: Materials like sand and gravel mixed with cement to form concrete.
• Lightweight Metals: Aluminum is malleable, nonmagnetic, and disintegrates rapidly in fire.

Building Regulations and Accessibility

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Ensures multistory buildings have areas of refuge for individuals with disabilities.
• Building Code: Regulates minimum health and safety standards in the design and construction of new buildings.
• Fire Code: Governs activities in existing buildings, including fire protection maintenance.

Construction Techniques and Materials

• Caisson: A concrete shaft that supports building columns or walls down to bedrock.
• Composite Material: Composed of various parts designed to function as a single unit.
• Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU): Refers to a type of concrete block used in construction.

Structural Elements and Safety

• Cells in Concrete Block: These are hollow areas within the core, providing structural integrity.
• Footings: Thick concrete pads designed to transfer loads from columns to the ground.
• Fire Partition: A fire-rated assembly that breaks up spaces in a building to prevent fire spread.

Roles in Construction

• Architect: Primarily responsible for building design and overseeing construction processes.
• Civil Engineer: Focuses on the planning and design of infrastructure like roads and drainage.
• General Contractor: Manages all activities on the construction site and oversees subcontractors.

Engineering Disciplines

• Electrical Engineer: Designs integral electrical systems such as lighting and emergency power.
• Fire Protection Engineer: Develops systems including sprinklers and alarms to ensure fire safety.

Tools and Equipment in Construction

• Crane Boom: The arm of a crane used to lift and move heavy objects.
• Falsework: Temporary structures that provide support during the construction process.
• Dewatering Pump: Utilized for removing water from excavation sites, facilitating dry construction conditions.

Building Elements and Methods

• Formwork: Temporary structures that shape concrete until it cures.
• Framing: Provides support and structure to buildings, including walls and roofs.
• Gypsum: Commonly used in wallboard and plaster for construction finishes.

Specialized Construction Practices

• Fireproofing: Involves applying materials to steel structures for enhanced fire resistance.
• Galvanized Steel: Uses a zinc coating to protect cold-formed steel from corrosion.
• Intermodal Steel Building Unit (ISBU): Refers to using metal shipping containers as building materials.

Safety Regulations

• Construction Safety Regulations: Aimed at preventing workplace injuries through safe practices and protocols.
• Insurance Regulations: Mandate additional fire protection standards for structures beyond local codes.

Material Characteristics

• Cured Concrete: Refers to concrete that has hardened to its full strength.
• Crosslot Bracing: Utilizes compressive struts to transfer lateral earth pressures between opposing walls.

Construction Challenges

• Cold-Drawn Steel Failure Temperature: Fails at 800°F (427°C), crucial for understanding material limits during fires.

Miscellaneous Construction Elements

• Folded Plate: Structural component used to strengthen roofs over large areas.
• Jib Arm: The articulated arm at the end of a crane boom that aids in lifting objects.

Test your knowledge on key terms related to concrete and construction. This quiz covers essential terminology, building regulations, and various construction techniques. Expand your understanding of materials and codes that govern modern building practices.