Building Construction Chapter 8

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary benefit of masonry components?

Durability and resistance to weather, fire, and insects (correct)

Ease of installation and maintenance

Affordability and availability

High tensile strength

What is a common drawback of masonry construction?

High tensile strength of individual units

Low resistance to weather and fire

Ease of laying individual units by hand

Long-term deterioration of mortar joints (correct)

What is the primary function of mortar in masonry construction?

To bond individual masonry units into a solid mass (correct)

To repel water and insects

To provide tensile strength to the structure

To provide color and texture to the structure

Three courses of brick plus intervening mortar joints equals what height for most brick sizes?

8 inches Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common concrete masonry unit?

Concrete blocks Signup and view all the answers

How can the use of master streams weaken mortar in masonry construction?

From the pressure of the stream or flushing effect of water Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a single vertical column of masonry units in a wall?

Wythe Signup and view all the answers

In masonry construction, what does a stretcher course refer to?

Bricks placed end to end Signup and view all the answers

Which type of masonry unit placement involves bricks placed with ends facing out?

Header course Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of reinforcing masonry walls?

To support the weight of a taller building or provide stability against lateral forces Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a cavity wall in masonry construction?

Prevents water seepage through mortar joints to interior of building Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a fire cut in wood joisted masonry construction?

Allows the beam to fall away freely from the wall in case of beam failure Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common support for masonry over an opening?

Lintels Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a parapet in masonry or steel wall construction?

Aesthetic improvement Signup and view all the answers

What weight is a lintel beam required to support in masonry construction?

Only the weight of a triangular section immediately above Signup and view all the answers

What can cause parapets on the front of buildings to lose structural integrity during fire operations?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the collapse of masonry walls when interior wood framing fails?

Collapsing interior floor or roof members exerting horizontal forces on walls Signup and view all the answers

Why are the corners of the building, stairwells, and elevator shafts considered the strongest points in a masonry structure?

Intersecting masonry walls support and reinforce each other Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of steel tie rods in masonry construction?

To stabilize the structure under normal conditions Signup and view all the answers

What should firefighters be more concerned with regarding tie rods in masonry construction?

Tie rods used to repair a wall rather than ones apart of original construction Signup and view all the answers

What are some causes of deterioration in masonry walls?

Erosion of the mortar or reinforcing steel due to exposure to elements like freeze/thaw cycle Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Benefits and Drawbacks of Masonry

Primary benefit of masonry components is durability, offering resistance to weather and fire.
Common drawback is the potential for cracking and damage due to temperature changes or settling.

Mortar and Brick Measurements

Mortar's primary function is to bind masonry units, providing structural integrity and load distribution.
Three courses of brick, including mortar joints, typically equal a height of approximately 8 to 9 inches, depending on brick size.
Most common concrete masonry unit is the block, frequently used in walls and foundations.

Structural Considerations and Functions

Master streams can weaken mortar in masonry construction by introducing intense water flow, eroding joints.
A single vertical column of masonry units in a wall is referred to as a "pier."
A stretcher course indicates a row of bricks laid with the long side exposed, contributing to wall strength.
Bricks placed with ends facing out are involved in "header" placement.

Reinforcement and Support

Primary purpose of reinforcing masonry walls is to provide additional strength and stability against lateral forces.
Cavity walls function as insulators and protect against moisture penetration.
Fire cuts in wood-joisted masonry construction facilitate better fire spread management, reducing damage to structural members.

Support Systems and Lintel Requirements

Most common support for masonry over an opening is a lintel beam, which needs to carry the weight of the wall above.
Lintel beams are required to support the weight of the masonry and additional loads, ensuring structural safety.

Structural Integrity Challenges

Parapets can lose structural integrity during fire operations due to heat exposure and loss of supporting material.
Collapse of masonry walls can occur when interior wood framing fails, often exacerbated by fire conditions.

Key Structural Points in Masonry

Corners of buildings, stairwells, and elevator shafts are considered strongest due to enhanced load distribution and structural reinforcement.
Primary purpose of steel tie rods in masonry is to provide tension and prevent buckling or displacement.
Firefighters should be concerned about tie rods potentially failing under heat stress, posing safety risks.

Deterioration Factors

Common causes of deterioration in masonry walls include moisture infiltration, freeze-thaw damage, and insufficient maintenance.

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