Codes + Life Safety
T/F: ASTM and ANSI are two materials testing agencies which develop and test materials for use in commercial buildings.
False; they do not test materials. ASTM writes standards and procedures for testing, while ANSI approves standards and prevents duplicate standards from existing.
What are Power plan and Furniture Plans?
These 4 panel substrates are most commonly used in millwork laminating construction:
1. MDF
2. Plywood
3. Particle Board
4. Hardboard
You would find the locations of ductwork, pipes, grilles and registers on this set of drawings:
What are Mechanical and Plumbing Drawings?
A tabular list created by a designer that lists the intended materials to be applied on interior structural elements.
Name the 2 most common tests used to determine the flammability of interior floor finishes.
Radiant Panel Test
Methenamine Pill Test
The typical depth of a plenum space is ______, with variations needed depending on the ceiling heights and type of ductwork being used in a given location (Hard vs soft ducts).
What is 1'-6"?
For applying a clear, high-end looking surface, what finish level would you specify for a gyp wall?
What is a Level 5 finish?
This trait of all buildings is the common cause for material shrinkage, compression, deflection of materials, cracking finishes, etc...
What is Building Movement (AKA Breathing)
These are pre-written specifications that cover nearly all types of products, methods of installation, and other variables that relate to a specific product or construction activity. Commonly used by design firms for their reliability and universal application.
What are MasterSpecs?
This fire test is used to test doors, walls and assemblies to see heat transfer and durability. They are responsible for time-based ratings on doors and walls.
ASTM E119
A flooring material's ____ is used to determine the slip-resistance of a particular flooring material. This measurement ranges from 0 - 1 with the higher number translating to a less slippery floor.
What is COF (coefficient of friction)?
In a 2 hour rated exit enclosure, this door rating would be required.
What is a 1 1/2 Hour Rated Door?
You would uses these methods for determining if a wall is load-bearing or not:
Reference drawings (check wall thicknesses and construction type), Field observation, or Contacting a structural engineer.
This type of specification is the most restrictive for a contractor, but gives the designer complete control over what items an and will be ordered. Can cause expensive items or long lead times.
What is a Proprietary Specification?
Name the 10 major occupancy groups as classified by the IBC (International Building Code).
What are:
Assembly, Business, Educational, Factory/industrial, Hazardous, Institutional, Mercantile, Residential, Storage, Utility
The three primary ways that sound can be controlled within a space:
1. Reducing the level of loudness of the sound source
2. Modifying the sound absorption in the space
3. Introducing non-intrusive background sound to mask the unwanted sounds
Of the 7 major aspects of Constructability list at least 3 of the considerations that a designer must consider when creating detailed drawings:
Connection, Structure, Movement, Tolerances, Clearances, Construction Trade Sequence, Liability.
What is a GFCI outlet? (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)
In what MasterSpec division would you find Visual Display Boards, signage, or corner guards?
What is Division 10, Specialties?
In an elementary school of 300 students, the flooring material rating you are required to use to reduce the risk of flame spread. (as according to the radiant panel test).
What are Class II materials?
This testing organization can be referenced to determine the safety, flammability, durability, and structural adequacy of furniture items.
BIFMA (Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association) and ANSI
A small insurance company is moving to a leased space. The designer calculates they will need 4500 ft2 of net assignable area. If the building load factor is 1.20 how much space does the client need to rent to consider leasing? (Consider an efficiency factor of 0.75)
What is 7200 ft2?
Solution:
Gross area = Net area (4500) / EF (0.75)
Rentable area = Gross area (6000) x BLF (1.20) = 7200
______ = the vertical loads due to the weight of the building and any permanent equipment. Buildings are designed to accommodate these types of loads, but must also accommodate living loads.
What are Dead loads?
This type of specification lists what results the final construction assembly must achieve, but gives the contractor some choice in how it will be achieve. Most specifications fall between the extremes of Prescriptive specs and _____ specs.
What is a Performance Specification?