key
principles
principles
the working definition of building science
what is:
a) the data-driven collection of knowledge in order to provide better indoor environmental quality, energy-efficient built environments, and occupant comfort and satisfaction
b) the hygrothermal analysis of roofs, walls and floors
c) building design as viewed through the lens of the third law of thermodynamics
these forces can infiltrate a building by way of openings for daylight, ventilation, egress, utility penetrations, joints, cracks and unintentional gaps created during construction
what are:
a) kinetic energy (momentum), capillary suction, speed, air currents, gravity, and inertia
b) pressurization, gravity, torsion, air currents, accumulation, capillary break, condensation
c) gravity, air currents, surface tension, capillary suction, kinetic energy (momentum), pressure difference
air barriers are used to control this troublesome pair in order to provide both greater comfort and efficiency
what are:
a) infiltration and exfiltration
b) heat transfer and conduction
c) forced convection and condensation
a phenomenon that moves water vapor from areas of high density to low density; moving from interior to exterior in cold climates, in both directions in mixed climates and from exterior to interior in hot / humid climates
what is:
a) vapor barrier
b) vapor retarder
c) vapor drive
the code-required depiction of thermal continuity in a set of construction documents
what is:
a) a code summary
b) a specifications manual
c) a set of detailed drawings clearly identifying the design intent for a continuous thermal control layer
together, this quartet are known as an enclosure’s ‘control layers’, helping with both moisture management and energy efficiency
what are:
a) condensation, draft, exhaust, bridging
b) rain, wind, moisture, heat
c) water, air, vapor, thermal
this material is essential in limiting water penetration at material transitions, such as at the intersection of a wall and a rooftop
what is:
a) base flashing
b) counter-flashing
c) all of the above
in whole-building pressurization testing, this amount of measured air leakage is currently considered an acceptable value, or standard practice, in the eyes of the energy conservation code
what is:
a) 0.60 CFM / ft2
b) 0.40 CFM / ft2
c) 0.25 CFM / ft2
occurs when water vapor in the air turns into a liquid and forms on a cooler surface and can happen on material surfaces colder than the dew point (such as window glass in winter), in interstitial spaces within walls and ceilings, and in spaces below grade such as basements and crawl spaces
what is:
a) conduction
b) condensation
c) convection
energy code requirements (as in R-values) for the various components of an enclosure - roofs, walls, openings and floors - are all the same, relative to their respective climate zones
what is:
a) true
b) false
c) it depends
the essential characteristic of a successful control layer
what is:
a) discontinuity
b) redundancy
c) continuity
this force is commonly associated with both standing water on, and ground water in, the soil
what is:
a) hygrothermal pressure
b) hydrostatic pressure
c) hydroelectric pressure
air that moves within but never leaves the building enclosure, migrating from conditioned space to unconditioned space, through the various assemblies such as the roof, and creating the potential for havoc
what is:
a) exfiltration
b) infiltration
c) intrusion
R-value, commonly associated with a material’s thermal energy resistance (Rt), is but one of a material’s R-values; this is a material’s other R-value
what is:
a) vapor permeance transmission resistance (Rv)
b) water vapor transmission resistance (Rp)
c) vapor semi-permeability transmission resistance (Ri)
types of commonly-used insulation materials
what are:
a) mineral wool, figerglass, recycled denim
b) batten, board-form, lightweight
c) batt, board, cellulosic
the following trio are the items of greatest concern in moisture management
what are:
a) liquid water, water vapor and condensation
b) rain water, bulk water and perspiration
c) storm water, air and mold
capillary suction can be eliminated by use of these methods
what are:
a) small passages, thermal bridges and tight joints
b) air gaps, drainage cavities and gravel beds
c) membranes, flashings and sealants
the following are all potential consequences for a building in the event of air leaking out of the building’s enclosure
what are:
a) high utility costs, asthma, depressurization
b) moisture, drafts, dehydration
c) condensation, mold, corrosion
one of the 4-Ds of selecting a suitable exterior wall design, its importance lies in providing sufficient ventilation for the evaporation of residual moisture and the arrangement of materials to allow for diffusion
what is:
a) drainage
b) durability
c) deflection
d) drying
this building code governs requirements for both the thermal control layer and the air control layers (collectively known as the energy efficiency control layers)
what is:
a) IRC
b) IBC
c) IECC
once safety concerns are addressed, the following describes a designer’s responsibility in enclosure design
what is:
a) relying on boilerplate speclink section language
b) letting the contractor figure it out
c) showing design intent for all four control layers
this form of water penetration is characterized by the flow of water down the face of a vertical surface and following the profile of that surface as it turns horizontally onto soffits and into cracks, joints and openings
a) surface tension
b) kinetic energy
c) gravity
this type of moisture-protection system creates a pressure-equalized cavity behind the cladding and must include a structurally-supported air barrier, a sealed and compartmented air chamber, adequate drains and external vents; wind pressure is transmitted to the cavity through drain and vent holes, while an air barrier and sealed compartments confine the cavity pressure and prevent air from moving to the building interior or around corners
what is:
a) a rain screen system
b) a barrier system
c) a drainage system
two related questions that can be answered by a psychrometric chart, which is characterized by its graphical depiction of the psychrometric processes of air including temperature (wet and dry bulb), humidity (relative and absolute), enthalpy and air density for a given location and can inform the development of passive design strategies and potential for occupant comfort
what are:
a) what is the total amount of heat present in the air-vapor mix and what is the enthalpy value
b) what is the relative point temperature and what is the comfort zone temperature
c) how much sensible (dry bulb) heat is in the air and how much latent (moisture-related) heat is in the air
a phenomenon in which heat is able to easily flow from the warmer portion of an enclosure to the colder portion in one area more so than in other areas; it can often occur as a result of the attachment design between roofing and/or wall cladding and their associated structure
what is:
a) thermal flow
b) thermal resistance
c) thermal bridging