NASCLA Accredited Commercial General Contractor flashcards

The ordered series of operations performed on fresh concrete to achieve a desired surface texture, flatness, and durability.

• Timing is crucial for each step.
• Starts after concrete placement, ends with curing.
• Varies based on desired final finish.

Memory trick: Screed, Float, Wait, Float, Trowel, Cure.

A condition of aggregate or concrete substrate where the pores are filled with water, but no free water exists on the surface.

• Crucial for proper bonding of cementitious repair materials.
• Prevents substrate from absorbing water from fresh mix.
• Achieved by pre-wetting and then allowing surface water to evaporate.

Memory trick: Clean, sound, and just wet enough for a strong blend.

A test performed on fresh concrete to measure its consistency and workability, indicating how fluid or stiff the mix is.

• Measures workability, not strength.
• Uses a truncated cone mold.
• Result is measured by how much the concrete 'slumps' after the cone is removed.

Memory trick: Fresh as a Daisy, Slump away lazy.

A curing method involving the application of a liquid compound to the concrete surface to form a moisture-retaining film.

• Forms a physical barrier against evaporation.
• Commonly used when continuous water curing is impractical.
• Must be applied evenly and at the correct coverage rate.

Memory trick: Hydrate Hard, Seal Smart, Steam Strong, Water Wise.

A concrete finishing operation performed after screeding to level the surface, embed aggregate, and bring paste to the surface.

• Uses a long-handled float (bull float).
• Removes screed marks.
• Prepares surface for later finishing tools.

Memory trick: Screed to Level, Float to Smooth, Trowel to Harden, Broom to Grip.

The minimum ambient air temperature at which special precautions must be taken for masonry construction to prevent damage and ensure proper mortar curing.

• Typically 40°F (4°C)
• Prevents freezing of mortar water
• Ensures proper strength development

Memory trick: Forty degrees is where the cold masonry story begins.

The controlled tensile force applied to post-tensioning tendons after concrete has gained sufficient strength, inducing compressive stresses in the concrete.

• Applied using hydraulic jacks.
• Monitored by gauges and elongation measurements.
• Typically stressed to a percentage (e.g., 80%) of ultimate tensile strength.

Memory trick: Stress is strength x area, then take a percentage share.

Grout is a highly fluid cementitious mixture used to fill voids in masonry, encapsulate reinforcement, and bond adjacent wythes. Mortar is a stiffer mixture used to bond masonry units.

• Grout is poured/pumped (high slump).
• Mortar is trowel-applied (low slump).
• Grout fills cores, mortar forms joints.
• Both are cement-based but differ in consistency and use.

Memory trick: Grout 'goes-in' and 'flows-in', Mortar 'makes-joints'.

Classifications of masonry mortar based on compressive strength and composition, denoted as M, S, N, O, and K (though K is rarely used).

• M: Highest strength, severe exposure, structural.
• S: High strength, at/below grade, lateral loads.
• N: Medium strength, general purpose, above grade.
• O: Low strength, interior, non-load-bearing.

Memory trick: My Strong Nasty Old Kook: M, S, N, O, K for strength.

Expansion joints are continuous, unobstructed vertical joints that extend through the entire thickness of a brick veneer or wall, designed to accommodate horizontal expansion and contraction of masonry units.

• Crucial for brick veneer due to thermal and moisture expansion.
• Prevents cracking and stress buildup.
• Typically filled with a compressible sealant material.

Memory trick: Expand to avoid the Cracks, Control to prevent the Shrinks.

The process of preparing existing concrete surfaces to receive repair materials for optimal bonding.

• Removes deteriorated concrete and contaminants.
• Achieves a rough, sound surface.
• Often requires saturated surface dry (SSD) condition.

Memory trick: Diagnose, Remove, Prepare, Apply, Cure, Protect.

The risk of inhaling respirable crystalline silica (RCS) particles generated from cutting or grinding masonry materials, which can lead to incurable lung diseases like silicosis.

• Generated when cutting concrete, brick, stone.
• Causes silicosis, lung cancer, COPD.
• Requires engineering controls (ventilation, wet cutting).
• Requires administrative controls (work practices).

Memory trick: Dust is a silent killer; ventilate, wet, wear a mask.

The rate at which a brick absorbs water from mortar, measured in grams per 30 square inches per minute. Crucial for proper mortar bond.

• Also known as suction rate.
• Too high IRA leads to dry, weak mortar.
• Too low IRA can cause bricks to float.
• Controlled by pre-wetting.

Memory trick: IRA is the critical 'thirst' of the brick for a strong mortar bond.

Grout is a cementitious mixture used to fill the cores of hollow masonry units and the spaces between masonry and reinforcement, bonding the components together to form a composite structural element.

• Bonds reinforcement to masonry units.
• Increases compressive strength of the wall.
• Ensures composite action of the reinforced masonry.

Memory trick: Grout Gives Great Grip to Reinforcement

Silica dust is fine crystalline silica particles generated during activities like cutting, grinding, or drilling concrete, brick, or stone, which can cause silicosis when inhaled.

• Wet cutting is a primary engineering control to suppress dust.
• Ventilation is crucial for removing airborne particles.
• Respirators are a secondary personal protective equipment (PPE) control.

Memory trick: Wet Works Wonders, Ventilate Vigorously, Wear When Necessary.

The process of removing deteriorated mortar joints and replacing them with new mortar, typically using a softer, more permeable mortar (like Type O) to protect historic brick units.

• New mortar must be softer than original brick.
• Type O mortar is often preferred.
• Allows moisture to escape through joints.
• Prevents damage to historic brick.

Memory trick: Old structures need 'O'ld-school soft mortar.

A material, typically a plastic sheet, placed under a concrete slab on grade to impede the movement of moisture vapor from the ground into the building.

• Protects interior finishes and contents from moisture.
• Reduces humidity within the building.
• Must be durable and properly sealed.

Memory trick: Barrier for vapor, keeps the floor drier.

Efflorescence is a crystalline deposit of salts that appears on masonry surfaces, typically white, caused by water dissolving soluble salts within the masonry and transporting them to the surface where the water evaporates.

• Requires three conditions: soluble salts, moisture, and a pathway for moisture.
• Long-term mitigation focuses on eliminating moisture ingress.
• Surface cleaning is temporary if the source is not addressed.

Memory trick: Find the Flow, Fix the Flaw, Forget the Frosting.

The process of consolidating fresh concrete using a vibrating probe inserted directly into the concrete mix to remove entrapped air and achieve maximum density.

• Removes entrapped air voids.
• Improves density, strength, and durability.
• Spacing of insertions is critical for effective consolidation.

Memory trick: Vibrator's reach, consolidate each patch.

The distance between the surface of the reinforcing steel and the nearest concrete surface.

• Protects rebar from corrosion.
• Ensures fire resistance.
• Crucial for proper bond development.

Memory trick: Cover right, Spacing true, Clean rebar, Secure too.

The minimum distance between the surface of the reinforcing steel and the exterior surface of the concrete.

• Protects rebar from corrosion.
• Provides fire resistance.
• Ensures structural integrity and durability.

Memory trick: Cover the steel, fight the rust and feel the heat.

Measures taken to prevent damage to a vapor barrier during construction activities.

• Essential for maintaining barrier integrity.
• Typically involves a protective layer.
• Prevents moisture migration into the slab.

Memory trick: Subgrade Smooth, Barrier Safe, Rebar Ready, Pour Perfect.

Practices and procedures used when placing, finishing, and curing concrete at ambient temperatures below 40°F (4°C) to prevent damage from freezing.

• Prevent freezing before strength gain.
• Use accelerators or Type III cement.
• Protect and insulate concrete after placement.

Memory trick: Winter concrete needs heat and speed.

Steel wires embedded in mortar joints of masonry walls, typically ladder or truss type, to improve flexural strength and control cracking.

• Resists bending forces (flexural stresses).
• Distributes shrinkage stresses.
• Helps control thermal expansion/contraction.
• Placed at specified vertical intervals.

Memory trick: Horizontal wires are the 'belt' for bending and cracks.

A type of pre-stressed concrete where tendons are tensioned before concrete is placed and hardened.

• Typically done in a factory setting.
• Bond between steel and concrete is essential.
• Common for beams, planks, and piles.

Memory trick: Pre-tension before, Post-tension after.

The proper placement and extension of a water-impermeable membrane within a masonry wall to intercept and redirect moisture out of the wall assembly.

• Extends from backing wall, across cavity, to exterior.
• Must have a slight slope to the exterior.
• Placed above openings, at base of cavity, and other moisture-prone areas.
• Works in conjunction with weep holes.

Memory trick: Flashing is the 'slide' for water to exit the wall.

The horizontal pressure exerted by fresh, liquid concrete against vertical formwork surfaces, which designers must account for in formwork design.

• Increases with depth of concrete.
• Affected by concrete density, rate of pour, temperature, and admixtures.
• Crucial for formwork stability and safety.

Memory trick: Pressure is depth times weight, for forms to stay straight.

Vertical, continuous, unobstructed gaps filled with a compressible material, designed to permit volumetric changes (expansion and contraction) in masonry walls.

• Accommodates thermal and moisture movement.
• Prevents uncontrolled cracking.
• Typically placed at corners, changes in wall height/thickness, and long runs.
• Filled with flexible sealant and backer rod.

Memory trick: Long walls need 'space' to breathe and grow.

A test performed on fresh concrete to determine its consistency and workability.

• Measures the vertical drop of a molded concrete cone.
• Higher slump indicates higher workability (within limits).
• Used for quality control on site.

Memory trick: Slump for flow, Air for freeze, Unit for weight, Temp for set.

The essential steps taken after removing old mortar and before applying new mortar during tuckpointing, focused on optimizing the brick-mortar interface for bonding and curing.

• Remove all loose debris.
• Clean joint surfaces.
• Thoroughly pre-wet joints and surrounding brick.
• Ensures proper mortar hydration and bond.

Memory trick: Clean, Wet, Pack, Tool, Cure: The repointing mantra.

Formwork specifically designed to produce a desired aesthetic finish on exposed concrete surfaces.

• Requires high-quality facing materials.
• Minimizes surface defects.
• Often uses HDO plywood or steel forms.

Memory trick: Lumber rough, Plywood smooth, HDO perfect, Steel durable.

The maximum vertical distance concrete can fall freely during placement without significant segregation.

• Critical for maintaining concrete homogeneity.
• Generally limited to 5 feet (1.5 meters) by ACI.
• Excessive drop causes aggregates to separate from paste.

Memory trick: Drop with care, Vibrate right, Lift slowly, Segregation fight.

Small openings left in the mortar joints of the lowest course of a masonry wall (especially veneer) to allow accumulated moisture to drain from the wall cavity.

• Crucial for moisture management.
• Typically located above flashing.
• Prevents efflorescence, mold, rot.
• Required in cavity walls and veneer.

Memory trick: Weep holes let walls 'cry out' their moisture.

The total thermal resistance of an insulation layer is calculated by multiplying its R-value per inch by its total thickness in inches.

• R-value is a measure of thermal resistance.
• Higher R-value means better insulation.
• Units are typically (ft²·°F·h)/BTU.
• Required R-values vary by climate zone and building code.

Memory trick: R-value is 'Rate' times 'Reach' (thickness).

The resistance to airflow in a ductwork system, measured in inches of water gauge (in. w.g.). High static pressure can significantly reduce the actual airflow (CFM) delivered by a fan.

• Caused by friction from duct walls, elbows, filters, and dampers.
• Fans have performance curves showing CFM vs. static pressure.
• Excessive static pressure leads to reduced airflow and increased energy consumption.

Memory trick: Low airflow? 'Static' pressure is 'Sticking' it up!

A liquidity ratio that measures a company's ability to pay off its short-term liabilities with its current assets.

• Calculated as Current Assets / Current Liabilities.
• Indicates short-term financial health and solvency.
• A ratio greater than 1 is generally preferred, with 1.5-2.0 often considered good in construction.

Memory trick: Current ratio: Can they pay their 'current' bills?

Actions taken to reduce the probability of a risk occurring or to lessen the severity of its impact if it does occur.

• Proactive measures to minimize negative outcomes.
• Distinct from risk avoidance, transfer, or acceptance.
• Examples include backup plans, quality control, preventative maintenance.

Memory trick: Mitigate risks by making them smaller or less likely.

A secondary layer of flashing, typically metal, installed above and overlapping the primary base flashing at a roof-to-wall or roof penetration junction, to protect the top edge of the base flashing from water intrusion.

• Protects base flashing at vertical surfaces
• Often installed into a reglet or surface-mounted
• Creates a 'shingle' effect with base flashing
• Crucial for watertight roof-to-wall transitions

Memory trick: Counterflashing 'Covers' the 'Critical' joint where roof meets wall.

A professional with a state license signifying competence to practice engineering, often required to design and stamp structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

• Responsible for public health, safety, and welfare in design.
• Their stamp signifies approval and responsibility for design documents.
• Required by building codes for complex structural and system designs.

Memory trick: For structure, trust the PE; they're the 'Pro' Engineer.

Optimal application of roofing primers depends heavily on ambient environmental conditions, especially temperature and humidity, to ensure proper curing and substrate adhesion.

• Manufacturer specifications for temperature and humidity must be followed.
• Improper conditions can lead to poor adhesion and system failure.
• Substrate moisture content is also critical.

Memory trick: Primer Success: Temperature Right, Humidity Low, Surface Dry, Manufacturer's Way.

The sequence of project activities that determines the shortest possible duration to complete the project, with no float (or slack) time.

• Any delay to a critical path activity will delay the entire project.
• Identified through Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling.
• Requires careful monitoring and management to keep projects on schedule.

Memory trick: If the main road is blocked, your arrival is delayed by exactly that block.

A liquid applied to a substrate before EPDM adhesive to clean, condition, and chemically prepare the surface, significantly improving the adhesion and bond strength of the EPDM membrane.

• Enhances adhesive bond strength
• Prepares porous or dusty surfaces
• Ensures long-term membrane adhesion
• Specific primer types for different substrates

Memory trick: Primer is the 'P' for 'Perfect Preparation' before EPDM adhesion.

A contractual provision where one party (the indemnitor) agrees to compensate the other party (the indemnitee) for certain losses or damages.

• Transfers risk and liability.
• Can be broad or narrow in scope.
• Often heavily negotiated in construction contracts.

Memory trick: Indemnify means 'I'll take the fall for you, sometimes.'

Safety features integrated into automatic revolving doors to prevent pedestrian injury, particularly entrapment, and ensure safe operation.

• Mandated by building codes and ANSI/BHMA standards.
• Includes sensors to detect presence and prevent crushing.
• Emergency stop buttons allow immediate manual halt of operation.

Memory trick: Automatic doors must 'Sense' you and have a 'Stop' button.

A contract provision that allows for an equitable adjustment in contract price or time if unforeseen physical conditions are encountered at the site.

• Applies to conditions materially different from those indicated in contract documents.
• Requires prompt written notification by the contractor.
• Prevents contractors from including large contingencies for unknown conditions.

Memory trick: When the site differs, stop, document, and report it fast!

A material or system designed to impede the passage of water vapor, typically installed on the warm side of an insulation layer to prevent condensation within the building envelope.

• Prevents moisture migration into insulation
• Protects R-value of insulation
• Prevents mold and degradation of building materials
• Placement is critical (warm side of insulation)

Memory trick: A 'Vapor Barrier' is like a 'Vapor Blocker' for your insulation.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a single-ply thermoplastic roofing membrane known for its strength, flexibility, chemical resistance, and heat-welded seams.

• Excellent UV and chemical resistance.
• Heat-welded seams create a monolithic, watertight bond.
• Often white, contributing to cool roof properties and energy efficiency.

Memory trick: Select the Perfect Roof: Climate, Durability, Seams, and Efficiency.

The application of a material to a foundation wall to resist the absorption and capillary action of incidental moisture from the soil, preventing dampness within the structure.

• Resists non-hydrostatic moisture
• Commonly asphalt-based coatings
• Less robust than waterproofing
• Prevents soil moisture from wicking into concrete/masonry

Memory trick: Dampproofing: 'Damp' means 'Diffuse' moisture, not full 'Drowning'.

The Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, establishing minimum safety requirements for the design, construction, installation, operation, inspection, testing, maintenance, alteration, and repair of elevators, escalators, and related conveying equipment.

• Jointly developed by ASME and CSA.
• Adopted by most jurisdictions in the U.S. and Canada.
• Covers passenger and freight elevators, escalators, moving walks, and dumbwaiters.

Memory trick: Elevators Always Seek Maximum (ASME) Safety.

Roofing systems are assigned fire resistance ratings (Class A, B, C) based on their ability to resist exterior fire exposure, as determined by ASTM E108 testing.

• Class A is the highest fire resistance rating.
• Ratings depend on the entire roof assembly, not just the membrane.
• Common tests include flame spread, burning brand, and intermittent flame.

Memory trick: Fire Safety Rules: Always Build Right for A-Class Protection.

A list of minor items that need to be completed or corrected by the contractor after substantial completion but before final payment.

• Generated during a final walk-through with the owner/architect.
• Addresses cosmetic defects, incomplete installations, or minor adjustments.
• Completion of the punch list is a prerequisite for final payment.

Memory trick: Punch it out, then close it out.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a widely used green building rating system that recognizes projects for environmental performance.

• Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
• Certifies buildings based on a points system across various categories.
• Requires careful planning and documentation from project inception.

Memory trick: To build green, you need a green team from the start.

A fire suppression system primarily used in commercial kitchens to combat Class K (grease) fires. It applies a liquid agent that reacts with hot oils and fats to create a non-combustible foam layer.

• Effective for Class K fires (cooking oils/fats).
• Works by saponification and cooling.
• Less corrosive and easier to clean up than dry chemical agents, reducing equipment damage.

Memory trick: Kitchen fires need a 'Wet' solution, not just 'Dry' or 'Watery' wishes.

Projected financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement) prepared in advance to forecast the financial performance of a future project or venture.

• Essential for securing financing and making investment decisions.
• Based on assumptions about future revenues, costs, and market conditions.
• Used for budgeting, strategic planning, and risk assessment.

Memory trick: Pro Forma: 'For the future,' not the past.

Indirect costs incurred to manage and administer a construction project that cannot be directly assigned to a specific work item or material.

• Includes items like project management, supervision, temporary facilities, permits, and insurance.
• Essential for project execution but not part of the physical construction.
• Estimated as a separate line item or percentage within a bid.

Memory trick: Costs are like building blocks: some are structural, some are for the scaffolding and tools.

A rigid foam board insulation with a closed-cell structure, known for its high R-value per inch, often used for continuous insulation in walls and roofs.

• High R-value per inch (~R-6 to R-7)
• Commonly used as continuous insulation (CI)
• Lightweight and easy to cut/install
• Good fire resistance properties

Memory trick: For 'Continuous Insulation', think 'Polyiso' – it's a 'Prime' choice.

A common source of roof leaks where the flashing or sealant at the intersection of a roof membrane and a parapet wall degrades or detaches, allowing water to penetrate.

• Often manifests as interior stains below the parapet.
• Can occur even if coping is intact.
• Critical detail for roof waterproofing.
• Requires proper detailing and material compatibility.

Memory trick: When water drips, check the 'Edges and Penetrations' first.

Upon discovery of unforeseen structural deterioration of a roof deck during renovation, the contractor must halt work in affected areas, document findings, notify the owner, and await instructions/approval for repair or replacement before proceeding.

• Unforeseen condition requiring immediate attention
• Impacts structural integrity and new roof performance
• Requires owner notification and approval for extra work
• Repair/replacement must occur before new roofing installation

Memory trick: For unexpected 'Damage', 'Document, Discuss, Decide' with the owner.

An authentication method that requires a user to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource, such as a physical location or a computer system.

• Enhances security by requiring multiple proofs of identity.
• Factors typically include: something you know (PIN/password), something you have (card/token), something you are (biometric).
• Commonly used in high-security environments like data centers.

Memory trick: For high security, 'Know' it, 'Have' it, and 'Be' it.

A vapor barrier (or vapor retarder) is a material used in building assemblies to slow or prevent the diffusion of moisture vapor through the building envelope.

• Prevents condensation within insulation.
• Protects roof components from moisture damage.
• Placement depends on climate and building use.

Memory trick: Vapor Barriers: Prevent Wetness, Protect Integrity, Prolong Life.