1. What is the primary purpose of a hole in sheet metal when wood undergoes thermal decomposition?
A To vent the gases of decomposition B To provide aesthetic appeal C To allow air circulation D To enhance structural integrity
2. What is the standard tensile strength of wood?
A About 700 psi B About 300 psi C About 1,200 psi D About 2,000 psi
3. What type of load do load-bearing walls primarily carry?
A Tensile loads. B Bending loads. C Shear loads. D Compressive loads.
4. What is a common feature of membrane structures?
A They have extensive concealed spaces. B They use fabrics that cannot resist compressive forces and require frameworks for support. C They are made of solid concrete components. D They are primarily used for temporary structures.
5. What is the primary advantage of scissor stairs in modern construction?
A They allow for faster evacuation. B They are easier to construct. C They provide better aesthetic appeal. D They are cheaper and more space efficient than two separate stair enclosures.
6. What is a unique requirement for circular stairs?
A They must be made of metal. B They must have handrails on both sides. C The small radius of the full circle must be greater than or equal to twice the widest part of the stair tread. D They must have a landing at every floor.
7. Where are folding stairs most commonly found?
A In commercial buildings for roof access. B In public buildings for emergency exits. C In residential occupancies providing attic access. D In industrial buildings for machinery maintenance.
8. What is the primary purpose of venting at the top of most elevator hoist ways?
A To provide natural light B To allow fresh air circulation C To prevent mushrooming D To reduce noise levels
9. What material is commonly used for hoist way enclosures in low-rise buildings?
A Wood B Glass C Gypsum D Steel
10. How many elevators can be contained in a single hoist way in a building with three or fewer elevators?
A One B Two C Three D Four
11. What is a disadvantage of swinging fire doors?
A They cannot be used for pedestrian traffic B They are not fire-rated C They require a clear space around the door to ensure closure D They are difficult to install
12. What initiates the closing of horizontally sliding accordion or folding doors in special-purpose fire doors?
A Pressure sensors B Manual operation C A timer mechanism D A signal from a smoke detector or fire alarm system
13. What was the first type of fire-rated glazing available?
A Ceramic glass B Wired glass C Laminated glass D Tempered glass
14. What is the fundamental problem with Type V construction?
A Limited design flexibility B The presence of extensive concealed voids C The use of non-combustible materials D High construction costs
15. Which occupancy classification group does a hospital fall under according to the International Building Code (IBC)?
A Institutional Group I B Business Group B C Assembly Group A D Educational Group E
16. What is the main factor that influences the fire load in a building?
A The number of occupants B The building's height C The total quantity of combustible material in a compartment D The type of construction material
17. What does the ASTM E-119 standard test measure?
A Structural load capacity B Combustibility of materials C Fire resistance of building construction and materials D Thermal conductivity of materials
18. What type of load is applied to the center of the cross-section of a structural member and perpendicular to that cross-section?
A Eccentric Load B Axial Load C Dynamic Load D Torsional Load
19. What type of load is primarily responsible for horizontal motion during an earthquake?
A Vertical load B Torsional load C Resonant load D Lateral load
20. What is the purpose of base isolation in seismic design?
A To isolate the building from horizontal movement of the earth’s surface B To increase the building's height C To absorb vertical loads D To enhance the building's aesthetic
21. Which structural element is designed to carry loads perpendicular to its longitudinal dimension?
A Arch B Column C Cable D Beam
22. What is the main characteristic of Type I (fire-resistive) construction?
A Combustible materials throughout B Limited use of steel C Presence of noncombustible structural components with fire resistance ratings D Use of heavy timber
23. What happens to sandy soil near water sources during soil liquefaction?
A It hardens and increases support B It becomes more compact and stable C It remains unaffected D It becomes looser and saturated with water, reducing its ability to support a structure
24. What is a key characteristic of Type IV construction?
A The use of lightweight wood trusses. B The use of unprotected steel for structural components. C The use of solid or laminated wood with larger dimensions than Type III construction. D The presence of extensive concealed voids.
25. What is the primary fire concern with Type III construction?
A The use of unprotected steel. B The use of combustible roof decks. C The lack of fire resistance in exterior walls. D Combustible concealed spaces between structural components.
26. What is the main structural material used in Type V construction?
A Concrete. B Steel. C Masonry. D Wood.
27. What is the primary function of exit stairs as part of the means of egress?
A To provide access to all floors of a building. B To enhance the aesthetic appeal of a building. C To serve as a primary means of vertical transportation. D To ensure safe passage during building evacuation.
28. What is the purpose of smokeproof stair enclosures in buildings?
A To enhance the building's exterior appearance. B To provide additional structural support. C To improve energy efficiency. D To resist the effects of combustion products and ensure safe egress.
29. Why are oil-cooled transformers required to have dielectric properties in their cooling oil?
A To electrically insulate internal components from arcing. B To reduce the overall weight of the transformer. C To improve the transformer’s energy efficiency. D To enhance the cooling efficiency of the oil.
30. What is the purpose of fire-retardant coatings on interior finishes?
A To make materials completely fireproof. B To reduce the flame spread rating of materials like wood. C To increase the structural strength of materials. D To enhance the aesthetic appearance of materials.
31. What is a characteristic of freestanding fire walls in building construction?
A They are always connected to the building frame. B They are only used in high-rise buildings. C They require additional horizontal support beams. D They are self-supporting with respect to vertical loads.
32. What is the function of sky lobbies in high-rise buildings?
A To serve as a common discharge floor for two separate elevator systems B To provide recreational space C To offer panoramic views D To house mechanical equipment
33. What type of elevators are divided into zones in very tall buildings?
A Service elevators B Freight elevators C Panoramic elevators D Express elevators
34. What is a limitation of the single-injection pressurization system for stairwells?
A Air pressure can flow directly out if doors are opened near the air supply. B It is more expensive than multiple-injection systems. C It cannot be used in high-rise buildings. D It requires multiple fans to operate.
35. What is the primary function of transformers in building electrical systems?
A To increase the voltage for long-distance transmission. B To measure electrical consumption in buildings. C To convert high-voltage electricity to an appropriate voltage for building use. D To store electrical energy for backup use.
36. What is the primary purpose of parapet walls in fire-resistant construction?
A To prevent radiant heat from igniting adjacent surfaces B To improve the building's aesthetic appeal C To support the structural framework D To provide additional space for utilities
37. What is the minimum fire-resistive rating required for fire walls according to the International Code Council?
A 1 hour B 2 hours C 3 hours D 1.5 hours
38. What is a common material used for constructing 4-hour rated fire walls?
A Wood B Glass C Aluminum D Masonry or concrete
39. What is a significant disadvantage of fire walls according to designers?
A They limit window placement B They require frequent maintenance C They reduce building height D They increase structural costs
40. What is the purpose of enclosure walls in buildings?
A To block the vertical spread of fire through openings B To support heavy loads C To improve thermal insulation D To enhance soundproofing
41. What is the primary use of Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL)?
A Short-span beams and columns B I-joists and beam sections C Exterior wall sheathing D Heavily loaded columns
42. What is the main advantage of thermoplastic composite lumber?
A Low cost B Fire resistance C Resistance to weathering D High structural strength
43. What is the primary material used in the core of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)?
A Fiberglass B Particleboard C Mineral wool D Plastic foam
44. Which type of non-veneered panel is known for its strength and stiffness?
A Oriented Strand Board (OSB) B Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL) C Particleboard D Waferboard
45. What is a common use for Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL)?
A I-joists and beam sections B Exterior wall sheathing C Short-span beams and columns D Heavily loaded columns
46. What is a key characteristic of balloon framing?
A Use of heavy timber for structural support B Continuous exterior wall studs from foundation to roof C Horizontal members are more prominent D Interior finish is primarily plaster
47. What is the primary function of mortar in masonry construction?
A To bond individual masonry units into a solid mass B To increase tensile strength C To provide decorative finishes D To act as a fire-resistant barrier
48. Which type of steel component is used in steel suspension systems to support tension forces?
A Steel beams B Steel arches C Rods and cables D Steel columns
49. What is the main advantage of using steel arches in construction?
A They provide better insulation B They can span large distances without internal supports C They are more resistant to corrosion D They are lightweight and easy to install
50. What is a common use for box beams and I-beams in construction?
A To enhance aesthetic appeal B To reduce construction costs C To resist common bending stresses and provide shear resistance D To increase fire resistance
