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>>> STRUCTURAL CONCEPTUALIZATION

MECHANICS
Mechanics Fluid Mechanics
The study of objects at rest or in motion that are subjected to forces Deformed Body Mechanics
Rigid Body Mechanics
The primary concern of architecture. Can be divided into ‘dynamics’ and ‘statics’
Statics – the study of objects subjected to forces that remain in static equilibrium
– buildings fail when there is no static equilibrium
Building Configurations
– ideally structurally symmetrical, less reentrant angles, near the center of gravity
– best geometry: circle (all points equidistant from center of gravity)
Strength of Materials Material Properties Specifications
The study of the internal effects of external forces Sectional Properties Form
Proper Connectors

CATEGORIZATION OF STRUCTURES
Resisted Forces
Type Description Examples
Axial Shear Torsion Bending
Section Active Dependent on the sectional properties of its rigid components Steel and column frames x x x x
Form Active Material naturally deflects and becomes stable upon loading Tensile fabric, arches x
Vector Active Transfers load via a series of interlinked components and depended upon Geodesic domes, trusses x
geometry and orientation of its components (i.e. vector quality)
Surface Active Composed of rigid surfaces; similar to form-active applied loads are Concrete shells x x
redirected by the shape of the structure

NATURE OF FORCES
Concept Sub-types Definition
Force Systems 2D or Coplanar Forces that occur on 2 axes. Can be concurrent, parallel, non-concurrent & non-parallel
3D or Spatial Forces that occur on 3 axes. Can be concurrent, parallel, non-concurrent & non-parallel
Application of Axial Load Load that is applied parallel to the length of the member/object.
Forces It induces compression OR tension.
Lateral Load Load that is applied perpendicular or transverse to the length of the member/object.
It induces shear, bending, and/or torsion.
Static Equilibrium Translational Equilibrium Vector sum of the external forces must be equal to zero.
Rotational Equilibrium Total torque or moment acting on then object must be equal to zero.

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 1 of 58
TYPES OF SUPPORTS FOR COPLANAR SYSTEMS TYPES OF LOADS
Type Symbol Resisted Movement Category Type Description
Horizontal Vertical Rotation Based on Concentrated/Point Load
Simple Distribution
x
Uniformly Distributed Load
Roller
x
Uniformly Varying Load
Pin
x x

Fixed Based on Dead or Static Load weight of the structure itself


x x x
Source Live or Dynamic Load loads in motion or transient (e.g.
people, furniture, wind)

TRUSSES
Truss – slender members assumed to be connected by “frictionless pins” at its joints, where loads are assumed to be placed
– members are allowed to rotate in relation to one another (pin support)
– trusses are not capable of resisting bending, moment, and shear

KING POST TRUSS FINK TRUSS HOWE TRUSS PRATT TRUSS


diagonal in compression, vertical in tension diagonal in tension, vertical in compression

WARREN TRUSS (with vertical) K-TRUSS SCISSOR TRUSS BOWSTRING TRUSS

STRENGTH OF MATERIALS
Strength Stress (σ) – How much atoms and molecules are being pushed/pulled apart in rigid objects
– The ability of a material to hold itself together despite – Used to predict when a material will break
being subjected to forces – Force over an area (F/A)
Strain (ε) – Measures the amount of deformation compared to the original shape of the object or material
– The intensity or magnitude of force carried (stress), and – Used to predict allowable deformation or tolerances
elasticity without permanent deformation (strain) – Ratio of change in length and original length (ΔL/L)

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 2 of 58
Modulus of Elasticity (E) – describes a material’s stiffness; value is constant for each material
– Stress over strain (σ/ε)
Proportionality Limit – up to this point, stress is proportional to strain (Hooke’s Law)
Elastic Limit – beyond this limit, permanent deformation will occur
Yield Point – the point where plastic deformation begins to occur
Ultimate Strength – maximum stress a material while being stretched before breaking
– ductile materials (e.g. steel) will experience necking before failure
– also called Ultimate Tensile Strength
Fracture point – the stress at which a material fails via fracture
– in ductile materials (e.g. steel), fracture strength is lower than ultimate strength
– in brittle materials (e.g. concrete), fracture strength is equivalent to the ultimate strength

Stress-Strain Curve of Steel

BEAMS
Beams Simple Span Beam
– Horizontal structural – Supports are located at the ends of its span
members designed to resist
lateral loads Overhanging Beam
– Has overhanging ends from the supports
– Beams must produce
internal resisting forces to Cantilever Beam
balance the internally – Supported only from one end by a rigid
developed forces resulting connection
from externally applied forces Continuous Beam
– Supported by more than 2 points along its span

Internal Forces in Beams Vertical Force (v)


– Beams undergo
simultaneous compression
and tension

Bending Moment (M)

Shear-Moment Diagram

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 3 of 58
ALLOWABLE DEFLECTIONS OF BEAMS BUILDING FRAMES
Element Supported Deflection Basic Structural System
Non-structural, not likely to be damaged by large deflection L/240 Bearing Wall Structural system without a vertical load-carrying space
Non-structural (2) L/360 System frame ; no beams/columns
Flat roofs L/180 Building Frame Complete space frame to support gravity loads
Roof or Floor Construction L/480 System Shear walls and brace frames resist lateral loads
Moment- Complete space frame to support gravity loads
Resisting Frame Flexural action members resist lateral loads
TYPES OF BEAMS ACCORDING TO FUNCTION System
Type Description Dual System Combination of moment-resisting frames, and shear walls or
Purlin Carries the roof load between trusses or rafters braced frames
Rafter Usually sloping beam carrying load from purlins Cantilevered Structural system relying on cantilevered column elements to
Lintel Carries masonry across openings (i.e. doors and windows) Column Building resist lateral loads
Spandrel Spans between columns and supports floors and curtain walls System
Girder Large beams carrying floor beams Shear Wall- Combination of shear walls and frames to resist lateral forces
Joist Closely spaced beams supporting the floor/ceiling Frame in proportion to their relative rigidities
Stringer Carries the flooring of a bridge (e.g. stairs) Interactive
Grade Beam Lowermost spandrel of a building without a basement System
Shaft Circular beam that transmits power to the machinery, and also Vertical Structural Irregularities
carries torsion in addition to shear and flexure Stiff Irregularity Lateral stiffness of a storey is
or Soft Storey < 70% of the storey above OR
< 80% of the average of the 3
COLUMNS storeys above
Type Stresses Failure
Short Compression Crushing Weight/Mass The effective mass of any
Intermediate Compression and Bending Crushing or Buckling Irregularity storey more than 150% of the
Long Compression and Bending Buckling effective mass of an adjacent
Effective Length Factor (K) storey

In-plane In-plane offset of lateral-


Discontinuity resisting structural elements

Discontinuity in Storey strength is <80% of the


Capacity or storey above
0.5 0.7 1.0 1.0 2.0 2.0 Weak Storey

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 4 of 58
Plan Structural Irregularities Reinforcement
Torsional Maximum storey drift of one Singly Reinforced Concrete is only reinforced near the tensile face
Irregularity end of the structure is 1.2x Doubly Reinforced Reinforcement is also placed near the compressive face in
more than the structure’s addition to the tensile reinforcement ; usually added when
average storey drift the architect limits the members’ sectional dimensions
Under-reinforced Tension capacity is smaller than the compression capacity
Re-entrant Projections of the structure Yields in a ductile manner (i.e. large obvious deformation)
Corners beyond the re-entrant corner Yield stress of the reinforcement governs
are greater than 15% of the Over-reinforced Tension capacity is greater than the compression capacity
plan dimension Fails by crushing at the compressive-zone of the concrete,
and failure is instantaneous
Diaphragm Diaphragm with abrupt Yield stress of the concrete governs
Discontinuity variations in stiffness Balanced Design Where tensile and compressive zones fails to the same load
Risky similar to over-reinforced design due to instantaneous
failure (i.e. no early warning)
Pre-stressed Concrete
Out-of-Plane Discontinuities in a lateral force
Pre-tensioned Tendons are tensioned prior to casting of concrete
Offsets path
Post-tensioned Tendons are tensioned after the casting of concrete
Concrete Slab Reinforcement
One-way Slab Ratio of the long and short sides is > 2
Moment-resisting reinforcement only along the short side
Two-way Slab Ratio of long and short sides is < 2
Non-parallel Vertical lateral-load-resisting
Moment in both directions is considered in the design
System elements are not parallel or
Concrete Protection for Reinforcement (Concrete Cover)
symmetric about the major
Exposed to earth (e.g. footings) 75mm
orthogonal axes
Exposed to weather 40 – 50mm
Pipes, conduits, or fittings exposed to weather 40mm
Beams and Columns not exposed to weather 40mm
Slabs, walls, and joists not exposed to weather 20 – 40mm
REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN
Concrete High compressive strength, low tensile strength
Reinforcement Usually steel ; supplements tensile strength of concrete
Design Methods
Working Stress Makes use of the elastic limit of the materials ; this method
Design is no longer used
Ultimate Stress Makes use of the ultimate strength of materials (material
Design failure) ; this is more reflective of materials’ real behaviour

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 5 of 58
>>> PLUMBING

PIPING MATERIALS
PLASTIC PIPES
Common Uses*
Type Colors Type Jointing Diameter Length Avail. Notes
D W V CW HW F G
Acrylonitrile x x x Black, Blue Rigid Solvent Weld 1 ¼“ – 6” 3m and Import Should be coated with latex
Butadine Styrene 6m paint if exposed to the sun
(ABS)
Chlorinated x x x Orange, Rigid Solvent Weld ¼” – 12” 3m Local Can withstand higher
Polyvinyl Chloride White, Cream temperatures than other
(CPVC) plastic pipes.
Unplasticized x x x x x Orange, Blue, Rigid Solvent Weld, ½” – 12” 3m and Local Has removed toxins and
Polyvinyl Chloride White, Gray, Rubber Ring 6m does not fade compared to
(uPVC) Black PVC ; Coat with latex paint
if exposed to the sun
Polyethylene (PE), x* x* x x Black, Blue Rigid, Fusion Weld ½” – 12” ; 3m and Local HDPE can also be used for
High-density (HDPE), Tubing (Rigid), 2” – 48” 6m ; 30m irrigation ; LDPE for
Cross-linked (PEX) (PE/PEX) Compression (for DW) (tubing) landscaping
Fittings (Tubing) *For HDPE only
Polypropylene (PP), x x Variable Rigid Fusion Weld ½” – 12” 4m and Local PP-R can accommodate
PP Random (PP-R), (Rigid), Special 6m higher temperature &
PP-R Fittings (Tubing) pressure; most practical
Co-polymer (PP-RC)
Polybutylene (PB) x Black, Grey Tubing Special Fittings ½”- 2” 30 - 150m Local (t) Releases a chemical in very
Import(r) cold weather
METAL PIPES
Cast Iron (CIP) x x x Black Rigid Caulking or 1 ½” – 15” 1.5m, 3m, Local Commercial Types:
Hubless 6m SV – general use
XV – extra duty
Copper x x x x x x Reddish Rigid, Solder (Sweat), ¼” – 12” Rigid Local Classifications:
Brown, Green Tubing Brazed (Sweat & 3.6, 5.4, K – for underground
(K), Blue (L), (coils) Wiped), Flared 6m L – general use
Red (M), Tubing M – thinnest
Yellow 40, 60, ACR – Air conditioning
100m G – Gas application
MG – Medical Gas

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 6 of 58
STEEL PIPES
Common Uses
Type Colors Type Jointing Diameter Length Avail. Notes
D W V CW HW F G
Black Iron (BI) x x Black Rigid Threaded, 3/8” – 12” 6m Local Also used for water
Welded, Flanged aqueducts, and chilled
water supply lines
Galvanized Steel x x x Silver Gray Rigid Threaded, 1/8” – 4” 6m Local Longer life than BI pipes ;
Pipe Welded, Flanged Commonly used for LPG
Galvanized Wrought x x x Silver Grey Rigid Threaded, 3/8” – 4” 6m Local More expensive than other
Iron Pipe Welded, Flanged steel pipes
Brass Pipes x Brass Rigid Threaded, 3m Import Most expensive steel pipe ;
Welded, Brazed corrosion resistant
*Common Uses Legend: D = Drain ; W = Waste ; V = Vent ; CW = Cold Water ; HW = Hot Water ; F =Fire Suppression ; G = Gas

TYPES OF JOINTING Adapters TYPES OF VALVES 1. Temp. & Pres. Relief Valve
Solvent Cemented Bushing – threaded both inside and Gate Valve 2. Pressure Valve
Heat Fusion outside 1. Rising Stem-Inside Screw Thermostatic Valve
1. Socket Fusion Wye 2. Rising Stem-Outside Stem and Core Cock
2. Solder Fusion Cross Yoke 1. Corporation Cock
3. Sidewall Fusion 1. Straight Cross 3. Non-Rising Stem – Inside 2. Curb Cock
Internal Fusion 2. Sanitary Cross Screw Sensor Valve
Caulking (Lead & Oakum Union Patente – uses two end pieces Globe / Compression Valve Metered Valve
Connection) attached on the pipe ends, and a Angle Valve Water Meter
Hubless Joint Coupling center piece drawing the two pieces 1. Single 1. Disc
Flared Joint (with Flaring Tool together as it is rotated 2. Double 2. Turbine
Slip Joint Flange Union – alternative to welded 3. Triple 3. Compound
Rubber Ring Joint and screwed systems Ball Valves Faucets
Threaded Joint Plug Butterfly Valve 1. Compression
Soldering Sweat Joint Cap Foot / Retention Valve 2. Key
Brazed (Sweat & Wiped) Joint Nipple Check / Water Backflow Valve 3. Ball
TYPES OF FITTINGS 1. Open/Shoulder Nipple 1. Gravity Check Valve (Swing 4. Hose
Tee 2. Closed Nipple Check) 5. Gooseneck
1. Straight Tee Offset Bend 2. Spring Check Valve 6. Electronic
2. Reducing Tee Return Bend (Lift Check) Shower Valve
3. Sanitary Tee Backwater Valve / Backflow 1. Compression
4. Tapped Tee Preventor (for sewage) 2. Pressure Balancing
Coupling Pressure-Reducing/Regulating Valve 3. Thermostatic
Reducer / Increaser Relief Valve

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 7 of 58
PLUMBING FIXTURES SCULLERY FIXTURES
SOIL FIXTURES Kitchen Sink Materials: Cast iron enamel, formed steel with porcelain
Fixture Description enamel coating, stainless steel
Water Closet Types According to Form Round Configurations:
Elongated 1. Single, double, or triple well
Materials: Types According to Flush Tank 2. Shallow, or deep well
vitrified china, Method of Flushing Direct Flush Valve Bar Sink Shallow version of kitchen sink
stainless steel Types According to Flush Integral Scrub Sink Material: Stainless Steel
Tank Type Clouse-coupled Never manually operated (by knee/foot or automatic)
Trap Seal: 3 inches Low Medical Sink
High Laundry Tub 35-40cm deep sink with single or double-bowl arrangement
Types According to Floor-mount BATHING FIXTURES
Mounting Wall Hung Bidet Used for genital and perianal cleanliness ; cannot
Recessed / Squat accommodate solid waste
Types According to Wash Down / Gravity Lavatory Types Wall-hung
Flushing Action Flush According to Pedestal
Reverse Trap Mounting: Counter (Flush, Self-rimming, Under counter)
Siphon Jet Above counter / Vessel
Siphon Vortex Through
Urinal Types According to Wall Hung Bathtub Typically holds 50-80 gallons
Mounting Stall Whirlpool Baths Integrated with jet pumps
Materials: Pedestal Shower Receptor floor drain shall now be less than 2% slope nor
vitrified china, Through Receptors / more than 4% slope
enameled iron, Types According to Direct Flush Valve Shower Pan Thresholds shall accommodate a min. 559mm wide door
stainless steel, built-up Method of Flushing 1. Lever Shower Materials: Acrylic, glass, fiberglass
2. Push Compartment Minimum interior area: 0.60 sqm and capable of
3. Sensor encompassing a 762mm diameter circle
Waterless Drains for gang shower rooms shall be spaces ≤ 4.90m
Types According to Wash Down Floor Drain Sum of areas of holes of floor strainer shall be equal to the
Flushing Action Siphon Jet cross-sectional area of floor drain tailpiece
Blowout Sitz/Foot Bath
Slop Sink Used by janitors to clean & leave their mops OTHER FIXTURES
Food Waste An electric appliance for garbage disposal
Materials: vitrified china, enameled cast iron Disposer
Dishwasher
Drinking Fountain Delivers water thru a nozzle at an upward angle
Water Cooler Incorporates electrical cooling into a drinking fountain

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 8 of 58
SOURCES OF WATER FOR DOMESTIC USE
Source Collection Advantages Disadvantages
Rain Water From roofs of buildings and special water 1. Soft and pure 1. Only a source during wet season
sheds ; stored in cisterns or ponds 2. Suitable for hot water supply 2. Storage can be a breeding place for
mosquitoes
3. Roofs may not be clean
Natural Surface Water From ponds, lakes, and rivers 1. Easy to acquire; usually in large quantities 1. Contains large amounts of bacteria,
2. Can be used for irrigation and industrial organic, and inorganic substances
surfaces 2. Purification and treatment are necessary
3. Suitable for community water supply
when treated
Ground Water From underground, springs, and wells 1. Usually in abundant supply 1. Contains organic matter and chemical
2. Requires less treatment due to natural elements; treatment suggested
filtering 2. Hardness of water depends on the
condition of soil and rock

WATER QUALITY PROBLEMS


Problem Cause Effect Correction
Acidity Entrance of oxygen and carbon dioxide 1. Corrosion of non-ferrous pipes Raising alkaline content by introduction of a neutralizer
2. Rusting and clogging of steel pipes (sodium silicate)
3. Green stains on fixtures
Hardness Presence of magnesium and calcium salts 1. Clogging and scaling of pipes Boiling, use of water softener, use of an iron exchanger
2. Impaired laundry and cooking (zeolite process)
3. Rough skin after washing
Turbidity Silt or mud in surface or ground 1. Discoloration Filtration
2. Bad Taste
Color Presence of iron and manganese 3. Discoloration of fixtures and Oxidizing Filter
laundry
Iron Dissolved Iron 1. Red staining of fixtures Softener
2. Pipe clogging due to iron bacteria
Sulfur High sulfur concentration, hydrogen sulfide 1. Bad taste Chlorination
gas, and iron particles 2. Corrosion of plumbing
3. Stains laundry
Pathogenic Germs Bacteria 1. Disease Disinfection
2. Poliomyelitis
Pollution Contamination by organic matter or sewage 1. Disease Chlorination

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 9 of 58
METHODS OF WATER PURIFICATION Well Pumps Shallow Well Jet Pump Up to 25 ft
Aeration – spraying water into the atmosphere to remove entrained noxious gases Deep Well Jet Pump Up to 125 ft
Coagulation & Precipitation – addition of coagulants to form a gelatinous mass Submersible Well Pump At least 75 ft ; submerged 20 ft from
Flocculation bottom of the well
Filtration – using layers of sand and gravel to remove finer suspended particles Locating a 1. At least 50 ft or 15 m away from pollution sources
1. Sediment Filter Well 2. Ideally on higher ground for gravity distribution
2. Activated Carbon Filter 3. Deeper wells allow for natural filtration
3. Ultra Filtration Membrane Filter
4. Activated Granular Carbon Filter
Sedimentation – “settling process” CLASSIFICATION OF PUMPS
1. Intermittent Piston Pump Positive Single Action – water is drawn in with
2. Continuous Displacement only one motion
Chlorination – injection of hypochlorite or chlorine gas to kill bacteria Water is sucked into Pump Double Action – water is drawn in
Reverse Osmosis – use of a special filter membrane that permits water to pass, but a sealed vacuum by a with either stroke
not larger matters piston Duplex or Twin Uses two cylinders and two rods. Two
UV Radiation – killing organisms via UV exposure Piston Pump openings for suction and discharge
Ozone – gas used to kill organisms similar to chlorination allow for a greater flow of water
Neutralizing Tank – marble or limestone filtration Centrifugal Pump Single Stage Pump – one impeller and is better for low
head service
Water is drawn into Two Stage Pump – two impellers mounted in series for
WELL SYSTEM the pump and medium head service
Classifications Shallow: Construction: discharged with Multi Stage Pump – three or more impellers mounted in
< 25 feet Dug, driven, bored centrifugal force series for high head service
Deep: Construction:
> 25 feet Bored, drilled
Methods of Dug Well 3-6 feet in diameter ; COMMERCIAL TYPES OF PUMPS
Construction Vulnerable to surface pollution Reciprocating Pump Jet Pump
Driven Well Pipe with a well point is driven into - piston pump operating at controlled - centrifugal pump for drawing up
the ground with a pile driver ; speed ; pulsating discharge water from a well
Also known as sand point wells Rotary Pump Turbine Pump
Bored Well Uses a well auger and casing (4-6”) to - more efficient for viscous fluids - centrifugal pump for large
create a well hole - more discharge, slower suction applications ; multiple impellers
Drilled Well-drilling rig to create well hole Jack Pump Submersible Pump – fully immersible
- exposed lift and push rod to activate a Sump Pump
Jetted Use of extreme water pressure ;
submerged piston - used to pump away excess fluid
Used only where ground is soft
Methods 1. Non-corrosive brass screens
of Well 2. Brass well screens wrapped with rocks and stones
Screening 3. Rocks and stones with non-corrosive metal casing

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 10 of 58
MINIMUM SIZE OF FIXTURE SUPPLY PIPE WSFU OF COMMON FIXTURES
Type Pipe Size (inches) Pipe Size (mm) 1 Water Supply Fixture Unit (WFSU) = 7.5 gallons of water per minute
Drinking Fountain 3/8 10 Fixture Private Public
Lavatory 3/8 10 Dental Lavatory 1 1
Water Closet (Flush Tank) 3/8 10 Lawn Sprinkler 1 1
Bathtub ½ 13 Drinking Fountain 1 2
Bidet ½ 13 Bar Sink 1 2
Combination Sink & Tray ½ 13 Lavatory 1 2
Dental Lavatory ½ 13 Bathtub 2 4
Kitchen Sink ½ 13 Bidet 2 4
Laundry Tray ½ 13 Laundry Tub 2 4
Shower ½ 13 Clothes Washer 2 4
Service Sink ½ 13 Shower 2 4
Urinal (Lip Type) ½ 13 Sink or Dishwasher 2 4
Wash Sink ½ 13 Water Closet (Economical) 2.5 4
Fixture Branch Pipe ½ 13 Hose Bibb or Sill Cock 3 5
Urinal (Flush Tank) ¾ 19 Water Closet (Flush Tank) 3 5
Urinal (Stall) ¾ 19 Water Closet (Flushometer Tank) 3 5
Building Supply Pipe ¾ 19 Mobile Home 6 6
Water Service ¾ 19 Urinal (Flush Tank) 3
Sill Cock ¾ 19 Urinal (Stall/Wall) 5
Bedpan Washer 1 25 Urinal (Pedestal 10
Urinal (Pedestal) 1 25
Water Closet (Flushometer Valve) 1 25
PROBABILITY OF SIMULTANEOUS USE OF FIXTURES
Number of Fixture Units Probability of Simultaneous Use
MINIMUM SIZE OF AIRGAPS (WATER DISTRIBUTION) 1 to 5 50 – 100%
Fixture Not Affected by Affected by 6 to 50 25 – 50%
Sidewalls (mm) Sidewalls (mm) 50 or more 10 - 25
Lavatories 25 38
(Opening: 13mm dia.)
Sinks, Laundry Trays, Gooseneck Bath 38 57
Faucets
(Opening: 19mm dia.)
Over Rim Bath Fillers 51 76
(Opening: 25mm dia.)
Others 2x dia. of opening 3x dia. of opening

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 11 of 58
COLD WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS WITHIN BUILDINGS
Type Advantage Disadvantage
Upfeed / Direct Feed System 1. Eliminates extra cost of pumps & tanks 1. Pressure from water main is inadequate for tall
Water is provided by city water companies using normal buildings
pressure from the public water main. 2. Water supply is affected during peak load hours
Air Pressure System (Pneumatic) 1. Compact pumping unit 1. Water supply is affected by loss of pressure inside
Compressed air is used to raise and push water into the 2. Sanitary due to air tight water chamber the tank in case of power interruption
system. Normally used when pressure from public water 3. Oxygen in the compressed air serves as a purifying 2. Maximum zoning for each system is 10 floors
main is insufficient for the building. agent
4. Less initial construction & maintenance cost
5. Adaptable air pressure
Downfeed System (Gravity) 1. Water is not affected by peak load hours 1. Water is subject to contamination
Water is pumped into a large tank on top of the building 2. Not affected by power interruptions 2. High maintenance cost
and distributed to the fixture via gravity, 3. Time needed to replace broken parts does not affect 3. Occupies valuable space
water supply 4. Requires stronger foundation or another structure
to carry the load of the water tank

METHODS OF WATER HEATING PARTS OF SANITARY DRAINAGE SYSTEM INSTALLATION OF BUILDING SEWER
Electric Part Description Minimum Slope 2%
Gas-Fired or Fuel-Fired Building Extends from building drain to the Minimum Slope 1% if 4-6” dia.
Solar / Solar Tubes Sewer street sewer. (if 2% is impractical) 0.5% if ≥ 8” dia.
Min dia.: 150mm or 6” Minimum Distance from 0.6 meters
Building Part of the lowest horizontal Any Building/Structure
TYPES OF HOT WATER TANKS Drain piping of a plumbing system Minimum Distance Below 0.3 meters
Range Boiler Soil Pipe Conveys waste water with fecal Finish Surface
Storage Tank matter Minimum Distance from 15.2 meters
Tankless or Instantaneous Waste Pipe Conveys liquid waste, free of fecal Wells & Bodies of Water
1. Single Point matter Minimum Distance from 0.3 meters
2. Multi-Point Vent Pipe Ensures the circulation of air in a Domestic Supply Pipes
plumbing system and relieves Minimum Distance from 0.3 meters
negative pressure on trap seals Public Water Main
HOT WATER DIST. SYSTEMS IN BUILDINGS
Stack Vertical main of the plumbing
Upfeed and Gravity Return System
systems (soil, waste, vent)
Downfeed and Gravity Return System
Branch Any part of the piping system
Pump Circuit System other than a main, riser, or stack

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 12 of 58
VENTING SYSTEM Unit or Common Vent Relief Vent
Main Soil and Waste Vent • Also: DUAL VENT • Pipe that provides additional
• Also: STACK VENT • One vent pipe serving two traps circulation of air between
• Connected to the main soil and drainage and vent system
waste stack Circuit Vent
• Backbone of the entire sanitary • Also: LOOP VENT
system • Vent serving a battery of fixtures
Main Vent • Extends from furthest horizontal
• Also: COLLECTING VENT LINE fixture connection and connects to
• Principal artery of the venting vent stack
system
• Serves as support to the main soil
and waste vent
• All vent branches are attached to it
Looped Vent
• Also: UTILITY VENT
• A vent arrangement used in spaces
away from partitions (e.g. island
sink counters)

Yoke Vent
• Also: BYPASS VENT
• A type of relief vent
• A pipe connecting upward from a
soil/waste stack to a vent stack
• Prevents pressure changes in the
stack
• Installed every at 3 to 5 storey Wet Vent Dry Vent
intervals • Point of a vent pipe where waste • A vent that does not carry liquid
Individual Vent water also flows thru waste
• Pipe to vent a fixture trap Local Vent Vent Stack
• Connects with the vent system • Pipe to convey foul air from a • Vertical vent pipe installed
above the fixture or terminates to plumbing fixture or room to the primarily for providing
open air outside circulation of air to and from any
• 1 fixture : 1 vent Commonly used in bathrooms part of the soil/waste of the
• Most efficient, but expensive without windows drainage system

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 13 of 58
INSTALLATION OF VENTS MINIMUM TRAP DIAMETER OF FIXTURES DFU OF COMMON FIXTURES
Minimum Diameter 32mm or not less than ½ Fixture Diameter (mm) 1 Drainage Fixture Unit (DFU) = 7.5 gal/min
of connected drain dia. Drinking Fountain 31 Fixture DFU
Min. Rise from Fixture 6” or 152 mm Dental Units 32 Dental Units / Cuspidors 1
Min. Height of VSTR 150 mm Bathtub 36 Drinking Fountain 1
Above the Roof Bidet 36 Floor Sinks (Receptors) 1
Min. Distance of VSTR 300 mm Laundry Tub 36 Sink (Private Bar, 38 mm dia.) 1
from any Vertical Floor Sinks 36 Wash Basin (Single) 1
Surface Nearby Sink (Residential) 36 Bathtub 2
Min. Distance of VSTR 3000 mm Sink (Commercial) 36 Bidet 2
from an Opening Sink (Industrial, Schools) 36 Floor Drain 2
Min. Height of VSTR 900 mm Urinal (Wash Out) 36 Laundry Tub 2
Above an Opening Wash Basin (In Sets) 36 Shower Stall (Single) 2
Min. Distance from 900 mm Clothes Washer 51 Sink (Residential, 51 mm dia.) 2
Any Lot Line Floor Drains 51 Sink (Commercial Bar, 51 mm dia.) 2
Min. Distance of VSTR 3000 mm Receptors (Commercial) 51 Urinal (Stall) 2
from Area of Roof for Shower 51 Urinal (Washout & Siphon Jet) 2
Human Activity Sink (Service) 51 Wash Basin (In set) 2
Min. Height of VSTR 2100 mm Urinal (Stall, Wall-mounted, 51 Grease Interceptor 3
from Area of Roof for Integral Trap, Siphon jet) Receptor (Commercial Sink) 3
Human Activity
Interceptor (Sand, Auto Wash) 75 Sink (Commercial, Industrial, Service) 3
Mobile Home 75 Urinal (Wall, Integral Trap) 3
TRAPS AND INTERCEPTORS Sink (Clinic, Flushing Rim) 75 Water Closet (Private) 4
Common P-Trap Urinal (Blowout) 75 Sand Interceptor 6
Deep Seal P-Trap Urinal (Pedestal) 75 Sink (Flushing Rim, Clinic) 6
Stand Strap Water Closets 75 Urinal (Pedestal) 6
For fixtures that are built low in thr ground (e.g. Urinal (Wall, Blow-out) 6
slop sink) ; serves as a water seal and structural Water Closet (Public) 6
HORIZONTAL DISTANCE OF TRAP ARMS
support for the fixture
Trap Arm Diameter Distance to Vent
Drum Trap
32 mm 760 mm
Used for fixtures that discharge large amounts of
water (e.g. bathtub, shower) 38 mm 1070 mm
Running Trap / House Trap 51 mm 1520 mm
Used within the line of a house drain 76 mm 1830 mm
S-Trap 102 mm 3050 mm
Predecessor of the P-Trap
Bottle Trap

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 14 of 58
SANITARY SYSTEM DEFECTS SIZES OF CLEAN OUTS
Defect Cause Size of Pipe (mm) Size of Clean Out (mm) Threads per 25.4mm
Trap Seal Loss Inadequate ventilation and the ff. conditions: 38 38 11 ½
1. Siphonage – creates a vacuum that 51 38 11 ½
breaks the trap seal 64 64 8
2. Back Pressure – excessive pressure causes 76 64 8
trap seal to look for an opening >102 89 8
3. Evaporation
4. Capillary Action
5. Wind Effects HOUSE DRAIN ACCESSORIES
Retardation of Flow Inefficient ventilation Garage Trap / Oil Trap / Oil Interceptor
Deterioration of Materials Acids created by excessive Hydrogen • Also: GARBAGE CATCH BASIN
• Trap filled with water and located at the lowest point of a garage
• Collects and separates all wastes (e.g. grease, gas, oil, etc.)
CLEAN OUTS Grease Traps
Types According to Mounting Floor Mount • Used for fixtures where grease may be introduced into the drainage or sewer
Wall Mount system
Ceiling Mount • For establishments like restaurants, cafeteria, etc.
Types According to Material Plastic • Separation of grease from liquid by contact with colder temperature
Cast Iron • Water seal of not less than 2” in depth or the diameter of its outlet
Galvanized Steel • No food waste disposal unit shall discharge into a grease trap
Brass • Types: Earth-Cooled Grease Trap, Mechanical Grease Trap
Types According to Form Plug
Countersunk
Plain PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM
Requirements / Regulations: Septic Tank / Septic Vault
Cesspool
• At every upper terminal of every horizontal sewer/waste line • An underground holding tank for temporary collection of sewage
• Each run of piping more than 15m and every fraction thereof • Capacity: based on quantity of liquid waste and on porosity of soil
• On a horizontal line with an aggregate offset angle ≥ 135° • Min. Compressive Strength: 17,225 kPa
• Inside the building near the connection between building drain and Seepage Pit
building sewer, or • Circular pit where effluent from a septic tank is collected for gradual seepage
• Outside the building at the lower end of the building drain and extended into the ground
to grade • Min. Diameter: 2.2 meters
• Not required on horizontal drain > 1.5m in length except when serving Absorption Field / Disposal Field
sinks or urinals • System of absorption trenches where effluent from a septic tank may seep
into the surrounding soil

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 15 of 58
SEPTIC TANK DESIGN STREET SEWERS
Septic Tank – Watertight receptacle designed to receive the discharge of sewage Classifications Combination Public Sewer (obsolete)
from a building sewer, separate solids from the liquid, and digest organic matter Storm Sewer
Common Materials Reinforced Concrete • Carries only rainwater from storm drain or streets
Concrete Masonry • Terminates at natural drainage areas (e.g. lakes)
Prefabricated Cast Iron • Manhole: 0.6 – 1.2m diameter, 2 – 3m depth
Prefabricated Fiber Glass Sanitary Sewer
High Density Polyethylene • Carries regular sanitary wastes only
Structure Strength Earth Load not less than 14.4 kPa • Terminates in sewage disposal plants
Number of Compartments ≥ 3 compartments Types Tributary Sewer
Chambers Digestion Chamber • Termination points of individual structures
• Min. Bottom Slope: 1:10 • Diameter: 0.6 – 1.2 meters
Leaching Chamber Intercepting Sewer
Manholes Minimum: 2 manholes • Also: COLLECTING SEWER
Min. Dimension: 508mm • Termination points of tributary sewer
Inlet & Outlet Pipe Size Not less than diameter of sewer pipe • Diameter: 0.6 – 3.0 meters
Location Not underneath the house • Depth: 4 – 30 meters
At least 15m from water distribution Materials Reinforced / Non-reinforced Concrete Pipe
Cast Iron
Reinforced Concrete (box culvert)
MINIMUM HORIZONTAL DISTANCE FROM SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS
Building Septic Tank Disposal Cesspool
Sewer (m) (m) Field (m) (m) TYPES OF COMMUNITY SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT (STP)
Buildings or Structures 0.6 1.5 2.4 2.4 Activated Sludge • First Phase: removes heavy materials
Property Line ** 1.5 1.5 2.4 Process • Second Phase: clarifies effluent
Water Supply Well 15.2 15.2 30.5 45.7 • Third Phase hardens sludge and converts it to fertilizer
Streams 15.2 15.2 15.2 30.5 • Water Purity: 99 - 99.5%
Trees - 3 - 3 Trickling Filter • Also: Percolating or Sprinkling Filter System
Seepage Pit / Cesspool - 1.5 1.2 1.5 Process • Requires less mechanical elements
On-site Water Line 0.3 1.5 1.5 1.5 • Requires large ground area
Public Water Main 3 3 3 3 • Water Purity: 95%
Combination • Uses several chambers and a trickling filter tank

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 16 of 58
COMPONENTS OF STORM WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEM Wet Standpipe Connected directly to the main water line and connects to
Downspouts, • Sizes based on max. depth of rainfall per hour System all levels of a building
Conductor Pipes, (102mm/hour for Metro Manila) All parts of a building to be 6.00m of a nozzle attached to a
Gutters • Downspouts of high-rise structures must also resist 23-meter long hose
hydrostatic pressure Usable by building occupants, unlike the dry standpipe that
Roof Drains • Equipped with dome-type strainers extending 102mm is for the fire department
above the surface of the roof Wet Standpipe A Siamese connection is located outside the building for
• Minimum net total area of 1 ½ of the area of the with Siamese additional water supply
connected outlet pipe Connection Min. Diameter: 51mm if < 15m from Fire Service Connection
• Roof deck strainers shall have a total net inlet area not 64mm if > 15m from Fire Service Connection
less than twice the area of the connected outlet pipe Combination SP Min. Diameter: 150mm
Catch Basin • Termination point of downspouts ; can serve multiple
• Made of concrete masonry and connected via the
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM
storm line
Types of Sprinkler Automatic Wet – lines are constantly filled with water
Area Drain • Designed to collect surface water from an open area
Systems Automatic Dry – valves and sensors act as a trigger to fill the
• Trench drain: long span drain
lines with water at the hint of fire
Types of Sprinkler Upright – used above piping when piping is exposed
MAJOR SYSTEMS OF COLLECTING STORM WATER Heads – safer against damage
Independent • Also: SEPARATE SYSTEM Pendent – used when piping Is concealed
System • Brings collected water directly to water reservoirs Side Throw / Side Wall
Combined System • Combines storm water with sanitary wastes Max. Spacing of From Branch: 15 feet / 4.5 m
Natural System • Does not use roof gutters or downspouts Sprinkler Heads Between Heads: 4 – 10 feet / 1.2 – 3.0 m
• Rainwater can be collected in cisterns From Wall: 4 inches / 100mm
Coverage of One Light Hazard Occupancy: 20 sqm.
Sprinkler Head Extra Hazard Occupancy: 10 sqm
STANDPIPE FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM
Type Description
Dry Standpipe Standpipe connected to the exterior of the building for use ALTERNATIVE FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
System of fire department Clean Agent Gas • Discharges inert gas (Halon) onto combusting materials
Max. Height: 1220 mm • Alternatives to Halon: FM-200, FE-13, Inergen
Min. Diameter: 110 mm if < 23m from Fire Department Carbon Dioxide • CO2 displaces oxygen from the fire
153 mm if > 23m from Fire Department • Cannot be used when humans are present
Types: Foam • High volume of gas-filled bubbles rapidly fills space
1. With Automatic Dry Pipe Valve • Bubbles float on the surface of burning liquids
2. With Manual Control Valve
3. Without Permanent Water Supply (most common)

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 17 of 58
TYPES OF LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG) SERVICE INSTALLATION Pressure • Equipment connected to the cylinder (e.g. pigtails,
Type Description Regulators and valves, etc.) should be rigidly supported
Cylinder Where gas is stored Other Service • The vent in the regulator should be facing downward to
Pigtail Where high pressure vapor flows thru when the cylinder Equipment prevent entry of rain
valve is opened • All safety valve outlets should be vented to the open air
Regulator Reduces pressure of gas to the proper operating gas Gas Piping and • Piping should be adequately supported to the wall
pressure of the appliance Shut-off Valves • Piping should be beyond the reach of people passing by
• No joints should be allowed at points where the pipe
passes thru floors walls, partitions
• Piping should not be run in elevator shafts, ventilation
ducts, chimneys, or flues
• Use the correct terminal fitting
• Suitable gas line shut-off valve should be fitted for every
appliance
• Both ends of connection to portable devices should be
securely attached by clips
Location of • Appliances should have sufficient ventilation
Appliance • Location should allow for the easy repair and
adjustment of appliance burners and parts
Testing for Leaks • Ensure that the system is gas tight
• Sources of ignition should not be used to check for gas
leakage ; use a soap solution
• Defective pipes and fittings should be replaced
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR INSTALLATION OF GAS SYSTEMS
Criteria Precaution
TYPES OF SYSTEM TESTS
Location of • Install outdoors or in a section of a building with good
Type Description
Cylinder floor and ceiling level ventilation
Hydrostatic Water Test for water supply by closing all outlets with a test plug
• There should be no combustible materials within 19 ft
Test and filling the system with water from the main to locate
or 5.7 m of a cylinder
leaks and potential problems.
• Install on firm, dry, and level foundation
Building Sewer Plugging the end of the building sewer at points of
• Do not place on ground level
Test / Gravity Test connection with the public sewer or private waste disposal
• Maintain at least a 3 ft or 0.9m distance from drains,
system to conduct air or water tests. Should be at least 15
culverts, or entrances
minutes long, 1 hour is recommended.
• Use in an upright position
Air Pressure Test Piping system is filled with compressed air, and bubbling
• Do not place close to steam pipes or any source of heat soap suds are used in locating escaping air.
• When cylinders are being connected/disconnected,
there should be no open flame or similar in the area

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 18 of 58
>>> HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC)

REFRIGERANTS UNITS OF COOLING CAPACITY


• Picks up heat by evaporating at low temperature and pressure 1 Ton of Refrigerant (TR) = 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTU) = 1.5 Horsepower
• Gives up heat by condensing at high temperature and pressure
Common Refrigerants Hydrochloroflourocarbon (HCFC)
• HCFC 22 COMPONENTS OF AIR-CONDITIONING
• HCFC 123 Component Types
Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) Evaporator Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger
• HFC 134a Direct Expansion Coils
Obsolete Refrigerants Dichlorofluoromethane – Freon 12 Condenser Air-cooled (for unit & packaged types)
Trichlorofluoromethane – Freon 11 Water-cooled
Chloroflourocarbon – CFC 12 • Double-piped
• Shell & Tube
• Evaporative
AIR CONDITIONING STANDARDS
Summer Cooling Temperature: 76 - 80°F or 20 - 24°C Compressor Piston-type / Reciprocating
Humidity: 50% Centrifugal
Winter Cooling (Heating) Temperature: 70 - 75°F Screw-Type
Air Motion 15 – 25 ft/min at 36” about the floor Expansion Valve
Air Supply (Smoking Room) 25 – 40 cu.ft/min/person Refrigeration Cycle
Air Supply (Non-smoking Room) 5 – 7.5 cu.ft/min/person Expansion Valve > Evaporator > Compressor > Condenser

AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS


Type Description
Direct Expansion Individual Installed thru walls or windows and exposed to the outside air
(Window-Type) Min. Distance from Bottom of Unit to Floor: 2.13 m
Min. Distance from Bottom of Drain to Floor: 2.10 m
Packaged Self-contained unit with integral compressor, condenser, and evaporator
Terminal
Split An air conditioning condensing unit (ACCU) and a fan coil unit (FCU) connected by two copper pipes/tubings
• Small diameter pipe: Liquid line
• Large diameter pipe: Insulated gas line
Condensing Unit (Outdoor): Compressor, Condensing Coil, Expansion Valve
Fan Coil Unit (Indoor): Evaporator
Multi-Split A large central ACCU connected to several FCUs

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 19 of 58
Central Chilled Water Uses a central chill to cool water. Chilled water is then used by air handling units (AHU) and FCU to cool air
Air Handling Unit – used to condition and circulate air
Cooling Tower – expels heat from chilled water system
Common Components Chiller – produces chilled water that is used to remove heat from the building
– located indoors if system uses a cooling tower, outside if without
Ducting
Other Components Pre-cooled Air Handling Unit
Fresh Air Handling Unit
Energy Recovery Ventilation
Pumps and Controls
Cool Thermal Storage Produces and stores chilled water or generates a phase change in water
Stores the ice during low cooling demand periods then used during peak demand periods

AIR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM Type by Manual Damper – typically set during air balancing
Constant Air Volume (CAV) – steady airflow, varying temperature Operation during initial startup of the system
Variable Air Volume (VAV) – varying airflow, constant temperature Automatic Damper – responds to temperature or
DISTRIBUTION COMPONENTS pressure changes, or remotely controlled
Duct Section Round, Oval, Rectangular • Backdraft Dampers
Material Allowable Air Conveyed • Smoke Dampers
Ducting Material S R E F P • Fire Dampers
Legend: Rigid Aluminum (ga. 23-26) x x x x x
• Combination Smoke and Fire Dampers
S – Supply Rigid Steel (ga. 26-30) x x x
Fans Axial Discharges air in the same axial direction
R – Return Rigid uPVC, PP, or ABS x
E – Exhaust Types:
F – Fresh
Fiberglass Composite x x x
• Propeller – moves high volume of air
P - Pressurized Fabric Duct (polyester) x x x against low or no static pressure
Flexible Duct x x x x • Vaned Axial – most commonly used due to
Designation Supply, Return, Exhaust, Fresh, Pressurized, Mixed little change in airflow
Installation Fiberglass, Polystyrene, Polyethylene • Tube Axial – propelled encased in a duct
Air Outlets Types Louvered, Vaned, Grille, Diffuser, Side Throw Centrifugal Air makes a 90° angle turn from inlet to outlet
Chilled Water Supply and Return Motors Electric motors known as drives
Cold Water Supply and Return Common Names:
CONTROL COMPONENTS • Variable Frequency Drive
Volume Type by Single-blade • Variable Frequency Inverter
Control Blades Multi-blade (can be opposed or parallel) • Variable State Drive
Damper Control Sensing Humidistat, Thermostat, Pressure Regulator
Equipment Actuating Damper, Control Valves, Relays

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 20 of 58
AIR CLEANING COMPONENTS Gasoline
Dry Filter Viscous Filter Grease
Water Spray Eliminator Plates Tar
Mechanical Filter Panel (Flat) Filter Oil and Water (for Hydraulic Systems)
High-efficiency Particulate Arresting Filter Sound-attenuating Filter Yellow Acid
COOLING AND HEATING COMPONENTS Ammonia
Cooling Water Sprays High Pressure Air
Cooling Coils High Pressure Steam
Heating Tempering Coils – contains steam and is used for heating the air Low Pressure Steam
Water Heaters – heated water is used in spray chamber that adds Boiler Feed Water
heat and humidity in the air Hot Water
High Pressure Water (excl. Fire Use)
Green Low Pressure Helium
TYPES OF HEATING TYPES OF HEATING SYSTEMS YSTEMS Low Pressure Nitrogen
Type Medium Device Air Handling Distribution Low Pressure Argon
Mechanical Air Furnace Ducts Registers Low Pressure Air
Warm Air
Cold Water
Steam Steam Boiler Pipes Radiators
Distilled Water
Heating
Low Pressure Water (excl. Fire Use)
Hot Water Water Water Heater Pipes Radiators
Treated Water
Radiant Water Water Heater Pipes Ceiling/Floor
Oil and Water (for Hydraulics Systems)
Panel Air Furnace Ducts Ceiling
Electricity Electric Wires Ceiling
Heater

PIPING COLOR CODING (NEW BLDG. CODE)


Pipe Color Identification
Red Carbon Dioxide
Fire Service Water
Orange Acetylene
Oxygen
Hydrogen
Blast Furnace Gas
Low Pressure Gas
Producer Gas
High Vacuum

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 21 of 58
>>> ACOUSTIC DESIGN

PHYSICAL QUANTITIES OF SOUND HIERARCHY OF MATERIALS PREVENTING SOUND TRANSMISSION


Frequency Measure of tone/pitch 1 12” Double brick wall (best)
(f) Number of cycles (sound crest) in one Hertz (cycles/second) 2 9” Brick wall
second in a sound wave 3 Cavity wall
Wavelength Distance between wave crests C = fλ 4 7” Concrete wall
(λ) Low frequency: Farther waves 5 Trombe Wall
High frequency: Closer waves 6 Double Glazed Glass
Speed Speed of sound in air is 344m/s (1130 ft/s) C 7 Laminated Glass
(C) Greater in solids than in gases or liquids 8 Tempered Glass
Intensity Amount of sound power over a unit area W/m2 9 Float Glass (poor)

SOUND TO THE HUMAN EAR SOUND ABSORPTION


Frequency Infrasonic sounds ( < 20Hz) Not heard; perceived as vibrations Absorption Measure of sound absorbing quality of a surface
Ultrasonic sounds ( > 20kHz) Not heard by humans but by animals Coefficient Ranges from 0 to 1
Intensity Threshold of audibility 10-12 w/m2 0 - Totally Reflective
Threshold of pain 1012 w/m2 1 - Totally absorptive
All materials have different coefficients that vary on frequencies
< 0.20 is a good reflector
SOUND RATINGS > 0.75 is a good absorber
Sound Number rating system that rates the ability of a wall or other Noise Reduction The average Absorption Coefficient of materials on mid-range
Transmission construction to block transmission Coefficient frequencies/across frequencies (250, 500, 1000 and 2000)
Class Varies per Hz (frequency) Used to measure the ability of a material to absorb sound
The higher, the better Thickness x Density = kg/m2 (the thicker, the better)
For example: An 80dB sound passing through a door with an Two materials with the same NRC may perform differently
STC of 39 will become 41 dB There is always at least an insignificant amount by any reflecting material,
Transmission Loss Decibels stopped by a structure/material at a given frequency or reflected by any absorbent one
Noise Isolation Class Number rating that measures noise reduction between 2 areas

TYPES OF ACOUSTIC ROOMS


SOUND TRANSMISSION Hard Room More reflective, less sound absorptive
Factors Affecting Sound Transmission Intensity Soft Room More absorptive, less sound reflective
Material density Live Room A room with an unusually small amount of sound absorption
Kind of medium Dead Room A room with an unusually large amount of sound absorption
Factors Affecting Transmission Thickness of wall Anechoic Chamber A room in which all surfaces are designed to completely absorb
Between Rooms Material of wall all sounds produced in a room
Area of wall

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 22 of 58
MOVEMENT OF SOUND ELEMENTS OF SOUNDPROOFING
Reflection Return of sound Decoupling Separate assembly
Refraction Change in direction Absorption Low density, less compaction
Diffraction Bending around edges Mass The heavier, the better
Diffusion Scattered reflection Damping Use of soundproofing compound
Focusing Reflection on concave surfaces
Absorption Dissipating sound
Reinforced Sound Natural amplification of sound being heard from various PRE FABRICATED ACOUSTIC UNITS
reflections and directly from a source Tiles Regular Perforated Tile
Diffused Sound Sounds reflected from a convex or flat surface, and remains Fissured Tile
fairly constant throughout a space Random Perforated Tile
Textured and Patterned Tile
Membrane Faced/Ceramic Tile Materials
PRINCIPAL ACOUSTICAL DEFECTS DUE TO REFLECTION Slotted Tile
Reverberation When a reflected sound wave reaches an ear in LESS than 0.1s after Panels Fissured Panel
the original direct sound Textured and Patterned Panel
Made up of successive reflections close together in an enclosed Slotted Panel
space after original sound has ceased Boards Shredded Wood Form Board
Persistence of sound that causes blurring or reduced quality Glass Fiber Blankets and Boards
Reverberation time Volume of room Spray-on Smooth Spray on Material (Cellulose Fiber)
is influenced by Sound absorbing qualities of a room’s surface Rough Spray On Material
Number of people and furniture
Resonance Sound is intensified and prolonged by sympathetic vibrations
Especially in enclosed rooms with highly reflective surfaces DESIGN STRATEGIES
Echo Distinct, reflection of a direct sound with a delay of MORE than 0.1s Planning Sound energy lessens in intensity as it disperses over a wide area
Can be avoided by Planning of a room’s geometry Use of tree buffers (20m distance)
Selective use of absorptive materials Building configuration with a central court or U shaped buildings can
Flutter Echo Rapid succession of echoes with sufficient time between reflections create an echo chamber
for listeners to be aware of separate, distinct signals Locating physical mass or maximizing irregularities of terrain can block
Between 2 reflective surfaces noise from a busy highway and building
Buzzing or clicking sound Heavy walls of concrete and masonry can block noise along sight lines
Undue Focusing Reflected sound in a concave surface converges at a single point between quiet and noisy spaces if they are high enough
of Sound / Creep Sound is less loud elsewhere Rooms Shape affects the geometry of paths of reflected sound & can alter quality
Materials Thickness does not increase absorbency except at very low frequencies
Most materials are better at absorbing high frequencies
A material’s capacity to absorb depends on density, thickness, porosity,
and resistance to airflow

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 23 of 58
MATERIALS IN ACOUSTICS Polyurethane Absorbs sound reducing reflections
Brick Attenuates sound when wall is made of 2 unconnected tiers Foam
Absorb little sound Tiles Acoustical TIles Excellent sound absorbers especially
Reflect sound at all frequencies when thick
Concrete One of the best for attenuating sound Suspended tiles Absorb more frequencies than glued on
Absorbs almost no sound tiles
Can transmit impact sounds Suspended Tiles with Foil Can help in sound attenuation when
Aerated Concrete absorbs sound fairly Backing partitions are constructed just above the
CMU Effective when hollow cores are filled with mortar ceiling
Attenuates sound when wall is made of 2 unconnected tiers Metal Perforated metal pans Effectively absorb sound
Stone Thick, well-sealed stone Attenuates sound very well backed by fibrous batts
Marble and granite Reflective but can produce impact sound Perforated metal panels Offers economical sound absorbing, fire
slabs/tiles on metal brackets, backed resistance and better maintenance
Porous stones Less reflective with acoustical fill
Wood Plywood Ineffective for attenuating sound Baffles Suspended acoustical Designed to upgrade existing spaces
Thin plywood adhered on Effectively absorbs low frequencies baffles (fiberglass) with high ceilings for better sound
solid walls by using studs Reflective in all frequencies absorption
Thin wood boards and Not much better than a basic wall Fabrics Draperies Absorb sound if heavy (wide spaces)
panels attached to studs Light curtains Better sound reduction than blinds
Thick panels Effective if attached directly to a Fabrics attached directly Does not absorb sound
wall/floor without airspace to hard surfaces
Paint Painted concrete/plaster absorbs < 5% of sound striking it Deep, porous upholstery Absorbs most sounds from mid-range
Decreases absorption frequencies and up
Resilient Reflect sound but cushion impact sound Carpets Only floor finish that absorbs sound in mid to high frequencies
Floors If backed by foam can increase sound attenuation Absorption is proportional to pile height and density
Reduce vibration and increase sound isolation Installed on walls where drapery is not feasible
Glass Attenuates sound effectively Do not reduce passage of sound from room to room but are effective
in impact sound reduction
Double glazing & some laminated glass have better sound attenuation
Wall panels are impractical but should be provided with enclosed air
High end spaces for insulating sounds (double glazed)
space behind to increase absorption
Air Spaces Layer of air between an absorptive material and rigid surface works
Reduce floor sound reverberation
almost well in mid-range frequencies
Music halls, movie and performance theatres
Deep air space in the ceiling for best low-frequency absorption
Acoustical Used for low ceilings
Batts / Fibrous batts/blankets improve attenuation when used between 2
Canopies
Blankets faces of a partition in a stud space or above suspended ceiling
Sealants Weatherstripping reduces with noise
Ability to absorb sound is limited when wall is tied rigidly together
with wood studs Cuts transmission of outdoor noises into the building
Improve transmission loss significantly with metal studs Bonded Absorbs sound reducing reflections
Acoustical
Should never completely fill a cavity
Panel

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 24 of 58
>>> TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS Minimum Diameter: 30mm
Compensation Weight and Chain – used for emergencies
ELEVATORS Counterweight
Types by Passenger Elevator Guide Rails
Use Freight Elevators Elevator Car
Dumbwaiter Machine Room – contains the motor-generator set, control board,
Manlift and control equipment
HYDRAULIC ELEVATORS Elevator Machine
Feature Used for low-rise applications, 2 – 8 stories Controls
Maximum Travel Speed: 200 ft/min Governor – controls elevator speed
Low initial and maintenance cost Car Frame
Hydraulic fluid can leak and be an environmental hazard Elevator Pit
Types Oil Hydraulic Elevator Lantern – light that signals the approach of the elevator
Roped Hydraulic Elevator Annunciator – indication of the floor landings
Telescopic Elevator Call Button
Hole-less Hydraulic Elevator Door Interlock – prevents operation unless the hoistway door is

Safety Devices
Parts Hydraulic Jack – cylinder and plunger closed or locked
Pump – increases the pressure in the hydraulic fluid Door Contact – prevents operation unless the elevator car door
Control Valve – controls the pressure in the jack or gate is fully closed
Tank – fluid reservoir Main Brake
ELECTRIC / TRACTION ELEVATORS Safety Switch – stops the elevator car
Feature Used for medium to high-rise applications Electric Final Limit Switches – de-energizes the motor and sets
Higher travel speeds compared to hydraulic elevators the main brake when a car over-travels
Types Geared Traction Oil/Spring Buffer – energy absorber at the bottom of a hoistway
• Has a gearbox attached to the motor
• Used to low/med speed passenger and freight elevators
• Speed: up to 1000 ft/min SYSTEMS OF ELEVATOR CONTROL
• Travel Distance: up to 250 ft / 18 storeys and below Single Automatic Push Button Control
Gearless Traction • Handles only one call at a time ; uninterrupted trip each call
• Uses high speed, low torque electric motors Collective Control
• Used for medium to high speed elevators • Collects all waiting up calls when going up, and similarly if going down
• Speed: 2000 ft/min • Car remains at the floor of its last stop while waiting for a call
• Travel Distance: up to 2000 ft (approx.) / 18+ storeys Electronic Group Supervisory Dispatching and Control
Parts Shaft/Hoistway • Control system for an entire group of cars
• Min. Size: 1.5m x 1.8m • During peak hours, all cars are in operation, and progressively shut down
Hoisting Ropes/Cables as number of passengers decreases
• Minimum: 3 – 8 cables

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 25 of 58
DUMBWAITER
Travel Distance: 3 storeys or 4 ft
Hoistway 3 ft x 3 ft
Car Size 2 ft x 2 ft x 6 ft
Max. Capacity 227 kilograms

MOVING WALKS AND RAMPS


Typical Applications Exhibit halls, airport terminals
Typical Specifications Width: 27” and 36”
Speeds: 120 fpm and 180 fpm
Types of Installation Horizontal or Level
Bi-level
Overpass Installation
Underpass Installation

ESCALATORS
Specs. Typical Widths 24” , 32” , 48”
Min. / Max. Width 558mm / 1200mm
Max. Inclination 30°
Typical Speeds 90 fpm, 100 fpm, 120 fpm
Max. Speed 38 mpm
Design Small (24”)
Capacity • One passenger only
Medium (32”)
• One passenger and one package
Large (48”)
• Two passengers
• Used for metro transit, airport, and large retail OTHER CONVEYING SYSTEMS
Parts Truss – structural support of the escalator Conveyor Belt
Tracks – steel angles on the truss that guides the step rollers Lift
Sprocket Assemblies, and Driving Machine – provides motive power • Stair Lift – used for raising or lowering a person along a stairway
Controller • Wheelchair Lift – used to raise a wheelchair and its occupant
Steps – made of die-cast aluminum or steel • Platform Lift – for access to deck, stages, and other elevated surfaces
Handrail • Car Lift - used where ramps are not feasible
Balustrade –skirt panels, interior panels, and the handrail Chutes

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 26 of 58
>>> COMMUNICATION AND SIGNAL SYSTEMS Sprinkler Alarm Water flow switches monitor the water in a sprinkler head
System Sprinkler code appears on an annunciator board
FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM SYSTEM Control Unit or Energizes audible devices upon signal from detectors
Component Description Panel Can also shut off oil lines, gas lines, and fans
Detector Temperature Detector Can be interfaced with the building management system
• Fixed Temperature Unit – triggers when a pre-set Typical Control Functions:
temperature is reached
• Non-coded System
• Rate of Rise Unit – activates when the rate of
• Master Coded System
ambient temperature rise exceeds a pre-set value
• Zone Coded System
Photoelectric Detector
• Dual Coded System
– reacts to obscuration of a light beam by smoke
• General and Selective Coded System
– slower response time
• Pre-Signal System
– recommended for high ceiling areas, and closed areas with
little airflow Circuitry FDAS use an open circuit system
Ionization Detector Emergency Voice Pre-recorded system messages or instructions transmitted via
– detects ionized particles in the air from fires that do not Communication the building’s speakers (BGM/PA)
produce heavy smoke (e.g. alcohol and plastic fires)
– early warning type BUILDING SECURITY SYSTEM
Flame Detector Component Description
• Ultraviolet Detector – highly sensitive ; used in Intrusion Alarm Devices (e.g. metallic tape, magnetic switches, laser beams)
highly flammable or explosive storage areas System detect door and window motion, and glass breakage
• Infrared Detector – less sensitive ; used in enclosed Electronic An electric circuit on all doors and windows that triggers an
spaces (e.g. sealed storage vaults) Security System alarm when the circuit is broken
Manual Pull Connected to a building fire alarm control panel or directly to Perimeter Protection
Station the city fire alarm system
• Plunger Type
An alarm is sounded when lever is pulled
• Magnetic Type
Alarm Systems Alarm Devices (bells, buzzers, strobes, etc.)
Interior Protection
Types:
• Infrared Motion Detector
• Manual System
• Glass Break Detector
o Non-coded – station locations are not
• Floor Mat Detector
identifiable at the control panel
Electronic Access Used by companies to control employee entrance and track
o Coded – each station is coded and verified
Control System employee movement
at the control panel
Closed Circuit Components:
• Automatic System – detectors trigger alarm system
Television System • Surveillance Cameras
o Non-coded
o Coded • Monitors – maximum of 16 channels/cameras
• Combination/Dual-coded • Digital Video Recorder

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 27 of 58
TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS TELEPHONE AND INTERCOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
Transmission Analog Transmission Telephone Single-Line – basic line without transfer capabilities
Format Digital Transmission Systems Small Business Multi-Line – line with 2 or more extensions
Transmission Cables Unshielded Twisted Pair Large Business Multiple Calls
Materials – used for basic voice, fax, data – hundreds of outside lines and even larger number of extensions
Shielded Twisted Pair – for large businesses with a large number of phone calls
Coaxial Cable Intercom System
– higher bandwidth than TPC PBX Server – private phone switchboard serving a group of users
– used by telephone and TV companies PABX – automatic PBX system
Connectors: IP Telephony Uses Packet-Switched Voice Over IP (VOIP)
• RJ-45 – standard 8-pin connector – telephone calls over the internet
• [INSERT COAXIAL CONNECTOR] Elements of Service Entrance
T1 – powerful phone line with 24 cables Telephone Protector – protects against lightning
– each channel can be configured to specifications Installation Main Terminal Cabinet / Telephone Terminal Cabinet
– commonly used as a leased line Vertical Riser Conduits and Shafts
Optical Single Mode Fibers – telephone and cable TV Floor Conduits
Fibers Multi-mode Fibers – used for LAN Splicing Cabinets – where all individual lines connect, and
Connectors: ST and SC calls are routed
Internet Services Dial-up – where extensions are programmed
DSL Control Unit
Cable Individual Unit
Satellite
3G and 4G
Internet Modem OTHER AUDIO VISUAL TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
Hardware Router Television – Amplifies signals from TV antenna and distributes to various
WiFi Booster/Repeater/Extender Antenna / Cable wall outlets via coaxial cable
System – System with multiple outlet may need a booster amplifier
Network Bus – each node connect to a single cable trunk
Typology Sound Amplifying Components:
Ring – all nodes connect to a central unit or hub
(BGM/PA) • Microphone
Star – nodes are connected in point-to-point serial manner in
an unbroken circular configuration • Amplifiers
Spatial Network Local Area Network (LAN) • Loudspeakers
Types Metropolitan Area Network (MAW) Time Equipment Components:
Wide Area Network (WAN) • Mother Module
Wireless • Clocks (Digital/Analog)
• Peer-to-Peer
• Wireless Fidelity (WiFi)

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 28 of 58
>>> ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS Motor Converts electrical energy into mechanical energy
Transformer For converting one voltage to another
UNITS OF ELECTRICITY Location:
Measured Unit Definition • Oil-insulated: Transformer Vault
Electric Charge Coulomb (C) Approximately equal to 6.25 x 1018 Electrons • Dry-type: Transformer Room
Electric Current Ampere (A) Rate of flow of 1 Coulomb Rotary Converter Changes alternating current to direct current and vice versa
Electric Volt (V) Potential difference between two points in an
Potential electric field
Resistance Ohm (Ω) Difficulty of to pass a current thru a conductor ELECTRIC LOAD CONTROL METHODS
Power Watt (W) Rate of energy transfer Method Description
Energy Watt-Hour Capacity for doing work Load Scheduling and Restricts demand by shifting large loads to off-peak
Duty-Cycle Control hours and controlled to avoid coincident operation
Demand Metering Alarm Demand is metered and an alarm is triggered when
OHM’S LAW exceeding a set demand level
↑ Voltage (V) = ↑ Current (I) = ↓ Resistance (R) Automatic Instantaneous An automatic version of the demand metering alarm
V = IR Demand Control system ; also called “rate control” system
Ideal Curve Control Compares actual rate of energy use by ideal rate and
control demand by controlling the total energy used
TYPES OF CURRENT
within a metering interval
Current Description
Forecasting System Forecasts, examines, and prioritizes loads and
Direct Current (DC) Unidirectional flow of electric charge
decides on a proper course of action
Sources: batteries, solar cells, dynamos
Building Management Controls energy-consuming equipment in a building
Alternating Current (AC) Current that periodically reverses direction
System to make it operate more efficiently
Lighting: 60 Hz
• Scheduling Function
Motors: 25 Hz
• Lock-out Function
Current Converters:
• Reset Function
• Inverter: DC → AC
• Demand-limiting / Load-shedding Function
• Rectifier: AC → DC
SHEDDABLE vs. UNSHEDDABLE LOADS
Sheddable or Controllable Loads Unsheddable or Uninterrupted Loads
ELECTRIC MACHINES • Non-essential lighting • Essential lighting
Machine Description • Ventilation fans • Elevators
Battery Two or more electric cells that store and supply direct current • Comfort Cooling • Refrigeration
• Primary Battery (e.g. Uninterruptible Power Supply) • Space Heating • Compressors
• Secondary/Storage Battery (e.g. Emergency Light) • Non-critical equipment • Process equipment
Generator Converts mechanical energy into electrical energy • Electric boilers • Office machinery
• Alternating Current Generator or Alternator • Transfer Pumps
• Direct Current Generator

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 29 of 58
CONDUCTORS CONDUCTOR SIZES AND AMPACITY
Types Wires – AWG #14 to #8 in size AWG Metric (sq.mm) Ampacity (Ampere)
Cables – AWG #6 or larger in size #14 2 15
Bus Bars #12 3.5 20
Name Type Description #10 5.5 30
Special Types of Cables

Armored Cable AC Insulated conductors in a flexible metal #8 8 40


sheathe #6 14 55 / 60
Metal Clad MC Each conductor is individually insulated and #4 22 70
Cable enclosed in a metal sheathe #2 30 95 / 100
Mineral MI Insulated with a refactory mineral insulation #0/9 38 110
Insulated Cable enclosed in a continuous copper sheathe #0 50 125
Non-metallic NM/ Two or more insulated conductors with a non- #00 (0/2) 60 145 / 150
Sheathed Cable NMC metallic outer sheathe ; Trade Name: ROMEX #000 (0/3) 80 165
Shielded Non- SNM Two or more insulated conductors in an extruded #0000 (0/4) 100 195 / 200
metallic core of moisture & fire resistant material covered 250 MCM 125 215
Sheathed Cable with an overlapping spiral metal tape
300 MCM 150 240
Underground UF Moisture resistant cable used for underground 350 MCM 175 260
Feeder and Branch connections
Circuit Cable 400 MCM 200 280
Service SE / Conductor assembly with or without overall 500 MCM 250 320
Entrance Cable USE covering primarily used for service wire
Power and Control TC Used for installation in cable trays, raceways,
Tray Cable INSULATORS
or where supported by wire
General Types Jacketed – has a nylon jacket, designated as N
Flat Cable FC Parallel conductors formed integrally with an
Unjacketed – conductor with T or TW insulation
Assemblies insulating material web in a square channel
Materials Glass, mica, rubber, oil, porcelain, synthetics
Flat Conductor FCC Three or more flat copper conductors placed
(e.g. phenolic compounds)
Cable edge to edge within an insulating assembly
Rating Voltage
Medium MV Solid dielectric insulated cable rated at 2,000 to 35,000V
Voltage Cable Trade Name: Medium Voltage Solid Dielectric Common for buildings: 300V and 600V

CONDUCTIVITY OF COMMON METALS


More Conductive Silver
Copper
↑ Gold
Aluminum
Less Conductive Platinum

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 30 of 58
COMMON TYPES OF INSULATORS CONDUITS
Max. Operating Locations Type of Conduit Connection Length
Trade Name Type
Temperature Dry Wet Metallic Rigid Rigid Steel Conduit Threaded 3m
Rubber Heat and Water Resistant RHW 75°C 167°F x x Intermediate Metal Threaded 3m
Thermoplastic T 60°C 140°F x Conduit
Thermoplastic Water-resistant TW 60°C 140°F x x Electric Metal Tubing Plain 3m
Thermoplastic High Heat-resistant THHN 90°C 194°F x Flexible Galvanized Steel Connectors 30 m/box
Nylon-coated Non- Rigid uPVC Solvent Weld 3m
Cross-linked Polyethylene High Heat XHHW 75°C 167°F x Metallic Flexible uPVC Conectors 50 m/roll
and Water Resistant 90°C 194°F x 100 m/roll
Silicone Asbestos SA 90°C 194°F x
Asbestos and Varnished Cambric AVA 110°C 230°F x
NATIONAL ELECTRICAL MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATIONS (NEMA) ENCLOSURES
Type Protection Against Location Materials
RACEWAYS NEMA 1 Falling Dirt Indoor Black Iron
Conduit Wireway Cable Tray Busway NEMA 3 Falling Dirt Indoor / Outdoor Black Iron
Use Wires, Cables Wires Cables Busbars Circulating Dust and Fibers
Materials Metallic Metallic Metallic Metallic Dripping or Light Splashing
Non-metallic Non-metallic of Water
Form Pipe, Tubing Enclosed Open, Enclosed External Ice Formation
Perforated NEMA 3R Same as NEMA 3 except Indoor / Outdoor Black Iron
OTHER TYPES OF RACEWAYS circulating dust and fibers *can be ventilated
Rigid uPVC Electrical Moulding NEMA 4 Same as NEMA 3R Indoor / Outdoor Stainless Steel
Flexible Mica Tube, Liquid-tight Flexible Metal Conduit Hosedown Water
Floor Raceway Under-floor, Cellular Meta, Cellular Concrete (pre-cast) NEMA 4X Same as NEMA 4 Indoor / Outdoor Stainless Steel
Ceiling Raceway Header Ducts, Distribution Ducts Corrosive Agents Fiberglass
Polycarbonate

ELECTRICAL BOXES
Utility Box Junction Box Pull Box
Materials Metallic Metallic Metallic
Non-metallic Non-metallic
Mounting Recessed Recessed Recessed
Surface Mount Surface Mount Surface Mount
Suspended
Form Rectangle Octagon, Square Rectangle, Square

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 31 of 58
WIRING DEVICES Knife Switch
Device Description Float Switch
Power Receptacle Where the appliance is plugged into Mercury Switch
Outlet Power Complete set-up which connects the flexible cord and Key Switch or Card Switch
Outlet appliance connected to the receptacle Automatic Transfer Switch
Refers Lighting Outlet intended for direct connection to a lamp Motion Control Switch
only to Outlet receptacle, lighting fixture, or cord with a lamp holder Relay
the box Receptacle Power outlet where one or more receptacles are Plates Wall Plate Protective plate surrounding an outlet or switch
Outlet installed Face Plate Can be single-gang, two-gang, or three-gang
Switch Voltage 250V, 600V, 5kV
Intensity of Normal Duty
Use Heavy Duty OVER-CURRENT PROTECTIVE DEVICES
Light Duty (e.g. service switches) Device Description
Type of Service Switch Fuse Plug Fuse Enclosed in a porcelain cap and screws into sockets
Service Power Switch For circuits not exceeding 125V
• General-purpose Cartridge Cylindrical shape and enclosed in insulating fiber
• Disconnecting/Isolating Fuse With Ferrule Contacts: 250 - 600V ; 5 - 60A
Wiring Switch With Knife Blade Contacts: 250 - 600V ; 70 - 600A
• General-purpose With Bolted Knife Blade Contacts: 600V ; 800 – 6000A
• Three-way Open Link Wire or strip of easily melted metal
• Four-way Fuse Disrupts violently when a short circuit occurs
Electrolier or Multi-circuit For 600A or smaller, and must be in a cabinet
Momentary Contact Time Delay Can momentarily handle overload without blowing
Dimmer / Rheostat Fuse Used for circuits of electric motors
Mounting Flush Circuit Trip Thermal Trip
Surface Breaker Mechanism Magnetic Trip
Pendant Commercial Bolt-on
Operation Rotary Switch Types Plug-in
Mechanism Push-button Switch Enclosed Circuit Breaker
Toggle or Tumbler Switch • NEMA Enclosure
Number of Poles – part of the switch for making or breaking of a • Moulded Enclosure
Poles & connection ; 1-5 pole construction Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
Throws Throws – relates to the position of the poles that will Rated Ampere Trip (AT) – rating where the breaker will trip
make a closed circuit ; single or double throw Capacities Ampere Frame (AF) – maximum rating of the breaker
Other Time-controlled Switch Kilo Ampere Interrupting Capacity (KAIC)
Types Remote-controlled Switch – ability of a circuit breaker to withstand overload
Air Switch

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 32 of 58
ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS Three Phase – 3 Lines and 0 Neutral
Types of Open Current flow is interrupted (e.g. turned off switch)
Circuits Closed Current flow is continuous
Short Current leaks out of the intended conductor path
Circuit Series I T = I1 = I2 = I3 = …
Config. V T = V1 + V2 + V3 + …
R T = R1 + R2 + R3 + …
Parallel I T = I1 + I2 + I3 + …
V T = V1 = V2 = V3 + …
RT = VT/IT Three Phase – 3 Lines and 1 Neutral
Combination Combination of series and parallel circuits
Branch General- Lighting, appliances, convenience receptacles
Circuits purpose
Appliance Intended for appliances
Individual Supplied a specific item (e.g. motor, unit A/C)

SINGLE AND THREE PHASE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS


Single Phase - 1 Line and 1 Neutral
Why use 3-phase?
• To balance loads in a building (primary purpose)
• More efficient use of conductors
• More constant power delivery

Single Phase – 2 Lines and 1 Neutral COMPONENTS OF THE BUILDING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Component/Parts Description
Unit Substation Used to supply power from a primary voltage
line to any large facility
Service Service Drop Overhead portion of service conductors
Set-up Service Lateral Underground portion of service conductors
Service S. Conductor From street distribution main or transformer
Entrance to the service equipment of a building
S. Conduit Min. Requirement: RSC
Weatherproof Head
S. Entrance Switch Dis/Connecting of the entire electrical service
S. Electrical Post

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 33 of 58
Component/Parts Description
Switch Gear Room that houses the switch board
Switch Board Connection between service entrance EMERGENCY ELECTRICAL SUPPLY SYSTEMS
conductors and distribution panel boards Emergency Systems Standby Systems
Types: Provide power and illumination Provide power to loads not directly
• Live Front necessary for life safety and protection involved with safety
• Dead Front Ex.: Exit lighting, elevators, fire pumps Ex.: Water treatment plants
Feeder Circuits Conductors extending from the main switch Emergency Power Equipment:
board to a main distribution panel (MDP) • Battery Equipment (e.g. uninterruptible power supply)
Sub-feeder Circuits Extensions of a feeder distributing power • Engine-Generator Sets
from the main feeder to sub-panel boards
Panel Boards Box where overcurrent protective devices WIRING METHODS
are housed
Method Description
Types According to Use:
Knob and Tube Wiring Obsolete wiring method
• Lighting Panel
Rigid Metal Conduit Wiring Durable, but most expensive of usual
• Power or Motor Panel wiring methods
• Distribution Panel Rigid Non-Metallic Conduit Wiring Separate classification of rigid conduits
• Isolation Panel Flexible Metal Conduit Wiring Easier and quicker installation than rigid
Types According to Mounting: metal conduits
• Flush Type Armored Cable Wiring (BX Wiring) Rubber or thermoplastic covered wire
• Surface Type protected from injury and dampness
Branch Circuits Small capacity conductors which deliver Surface Metal Raceway Wiring Wires are supported on a thin sheet steel
energy to loads within the circuit casing, mounted on walls or ceilings
Utilization Equipment Loads and devices utilized by users Flat Cable Assemblies Field-installed square structural channel
to carry 2 – 4 conductors and will act as
light duty plug-in busways
LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM
Lightning Track Factory-assembled version of flat cable
Component Description
assemblies
Lightning Rod / Air Terminal Conducting rods installed at the top of
Cable Tray / Open Raceway Continuous open support for cables
a structure, usually bare copper
Floor Raceways Types:
Lightning Arrester Protects electric equipment using spark
• Underfloor Ducts
gaps to carry current to the ground ; it
is connected to a surge arrester • Cellular Metal Floor Raceway
Spark Gap Space between two terminals across • Precast Cellular Concrete
which discharge of electricity may pass Ceiling Raceway Composed of header and distribution
ducts, and allow for rapid changes in
layout at low cost
Pre-wired Ceiling Distribution System Factory pre-wired ceiling raceways

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 34 of 58
>>> LIGHTING DESIGN COLOR TEMPERATURE
Lamp Uses Avg. Efficiency*
BEHAVIOR OF LIGHT Daylight Equivalent of a north sky 51
Illuminance Amount of light striking a surface Used where color matching is important
Luminance Amount of light leaving an object Not generally used due to a high proportion of blue
Reflectance Reflected light vs. Illuminance Cool White Factories, offices, schools 58
Specular Diffuse Rather cold in appearance
When light is reflected off a When light scatters after striking a High efficiency with good color rendering
polished or mirror like surface surface
Deluxe Cool Stores and some factories 42
Image is maintained Image is blurred White Used where color is important
Transmittance Transmitted light vs. Illuminance
Less efficient than daylight by 20%
Transparent Translucent
White Often used in factories and offices 59
Transmits light without Transmits light but obscures the
Highest efficiency
distorting the image image (scattered light)
Warm White Offices 59
Absorptance Absorbed light vs. Illuminance
High efficiency lamp
Opaque - Illuminance is reflected and absorbed but not transmitted
Moderate color rendering
Emphasis on greens and yellows
CORRELATED COLOR TEMPERATURE Deluxe Homes, restaurants, hotels 42
Warm Lighting < 3500 K Mostly red and yellow wavelengths Warm White Most efficient
Cool Lighting > 5000 K Mostly blue and white wavelengths *based on a 4-ft, 40W T-12 lamp in Lumens/Watt
Day Lighting 4500 - 6000 K Lower side warmer and the upper side cooler
COMPONENTS OF A LUMINAIRE
Noon sunlight: 5500 K
Bulb Glass portion of a lamp
Overcast Sky 6500 - 7500 K
Lamp Device that generates artificial light
Candle Flame 1800 - 2000 K
Fixture Luminaire without a lamp
Luminaire Complete lighting unit
COLOR OF LIGHT
Color Perception Ability to distinguish and interpret different
CLASSIFICATION OF LUMINAIRES BY DIRECTIONAL DISTRIBUTION
wavelengths of visible light
Downwards Upwards
Perceived color depends on dominant wavelength
Direct 90 - 100%
Visual Acuity Ability to distinguish fine details
Semi-Direct 60 - 90% 40 - 10%
Keenness of vision necessary to perform tasks
Direct-Indirect Equal distribution
Semi-Indirect 40 - 10% 60 - 90%
Indirect 90 - 100%

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 35 of 58
LAMPS
Type Sub-Type Description Common Uses Color
Filament Incandescent Sealed glass containing a filament connected at its ends to the base Desk lamps, accent Warm
Emit visible light as a result of heating lighting
Low cost, reliable, poor efficacy, and sensitive to voltage fluctuations
Good color rendition
Tungsten- Hotter burning incandescent lamp, requires good ventilation Best for focus lighting Warm
Halogen Use a halogen gas cycle to prevent depreciation of filament using high pressure gases (Iodine/Bromine)

Smaller, brighter, longer life, and better color rendition than incandescent
Led Filament** Produced by USHIO in 2008 Indoor lighting
**Intended to mimic the appearance of Incandescent, but is not a true filament light
Gaseous Produces continuous light by passing electricity through a gas contained within the lamp, electric discharge produces UV radiation causing the phosphor coating to glow
Discharge Fluorescent Composed of a tubular glass bulb with phosphor coating on the inside and filled with low-pressure mercury vapor
Lamps Consumed less energy and has a longer lifespan than incandescent lamps
Linear FL Available in straight, U-shaped and circular Signage, Cove lighting, Various
Available in Pre-Heat, Instant Start and Rapid Start Indoor parking
Compact FL Miniature fluorescent lamps, usually manufactured with integrated ballasts Indoor lighting
Neon Electrified glass tubes or bulbs containing rarified neon Signage
High Produces a bright light by discharging an arc in the metal gas contained under high pressure
Intensity Mercury Vapor Contains mercury vapor in a quartz tube Limited industrial areas, Blue green
Discharge (MV) Higher efficacy than Filament Lamps, and longer lifespan than MH General outdoor, Street
Low color rendition, remedied by adding phosphor lighting
Metal Halide Modification of MV with improved color, but with a shorter lifespan than MV Flood light, Outdoor Daylight, warm
(MH) Increased light output and color rendition parking, Street lighting
High Pressure Contain an arc tube of translucent ceramic material with a small amount of solid metallic sodium and Outdoor application Orange white
Sodium (HPS) mercury sealed in a xenon gas fill Can be employed in high and orange-
Longest life span and efficient lumen maintenance ceiling interiors yellow
Warm up period is shorter than MH and MV
Low Pressure A large sodium resistant glass tube containing sodium and neon-argon gas mixture Outdoor parking Orange-yellow
Sodium (LPS) Efficient lumen maintenance and higher efficacy than MH and MV Streets & highways
Needs time to start up and needs to cool before restarting Large warehouses
Solid-State LED Chips of semiconducting material treated to create a structure with 2 electron charged materials Feature lighting, Ceiling RGB, white,
Lighting Specific color depends on materials used to make the diode fixture, Cove light, Focus yellow
Ganged together for more light output lighting
No mercury, toxic gases or filament

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 36 of 58
HEIRARCHY BY LIFE HOURS HEIRARCHY BY FIXTURE COST RELIGHT TIME (MINUTES) EFFICACY (LUMEN/WATT)
1 High Pressure Sodium 1 High Pressure Sodium Low Pressure Sodium ≈0 Low Pressure Sodium Up to 180
2 Mercury Vapor 2 Low Pressure Sodium Fluorescent (Rapid Start) ≈ 0 High Pressure Sodium 75 – 140
3 Low Pressure Sodium 3 Metal Halide Tungsten-Halogen ≈ 0 Metal Halide 80 – 100
4 Fluorescent Light 4 Mercury Vapor High Pressure Sodium <1 Fluorescent Light 55 – 100
5 Metal Halide 5 Fluorescent Mercury Vapor 3 – 10 Mercury Vapor 50 – 60
6 Tungsten-Halogen 6 Tungsten-Halogen Metal Halide 10 – 20 Tungsten-Halogen 15 - 25

RECOMMENDED DESIGN ILLUMINATION LEVELS


METHODS OF ARCHITECTURAL LIGHTING Task Area Illumination (Lux) Application
Ambient Provides uniform illumination throughout a space Infrequently Used 50 - 100 Circulation areas, corridors, stairs, parking
Provided for a specific visual function Areas garages, theatres
Local Additional to and controlled separately from ambient light 100 - 200 Hotel escalator, lobbies, waiting areas
Task Lighting Local lighting for precision works Working Interiors 300 - 750 General offices, typing, computing
Accent Directional lighting used to emphasize an object or area 500 - 1000 Deep plan general offices, drawing offices,
Decorative Accent lighting to add interest to the space groceries, laboratories, retail
Localized Lighting 750 - 1500 Designing, architecture, machine engineering
for Exacted Tasks 1000 - 2000 Detailed and précised work
EMERGENCY AND SAFETY LIGHTING
Emergency For critical care and emergency spaces (hospitals, fire protection, etc.)
Lighting Stand by Part of emergency lighting that enables normal FACTORS AFFECTING QUALITY OF LIGHT
Lighting activities to continue substantially unchanged Uniformity Freedom from variations A deviation of 25% from the average
Safety Part of emergency lighting that ensures safety of of illumination in a space intensity is an acceptable maximum
Lighting people in potentially hazardous processes Diffusion The number of directions Good Diffusion: When light falls upon a
Escape Provides illumination to ensure that an escape route can be identified and angles from which matte/satin surface (eliminates shadows)
Lighting and used during power failure illuminating rays proceed Poor Diffusion: Illumination from only one
Exit Lighting Part of escape lighting that includes illuminated direction
signage to provide directions for emergency exits Absence of Effect of brightness in the An angle of 45º between the horizontal and
Glare field of vision that causes line of sight is the maximum accepted angle
discomfort or interferes Discomfort Glare: Without impairing vision
INTENSITY OF ILLUMINATION
with seeing
Level of Work Activity Illumination (FC) Disability Glare: Visibility is impaired from
Casual Conferencing, interviewing, inactive filing 10 - 30 extreme brightness
Moderate Intermittent filing and general clerical work 30 - 50 Color Enhances certain qualities Depends upon the type of lamp
Prolonged Active filing, index referencing, mail sorting 50 - 100
Precision Accounting, auditing, tabulating 100 - 150
Fine Precision Cartography, designing, detail drafting 150 - 200

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 37 of 58
DAYLIGHTING LUMINAIRE LIGHTING SYSTEMS
Sources Sun Effectivity is affected by position in the sky, rotation Cornice Lighting Direct Light sources are shielded by a panel parallel
and revolution of earth to the wall and ceiling
Sky Illumination is 500 lumens/sq ft regardless of Cove Lighting Indirect Light sources are shielded by a light tray
location and orientation Valence Lighting Direct-indirect Light sources are shielded by a panel parallel
Ground Light reflected, affected by orientation, weather, to a wall and usually across a window top
time of day
Types Direct Travels in a straight line path and is more intense
Reflected Reflects off in another direction UNITS OF LIGHT
Diffuse Reflected or refracted by clouds, glazing or skylights Luminous Flux Measure of perceived light power
Methods Side Lighting Area of windows should not exceed 40% in a room Expressed in Lumens (lm)
Top Lighting Skylights Luminous Power emitted by a light source in a particular direction
Intensity Luminous Flux emitted per unit solid angle
Expressed in Candelas (cd)
COMMERCIAL TYPES OF LUMINAIRES Luminous Ratio of light output of a lamp to the electrical energy consumed
Down Lights Ceiling recessed or mounted Efficacy Determines efficiency of a bare lamp
Eye Ball Lumen SI Unit of Luminous Flux
High Hat Lux SI Unit of Illumination (Lumen/m2)
Parabolic Aluminized Reflector PAR LED Candela SI Unit of Luminous Intensity
PAR CFL Candlepower Luminous Intensity expressed in Candelas
Directional Lighting (CFL, MH, Spotlight Foot-Candle Unit of illumination everywhere one foot from a uniform point
MERCURY, LED) Flood Light source of 1 Candela (Lumen/ft2)
Track Light Foot-Lambert Unit of Brightness/Luminance (0.32Cd/ft2)
Pendants Low Bay Lambert SI Unit of Brightness/Luminance (0.32Cd/cm2)
High Bay Nanometer Expresses wavelengths
Wall Washers/Scones/Lights Angstrom Unit of length used to express wavelengths of radiation
Task and Table Lights Color Rendering Method of numerically comparing color distribution of a light
Floor Lights Index source to a reference lamp
Exterior Lights Lantern
Bollards
Fluorescent Luminaires Open-type 5 fc 50 lux
Industrial 1000 fc 10,000 lux
Troffer 1 fc 10.76 Lm/m2
Weather-proof

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 38 of 58
>>> BUILDING MATERIALS 11 Equipment 45 Industry-Specific Manufacturing Equipment
12 Furnishings 46 Water and Wastewater Equipment
1995 CSI MASTERFORMAT (16 DIVISIONS) 13 Special Construction 47 RESERVED
01 General Requirements 14 Conveying Equipment 48 Electrical Power Generation
02 Site Conditions 15 RESERVED 49 RESERVED
03 Concrete 16 RESERVED
04 Masonry 17 Telecommunications
05 Metals 18 RESERVED SECTION FORMAT
06 Wood and Plastics 19 RESERVED 01 – General
07 Thermal and Moisture Protection > Facility Services Subgroup • Scope
08 Doors and Windows 20 RESERVED • Description of Systems
09 Finishes 21 Fire Suppression • Requirement of Regulatory Agencies
10 Specialties 22 Plumbing • Qualifications
11 Equipment 23 Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning • Submittals
12 Furnishings 24 RESERVED • Mock-up
13 Special Construction 25 Integrated Automation • Product Handling
14 Conveying Systems 26 Electrical • Environmental Conditions
15 Mechanical 27 Communications • Protection
16 Electrical 28 Electronic Safety and Security • Operating Instructions
29 RESERVED • Extra Stock
> Site and Infrastructure Subgroup • Alternates
2004 CSI MASTERFORMAT (50 DIVISIONS) • Measurement and Payment
Procurement and Contracting Requirements 30 RESERVED
31 Earthwork 02 – Product
00 Procurement and Contracting Requirements • Materials
Specifications Group 32 Exterior Improvements
33 Utilities • Mixes
> General Requirements Subgroup • Equipment
01 General Requirements 34 Transportation
35 Waterways and Marine Construction • Fabrication
> Facility Construction Subgroup • Source Quality Control
02 Existing Conditions 36 RESERVED
37 RESERVED 03 – Execution
03 Concrete • Condition of Surfaces
04 Masonry 38 RESERVED
39 RESERVED • Preparation
05 Metals • Installation
06 Woods, Plastics, and Composites > Process Equipment Subgroup
40 Process Integration • Field Quality Control
07 Thermal and Moisture Protection • Adjusting
08 Openings 41 Material Processing and Handling Equipment
42 Process Heating, Cooling, & Drying Equipment • Patching
09 Finishes • Cleaning
10 Specialties 43 Process Gas and Liquid Handling
44 Pollution Control Equipment • Schedules

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 39 of 58
SITE CONDITIONS BASE COURSE MATERIALS
SOIL PARTICLE SIZES (AASHTO) Sieve Designation % of Weight Passing Thru
Particle Minimum Maximum (US Standard) Type B Base Course
Boulders > 75 mm 1.5” 100%
Gravel 75 mm No. 10 sieve 1” 85 – 100%
Coarse Sand No. 10 sieve No. 40 sieve No. 4 20 – 45%
Fine Sand No. 40 sieve No. 200 sieve No. 200 5 – 12%
Silt-Clay Particles < No. 200 sieve CRITERIA FOR GABION THICKNESS
ATTERBERG LIMITS Bank Soil Type Max Velocity (ft/s) Bank Slope Min. Mattress Thk. (in)
Performed on soils passing No. 40 sieve Clays, Heavy 10 < 1:3 9
Liquid Limit (LL) Moisture content when soil changes from liquid to plastic Cohesive Soils 13 – 16 < 1:2 12
When soil in a dish flows to close 12.5 mm grove after 25 Any > 1:2 ≥ 18
drops from 1 cm Silts, Fine Sands 10 < 1:2 12
Plastic Limit (PL) Water content a silt/clay will begin to crumple when rolled Shingle with 16 < 1:3 9
into a 3.2 mm ø tread Gravel 20 < 1:2 12
Plasticity Index (PI) LL – PL = PI Any > 1:2 ≥ 18
Range of water content over which sediment behaves TERMITE SAND BARRIER
FILL MATERIALS CLASIFICATION (USCS) Small < 1 mm Termites can penetrate by removing particles
Classification On No. 200 Sieve On No. 40 Sieve Effective 1mm – 3mm Termites cannot penetrate
GW, GM, GP > 50% retained > 50% retained Large > 3 mm Termites can crawl thru between particles
SW, SM > 50% retained ≥ 50% passes TERMITE PROTECTION: CHEMICAL BARRIERS
FILL MATERIALS Type Area Amount
Material Uses Size Pre-construction Soil & foundation
Fill Materials Raise existing grade, under No. 40 – No. 200 Sieve Barriers Drywall to floor joists
footings, slabs, pavers Vertical Barriers Base of foundation 4 gallons/10 linear feet
Granular Fill/Filters Prevent movement of ASTM C 33 Size 67 Plumbing and utility entrances (also for CHB voids and
particles through seepage Sand < 50% Expansion joints trenches)
Borrow Fill Fill or subgrade ≤ 35% passing No. 200 Sieve Where 2 Slabs will join
Base Course Under roadways, tracks 1.5” – No. 200 Sieve Horizontal Slab 1 gallon/10 sq ft
Materials Barriers Basement and crawl spaces

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 40 of 58
CONCRETE SLUMP PER STRUCTURE
PORTLAND CEMENT COMMERCIAL QUANTITIES STRUCTURE Min. Slump Max. Slump
1 bag 1 cu. Ft. 94 lbs/40 kg Slabs, beams, thin reinforced walls, columns 150 mm (6”) 75 mm (3”)
1 barrel (4 bags) 4 cu. Ft. 376 lbs Reinforced foundation walls and footings 125 mm (5”) 50 mm (2”)
SIEVE DESIGNATION FOR FINE AGGREGATES Plain footings, caissons, substructure walls 100 mm (4”) 25 mm (1”)
US Standard Square Mesh Sieve Size (mm) Cumulative % by Weight Passing Thru Pavements and floor laid on ground, heavy mass 75 mm (3”) 25 mm (1”)
3/8 9.5 100% construction
No. 4 4.75 95 - 100% ADMIXTURE PROPERTIES
No. 8 2.36 Type Property
No. 16 1.18 45 - 80% A Water reducer
No. 30 0.60 B Set retarder
No. 50 0.30 10 - 30% C Set accelerator
No. 100 0.15 2 - 10% D Water reducer and set retarder
WATER CEMENT RATIO E Water reducer and set accelerator
28-Day Strength Gal. of Water per 94lbs. Pounds of Water per 100lbs. F High range water reducer
(lbs/sq.in) Bag of Cement of Cement G High range water reducer and set retarder
2000 7 62
2500 6.5 57.5
3000 5.75 51
3750 5 44.5

CONCRETE MIXTURES
Class Uses Proportion 40 kg 50 kg Sand Gravel Water Compressive Strength (psi)
Cem. Fine Coarse Cem. Bags Cem. Bags (cu.m) (cu.m) (Gals/ Bag) Final (28 Days) Cylinder Cube
AA Underwater, retaining walls 1 1.5 3 12 9.5 0.5 1 3500 2400 2800
A Slabs, beams, columns, arches, stairs, 1 2 4 9 7 0.5 1 5 3000 2000 2400
4” walls
B >4” walls, footings, steps, RC slabs on fill 1 2.5 5 7.5 6 0.5 1 5.75 2500 1600 2000
C Plant boxes, and non-critical structures 1 3 6 6 5 0.5 1 6.5 2000 1300 1600
D Mass concrete works 1 3.5 7 5 4 0.5 1 7 1500 1000 1200

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 41 of 58
FRESHLY POURED CONCRETE DEFECTS CURING PERIOD/TIME BEFORE REMOVAL OF RC FORMS
Defect Cause Effect Parts of the Structure Time
Segregation Excessive movement of mix Separation of coarse aggregates Footings Massive Footings 1 day
Over vibration from mortar or water Cantilever Footings 5 days
Stratification Over vibration Separation into horizontal layers Slab Footings
Excessively wet with lighter materials at the top Walls & Massive (≥ 300mm Up to 2M high: 1 day
Bleeding Settlements of solids within the Emergence of excess mixing Plaster thk.) Add 1 day for every additional meter
mass water on the surface Thin (<300 mm thk.) Up to 2M high: 2 days
Laitance Bleeding Milky deposit containing Add 1.5 days for every additional meter
Over working the mix cement and aggregate on the Cantilever walls, Without loads same as thin walls
Improper finishing surface buttresses, counter
Slab curing forts, and diaphragms
HARDENED CONCRETE DEFECTS Columns Height : Least Ø = ≤ 4 2 days
Defect Cause Effect Height : Least Ø = 4-15 Add to the above number 1 day for every
Honeycomb Segregation during placement Voids on the surface additional meter of height
Insufficient consolidation Slabs 3 - 7 ft. Span 3 ft : 5 days
Spalling or Freeze-thaw cycles Chipping/scaling of surface Add 0.5 day for every additional ft span
Scaling > 7 ft. Span 7 ft : 7 days
Crazing Rapid drying shrinkage Hairline cracks on the surface Add 1 day for every additional 1 ft span
Beams & Sides 3 days
TYPES OF PROCESSED CONCRETE Girders Bottom Up to 14 ft: 14 days
Type Description Uses Add 1 day for every additional 1 ft
Aerocrete Portland cement + metallic Structural floor & roof slabs, Arches Spandrel Wall 7 days
alum. powder + sand of cinders partition blocks Spandrel Arches 14 days
Lightweight, expanded (soundproofing), wall insulation, Main Arches 21 days
structural concrete, fire lightweight fill on slabs Balustrades Steel and Side Forms 1 day
resistive & Copings
Gunite Cement + sand under high Encasing structural steel, floor RC Piles Sides 3 days
pressure of a CEMENT GUN and roof slabs, curtain walls and Posts Bottom 14 days
Porete Portland cement + chem. foam Solid slabs for short span roofs
Lightweight precast units Siding of industrial buildings
Haydite Processed concrete + Cast in place concrete, ground
lightweight aggregate cover, blocks

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 42 of 58
AGGREGATES FOR LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE
Type Description Uses
Volcanic Pumice Absorptive, tends to MASONRY
Origin break down, must be wet MORTAR & PLASTER MIXTURE PROPORTION
before mixing Class Proportion 40 kg Cem. 50 kg Cement Sand
Perlite Durable, light, uses more Precast slabs & blocks, A 1:2 18 14.5 1
cement, useful if max. floor fill, fireproofing, B 1:3 12 9.5 1
strength is not required plaster and insulation C 1:4 9 7 1
Micaceous Minerals Expands with heat In fireproofing steel, D 1:5 7.5 6 1
(Vermiculite) floor & roof fill, acoustic MORTAR TYPES
and fireproof plaster Type Str. (psi) Recommended Uses
Expanded Shale and Clays Require heating in a kiln Airox, Rocklite M 2500 Exterior above or below grade load-bearing walls
By-Product Expanded Foamed slag Precast blocks, cast in S 1800 Exterior walls, above or below grade, w/ or w/o load
Aggregates Slag place walls, panel filling N 750 Exterior or interior non-load-bearing walls
of steel framed building O 300 Interior non-load-bearing walls
Cinders Components of coal, For concrete, but is not K 150 Generally, not used anymore
unsound properties weight saving PORTLAND CEMENT PLASTER
CONCRETE ADMIXTURES Coat Proportion* 2-Coat Thickness 3-Coat Thickness
Type Uses Description Scratch Coat (Base Coat) Min. ¼”
Accelerators Speed up setting, develop high early strength Calcium chloride Brown Coat 1:0.25:3 ½” Min. ¼”
Reduce resistance to sulfate attack and Finish Coat / 1/8” (min. 1/16”) 1/8” (min. 1/16”)
increases efflorescence and corrosion *Cement : Lime Putty : Sand Proportion
Retarders For very hot weather to slow down hydration Zinc oxide, LIME PUTTY
Require more frequent slump tests calcium Coat Part Lime Part Part Sand Gypsum
Reduce expansion & contraction of concrete lignosulfonade, Putty Cement by Weight Plaster by Vol.
derivaties of Scratch Coat 1 1 2.75 -
adipic acid Brown Coat 1 1 3 -
Air-Entraining Introduce air bubbles, increasing resistance Rosin, beef Finish Hard 1 - - 1/3
Agents of concrete to freezing, thawing & plasticity tallow, Coat Sand Float 1 - 2 1/4
Reduces bleeding, causes loss of strength stearates, CHB REINFORCEMENT
foaming agents
Wall Thickness Ø Vertical Bars Ø Horizontal Bars
Waterproofing Reduce water absorption Stearic acid, (Every 600mm/24”) (Every 3rd Course)
asphalt
4” and 6” 10mm/3/8” 10mm/3/8”
emulsion
8” 12.5mm/1/2” 12.5mm/1/2”
Pigments Dry cast/surface color, integral/surface color Adds color
Hardeners Hardens floors Zinc/magnesium
fluosilicate

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 43 of 58
TYPES OF GYPSUM PLASTER METALS
Gypsum Plaster (GP) Plaster of Paris + clay & lime; interior walls & ceilings GENERAL TYPES OF METALS
High Strength GP + hair or fiber; interiors and exteriors Aluminum Soft, nonmagnetic silvery, light weight, readily attacked by alkali’s
Fibered GP GP + fibers; for 3 coat job and hydrochloric acid
Prepared GP GP + white sand; interior walls and ceilings Iron Tough, malleable, silvery white, oxidizes, attacked by acids, very
Bonding Plaster GP + ingredients; interior finish: smooth concrete low temperatures: brittle; mainly for the production of Steel
Lightweight, Fire Resist.
GP + perlite, vermiculite; interiors only Copper Ductile, malleable, nonmagnetic, reddish brown, highest electrical
Keene’s Cement POP + alum/borax; for interiors only and thermal conductivity
Plaster of Paris Ornamental plaster works and castings Tin Soft, ductile, malleable, bluish white, resists corrosion by air
Acoustics Acoustic Zinc Medium hard, bluish white, brittle and low strength
COMMERCIAL BLOCK SIZES Brass Alloy of copper and zinc, doors, windows, frame, railings, trims
Block Type W H L Uses Bronze Suited for casting, corrosion resistant; TRUE BRONZE: Statuary
CHB Non-Load Bearing 4” 8” 16” Various bronze
6” 8” 16” Chromium Steel white, harder than nickel, resists oxidizing agents, soluble in
Load Bearing 6” 8” 16” acids
Louver Block Nickel Resists strong alkali’s & most acids, can be hot or cold rolled,
Brick 3 ¾” 2 ¼” 8” Various forged, bent, extruded, spun, punched, drawn; Coating for other
Durisol 4” or 6" 7 ½” 24” Lightweight block metals
made of fiber and Lead Corrosion resistant, blue gray, extruded, rolled, cast, rough
cement hardware (expansion shields for securing bolts, screws etc.)
Plaster 2” Partition blocks, COMMON METHODS OF FORMING METALS
(SOLID) 30” 12” lightweight, fire- Casting / Pouring liquid metal into a mold
3” resistant interior Molding For complex shapes
4” partitions Drawing Pulling a work piece (cold or hot) through a die, reducing cross
6” section
Struc. Load-Bearing 12” 12” 12” Various Extrusion Shaping materials by forcing it to flow through a shaped opening in
Clay Non-Load Bearing 4” 8” 12” a die
5” Forging Working of metals into predetermined shapes by pressure/impact
blows
Rolling Reduces cross sectional area while improving mechanical
properties by rotating rolls
Stamping / Sheet metal forming processes: punching (machine
Pressing press/stamping press) including blanking, embossing, bending

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 44 of 58
PROTECTION OF METALS ALUMINUM FINISHES
Type Sub-type Applicable Metals Mechanical From grinding polishing, scratching, sandblasting or
Anodic Protection Zinc Chromate Any embossing
Red Lead Galvanized Iron Chemical Etching, cleaning or polishing of surface to remove
Red Oxide Any irregularities; oxidizing of surface with aluminum or other
Epoxy Primer Any metallic oxides; permits limited colors
Tar Coat Steel piles, cast iron Electrolytic / Based on ability of aluminum to develop a protective oxide
Cathodic Zinc Coating (Galvanizing) Iron, steel Anodized coating (transparent or opaque); architectural gold color
Protection (most stable and fade resistant), blue, brown (analok),
TYPES OF ALUMINUM IN ARCHITECTURE black
Sheets / Strips For roofing, flashing, gutter Electroplating Covered with protective/decorative film or another metal
Foil (0.005” thk.) For thermal insulation and vapor barrier by electro deposition
Surface finish material Porcelain / Forms a hard, resistant surface available in a broad color
Corrugated For roofing and sidings Vitreous Enamel range
Structural Various sections, girders, columns Painted Paint, lacquer and enamel: on aluminum surfaces that have
Doors / Windows Fabricated from extrusions and rolled shapes been prepared by chemical treatment finish
Panels and 2’, 3’, 4’ widths for interior partitions & dividers Never use lead base paint
Sandwich Panels Consists of vapor barrier, condensation drain, insulation,
finish
Mesh & Wire Cloth For fencing (especially chain link) and insect screening

FORMS OF IRON
Cast Iron Iron-carbon alloy poured in forms (too hard and brittle to be shaped by Piping and fittings
(1.7% C) hammering, rolling or pressing) Ornamental ironwork
Generally used: Gray & Malleable cast iron Hardware
Base metal for porcelain enameled plumbing fixtures
Stops vibration Miscellaneous casting (floor/wall brackets for railings, vents, manhole covers, gratings)
Wrought Almost pure iron Pipes, plates, sheets, bars, chain
Iron Ornamental (Railing, fences, grilles)
(0.05% C) Corrosion resistant Plumbing & HVAC
Steel Less than 2% carbon Steel pipes
(2% C) Wrought carbon steels
Wrought, rolled, cast, welded; NEVER extruded Alloy steels

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 45 of 58
STEEL IN ARCHITECTURE METALS IN ARCHITECTURE
Steel Pipe Black Pipe For water and gas (homes and businesses) Copper Electrical wires and bus bars
Gas lines; NEVER drinking water Copper sheet and strip: Roofing and flashing
Fire sprinklers (high resistance to fire and heat) Tin Terne Plate (20% Tin 80% Lead)
Galvanized Pipe Railings & Scaffolding Mirrors & Gilding (ornamentation)
NEVER gas (because of zinc that flakes) Solders
Wrought Structural ASTM A36 Medium carbon steel Hardware
Carbon Various structural steel sections Zinc For galvanizing (protective coating)
Steel Reinforcement Bars Brass (Copper + Zinc) Doors, windows, frames
Sheets & Strips Low carbon steel Ornamental: railings, trims, grilles
Strip: Sheet ≤ 12” Finish hardware & plating of hardware
Decking sheet, expanded metal, panels & Accessories: screws, nuts, bolts, anchors
sandwich, base metal for porcelain enamel Bronze (Copper + Tin) Statuary plaques, medallions, ornamentation
Corrugated Ga. 18, 20, 22, 24, 28 sheet and strip Miscellaneous rough and finish hardware
Mesh & Wire For concrete reinforcement, lath for plaster, Chromium Chromium plating for other metals
Cloth stucco and cement, fencing, insect screens Nickel Protective/decorative coating for other metals
Hardware Nails, screws, rivets Lead Corroding Lead Fine white lead paints, red lead, lithage (paint)
Doors / Windows Chem. Lead & Sheet, pipe, powdered lead, ribbon lead and
Alloy Steel High Strength Resistance to atmospheric corrosion Common Desilverized alloys
Reinforcement for pre-stressed concrete
High strength Bolts JOINING METALS
Special structural steel Soldering Metal Bath Dip Pieces immersed in a pot of molten solder
Cables for elevators Soldering Iron Preheated iron piece is applied to the joint with
Stainless Contain more than 10% chromium the solder and flux (cleaning substance)
Resistance to heat, oxidation, corrosion Torch Parts are heated by the torch then solder & flux
Exterior and interior wall finishes Sweat Method Heating of materials causes solder to run into
Doors and windows joint (for copper tubing and fittings)
Trims Brazing Soldering with higher temp & melting alloys
Railings For joints not adaptable to welding
Signs and letters Welding Pressure Pressure and heat make the weld
Appliances Fusion Heat and added metal make the weld
Rivets Metal cylinder/rod with a head
Bolting Metal nut and bolt

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 46 of 58
METALS FOR CONCRETE REINFORCEMENT WOOD
Steel Bars Billet Steel Made by the open hearth furnace by Bessemer acid DEFECTS OF WOOD
and Rods Bars Rolled from billets and come in 3 grades Checks Cracks/lengthwise separation across annual rings of growth
Rail Steel Rolled from standard T-rails and come only in 1 grade Irregular shrinkage during drying
Bars 1/8” (3mm) - 1 ¼” (31mm) ø, 6m Lengths or more Decay Cause: Attack of fungi
Expanded Mesh Manufactured from stretched solid sheets Knots Irregular growth interrupting smooth curve of the grain
Free from mechanical and welded joints Pitch Pockets Well-defined openings between annual rings
E.g. STEELCRETE Shakes Cracks between and parallel to annual rings of growth
Wire Fabric Welded Series of wires welded to form a grid pattern Wane Lock of wood on the edge or corner
Wire To reinforce concrete slabs (light construction) Warping Any variation on plane surface from by unequal shrinkage
Fabric Roll Width: 5 - 6 ft Bow Face is concave/convex at the longitudinal
Roll Length: 150, 200, 300 ft Crook Long edge is concave/convex
Triangle Single or stranded longitudinal wires with cross/bond Cup Concave/convex across the board
Mesh Wire wires running diagonally Twist One corner is raised
Fabric Longitudinal wire spacing: 4” on center LUMBER CLASSIFICATIONS
Cross wire spacing: 4” or 8” apart Thickness Width
Board < 2” ≥ 8”
Laths Wire mesh with paper backing applied to a wood or
Dimension Lumber 2”- 5” in any dimension
metal framework for applying stucco or plaster
Strips < 2” < 8”
BILLET STEEL GRADES
Timber ≥ 5” on the smallest dimension
Name ASTM/PNS Codes Typical Application
LUMBER SIZES
Structural ASTM Grade 33 Low rise buildings
Type Nominal Size (in) Actual Size (in)
PNS 230 Low loading conditions
Dimension Lumber 2x4 1½x3½
Intermediate ASTM Grade 40 Medium rise structures
2x6 1½x5½
PNS 275 Infrastructure work
2x8 1½x7½
Most common in
2 x 10 1½x9½
architecture
2 x 12 1 ½ x 11 ½
High Tensile ASTM Grade 60 Medium & high rise
Board Lumber 1x4 ½x3½
PNS 415 structures
1x6 ½x5½
Infrastructure
1x8 ½x7½
1 x 10 ½x9½
1 x 12 ½ x 11 ½

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 47 of 58
SUGGESTED WOODS FOR CONSTRUCTION GROUP 1 PHILIPPINE TIMBER - STRENGTH REQUIRED
Posts, Strength, Durability Molave, ipil, yakal, narig, saplungan, dalunga, Akle High grade furniture and interior work; Paneling
malabayabas, betis, bansalangin, banaba, urung Aranga High grade construction: posts, beams, rafter
Posts on Concrete Piers ABOVE + guijo, makaapis, apitong, tabao, pagatpat, Flooring
kamatog, amugis Interior building
Beams, High Grade Yakal, narig, guijo, ipil, malugai, apitong Bansalagin Wharf and bridge construction, ships, posts
Girders, Med. Grade Apitong amugis, pagatpat, lamog Dao Veneer, flooring, paneling
Rafters, Low Grade Tanguile, nato, red and white lauan Furniture cabinet work
Chords Ipil House construction
Flooring Reddish Red narra, ipil, betis, guijo, tanguile, red lauan Narra High grade furniture and fixtures, paneling
Yellowish Supa, yakal, saplunga Supa High grade construction & furniture
Siding Narra, molave, supa, tanguile Flooring, paneling, door and window casings
Sash Works Panels Narra, tangile, alke, tindalo Tindalo High grade construction; floors, doors, windows, sills,
Frames Narra, ipil, yakal, guijo, apitong cabinet
Stairs Molave, tindalo, yakal, guijo, apitong Yakal Posts, flooring, beams, joists, ties, bridges
PHILIPPINE TIMBER GROUPS GROUP 2 PHILIPPINE TIMBER
Group 1 Soft woods Guijo Frames in construction (posts, beams, trusses, studs,
Free from splitting when nailed furniture)
Group 2 Harder soft woods Kalamansanai Favorite for flooring and window sills
Greater nail holding power than GROUP 1 Manggachapui General high grade construction (doors, window frame,
More inclined to split, grain often deflects nails joists, beams)
Group 3 Medium density hard woods Narig All uses of Yakal/Molave
Similar to GROUP 2 in nail holding power and beam strength GROUP 3 PHILIPPINE TIMBER
Less tendency to split and shatter under impact Apitong House posts & frames
Group 4 True hardwoods Flooring if well-seasoned
Greatest shock resistance and nail holding power Piling
Very susceptible to splitting Palosapis Interior finish, veneers, plywood, general construction
Heaviest and hardest wood Red Lauan For most uses of genuine mahogany, furniture, veneer
Sash and mill work
Tanguile Cabinet timber; all uses of mahogany
GROUP 4 PHILIPPINE TIMBER
Almon Furniture and interior work
White Lauan Furniture, cabinet and interior finish

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 48 of 58
WOOD COMPOSITES
Type Description Sub-Type Thickness Size
Plywood Thin piles/veneers glued together Ordinary 3/16” (4.5mm) for Double Walls & Ceilings 3’ x 6’
Form ¼” (6mm) for Double Wall Part.
Marine 3/8” (10mm) and ½” (12mm) for Drawers & Shelves 4’ x 8’
Fancy ¾” (19mm) for drawers, shelves, cabinet doors
1” (25mm) cabinet and closet doors, sub floors
Hardboard Reducing and refining wood chips Standard 1/8” (3mm) 4’ x 8’
(Masonite, Lawanit, into fibers and pressing under heat Panel 3/16” (4.5mm)
Lawanex) & pressure Tempered ¼” (6mm)
Chipboard Bonding wood particles with an Plain ¼” - 1” (6mm - 25mm) 2’ x 4’
adhesive (Phenolic resin or urea Patterned 4’ x 4’
glue) Veneered 4’ x 8’
High Density
Med. Density Fiberboard Vegetable fibers pressed into sheets Acoustic ¼”, ½”, ¾” 4’ x 8’
Gypsum Board Gypsum core in paper See gypsum board types 4’ x 8’
(Boral, Elephant)
Fiber Cement Board 72% Portland, 20% Cellulose fibers, 8% calcium carbonate 4’ x 8’
Particle Board Small wood chips and base materials pressed and glued together 4’ x 8’

PLASTIC Polyvinyl Amorphous, rigid, solvent Resilient floor tile, films, pipes,
THERMOPLASTICS Chloride and flame resistant paint lacquers, adhesives, safety
Type Description Uses glass
Acrylic Transparent like glass, Skylights, sky domes, safety glass, Polycarbonate White, amorphous, Injection molded plates, rods,
(Lucite, but shatterproof paints, adhesives, finish hardware tough, good heat gears; die cast metal parts, skylight
Plexiglass) lighting fixtures resistance
Cellulosic Cellulose acetate or Paints, lacquers, transparent Polypropylene Good hear and chemical Chairs, pipes
butyrate sheeting resistance
Polyethylene ZIEGLER PE: Strong, Household and industrial Nylon Strong, elastic, resistant to damage from oil, can be colored
tough, rigid applications Fluroplastic Ability to resist abrasion, chemical and heat resistance
IMPROVED CHEMICAL Construction as pond or lagoon ABS Tough and heat resistant, Injection molding: appliances,
INDUSTRIES PE: High lining, water vapor barriers low shrinkage, stability furniture; extruded sheet; panels
pressure, low density, for appliances, thermoformed
flexible, tough items like hot tubs and vehicle parts
Polystyrene Excellent transparency, Colorful, brittle wall tiles, thermal
rigidity, moldability insulator foam, paint for concrete

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 49 of 58
THERMOSETTING PLASTICS THERMAL AND MOISTURE PROTECTION
Type Description Uses TYPES OF ROOFING MATERIALS
Melamine/ Hard, durable, stable Melamine: molded dishes Sheet Metal Galvanized Iron
Urea Urea: incandescent light diffusion and Galvanized Steel
baked enamels Aluminum
Epoxy Adhesive qualities Special chemical resistant paints, caulking Tiles Clay
compounds Concrete
Alkyd Derived from Molded electrical parts, vehicle in paints, Shingles Wood
alcohols and acids lacquers and enamels Tar/Asphalt
Phenolic Resin or plastic by Paints, baked enamels, adhesives, SHEET METAL ROOFING
condensation of impregnating resins for paper, wood and Material Length Width Corrugation Notes
phenol finish hardware GI / GS 5 - 12 ft in 1 ft 32” 10 with a Roofing: Ga. 26 is
Polyester Strong, rigid, impact Most commonly used in large glass fiber increments pitch of 3” generally specified;
resistant reinforced translucent panels; impregnating 8 ft is most Ga. 24 is preferred
wood and paper, laminating material, common
contact adhesive Aluminum 6 - 12 ft in 1 ft 32 5/8”, ≥ 32”: 12 Other materials
Urethanes Synthetic crystalline Paint coatings, foams (self-adhesive) increments 31 ½”, 31 must be insulated
compound 1/8” < 32”: 10 from contact
Silicone Based on silicone- Clear, water repellant paints for masonry
oxygen chains and concrete above grade JOINT SEALANTS
PLASTIC SHEETS, FILM AND FOAM, LAMINATES Bituminous Black: solid, semi-solid, liquid
Type Description Thk. Uses Cement For sealing built up roofing, joints and cracks of concrete
Sheet Acrylate, polyester, 1.5mm - 2.38mm Replace glass in pavements
polystyrene; Plain or (1/16”-3/32”) windows, doors, Silicone Sealant White, clear
reinforced with glass skylights, showers; Outdoor or indoor joints between surfaces
fiber Corrugated: roofing DAMPROOFING
Film PE and PV 1 - 10 mils Water barrier/damp Materials Polyvinyl Chloride
(0.001-0.01”) proofing material Polyethylene
Building construction 2, 4, 6 mil Building construction Minimum Over Sand or Soil: 4 mils
Foam Flotation material, Thickness Over Rocks or Gravel: 6 mils
thermal insulator, Sheet Connection Minimum Overlap: 6”
shock resistant Minimum Return: 6 – 12”
mounting
Laminate Paper/fabric Sheets, table tops, wall
impregnated with facings
thermosetting resins

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 50 of 58
TYPES OF WATERPROOFING
Type Form Application Surface Preparation Comm’l Unit Curing Notes
Cementitious Coat Roller or Brush Rough, Damp Pails, Bags 1 day per coat Covers 10 sqm/gal
Brand: Boysen Flexibond
Elastomeric Coat Roller or Brush Smooth or Rough, Gallons, Pails 12 hrs per coat Covers 16-18 sqm/gal
Damp Wall: 3 coats
Floor: 4 coats
Integral Integral Mixed with Cement N/A Bags Same as Concrete Brand: Sahara
Membrane Asphalt LPG Torch Rough, Dry Roll N/A Modified Bitumen Ply Installation
Polyester Thickness: 3mm, 4mm
Finish: Plain, Granulated
Emulsions Coat Roller or Brush Smooth or Rough, Dry Gallons, Pails 6 hours Also: Black Primer
Cut-back Coat Roller or Brush Smooth or Rough, Dry Drum, Tin 6 hours
PVC Sheet Membrane Hot Air Welding Fasteners Relatively Rough Roll N/A Used for decks
EDPM Membrane Adhesive Fasteners Relatively Rough Rolls N/A Used for decks
Felt & Bitumen Hot/Cold Rollers Relatively Rough Roll (Felt) N/A Used for decks (slabs only)
Drum (Bitumen)
WATERPROOFING OF CONCRETE
Type Form Description
Impermeability thru Concrete Well-graded sands, good aggregates, Portland cement as plaster coat
Dense Concrete
Waterproofing Coats Alum and soap mixtures applied Prevents percolation,
and Washes in alternate mixtures ¾ gallon soap: 1 gallon water
2 oz. alum: 1 gallon of water
Alum, Lye and cement washes
Cement grout With or without water repellants
Paraffin and other mineral bases Applied in cold solution or prepared in melted
Specially prepared bituminous ASPHALT EMULSIONS: Minute asphalt particles dispersed in water and maintained in suspension by emulsifying
products (FLINT-KOTE, JOHN agent; when water vehicle evaporates, weatherproof film remains
MANSVILLE) Tough, durable films
Integral Powder or liquid Mixed with concrete
Sahara, Pozolith, Truscon Zilicon, Aquella, Anti-hydro
Membrane Ordinary tar paper laid with coal All concrete surfaces must be smooth and dry and leveled with cement mortar (1:2)
tar pitch Minimum pitch: 1%
Asbestos or asphalted felt laid in
asphalt

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 51 of 58
DOORS According to Operation Roll-up or Coiling
SURFACE PREPARATION FOR DOOR FRAMES (cont’d) Revolving
Frames Opening Surface Overhead
Wood Finished, Rough Automatic
Steel Finished, Rough LOCATION OF TRACKS AND GUIDES FOR SLIDING DOORS
Aluminum Finished Door Material Track Guide
uPVC Finished, Rough Wood Up Down
DIMENSIONS Steel Up Down
Door Thickness 38 – 45mm Aluminum Down Up
Door Frame 2” x 4” uPVC Down Up
Door Undercut 6mm
TYPES OF DOORS
According to Handing Left / Right Hand WINDOWS
Left / Right Hand Reverse SURFACE PREPARATION FOR WINDOW FRAMES
Double Left / Right Hand Active In-swing Type Opening Surface
Handing Left / Right Hand Active Out-swing Wood Finished
According to Panel Appearance Flush Steel Rough
Panel Aluminum Finished
According to Material Wood uPVC Finish, Rough
Metal Steel Ga. 16 – 22 TYPES ACCORDING TO OPERATION
Galvanized Iron Ga. 16 Type Opening
Aluminum Ga. 16 Fixed 0%
Stainless Ga. 16 – 22 Pivot
According to Build Hollow Core Flush Door Casement 100%
Solid Core Flush Door Awning 100% if without limiter
Framed Flush Door 80-90% if with limiter
Rail & Stile or Panel Door Hopper
Batten Door Tilt and Turn 100%
Fire Rated Door Louvered / Jalousie 100%
According to Operation Swing Door Sliding 50%
Pivot Swing Door Single / Double Hung 50%
Dutch Door Accordion / Folding 80 – 85%
Folding Door Automatic Actuator – can be used on awning, casement, and hopper
Accordion
Overhead
Hidden or Jibb Door
Sliding

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 52 of 58
GLASS GLASS IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
TYPES OF GLASS Foamed or Cellular Glass Rigid, vapor proof thermal insulation
Type Process Characteristics Glass Fibers Textiles and material reinforcement
Flat Sheet From drawing molten glass from a Some distortion (minimize by Glass Fibers Spin in Form Glass wool for acoustical and thermal insulation
furnace or flattening a cylinder glazing with distortion Glass Block Control light transmission, glare, solar radiation
horizontally) Glazing Window, sash, skylight openings
Plate Rolling molten glass into a plate, Virtually clear, undistorted
then ground and polished vision
Float Pouring molten glass into a surface Flat, parallel surface; JOINERY
of molten tin and cooling slowly minimize distortion TYPE
Annealed Cooled slowly Types Length Diameter Material Form
Heat Annealed glass partially tempered 2x strength of annealed glass Nails 2d = 1” long Large: MILD STEEL; Serrated,
Strengthened by reheating and sudden cooling of the same thickness to heavy work; Aluminum, copper, barbed,
Tempered Reheated and rapidly cooled 3 - 5x resistance of annealed 60d = 6” long Lighter: brass, zinc, stainless, threaded, fluted
glass to impact and thermal About 3x finish work; tempered high or twisted
stresses thickness of carbon steel (Greater shafts;
Breaks into harmless, pebble material Thinner: strength in masonry) Tapered, cupped
sized particles being hardwood > or flat heads
Laminated / 2 or more plies of flat glass bonded Resin retains fragments if secured softwood
Safety Glass under heat and pressure glass is broken Screws ½”-6” Up to Ga. 24 Steel, brass, Tapered,
Wired Square or diamond wire mesh Flat or patterned glass (12mm- aluminum, bonze, helically
embedded to prevent shattering 150mm) stainless steel threaded shanks
Patterned Linear geometric surface pattern Obscure vision/diffuse light and slotted
Obscure One or both sides acid etched/ Process weakens glass; hard heads
sandblasted to obscure vision to clean Bolts ¾” to 30” 1/4” to 1 ¼” Metal pins or rods Head at one end
Spandrel By fusing a ceramic frit to interior Opaque, conceals structural (19mm- (6mm- designed to be
surface of tempered/heat str. Glass elements (curtain wall) 900mm) 32mm) inserted through
Insulating ≥ 2 sheets separated by space Insulate; resists condensation holes; with
washers
Tinted / Chemical admixture to absorb Iron oxide: pale blue green
Heat Absorbing portion of radiant heat & light TYPES OF NAIL CONSTRUCTION
Cobalt oxide/nickel: grayish
Face Nailing Driven perpendicular to face of material
Selenium: bronze tint
Blind Nailing Nail heads are not visible on the face
Reflective Thin, translucent metallic coating Reflects portion of light
Toe Nailing Obliquely to surfaces being joined
Low-Emissivity Depositing a low-e coating on glass Transmits visible light

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 53 of 58
TYPES OF NAILS FINISHES
Common Nail General construction (2d - 60d) TYPES OF SURFACE FINISHES
Box Nail Light construction (2d - 40d) Concrete Surface Wood Flooring Granolithic and Resilient Floor
Casing Nail Finish work (2d - 40d) Finishes Finishes Terrazo Finishes Finishes
Finishing Nail Cabinetry (2d - 20d) Tile Finishes Ceiling Finishes Paint FInishes
Flooring Nail Fastening floor boards CONCRETE SURFACE FINISHES
Cut Nail Wood flooring Wall Stucco / Stucco: mortar of cement, sand and water
Roofing Nail Fastening shingles Cement Plaster (sometimes with hydrated lime)
Double Headed Nail Temporary structures Applied in 3 coats (scratch, brown, finish)
Masonry Nail Hammering into concrete or masonry Rubbed Finish Grinding down concrete surface of concrete using a
Spikes Fastening heavy timbers brick of carborundum, emery or soft natural stone
Power Driven Studs Driving into concrete or steel Circular motion of rubbing with grout
TYPES OF SCREWS If sand instead of grout: Sand-Float Finish
Wood Screw Helically threaded with a pointed end Brushed Finish Scrubbing or brushing concrete surface with fiber or
Wood or resilient material wire brushes
Metal Screw Into metal Leaves coarse aggregates exposed
Lag Screw/Bolt/Coach Screw Square head and a thin, coarse pitched thread Tooled Finish Most common: Bush Hammering
Screw Anchors or Tux Screw Similar to expansion bolt Not on gravel concrete because of pebbles getting
Metal shell with screw along its central axis dislodged
Tekscrew To fasten metal roofing sheets to purlins Sand Blast Same appearance as brushing concrete while still
TYPES OF BOLTS Finish green (best at least 1 month old)
Machine Bolt Threaded bolt with straight shank and conventional head Produces a granulated finish
Carriage Bolt Circular head, oval/flat bearing surface & a means to prevent Most effective: dried silica sand/quartz
rotation Exposed Color from aggregates, not coloring
Toggle Bolt With a nut with pivoted flanged wings used to fasten objects Aggregate Fin.
to hollow wall Floors Wood Float Coarse aggregate is forced below the surface, which
Expansion Bolt Anchoring device having expandable socket that swells as Finish is leveled while concrete has not set
bolt; in masonry for attaching timber Steel-Trowelled Wood float finish then the entire surface is steel
Finish trowelled before final setting of conc.
Integral Color While concrete is still green, a finish coat of 1:3
Finish mortar is applied and leveled with a wood screed
then steel trowelled

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 54 of 58
STUCCO/CEMENT PLASTER FINISH Finish Unglazed Composed of the same ingredients throughout
Coat Parts Parts Sand Pounds Sand Thickness Glazed Glassy surface of ceramic materials fused on face
Cement H. Lime Size May have plain, textured, polychrome, mottled,
Scratch Coat 1 3 10 Lbs Coarse 3/8” (10mm) stippled or rippled surface
Brown Coat BRIGHT GLAZE MATTE GLAZE
Finish Coat 1 2 Fine 1/8” (Rarely Highly polished surface Entirely without sheen
exceeding ¼”) and reflects images
GRANOLITHIC AND TERRAZO INGREDIENTS Manufacture Dust Press Shaped in steel dies by applying heavy pressure
Ingredients Process to damp ceramic mix
Granolithic 1 part cement 1 part sand 1 part finely More regular appearance
crushed stone Plastic Shaped from clay rendered plastic and mixing
Terrazo Cement Water Marble chip Process with water
aggregates HAND MOLDED EXTRUDED
TERRAZO FLOOR FINISH Vitrification Non-vitreous Moisture absorption > 7% of tile weight
Aggregate Min. Topping Uses Forms Semi-vitreous Moisture absorption 3-7% of tile weight
Exposure Thickness
Vitreous Moisture absorption < 3% of tile weight
Common 70% 5/8” Where Precast (e.g.
Impervious Negligible moisture absorption
Heavy Duty 3 marble durability, tile),
TYPES OF CERAMIC TILE
Non-Slip granules: 1 resistance to
Description Size Vitrification
abrasive wear and Cast in place
Glazed Made by dust Non-vitreous
Light Duty 4 marble minimal form
Interior pressed process
Non-Slip granules: 1 maintenance
Ceramic Predominantly < 6 sq. in. in facial Fully vitrified
abrasive necessary
Mosaic unglazed area; Each sheet
CEMENT AND CERAMIC TILE
in 2 sq. ft.
Cement Tile Cement and sand mixture in plastic mould
Glazed For interior/exterior Semi-vitreous
Thickness: 1”
Weatherproof walls and floors
Common sizes 8”x8” 12”x12” 16”x16”
Pavers Unglazed, resembling > 6 sq. in. in facial PLASTIC METHOD
Ceramic Tile Clay/mixture of clay with other ceramic materials and fired mosaic tiles area, Vitreous/Semi
Brands: MARIWASA, EUROTILES 3”x3” or 6”x6” DUST PRESSED
CERAMIC TILE CHARACTERISTICS Impervious
Composition Plastic Usually clays having high bonding power
Filler Reduces shrinkage in drying and firing
Imparts rigidity, prevents deformation in heat
E.g. Flint, Kaolin, Tale, Finely pulverized silica
Flux / Melts under intense heat and fuses heat
Solvent resisting elements into a solid mass
Widely used: Feldspar

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 55 of 58
RESILIENT FLOOR FINISHES WOOD FLOORING FINISHES
Composition Size Thk. Uses Size Thk. Requirements
Asphalt Asbestos and other 9” x 9” 1/8” Not exposed to Strip NOMINAL 7/8” First strip: face nailed as close to the
Tile & fillers formed under 12” x 12” direct sunlight, (T & G) ≤ 6” wide wall as possible
3/16”
Sheet pressure water, grease Ilco 1”x 3” Succeeding strips: blind nailed
Vinyl Tile Solid Vinyl 300 mm x 1.5mm Heavy indoor (Insular 1”x 4” Over concrete subfloor
& Sheet 300 mm 2 mm traffic Lumber Co) 1”x 6” Flooring steps nailed to 2x3 or 2x4
2.5 mm
Vinyl and Asbestos Rolls: Nalko sleepers
3 mm
Vinyl Layer Over 6’ wide *Requires (Nasipit Damp proof composition fill or cinder
Resilient Floor 50 ft long underlayment Lumber Co) concrete between finish floor and top of
Rubber Neutral rubber Rolls: 2 mm slab
Tile & Quietest, but not as 3’ wide 2.5 mm Plank ≥ 8” Square edged boards
3 mm
Sheet resistant to solvents as Face nailed
vinyl/linoleum Parquet SQUARES 3/8” Square tiles built up in several layers
Linoleum Resilient, waterproof Rolls: SERVICE - Damp areas (Block 9 5/8” 5/15” with veneered surface
Tile & 2’ and 6’ GAUGE (e.g. Kitchen) Flooring) 14 ½” Nailed to a wood subfloor (lumber must
wide 1/16”
Sheet Backing with a thick - Not sub/below 19 ¼” be kiln dried)
layer of wearing surface Up to 30’ STANDARD grade (damp) 24” Slab should be with vapor moisture
(linseed oil with long GAUGE - Can be used barrier
wood/cork flour, fillers, 9”x9” 3/32” outdoors but Asphalt type underlayment should NOT
stone dust, resins, (plain and exposed to acids
HEAVY be used
marbled)
binders, driers) GAUGE CEILING FINISHES
1/8”
Ceiling Board or Beaded Shiplapped with a bead on center
Ceiling Board Width: 4” and 6”
BRAND NAMES Thickness” 3/8” and ½”
Vinyl Vin. Asb.. Rubber Asphalt Linoleum Cork Acoustic Cellulose Compressed sugar cane/wood fibers with
Atimco X X Tiles Fiber perforations on the surface
Armstrong X X X X X X Mineral Felted rock wood
Azrock X X Wool Cannot be painted, Flame retardant
(Vinalux) 12”x12”, 24”x24”, 12”x24”; ½ 5/8 7/8 1” thk
BF X X X
Glass Fiber Glass fibers held by binders
Goodrich (Koroseal)
23 ¾”, 47 ¾” squares; 1 ¼” thk
John X X
(Terraflex) Armstrong Lo-Tone Beh Stylone Gold Bond Acousti-Celo
Mansville
Kentile X
Rubberoid X X X
Matico

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 56 of 58
PAINT
Type Solvent Sub-Type Location Uses Application Notes
Acrylic Water-Based Permacoat Exterior, Interior Concrete, Masonry, Drywalls, Brush, Roller, Spray Excellent hiding ability
Primed Wood FLAT – Primer/1st coat or TOP COAT
GLOSSY – TOP COAT
Permatex Interior Wood, Drywall, Masonry Textured with a textured roller
Plexibond Exterior WATERPROOFING Good corrosion resistance
Concrete, Masonry, Metal (GI) Cementitious coating
Wall-guard Exterior New masonry, Repainting Mildew Resistant
High resistance to dust and pollutants
Roof-guard Roofs GI surfaces, Asphalt Shingles,
Unglazed Roof Tile, Etc.
Anti-bacterial Interior Concrete and Drywalls
Latex Medical, Nursing homes,
Schools
Elastomeric Exterior Walls, Floors, Firewalls, Covers cracks, prevents entry of rain
Swimming Pools water, carbon dioxide and acidic gases
Use after cementitious water proofing
putty
Solvent- Acrytex Exterior, Interior Masonry, Wood, Primed Steel Textured with a mortar gun
Based Second Best for waterproofing
Alkyd Enamel Oil-Based Quick Drying Exterior, Interior Wood, Metal Brush, Roller Superior hiding, high gloss
(Turpentine) Enamel
Red Oxide Exterior, Interior Steel, Iron *cannot use spray Rust inhibiting
Primer due to viscosity
Flatwall Enamel Exterior, Interior Wood Durable, fast drying paint
Can also be a primer
Alkyd Traffic Exterior Street markings, curbs, traffic Must be applied on epoxy-primed
Paint lanes asphalt/rough concrete
Stain Oil-Based Oil Wood Stain Interior Wood works, furniture, Brush, Roller, Spray Emulsion paint
paneling
Xyladecor Exterior, Interior Surfaces Seals, prevents fungal growth, mold,
insect attacks
Water repellant
Nitro Cellulose Lacquer- Automotive Interior Doors, Jambs, Cabinets, Brush or Roller (semi-
Lacquer Based Lacquer Shelves ducco finish)
Spray (ducco finish)

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 57 of 58
Type Solvent Sub-Type Location Uses Application Notes
Epoxy Epoxy-Based Epoxy Enamel Interior Metal, GI, Wood, Masonry, Roller As a TOPCOAT for Epoxy Primer
Concrete flooring, Water tank Chemical, corrosion & abrasion resistant
Acqua Epoxy Exterior, Interior Floorings, Walls, Metal Solvent, chemical, stain resistances
Substrates, other Primed
Surfaces
Polyurethane Varnish PU Varnish Interior Wood, countertops, flooring Spray, Roller, Brush After varnish sealer
Topcoat
Automotive Solvent- Automotive Exterior, Interior Wood, Metals On site application
Based Paint

MATERIALS TESTING
Material Min. Required Number of Samples Min. Quantity of Each Sample
Cement 1 per 2000 bags 10 kg
Asphalt Mix 1 per 40 tons OR 1 per 200 drums 20 kg
Coarse Aggregates 1 per 1,500 cu.m 70 kg
Fine Aggregates 1 per 1,500 cu.m 50 kg
Reinforced Concrete Pipes 1 per 50 pipes OR 2% of number of pipes 1 pipe
Non-Reinforced Concrete Pipes 2 pipes OR 2% of number of pipes 2 pipes
Steel Bars 1 per 10,000 kg 3 bars of 1 meter length
Galvanized Iron Sheet 1 per 1,000 sheets 1 sheet
Concrete Hollow Block 1 per 20,000 units 6 units (3 for compressive test, 3 for moisture content)
Steel Pipes 1 per 500 units 2 pieces at 10 cm long with both sides unthreaded

Disclaimer: This reviewer is subject to human error. When in doubt, go check your own sources and think for yourself.

SNEFERU June 2017 ALE Reviewer | Building Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Structural Conceptualization | Page 58 of 58

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