BSD FINALS

Technical documentation

encompasses a wide range of documents that are essential for the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of engineering projects, products, systems, or processes.

DESIGN PLANS/DRAWINGS

graphical representations of engineering designs, providing detailed information about the physical aspects, dimensions, and specifications of a product, system, or component.

CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS

detailed documents that outline the requirements, materials, methods, and standards for the construction of a building, infrastructure project, or any other type of construction endeavor. These specifications provide essential guidance to contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, and other stakeholders involved in the construction process.

BILL OF QUANTITIES AND COST ESTIMATES

detailed list of materials, labor, equipment, and other costs required to complete a construction project. It serves as an essential component of the tendering process, allowing contractors to submit accurate bids for the project based on the quantities and costs specified in this.

Bill of Quantities (BOQ)

▪Itemized list of all materials, components, and work items required for the project.

▪Quantities are specified for each item, usually measured in standard units such as square meters, cubic meters, or linear meters.

▪___ items are typically organized according to CSI MasterFormat or other industry-standard classification systems.

▪Quantities are determined based on the project's design drawings, specifications, and other relevant documents.

Cost Estimates

▪Cost breakdown for each item in the BOQ, including material costs, labor costs, equipment costs, and overheads.

▪Unit rates: Cost per unit for each item, calculated based on market rates, supplier quotes, and historical data.

▪Total costs: The sum of material, labor, and other costs for each BOQ item, as well as the total project cost

CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE

a timeline for a building project that construction managers use to determine the order and duration of construction activities. ____ also track milestones, deliverables, and dependencies to help ensure projects stay on schedule and on budget.

Critical Path Method (CPM)

Estimate the total completion time of a construction project by identifying all dependent tasks in your timeline. These are tasks that a team cannot begin until another task is complete. When using the__________, managers can anticipate changes to the completion date when there is a speed-up or delay in any critical path activity.

Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)

Estimate the completion date of a construction project by factoring in optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely schedule forecasts. Managers start with a diagram of a building project, then use the ___ formula to weigh the most likely time estimate more heavily than the other two. This method reflects potential for the project to vary and is more sensitive to risk, which makes it especially helpful for one-of-a-kind or novel construction projects.

Gantt Chart

Build a simple spreadsheet that lists each task needed to complete a project and tracks their progress over time. This document, called a ____, allows you to update future activities and completion dates based on actual progress. Construction managers like ______ because they allow for a quick, high-level assessment of overall progress and make it easy to spot problems and delays.

Line of Balance (LOB)

Track actual progress against anticipated progress with a ______ chart. This method is best for construction projects that involve repeated units of work, such as tall, multi-floor buildings that require the same tasks for each floor. Using this method, managers can chart how long each repetition takes and predict the time needed to complete the remaining units. This method also helps managers adjust schedule forecasts as a team completes repeated tasks more quickly. This technique has limited value in projecting total duration of the critical path because it only takes into account the repeated tasks.

CONTRUCTION AGREEMENT

a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions governing a construction project. It serves as a written agreement between the owner (client) and the contractor (builder), establishing the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of each party throughout the construction process.

Parties

Owner/Client and the Contractor

Project Description

description of the construction project, including the location, scope of work, and specifications.

Contract Price and Payment Terms

total contract price for the project, including a breakdown of costs (e.g., materials, labor, overhead, profit); payment schedule outlining the timing and amounts of progress payments, retainage, and final payment; terms for invoicing, payment methods, and any applicable penalties or interest for late payments.

Schedule and Timeline

project start date and anticipated completion date; procedures for handling delays, extensions, or changes to the schedule.

Scope of Work (SOW)

detailed description of the work to be performed by the contractor

Change Order and Variations

process for requesting and approving changes to the scope, schedule, or contract price

Insurance and Indemnification

insurance requirements for both parties, including general liability insurance, workers' compensation, and property insurance; indemnification clauses outlining each party's liability for damages, losses, or claims arising from the project.

Dispute Resolution and Arbitration

procedures for resolving disputes or claims arising from the agreement

Warranties and Guarantees, Signatures and Execution, Termination and Default

conditions under which the agreement may be terminated by either party

Scope of Wo (SOW)

state everything that will need to be done to complete the project.

GENERAL CONDITIONS

The _________________ contract goes over the contractor’s obligations. It basically goes over the legal framework for the contract and will have details about how you can resolve problems or disputes during the construction process.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

These documents go over any aspects of the project with specific instructions that don’t apply to the rest of the project. This kind of document is an extension of the general conditions document.

Building Envelope and Assemblies

focuses on the application of building science principles to the design of building enclosures. This course examines various elements that mediate between the interior and exterior environments, both above and below the ground, in manners appropriate to their intended function and performance.

Building Envelope

The ____ is the physical barrier between the exterior and interior environments enclosing a structure. Generally, the _____ is comprised of a series of components and systems that protect the interior space from the effects of the environment like precipitation, wind, temperature, humidity, and ultraviolet radiation. The internal environment is comprised of the occupants, furnishings, building materials, lighting, machinery, equipment, and the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system.

Tight Building Envelope

A tight building envelope allows very few air leaks, making it easier to control the indoor environment.

Air Sealing

Sealants, tapes, gaskets, and caulks are used to close gaps and seams in the building envelope, including around windows, doors, penetrations, and connections between building materials.

High-Quality Insulation

Adequate insulation helps reduce heat transfer through the envelope, minimizing the need for heating and cooling energy. Insulation materials with high R-values (thermal resistance) are commonly used to improve energy efficiency.

Vapor Barriers

_____ or vapor retarders are installed on the warm side of the insulation to prevent moisture vapor from entering the building envelope and causing condensation within the wall or roof assembly.

Efficient Windows and Doors:

Well-sealed and properly installed windows and doors with low U-factors (thermal transmittance) and effective weatherstripping minimize air leakage and heat transfer.

Loose Building Envelope

allows for more natural ventilation, so more outside air can flow inside without mechanical means.

Structural Support

The foundation must be able to support the structure’s weight and the walls must be load-bearing.

Climate Control

The building envelope helps ensure that conditioned are, whether cooled or heated, remains inside while the outside air remains outside so that energy isn’t wasted.

Finish

The building envelope should be made with proper aesthetics in mind.

Foundation

The ____ is the structural component that transmits the loads from the building to the underlying substrate. Typically, some combination of reinforced concrete walls, slabs, and footings constitute the structural components of the foundation. However, the ____ must also be designed to control the transfer of moisture and thermal energy into the interior space.

Footings

Concrete pads or strips that distribute the weight of the building foundation over a larger area and prevent settling.

Foundation Walls

Below-grade walls that support the weight of the building and transfer loads to the soil or footings.

Waterproofing

Membranes, coatings, or drainage systems installed to prevent water infiltration and protect the foundation from moisture damage.

Walls

are an essential part of a building envelope because they provide support, control, and finish.

Wall framing

Structural framework consisting of studs, plates, and headers that support the exterior cladding and interior finishes.

Exterior cladding

Materials that cover the exterior surface of the walls, such as brick, siding, stucco, or panels.

Sheathing

Panels or boards attached to the wall framing to provide structural support and a base for the exterior cladding.

Insulation

Materials installed within the wall cavity or on the exterior surface to improve thermal performance and energy efficiency.

Vapor barrier

Membrane or material installed to control the diffusion of moisture vapor through the wall assembly

Air barrier

Components and materials that restrict the movement of air through the wall assembly, reducing air leakage and improving energy efficiency.

Roofing System

The _____ is an important part of any house, as it keeps weather out. It consists of shingles on the outside, which are on top of tar sheeting as a vapor barrier. Inside of the tar paper is wood sheathing. Beyond this, the attic areas in most houses are insulated with fiberglass spray insulation. It tends to be fluffy, pink fiberglass. Inhaling fiberglass is extremely bad for a person's respiratory system, so it is important to wear a mask if this insulation type is in one's roofing system.

Roof structure

Trusses, rafters, beams, or other support elements that form the framework of the roof.

Roof covering

Materials such as shingles, tiles, metal panels, or membranes that provide weatherproofing and durability.

Roof insulation

Materials placed between the roof structure and the roof covering to reduce heat transfer and improve energy efficiency.

Roof flashing

Metal strips or sheets installed at roof intersections, valleys, and penetrations to prevent water infiltration.

Window and door assemblies

are essential components of a building envelope, providing access, ventilation, natural light, and views while also contributing to energy efficiency, security, and aesthetics.

Doors

are included in the housing envelope as they tend to be the biggest holes in the envelope.

Glazing

refers to the panels in windows, doors, and skylights - usually glass - that let light through.

Frames

Window and door _____ can be made from various materials, including wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, and composite materials. Each material has its advantages in terms of durability, energy efficiency, maintenance requirements, and aesthetic appeal.

Casement windows

Hinged windows that swing outward or inward.

Sliding windows

Horizontal Windows with one or more movable sashes.

Awning and hopper windows

Hinged windows that open outward or inward from the top or bottom.

Swinging doors

Doors that swing open on hinges, including entry doors, patio doors, and interior doors.

Sliding doors

Doors that slide open horizontally on tracks, commonly used for patio or balcony access.

Locks and Handles

Hardware components for securing and operating windows and doors, including locks, handles, hinges, latches, and mechanisms for opening and closing.

Flashings

Metal strips or sheets installed at transitions and penetrations to divert water away from vulnerable areas and prevent water damage.

Caulks and sealants

Flexible materials used to seal gaps, joints, and seams in the building envelope to prevent air and water infiltration.

Concrete

An artificial, stonelike building material made by mixing cement and various mineral aggregates with sufficient water to cause cement to set and blind the entire mass.

Cement

A calcined mixture of clay and limestone, finely pulverized and used as an ingredient in concrete and mortar. The term is frequently used incorrectly for concrete.

Pozzolan Cement

A siliceous material, as fly ash, that reacts chemically with slaked lime in the presence of moisture to form a slow hardening cement, named after a natural cement from Pozzuolli, an ancient Roman town near Vesuvius.

Portland Cement

A hydraulic cement made by burning a mixture of clay and limestone in a rotary kiln and pulverizing the resulting clinker into a very fine powder, named for its resemblance to a limestone quarried on the Isle of Portland, England.

Type I (Normal)

This is a general-purpose Portland cement suitable for most construction projects. It's commonly used in concrete for foundations, pavements, buildings, and other structures where no special requirements are needed.

Type II (Moderate)

contains a moderate amount of tricalcium aluminate (C3A), which makes it more resistant to sulfate attack compared to Type I cement. It is suitable for projects where the concrete will be exposed to moderate sulfate concentrations in soil or groundwater.

Type III (High-Early Strength)

has a higher early strength gain compared to Type I and Type II cements. It is often used in situations where quick formwork removal or early load-bearing capacity is required, such as precast concrete elements, cold weather concreting, and fast-track construction projects.

Type IV (Low Heat)

is a low heat of hydration cement, meaning it generates less heat during the hydration process compared to other types. This makes it suitable for massive concrete structures like dams and large foundation elements, where minimizing the risk of thermal cracking is important.

Type V (Sulfate-Resisting)

has the highest sulfate resistance among all Portland cement types. It contains the lowest percentage of C3A, making it highly resistant to sulfate attack from sources such as seawater or soils with high sulfate content.____________ is commonly used in marine structures, wastewater treatment plants, and other

Water

The _____ used in a concrete or mortar mix exclusive of any absorbed by the aggregate and free of such harmful substances as organic material, clay, and salts. _______ fit for drinking is generally acceptable.

Aggregate

Any of various hard, inert, mineral materials, as sand and gravel, added to a cement paste to make concrete or mortar. Since it represents from 60% to 80% of the concrete volume, its properties are important to the strength, weight, and fire-resistance of the hardened concrete. These should be hard, dimensionally stable, and free of clay, silt, and organic matter which can prevent the cementing matrix from binding the particles together.

Fine Aggregates

Also known as sand, _____ consists of particles smaller than 4.75 mm (0.187 inches) in diameter. It is commonly used in concrete and mortar mixes to fill the voids between larger particles.

Coarse Aggregate

___________ includes particles larger than 4.75 mm in diameter. Common types of ____________ include gravel, crushed stone, and recycled concrete aggregate. ______ provides strength and bulk to concrete mixes.

Admixture

Any substance other than cement, water, or aggregate, added to a concrete or mortar mix to alter its properties or those of the hardened product. Also called additive.

Water-Reducing Admixtures

Also known as plasticizers or superplasticizers, these admixtures reduce the amount of water needed in a concrete mix while maintaining the desired workability. They improve the flow of concrete, enhance pumpability, and reduce the water-cement ratio, resulting in higher strength and durability. _______ are commonly used in high-performance concrete and self-consolidating concrete mixes.

Set Retarding Admixtures

______ slow down the setting time of concrete, extending the time available for placement, finishing, and transportation. They are particularly useful in hot weather concreting, large pours, or when a delayed setting time is desired to accommodate special construction techniques.

Set Accelerating Admixtures

Conversely, ______ speed up the setting time of concrete, allowing for faster strength development and early formwork removal. They are used in cold weather concreting, emergency repairs, or when rapid construction schedules need to be met.

Air-Entraining Admixtures

__________ agents are added to concrete to create microscopic air bubbles throughout the mixture. These air bubbles improve the freeze-thaw resistance of concrete by providing space for water to expand when it freezes, reducing the risk of cracking and spalling in cold climates.

Corrosion-Inhibiting Admixtures

_____ are added to concrete to protect embedded steel reinforcement from corrosion caused by chloride ions, carbonation, or other aggressive agents. They form a protective layer on the surface of reinforcement, reducing the permeability of concrete and inhibiting the penetration of harmful substances.

Shrinkage-Reducing Admixtures

______ mitigate the shrinkage and cracking of concrete during curing and drying. They work by reducing the surface tension of water within the concrete mix, minimizing moisture loss and subsequent shrinkage.

Coloring Admixtures

Coloring agents are added to concrete to achieve desired aesthetic effects. They come in liquid or powder form and can be used to produce a wide range of colors and finishes in decorative concrete applications.

Specialty Admixtures

_____ include a variety of additives designed for specific purposes, such as waterproofing, sulfate resistance, alkali-silica reaction (ASR) mitigation, and self-healing concrete.

Mix Design

The most economical selection and proportioning of cement, water, and aggregate to produce concrete or mortar having the required properties of workability, strength, durability, and watertightness.

Abram’s Law

A law postulating that, with given concrete materials, curing, and testing conditions, the compressive strength of concrete is inversely proportional to the ratio of water to cement; developed by D.A. Abrams in 1919 from experiments at Lewis Institute in Chicago.

Water-Cement Ratio

The ratio of mixing water to cement in a unit volume of concrete or mortar mix, preferably expressed by weight as a decimal fraction but often stated in gallons of water per 94-lb. sack of cement. The water-cement ratio controls the strength, durability, and watertightness of hardened concrete.

Formwork

_____ is a temporary structure used in construction to support freshly poured concrete or other materials until they can support themselves. _______ serves as a mold into which concrete is poured and shaped, allowing it to set and harden into the desired shape and dimensions.

Sheets or Panels

These are the facing materials that come into direct contact with the concrete. They can be made of plywood, steel, aluminum, or plastic.

Stiffeners and Bracing

These provide support and stability to the formwork, preventing deformation or collapse during concrete placement.

Form Ties

These are used to hold the formwork panels together and resist the lateral pressure exerted by the fresh concrete.

Shores and Props

These are vertical supports placed beneath the formwork to carry the weight of the concrete and the formwork itself.

Accessories

Various ____ such as walers, wedges, clamps, and connectors are used to assemble and secure the formwork system.

Reinforced Concrete

____ is a composite material composed of concrete (a mixture of cement, water, and aggregates) reinforced with steel reinforcement bars, also known as rebars or rods. This combination of materials creates a versatile and durable construction material with enhanced strength and loadbearing capacity compared to plain concrete.

Beams

Types of reinforced concrete members that has horizontal members that carry loads primarily by bending. They are commonly used to support slabs, decks, and other structural elements.

Columns

Types of reinforced concrete members that has vertical members that support axial loads (compression) and lateral forces. They provide vertical support to the structure and transfer loads to the foundation.

Slabs

Types of reinforced concrete members that has horizontal flat plates used as floors, ceilings, or roofs in buildings. __ can be one-way or two-way, depending on the direction of bending and support conditions.

Foundations

Types of reinforced concrete members that provide support and stability to the entire structure by transferring loads to the underlying soil or rock.

Reinforcement

A system of steel bars, strands, or wires for absorbing tensile, shearing, and sometimes the compressive stresses in a concrete member or structure,