PSI Exam Facts
PSI Exam Facts
The following facts will help you pass a PSI administered examination. Each reference book will be identified once, and then facts from that book will be listed.
General Knowledge
The best method for estimating overhead is to use historical data, which provides a realistic view of past expenditures and helps in projecting future costs accurately.
New hire information must be reported to the new hire operations center within twenty days to comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
The purpose of the licensing board is to protect the public by ensuring that licensed professionals meet certain standards of competence and ethical conduct.
Become familiar with questions that an employer may ask a potential employee to understand the legal boundaries and avoid discriminatory practices.
Become familiar with FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act) requirements, including minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor laws, to ensure compliance.
Become familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of the different business organizations, such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations, to choose the most suitable structure.
Become familiar with the different methods of depreciation, including straight-line, declining balance, and sum-of-the-years' digits, to accurately account for asset depreciation.
Become familiar with the different financial statements and the associated accounting terminology to understand a company's financial performance and position.
Become familiar with the different financial ratios to assess a company's liquidity, solvency, profitability, and efficiency.
Become familiar with the IRS guidelines to determine if a worker is an employee or an independent contractor to ensure proper tax withholding and compliance.
Become familiar with the different types of taxes, including income tax, sales tax, property tax, and payroll tax, to manage tax obligations effectively.
Become familiar with the elements of a business plan, including the executive summary, company description, market analysis, and financial projections, to guide the business.
Become familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of the different business structures to select one that minimizes liability and maximizes tax efficiency.
Become familiar with the different types of insurance coverage, such as general liability, property, and workers' compensation, to protect the business against potential risks.
Become familiar with the list of items that are considered bid documents, including the invitation to bid, instructions to bidders, and specifications, to prepare accurate bids.
Be familiar with the items included as labor burden, such as payroll taxes, insurance, and benefits, to accurately calculate labor costs.
Know the definition of contingency and become familiar with project overhead and company overhead to manage project budgets effectively.
Understand the difference between markup and margin to price products and services profitably.
Learn the benefits of using a job cost system to track project costs and improve profitability.
Note the advantages of a written contract, including clarity, enforceability, and protection of interests.
Become familiar with the items that are included in an offer, such as price, quantity, and terms of payment, to create valid offers.
Become familiar with the cause of breach of contract, the provisions to limit risk in a contract, and an indemnification clause of a contract to protect your business from potential legal issues.
To come familiar with the different types of contracts and with the different contracting methods to choose the most appropriate contract for each project.
Be familiar with the steps required to produce a change order to manage changes in project scope and costs effectively.
Become familiar with both methods of scheduling a construction project, including bar charts and critical path method, to manage project timelines efficiently.
Be familiar with medical services and first aid requirements to ensure a safe working environment.
Be familiar with the OSHA soil classification system and the visual and manual tests used to classify soil to prevent cave-ins and other excavation hazards.
Refer to Chapter seven for federal employer guidelines and Chapter 12 for state employer guidelines to comply with employment laws and regulations.
Laws and Regulations
The beginning SUDA (State Unemployment Tax Act) rate for a new employer is 1.2%. Understanding state-specific unemployment tax rates is crucial for accurate payroll management.
The new hire reporting group must be notified within twenty days of hiring a new employee to comply with federal and state regulations.
A general contractor's license is required for contractors who build projects costing more than . This threshold is important for determining legal requirements for contracting work.
The penalty for willful violation of minimum wage and overtime requirements is per violation. Awareness of these penalties is essential for maintaining compliance with labor laws.
The I-9 form must be completed within three days of employment to verify the employee's eligibility to work in the United States.
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements apply when there are 15 or more employees, ensuring accessibility and non-discrimination in the workplace.
Failure to comply with federal lead regulation has a maximum penalty of per day. This underscores the importance of adhering to environmental health and safety standards.
Workman's compensation insurance is required if the employer has three or more employees. Compliance with workers' compensation laws is crucial for protecting employees and the business.
Lead paint has not been produced since 1978, making it essential to manage and mitigate lead-based paint hazards in older buildings.
An employer is not required to have a formal emergency action plan unless he has more than 10 employees. However, it's a best practice to have a plan regardless of the number of employees.
An employer is not required to keep OSHA injury records unless he has more than 10 employees. Maintaining these records is vital for promoting workplace safety.
The purpose of all governmental agencies is to protect the public, emphasizing the role of regulation in ensuring health, safety, and welfare.
A formal emergency action plan is not required if the employer has 10 or fewer employees, though preparedness is always advisable.
OSHA injury records (form three hundred) are not required if the employer has 10 or fewer employees, but maintaining a safe workplace culture is still important.
The Fair Labor Standards Act covers minimum wage, overtime pay, child labor, and record keeping only, ensuring fair labor practices and compliance.
ADA requirements do not apply to employers with fewer than 15 employees, but businesses should still strive for accessibility and inclusion.
Business and Finance
Increased safety results in more profit due to reduced accidents, insurance costs, and downtime.
General partnerships require formal agreement between the partners to outline responsibilities, profit sharing, and dispute resolution.
Partnerships are automatically dissolved if one of the partners leaves the partnership unless otherwise specified in the partnership agreement.
Source document includes any item that proves that a transaction took place (e.g., check stubs, copies of invoices), providing an audit trail for financial records.
The cash method of accounting does not match revenues with expenses, potentially distorting financial performance in certain periods.
Each partner of a general partnership is totally liable for all debts of the partnership, highlighting the importance of risk management.
The Social Security rate for employees is 6.2%, which is important for payroll calculations and tax compliance.
The W-4 form must be completed prior to making a federal withholdings deposit to determine the correct amount of tax to withhold from employees' wages.
A limited partner's liability is equal to the amount they invest, providing some protection against business debts.
Federal identification numbers are assigned by the IRS for tax purposes, and are essential for businesses to comply with federal regulations.
Another name for the employer's tax guide is Circular E, which provides essential information on payroll taxes and withholding.
Report FUTA (Federal Unemployment Tax Act) taxes using form 940, ensuring compliance with federal unemployment tax requirements.
Use form 1099 to report payments to subcontractors, helping to track and report non-employee compensation for tax purposes.
Preparation of a business plan is the single most important task to ensure the success of a business, guiding strategy and attracting investment.
Business names must be registered to comply with state and local regulations and protect branding.
General partnerships need a formal agreement and all partners are liable for the total debt of the partnership, underscoring the need for careful planning and risk assessment.
Working capital is defined as current assets minus current liabilities, indicating a company's short-term financial health.
The debt equity ratio is calculated by dividing the total liabilities by the net worth, assessing a company's financial leverage.
The formula for calculating the profit margin is divide the net profit by the total revenues, measuring a company's profitability.
While using the cash method of accounting, no attempt is made to match revenues with expenses, which can provide a distorted view of financial performance.
The percent of completion method used with long term contracts depends on an accurate estimate of project costs and revenues, affecting revenue recognition.
The basic accounting equation is: Assets = Liabilities + Net Worth. This equation underlies all accounting principles and financial reporting.
Bidding is not considered a construction management activity but rather a pre-construction phase.
Negotiation is not considered part of a formal contract but may lead to an agreement.
The main reason for having a formal contract is to prevent disputes and ensure clear terms of agreement.
A counteroffer avoids an offer, creating a new set of terms for consideration.
The FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act)rate is eight tenths percent and is paid with form nine forty, supporting Social Security and Medicare programs.
Insurance, Bonds, and Liens
The different types of insurance policies offered a contractor are: Workman's compensation, motor vehicle coverage, property insurance, and general liability, helping to protect against a wide range of risks.
Completed operations coverage covers defective products when they are out of your hands or completed work away from your premises, providing coverage for post-completion liabilities.
The three parties to a bond are the contractor, the owner, and the bonding company, ensuring project completion and financial protection.
Bid bonds guarantee that the contractor will enter the contract with the owner for the bid amount, providing assurance to the owner.
The employer pays for workman's compensation coverage, protecting employees in case of work-related injuries.
CGL (Commercial General Liability) insurance does not include vehicle liability, workman's compensation, or employer's liability, each of which requires separate coverage.
Labor liens are filed against real estate, providing a legal claim for unpaid labor and materials.
A lien must be filed within 120 of last furnishing labor and materials, ensuring timely enforcement of claims.
A request for judgment to enforce a lien must be filed within one hundred and eighty days of the last furnishing of labor and materials, adhering to legal deadlines.
A lien is filed with a clerk of the superior court in the county where the real property is located, determining jurisdiction for lien enforcement.
Estimating and Project Management
The four parts of an estimate are: labor, equipment, material, and overhead. These components are essential for accurate cost assessment.
The most accurate method to estimate a construction project is the quantity survey method, which is also known as the detail survey method. This is also known as the quantity takeoff method. This approach ensures thorough cost assessment and minimizes errors.
Project overhead is also known as job overhead and as direct cost, all representing necessary expenses for project execution.
The two methods to schedule a construction project are the bar chart and the critical path method. Float is used with the critical path method to optimize resource allocation.
A computerized cost system is used to shorten the time required to produce an estimate, increasing efficiency.
Form SSH should be filed to determine if a worker is an employee or an individual contractor, ensuring correct classification for tax and labor law compliance.
The primary weakness of a bar chart or Gantt chart schedule is that it does not show any dependencies, limiting its usefulness for complex projects.
Bidding is not considered part of contract management, as it occurs prior to contract execution.
Be familiar with responsibilities of a project manager, including planning, execution, and monitoring, is crucial for effective project oversight.
Safety (OSHA)
OSHA records should be retained for five years to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and to have accessible historical safety data.
The maximum OSHA fine is , underscoring the importance of adhering to safety standards to avoid significant financial penalties.
The distributor of chemicals used in construction should provide the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) to inform workers about chemical hazards and safety precautions.
Scaffold must support its own weight and four times its intended load to ensure structural integrity and worker safety.
OSHA paragraphs 1926.100 through 1926.105 cover safety equipment like hard hats, eye protection, lanyards and safety nets, outlining the necessary protective gear for construction workers.
Goggles or helmets may be used for welding to protect against sparks, fumes, and radiation.
Safety belt lanyards do not allow a fall greater than six feet, reducing the risk of serious injury in the event of a fall.
OSHA Paragraph 1926.1053 covers ladders, providing specific requirements for ladder safety.
Ladder side rails must extend three feet above the surface being accessed to provide a secure handhold when transitioning onto or off the ladder.
The top of a step ladder will not be used as a step to prevent falls and injuries.
Step ladders must be faced while ascending or descending to maintain balance and control.
The horizontal distance from the top support of a ladder to the foot of the ladder should be one quarter of the working length, i.e. , to ensure stability.
Safety nets shall extend eight feet beyond the edge of a working platform to catch falling objects or workers.
OSHA Paragraphs 1926.150 through 1926.154 covers fire protection, detailing requirements for fire prevention and suppression.
Heaters used in the vicinity of combustible tarpaulin shall not be located within 10 feet of the tarpaulin to prevent fire hazards.
The prime contractor is responsible for the entire project, including safety and compliance.
A citation must be posted at the job site within three days of receipt to inform workers of violations and required corrective actions.
The person who is in charge of OSHA on a construction project must be competent, possessing the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure safety compliance.
The definition of an area with a small access is a confined space. An example would be a manhole, requiring specific safety protocols.
A hand rail would not be an example of safety equipment used while tying horizontal rebars for a retaining wall; instead, fall protection measures should be implemented.
Boards with nails protruding must be removed from the work area to prevent puncture wounds and other injuries.
OSHA Paragraph 1926.250b covers material storage, providing guidelines for safe storage practices.
Material shall not be stored within 10 feet of the exterior wall to maintain access for emergency egress and prevent structural damage.
Bagged material cannot be stacked higher than 10 bags high to prevent instability and collapse.
Cubed brick stacks shall not be higher than seven feet, while loose brick will not be higher than four feet to minimize the risk of falling bricks.
Blocks shall not be stacked higher than six feet to prevent them from toppling over.
Lumber may be stacked manually 16 feet high and mechanically 20 feet high, following specific stacking protocols.
Rigging equipment must be inspected prior to each use to ensure it is in good working condition and safe to use.
OSHA Paragraph 1926.252 covers cleanup, requiring regular removal of debris to maintain a safe work environment.
Whenever materials are dropped more than 20 feet from elevated platform, they must be dropped through a chute to prevent injuries and property damage.
Construction debris must be removed as work progresses to eliminate tripping hazards and other safety risks.
Oily rags and flammable liquids must be stored in fire resistant covered containers to prevent fires.
The maximum allowable pressure for cleaning purposes is 30psi to prevent injuries from high-pressure streams.
Persons operating powder actuated tools must be trained prior to using the tool to ensure safe operation.
All portable power driven circular saws shall be equipped with upper and lower guards to protect against blade contact.
OSHA Paragraph 1926.350 through 1926.353 covers the storage of gases used in welding, such as oxygen, propane, and acetylene, outlining safe storage practices.
Warm water should be used to separate frozen oxygen cylinders to avoid explosive hazards.
Gas cylinders must be secured in an upright position to prevent them from falling and causing damage or injury.
Fuel gas cylinder valves must be opened slowly to control gas flow and prevent sudden pressure increases.
Shields should be used around welding operations to protect nearby workers from arc radiation and sparks.
Oxygen cylinders shall be separated from fuel cylinders by at least 20 feet to prevent explosions.
Cylinders stored inside must be at least 20 feet from combustible material to reduce fire risks.
Before a regulator is connected to a gas cylinder, the valve should be opened slightly and closed immediately to clear any debris.
Hoses used carry fuel gases and well be inspected at the beginning of each shift to check for leaks and damage.
When working in confined spaces, welders must be equipped with lifeline and an attendant with a pre planned rescue procedure must be stationed outside to respond in case of emergency.
The arc welding machine must be turned off when the welder moves the machine to prevent accidental shocks.
A lifeline must be used by workers working in confined spaces to facilitate rescue in case of emergency.
Use the clearance table to determine the required clearances from electrical lines to prevent electrocution hazards.
OSHA Paragraph 1926.450 through 1926.454 covers scaffolding, detailing requirements for safe scaffold construction and use.
The Scaffold platform for workers applying stucco may be no more than 18 inches from the wall face to allow for easy access.
Scaffold platforms that overlap must overlap at least 12 inches to prevent tripping hazards.
The space between scaffold platform planks must not exceed one inch to prevent falls.
Scaffold platforms must be at least 18 inches wide to provide adequate working space.
Scaffold platforms must be not more than 14 inches from the face of the work to minimize reaching distances.
Outrigger scaffold platforms must not be more than three inches from the face of the building to prevent instability.
Scaffold platforms shall extend at least six inches and not more than 12 inches at the support. Platforms greater than 10 feet long may extend 18 inches at the support.
Whole scaffold leg bear on a muddle to distribute the load evenly and prevent collapse.
When hook on ladders are used on supported scaffold, rest platforms at a maximum of 35 feet intervals must be provided to reduce fatigue.
For access from one scaffold to another, the horizontal distance between them must not exceed 14 inches to avoid falls.
The top of guardrails or supported scalpels must be between thirty eight and forty five inches above the platform surface to provide adequate fall protection.
Diagonal bracing in both directions shall be installed across the entire outside face of all double and single pole scalpels to increase stability.
Crawling boards shall be secured to the roof with ridge hooks to prevent them from sliding.
The maximum intended load on ships scalpels is seven fifty pounds. i.e lbs.
Scaffold casters shall have a locking mechanism to prevent movement.
Respirator is not required on a construction project
OSHA Paragraphs 1926.501 and 1926.502 covers fall protection, detailing requirements for preventing falls from heights.
Workers reaching more than 10 inches below the working surface of a scaffold shall be protected from falling with a guardrail.
If the seal height for a window more than six feet above grade is at least 39 inches, no guardrail across the opening is required.
Work areas more than six feet high must have fall protect guardrail height and They'll be 42 inches plus or minus three.
Intermediate guardrail members, when used between posts, will be not more than 19 apart to prevent workers from falling through the gaps.
Wire rope guardrail must be flagged at intervals not exceeding six feet to increase visibility.
Safety net test weight must be 400 lbs to ensure adequate strength.
Attachment point of a body harness is the center of the wearer's back to distribute force evenly in the event of a fall.
Horizontal lifelines must have a safety factor of two, i.e. , to ensure they can withstand the anticipated loads.
Warning lines shall be erected not more than six feet from the roof edge to alert workers to the fall hazard.
Wire rope warning line must be located at least 34 and not more than 39 inches above the word surface.
Roofing material shall not be stored within six feet of a roof edge to prevent it from falling and causing injuries.
Power lines less than 50 kilovolt must be de energized when a crane boom is operating less than 10 feet from the line, i.e. , to prevent electrocution.
OSHA Paragraph points 651 thru 652 cover soils and excavations, which details safety regulations for excavation work.
A kick out is the accidental release or failure of a cross break, posing a serious safety hazard.
The definition of a trench is an excavation where the depth is greater than the width and the width of the bottom is less than 15 feet.
Means of egress are required for trenches more than four feet deep and such means may not require travel of more than 25 feet to ensure workers can escape quickly in case of collapse.
When hazardous atmospheres appear to exist in an excavation, atmosphere must be tested prior to workers entering the excavation.
Doors materials must be stored at least two feet from the edge of an excavation to prevent them from falling into the excavation.
Excavations should be inspected daily to identify potential hazards and prevent accidents.
You are allowed to excavate two feet below a shield system.
The sides of excavations more than five feet deep must be sloped and stabilized to prevent collapse.
OSHA Paragraph points 1926.751 through 1926.758 covers structural steel, providing safety regulations for steel erection.
Note that OSHA paragraph 1926.757 covers bar joists, offering guidelines for their safe installation and handling.
There shall be no more than eight stories between the erection floor and the upper most permanent floor to maintain stability during steel erection.
There shall be no more than four floors or 48 feet of unfinished bolting or welding above the upper most permanent floor to maintain structural integrity.
A fully planked floor or net is required within two stories or 30 feet of any erection floor to protect workers from falls.
Examples of the manual classification tests are the plasticity test, the dry strength test, the thumb pressure test, and the drying test, all used to assess soil properties.
Environmental Regulations
Sediment is the main factor that affects water quality and must be controlled on construction sites.
Construction runoff is 10 to 20 times more than agricultural runoff, necessitating effective erosion and sediment controls.
Phase two of the Clean Water Act covers construction activities from one to five acres, regulating stormwater discharges from smaller construction sites.
Use of water is the best method to eliminate dust on a construction project, reducing air pollution and health hazards.
Taxes and Payroll
A federal deposit includes all federal income tax withheld, plus the employer's and the employee's contribution for Social Security and Medicare.
Form 8109 is turned into the federal depository along with the deposit.
The Social Security rate is 6.2% and the Medicare rate is 1.45%.
Another name for the employer's tax guide is Circular E.
All payments to government agencies that fall due on Saturday are actually due on the next business day.
Carpentry
The following facts come from the carpentry book.
A benchmark is defined as the starting point from which measurements can be made
The string line of a batter board system must be at least four feet from the batter board.
Foundation walls should be moisture proof prior to being backfilled.
Place the welded wire mesh in the center of the vertical dimension of a slab and reinforcing bars in the center of the thickened edge around the perimeter of the slab.
Flooring boards shrink more across the width than along the length
Know the definitions of check and shape.
Decay resistance woods, like cedar and cypress, are best used as exterior siding.
Never notch a glulam beam
Be familiar with the grades and moisture categories of plywood
Wood beams should have a one-two inches space around the ends when placed in a masonry or concrete beam pocket.
Walls taller than 10 feet must be fireblocked
Use a cricket behind chimneys that are more than 30 inches wide.
Other names for the common roof truss are the W truss and the Fink truss
Be familiar with the descriptions of the different types of windows
Plywood roof sheathing joints should be staggered.
The top portion of a door jamb is called the head jamb
The panel door is made using stiles and rails
The minimum nominal thickness of a garage door is two inches.
The hinged side of a pre hung door could be plumb berthed
The most typical residential door height is six foot eight
The track of a bi fold door should be installed first
Use a three and one half inch hinge for a standard one and three eighths inch thick interior door.
Install the striker side door stop first
Know the definitions of shingle exposure, headlap, and top lap
The door jam should be flush with the wall
Underlayment felt should lap over the drip edge along the drip and tuck under the drip edge along the rake
Be familiar with hip roof ventilation
Dimension lines indicate the starting point and ending point of a dimension.
The joint between two wood shingles should be at least one-four inches, and the side lap, also known as the offset, should be one-onetwo inches.
Nail fascia boards to the rafter tails
Use fourpenny nails spaced six inches on center to nail the soffit
Use a screened, louvered, or slotted soffit vent
Beveled siding should be lapped one inch
Architectural blueprints are developed using plan views, sections, details, and elevations
Housewrap does not act as a vapor barrier
No wall sheathing is required when using plywood siding
Learn the definition of a winder tread
The horizontal dimension of a set of stairs is called the run
Whenever the stair width exceeds 30 inches, a third stringer must be added
Kitchen base cabinets are 24 inches deep, and the wall cabinets are 12 inches deep
When hanging wall cabinets, the screw should penetrate the stud at least one inch
Formula for calculating board footage is a linear footage times the size divided by 12
Building paper placed on the exterior frame walls and paper backing on fiberglass insulation acts as a vapor barrier.
Floor insulation in a crawl space must be adequately supported
When unfaced fiberglass insulation is placed in walls, friction holds the insulation in place
Insulation placed in interior walls is used for sound deadening purposes
Sound transmission can be reduced by fastening the interior wall covering to resilient metal burning channels
Blistering of paint on wood surfaces is caused by moisture in the wood prior to painting.
Install finished flooring prior to final interior trim
Wood flooring should be acclimated for four to five days before installation.
Ceramic tile is more durable than vinyl composite tile.
Simenius backer board is used to provide a solid surface on which to apply ceramic tile
The chimney hood helps prevent downdraft.
Masonry
Following facts come from the masonry book.
The weight of an eight inches CMU made with sand and gravel is 40 pounds, while the compressive strength ranges from 1,200 to 1,800 psi.
A two core CMU is stronger than a three core and is better suited to allow rebar or conduit to be installed through the cells.
The nominal dimensions of an eight inches CMU are eight inches by eight inches by 16 inches, while the actual dimensions are seven and five-eight inches by seven and five-eight inches by 15 and five-eight inches.
All glass block joints are one-four inches thick.
Limestone is the best stone to use as windowsills since it is less pervious.
The main ingredient of mortar mix is Portland cement.
Hydrated lime is the second most prevalent ingredient.
Type S hydrated lime is most likely used.
The lime is produced by a process called slaking.
Mortar should be used within two and one half hours of being mixed.
Bondability is the most significant property of hardened mortar, and it is the most difficult to measure.
Use Type M mortar when laying CMUs below grade.
The grout placed in CMU cells should be rotted.
The three types of masonry unit type are corrugated Z and rectangular.
Use a strap anchor when anchoring a partition wall to a bearing wall.
Burrowing of the mortar produces a uniform bed.
A story pole is used to ensure that the height of each course of brick or block is accurate.
All metal placed in mortar joints, such as ties or reinforcement, must be at least five-eight inches from the edge of the masonry.
The sand blasting pressure normally used on masonry is 60 to 120 psi.
Brick are normally cleaned using dilute hydrochloric acid.
The air space between cavity walls should be between one inch and four inches.
The most common space is two inches.
The recommended veneer spacing is two inches.
The purpose of the flange of a two core block being wider at the top is to allow for a larger mortar bed for the next course.
The mason string line should be kept one-sixteen inches from the edge of the masonry.
The trig is used to make sure that the string line does not sag.
Use a full mortar bed at the bed joint to increase the bond
The corner leads for a CMU wall should be at least four courses.
Use a five-eight inches diameter bar to tool a three-eight inches mortar joint
Forms and stakes are used to control the finish elevation of a concrete slab.
Foundation walls should be parts six inches above gray.
Curtain walls are non bearing walls that support themselves
The outside width of a cavity wall should have expansion joints no further apart than 50 feet
Place lintels over chases and recesses that are wider than 12 inches.
Lintels used with masonry may be made using steel, concrete, or masonry.
The strength of concrete increases fast when the temperature is high and slow when the temperature is low
Jack arches more than two feet wide should have steel supports.
Pair treads constructed of rig will be 12 inches wide
Welded wire mesh should be lapped one stay, plus two inches
Concrete surface coatings such as terrazzo are normally one-two inches thick
Know the uses of the different types of building and facing brick
Know the difference between modular and non modular brick
A three-eight inches thick mortar joint should be used produce nominal dimension
Any concrete masonry product that is more than 75% solid is considered a solid product
The durability of brick is affected by heat, cold, wetting, drying, and the action of soluble salts
Be familiar with the different brick bonds described on these pages
A white is a single unit thick masonry wall
Efflorescence is a white chalky substance found on brick and block walls due to a chemical reaction
The tooled mortar joint is the most waterproof
Use FTX unglazed clay tiles when a high degree of mechanical perfection is required
Objects must not protrude more than four inches when they are between twenty seven and eighty inches above the floor level.
Accessible routes must have a clear width of 36 inches
The rise of any ramp shall not exceed 30 inches
An elevator keypad should be patterned like a telephone keypad
Parking spaces must be at least 96 inches wide
The area around an accessible parking space must not slow greater than one quarter and 12
Water closets must be roughed in between sixteen and eighteen inches from the sidewall
An accessible toilet centerline should be at least 18 inches from the sidewall
Grab bars must carry a load of two fifty lbs.
An accessible grab bar in a toilet room shall be between thirty three and thirty six inches above the floor
Wheelchair turning spaces must be a minimum of 60 inches by 60 inches or have a 60 inches diameter
Three handicap accessible parking bases are required or parking lot with a total of 60 spaces
Pike Book (Site Work)
The following facts come from the pike book
If a reference stake has a number surrounded by a circle, the number represents the offset distance in feet from the hub to the center of the excavation
The letter C, followed by represents the distance from the top of the hub to the flow line of a pipe
A station equals 100 feet
A slope is a 100% slope
Sedimentary rock is the easiest rock to rip with a bulldozer
The groundwater level varies from season to season
A well point system is the best method to deborder an excavation
The pump should be monitored to ensure a safe working area.
A set for a backhoe is the volume that can be excavated from one setup.
Replace soaked subgrade soil with dry field
The best equipment to excavate a ditch in soft soil that is more than eight foot deep is a track excavator
Moist or saturated soil is less stable than dry dirt
Rutter jacks are the best type of shoring to use with firm soil
The trench box is used to prevent the sides of a trench from caving in on a worker
PSI Exam Facts
The following facts will help you pass a PSI administered examination. Each reference book will be identified once, and then facts from that book will be listed.
General Knowledge
The best method for estimating overhead is to use historical data, which provides a realistic view of past expenditures and helps in projecting future costs accurately.
New hire information must be reported to the new hire operations center within twenty days to comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
The purpose of the licensing board is to protect the public by ensuring that licensed professionals meet certain standards of competence and ethical conduct.
Become familiar with questions that an employer may ask a potential employee to understand the legal boundaries and avoid discriminatory practices.
Become familiar with FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act) requirements, including minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor laws, to ensure compliance.
Become familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of the different business organizations, such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations, to choose the most suitable structure.
Become familiar with the different methods of depreciation, including straight-line, declining balance, and sum-of-the-years' digits, to accurately account for asset depreciation.
Become familiar with the different financial statements and the associated accounting terminology to understand a company's financial performance and position.
Become familiar with the different financial ratios to assess a company's liquidity, solvency, profitability, and efficiency.
Become familiar with the IRS guidelines to determine if a worker is an employee or an independent contractor to ensure proper tax withholding and compliance.
Become familiar with the different types of taxes, including income tax, sales tax, property tax, and payroll tax, to manage tax obligations effectively.
Become familiar with the elements of a business plan, including the executive summary, company description, market analysis, and financial projections, to guide the business.
Become familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of the different business structures to select one that minimizes liability and maximizes tax efficiency.
Become familiar with the different types of insurance coverage, such as general liability, property, and workers' compensation, to protect the business against potential risks.
Become familiar with the list of items that are considered bid documents, including the invitation to bid, instructions to bidders, and specifications, to prepare accurate bids.
Be familiar with the items included as labor burden, such as payroll taxes, insurance, and benefits, to accurately calculate labor costs.
Know the definition of contingency and become familiar with project overhead and company overhead to manage project budgets effectively.
Understand the difference between markup and margin to price products and services profitably.
Learn the benefits of using a job cost system to track project costs and improve profitability.
Note the advantages of a written contract, including clarity, enforceability, and protection of interests.
Become familiar with the items that are included in an offer, such as price, quantity, and terms of payment, to create valid offers.
Become familiar with the cause of breach of contract, the provisions to limit risk in a contract, and an indemnification clause of a contract to protect your business from potential legal issues.
To come familiar with the different types of contracts and with the different contracting methods to choose the most appropriate contract for each project.
Be familiar with the steps required to produce a change order to manage changes in project scope and costs effectively.
Become familiar with both methods of scheduling a construction project, including bar charts and critical path method, to manage project timelines efficiently.
Be familiar with medical services and first aid requirements to ensure a safe working environment.
Be familiar with the OSHA soil classification system and the visual and manual tests used to classify soil to prevent cave-ins and other excavation hazards.
Refer to Chapter seven for federal employer guidelines and Chapter 12 for state employer guidelines to comply with employment laws and regulations.
Laws and Regulations
The beginning SUDA (State Unemployment Tax Act) rate for a new employer is 1.2%. Understanding state-specific unemployment tax rates is crucial for accurate payroll management.
The new hire reporting group must be notified within twenty days of hiring a new employee to comply with federal and state regulations.
A general contractor's license is required for contractors who build projects costing more than . This threshold is important for determining legal requirements for contracting work.
The penalty for willful violation of minimum wage and overtime requirements is per violation. Awareness of these penalties is essential for maintaining compliance with labor laws.
The I-9 form must be completed within three days of employment to verify the employee's eligibility to work in the United States.
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements apply when there are 15 or more employees, ensuring accessibility and non-discrimination in the workplace.
Failure to comply with federal lead regulation has a maximum penalty of per day. This underscores the importance of adhering to environmental health and safety standards.
Workman's compensation insurance is required if the employer has three or more employees. Compliance with workers' compensation laws is crucial for protecting employees and the business.
Lead paint has not been produced since 1978, making it essential to manage and mitigate lead-based paint hazards in older buildings.
An employer is not required to have a formal emergency action plan unless he has more than 10 employees. However, it's a best practice to have a plan regardless of the number of employees.
An employer is not required to keep OSHA injury records unless he has more than 10 employees. Maintaining these records is vital for promoting workplace safety.
The purpose of all governmental agencies is to protect the public, emphasizing the role of regulation in ensuring health, safety, and welfare.
A formal emergency action plan is not required if the employer has 10 or fewer employees, though preparedness is always advisable.
OSHA injury records (form three hundred) are not required if the employer has 10 or fewer employees, but maintaining a safe workplace culture is still important.
The Fair Labor Standards Act covers minimum wage, overtime pay, child labor, and record keeping only, ensuring fair labor practices and compliance.
ADA requirements do not apply to employers with fewer than 15 employees, but businesses should still strive for accessibility and inclusion.
Business and Finance
Increased safety results in more profit due to reduced accidents, insurance costs, and downtime.
General partnerships require formal agreement between the partners to outline responsibilities, profit sharing, and dispute resolution.
Partnerships are automatically dissolved if one of the partners leaves the partnership unless otherwise specified in the partnership agreement.
Source document includes any item that proves that a transaction took place (e.g., check stubs, copies of invoices), providing an audit trail for financial records.
The cash method of accounting does not match revenues with expenses, potentially distorting financial performance in certain periods.
Each partner of a general partnership is totally liable for all debts of the partnership, highlighting the importance of risk management.
The Social Security rate for employees is 6.2%, which is important for payroll calculations and tax compliance.
The W-4 form must be completed prior to making a federal withholdings deposit to determine the correct amount of tax to withhold from employees' wages.
A limited partner's liability is equal to the amount they invest, providing some protection against business debts.
Federal identification numbers are assigned by the IRS for tax purposes, and are essential for businesses to comply with federal regulations.
Another name for the employer's tax guide is Circular E, which provides essential information on payroll taxes and withholding.
Report FUTA (Federal Unemployment Tax Act) taxes using form 940, ensuring compliance with federal unemployment tax requirements.
Use form 1099 to report payments to subcontractors, helping to track and report non-employee compensation for tax purposes.
Preparation of a business plan is the single most important task to ensure the success of a business, guiding strategy and attracting investment.
Business names must be registered to comply with state and local regulations and protect branding.
General partnerships need a formal agreement and all partners are liable for the total debt of the partnership, underscoring the need for careful planning and risk assessment.
Working capital is defined as current assets minus current liabilities, indicating a company's short-term financial health.
The debt equity ratio is calculated by dividing the total liabilities by the net worth, assessing a company's financial leverage.
The formula for calculating the profit margin is divide the net profit by the total revenues, measuring a company's profitability.
While using the cash method of accounting, no attempt is made to match revenues with expenses, which can provide a distorted view of financial performance.
The percent of completion method used with long term contracts depends on an accurate estimate of project costs and revenues, affecting revenue recognition.
The basic accounting equation is: Assets = Liabilities + Net Worth. This equation underlies all accounting principles and financial reporting.
Bidding is not considered a construction management activity but rather a pre-construction phase.
Negotiation is not considered part of a formal contract but may lead to an agreement.
The main reason for having a formal contract is to prevent disputes and ensure clear terms of agreement.
A counteroffer avoids an offer, creating a new set of terms for consideration.
The FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act)rate is eight tenths percent and is paid with form nine forty, supporting Social Security and Medicare programs.
Insurance, Bonds, and Liens
The different types of insurance policies offered a contractor are: Workman's compensation, motor vehicle coverage, property insurance, and general liability, helping to protect against a wide range of risks.
Completed operations coverage covers defective products when they are out of your hands or completed work away from your premises, providing coverage for post-completion liabilities.
The three parties to a bond are the contractor, the owner, and the bonding company, ensuring project completion and financial protection.
Bid bonds guarantee that the contractor will enter the contract with the owner for the bid amount, providing assurance to the owner.
The employer pays for workman's compensation coverage, protecting employees in case of work-related injuries.
CGL (Commercial General Liability) insurance does not include vehicle liability, workman's compensation, or employer's liability, each of which requires separate coverage.
Labor liens are filed against real estate, providing a legal claim for unpaid labor and materials.
A lien must be filed within 120 of last furnishing labor and materials, ensuring timely enforcement of claims.
A request for judgment to enforce a lien must be filed within one hundred and eighty days of the last furnishing of labor and materials, adhering to legal deadlines.
A lien is filed with a clerk of the superior court in the county where the real property is located, determining jurisdiction for lien enforcement.
Estimating and Project Management
The four parts of an estimate are: labor, equipment, material, and overhead. These components are essential for accurate cost assessment.
The most accurate method to estimate a construction project is the quantity survey method, which is also known as the detail survey method. This is also known as the quantity takeoff method. This approach ensures thorough cost assessment and minimizes errors.
Project overhead is also known as job overhead and as direct cost, all representing necessary expenses for project execution.
The two methods to schedule a construction project are the bar chart and the critical path method. Float is used with the critical path method to optimize resource allocation.
A computerized cost system is used to shorten the time required to produce an estimate, increasing efficiency.
Form SSH should be filed to determine if a worker is an employee or an individual contractor, ensuring correct classification for tax and labor law compliance.
The primary weakness of a bar chart or Gantt chart schedule is that it does not show any dependencies, limiting its usefulness for complex projects.
Bidding is not considered part of contract management, as it occurs prior to contract execution.
Be familiar with responsibilities of a project manager, including planning, execution, and monitoring, is crucial for effective project oversight.
Safety (OSHA)
OSHA records should be retained for five years to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and to have accessible historical safety data.
The maximum OSHA fine is , underscoring the importance of adhering to safety standards to avoid significant financial penalties.
The distributor of chemicals used in construction should provide the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) to inform workers about chemical hazards and safety precautions.
Scaffold must support its own weight and four times its intended load to ensure structural integrity and worker safety.
OSHA paragraphs 1926.100 through 1926.105 cover safety equipment like hard hats, eye protection, lanyards and safety nets, outlining the necessary protective gear for construction workers.
Goggles or helmets may be used for welding to protect against sparks, fumes, and radiation.
Safety belt lanyards do not allow a fall greater than six feet, reducing the risk of serious injury in the event of a fall.
OSHA Paragraph 1926.1053 covers ladders, providing specific requirements for ladder safety.
Ladder side rails must extend three feet above the surface being accessed to provide a secure handhold when transitioning onto or off the ladder.
The top of a step ladder will not be used as a step to prevent falls and injuries.
Step ladders must be faced while ascending or descending to maintain balance and control.
The horizontal distance from the top support of a ladder to the foot of the ladder should be one quarter of the working length, i.e. , to ensure stability.
Safety nets shall extend eight feet beyond the edge of a working platform to catch falling objects or workers.
OSHA Paragraphs 1926.150 through 1926.154 covers fire protection, detailing requirements for fire prevention and suppression.
Heaters used in the vicinity of combustible tarpaulin shall not be located within 10 feet of the tarpaulin to prevent fire hazards.
The prime contractor is responsible for the entire project, including safety and compliance.
A citation must be posted at the job site within three days of receipt to inform workers of violations and required corrective actions.
The person who is in charge of OSHA on a construction project must be competent, possessing the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure safety compliance.
The definition of an area with a small access is a confined space. An example would be a manhole, requiring specific safety protocols.
A hand rail would not be an example of safety equipment used while tying horizontal rebars for a retaining wall; instead, fall protection measures should be implemented.
Boards with nails protruding must be removed from the work area to prevent puncture wounds and other injuries.
OSHA Paragraph 1926.250b covers material storage, providing guidelines for safe storage practices.
Material shall not be stored within 10 feet of the exterior wall to maintain access for emergency egress and prevent structural damage.
Bagged material cannot be stacked higher than 10 bags high to prevent instability and collapse.
Cubed brick stacks shall not be higher than seven feet, while loose brick will not be higher than four feet to minimize the risk of falling bricks.
Blocks shall not be stacked higher than six feet to prevent them from toppling over.
Lumber may be stacked manually 16 feet high and mechanically 20 feet high, following specific stacking protocols.
Rigging equipment must be inspected prior to each use to ensure it is in good working condition and safe to use.
OSHA Paragraph 1926.252 covers cleanup, requiring regular removal of debris to maintain a safe work environment.
Whenever materials are dropped more than 20 feet from elevated platform, they must be dropped through a chute to prevent injuries and property damage.
Construction debris must be removed as work progresses to eliminate tripping hazards and other safety risks.
Oily rags and flammable liquids must be stored in fire resistant covered containers to prevent fires.
The maximum allowable pressure for cleaning purposes is 30psi to prevent injuries from high-pressure streams.
Persons operating powder actuated tools must be trained prior to using the tool to ensure safe operation.
All portable power driven circular saws shall be equipped with upper and lower guards to protect against blade contact.
OSHA Paragraph 1926.350 through 1926.353 covers the storage of gases used in welding, such as oxygen, propane, and acetylene, outlining safe storage practices.
Warm water should be used to separate frozen oxygen cylinders to avoid explosive hazards.
Gas cylinders must be secured in an upright position to prevent them from falling and causing damage or injury.
Fuel gas cylinder valves must be opened slowly to control gas flow and prevent sudden pressure increases.
Shields should be used around welding operations to protect nearby workers from arc radiation and sparks.
Oxygen cylinders shall be separated from fuel cylinders by at least 20 feet to prevent explosions.
Cylinders stored inside must be at least 20 feet from combustible material to reduce fire risks.
Before a regulator is connected to a gas cylinder, the valve should be opened slightly and closed immediately to clear any debris.
Hoses used carry fuel gases and well be inspected at the beginning of each shift to check for leaks and damage.
When working in confined spaces, welders must be equipped with lifeline and an attendant with a pre planned rescue procedure must be stationed outside to respond in case of emergency.
The arc welding machine must be turned off when the welder moves the machine to prevent accidental shocks.
A lifeline must be used by workers working in confined spaces to facilitate rescue in case of emergency.
Use the clearance table to determine the required clearances from electrical lines to prevent electrocution hazards.
OSHA Paragraph 1926.450 through 1926.454 covers scaffolding, detailing requirements for safe scaffold construction and use.
The Scaffold platform for workers applying stucco may be no more than 18 inches from the wall face to allow for easy access.
Scaffold platforms that overlap must overlap at least 12 inches to prevent tripping hazards.
The space between scaffold platform planks must not exceed one inch to prevent falls.
Scaffold platforms must be at least 18 inches wide to provide adequate working space.
Scaffold platforms must be not more than 14 inches from the face of the work to minimize reaching distances.
Outrigger scaffold platforms must not be more than three inches from the face of the building to prevent instability.
Scaffold platforms shall extend at least six inches and not more than 12 inches at the support. Platforms greater than 10 feet long may extend 18 inches at the support.
Whole scaffold leg bear on a muddle to distribute the load evenly and prevent collapse.
When hook on ladders are used on supported scaffold, rest platforms at a maximum of 35 feet intervals must be provided to reduce fatigue.
For access from one scaffold to another, the horizontal distance between them must not exceed 14 inches to avoid falls.
The top of guardrails or supported scalpels must be between thirty eight and forty five inches above the platform surface to provide adequate fall protection.
Diagonal bracing in both directions shall be installed across the entire outside face of all double and single pole scalpels to increase stability.
Crawling boards shall be secured to the roof with ridge hooks to prevent them from sliding.
The maximum intended load on ships scalpels is seven fifty pounds. i.e lbs.
Scaffold casters shall have a locking mechanism to prevent movement.
Respirator is not required on a construction project
OSHA Paragraphs 1926.501 and 1926.502 covers fall protection, detailing requirements for preventing falls from heights.
Workers reaching more than 10 inches below the working surface of a scaffold shall be protected from falling with a guardrail.
If the seal height for a window more than six feet above grade is at least 39 inches, no guardrail across the opening is required.
Work areas more than six feet high must have fall protect guardrail height and They'll be 42 inches plus or minus three.
Intermediate guardrail members, when used between posts, will be not more than 19 apart to prevent workers from falling through the gaps.
Wire rope guardrail must be flagged at intervals not exceeding six feet to increase visibility.
Safety net test weight must be 400 lbs to ensure adequate strength.
Attachment point of a body harness is the center of the wearer's back to distribute force evenly in the event of a fall.
Horizontal lifelines must have a safety factor of two, i.e. , to ensure they can withstand the anticipated loads.
Warning lines shall be erected not more than six feet from the roof edge to alert workers to the fall hazard.
Wire rope warning line must be located at least 34 and not more than 39 inches above the word surface.
Roofing material shall not be stored within six feet of a roof edge to prevent it from falling and causing injuries.
Power lines less than 50 kilovolt must be de energized when a crane boom is operating less than 10 feet from the line, i.e. , to prevent electrocution.
OSHA Paragraph points 651 thru 652 cover soils and excavations, which details safety regulations for excavation work.
A kick out is the accidental release or failure of a cross break, posing a serious safety hazard.
The definition of a trench is an excavation where the depth is greater than the width and the width of the bottom is less than 15 feet.
Means of egress are required for trenches more than four feet deep and such means may not require travel of more than 25 feet to ensure workers can escape quickly in case of collapse.
When hazardous atmospheres appear to exist in an excavation, atmosphere must be tested prior to workers entering the excavation.
Doors materials must be stored at least two feet from the edge of an excavation to prevent them from falling into the excavation.
Excavations should be inspected daily to identify potential hazards and prevent accidents.
You are allowed to excavate two feet below a shield system.
The sides of excavations more than five feet deep must be sloped and stabilized to prevent collapse.
OSHA Paragraph points 1926.751 through 1926.758 covers structural steel, providing safety regulations for steel erection.
Note that OSHA paragraph 1926.757 covers bar joists, offering guidelines for their safe installation and handling.
There shall be no more than eight stories between the erection floor and the upper most permanent floor to maintain stability during steel erection.
There shall be no more than four floors or 48 feet of unfinished bolting or welding above the upper most permanent floor to maintain structural integrity.
A fully planked floor or net is required within two stories or 30 feet of any erection floor to protect workers from falls.
Examples of the manual classification tests are the plasticity test, the dry strength test, the thumb pressure test, and the drying test, all used to assess soil properties.
Environmental Regulations
Sediment is the main factor that affects water quality and must be controlled on construction sites.
Construction runoff is 10 to 20 times more than agricultural runoff, necessitating effective erosion and sediment controls.
Phase two of the Clean Water Act covers construction activities from one to five acres, regulating stormwater discharges from smaller construction sites.
Use of water is the best method to eliminate dust on a construction project, reducing air pollution and health hazards.
Taxes and Payroll
A federal deposit includes all federal income tax withheld, plus the employer's and the employee's contribution for Social Security and Medicare.
Form 8109 is turned into the federal depository along with the deposit.
The Social Security rate is 6.2% and the Medicare rate is 1.45%.
Another name for the employer's tax guide is Circular E.
All payments to government agencies that fall due on Saturday are actually due on the next business day.
Carpentry
The following facts come from the carpentry book.
A benchmark is defined as the starting point from which measurements can be made
The string line of a batter board system must be at least four feet from the batter board.
Foundation walls should be moisture proof prior to being backfilled.
Place the welded wire mesh in the center of the vertical dimension of a slab and reinforcing bars in the center of the thickened edge around the perimeter of the slab.
Flooring boards shrink more across the width than along the length
Know the definitions of check and shape.
Decay resistance woods, like cedar and cypress, are best used as exterior siding.
Never notch a glulam beam
Be familiar with the grades and moisture categories of plywood
Wood beams should have a one-two inches space around the ends when placed in a masonry or concrete beam pocket.
Walls taller than 10 feet must be fireblocked
Use a cricket behind chimneys that are more than 30 inches wide.
Other names for the common roof truss are the W truss and the Fink truss
Be familiar with the descriptions of the different types of windows
Plywood roof sheathing joints should be staggered.
The top portion of a door jamb is called the head jamb
The panel door is made using stiles and rails
The minimum nominal thickness of a garage door is two inches.
The hinged side of a pre hung door could be plumb berthed
The most typical residential door height is six foot eight
The track of a bi fold door should be installed first
Use a three and one half inch hinge for a standard one and three eighths inch thick interior door.
Install the striker side door stop first
Know the definitions of shingle exposure, headlap, and top lap
The door jam should be flush with the wall
Underlayment felt should lap over the drip edge along the drip and tuck under the drip edge along the rake
Be familiar with hip roof ventilation
Dimension lines indicate the starting point and ending point of a dimension.
The joint between two wood shingles should be at least one-four inches, and the side lap, also known as the offset, should be one-onetwo inches.
Nail fascia boards to the rafter tails
Use fourpenny nails spaced six inches on center to nail the soffit
Use a screened, louvered, or slotted soffit vent
Beveled siding should be lapped one inch
Architectural blueprints are developed using plan views, sections, details, and elevations
Housewrap does not act as a vapor barrier
No wall sheathing is required when using plywood siding
Learn the definition of a winder tread
The horizontal dimension of a set of stairs is called the run
Whenever the stair width exceeds 30 inches, a third stringer must be added
Kitchen base cabinets are 24 inches deep, and the wall cabinets are 12 inches deep
When hanging wall cabinets, the screw should penetrate the stud at least one inch
Formula for calculating board footage is a linear footage times the size divided by 12
Building paper placed on the exterior frame walls and paper backing on fiberglass insulation acts as a vapor barrier.
Floor insulation in a crawl space must be adequately supported
When unfaced fiberglass insulation is placed in walls, friction holds the insulation in place
Insulation placed in interior walls is used for sound deadening purposes
Sound transmission can be reduced by fastening the interior wall covering to resilient metal burning channels
Blistering of paint on wood surfaces is caused by moisture in the wood prior to painting.
Install finished flooring prior to final interior trim
Wood flooring should be acclimated for four to five days before installation.
Ceramic tile is more durable than vinyl composite tile.
Simenius backer board is used to provide a solid surface on which to apply ceramic tile
The chimney hood helps prevent downdraft.
Masonry
Following facts come from the masonry book.
The weight of an eight inches CMU made with sand and gravel is 40 pounds, while the compressive strength ranges from 1,200 to 1,800 psi.
A two core CMU is stronger than a three core and is better suited to allow rebar or conduit to be installed through the cells.
The nominal dimensions of an eight inches CMU are eight inches by eight inches by 16 inches, while the actual dimensions are seven and five-eight inches by seven and five-eight inches by 15 and five-eight inches.
All glass block joints are one-four inches thick.
Limestone is the best stone to use as windowsills since it is less pervious.
The main ingredient of mortar mix is Portland cement.
Hydrated lime is the second most prevalent ingredient.
Type S hydrated lime is most likely used.
The lime is produced by a process called slaking.
Mortar should be used within two and one half hours of being mixed.
Bondability is the most significant property of hardened mortar, and it is the most difficult to measure.
Use Type M mortar when laying CMUs below grade.
The grout placed in CMU cells should be rotted.
The three types of masonry unit type are corrugated Z and rectangular.
Use a strap anchor when anchoring a partition wall to a bearing wall.
Burrowing of the mortar produces a uniform bed.
A story pole is used to ensure that the height of each course of brick or block is accurate.
All metal placed in mortar joints, such as ties or reinforcement, must be at least five-eight inches from the edge of the masonry.
The sand blasting pressure normally used on masonry is 60 to 120 psi.
Brick are normally cleaned using dilute hydrochloric acid.
The air space between cavity walls should be between one inch and four inches.
The most common space is two inches.
The recommended veneer spacing is two inches.
The purpose of the flange of a two core block being wider at the top is to allow for a larger mortar bed for the next course.
The mason string line should be kept one-sixteen inches from the edge of the masonry.
The trig is used to make sure that the string line does not sag.
Use a full mortar bed at the bed joint to increase the bond
The corner leads for a CMU wall should be at least four courses.
Use a five-eight inches diameter bar to tool a three-eight inches mortar joint
Forms and stakes are used to control the finish elevation of a concrete slab.
Foundation walls should be parts six inches above gray.
Curtain walls are non bearing walls that support themselves
The outside width of a cavity wall should have expansion joints no further apart than 50 feet
Place lintels over chases and recesses that are wider than 12 inches.
Lintels used with masonry may be made using steel, concrete, or masonry.
The strength of concrete increases fast when the temperature is high and slow when the temperature is low
Jack arches more than two feet wide should have steel supports.
Pair treads constructed of rig will be 12 inches wide
Welded wire mesh should be lapped one stay, plus two inches
Concrete surface coatings such as terrazzo are normally one-two inches thick
Know the uses of the different types of building and facing brick
Know the difference between modular and non modular brick
A three-eight inches thick mortar joint should be used produce nominal dimension
Any concrete masonry product that is more than 75% solid is considered a solid product
The durability of brick is affected by heat, cold, wetting, drying, and the action of soluble salts
Be familiar with the different brick bonds described on these pages
A white is a single unit thick masonry wall
Efflorescence is a white chalky substance found on brick and block walls due to a chemical reaction
The tooled mortar joint is the most waterproof
Use FTX unglazed clay tiles when a high degree of mechanical perfection is required
Objects must not protrude more than four inches when they are between twenty seven and eighty inches above the floor level.
Accessible routes must have a clear width of 36 inches
The rise of any ramp shall not exceed 30 inches
An elevator keypad should be patterned like a telephone keypad
Parking spaces must be at least 96 inches wide
The area around an accessible parking space must not slow greater than one quarter and 12
Water closets must be roughed in between sixteen and eighteen inches from the sidewall
An accessible toilet centerline should be at least 18 inches from the sidewall
Grab bars must carry a load of two fifty lbs.
An accessible grab bar in a toilet room shall be between thirty three and thirty six inches above the floor
Wheelchair turning spaces must be a minimum of 60 inches by 60 inches or have a 60 inches diameter
Three handicap accessible parking bases are required or parking lot with a total of 60 spaces
Pike Book (Site Work)
The following facts come from the pike book
If a reference stake has a number surrounded by a circle, the number represents the offset distance in feet from the hub to the center of the excavation
The letter C, followed by represents the distance from the top of the hub to the flow line of a pipe
A station equals 100 feet
A slope is a 100% slope
Sedimentary rock is the easiest rock to rip with a bulldozer
The groundwater level varies from season to season
A well point system is the best method to deborder an excavation
The pump should be monitored to ensure a safe working area.
A set for a backhoe is the volume that can be excavated from one setup.
Replace soaked subgrade soil with dry field
The best equipment to excavate a ditch in soft soil that is more than eight foot deep is a track excavator
Moist or saturated soil is less stable than dry dirt
Rutter jacks are the best type of shoring to use with firm soil
The trench box is used to prevent the sides of a trench from caving in on a worker
PSI Exam Facts
The following facts will help you pass a PSI administered examination. Each reference book will be identified once, and then facts from that book will be listed.
General Knowledge
The best method for estimating overhead is to use historical data, which provides a realistic view of past expenditures and helps in projecting future costs accurately.
New hire information must be reported to the new hire operations center within twenty days to comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
The purpose of the licensing board is to protect the public by ensuring that licensed professionals meet certain standards of competence and ethical conduct.
Become familiar with questions that an employer may ask a potential employee to understand the legal boundaries and avoid discriminatory practices.
Become familiar with FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act) requirements, including minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor laws, to ensure compliance.
Become familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of the different business organizations, such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations, to choose the most suitable structure.
Become familiar with the different methods of depreciation, including straight-line, declining balance, and sum-of-the-years' digits, to accurately account for asset depreciation.
Become familiar with the different financial statements and the associated accounting terminology to understand a company's financial performance and position.
Become familiar with the different financial ratios to assess a company's liquidity, solvency, profitability, and efficiency.
Become familiar with the IRS guidelines to determine if a worker is an employee or an independent contractor to ensure proper tax withholding and compliance.
Become familiar with the different types of taxes, including income tax, sales tax, property tax, and payroll tax, to manage tax obligations effectively.
Become familiar with the elements of a business plan, including the executive summary, company description, market analysis, and financial projections, to guide the business.
Become familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of the different business structures to select one that minimizes liability and maximizes tax efficiency.
Become familiar with the different types of insurance coverage, such as general liability, property, and workers' compensation, to protect the business against potential risks.
Become familiar with the list of items that are considered bid documents, including the invitation to bid, instructions to bidders, and specifications, to prepare accurate bids.
Be familiar with the items included as labor burden, such as payroll taxes, insurance, and benefits, to accurately calculate labor costs.
Know the definition of contingency and become familiar with project overhead and company overhead to manage project budgets effectively.
Understand the difference between markup and margin to price products and services profitably.
Learn the benefits of using a job cost system to track project costs and improve profitability.
Note the advantages of a written contract, including clarity, enforceability, and protection of interests.
Become familiar with the items that are included in an offer, such as price, quantity, and terms of payment, to create valid offers.
Become familiar with the cause of breach of contract, the provisions to limit risk in a contract, and an indemnification clause of a contract to protect your business from potential legal issues.
To come familiar with the different types of contracts and with the different contracting methods to choose the most appropriate contract for each project.
Be familiar with the steps required to produce a change order to manage changes in project scope and costs effectively.
Become familiar with both methods of scheduling a construction project, including bar charts and critical path method, to manage project timelines efficiently.
Be familiar with medical services and first aid requirements to ensure a safe working environment.
Be familiar with the OSHA soil classification system and the visual and manual tests used to classify soil to prevent cave-ins and other excavation hazards.
Refer to Chapter seven for federal employer guidelines and Chapter 12 for state employer guidelines to comply with employment laws and regulations.
Laws and Regulations
The beginning SUDA (State Unemployment Tax Act) rate for a new employer is 1.2%. Understanding state-specific unemployment tax rates is crucial for accurate payroll management.
The new hire reporting group must be notified within twenty days of hiring a new employee to comply with federal and state regulations.
A general contractor's license is required for contractors who build projects costing more than . This threshold is important for determining legal requirements for contracting work.
The penalty for willful violation of minimum wage and overtime requirements is per violation. Awareness of these penalties is essential for maintaining compliance with labor laws.
The I-9 form must be completed within three days of employment to verify the employee's eligibility to work in the United States.
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements apply when there are 15 or more employees, ensuring accessibility and non-discrimination in the workplace.
Failure to comply with federal lead regulation has a maximum penalty of per day. This underscores the importance of adhering to environmental health and safety standards.
Workman's compensation insurance is required if the employer has three or more employees. Compliance with workers' compensation laws is crucial for protecting employees and the business.
Lead paint has not been produced since 1978, making it essential to manage and mitigate lead-based paint hazards in older buildings.
An employer is not required to have a formal emergency action plan unless he has more than 10 employees. However, it's a best practice to have a plan regardless of the number of employees.
An employer is not required to keep OSHA injury records unless he has more than 10 employees. Maintaining these records is vital for promoting workplace safety.
The purpose of all governmental agencies is to protect the public, emphasizing the role of regulation in ensuring health, safety, and welfare.
A formal emergency action plan is not required if the employer has 10 or fewer employees, though preparedness is always advisable.
OSHA injury records (form three hundred) are not required if the employer has 10 or fewer employees, but maintaining a safe workplace culture is still important.
The Fair Labor Standards Act covers minimum wage, overtime pay, child labor, and record keeping only, ensuring fair labor practices and compliance.
ADA requirements do not apply to employers with fewer than 15 employees, but businesses should still strive for accessibility and inclusion.
Business and Finance
Increased safety results in more profit due to reduced accidents, insurance costs, and downtime.
General partnerships require formal agreement between the partners to outline responsibilities, profit sharing, and dispute resolution.
Partnerships are automatically dissolved if one of the partners leaves the partnership unless otherwise specified in the partnership agreement.
Source document includes any item that proves that a transaction took place (e.g., check stubs, copies of invoices), providing an audit trail for financial records.
The cash method of accounting does not match revenues with expenses, potentially distorting financial performance in certain periods.
Each partner of a general partnership is totally liable for all debts of the partnership, highlighting the importance of risk management.
The Social Security rate for employees is 6.2%, which is important for payroll calculations and tax compliance.
The W-4 form must be completed prior to making a federal withholdings deposit to determine the correct amount of tax to withhold from employees' wages.
A limited partner's liability is equal to the amount they invest, providing some protection against business debts.
Federal identification numbers are assigned by the IRS for tax purposes, and are essential for businesses to comply with federal regulations.
Another name for the employer's tax guide is Circular E, which provides essential information on payroll taxes and withholding.
Report FUTA (Federal Unemployment Tax Act) taxes using form 940, ensuring compliance with federal unemployment tax requirements.
Use form 1099 to report payments to subcontractors, helping to track and report non-employee compensation for tax purposes.
Preparation of a business plan is the single most important task to ensure the success of a business, guiding strategy and attracting investment.
Business names must be registered to comply with state and local regulations and protect branding.
General partnerships need a formal agreement and all partners are liable for the total debt of the partnership, underscoring the need for careful planning and risk assessment.
Working capital is defined as current assets minus current liabilities, indicating a company's short-term financial health.
The debt equity ratio is calculated by dividing the total liabilities by the net worth, assessing a company's financial leverage.
The formula for calculating the profit margin is divide the net profit by the total revenues, measuring a company's profitability.
While using the cash method of accounting, no attempt is made to match revenues with expenses, which can provide a distorted view of financial performance.
The percent of completion method used with long term contracts depends on an accurate estimate of project costs and revenues, affecting revenue recognition.
The basic accounting equation is: Assets = Liabilities + Net Worth. This equation underlies all accounting principles and financial reporting.
Bidding is not considered a construction management activity but rather a pre-construction phase.
Negotiation is not considered part of a formal contract but may lead to an agreement.
The main reason for having a formal contract is to prevent disputes and ensure clear terms of agreement.
A counteroffer avoids an offer, creating a new set of terms for consideration.
The FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act)rate is eight tenths percent and is paid with form nine forty, supporting Social Security and Medicare programs.
Insurance, Bonds, and Liens
The different types of insurance policies offered a contractor are: Workman's compensation, motor vehicle coverage, property insurance, and general liability, helping to protect against a wide range of risks.
Completed operations coverage covers defective products when they are out of your hands or completed work away from your premises, providing coverage for post-completion liabilities.
The three parties to a bond are the contractor, the owner, and the bonding company, ensuring project completion and financial protection.
Bid bonds guarantee that the contractor will enter the contract with the owner for the bid amount, providing assurance to the owner.
The employer pays for workman's compensation coverage, protecting employees in case of work-related injuries.
CGL (Commercial General Liability) insurance does not include vehicle liability, workman's compensation, or employer's liability, each of which requires separate coverage.
Labor liens are filed against real estate, providing a legal claim for unpaid labor and materials.
A lien must be filed within 120 of last furnishing labor and materials, ensuring timely enforcement of claims.
A request for judgment to enforce a lien must be filed within one hundred and eighty days of the last furnishing of labor and materials, adhering to legal deadlines.
A lien is filed with a clerk of the superior court in the county where the real property is located, determining jurisdiction for lien enforcement.
Estimating and Project Management
The four parts of an estimate are: labor, equipment, material, and overhead. These components are essential for accurate cost assessment.
The most accurate method to estimate a construction project is the quantity survey method, which is also known as the detail survey method. This is also known as the quantity takeoff method. This approach ensures thorough cost assessment and minimizes errors.
Project overhead is also known as job overhead and as direct cost, all representing necessary expenses for project execution.
The two methods to schedule a construction project are the bar chart and the critical path method. Float is used with the critical path method to optimize resource allocation.
A computerized cost system is used to shorten the time required to produce an estimate, increasing efficiency.
Form SSH should be filed to determine if a worker is an employee or an individual contractor, ensuring correct classification for tax and labor law compliance.
The primary weakness of a bar chart or Gantt chart schedule is that it does not show any dependencies, limiting its usefulness for complex projects.
Bidding is not considered part of contract management, as it occurs prior to contract execution.
Be familiar with responsibilities of a project manager, including planning, execution, and monitoring, is crucial for effective project oversight.
Safety (OSHA)
OSHA records should be retained for five years to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and to have accessible historical safety data.
The maximum OSHA fine is , underscoring the importance of adhering to safety standards to avoid significant financial penalties.
The distributor of chemicals used in construction should provide the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) to inform workers about chemical hazards and safety precautions.
Scaffold must support its own weight and four times its intended load to ensure structural integrity and worker safety.
OSHA paragraphs 1926.100 through 1926.105 cover safety equipment like hard hats, eye protection, lanyards and safety nets, outlining the necessary protective gear for construction workers.
Goggles or helmets may be used for welding to protect against sparks, fumes, and radiation.
Safety belt lanyards do not allow a fall greater than six feet, reducing the risk of serious injury in the event of a fall.
OSHA Paragraph 1926.1053 covers ladders, providing specific requirements for ladder safety.
Ladder side rails must extend three feet above the surface being accessed to provide a secure handhold when transitioning onto or off the ladder.
The top of a step ladder will not be used as a step to prevent falls and injuries.
Step ladders must be faced while ascending or descending to maintain balance and control.
The horizontal distance from the top support of a ladder to the foot of the ladder should be one quarter of the working length, i.e. , to ensure stability.
Safety nets shall extend eight feet beyond the edge of a working platform to catch falling objects or workers.
OSHA Paragraphs 1926.150 through 1926.154 covers fire protection, detailing requirements for fire prevention and suppression.
Heaters used in the vicinity of combustible tarpaulin shall not be located within 10 feet of the tarpaulin to prevent fire hazards.
The prime contractor is responsible for the entire project, including safety and compliance.
A citation must be posted at the job site within three days of receipt to inform workers of violations and required corrective actions.
The person who is in charge of OSHA on a construction project must be competent, possessing the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure safety compliance.
The definition of an area with a small access is a confined space. An example would be a manhole, requiring specific safety protocols.
A hand rail would not be an example of safety equipment used while tying horizontal rebars for a retaining wall; instead, fall protection measures should be implemented.
Boards with nails protruding must be removed from the work area to prevent puncture wounds and other injuries.
OSHA Paragraph 1926.250b covers material storage, providing guidelines for safe storage practices.
Material shall not be stored within 10 feet of the exterior wall to maintain access for emergency egress and prevent structural damage.
Bagged material cannot be stacked higher than 10 bags high to prevent instability and collapse.
Cubed brick stacks shall not be higher than seven feet, while loose brick will not be higher than four feet to minimize the risk of falling bricks.
Blocks shall not be stacked higher than six feet to prevent them from toppling over.
Lumber may be stacked manually 16 feet high and mechanically 20 feet high, following specific stacking protocols.
Rigging equipment must be inspected prior to each use to ensure it is in good working condition and safe to use.
OSHA Paragraph 1926.252 covers cleanup, requiring regular removal of debris to maintain a safe work environment.
Whenever materials are dropped more than 20 feet from elevated platform, they must be dropped through a chute to prevent injuries and property damage.
Construction debris must be removed as work progresses to eliminate tripping hazards and other safety risks.
Oily rags and flammable liquids must be stored in fire resistant covered containers to prevent fires.
The maximum allowable pressure for cleaning purposes is 30psi to prevent injuries from high-pressure streams.
Persons operating powder actuated tools must be trained prior to using the tool to ensure safe operation.
All portable power driven circular saws shall be equipped with upper and lower guards to protect against blade contact.
OSHA Paragraph 1926.350 through 1926.353 covers the storage of gases used in welding, such as oxygen, propane, and acetylene, outlining safe storage practices.
Warm water should be used to separate frozen oxygen cylinders to avoid explosive hazards.
Gas cylinders must be secured in an upright position to prevent them from falling and causing damage or injury.
Fuel gas cylinder valves must be opened slowly to control gas flow and prevent sudden pressure increases.
Shields should be used around welding operations to protect nearby workers from arc radiation and sparks.
Oxygen cylinders shall be separated from fuel cylinders by at least 20 feet to prevent explosions.
Cylinders stored inside must be at least 20 feet from combustible material to reduce fire risks.
Before a regulator is connected to a gas cylinder, the valve should be opened slightly and closed immediately to clear any debris.
Hoses used carry fuel gases and well be inspected at the beginning of each shift to check for leaks and damage.
When working in confined spaces, welders must be equipped with lifeline and an attendant with a pre planned rescue procedure must be stationed outside to respond in case of emergency.
The arc welding machine must be turned off when the welder moves the machine to prevent accidental shocks.
A lifeline must be used by workers working in confined spaces to facilitate rescue in case of emergency.
Use the clearance table to determine the required clearances from electrical lines to prevent electrocution hazards.
OSHA Paragraph 1926.450 through 1926.454 covers scaffolding, detailing requirements for safe scaffold construction and use.
The Scaffold platform for workers applying stucco may be no more than 18 inches from the wall face to allow for easy access.
Scaffold platforms that overlap must overlap at least 12 inches to prevent tripping hazards.
The space between scaffold platform planks must not exceed one inch to prevent falls.
Scaffold platforms must be at least 18 inches wide to provide adequate working space.
Scaffold platforms must be not more than 14 inches from the face of the work to minimize reaching distances.
Outrigger scaffold platforms must not be more than three inches from the face of the building to prevent instability.
Scaffold platforms shall extend at least six inches and not more than 12 inches at the support. Platforms greater than 10 feet long may extend 18 inches at the support.
Whole scaffold leg bear on a muddle to distribute the load evenly and prevent collapse.
When hook on ladders are used on supported scaffold, rest platforms at a maximum of 35 feet intervals must be provided to reduce fatigue.
For access from one scaffold to another, the horizontal distance between them must not exceed 14 inches to avoid falls.
The top of guardrails or supported scalpels must be between thirty eight and forty five inches above the platform surface to provide adequate fall protection.
Diagonal bracing in both directions shall be installed across the entire outside face of all double and single pole scalpels to increase stability.
Crawling boards shall be secured to the roof with ridge hooks to prevent them from sliding.
The maximum intended load on ships scalpels is seven fifty pounds. i.e lbs.
Scaffold casters shall have a locking mechanism to prevent movement.
Respirator is not required on a construction project
OSHA Paragraphs 1926.501 and 1926.502 covers fall protection, detailing requirements for preventing falls from heights.
Workers reaching more than 10 inches below the working surface of a scaffold shall be protected from falling with a guardrail.
If the seal height for a window more than six feet above grade is at least 39 inches, no guardrail across the opening is required.
Work areas more than six feet high must have fall protect guardrail height and They'll be 42 inches plus or minus three.
Intermediate guardrail members, when used between posts, will be not more than 19 apart to prevent workers from falling through the gaps.
Wire rope guardrail must be flagged at intervals not exceeding six feet to increase visibility.
Safety net test weight must be 400 lbs to ensure adequate strength.
Attachment point of a body harness is the center of the wearer's back to distribute force evenly in the event of a fall.
Horizontal lifelines must have a safety factor of two, i.e. , to ensure they can withstand the anticipated loads.
Warning lines shall be erected not more than six feet from the roof edge to alert workers to the fall hazard.
Wire rope warning line must be located at least 34 and not more than 39 inches above the word surface.
Roofing material shall not be stored within six feet of a roof edge to prevent it from falling and causing injuries.
Power lines less than 50 kilovolt must be de energized when a crane boom is operating less than 10 feet from the line, i.e. , to prevent electrocution.
OSHA Paragraph points 651 thru 652 cover soils and excavations, which details safety regulations for excavation work.
A kick out is the accidental release or failure of a cross break, posing a serious safety hazard.
The definition of a trench is an excavation where the depth is greater than the width and the width of the bottom is less than 15 feet.
Means of egress are required for trenches more than four feet deep and such means may not require travel of more than 25 feet to ensure workers can escape quickly in case of collapse.
When hazardous atmospheres appear to exist in an excavation, atmosphere must be tested prior to workers entering the excavation.
Doors materials must be stored at least two feet from the edge of an excavation to prevent them from falling into the excavation.
Excavations should be inspected daily to identify potential hazards and prevent accidents.
You are allowed to excavate two feet below a shield system.
The sides of excavations more than five feet deep must be sloped and stabilized to prevent collapse.
OSHA Paragraph points 1926.751 through 1926.758 covers structural steel, providing safety regulations for steel erection.
Note that OSHA paragraph 1926.757 covers bar joists, offering guidelines for their safe installation and handling.
There shall be no more than eight stories between the erection floor and the upper most permanent floor to maintain stability during steel erection.
There shall be no more than four floors or 48 feet of unfinished bolting or welding above the upper most permanent floor to maintain structural integrity.
A fully planked floor or net is required within two stories or 30 feet of any erection floor to protect workers from falls.
Examples of the manual classification tests are the plasticity test, the dry strength test, the thumb pressure test, and the drying test, all used to assess soil properties.
Environmental Regulations
Sediment is the main factor that affects water quality and must be controlled on construction sites.
Construction runoff is 10 to 20 times more than agricultural runoff, necessitating effective erosion and sediment controls.
Phase two of the Clean Water Act covers construction activities from one to five acres, regulating stormwater discharges from smaller construction sites.
Use of water is the best method to eliminate dust on a construction project, reducing air pollution and health hazards.
Taxes and Payroll
A federal deposit includes all federal income tax withheld, plus the employer's and the employee's contribution for Social Security and Medicare.
Form 8109 is turned into the federal depository along with the deposit.
The Social Security rate is 6.2% and the Medicare rate is 1.45%.
Another name for the employer's tax guide is Circular E.
All payments to government agencies that fall due on Saturday are actually due on the next business day.
Carpentry
The following facts come from the carpentry book.
A benchmark is defined as the starting point from which measurements can be made
The string line of a batter board system must be at least four feet from the batter board.
Foundation walls should be moisture proof prior to being backfilled.
Place the welded wire mesh in the center of the vertical dimension of a slab and reinforcing bars in the center of the thickened edge around the perimeter of the slab.
Flooring boards shrink more across the width than along the length
Know the definitions of check and shape.
Decay resistance woods, like cedar and cypress, are best used as exterior siding.
Never notch a glulam beam
Be familiar with the grades and moisture categories of plywood
Wood beams should have a one-two inches space around the ends when placed in a masonry or concrete beam pocket.
Walls taller than 10 feet must be fireblocked
Use a cricket behind chimneys that are more than 30 inches wide.
Other names for the common roof truss are the W truss and the Fink truss
Be familiar with the descriptions of the different types of windows
Plywood roof sheathing joints should be staggered.
The top portion of a door jamb is called the head jamb
The panel door is made using stiles and rails
The minimum nominal thickness of a garage door is two inches.
The hinged side of a pre hung door could be plumb berthed
The most typical residential door height is six foot eight
The track of a bi fold door should be installed first
Use a three and one half inch hinge for a standard one and three eighths inch thick interior door.
Install the striker side door stop first
Know the definitions of shingle exposure, headlap, and top lap
The door jam should be flush with the wall
Underlayment felt should lap over the drip edge along the drip and tuck under the drip edge along the rake
Be familiar with hip roof ventilation
Dimension lines indicate the starting point and ending point of a dimension.
The joint between two wood shingles should be at least one-four inches, and the side lap, also known as the offset, should be one-onetwo inches.
Nail fascia boards to the rafter tails
Use fourpenny nails spaced six inches on center to nail the soffit
Use a screened, louvered, or slotted soffit vent
Beveled siding should be lapped one inch
Architectural blueprints are developed using plan views, sections, details, and elevations
Housewrap does not act as a vapor barrier
No wall sheathing is required when using plywood siding
Learn the definition of a winder tread
The horizontal dimension of a set of stairs is called the run
Whenever the stair width exceeds 30 inches, a third stringer must be added
Kitchen base cabinets are 24 inches deep, and the wall cabinets are 12 inches deep
When hanging wall cabinets, the screw should penetrate the stud at least one inch
Formula for calculating board footage is a linear footage times the size divided by 12
Building paper placed on the exterior frame walls and paper backing on fiberglass insulation acts as a vapor barrier.
Floor insulation in a crawl space must be adequately supported
When unfaced fiberglass insulation is placed in walls, friction holds the insulation in place
Insulation placed in interior walls is used for sound deadening purposes
Sound transmission can be reduced by fastening the interior wall covering to resilient metal burning channels
Blistering of paint on wood surfaces is caused by moisture in the wood prior to painting.
Install finished flooring prior to final interior trim
Wood flooring should be acclimated for four to five days before installation.
Ceramic tile is more durable than vinyl composite tile.
Simenius backer board is used to provide a solid surface on which to apply ceramic tile
The chimney hood helps prevent downdraft.
Masonry
Following facts come from the masonry book.
The weight of an eight inches CMU made with sand and gravel is 40 pounds, while the compressive strength ranges from 1,200 to 1,800 psi.
A two core CMU is stronger than a three core and is better suited to allow rebar or conduit to be installed through the cells.
The nominal dimensions of an eight inches CMU are eight inches by eight inches by 16 inches, while the actual dimensions are seven and five-eight inches by seven and five-eight inches by 15 and five-eight inches.
All glass block joints are one-four inches thick.
Limestone is the best stone to use as windowsills since it is less pervious.
The main ingredient of mortar mix is Portland cement.
Hydrated lime is the second most prevalent ingredient.
Type S hydrated lime is most likely used.
The lime is produced by a process called slaking.
Mortar should be used within two and one half hours of being mixed.
Bondability is the most significant property of hardened mortar, and it is the most difficult to measure.
Use Type M mortar when laying CMUs below grade.
The grout placed in CMU cells should be rotted.
The three types of masonry unit type are corrugated Z and rectangular.
Use a strap anchor when anchoring a partition wall to a bearing wall.
Burrowing of the mortar produces a uniform bed.
A story pole is used to ensure that the height of each course of brick or block is accurate.
All metal placed in mortar joints, such as ties or reinforcement, must be at least five-eight inches from the edge of the masonry.
The sand blasting pressure normally used on masonry is 60 to 120 psi.
Brick are normally cleaned using dilute hydrochloric acid.
The air space between cavity walls should be between one inch and four inches.
The most common space is two inches.
The recommended veneer spacing is two inches.
The purpose of the flange of a two core block being wider at the top is to allow for a larger mortar bed for the next course.
The mason string line should be kept one-sixteen inches from the edge of the masonry.
The trig is used to make sure that the string line does not sag.
Use a full mortar bed at the bed joint to increase the bond
The corner leads for a CMU wall should be at least four courses.
Use a five-eight inches diameter bar to tool a three-eight inches mortar joint
Forms and stakes are used to control the finish elevation of a concrete slab.
Foundation walls should be parts six inches above gray.
Curtain walls are non bearing walls that support themselves
The outside width of a cavity wall should have expansion joints no further apart than 50 feet
Place lintels over chases and recesses that are wider than 12 inches.
Lintels used with masonry may be made using steel, concrete, or masonry.
The strength of concrete increases fast when the temperature is high and slow when the temperature is low
Jack arches more than two feet wide should have steel supports.
Pair treads constructed of rig will be 12 inches wide
Welded wire mesh should be lapped one stay, plus two inches
Concrete surface coatings such as terrazzo are normally one-two inches thick
Know the uses of the different types of building and facing brick
Know the difference between modular and non modular brick
A three-eight inches thick mortar joint should be used produce nominal dimension
Any concrete masonry product that is more than 75% solid is considered a solid product
The durability of brick is affected by heat, cold, wetting, drying, and the action of soluble salts
Be familiar with the different brick bonds described on these pages
A white is a single unit thick masonry wall
Efflorescence is a white chalky substance found on brick and block walls due to a chemical reaction
The tooled mortar joint is the most waterproof
Use FTX unglazed clay tiles when a high degree of mechanical perfection is required
Objects must not protrude more than four inches when they are between twenty seven and eighty inches above the floor level.
Accessible routes must have a clear width of 36 inches
The rise of any ramp shall not exceed 30 inches
An elevator keypad should be patterned like a telephone keypad
Parking spaces must be at least 96 inches wide
The area around an accessible parking space must not slow greater than one quarter and 12
Water closets must be roughed in between sixteen and eighteen inches from the sidewall
An accessible toilet centerline should be at least 18 inches from the sidewall
Grab bars must carry a load of two fifty lbs.
An accessible grab bar in a toilet room shall be between thirty three and thirty six inches above the floor
Wheelchair turning spaces must be a minimum of 60 inches by 60 inches or have a 60 inches diameter
Three handicap accessible parking bases are required or parking lot with a total of 60 spaces
Pike Book (Site Work)
The following facts come from the pike book
If a reference stake has a number surrounded by a circle, the number represents the offset distance in feet from the hub to the center of the excavation
The letter C, followed by represents the distance from the top of the hub to the flow line of a pipe
A station equals 100 feet
A slope is a 100% slope
Sedimentary rock is the easiest rock to rip with a bulldozer
The groundwater level varies from season to season
A well point system is the best method to deborder an excavation
The pump should be monitored to ensure a safe working area.
A set for a backhoe is the volume that can be excavated from one setup.
Replace soaked subgrade soil with dry field
The best equipment to excavate a ditch in soft soil that is more than eight foot deep is a track excavator
Moist or saturated soil is less stable than dry dirt
Rutter jacks are the best type of shoring to use with firm soil
The trench box is used to prevent the sides of a trench from caving in on a worker