Materials & Systems

Technical reference information about the materials and elements used in buildings.

Building Finishes

• Gypsum Wall Board (Drywall) Basics
• Gypsum Board (Drywall) Level of Finish
• Ceramic Tile - Thin-set vs Mud-set
• Thin-Set Tile Mortar Types
• Tile Grout Types
• Suspended Ceilings - Acoustic Ceiling Tiles / Panels
• Raised Access Flooring
• Floor Slip Resistance: SCOF vs DCOF
• Flooring - Carpet
• Flooring - Resilient Flooring
• Flooring - Terrazzo
• Paint Sheen

Concrete

• Concrete Industry Resources
• Concrete Ingredients
• Steel Reinforcing in Concrete
• Concrete Chemical Admixtures
• Concrete Finishing Techniques
• FF and FL Numbers - Floor Flatness and Levelness
• Concrete Testing

Doors / Windows / Openings

• Door and Window Industry Resources
• Door Components and Types of Interior Doors
• Door Hardware Lock Functions
• Door Lockset Types
• Interior Door Protection - Kick Plates, Mop Plates, Armor Plates
• Door Handing Guide
• Hollow Metal Door Frame Anchors
• Fire Rated Door Labels / Ratings
• Types of Windows
• Window Glass Types
• Types of Frosted Glass
• Fire Rated Glass and Glazing
• Glass Surface Numbers

Electrical

• Electrical Industry Resources
• Electrical System in Buildings
• Emergency and Standby Power Systems for Buildings
• Types of Light Fixtures (Luminaire)
• Light Fixture (Luminaire) Components
• Commercial Lighting Control Systems
• Circadian Lighting
• Recommended Lighting Levels in Buildings
• Light Distribution Curves
• Electrical Conduit Types
• Wire Size (Gauge)
• Outlet Ground Pin Up or Down?
• Electrical Faceplate Types and Dimensions
• NEMA Enclosure Types
• Electrical One-Line Diagram

Equipment

• High Rise Window Washing Equipment Design

Fire Suppression

• Types of Fire Sprinkler Heads
• Fire Sprinkler Head Spacing and Location

Furnishings

• Fabrics and Textiles for Interiors and Furniture

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning

• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Industry Resources
• Basics of Building Heating and Cooling
• How Air Conditioners Work
• Laminar vs Turbulent Flow
• Duct Shaft Layout
• Chilled Beams and Chilled Ceilings

Masonry

• Masonry Industry Resources
• Brick Sizes, Shapes, Types, and Grades
• Typical Brick Bonds
• Concrete Block (CMU) Sizes, Shapes, and Finishes
• Mortar vs. Grout
• Masonry Mortar Types and Joints
• Masonry Grout Types

Metals

• Structural Steel Shapes
• Cold Formed Metal Framing
• Sheet Metal Gauge and Thickness
• Stainless Steel Grades
• Stainless Steel Finishing
• Metal Coatings
• Galvanic Action

Plumbing

• Plumbing Industry Resources
• Wall Mounted Plumbing Fixture Supports
• Plumbing Valve Types
• Drainage and Sewer Pipe Slope
• Standard Pipe Dimensions

Site & Landscape

• Green Roof Systems: Intensive, Semi-Intensive, and Extensive

Specialties

• Fire Extinguisher Types
• Fire Department Key Box

Thermal & Moisture Protection

• Thermal & Moisture Protection Industry Resources
• R-values of Insulation and Other Building Materials
• Roof Shapes and Styles
• Steep Sloped Roofing Systems
• Types of Roof Membranes for Flat or Low-Slope Roofs
• Spray Applied Fireproofing (SFRM)
• Intumescent Paint, Fireproofing, and Firestopping
• Through Penetration Firestop and Fire Resistive Joint Systems

Vertical Circulation & Conveying Equipment

• Elevator Types
• Elevator Controls and Indicators
• Escalator Dimensions and Design
• Fixed Ladder Design Standards
• Ships Ladder Design

Wood / Plastic / Composites

• Wood Industry Resources
• Fasteners - Types of Screws
• Fasteners - Types of Nails
• Wood Lumber Cuts
• Lumber Dimensions: Nominal vs Actual
• Wood Veneer Cuts
• Wood Veneer Matching
• Wood Preservative Treatments (Pressure Treated Wood)
• Fire Retardant Treated Wood