GC – PSI Questions and Answers
which of the following construction methods is typically used in the creation of cast-in-place
concrete structural systems for achieving large, column-free areas? ** Answ** flat plates
What is the fire resistance rating requirement for exterior loadbearing walls of type two buildings
located within 30 feet of a property line? ** Answ** 2 or more hours
What technical property is crucial for determining the performance of masonry in terms of
durability? ** Answ** Moisture absorption rate
What does the 'Standard of Care' mechanism in a contract typically define? ** Answ** The
level of care and skill that the contractor is expected to exercise and performing the work
A 20-gauge steel deck with a yield strength of 33,000 psi is being designed. If the safety factor is
1.5, what is the load capacity of the deck in pounds per square foot (psf)? ** Answ** 22,000
Allowable Stress = Yield Strength / Safety Factor
Which of the following is NOT a type of steel construction method used in residential framing?
** Answ** Modular construction
What is the minimum fire-resistance rating (in hours) required for an exterior load-bearing wall
of a Type II building located within 30 feet of a property line? ** Answ** 2 hours
What is the formula for calculating the overhead percentage in estimating? ** Answ** Total
overhead cost divided by direct cost times 100
What is the common range of gauges used in noncomposite steel floor decks? ** Answ** 22
to 14
,In the design of commercial buildings, which option accurately defines the role and construction
of structural glass curtain walls? ** Answ** A type of exterior wall system and commercial
buildings where the glass panels not only serve as the façade, but also play a significant role in
the building structural integrity with minimal visible framing.
In the context of fire safety in building construction, how are noncombustible materials best
characterized? ** Answ** Materials that do not ignite and burn when exposed to fire.
What is the formula for calculating the leak test pressure for ducts in commercial construction?
** Answ** Leak test pressure equals 1.5 times maximum design pressure
A contractor is working on a residential project where the client wants a finish that enhances the
natural beauty of the wood surfaces without forming a significant surface layer. Which type of
finish should the contractor recommend? ** Answ** Penetrating finish
In the context of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS), which combination of
components is essential for a complete EIFS installation? ** Answ** Insulation board,
basecoat, finish coat, water resistant barrier
What is the minimum average compressive strength requirement for Grade SW (Severe
Weathering) brick as per ASTM C216? ** Answ** 3000 psi
In the design phase of a new commercial gymnasium, which requires a wide, unobstructed floor
area, what type of steel joist is most suitable to meet the structural demands of this project? **
Answ** Longspan steel joist
What does working capital in scheduling and cash management represent? ** Answ** The
difference between current assets and current liabilities
What is the primary purpose of cribbing in excavation support? ** Answ** To support
trench walls to prevent soil, collapse and provide safety for workers
, Which of the following is the most effective measure for controlling erosion in areas of high
erosion potential? ** Answ** Erosion control blankets
What is the correct mixing ratio by weight for the brown coat of plaster? ** Answ** 1:3,
cement to sand aggregate
In the process of preparing a site for construction, which two factors are paramount in ensuring
the fill is properly compacted? ** Answ** The moisture content of the fill and the thickness
of the fill layer
According to OSHA's safety standards for steel erection, what is required for joists spanning 60
feet or less? ** Answ** The choice must be designed to allow one employee to release the
hoisting cable without the need for erection bridging.
Which type of mortar is suitable for non-load-bearing interior walls? ** Answ** type o
mortar
In a scenario requiring the reinforcement of a masonry wall to resist lateral loads without
significant deformation, which combination of rigid masonry ties would be most appropriate?
** Answ** Rectangular ties, Z ties, and corrugated ties
In the design of a steel building framework, which equation is used to determine the dead load
that the structure must support? ** Answ** Dead load equals area times material density
times gravity
Which of the following is a step in increasing bonding capacity? ** Answ** Prequalification
You are selecting wood structural panels for a project that will be exposed to the elements
permanently. Which classification should the panels have? ** Answ** Exterior
which of the following construction methods is typically used in the creation of cast-in-place
concrete structural systems for achieving large, column-free areas? ** Answ** flat plates
What is the fire resistance rating requirement for exterior loadbearing walls of type two buildings
located within 30 feet of a property line? ** Answ** 2 or more hours
What technical property is crucial for determining the performance of masonry in terms of
durability? ** Answ** Moisture absorption rate
What does the 'Standard of Care' mechanism in a contract typically define? ** Answ** The
level of care and skill that the contractor is expected to exercise and performing the work
A 20-gauge steel deck with a yield strength of 33,000 psi is being designed. If the safety factor is
1.5, what is the load capacity of the deck in pounds per square foot (psf)? ** Answ** 22,000
Allowable Stress = Yield Strength / Safety Factor
Which of the following is NOT a type of steel construction method used in residential framing?
** Answ** Modular construction
What is the minimum fire-resistance rating (in hours) required for an exterior load-bearing wall
of a Type II building located within 30 feet of a property line? ** Answ** 2 hours
What is the formula for calculating the overhead percentage in estimating? ** Answ** Total
overhead cost divided by direct cost times 100
What is the common range of gauges used in noncomposite steel floor decks? ** Answ** 22
to 14
,In the design of commercial buildings, which option accurately defines the role and construction
of structural glass curtain walls? ** Answ** A type of exterior wall system and commercial
buildings where the glass panels not only serve as the façade, but also play a significant role in
the building structural integrity with minimal visible framing.
In the context of fire safety in building construction, how are noncombustible materials best
characterized? ** Answ** Materials that do not ignite and burn when exposed to fire.
What is the formula for calculating the leak test pressure for ducts in commercial construction?
** Answ** Leak test pressure equals 1.5 times maximum design pressure
A contractor is working on a residential project where the client wants a finish that enhances the
natural beauty of the wood surfaces without forming a significant surface layer. Which type of
finish should the contractor recommend? ** Answ** Penetrating finish
In the context of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS), which combination of
components is essential for a complete EIFS installation? ** Answ** Insulation board,
basecoat, finish coat, water resistant barrier
What is the minimum average compressive strength requirement for Grade SW (Severe
Weathering) brick as per ASTM C216? ** Answ** 3000 psi
In the design phase of a new commercial gymnasium, which requires a wide, unobstructed floor
area, what type of steel joist is most suitable to meet the structural demands of this project? **
Answ** Longspan steel joist
What does working capital in scheduling and cash management represent? ** Answ** The
difference between current assets and current liabilities
What is the primary purpose of cribbing in excavation support? ** Answ** To support
trench walls to prevent soil, collapse and provide safety for workers
, Which of the following is the most effective measure for controlling erosion in areas of high
erosion potential? ** Answ** Erosion control blankets
What is the correct mixing ratio by weight for the brown coat of plaster? ** Answ** 1:3,
cement to sand aggregate
In the process of preparing a site for construction, which two factors are paramount in ensuring
the fill is properly compacted? ** Answ** The moisture content of the fill and the thickness
of the fill layer
According to OSHA's safety standards for steel erection, what is required for joists spanning 60
feet or less? ** Answ** The choice must be designed to allow one employee to release the
hoisting cable without the need for erection bridging.
Which type of mortar is suitable for non-load-bearing interior walls? ** Answ** type o
mortar
In a scenario requiring the reinforcement of a masonry wall to resist lateral loads without
significant deformation, which combination of rigid masonry ties would be most appropriate?
** Answ** Rectangular ties, Z ties, and corrugated ties
In the design of a steel building framework, which equation is used to determine the dead load
that the structure must support? ** Answ** Dead load equals area times material density
times gravity
Which of the following is a step in increasing bonding capacity? ** Answ** Prequalification
You are selecting wood structural panels for a project that will be exposed to the elements
permanently. Which classification should the panels have? ** Answ** Exterior
