Deck 15: Timber Frame and Steel Frame House Construction

Question 1

One disadvantage of timber frame construction compared to traditional masonry construction is

A) There are too many activities to coordinate
B) Care is needed in fabrication to achieve adequate fire resistance
C) The cost of project financing is high
D) Dead weight is reduced
E) Thermal insulation values are reduced

Answer 1

B

Question 2

Platform frame construction comprises

A) Panels extending from the sole plate to the eaves
B) Storey height panels
C) A structural grid framework of posts and beams
D) Prefabricated box units
E) Panels suspended from external cladding units

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Balloon frame construction is rarely used in the UK because

A) It is difficult to obtain long lengths of timber
B) The structural framing members are redundant on short spans
C) The foundations need to be larger than those used on traditional houses
D) The frame has to be specially adapted around openings
E) Suspended timber ground floor construction cannot be used

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Volumetric units are disliked by some planning authorities because

A) They use timber from non-sustainable sources
B) They take too long to construct
C) They are too expensive for affordable housing projects
D) They cannot be transported by road
E) They use repetitive designs

Question 5

Plywood sheathing is fixed to the exterior wall panels in order to

A) Improve the thermal insulation values
B) Improve the sound insulation values
C) Prevent the panels from racking
D) Reduce the incidence of condensation
E) Increase the fire resistance of the frame

Question 6

Brickwork is often used as an external finish in timber frame construction because

A) It is more frost resistant than other finishes
B) It has a higher U-value than other finishes
C) It can carry heavier loads than other finishes
D) It is more easily attached to the frame than other finishes
E) It is the finish that most customers prefer

Question 7

A breather membrane is used to

A) Lower the moisture content of the timber in the frame
B) Provide a fixing to the wall ties
C) Allow water droplets to pass out but prevent water vapour passing in
D) Allow water vapour to pass out but prevent water droplets passing in
E) Improve the fire resistance of the sheathing

Question 8

The vapour control layer is fixed

A) On the warm side of the insulation
B) On the cold side of the insulation
C) Between the insulation and the sheathing
D) Between the sheathing and the breather membrane
E) Between the breather membrane and the finish

Question 9

The fire resistance of timber frame houses can be improved by

A) Treating the timber with organic solvent preservatives
B) Using rendering as an external finish
C) Fixing incombustible quilt within the cavity of the frame
D) Removing thermal insulation from around openings
E) Using thick plywood boards for the sheathing

Question 10

One advantage of steel frame construction compared to timber frame construction is

A) It has better fire performance
B) It has better acoustic performance
C) It has lower thermal conductivity
D) It has reduced weight
E) It has greater structural stability