Maryland Masonry NOCTI Practice Exam

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• What percentage of the net cross-sectional area of a brick must be or more of its gross cross-sectional area to be considered a solid masonry unit?
• What is the name of the tool used to ensure a single masonry unit is aligned correctly?
• What is used to join two scaffold frames together one over the other?
• What is the main purpose of using a screw jack in scaffolding?
• Why are expansion joints used in masonry?
• What are ingredients called that increase a masonry cement's rate of hydration?
• What are the openings left in the head joints of brickwork for moisture drainage called?
• The glazing on the face of a glazed CMU can add how much to the unit's face dimensions?
• What are vertical mortar joints between ends of masonry units, also known as cross-joints, called?
• A brick with dimensions of 7 5/8", 2 1/4", and 3 1/2" is known as what type of brick?
• What is the piece of wood that has been marked for course levels, sills, door, and window heads called?
• What type of test can help determine the presence of soluble salts in masonry?
• What is the maximum height for steps used to enable footing elevations to change?
• What material's weight can help secure the line during masonry work?
• Which component of a fireplace helps to direct smoke into the flue?
• How deep should the bottom of any concrete footing be below finished grade?
• Which of the following conditions are not acceptable for a hard hat?
• What method involves determining brick bond by laying bricks without mortar?
• Which of the following trades is generally considered the oldest?
• What are three main purposes of arches?
• What type of blade do masonry saws typically use?
• What is a key factor to consider in the design of CMU foundation walls?
• In masonry, what is referred to as a tag?
• The actual size of a CMU is always ____ less than its nominal size.
• What should be the material of safety shoes to ensure foot protection?
• What is the passage in a masonry chimney used for smoke and gas exit known as?
• Which type of masonry unit is particularly useful for creating energy-efficient buildings?
• What must typically be done to a single wythe wall for structural stability?
• What type of chisel is designed to cut brick or block?
• What component is crucial for directing water away from the chimney in masonry construction?
• What is the process called for marking block spacing for the first course of a wall?
• To ensure safety on the job, which type of protective gear is essential?
• What is the term used for the styling of corners or ends of walls that involves a 6" end brick?
• What is the term used for the process of mechanically pouring grout into hollow block cells of CMU walls?
• According to standard practice, how many brick positions are typically allowed?
• What is the piece of steel used to support masonry units over openings called?
• What formula is used to square a corner with a steel tape?
• What tool is best suited for securing a string line at different heights?
• Which tool is recommended for shortening the length of CMUs instead of a mason's hammer?
• How does a damper function in a fireplace?
• What do we call materials made of clays that can resist high temperatures?
• What is the term used to describe the line of sight observed through a level instrument?
• What is a key feature of protective railings for building edges?
• Architectural CMUs can be utilized for which of the following applications?
• To eliminate the need for constructing masonry leads, which of the following is used?
• What is the generally acceptable spacing for weepholes in masonry?
• What type of wall arises from carefully planned layouts that incorporates different elevations and wall types?
• What are three purposes of masonry paving?
• Why is it important for scaffolding boards to overlap?
• Which professional should be consulted for persistent efflorescence issues?
• What is the most common pattern for laying bricks by alternating courses in the stretcher position?
• To finish mortar joints in a visually pleasing manner, which tool is best to use?
• What is a common ingredient in concrete or mortar that is a mixture of burned clay and limestone?
• Laborers typically use which tool to move or carry brick effectively?
• Which of these describes the level rod in masonry work?
• How are bricks typically delivered to a job site?
• What tool is most commonly used to break and trim masonry units?
• What instrument is typically used for leveling and is graduated in tenths and hundredths of a foot?
• What does CMU stand for in masonry construction?
• What should be the primary focus when planning masonry construction?
• An 8" jamb is built at the end of which type of wall?
• A reel-type container that holds chalk and a line, used to lay out lines on surfaces, is known as what?
• What type of flashing is installed above rough openings in brick work?
• How long is a full scaffold plank typically?
• Who is typically responsible for placing the footings in construction?
• What is a platform used to hold mortar at a convenient height while being used by the bricklayer called?
• Which method involves stepping back successive courses of masonry?
• What is the power-driven hammer specifically used for chipping and drilling holes in masonry?
• What is the masonry unit immediately under an opening such as a window or door?
• What can be an effective way to prevent efflorescence on masonry walls?
• What is a consequence of increasing air content in mortar concerning resistance to freeze-thaw conditions?
• A brick or tile floor extending out from the face of the fireplace is called what?
• What is the term for block courses that allow one CMU wall to intersect another at a right angle?
• What is the process of removing stains and/or burrs from a finished masonry wall called?
• Which of the following is an important aspect of a mason's work?
• How does a mortar hoe differ from a traditional garden hoe?
• Which of the following is NOT a consideration when determining the proper mixing of mortar?
• The #6 on a standard spacing rule equals a _____ size bed joint.
• Which tool is used to confirm 90-degree or square corners in masonry work?
• To protect against dust and debris, which type of protection should be worn?
• Which property of mortar allows it to retain its original size and shape after compaction?
• What is the main measurement that a mason seeks to find when squaring a building?
• Which tool is primarily used to apply and spread mortar when laying brick or block?
• To prevent sagging or movement of a line during masonry work, which tool is used?
• What is the primary purpose of grout in masonry construction?
• What tool would a mason use to ensure that a line does not move with wind?
• Which method is used for bonding or tying together the outer and inner walls?
• What does the durability of mortar refer to?
• How many modular stretcher bricks are found per square foot?
• What device is used to determine if footings, foundations, and other walls are aligned level?
• What is the primary purpose of building garden walls?
• What will happen if impermeable material is not used in the construction of the foundation?
• How does efflorescence impact the quality of masonry?
• What type of filler do sound-absorbing CMUs use to help reduce sound?
• Which aspect limits the selection of scales for any given brick?
• What device is used to regulate drafts in a fireplace?
• Who typically supervises the construction of CMU foundation walls?
• In masonry, what is the term for elements protruding successively from the face of a structure?
• What is typically the purpose of using retarders in mortar?
• In construction, what does the term 'bid price' refer to?
• What is the main reason a mason should stand on a wooden board or platform when operating the masonry saw?
• Which type of brick arrangement is considered the least stable?
• What is a key feature of architectural CMUs?
• What describes a wall that has no structural tie to the building?
• A stake driven into the ground to indicate the proposed grade is called what?
• Which of the following conditions could worsen efflorescence on masonry walls?
• What is the purpose of water in a stationary masonry saw?
• What is the term used for a well-mixed combination of Portland cement and lime?
• Which of the following factors should be considered when mixing mortar?
• What do we call the process of softening mortar by adding water and mixing?
• How are the words level, plumb, and straight ordered for easy recall?
• What is the term for a sloping surface against which the ends of an arch rests?
• Where should you avoid lifting loaded brick tongs above?
• When outriggers are used on a scaffold, how far back should the scaffold frame be placed from the wall?
• What is the primary purpose of stack bonds in masonry?
• What is the name of the unit placed over an opening in a wall?
• What is a jamb in masonry construction?
• How is a 4" brick jamb similar in construction?
• Which tool would you use to cut reinforcing wire?
• Which tool is utilized for marking straight lines on footings and walls?
• What is a common term for the top edge of a brick's face that should be level with the mason's line?
• What is a common misconception about efflorescence treatment?
• Joint reinforcement is typically installed at which stage of wall construction?
• What is the minimum tread required on an exterior masonry step?
• What is the term for the white powder deposit on masonry caused by leaching of water soluble salts?
• To prevent the planks from slipping off the brackets on the ends of scaffolding, what should be done?
• Which tool is used for leveling, plumbing, and serving as a straight edge?
• Which characteristic is typical of firebrick?
• Which two properties should mortar sand be tested for?
• What are the two types of wire joint reinforcement mentioned in masonry construction?
• How is the appropriate block size for a project determined?
• For a construction project, which type of specialist would typically handle submitting bids and contracts?
• What should you ensure about a hard hat before using it?
• What does it mean to reload a trowel?
• What is the term for creating a slight depression in laid mortar?
• What is the primary purpose of aligning the blocks during CMU installation?
• What is the name of the line used to keep masonry units aligned from corner to corner?
• What do you call bricks laid flat across the wall with the ends showing to the face of the wall?
• What is the minimum overlap length required for wire joint reinforcement lengths?
• When a brick's bottom edge is unintentionally placed behind the face of the brick below it, this is known as what?
• What is the term for the vertically aligned edge of a corner in masonry?
• What is the position of a brick called when its end is oriented with the face of a wall and its bottom is bedded in mortar?
• What terminology describes the situation of having too many bricks placed near the mason's line?
• What is a critical factor in selecting materials for masonry construction?
• What is the importance of maintaining proper tread in exterior masonry steps?
• What are materials added to masonry cements for specific purposes called?
• What may result from underestimating the quantity of materials needed for a project?
• What can changing the orientation of bricks in a wall create?
• What are bricks laid vertically with the narrow side showing on the face of the wall called?
• Which type of bond has courses that alternate between headers and stretchers?
• What is the name of a water impermeable material used to divert collected water away from a wall system?
• In what situation is grouting particularly important?
• What is the term for the greatest depth to which the ground may be expected to freeze?
• Which bonding patterns are typically used in mid and late nineteenth century homes?
• Which property of mortar allows it to adapt and return to its original form after it has been compressed?
• Which tool is primarily used for creating horizontal lines during masonry layout?
• What tool is used to shape, waterproof, and beautify mortar joints in masonry?
• Which characteristic of masonry walls can lead to the appearance of efflorescence?
• Which bond is characterized by a decorative pattern made using stack bonds?
• The weight of what object may be used to secure a twigged line?
• Which common cleaning method is recommended for efflorescence removal?
• What safety measure should be taken before starting the masonry saw?
• What can result from improperly designed CMU foundation walls?
• What is the purpose of a tuck-pointer's grinder?
• What role does water absorption play in masonry paving?
• Where does moisture typically penetrate masonry walls?
• What should be used to prevent the tubular frame of scaffolding from sinking into the ground?
• In masonry, why is it essential to square a building accurately?
• What is the procedure called that establishes wall lines and types of walls to be constructed?
• What is the process of placing the mortar on the course that has been laid?
• When laying brick, where should the brick coursing ideally cross?
• In which position should your back be when lifting to avoid injury?
• Historically, which term was used to describe the first organized group of masons?
• Which of the following describes the process of mixing mortar ingredients together?
• What is the term for the brick alignment at the tail end of the courses on the lead?
• What is used to calculate the cubic yards of concrete required for a project?
• Which corner is aligned on the outside of a wall's angle?
• What type of brick refers to standard laid bricks showing the broad side on the face of the wall?
• Mortars with what kind of air content are better suited for freeze-thaw resistance?
• Which type of shovel is best for digging?
• What do we call the end of corners and jambs in masonry?
• What is the term for bricks laid on edge across the wall with the ends showing to the face of the wall?
• What is a calculated cost of construction materials and/or labor known as?
• The process of repairing defective mortar joints by refilling them with fresh mortar is known as?
• To ensure half-lap running bond, which joints should align plumb on alternate courses?
• What is essential for ensuring the structural stability in masonry work?
• What is the term for the dollar amount proposed for supplying materials and/or labor?
• What is the horizontal layer of mortar on which a masonry unit is laid called?
• What tool is employed to force mortar into joints of brick or stonework?
• What standard U.S. coin may be used to gauge the space between the line and the brick?
• What is the primary purpose of a mason's line?
• What tool is used to establish corners with courses marked and a line attached?
• What is not a common characteristic of standard size brick?
• Which attribute of a brick exterior contributes to its aesthetic appeal?
• Which type of brick arrangement requires cutting a unit shorter at each end wall?
• What term is used to describe deposits of water-soluble salts on masonry walls?
• What does the term "course height" refer to in masonry?
• What tool is used to align CMUs with the line by tapping the top of the block?
• What term is used to refer to corner poles in the context of masonry?
• What tool do masons hang to maintain a straight line during construction?
• Why is joint reinforcement often galvanized in masonry construction?
• What role does an air-entraining agent play in mortar?
• How often should wire joint reinforcement typically be placed in masonry walls?
• When working with a rotary laser level, what type of protection should be worn?
• What is the primary purpose of sound-absorbing CMUs?
• What is the primary function of a grade stake in construction?
• What type of mortar is typically used for interior and restoration applications?
• Safety glasses are essential for protection against which of the following?
• What should be used to treat skin burns effectively?
• What construction issue is efflorescence an indicator of?
• Which trowel pattern is recognized for having a sharp toe?
• What type of hammer is used specifically to cut brick or block?
• What is the term for two adjoining walls that typically meet at a right angle in masonry work?
• What was a requirement for apprentices in centuries past?
• What is the purpose of batter boards in masonry work?
• Which type of CMU contains expanded shale, clay, and slate or pumice?
• What type of rule do masons typically use for determining course spacing?
• In which direction is a mason's line typically pulled?
• What term describes the mortar's resistance to separation from a masonry unit?
• What is the primary cause of efflorescence on masonry structures?
• What is the area between the ground surface and floor joists, which is not considered a basement?
• What perspective does an elevation view provide?
• To mark various angles accurately, which tool would a mason use?
• What hand tool is used for quickly carrying multiple bricks?
• What is the main aesthetic benefit of a brick exterior in homes?
• How did early masons ensure the quality of their given trade?
• What term refers to successive courses of masonry that project out from the face of the chimney?
• What aspect of respirator use is critical for ensuring safety?
• What is the process of aligning the bottom edge of each block with the top edge of the block below called?
• What machine is specifically designed for mixing mortar?
• Portland cement mixed with which materials results in masonry cement?
• As the air content in mortar increases, what generally happens to compressive and bond strength?
• Which federal agency is responsible for enforcing safety standards?
• What piece of equipment is used to secure a line at both ends of course height?
• When laying modular brick soldiers, how many soldiers will equal the length of a block?
• Which type of mortar is typically recognized for its superior strength and is often used in structural applications?
• Which chisel is specifically utilized to chip mortar from joints?
• A footing that measures 900 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 1 foot deep requires how many cubic yards of concrete?
• What is the term for mortar's ability to retain moisture when in contact with masonry units?
• Respirators are primarily used to protect which part of the body?
• How much should scaffold boards overlap when installed?
• Who is referred to as the individual submitting a bid price on a project?
• When bricks are delivered in bundles, what is typically true about the ordered quantity?
• Which of the following is a tool specifically designed for cutting masonry materials?
• What tool is recommended for aligning the first few courses of a wall?
• For walls specifying a concave joint finish, where is the flush-cut made?
• What is the correct order of precedence for building a block jamb?
• Which direction can a jamb allow blocks to be laid?
• Which type of masonry wall typically does not require a backup wall?
• What is typically the result of using a string line in masonry work?
• What is a unit with nominal dimensions based on 4" called?
• In masonry, which measurement is crucial for ensuring structural integrity of CMUs when being modified?
• What is the name of the triangular area below a roofline?
• What must masons rely on when choosing desired course heights?
• What masonry defect does pointing specifically address?
• What is located directly behind the damper of a fireplace?
• Which design aspect can influence the likelihood of efflorescence in masonry?
• What does masonry paving primarily contribute to outdoor environments?
• What is the term for bricks laid lengthwise with the narrow face sides showing to the face of the wall?
• What course is typically run every 16 inches in masonry work?
• What should be done to ensure stretchers are aligned in a half lap pattern?
• In which bond pattern are CMU walls almost always laid?
• How wide should the mortar joints be at a minimum?
• The term for the plot of ground where a project is to be constructed is known as what?
• In the context of bricklaying, what is considered the oldest trade on earth?
• Why is efflorescence typically more visible in certain climates?
• When designing continuous concrete footings, which of the following is NOT a consideration?
• What tool is used to level a scaffold frame?
• In masonry construction, what is the primary concern when considering the size of blocks?
• What dictates the block size to be used in masonry projects?
• Which type of guide can replace masonry leads for easier alignment?
• What is the purpose of using headers in a brick wall?
• If bricks are too close to or even touching the line, this condition is referred to as what?
• What does ‘the height of the instrument’ refer to in leveling?
• When batches of mortar are the same mixture and wetness, they are said to be the same?
• What term is used for soils that significantly increase in volume when they become wet?
• What type of mortar is most commonly used in masonry construction for its strength and durability?
• What is a temporary platform used to support workers and materials during construction called?
• What do you call a complete set of steps including rails, from the threshold to the sidewalk?
• Which of the following is essential for allowing moisture to escape in masonry construction?
• What is the name of the power-driven table saw used for cutting masonry units?
• The finish grade line refers to what?
• What technique helps to visualize how bricks will bond together without using any adhesive?
• What is required for openings in decks and edges of buildings?
• What type of bond pattern would you find in most traditional masonry construction?
• What is artificial stone, typically made with concrete, referred to as?
• How were early Egyptian and Roman masons regarded by royalty?
• Every masonry unit is constructed with a common, parallel mortar joint every how many inches?
• Which piece of equipment is utilized for transporting materials from ground level to a scaffold?
• What safety feature of shoes helps protect against foot injuries?
• Standard-size bricks may vary in which characteristic?
• What is the purpose of damp-proofing in CMU walls?
• What do red numbers on the oversize brick spacing scale indicate?
• What is a common decorative feature in masonry walls?
• For a respirator to be effective, what is a necessary condition regarding the fit?
• What requirement must a CMU wall adjoining another at a right angle meet?
• What is the required thickness of solid masonry between flue liners and combustible material?
• Why is it important for a mason to wear appropriate footwear on the job site?
• What is the best practice for stacking materials on scaffolding for effective load distribution?
• What is a common use for headers in bricklaying?
• What characteristic do split face CMUs have on their faces?
• What is defined as the permanent point of known elevation?
• What is the primary function of mortar in masonry work?
• When using scaffolding, why should nails not be left protruding?
• What is the purpose of rowlock bricks in masonry?
• Which type of masonry is typically used for vertical elements in a wall?
• Which bonding style is primarily used on the front of many nineteenth-century homes?
• What is the condition of mortar that is easily handled with a trowel called?
• What needs to be fully laid out before constructing the corners of a masonry wall?
• When lifting, where should the feet be positioned for best support?
• What is the term for blocks of stone that have been cut to specified dimensions?
• Why should soft shoes not be worn on the job?
• Footboard scaffolding should not be built higher than _____ inches.
• What is the appearance of efflorescence on masonry?
• What term describes the horizontal layer of bricks in a wall?
• Which type of brick has a partially hollow cross-section?
• What is the purpose of wearing safety glasses on the job site?
• What is the primary purpose of using insulation in masonry construction?
• When laying modular brick headers, how many headers equal the length of a block?
• What are architectural masonry details called that are created by projecting brick at corners?
• In masonry, what is the purpose of overlapping wire joint reinforcement lengths?
• In the context of masonry, what does CMU stand for?
• Which of the following best describes the relationship between mortar's air content and its workability?
• What role does mortar play in the development of efflorescence?
• What is the primary purpose of weepholes in masonry construction?
• What is the section of wall built in advance to determine wall lines and elevation called?
• Which of the following is NOT typically a factor in the reinforcement of concrete footings?
• Which tool creates a concave appearance in mortar joints?
• What is a common characteristic of a hollow core brick?
• What is the last brick laid in each course called?
• Mason's scales are typically used to lay brick in which two positions?
• CMUs with a natural texture from crushed stone are referred to as what?
• What is the term for a single-wythe masonry wall anchored to another wall with an air space?
• What is the combined mixture of cement, lime, sand, and water called?
• What does adjusting the bed joint width help ensure in masonry construction?
• Utility brick is primarily used for which type of construction?
• Which step should occur first when laying block to the line?
• What type of structure eliminates the need for constructing a lead?
• What term best describes a joint that allows for slight movement between masonry units?
• Adjustments made to achieve a level wall on an unlevel footing would involve what aspect of masonry?
• What is the primary ingredient in traditional mortar?
• Retarders are added to mortar to delay what aspect of the mixture?
• How many CMUs are needed to cover 1,000 square feet of wall space?
• What term describes masonry construction fabricated in a location other than the job site?
• What is the typical acceptable width range for mortar joints?
• What is the name of the thin material used in mortar joints to prevent water penetration in masonry?
• What can result from improper anchorage in a CMU wall?
• How far should ladders extend above a landing for safety?
• What thickness of plywood should be used for the scaffolding platform in place of wooden planks?
• A hollow CMU is defined by having the cross-sectional area of the cells more than what percentage of the overall cross-sectional area?
• What specific technique must be employed to achieve proper brick spacing?
• Which term describes the organization of masons in early history?
• What is the method of picking up mortar and brick at the same time called?
• What is the square footage of a wall that is 8 feet long by 12 feet high?
• What type of wall supports the floor and roof of a building?
• Structural CMUs that have one or more finished faces are known as what?
• How is a brick aligned level in relation to the mason's line?
• When preparing to lay footings, what construction role is responsible for ensuring proper compliance with designs?
• What is the maximum rise allowed on an exterior masonry step?
• What materials are combined in the making of mortar?
• What is the thin mortar-like material that is poured into walls for reinforcement called?
• To improve the air content in mortar, which agents may be added?
• How does temperature affect the formation of efflorescence?
• Where are weepholes typically placed in masonry walls?
• What is a continuous section of masonry, one unit in thickness, referred to as?
• If nails are protruding through a scaffolding board, what is the proper procedure to follow?
• The English bond pattern consists of what type of brick arrangement?
• If a footing is not level but a masonry wall must be built on it, what width might a mason decide to adjust within acceptable limits?
• Which of the following is a safety rule for using the masonry saw?
• What is the required volume of concrete calculated using a formula involving multiples of depth, width, and length?
• Why is achieving level, plumb, and straight critical in masonry work?
• Which of the following is designed to enhance the safety of platform use in scaffolding?
• Which method helps minimize the effects of cracking in masonry structures?
• What is the shelf that projects beyond the face of a fireplace called?
• A plan view is best described as a view seen from which position?
• What is the advantage of using a mortar bed for bricklaying?
• What is the process of establishing brick arrangement and head joint width without mortar called?
• Why is knowing the finish grade line important in masonry?