Complete the sentences by filling in the correct word that fits a statement (gap fill). Choose the appropriate words from the word bank given below.

A. health-conscious B. recycled C. high-efficiency

D. craftsmanship E. standby F. interact G. remotely

H. convert I. separate J. technologies K. quality L. energy-savvy

1. Modern home builders are getting creative about their …… .

2. Traditionally, home construction included the services of …… engineering and construction firms.

3. …… clients seek advanced filtration systems and materials with low VOCs.

4. Those who are particularly …… , seek smart passive house designs with a tightbuilding envelope, smart roofs and energy efficient windows.

5. Eco-friendly clients look for the use of sustainable or …… materials like bamboo, cork and re-purposed building materials.

6. New construction trends allow homeowners to easily …… spaces as the needs of their family change.

7. The latest trends include the installation of …… generators.

8. Clients also seek smart programmable thermostats that they can adjust …… using a mobile device.

9. The latest new homeowner trends focus on …… .

10. Modern homeowners want to …… with their houses with a simple touch of a button, even when they are away.

FINAL TESTS

TEST I

Decide whether these statements are true or false:

1. a). In the modern industrialized world construction usually integrate previously separated specialties, especially among large firms.

b). In the modern industrialized world construction usually involves the translation of designs into reality.

c). In the modern industrialized world construction usually involves "one-stop shopping" for a construction project, from beginning to end.

2. a). One potential disadvantage of ready-mixed concrete is that the time required to transport the concrete to the site may use up too much of the early period of good workability.

b). One potential disadvantage of ready-mixed concrete is that concrete should be trucked to the desired location.

c). One potential disadvantage of ready-mixed concrete is that at ready-mix plants aggregate and cement should be stored under proper conditions.

3. a). The slipform method is an efficient way of working with concrete because it allows continuous pouring of concrete into walls of a structure.

b). The slipform method is an efficient way of working with concrete because it reducesthe overall construction time considerably.

c). The slipform method is an efficient way of working with concrete because the formwork is erected only once and remains intact until the entire structure is completed.

4. a). Unbonded post-tensioning is accomplished by casting concrete around tensile elements such as cables and other ones, clamped under calculated tensile stress.

b). Unbonded post-tensioning is accomplished by tensioning elements, threaded through the conduits before the concrete is cast.

c). Unbonded post-tensioning is accomplished by coating the tensile elements with lubricant and covering them with extruded polymer sleeves.

5. a). The major advantages of lightweight concrete over regular concrete are lower densities, better fire resistance and greater insulating properties.

b). The major advantages of lightweight concrete over regular concrete are that more air and/or lighter aggregates need to be used, which reduces expenditures.

c). The major advantages of lightweight concrete over regular concrete are lower structural and compressive strengths.

TEST II

Match words in columns A and B (synonym match):

A B

1. footing a). occasion b). foundation

c). opportunity d). reason

2. maintenance a). circumstance b). component

c). accident d). service

3. admixture a). misadventure b). additive

c). difficulty d). obstacle

4. equipment a). facilities b). fabrication

c). falsehood d). invention

5. reinforced a). condensed b). enlarged

c). impacted d). strengthened

6. to deteriorate a). to blame b). to worsen

c). to incriminate d). to deplore

7. filament a). fiber b). subject

c). pattern d). garment

8. to transfer a). to distress b). to grieve

c). to relocate d). to repent

9. to embed a). to cause b). to generate

c). to compel d). to insert

10. tensile a). narrow b). stretchable

c). precise d). definite

TEST III

Select the best possible answer out of the choices from the list to the statements (multiple choice):

1. The workability of concrete, that is required, depends primarily on … .

a. such factors as the shape of the molds, the rebar spacing, and the equipment, available at the site.

b. the slump, which is the tendency for the fresh concrete.

c. how the concrete is to be placed.

d. the environmental conditions.

2. Some of the most severe cracks in concrete are caused by … .

a. excess water quantity.

b. incorrect selection of cement.

c. improper concrete mix proportions.

d.inadequate structural support.

3. Environmental engineers study … .

a. engineering principles to improve the natural environment.

b. the effect of technological advances on the environment.

c. environmental sustainability and public health issues.

d. the effects of acid rain, global warming and ozone depletion.

4. The strength and durability of concrete will be fully developed only if … .

a. it is properly cured.

b. the amount of mixing water in the concrete at the time of placement is appropriate.

c. potentially harmful effects of evaporation are prevented.

d. continuous or frequent application of water is implemented.

5. A tilt-up construction project begins with … .

a. raising panels into position around the building's perimeter.

b.job site preparation and pouring the slab.

c. attaching the steel grid of reinforcing bars into the form.

d. connecting the first panel to a large crane with cables.

TEST IV