BALAST CDS EXAM 02

What is the maximum allowed rise for a 1:10 slope ramp?

6 inches

Which of the following would not be found in a project manual? A. bid log B. subsurface soil conditions report, noted "for information only" C. sitework specification D. bid bond form

A A bid log is used by the architect to record the bids as they are opened and to help the owner evaluate them. It is never included in the project manual. A subsurface soil conditions report would not be a part of the contract documents, but may be included in the project manual and be designated "for information only." A sitework specification is one of the technical sections and would be included in the manual. The bid bond form would be included in the manual, but this is considered to be a bidding document, not part of the contract documents.

A local code official would have the authority to enforce all of the following EXCEPT A. the Americans with Disabilities Act B. the Life Safety Code, NFPA 101 C. the International Building Code D. ANSI A117.1

A A local code official would be authorized to enforce all of the codes or standards listed except the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines. The ADA is civil rights legislation that gives building users the right to sue the owner of a building if they are denied access to a facility because the building is not accessible. The other three choices are model codes or standard that, when adopted by a community government, become the building code. Depending on the jurisdiction, the code official could enforce ANSI A117.1 or the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG), either of which can be adopted to define the standards for accessibility.

Just inside the entrance at a major retail store is a small coffee shop. The total floor area of the coffee shop is 600 ft², which is much less than 10% of the floor area of the entire store. For the purposes of code evaluation, this space would be classified as A. accessory B. ancillary C. assembly D. an incidental use area

A Accessory occupancies are discussed in Section 508.3.1 of the 2006 International Building Code. An accessory occupancy is a small area subsidiary to the primary occupancy of the building in which it is located.

Which of the following would NOT be an appropriate reason to issue architect's supplemental instructions (AIA Document G710)? A. The owner and architect decide to delete under cabinet lighting from all often kitchens in an apartment project. B. The architect changes the location of a few lighting fixtures in a suspended grid ceiling to better illuminate workstations shown on the interior designer's modular furniture plan. C. In the course of answering a question from the contractor, the architect notices a discrepancy between the plan and section and prepares a sketch to clarify the drawings. D. The architect revises the color schedule based on the manufacturers' products the contractor intends to install.

A Architect's supplemental instructions (or ASIs) allow the architect to clarify information in the construction documents or make minor changes to the work, provided that those changes do not affect the contract sum or time. This authority is provided by Paragraph 7.4.1 of AIA Document A201.

Which of the following is NOT included in an advertisement to bid? A. bid form B. details on the size and scope of the project C. details on the type and amount of bid security required D. name of the owner

A Bid forms are placed with the Instructions to Bidders in the project manual. An advertisement to bid would be placed in a local newspaper or posted with a plan room, which is a place (physical or virtual/on-line) where contractors can obtain information about projects currently out for bid. Among other information, the advertisement to bid typically includes the name and location of the project; name and address of the owner and architect; description and scope of the project, including major materials and construction systems; date, time, and location the bids are due; procedures for submitting bids; and type and amount of bid security required.

According to the U.S. National CAD Standard system of organization construction documents, what type of drawings would one expect to find on sheet A-302? A. wall sections B. fourth-floor plan C. exterior elevations D. reflected ceiling plans

A Discipline Designation G - general H - Hazardous materials V - survey/mapping B - geotechnical W - civil works C - civil L - Landscape S - Structural A - Architectural I - Interiors Q - equipment F - fire protection P - plumbing D - process M - mechanical E - electrical T - telecommunications R -resource X - other disciplines Z - contractor/shop drawings O - operations Sheet type designators 0 - schedules, master keynote legend, general notes 1 - plans 2 - elevators 3 - sections 4 - large-scale views 5 - details 6 - schedules and diagrams 7 - user-defined 8 - user-defined 9 - three-dimensional representations

A contractor makes a claim for additional money for extra work caused by unforeseen circumstances. According to AIA Document A201, the architect must respond within _____ days.

10 days AIA Document A201 specifically states that the architect must respond within 10 days of notification of the claim by the contractor. An acceptable response is to ask for supporting data to further document the claim.

During bidding, a contractor wants to propose a substitution of a material specified in the contract documents. According to AIA Document A701, Instructions to Bidders, the request for substitution must be received by the architect ______ days prior to the receipt of bids. (Fill in the blank.)

10 days According to AIA Document A701, Instructions to Bidders, no substitutions can be considered unless a written request for such approval has been received by the architect at least ten days prior to the date for receipt of bids.

A design for a rest station at an amusement park includes a group of six family restrooms, each containing a toilet, lavatory, and changing table. At least ______ of these restrooms must be accessible.

3 Unisex toilet rooms are required by the 2006 International Building Code where there are most than six separate-sex water closets required, and half of those provided (at least one) must be accessible. The fixtures provided in these rooms may count toward the total fixture requirement. Single-user toilet rooms are preferred by many for privacy and convenience. They are particularly useful in areas where there are lots of children, because they make it possible for a parent to accompany a child of the opposite sex to the restroom.

What is the maximum allowed rise for a 1:8 slope ramp?

3 inches

Which of the following factors would have the greatest impact to reduce the effect of inclement weather on construction time? A. the use of prefabricated elements B. the use of designs that contribute to improved sequencing C. the use of union labor D. beginning construction in the spring

A Inclement weather can have a significant impact on the amount of time it takes to erect a building. One way to minimize this affect is to construct portions of the building offsite and bring them to the site for installation. This allows work to continue indoors even when weather conditions prohibit progress. Designs that contribute to improved sequencing can also help to reduce the amount of time necessary for construction. While the contractor is responsible for coordinating sequencing, architects can help make the project more efficient by developing details that allow certain trades to come on to the job site, complete their work, and leave before the next trade arrives. This simplifies scheduling for the general contractor and can result in cost savings for the owner and better construction details. Use of union labor tends to lengthen the construction period. It would be impossible to choose a "best" time to begin construction, such as the spring, because inclement weather is unpredictable.

In which CSI MasterFormat 2004 division would a specification for glass block be found? A. Division 04 B. Division 08 C. Division 09 D. Division 13

A MasterFormat, developed by the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), is a system of organizing information related to construction projects. The old 16-division format was replaced in 2004 with a new system that is broken down into 50 divisions, to allow for the inclusion of new technologies and better organization of information for a variety of project types.

What is a public way? (IBC Definition)

A street, alley, or other parcel of land open to the outside air leading to a street that has been deeded, dedicated, or otherwise appropriated for public use and has a clear width and height of not less than 10 ft

What is an ACORD Certificate?

AIA Document A201, Subparagraph 11.1.3 states that the contractor must provide certificates of insurance. ACORD forms help prepare this documentation. ACORD or Association for Cooperative Operations Research and Development, is a nonprofit organization that develops standards for the insurance and financial services industries. Accompanied by AIA Document G715, Supplemental Attachment for ACORD Certificate of Insurance, which provides instructions for completing the ACORD form and contains additional space for information required by the construction contract that is not called for on the form.

When an architect makes an impartial interpretation of the contract documents during construction administration, in accordance with the general conditions, in what capacity is he considered to be acting? A. arbitratory B. quasi-judicial C. mediative D. professional

An architect's interpretations of the contract documents are performed in a quasi-judicial capacity. AIA Document A201, Subparagraph 4.2.12, states Interpretations and decisions of the Architect will be consistent with the intent of and reasonably inferable from the Contract Documents.... When making such interpretations initial decisions, the Architect will endeavor to secure faithful performance by both Owner and Contractor, will not how partiality to either, and will not be liable for results of interpretations or decisions so rendered in good faith.

What is an area of refuge?

An area where people who are unable to use stairways can remain temporarily to await instructions or assistance during emergency evacuations.

Which of the following is probably of LEAST concern to a subcontractor? A. the number of times equipment must be mobilized B. the types of tools needed to build a project C. workers' skill level needed to complete the work D. other trades that will be working on the same part of the construction at the same time

B A subcontractor would be most interested in the number of times equipment must be brought to a job site, what kinds of workers will be required to complete the work, and possible interference with other trades, because all of these have cost and time implications. The types of tools needed may, under some circumstances, have some bearing on cost if they must be purchased or rented, but normally tools are available and do not represent a significant portion of the total cost. To a certain extent, the architect can control these variables and therefore exercise some control over cost by designing and detailing so that construction may proceed in the most straightforward manner.

A client requests that the architect provide a full-time staff member on the job site during construction. The archie ct is entitled to extra compensation for the service under what provision of AIA Document B141 (101) A. designated services B. schedule of services C. schedule of values D. optional additional services

B AIA Document B141 (101) clearly states what constitutes evaluations of the work included in the standard scope of services: periodic site visits, but not exhaustive or continuous on-site inspections. On-site project representation is considered an additional service and is defined in the schedule of services.

During preparation of construction drawings, the architect should coordinate with the structural engineer by A. requiring the engineer to submit progress drawings when changes are made B. conducting weekly meetings with the engineer and exchanging progress copies of drawings C. holding conference calls between staff at both offices at times required by the work progress D. submitting weekly written memos to the engineer describing the architectural requirements

B Two-way communication of graphic information is critical if the complex coordination required between consultants and the architect is to be successful. Regularly scheduled meetings and exchange of progress documents achieve this goal. Submission of engineering progress drawings implies only a one-way exchange of information. Conference calls alone cannot fully describe the visual information being developed during production of construction documents. Telephone calls or emails must be supplemented with some type of exchange of visual information through computer networking, faxes or a physical exchange of printed drawings. The written word is not sufficient to describe drawings, and tends to be a one-way method of communication.

For the remodeling and renovation of a historic building, the architect retains the services of a historic preservation consultant using AIA Document C141, Standard Form of Agreement Between Architect and Consultant. The consultant's services include developing drawings showing the repair and anchoring of existing stonework. During construction the contractor discovers that the anchoring methods specified by the consultant violate the local building code and have to be modified at additional cost. The party responsible for the cost of the modifications is the A. architect B. consultant C. contractor D. owner

B Under the provisions of AIA Document C141, consultants are responsible for code compliance regarding their area of work and for the accurate production of their drawings.

Indirect liability imposed on a party resulting from the acts or omissions of another person from whom the party is responsible is known as A. transferred liability B. vicarious liability C. consultant liability D. limited liability

B Vicarious liability is indirect liability imposed on a party resulting from the acts or omissions of another person for whom the party is responsible. Architects can encounter this situation when they hire consultants; the architect is liable for any errors or omissions on the consultant's documents. A firm may be held liable for the actions of its employees while performing tasks related to their employment, whether it be an error in a specification or drawing, or a traffic accident caused by the employee talking on a cell phone while en route to a job site. In addition, a firm could be held liable for the actions of a moonlighting employee gives the client the impression that the firm is involved with the work (such as if the employee uses a firm title block on a drawing or sends a fax with a company cover sheet). To protect themselves from claims against their liability insurance policies, many firms have instituted "no moonlighting" policies or require prior approval from a supervisor.

Where does a common path of egress travel end? A. in an area of refuge B. at the exterior exit from the building C. at the point where an individual has a choice about which direction to go to reach an exit D. at a public way

C A common path of egress travel is the part of the path of egress travel that occupants are required to move through before they reach a point where they have a choice to follow one to two distinct paths of travel to an exit.

When the project is 90% complete, the code inspector requires installation of six exit signs in addition to those shown on the approved plans. Which of the following instructments should the architect use? A. order for minor change B. addendum C. change order D. construciton change directive

C Because the additional exit signs would necessitate an increase in construction costs and possibly in contract time, an order for minor change would not be appropriate. An addendum can only be used before the contract is signed. It is possible that the contractor and owner might disagree with the cost of the additional exit signs and a construction change directive would be used initially, but is it more likely that everyone would realize the need for the extra signs and agree on a price. Ultimately, a change order would be issued to adjust the contract sum.

Procedures a bidder must follow to propose a substitution will be found in the A. advertisement to bid B. bidding procedures C. instructions to bidders D. general conditions

C During bidding, the procedure a contractor must follow to propose a substitution is defined in the instructions to bidders. After the contract is awarded, if the contractor wishes to propose a substitution, he or she must consult the instructions in the general requirements of the specifications. The advertisement to bid simply states that bidding is being accepted for a particular project and gives information about how to submit a bid. There is no such document as "bidding procedures."

What is inclusionary zoning?

Encourages new residential developments to included affordable housing along with market rate housing.

What is Life Safety Code?

The publication Life Safety Code, known as NFPA 101, is a consensus standard widely adopted in the United States. It is administered, trademarked, copyrighted, and published by the National Fire Protection Association and, like many NFPA documents, is systematically revised on a three-year cycle. It is not legal code but contains language that could be adopted to be law. The bulk of the standard addresses "those construction, protection, and occupancy features necessary to minimize danger to life from the effects of fire, including smoke, heat, and toxic gases created during a fire."

What is overlay zoning?

When zoning improvements or requirements are in consideration of the Architectural Review Board that overlap commercial, residential, or some category therein.

Vicarious liability

a form of a strict, secondary liability that arises under the common law doctrine of agency, respondent superior, the responsibility of the superior for the acts of their subordinate.

An analysis of the financial feasibility of a potential projects is called a A. project budget B. feasibility study C. program D. pro forma

D A pro forma is an analysis of the costs and revenues projected for a potential project and should be a part of the owner's initial planning. Generally this is required to secure adequate funding for the project from lenders or investors.

A contractor submits a list of proposed subcontractors to the owner and architect for construction of a small office building. The architect reviews it and notes that the proposed plumbing subcontractor is a company with a history of poor workmanship; one of the architect's clients on a previous project spent thousands of dollars to correct the plumber's errors. The architect expresses his concerns to the owner, who agrees that he would prefer not to have this subcontractor as a part of the project. If the owner-contractor agreement references the General Conditions (AIA Document A201), what can the owner and architect do? A. nothing, as the selection of subcontractors is entirely within the purview of the general contractor and the list of subcontractors is submitted to the architect and owner for information only B. submit to the contractor the name and contract information for a plumbing subcontractor the owner would prefer to use the project and require the contractor to hire that firm. C. require the general contractor to use a different plumbing subcontractor with no adjustment to the contract sum D. require the general contractor to use a different plumbing subcontractor, with the understanding that the contract sum or contract time may be adjusted to reflect the new subcontractor's proposed price and/or schedule.

D AIA Document A201 addresses subcontractors in Paragraph 5.2. The contractor is required to submit a list of proposed subcontractors to the architect and owner for review. If the architect and/or owner have objections to any of the proposed subcontractors, they must notify the contractor in writing. The contractor is responsible for proposing an alternate subcontractor. Assuming that the original proposed subcontractor was "reasonably capable" of performing the work, the contractor would be entitled to an adjustment of the contract sum or time to reflect the new subcontractor's price or schedule, which would be documented in a change order. After the list of subcontractors has been approved, the contractor may not make changes unless he obtains the permission of the owner and architect.

Which of the following may be part of the bidding documents? I. specifications II. invitation to bid III. list of subcontractors IV. owner-contractor agreement V. performance bond A. I, III, and IV only B. II, III, and IV only C. I, II, IV and V only D. I, II, III, IV, and V

D All of the items listed can be a part of the bidding documents, although all of these documents are not always included. Of the five, a list of subcontractors is used least frequently.

An assembly occupancy with an occupant load of fewer than 50 persons would be classified as occupancy group A. M B. E C. A D. B

D An assembly occupancy with an occupant load of fewer than 50 persons would be considered a group B, or business occupancy.

Which of the following statements about standards and testing is FALSE? A. Trade association standards must be followed if they are referred to by a building code adopted in a jurisdiction. B. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) does not write standards. C. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) does not perform tests. D. Building codes prescribe which laboratories must perform required tests.

D Building codes only prescribe which tests and standards a material or construction element must meet in order to be acceptable. Any qualified Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) may perform a test, as long as the lab follows the procedures described in the test.

Where does a measurement of exit access travel distance begin? A. at a corridor wall B. at a building exit C. at the end of the common path of egress travel D. at the most remote point within a space

D Exit access travel distance is the maximum distance permitted from the most remote point within a space to the entrance of an exit. It is discussed in the 2006 International Building Code, Section 1016.

Measured vertically from the nosing of the stair, how high must a handrail be for barrier-free design? A. 28 in to 32 in B. 30 in to 34 in C. 32 in to 36 in D. 34 in to 38 in

D For barrier-free design, a handrail must be 34 in to 38 in high, measured vertically from the nosing of the stair.

Which of the following statements is true? A. "Clerk of the works" is another term for the architect's project representative. B. If a contractor discovers an error in the contract documents, the architect is required to absorb the cost of correcting the drawings and pay for the cost of construction related to the error. C. A construction change directive must be signed by the contractor to be valid. D. The contractor is responsible for notifying the surety of any change orders issued during a project.

D It is the contractor's responsibility to notify the surety of any change orders issued during a project so that the amount of insurance coverage may be increased or decreased as necessary. A clerk of the works is a representative hired by the owner to monitor progress on-site and keep project records. The architect's project representative is an employee of the architect who is on-site whenever construction is underway. This full-time representation is referenced in Subparagraphs 1.4.1.3 and 2.8.3 of AIA Document B141, and is contracted separately using AIA Document B352, Duties, Responsibilities and Limitations of Authority of the Architect's Project Representative. If a contractor discovers an eror in the documents, it is the architect's responsibility to correct the error at no cost; however, the architect is not responsible for the cost of construction to correct the error unless it can be proven that the architect was negligent. According to AIA Document A201, Paragraph 7.3, Construction Change Directives, only the owner and architect's signatures are required on a construction change directive for it to be valid.

During negotiations to develop a final, fixed construction cost with a preselected contractor, the owner wants to reduce the cost of construction suggested by the architect's original cost estimate. The architect should advise the owner to A. suggest that the project be put out to bid if the price is too high B. set a fixed limit on the construction cost, and negotiate directly with the subcontractors C. establish contractual penalties for exceeding the architect's original estimate D. consider the contractor's recommendations for alternate construction methods

D On a negotiated project, the contractor is in the best position to recommend alternate materials and construction methods that will lower costs while still meeting the owner's design requirements. Bidding the project is no guarantee that the price will be lower; in fact, it may go up. The owner should not negotiate with subcontractors; that is the contractor's responsibility. Simply setting an arbitrary limit on construction cost does not encourage a lower price and is a punitive way to limit costs during negotiation.

Where would the requirements for testing a plumbing system be located? A. in a section of Division 1 of the specifications B. in Part 1 of section 22 40 00, Plumbing C. in Part 2 of Section 22 40 00, Plumbing D. in Part 3 of Section 22 40 00, Plumbing

D Requirements for testing of materials and equipment are in Part 3 of each technical section if appropriate to the specification.

A reference to 3000 psi concrete alludes to the concrete's A. ultimate strength in psi B. strength in tension C. flexural strength without reinforcing D. design strength in psi after curing for 28 days

D The design strength of the final mix of concrete is specified by the compressive strength of the concrete in pounds per square inch (megapascals) after it has cured for 28 days. Common strengths are 3000 psi and 4000 psi, although high-strength concrete is available up to 22,000 psi.

What is one way an architect can ensure that the client's design goals will be satisfied by the final set of construction documents? A. Meet periodically with the project designer, job captain, and programmer to compare current status of the construction drawings with schematic design documents. B. Have another architect in the office who is not working on the project review the drawings for compliance with the original program report. C. Send the client periodic check sets of drawings, and request that any corrections be communicated to the architect's office within a set time period. D. Make a checklist of design requirements based on the original design goals, and give this to the people working on the job so that they have a constant reminder of the client's needs.

A Meeting regularly with the people responsible for the programming, design, and execution of the project is the best way to facilitate communication. Having another architect look at the drawings may be a good way to do a technical check, but that person may not be aware of the client's design goals. It is common to request from the client information necessary to design the project and complete the working drawings, but isolating the client in reviewing them (unless specifically requested) does not encourage an exchange of ideas and information. Some clients are not savvy enough to understand the drawings or may feel uncomfortable asking questions, so issues may go unaddressed. Making a checklist for the drafting staff is a good way to communicate project goals to the team, but realization of the client's objectives will require more coordination than a checklist will allow.

Which type of construction fee structure would encourage a contractor to be most efficient? A. cost-plus with a fixed, lump-sum fee for overhead and profit B. cost-plus with the fee for overhead and profit based upon a percentage of construction cost C. stipulated sum D. unit price

A Owners may elect to use a cost-plus-fee contract for a number of reasons: If they have a hard and fast deadline that they must meet, if the scope of the work is unknown at the start of construction, or if the highest quality of construction is of critical importance, cost-plus-fee structures are often to the owner's benefit.

Which of the following is NOT considered a submittal? A. mock-ups B. product data C. samples D. shop drawings

A Product data, samples, and shop drawings may all be provided by the contractor for the architect's review. This documentation is known as a submittal. A mock-up is a full-sized sample of a portion of the construction, commonly built on the job site. It can be either separate from the building or, if approved, can be integrated into the building. A mock-up is called for in individual sections of the specifications for items that will be repeated throughout the project, innovative construction techniques, and other instances where it is useful to see the "finished product" before it is truly finished. Mock-ups can be very expensive, so they should only be specified where necessary. They become more cost effective if the approved mock-up can then be integrated in the building.

Which of the following is the contractor solely responsible for? I. field reports to the owner II. field tests III. scaffolding IV. reviewing claims of subcontractors V. reviewing shop drawings A. II and III only B. IV and V only C. I, II, and III only D. II, III, and IV only

A Scaffolding is part of the means of construction, which is the contractor's responsibility. The standard general conditions specifically state that the contractor is responsible for arranging and coordinating field tests. Field reports are the responsibility of the architect, who is also responsible for reviewing claims. A subcontractor may make a claim directly to the contractor, who in turn would have to make a claim to the owner. Both the contractor and the architect are responsible for reviewing shop drawings, although only the contractor is responsible for the accuracy of the shop drawings. The architect reviews them only for general compliance with the requirements of the contract documents.

Substantial completion indicates A. that the owner can make use of the work for its intended purpose, and the requirements of the contract documents have been fulfilled. B. that the contractor has completed correction of all punch list items. C. that the final certificate for payment has been issued by the architect, and all documentation D. the date on which the contractor prepares the punch list

A Substantial completion is the point at which the owner can make use of the work for its intended purpose, and the requirements of the contract documents have been fulfilled. There is a critical point in construction because it marks the date that the building owner assumes the warranty on equipment. It is possible for a project to be deemed substantially complete even if punch list items remain incomplete.

Which of the following is NOT an accurate statement? A. The architect is responsible for a defect in the work if he or she sees the defect during a site visit but fails to report it to the contractor. B. The owner has the sole right to make changes in the work but must do so through the architect. C. The architect does not have to verify soil test reports given by the owner. D. When the construction documents are almost complete, the architect must update the preliminary estimate of the cost of the work.

A The architect has a duty and ethical responsibility to keep the contractor informed of any nonconforming work and to cooperate in getting the job done, but may not be held legally responsible. AIA Document A201 states that the contractor will not be relieved of obligations to perform the work in accordance with the contract documents by activities or duties of the architect. It also states that if the contractor performs any construction activity knowing it involves an error, the contractor will assume responsibility.

A developer from New York owns a large piece of property along the James River in Virginia and plans to construct a retirement community and golf course. This is an area where there are many pockets of unstable shrink/swell soil, so the architect advises the owner to hire a geo-technical engineer to conduct testing and prepare a soils report for the property. The developer bids construction of the clubhouse and provides a copy of the soils report to each of the bidders along with the contract documents. The low bidder and the developer reach an agreement based upon AIA Document A201. Three weeks in the site excavation, the contractor finds areas of shrink/swell soil in locations not indicated in the soils report. Who is responsible for the cost of additional excavation and/or foundation design and reinforcement? A. the contractor B. the geotechnical engineer C. the owner D. the architect

A The contractor is technically responsible for the additional cost incurred because AIA Document A201, Subparagraph 1.5.2 explains that "execution of the Contract by the Contractor is a representation the the Contractor has visited the site, become generally familiar with local conditions under which the Work is to be performed, and correlated personal observations with requirements of the COntract Documents." However, that same document states in Subparagraph 2.2.3 that the "contractor shall be entitled to rely on the accuracy of information furnished by the Owner." AIA Document A201 includes a provision to address this sort of situation, where concealed conditions differ from those anticipated by the contract documents. Subparagraph 4.3.4 allows either party to submit a claim for concealed or unknown conditions within 21 days of discovery. This provision helps the owner and contractor to negotiate a fair resolution to the issue and protects the owner from bid prices that may be inflated to allow for the unknown conditions. Unless it can be proven that the soils report was in error, the geotechnical engineer would probably not be held financially responsible for the additional work because it is nearly impossible to define all of the subsurface conditions on a site with absolute accuracy. The architect would not be responsible because he fulfilled his obligation to the client by making the owner aware of the prevalence of the condition locally and requesting that the owner arrange appropriate tests It is also important to note that the soils test was not incorporated into the contract documents. The geotechnical engineer is hired by the owner, not the architect, so he is not acting as a consultant to the architect.

Which of the following ramp configurations meets barrier-free design requirements? A. 1:14 slope with maximum rise of 24 in B. 1:12 slope with maximum rise of 34 in C. 1:10 slope with maximum rise of 8 in D. 1:8 slope with maximum rise of 4 in

A The maximum acceptable slope for compliance with accessibility guidelines is 1:12, but the maximum total rise between landings is limited to 30 in. A 1:14 slope is less steep than 1:12 and the maximum rise of 24 in given in choice A both comply with the guidelines. A 1:10 slope is allowed if the maximum rise is held to 6 in or less. A 1:8 slope is permitted only if the maximum rise is 3 in or less.

According to AIA Document A201, which of the following statements is FALSE? A. The owner can require the contractor to name him or her as an additional insured on the contractor's liability insurance policy. B. If the owner chooses not to purchase property insurance and does not notify the contractor of this decision, the owner becomes responsible for all losses that the property insurance would have covered. C. If the owner requires the contractor to purchase project management protective liability insurance, it becomes the owner, contractor, and architect's primary vicarious liability insurance for construction operations under that contract. D. The owner is responsible for paying property insurance deductibles.

A Subparagrah 11.3.3 prohibits the owner from requiring the contractor to include the owner, architect, or any other party on the contractor's liability insurance policy. Each of the other statements is true. Choice B refers to Subparagraph 11.4.1.2; choice C refers to Subparagraph 11.3.1 and choice D refers to Subparagraph 11.4.1.3

At the beginning of a project the owner asks the architect to recommend the types of insurance the owner will need to carry for the duration of the project. Which of the following response would be appropriate? (Choose the two that apply.) A. Give the owner AIA Document G612 B. Suggest the standard insurance types, and advise the owner about optional insurance. C. Tell the owner that the owner's insurance agent should make the recommendations. D. Arrange a meeting with the architect's insurance counselor and the owner. E. Call the owner's insurance agent and tell him what the owner needs. F. Refer to AIA Document A201 for a list of required insurances.

A and C An architect is not authorized to give insurance advice. The architect should inform the owner that insurance decisions should be made in consultation with the owner's insurance or legal advisers. He or she may provide AIA Document G612. Owner's Instructions Regarding the Construction Contract, Insurance and Bonds, and Bidding as a guide.

Which of the following statements about specifications are true? (Choose the two that apply) A. Both narrowscope and broadscope sections can be used in the same project manual. B. Drawings are more binding than specifications if there is a conflict. C. Specifications show quality; drawings show quantity. D. Proprietary specifications encourage competitive bids. E. Specifications should not be open to interpretation if they are the "base bid with alternates" type. F. Proprietary specifications are the most difficult for an architect to write.

A and C It is possible to use both narrowscope and broadscope specifications in the same project manual. It may be necessary to provide a more in-depth specification for an innovative construction technique, for example, than for concrete block or some other common construction material. Specifications are used to define the quality of products to be used in the project, while the drawings define the quantities of materials and where they are to be used. AIA Document A201 states that the drawings and specifications are to be considered equally binding. Proprietary specifications do not encourage competitive bids because they refer to a specific product and do not allow substitutions. They are the easiest for an architect to write because they simply call out a product by name. A base bid with alternates allows a contractor to substitute products he or she deems equal without requiring the architect's approval. Therefore, they could be considered open to interpretation.

Upon completion of the work, which of the following items must the contractor submit? (Choose the two that apply.) A. extra stock of materials as listed in the specifications B. a certificate of occupancy C. copies of all change orders completed during the course of the work D. warranties and operating instructions as required in notes on the mechanical drawings E. certificates of inspection F. certificates of testing

A and D Items required by the contract documents, either in the specifications or on the drawings, must be submitted to the owner before the work is considered complete. If these items have not been forwarded to the architect for transmission to the owner, they can be included as outstanding items in the architect's comments on the punch list. Copies of change orders are not required at this time, as this paperwork would be issued throughout the course of the project. Certificates of testing are required to be submitted to the architect promptly after each test, not as the completion of the work. Certificates of inspection and a certificate of occupancy would be issued by the building official.

What is an exit court? (IBC Definition)

A court or yard that provides access to a public way for one or more exits.

Which of these organizations publish standards that might be referred to in an interior door specification? (Choose the four that apply.) A. UL B. AWI C. TCNA D. FSC E. CSI F. WDMA

A, B, D, F References to the Architectural Woodwork Institute's (AWI) Quality Standards Illustrated and the Forest Stewardship Council's (FSC) Principles and Criteria would commonly be found in interior wood door specifications, particularly those for projects seeking LEED certification. References to Underwriters' Laboratories (UL) testing may also found in the specifications for fire-rated doors. The specification may also refer to the WDMA (Window and Door Manufacturer's Association) Technical Handbook. UL is an organization that tests products to determine whether they meet pre-established criteria. If the product passes the test, if often receives a label or certificate stating that it meets or exceeds the criteria. AWI, WDMA, and TCNA (Tile Council of North America) are examples of architectural trade organizations. These groups are good sources of information about a particular product or type of construction; there are hundreds of trade organizations representing every building product imaginable. Most have a technical services section on their website with in-depth information about the product or method the group represents. Some of these groups publish handbooks of typical installation details, such as the TCNA Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation, which is commonly referred to in specifications. The FSC documents the chain of custody of wood products to prove that materials were grown and harvested in a sustainable way. This documentation can be necessary for projects seeking LEED certification. CSI (Construction Specifications Institute) establishes standards used when organizing and writing specifications. Although these standards may be followed when preparing the specification, they would not be referred to in the document.

AIA Document B141 forms the legal relationship between the owner and the architect. Article 1.1, Initial Information, defines the project parameters. Which of the following pieces of information is NOT requested of the owner at the beginning of a project? A. a physical description of the proposed site B. certification from the owner's lender or financiers that adequate funds are available to pay for design and construction of the proposed project. C. a proposed schedule, including any special requirements such as "fast-tracking" D. a proposed procurement and delivery method, such as a negotiated contract, competitive bidding, or employment of a construction manager.

B AIA Document B141 does not require the owner to provide evidence that he or she has secured adequate funding from the project. It does, however, require the owner to determine a budget for the cost of the work and for the project. The project budget includes the architect's compensation. The contract also requires the owner to provide a program and schedule. The architect must compare the budget, program, and schedule to determine if the requirements can be satisfied given the amount the owner plans to spend. If it is not possible, the architect should notify the owner of adjustments that will need to be made to any of the three components (time, cost, and quality) or of the consultant services that will be required. This responsibility detailed in Article 2.3, Evaluation and Planning Services.

According to AIA Document A201, A. the architect must approve the contractor's construction schedule before work can begin B. the architect must approve the contractor's schedule of submittals C. the contractor is responsible for preparing record drawings D. the architect is responsible for reviewing all submittals provided by the contractor

B According to AIA Document A201, Subparagraph 3.10.2, the architect must approve the contractor's proposed schedule of submittals at the start of the project. This is to ensure that there will be a reasonable amount of time allowed for the architect to review the submittal, for the contractor to make corrections or revisions as necessary based upon the architect's review, and for the architect to approve the submittal without delaying the progress of the work. Record drawings are much more detailed and may be required of the contractor by the specifications, but AIA Document A201 does not include this requirement. (Record drawings are also often prepared by the architect as an additional service to the owner.) The architect is responsible for reviewing only the submittals that are required by the contract documents according to Subparagraph 3.12.4 If additional submittals are forwarded to the architect, the architect may return them to the contractor without action.

Which of the following would NOT be considered a part of the net assignable area of a building? A. a classroom B. a lobby C. a janitor's closet D. a storage room

B All of the floor space within a building can be classified into one of the following four categories. -net assignable area: area that can be assigned to an occupant, including service and custodial spaces and restrooms - circulation area: areas required for access to subdivisions of space such as stairwells, corridors, elevators, lobbies, and so on -mechanical area: all mechanical spaces such as equipment rooms, duct shafts, boiler rooms, and so on -construction area: area occupied by exterior walls, structural elements, and partitions The gross floor area or architectural area of the building is equivalent to the sum of these four categories, plus any factored unenclosed or semi-enclosed areas. Factored means that the actual area of spaces such as canopies, balconies, pipe spaces less than 6 t or terraces, is multiplied by a factor of 0.5 to arrive at a weighted number used in the tally.

Under an agreement referencing AIA Document A201, who is required to file a certificate of insurance prior to commencement of work? A. the owner B. the contractor C. the architect D. the subcontractor

B Although both the owner and the contractor are contractually required to carry insurance relative to a project, only the contractor is required to provide certificates of insurance per AIA Document A201, Subparagraph 11.1.13. One of the most popular forms used to prepare this documentation is the ACORD Certificate of Insurance. ACORD, which stands for Association for Cooperative Operations Research and Development, is a nonprofit organization that develops standards for the insurance and financial services industries. If this document is used, it should be accompanied by AIA Document G715, Supplemental Attachment for ACORD Certificate of Insurance, which provides instructions for completing the ACORD form and contains additional space for information required by the construction contract that is not called for on the form. The owner is required by Subparagraph 11.4.6 to file copies of required insurance policies with the contractor before any exposure to loss may occur. All required insurance provisions mandate that one party give the other 30 days notice before any insurance is cancelled. This gives the other party time to consider the option of continuing the policy. The architect and subcontractor are not parties to the owner-contractor agreement and are not required by this contract to carry insurance. However, insurance requirements may be detailed in their agreements with the owner or contractor, respectively.

According to ADAAG (Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines), what is the maximum distance an object may protrude into the path of travel when it is mounted to a wall between 27 in and 80 in above finished floor? A. 2 in B. 4 in C. 6 in D. 8 in

B An object mounted to the wall between 27 in and 80 in above finish floor may protrude a maximum of 4 in into the path of travel. This requirement is intended to minimize obstructions that a person with impaired vision may possibly walk in to. Obstructions placed lower than 27 in may project more than 4 in as long as other requirements for access are maintained , because a person using a cane can detect the obstructions.

AIA Documents G612, Owner's Instructions to the Architect Regarding the Construction Contract, is a checklist that owners can use to define project requirements as they relate to the general conditions. This form request that the owner consult with legal and insurance counsel to discuss issues that will be addressed in the supplementary conditions and in the contract documents. This form does NOT request information about A. liability insurance requirements B. design schedule C. method of procurement D. equal opportunity requirements

B The questions pose in AIA Document G612, Owner's Instruction to the Architect Regarding the Construction Contract, deal with the owner-contractor contract. This checklist provides a guide for the owner and the owner's attorney and insurance agent as they establish the requirements for a particular project and develop the specific language used to modify the contract. The architect may also furnish AIA Document A503, Guide for supplementary Conditions, to further assist the owner and the owner's counsel in writing the supplementary conditions. Note that drafting the supplementary conditions is the responsibility of the owner. As the design schedule is a matter of coordination between the architect and the owner, schedules and other design requirements are detailed in the first part of AIA Document B141 (101).

"Claims-made" professional liability insurance policies A. base the cost of the insurance policy on the number of claims made against it B. require the policy to be in effect at the time a claim is made, not merely at the time services were rendered C. will cover a claim made against a retired partner if the policy was in effect at the time the incident that caused the claim occurred, but is no longer held by the firm D. are canceled if more than one claim is made against it in a specified period of time

B Claims-made professional liability insurance policies require the policy to be in effect both at the time that the incident occurs and at the time that the claim is actually made. If a claim is made on a project that was completed a number of years earlier, the claim will only be covered if the architect is still insured under the same policy he or she held at the time services were rendered. This means that the architect cannot allow the policy to lapse, or past projects may not be covered. If a firm wishes to change insurance carriers and previously held a claims-made policy, the firm should investigate the purchase of prior acts policies to ensure that their previous work is adequately covered. Accident- or occurrence-type policies will cover claims that are made for incidents that occurred when the policy was in effect, regardless of whether the policy is in effect at the time that the claim is made.

Requirements for library checkout equipment are found in which division of the Master Format specifications? A. 10 10 00 B. 11 05 00 C. 12 45 00 D.13 80 00

B Division 11, Equipment , is the CSI specification division for larger, specialty items. Division 10 is for smaller Specialties, Division 12 is for Furnishings, and Division 13 is for Special Construction.

During the punch list inspection, the architect notices several items that are not completed and that will make it impossible for the client to occupy the space. According to AIA Document A201, which of the following actions must the architect take? A. Notify the owner of the incomplete items. B. Notify the contractor that there are unfinished items that must be finished before the project will be determined substantially complete. C. Prepare a certificate of substantial completion D. Revise the punch list and resubmit it to the contractor.

B Document A201 requires that the architect notify the contractor of the unfinished items if they are not sufficiently complete in accordance with the contract documents, so that the owner can occupy the work or a designated portion thereof for its intended use. This must happen before the architect can issue a certificate of substantial completion.

Which of the following is the most appropriate way to announce bid results? A. The architect should make a statment at the conclusion of the bid opening identifying the apparent low bidder. B. After evaluating all of the bids, the owner should make a decision of award and the ar chite ct should notify the bidders. C. The archiect should call all of the bidders and give them the results. D. The owner should publish the bid results in the local newspaper.

B During a bid opening, the architect or a designated representative will open the bids, read them aloud, and record in a bid log the base bid amounts, bids for proposed alternates, receipt of addenda, and whether required supporting documentation is included with the bid (such as a bid bond). The architect should not announce the apparent low bidder at the bid opening. The owner should evaluate the bids and make a decision about the award within a reasonable amount of time. The architect may the notify all of the bidders of the owner's decision. The delay allows time for the owner to complete evaluation of the bids and also provides an opportunity for a contractor to retract a bid in the event that a mathematical error is discovered after submission.

Which of the following need NOT be proven before an architect can be found negligent? A. The architect had a duty toward the other party. B. The architect violated a written contractual agreement. C. The architect committed a breach of duty. D. The damage was caused by a breach of duty on the part of the architect.

B Duty need not be established by a written agreement, although this is most often the case. Duty can arise based on the actions of the architect.

Which type of architectural services fee structure is preferable when a client is embarking on his or her first architectural project and does not yet have a program? A. fixed sum B. multiple of direct personnel expense C. percentage of construction cost D. unit cost based on square footage

B It is very likely that clients undertaking their first construction project without a program would spend a great deal of their time and the architect's time determining needs and making decisions. Programming is not considered to be part of the architect's basic services. A cost plus fee method such as multiple of direct personnel expense would ensure that no matter how much time was spent on the project, the architect would still cover expenses and make a profit.

Which MasterFormat division would include the specification requirements for metal studs for interior partition walls? A. 05 B. 09 C. 10 D. 13

B Light-gage metal framing for interior partitions is specified in Division 09, Finishes.

Which of the following is LEAST likely to be included in a submittal? A. shop drawings of a storefront window assembly B. MSDS for trowel-on block filler C. vinyl wall base samples D. cut sheets for a paper towel dispenser

B MSDSs, or Materials Safety Data Sheets, are prepared by any supplier of hazardous materials. This information is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for any materials used in a workplace and must be kept current and accessible to employees during working hours. The documents include information on the physical properties of the chemicals, required protective equipment, appropriate responses to exposure, and health risks.

During a site visit, the architect notes that the contractor is using unapproved materials that were not originally specified. Before work can be stopped under the provisions of AIA Document A201 what must occur? A. The contractor must show cause why the unapproved materials are being used. B. The owner must issue a written order to the contractor to stop the work. C. The architect must give written notice of intent to stop the work and wait seven days. D. The architect, with the approval of the owner, must issue a stop work order.

B Only the owner has the right to stop the work, according to the provisions of Article 2 of AIA Document A201. The owner may stop the work if the contractor fails to correct work not in accordance with the requirements of the contract documents or persistently fails to carry out work in accordance with the contract documents. Article 3.4 states that the contractor may make substitutions only with the consent of the owner, after evaluation by the architect and with a change order.

While removing floor tile in the lobby of an old theater, a contractor suspects that the mastic may contain asbestos. In accordance with AIA Document A201, she stops work and reports her findings to the owner. The owner hires a testing laboratory, which confirms the contractor's suspicions. The project is at a standstill for three weeks while abatement takes place. When the area is clear, the contractor prepares a change order request for a time extension and compensation for expenses incurred as a result of the discovery. The owner refuses. stating that the contractor's proposal for four extra weeks and $10,000 to cover shutdown and startup costs is unreasonable. What is the next step? A. The architect should issue a construction change directive and order the work to proceed so that more time is not lost while the owner and contractor negotiate. B. The claim should proceed directly to mediation. C. Because the project was shut down for three weeks, the contract time should automatically be extended by three weeks. D. The architect should review the claim and make a decision.

B Paragraph 10.3 of AIA Document A201 addresses the discovery of hazardous materials. The contractor was correct to stop work and immediately notify the owner of her suspicions, and the owner was correct to engage a testing agency to confirm that asbestos was present. The contractor has the right to an appropriate extension of the contract time and fair compensation for costs related to stopping and restarting the work. What is appropriate and fair is often negotiated between the owner and contractor, and the contract is modified by change order. IF the owner and contractor cannot agree, the contractor may assert a claim. While most claims are referred to the architect for an initial decision, claims dealing with hazardous materials always proceed directly to mediation and to arbitration if necessary.

A project architect assigns a project to two interns in the office who collaborate to complete the construction drawings and details for the design the project architect has sketched. The project architect answers occasional questions during the development of the drawings but does not review the drawing until they are 95% complete. Which type of quality management technique best describes the project architect's approach? A. total quality management B. quality control C. quality assurance D. coordination

B Quality control requires a project architect or designated quality control reviewer to check the work immediately before it is distributed to the user. It helps to catch any errors that may have been made, but has the disadvantage of detecting them at the very end of the process, when they may be more costly to fix or when time may not allow for comprehensive revision of the drawings affected. To help offset the disadvantages of quality control, quality assurance was developed. Quality assurance requires periodic checks of the work while it is being developed. For example, periodic "check sets" may be generated for the reviewer when the project is 25%, 50%, and 90% complete. This allows the reviewer to pick up errors earlier in the process and is intended to produce a better-coordinated set of documents. Total quality management (TQM) goes beyond quality control and quality assurance, with the goal of customer satisfaction.

A university is planning to build a new science center to house its chemistry and biology departments. The school wishes to encourage competitive bidding but also to ensure that the materials used meet a minimum standard of quality. Which type of specification should be used? A. proprietary B. base bid with "approved equal" language C. descriptive D. base bid with alternates

B The base bid with approved equal language lists the desired product and states that an alternative product proposed by a contractor will be considered by the architect. This establishes a minimum level of quality based upon the characteristics of the specified product, but puts the responsibility on the contractor to find and submit an alternative product if he or she wishes. This type of specification will require the architect to evaluate the proposals during the bidding phase and issue addenda notifying all bidders of the decisions. When using a base bid with an "approved equal" type of specification, it is important to include a deadline for submission of proposed substitutions during the bidding phase to allow the architect enough time to research the products and issue notification to the bidders of the substitutions' acceptance or rejection.

Five general contractors are invited to bid on a small office renovation project. The drawings are mailed to the bidders at the beginning of June, with bids due on July 2. The documents state that bidders are to list a unit price per square yard for providing and installing carpet. In the meantime, the owner decides to choose and order carpet through a local flooring distributor and provide it to the contractor to install. The architect issues an addendum to this effect on June 22, requesting that bidders delete the unit price and include installation of the carpet in their bids. Upon receipt of the addendum, one of the prospective bidders calls the architect and says that he has already delivered his bid to the owner's office, as stated in the instructions to bidders. How should the architect respond? A. Ask the contractor the amount he wishes to add to or deduct from the price and adjust the bid after the bid opening. B. Tell the contractor to retrieve the bid from the owner, correct it to reflect receipt of the addendum and the revised price, and resubmit it to the owner. C. Tell the contractor to submit another bid. D. Explain that the bid will not be considered valid without acknowledgement of receipt of the addendum.

B The contractor should retrieve his bid from the owner, correct it, and resubmit it prior to the deadline for receipt of bids. This would be the best way to modify the price. The architect should not interfere with the bidding process by modifying the bid in any way.

The architect can best chart the involvement and responsiblities of all members of the project team with a A. flow diagram meeting B. full wall schedule C. Gantt chart D. project monitoring chart

B The full wall schedule technique requires everyone on the project to work on developing the project schedule. This facilitates discussion about work tasks, responsibilities, and project deadlines, Participation of all team members is encouraged, and as a result everyone has a vested interest in the final schedule.

According to ADAAG (Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines), what is the minimum clear floor space for one stationary wheelchair? A. 24 in (610) by 36 in (915) B. 30 in (760) by 48 in (1220) C. 32 in (815) by 48 in (1220) D. 60 in (1525) by 60 in (1525)

B The minimum clear floor space required for one stationary wheelchair is 30 in (760) by 48 in (1220). This critical dimension is the basis for many other accessibility guidelines, such as the amount of clear floor space required at a lavatory and the width of a hallway required to allow two wheelchairs to pass (60 in (1525), which is 30 in (760) times two).

In what order should the following project closeout activities take place? I. preparing the final certificate for payment II. compiling punch list III. issuing the certificate of substantial completion IV. receiving notification from the contractor that the project is ready for final inspection V. releasing the final payment to the contractor after consent of surety is received A. II, III, V, IV, then I B. II, IV, III, V, then I C. IV, II, V, I, then III D. IV, V, II, III, then I

B When the contractor considers the work to be substantially complete, he or she is responsible for compiling the "punch list," the list of work to be completed or corrected. The contractor must notify the architect when the project is ready for the punch list inspection. During this inspection, the architect verifies that the project has been completed according to the contract documents and makes note of any items that still must be corrected. The architect then prepares the certificate of substantial completion, which sets the deadline for correction of the punch list items and governs the transfer of responsibility from the contractor to the owner for items such as utilities, maintenance, and security, among others. The contractor notifies the architect when the project is ready for a second, final inspection. If this inspection is acceptable, the architect prepares and issues the final certificate for payment. The final payment and retainage is not due to the contractor until he or she fulfills the obligations of AIA Document A201, which include receipt of the consent of surety. When this and the other necessary documents have been received, the contractor can receive the final payment.

What does the phrase 'time is of the essence' mean in a contract? A. The project must be completed as quickly as possible. B. All work must be completed by the dates specified in the contract or the contractor has breached the agreement. C. The contractor must mobilize its forces and begin working on the project as soon as the contract is signed. D. The owner is responsible for setting the construction schedule.

B When the dates included in the contract are firm, the contract will include the phrase "time is of the essence." By agreeing to the contract, the contractor is affirming that the construction period stated is a reasonable amount of time for completing the job and that the work will be completed by the specified date. If both parties (the contractor and the owner) do not fullfill their obligations by the dates stated in the contract, they may be in breach of the contract. This phrase is included in Subparagraph 8.2.1 of AIA Document A201. If the contractual deadlines are not met, the contractor may be forced to pay the owner liquidated damages if this provision has been agreed upon in advance.

When reviewing applications for payment, which of the following does the architect do? (Choose the four that apply.) A. verify that adequate safety precautions are being observed by the contractor B. determine if the completed work will be in accordance with the contract documents C. become generally familiar with the progress and quality of the work. D. keep the owner informed about the progress of the work. E. check if the quantities of the installed work are as required by the contract documents F. endeavor to guard the owner against defects in the work.

B, C, D, and F AIA Document B141 (101) states the reasons the architect visits the site and his or her responsibilities regarding applications for payment. When reviewing pay applications, the architect is responsible for determine whether work completed complies with the requirements of the contract documents. He or she should be generally familiar with the progress of the work and communicate this to the owner. The goal of the architect's involvement and review should be to endeavor to guard the owner against defects in the work. The architect is not responsible for safety at the site or for the means, methods, or techniques of construction, including verifying the quantities of materials.

Which of the following types of business organization limit an individual's liability to the amount he or she has invested in the company? (Choose the three that apply.) A. a partnership B. A corporation C. a sole proprietorship D. a limited-liability company E. a limited-liability partnership F. a disadvantaged business enterprise

B, D, E Both corporations and limited liability companies limited individual liability to the amount invested. A limited liability partnership, like a limited-liability company, also limits liability to a person's investment. A traditional partnership exposes each partner to liability for the actions of the other partners. The partners' personal assets can be seized to pay judgments against the firm. A sole proprietor is personally liable for everything, and his or her personal resources ca be taken in the event of a claim. Disadvantage business enterprises, like minority- or women owned business enterprises, are small businesses certified by some states in order to encourage more participation from these groups in government-funded projects.

An architect should specify a mock-up for I. a CMU foundation wall for a small warehouse II. kitchen cabinetry, granite countertops, and mosaic tile backsplashes for a series of identical apartments III. a custom-designed carpet inlay in the lobby of a hotel IV. a portion of a brick wall for an addition to a 1760s building A. I and III only B. II and III only C. II and IV only D. II, III, and IV only

C A mock-up is a full-scale preview of a building assembly. Mock-ups can be very expensive, so it is important to specify them only where they are truly necessary. Approved mock-ups can often be integrated into the work, making them more cost effective. In this problem, the two best applications of mock-ups would be the apartment kitchens and the brick wall. In the case of the cabinetry, the mock-up would allow the architect and owner to see the kitchen in place and sign off on it before the contractor orders the materials for the other apartments. Modifications could be made relatively inexpensively based upon the mock-up, as opposed to waiting until all of the cabinets and counter tops have been fabricated to make a change. A mock-up is also very useful where a contractor is charged with matching existing materials. A mock-up of the wall (or better yet, a few mock-ups representing different options) would allow the contractor to choose an appropriate brick color and style, mortar color, and tooling method, and to see how it will all work together before placing the order for the entire job. There is no need to specify a mock-up for a CMU foundation wall, as this is a relatively standard detail. The carpet inlay would be an extremely expensive mock-up and could probably be more economically represented using a computer modeling program or a paper version of the design.

A tort may arise from A. criminal activity of the architect B. unauthorized downloading of software C. negligence of the architect D. theft by an employee of an architect

C A tort is a civil wrong resulting from negligence as opposed to a criminal act. The other three choices are criminal acts.

AIA Document A201 requires the owner to purchase and maintain all these types of insurance EXCEPT A. all-risk property insurance B. boiler and machinery insurance C. project management protective liability insurance D. liability insurance

C AIA Document A201 addresses issues of insurance and bonds in Article 11. Subparagraph 11.3.1 discusses project management protective liability insurance, which offers coverage for vicarious liability claims related to a project against the owner, contractor, and architect. An owner is not required to carry project management protective liability insurance, but may require a contractor to carry it. If the owner requires the contractor to carry this insurance, the owner must reimburse the contrator for its cost. The owner is required to purchase all of the other types of insurance. All-risk property insurance, which includes evrything but specfically name risks, is required by Article 11.4.1. Boiler and machinery insurance is required by Subparagraph 11.4.2 and covers only those items until final acceptance of the work. Subparagraph 11.2.1 requires the owner to carry liability insurance throughout the project. Architects are not qualified to give clients advice regarding insurance coverage. Architects can use AIA Document G612, Owner's Instructions Regarding the Construction Contract, Insurance and Bonds, and Biding, to gather information about their client's insurance requirements for the purposes of preparing the contract documents. Owners should be advised to consult with an attorney or insurance agent if they have questions about insurance recommendations for the project.

Which of these statements regarding scheduling is false? A. Each item listed on the critical path must be completed by the target date or the project completion date will be affected. B. From the contractor's perspective, it is best if the duration of each activity is less than the period between progress payments. C. Sequencing is generally depicted on a bar chart. D. Float is a property of activities that can be started or finished within a prescribed time range and not affect the project completion date.

C AIA Document A201, Paragraph 3.10, requires the contractor to prepare and submit a construction schedule for the owner's and architect's information. Often, the General Requirements (Division 01 of the specifications) require a contractor to use the critical path method (CPM) of scheduling to develop this plan for the construction period. The use of the critical path method is not limited to construction projects and can be a good way to organize any complex undertaking, including scheduling the preparation of contract documents within an architectural firm. Sequencing cannot be shown accurately on a bar chart. Bar charts, also known as Gantt charts, are best for evaluating duration only, because they list the activities to be completed but do not explain interrelationships between the tasks. (For example, a bar chart would not show that concrete foundations must be poured before wall framing begins.) A bar chart is usually structured so that the activities occuring first are at the top of the chart and subsequent activities are listed later.

During a construction phase site visit, the architect notices taht a finish subcontractor is not installing a flooring material properly. What should be the architect's first response? A. Inform the owner in writing of the situation B. Withhold the appropriate amount on the contractor's application for payment. C. Tell the contractor the work is not in conformance with the contract documents. D. Notify the subcontractor that their work is not being properly installed.

C According to AIA Document A201, communication by and with subcontractors and materials suppliers shall be through the contractor. The architect should inform the contractor of the improper installation and the contractor is responsible for coordinating the repair with the subcontractor.

According to AIA Document B141 (101), which of the following services is NOT part of the architects basic service for project closeout? A. forwarding written warranties to the owner B. sending a consent of surety to the owner C. providing start-up assistance D. meeting with the owner to determine the need for facility operation services

C Article 2.8.3 of AIA Document B141 (101, check to see where exactly) lists services that the architect will provide only if specifically designated. Start-up assistance is one of these services. Review the list of extra services that are not normally part of the architect's standard services. These include, among others, programming, geotechnical services, existing facilities surveys, site analysis, landscape design, interior design, detailed cost estimating, on-site project representation, record drawings, and post-contract evaluation.

For aesthetic reasons, the architect's specifications on a building project call for a specific method of constructing a concrete wall and slab that is not in accordance with normal construction practices. The contractor tells the architect that the contractor believes the specified method will create unsafe conditions. According to AIA Document A201, what action must the contractor take? A. Proceed with construction following the instructions in the specifications. B. Notify the architect in writing, and propose alternate methods of construction. C. Give written notice to both the owner and architect of the safety concerns, and wait for instruction from the architect. D. Modify the method to make it safe, and proceed with construction.

C Generally, the contractor is solely responsible for the means and methods of construction, unless the contract documents give specific instructions to the contrary. However, upon determining that the instructions create an unsafe situation, the contractor must give timely written notice to the owner and architect and not proceed with the unsafe portion of the work until receipt of further written instructions from the architect. If the contractor is instructed to proceed regardless of the safety concerns raised, the owner becomes solely responsible for any resulting loss or damage.

Vinyl composition tile shall be maintained at a minimum of 65F for 48 hours prior to installation, during installation, and for 48 hours after completion. In what part of the specification would the contractor find these instructions? A. Part I, General B. Part II, Products C. Part III, Execution D. Division 01, General Requirements

C Instructions for installation would be found in Part III, Execution. This section describes how materials are to be prepared prior to installation, how substrates are to be prepared to accept the material, the methods for quality control, and requirements for cleaning and protecting the product after it is installed. Part I, General, describes the submittals and warranties required for that product, project conditions, delivery, storage and handling requirements, and quality assurance requirements. Part II, Products, includes information on the product, acceptable manufacturers, applicable standards and test methods, and technical requirements. Division 01, General Requirements, includes requirements that apply to all specification sections. It explains the administrative procedures that will be used throughout the course of the project and gives the contractor instructions regarding issues such as temporary facilities and controls, submittals, items furnished by the owner, quality control, and final cleaning and protection of the work.

Plans, sections, and elevations are examples of A. isometric drawings B. axonometric drawings C. orthographic drawings D. oblique drawings

C Plans, sections, and elevations are examples of orthographic projections. These drawings "project" the building onto a drawing surface parallel to the object. This allows the elements of the building to be shown to scale but eliminates depth from the drawing. Other drawing conventions, such as lightweight, must be used to communicate which parts of the building are closest to the viewer and which portions recede. Axonometric drawings are prepared by rotating the plan at an angle and drawing the horizontal and vertical elements of the elevations to scale. They are sometimes called paraline drawings. An isometric drawing is a type of axonometric drawing that projects the view along x, y, and z axes that are 120 degrees apart. Oblique drawings can be drawn relative to either the plan or the elevation. A plan oblique is another term for an axonometric drawing. An elevation oblique is projected from an elevation; the elevation closest to the viewer is shown to scale and actual shape, but the other sides of the building are foreshortened.

In the diagram shown, what is the minimum distance, between two entry doors in the vestibule? (door swings are the same way) A. 36 in B. 42 in C. 48 in D. 60 in

C The minimum distance between two entry doors forming a vestibule when one opens out and one opens in is 48 in.

Who prepares the owner-contractor agreement? A. the architect, using standard AIA document forms or software B. the owner, with the assistance of the architect C. the owner's attorney D. the contractor

C The owner's attorney should prepare the owner-contractor agreement, including the general conditions of the contract for construction and any supplementary conditions. Architects are not permitted to prepare contracts to which they are not a party, to do so would be the unauthorized practice of law and may even give rise to criminal liability. Preparing this agreement may require giving the owner legal or insurance advice, neither of which an architect is qualified to provide. Only the owner's legal counsel should prepare this document on the owner's behalf. If the owner-contractor agreement proposed by the owner's attorney modifies the architect's responsibilities or risks in any way, the architect's insurance carrier and/or attorney should review it.

Which of the following are likely to occur if the drawings and specifications are not thoroughly coordinated? (Choose the four that apply.) A. a decrease of the actual cost from the estimated cost because the contractor bid on a less expensive material shown on the drawings, although the same material was called out as a more expensive type in the specifications B. a lawsuit C. the need for a change order during construction, to account for modifications required to correct discrepancies in the two documents D. a delay in construction E. an increase in cost because the contractor bid the least expensive choice between two conflicting requirements when the client wanted the more expensive option. F. the architect may be held financially responsible for the omission

C, D, E, F It is commonly believed that the specifications take precedence over the drawings, but AIA Document A201 states that these two documents are considered "complementary and what is required by one shall be binding as if required by all." In cases where there is a discrepancy, the conflict should be brought to the architect's attention. Any time there are conflicts in the project documents, the best that can happen is a quick resolution with no chance to the cost, but usually an increase results and the project may be delayed as the parties deal with administrative work. Conflicts in the documents can be corrected with an addendum prior to bidding or negotiating, by change order, or by modification after the construction contract is signed. Litigation would be a last resort and other remedies would be sought and implemented before a lawsuit occurred.

An architecture firm is designing a tranquil, spa-like treatment center for cosmetic dentistry. The dental clinic will be housed within an existing building. The architect's scope of services includes space planning; detailing new partition walls; coordinating updates to the mechanical, electrical, data, and plumbing systems with appropriate consultants; providing interior design services; and selecting and procuring furnishings for the suite. Which AIA document or documents would be most appropriate for use as the owner-contractor agreements for this project? A. A101: Owner-Contractor Agreement Form--Stipulated Sum, with A201: General Conditions of the Contract for Construction B. A107: Abbreviated Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Contractor for Construction Projects of Limited Scope, Stipulated Sum C. A105: Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Contractor for a Small Project, with A205: General Conditions of the Contract for Construction of a Small Project. D. A171: Owner-Contractor Agreement Form--Stipulated Sum for Furniture, Furnishings, and Equipment, with A271: General Conditions of the Contract for Furniture, Furnishings, and Equipment for purchase of the furniture; and A101: Owner-Contractor Agreement Form--Stipulated Sum, with A201: General Conditions of the Contract for Construction for construction work.

D The most appropriate choice of owner-contractor contracts for this project would be a combination of A101: Owner-Contractor Agreement Form--Stipulated Sum with A201: General Conditions of the Contract for Construction for the construction work, and A171: Owner-Contractor Agreement Form--Stipulated Sum for Furniture, Furnishings, and Equipment with A271: General Conditions of the Contract for Furniture, Furnishings, and Equipment for the purchase of the furniture. The contracts could both be with the same contractor, with two different contractors, or with a contractor and a furniture dealer. Most AIA documents deal only with the provision of "traditional" architectural and construction services. The exceptions are the Interiors family, including A171 and 271, which were developed jointly by the AIA and ASID (American Society of Interior Designers). It is important to keep the design contract separate from the FF&E (fixtures, furnishings, and equipment) contract to preserve the architect's independence from monetary interest in the sale of the gods that the architect has specified. It is advisable to use the Interiors family documents in situations where the scope of the project is limited to FF&E because these forms reference the Uniform Commercial Code, which provides rules for commerce in the United States. Documents in the Interiors family are not suitable for construction work such as the major tenant improvement described in this problem, or for projects with structural work or life safety systems. Therefore, portions of a project dealing with those issues should be covered under a separate agreement.

Which of the following need NOT be present to prove negligence? A. breach B. damage C. duty D. commission

D To prove negligence, four elements must be present. 1) duty - one entity is legally obligated to another to provide something 2) breach - one entity did not provide what they were legally obligated to provide 3) cause - because one entity did not provide what they were obligated to provide, the other entity has suffered harm 4) damage - there must be actual harm caused as a result of the breach Negligence claims can be brought about from errors of omission on the part of the architect.

Which of the following types of specifications would probably NOT be used to specify asphalt roofing shingles? A. descriptive B. base bid with "approved equal" language" C. reference standard D. base bid with alternates

D A base bid with alternates type of specification for asphalt shingles is not appropriate be cause this type of specification would leave too much to the discretion of the contractor without provision for review by the architect. There are many different types of shingles available and this type of specification may leave the owner open to use of an inferior product. A better specification would be the base bid with "approved equal" language. This would give the owner and architect more control over the types of products used during construction, because pre-approved manufacturers would be defined in the specification.

What is an exit discharge? (IBC Definition)

That portion of a means-of-egress system between the termination of an exit and a public way.

What is an exit? (IBC definition)

That portion of a means-of-egress system that is separated from other interior spaces of a building or structure by fire-resistance-rated construction and opening protectives as required to provide a protected path of egress travel between the exit access and the exit discharge.

What is an exit access? (IBC Definition)

That portion of a means-of-egress system that leads from any occupied portion of a building or structure to an exit.

If there is a discrepancy between the worded bid price and numeric bid price from a contractor then which amount takes precedent?

The worded bid price

What is an exit enclosure/exit passageway? (IBC Definition)

an exit component that is separated from all other interior spaces of a building or structure by fire-resistance-rated construction and opening protectives, and provides for a protected path of egress travel in a vertical or horizontal direction to the exit discharge or the public way.

What is Force Majeure

means "greater force" and is used to describe situation whree damages or delays are caused by forces beyond the control of either party to a contract. AIA Document A201, Paragraph 8.3.1, Delays and Extensions of Time, allows the contractor to request an extension of the contract time due to "unavoidable casualties or other causes beyond the Contractor's control." The contractor must initiate any claims within 21 days of the event per Subparagraph 4.3.2. The contract is then modified by a change order or construction change directive issued by the architect. Examples of acts that may excuse performance under a force majeure clause are natural disasters, acts of war, terrorist attacks, and labor disputes such as union strikes.