PPD Flashcards - 2022

Cylinder lockset

Most common and cost-effective type, used in many residential buildings

If we were designing a high school auditorium what would be the largest source of heat gain?

PEOPLE

How much energy does it take to power a 60W bulb for 10 hours? A. 0.6 kW-hr B. 3.6 kW-hr C. 6 kW-hr D. 36-kW-hr

Solution: A. 0.6 kW-hr Energy = Watts x time = 60W x 10hr = 600/1000 = 0.6 kW-hr

Which part of a refrigeration system heats up the most during the process? A. Compressor B. Condenser C. Evaporator D. Valve

Solution: B. Condenser

Interior veneers:

20 psf

New urbanism

An approach to town planning that advocates more diverse housing opportunities and less dependent on cars

If we were designing a large office building what typically would be the largest source of heat gain?

LIGHTING

Which is more effective at providing cross ventilation for cooling in a building?

Right image

SINGLE-PHASE 3 WIRE THREE PHASE 3 WIRE

Transformer (squiggle) tied to the phase

Moment

both web and flange

- Transmission loss (TL)

○ Rating measured at every octave band to describe the robustness of a material or assembly keeping sound out from one side to another § One number for every octave band ○ Higher number means a more robust assembly (quieter space)

Variable air volume

dampers/fans open and close so volume can go up and down

Gate valve

shut off to do maintenance on the pump (all on or all off)

Which likely has a longer duct run to the space it serves? A. Fan coil unit (FCU) B. Air handler unit (AHU)

Solution: B. Air handler unit (AHU) Fan coil unit: - More control because a fan in each room - Less efficient because more fans and louder and maintenance goes up - Only pipes, no ducting

Which one of these is a shop weld?

Solution: Bottom one Open triangle means shop weld Flag weld symbol means field weld

To allow buildings to receive light and air, zoning ordinances implement ____________ requirements. A. FAR B. Easements C. Building height D. Setbacks

Solution: D. Setbacks Setbacks are the primary provision which zoning ordinances use to ensure that buildings receive light and air

- Double-duct, constant volume

Hot and cold duct go into a mixing box/terminal box that has a damper and will mix the hot and c old air until it is at a comfortable temperature. Very energy intensive process

Exterior veneers:

15 psf

See Image

See image

What is the minimum desirable width between (2) elevator bays in lobby as shown?

A. 8' B. 10' C. 12' D. 14'

A state agency hired an architect to restore a historic train depot. Which of the following should be priorities? Select the best 3 of the 6 choices. A. Add an accessible entrance but minimize changes to the original building when doing so B. Design a new parking garage that can be later removed without destroying the historic portion of the train station structure C. Prioritize replacing the old windows with newer efficient ones before insulating the cavity above the ceiling and below the roof D. The new budling addition on the outside of the existing building with elevators and accessible bathrooms should appear to be from the era of the original E. Repair historic ornamental statues to their original material and color F. When adding air conditioning, choose ducted over ductless systems

Solution: A. Add an accessible entrance but minimize changes to the original building when doing so B. Design a new parking garage that can be later removed without destroying the historic portion of the train station structure E. Repair historic ornamental statues to their original material and color Generally, the rules for historic preservation are intuitive. . . except it may not be obvious until you read it that new additions should not be made to look old. Everything has a proper time, and buildings should be of their respective eras. Standards for Preservation 1. Use the property to maximize the retention of distinctive features. 2. Retain the historic character 3. Recognize the property as a physical record of its time 4. Preserve past renovations that have acquired historic significance in their own right 5. Repair historic features so that the new material, color, texture, and design match the old 6. Preserve archaeological resources in place 7. Keep the historic part whenever possible while upgrading the accessibility and sustainability of the building Historic preservation and sustainability: Form a team with members that have a preservation background and members that have a sustainability background. Identify methods to reduce energy use, but balance the impact on the historic building. Execute what is needed to meet energy performance goals, but start with that which is least likely to denigrate the historic nature of the building. Only engage the disruptive technologies after you've engaged the less-disruptive ones. Begin with the least invasive, most cost-effective, weatherization measures. Address air-tightness before adding insulation. Insulate unfinished spaces (attics, basements, crawl spaces) first, then only if the energy model deems it necessary should you remove historic plaster and trim in finished spaces to insulate there. Weatherstripping and caulking windows is acceptable, as is installing storm windows. Don't, for instance, remove a historic, durable, heart pine floor and replace it with a bamboo floor because the bamboo flooring seems to be sustainable. Use solar only after other less-intrusive options have been exhausted, especially if the PV panels will be visible. When upgrading the heating and cooling systems, use the least invasive strategies first: smart, programmable thermostats and ductless HVAC systems that use refrigerant or water pipes instead of larger ducts. If you require ducts, route them away from important spaces and better to expose them if concealing them requires ripping out important historic finish materials. Don't position outdoor HVAC equipment where it can be seen. (Consider a geothermal system, which is efficient and has no visible outdoor equipment.) Retain the roof's character if it is visible, typically the case in sloped roofs. . . but if the roof is low-slope ("flat"), feel free to install a green roof, high albedo membrane, or cool roof technology. New exterior addition to a historic building? Only consider new construction if the existing building's non-significant interior spaces cannot accommodate the new functions. Your new addition should be compatible with the scale and massing of the historic building, but your addition should be differentiated from the historic building. No saccharine, Disney, modern-day interpretations of what a historic building might look like in the new addition! Design the new addition so that it can be removed in the future without destroying the original historic building. The source for all things historic preservation on these exams: The US Department of Interior (National Park Service) Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties If you want to go deeper, but still keep to what may be relevant to your version of the exam, the Dept of Interior has a sidecar document focused on sustainability in historic preservation. You can find that here

Unit Lockset

Fits into door notch out

What is the required fire rating of a wall and door that separate (2) buildings? A. 4-hour wall & 3-hour door B. 3-hour wall & 4-hour door C. 2-hour wall & 90 minute door D. 2-hour wall & 1-hour door

Solution: A. 4-hour wall and 3-hour door

Which masonry pattern is considered most stable for a wall requiring the least reinforcement? A. Stacked bond B. Running bond C. Herringbone D. Basketweave

Solution: B. Running bond Running bond is considered the strongest with joints covered by units above and below. When joints are in alignment, it creates a weak point in the system. The other masonry patterns are less stable for a wall requiring the least reinforcement

A large corporation has decided to add an open parking area adjacent to an on the same level as its suburban headquarters building. To shield the vehicles from the view of passersby, it is proposed that an earth berm be constructed. The angle of repose for the earth is 1:2, and the berm will have a 2' level area at its top. If the berm is required to be 5' high, how wide must the berm be? A. 12' B. 20' C. 22' D. 26'

Solution: C. 22' The angle of repose is the steepest angle at which earth will remain stable. In this case, the 1:2 earth berm will extend 2' horizontally for every foot it rises in elevation. To slope up to the berm height of 5', the berm must extend 10' in width. It is 2' wide at the top, and it will take another 10' to slope back down to ground level. Summing these distances gives a total berm width of 22' - (10+2+10)=22

Open triangle

means shop weld

Which of these two diagrams better illustrates an economizer cycle?

Solution: Right *No mechanical cooling needed because outside air is cooler than inside temp required ECONOMIZER = FREE COOLING

An architect is designing a two story suburban house with basement. The water levels have critically declined on project site in recent years and recharging strategies are enforced by local codes. Which of the following is the best recharging strategy, if the rainfall rates are moderate and the existing soil is impermeable? A. Splash pan B. Gutterless sloped roof C. Dry well D. Trench drain

Solution: C. Dry well Dry wells are the best recharging strategy if the rain fall is moderate and soil is impermeable. Since the flow is not heavy one dry well, with perforated surface should be enough to discharge water at a slower rate. Incorrect Answers: - Gutterless sloped roofs are one of the simplest design solutions, however they are usually preferred for single story buildings with no basements. - A splash pan is the easiest method to redirect low-rate flow away from the building however moderate rain fall and impermeable soil, it will be hard to recharge surface with this method. - Trench drains are more effective than splash pan but are not the best option for this scenario

The image below depicts an A. Air purifier B. Air handling unit C. energy recovery ventilator D. Evaporative cooling unit

Solution: C. Energy recovery ventilator

When selecting mechanical systems for a project, the architect and the mechanical engineering consultant should consider which of the following factors? I. Skill of the owner's maintenance staff II. Weight of the equipment III. Noise characteristics of the equipment IV. Operating clearances A. III only B. II and IV C. II, III, and IV D. I, II, III, and IV

Solution: D. I, II, III and IV

You are reviewing a building project to redline specifically focusing on ADA requirements. What resource would you use to reference ADA standards? A. DOT ADA Guide B. ACLU Technical Guidelines C. ADA 1990 D. ICC A117.1

Solution: D. ICC A117.1 The ICC/ANSI A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities is a nationally recognized standard of technical requirements for making buildings accessible. We recommend you familiarize yourself generally with this document for all NCARB exams

What is the minimum desirable width between (2) elevator bays in lobby as shown? A. 8' B. 10' C. 12' D. 14'

Solution: B. 10'

Yard to feet

1 yard3= 27 ft3

How many foot-candles (fc) is direct sunlight? A. 10 fc B. 100 fc C. 1000 fc D. 10,000 fc

Solution: D. 10,000 fc Direct sunlight is 10,000 foot-candles (fc). A typical day is 1000fc. An overcast day is 100 fc. A dark day is 10fc

At its widest point, the width of an A-17 incandescent lamp is___? A. 2" B. 2-1/8" C. 2-1/2" D. 3"

Solution: B. 2-1/8" A-17 means it is 17/8" or 2-1/8"

Most of an accessible route must be 36" wide. The route may narrow to 32" for a length of travel of no more than A. 18" B. 24" C. 30" D. 36"

Solution: B. 24" Thresholds reduced to 32" clearance must be longer than 24"

(2) major categories of masonry veneers based on techniques of installation

Adhered masonry veneer Anchored masonry veneer

Air film vs air spaces

Air film has molecules that rest of the textured surface and offer A LITTLE BIT of thermal resistance (inside R=0.7 and exterior R=0.1). Not a big factor but still a factor to be included

In North America economical construction

Concrete over steel deck is typically more expensive than panelized wood floor. Panelized wood floor over purlins is typically mor expensive than panelized wood floor over open web wood truss or panelized wood floor over open web steel truss

Constant volume + reheat

Cooling the air year-round and then heating the cooled air when you need heating Often cooling and heating at the same time *HIGHEST OPERATING COST FOR A LARGE OFFICE BUILDING

Zoning ordinances normally regulate all of the following EXCEPT A. Land use B. Emergency exits C. Building size D. Population density

Solution: B. Emergency exits Found in the building code instead

You are completing the Floor Framing Plan for the floor of a dance hall that will be built in the city where you live. What types of wood would be acceptable and typical for framing? (Choose 3) A. Douglas fir B. Eastern hemlock C. Eastern spruce D. California redwood E. White cedar F. Sugar maple G. Butternut

Solution: A. Douglas fir B. Eastern hemlock C. Eastern spruce Douglas fir, hemlock and spruce are softwoods all commonly used in framing, sheathing and paneling

Which of the following defects would most affect a wood joist's ability to resist horizontal shear? A. Knot B. Split C. Wane D. Warp

Solution: B. Split

Under the U.S. Public Land Survey System (PLSS), consider the township 4 north, range 2 east, also abbreviated to T.4N, R.2E. The north boundary of this township is dictated by which line? A. Baseline B. 1st parallel North C. 4th parallel North D. 2nd guide meridian East

Solution: B. 1st parallel North For more information on U.S. Public Land Survey System (PLSS), please visit these pages: Geo Hunter Essay on the PLSS We also recommend reading chapter 1.38 - Site Description - of the book Building Construction Illustrated, 5th Edition

Which of the following would be the best solution to specify for waterproofing for a project that has an underground basement and that is being constructed in the winter? A. Silicon B. Rubber C. Visqueen D. Bentonite

Solution: D. Bentonite When bentonite is installed below grade as a waterproofing membrane, it becomes hydrated with the moisture that is naturally present in the soil and forms an impermeable barrier that absorbs and expels water. Bentonite is suitable for application over damp concrete

Which site elements will provide an acoustical barrier? Choose 4 A. Berm B. Coniferous tree C. Swale D. Fence E. Wall F. Raised roadway

Solution: A. Berm B. Coniferous tree D. Fence E. Wall

What are standpipes made from? Choose all that apply A. Cast iron B. Copper C. Steel D. PVC

Solution: A. Cast iron B. Copper Steel

Which material has the lowest perm rating? A. 10 mil (0.25) polyethylene B. Gypsum wallboard C. 1 mil (0.025) aluminum foil D. Exterior oil paint

Solution: C. 1 mil (0.025) aluminum foil Aluminum foil has a perm rating of 0

The shear wall shown is designed primarily to resist forces in which direction? A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4

Solution: 1 2: shows load bearing

See image

Solution: 18"

For a residence, a circuit includes (4) 100-watt lamps, (5) 200-watt receptacles, and (4) 75-watt lamps. A. How many total watts are used in this circuit when fully loaded?

(4x100)+(5x200)+(4x75)=1,700

Identify the acoustic strategies for quieting machines in a mechanical room

- Buffer space - Inertia block - Flexibility looped electrical conduit connection - Vibrating equipment isolator - Gradual duct transitions radiused elbow - Return duct silencer - Flexible canvas duct connections - Insulate the room - Resilient duct hangers - Housekeeping pad - Avoid putting items on the roof

Which of the following determines minimum parking requirements for a specific site? A. Local zoning ordinances B. Building codes C. Owner's preference D. ADA Guidelines

Solution: A. Local zoning ordinances

You are beginning to work on the details of a project with an extremely tight budget, and you need to decide on flashing types. When specifying something like flashing on a building, what should be given priority? (Choose the best answer) A. Longevity B. Finish C. Ease of installation D. Cost

Solution: A. Longevity Although PVC (plastic) and rubber flashings will be cheaper than metal ones, specifiers should remember that due to the prohibitive cost of replacement, flashings need to last as long as the other components of the wall system and should therefore never be selected based only on initial cost

Which of the diagrams shows the deflected shape of a rigid frame with a rigid base for the loading shown? A B C D

Solution: C. Both upper corners and the two fixed bases are restrained against rotation Columns with hinged bases, bases like that would provide no restraint against rotation Simple beam supported by columns without rigid joint Column bases were hinged and bases could slide the bases would provide no restraint against rotation or horizontal reactions

Single-duct, variable air volume systems are more energy-efficient than constant air volume systems because in variable air volume systems... A. The use of variable-pitch blades or variable-speed fans allows air volume to be modulated from zero to the required demand B. Fans run at their most efficient speed at all times and air volume is controlled by air dampers C. Duct sizes can be reduced, thus saving initial and finance cost D. Lower-voltage equipment is needed

Solution: A. The use of variable-pitch blades or variable-speed fans allows air volume to be modulated from zero to the required demand

In Manhattan, would you want to use wells or trenches in a geothermal heat pump (also called a "ground source heat pump")? A. Wells B. Trenches

Solution: A. Wells

Residential catchment areas are determined primarily by _______. A. Local transit B. School districts C. Arterial streets D. Landscape and topography

Solution: A. local transit

Direction of water flow

Solution: From high to low contours perpendicular to the contour lines

Why do we use geotextiles under roadways, walkways and driveways?

Solution: Keeps soil from "squashing". Use layers of soil and geotextile to make really stiff base

Single-zone, constant volume:

Volume of air in continuously moving so fan is always running and only 1 thermostat. Can still turn it off if not needed or just recirculate

Economizer cycle

free cooling

Mortise lockset

installed in rectangular area cut out of door; more SECURE than cylindrical and offers wider variety of locking options

- Noise criteria (NC)

○ Description of noise/background noise

Equation for reverberation time

Solution: TR = 0.049V/A V= volume of the space A= absorptivity of the wall, floor, and ceiling surfaces along with other absorptive elements, such as upholstered seats, curtains, and so on

An architect has a client with a site in downtown Chicago that wants to utilize the city's notorious trade winds to help ventilate his building. Due to the site constraints, the architect has to employ wing walls to help increase air flow

Solution: Upper left

Constant volume, reheat

Cooling the air year-round and then heating the cooled air when you need heating OFTEN COOLING AND HEATING AT THE SAME TIME (which makes it the highest operating cost for a large office building

double duct constant volume

Hot and cold duct go into a mixing box/terminal box that has a damper and will mix the hot and cold air until it is at a comfortable temperature Very energy intensive

What is the system below trying to do?

Hot water heater from excess heat from condenser

B. Given that the circuit is a standard 120V and 1700W, what should be the current (amperage) for the circuit (assume a power factor of 1.0)?

Need to know Ohm's Law § W(power in watts) = I(current in amps) x V (voltage in volts) □ W = like gallons per minute coming out of the hose □ I = like the size of the hose □ V = like the pressure in the hose 1700W=I x 120V I = 14.2 A

A large convention center in Florida is in the SD phase and the client has just had the first debriefing with the architect. The site is 260-ft wide and 1,520-ft deep and there's a 20-ft setback on each side and a 30-ft setback at the front and rear. Robert, the project manager in charge, has been given very precise instructions by the client: the center should be composed of 75-ft tall, column-free exhibition halls. These should be as large as possible and they all must have an identical square footprint. Between each of these halls, there shall be a 20-ft tall back-of-house area. This space shall be as wide as the halls and it shall be 30-ft deep. The client wishes to reduce construction time as much as possible. What would be the most appropriate structural system for the large exhibition halls? A. Steel arches. B. Flat steel trusses. C. Steel space frame. D. Suspension structure.

Solution: C. Steel space frame. Despite having to absorb a lot of information, this is a quite simple question. The key to resolve this question is to find out the dimensions of each exhibition hall. The client specifically said that "these should be as large as possible and they all must have an identical square footprint". If the site is 260 ft wide and there's a 20 ft setback on both sides, each hall would be 220 ft wide x 220 ft deep. Steel arches can span for 350 ft and suspension structures, most commonly found on bridges, allow for a column-free space and would definitely be able to span 220 ft, but they neither is the most appropriate solution for this typology. Heavy trusses can span roughly 300 ft, but because of the number of connections, take longer to fabricate and erect than a steel space frame. This would be the most appropriate system in this case as it allows for the required span and a column-free space. It is also a two-way system, making it very efficient for square floorplates. It is also lightweight and can be quickly erected. For more on this subject, we encourage you to read page 31 of the book Architect's Studio Companion, 6th Edition

Double Pole Single Throw Switch

B. image

Which of the following sentences are correct? Choose 3. A. Type O and M mortar mixes are more commonly found in exterior applications B. Type M and N mortar mixes are widely used in foundations C. Type K mortar mix has the lowest compressive strength D. Type O mortar mix is commonly used for interior non load-bearing applications E. Type O is a good choice for repairing existing structures F. Type S is the most commonly used mortar mix

Solution: C. Type K mortar mix has the lowest compressive strength D. Type O mortar mix is commonly used for interior non load-bearing applications E. Type O is a good choice for repairing existing structures The other options are incorrect because: Type S and M mortar mixes are more commonly found in exterior applications (not O and M as stated in option A). Type M and S mortar mixes are widely used in foundations (not M and N as stated in option B). Type N is the most commonly used mortar mix (not S as stated in option F). Mortar is made by mixing Portland cement, lime, and sand combined in different ratios to meet specific requirements. For more on this subject, please read chapter 6 (Masonry Mortaring and Grouting) of the book Architectural Graphic Standards, 12th Edition. See also these pages: Page 1 Page 2

The Americans with Disabilities Act standards are mostly based on which of the following? A. IBC B. IRC C. ASTM E119 D. ANSI A117.1

Solution: D. ANSI A117.1 ASTM E119 - the Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials. IRC - International Residential Code

What is usually used to help prevent the lateral movement of light-gauge joist framing? A. Web stiffener B. Bearing plate C. Double end joist D. Strap bridging

Solution: D. Strap bridging For more on this subject, we recommend reading chapter 4.24 (Light-gauge joist framing) of the book Building Construction Illustrated, 5th Edition

Identify the neighborhood layout with the most appropriate climate. Each layout will be used once. Input only the letter of the image in the box. Cold Hot-humid Hot-arid Temperate

Solution: Cold: A Hot-humid: C Hot-arid: B Temperate: D Cold climate: Access the sun and block the wind. 1. Each buildings thirsts for direct sun: maintain solar spacing so that each building's shadow is (generally) clear of the other buildings. 2. We'll use the buildings, staggered in plan, to break up the cold wind: provided we've maintained buildings far enough apart for solar spacing, we'll group them close enough together so each one protects the other from unwanted cold winds. Staggering the buildings in plan prevents windy streams from moving through the neighborhood. 3. Long east=west plans maximize solar exposure of each building, but not so long that we've added excessive skin area to lose winter heat. Hot-arid climate: We don't need air movement to promote skin evaporation because the air is parched. Above all, we need shade. 1. Courtyards and tight adjacent buildings offer shared shade. 2. Buildings needn't be elongated in the east-west direction—at least not as much—because close-by buildings on the east and west shade those walls. 3. Water features, not pictured here, promote evaporation and cool air temperatures. Hot-humid climate: The air is saturated with water, so evaporation off occupants' skin doesn't happen readily without a boost from the architecture. We'll need to promote comfort-giving evaporation by promoting cross ventilation, stack ventilation, or comfort ventilation (ceiling fans). 1. Like a temperate climate, we'd like to provide wind to two faces of the building, so we'll orient the buildings oblique to the wind. That means that each face of the building can offer a high or low pressure to a window. It doesn't have to orient perfectly oblique to the wind. . . plus or minus 30 degrees will do fine. That gives us flexibility when the sun's direction and the wind's direction would determine differing building orientations. 2. Thin building plans promote cross-ventilation and minimize solar east and west exposure. Space the buildings far apart so they don't block one-another's breezes. Temperate (cold winters and hot summers) climate: Access the winter sun, block the winter wind, and access summer breezes 1. Everyone understandably gets confused with the angle offset on the diagram. Why not orient the buildings due east-west? The angle represents flexibility: in temperate climates we can orient buildings APPROXIMATELY east-west and still derive most of the passive heating benefit. For example, sometimes the existing roads don't move exactly east-west, and that's okay in this climate. Like the cold climate, we space the buildings so each sits beyond its neighbor's shadow. 2. We'll use the buildings to invite the summer winds to two sides of each building: provided we've maintained buildings far enough apart for solar spacing. Grid-aligning the spaces between the buildings promotes summer breezes. 3. Why orient the buildings so that the summer winds arrive oblique to the buildings? Because that gives each two walls with positive windward air pressure to introduce air movement to windows and two with negative leeward air pressure to draw air out of windows. 4. Elongated east-west buildings maximize solar exposure of each building to the south winter sun. *You'd be forgiven for confusing the last two. Note that the hot-humid has longer plan dimension spacing between buildings to maximize cooling breezes (your upwind building is less likely to block my summer breezes if it's farther away) and longer east-west plan aspect ratios to minimize east and west summer sun. The temperate buildings, by contrast are clustered as close together as possible to limit winter winds, while spacing themselves far enough apart to keep your shadow off my building. The temperate buildings also forgo the longer plan aspect ratios because in winter we want to limit the total skin area that sees the cold temperatures

Where do we use fan powered VAV boxes?

Solution: When we are heating the perimeter and cooling the core. Bring perimeter heated room back into room and mix it with air from the mechanical room. No need to bring all room air back to mechanical room to be cooled only to come back to room to be heated again

Why is there a parallel vent next to the soil stack?

Don't want waste water from the second floor to go into the vent on the first floor. To avoid waste water coming into our vent system

You want to ensure that the plastering is done correctly on a project, so you are doing a drawing that will accompany the specifications to describe the different layers and how they will be applied. In standard plastering, what is applied after the first coat, before the final coat? A. Rough coat B. Brown coat C. Finish coat D. Scratch coat

Feedback: B. Brown coat In standard plastering, the first coat is called the scratch coat, then comes the brown coat, then the final finish coat

Which of the following are the most important factors in the design of residential units? Choose 2. A. Orientation B. The heights and locations of adjacent buildings C. Bedrooms facing the dominant wind D. Avoiding west facing units

Solution: A. Orientation B. The heights and locations of adjacent buildings Most important factors in designing residential units is that each unit can receive sun for at least part of a winter day

The success of a suburban shopping mall is most dependent on which of the following factors? A. Variety of store types B. Prevailing climate C. Convenient access D. Adequate parking E. Public transportation F. Overall size

Solution: A. Variety of store types C. Convenient access D. Adequate parking

Trash chute:

If 4+ floors penetrating then 2 hour rating - If under 4 floors than 1 hour rating

When it comes to designing for fire resistance, which of the following are categories of the building elements that are included by code? (Choose 4) A. Structural frame B. Roof C. Shingles D. Floor E. Porches F. Bearing walls G. Carports

Solution: A. Structural frame B. Roof D. Floor F. Bearing walls There are five categories of building elements that are considered by the Code for fire resistance: structural frame, bearing walls, non-bearing walls, floor construction and roof construction

You are researching the zoning for a project to determine if you will need special permissions for the project. Agricultural, residential, industrial and open/conservation are four basic categories of land use. Choose four more from the list below. (Choose 4) A. Civic B. Transportation C. Commercial D. Natural parks E. Natural resource F. Government G. Institutional

Solution: C. Commercial E. Natural resource F. Government G. Institutional The eight basic land use types are: residential, institutional, government, industrial, commercial, agricultural, natural resources and open/conservation

Requires a ballast for operation (Choose 3) A. Incandescent B. Halogen C. Fluorescent D. Metal halide E. High Pressure Sodium

Solution: C. Fluorescent D. Metal halide E. High Pressure Sodium

Longest lamp life (check two) A. Incandescent B. Halogen C. Metal halide D. High Pressure Sodium

Solution: C. Metal halide D. High Pressure Sodium

The client of a warehouse renovation is preparing for the cost addition to his project to upgrade the existing sewer line. In the diagram below, what is the cost of the pipe if it is $13.60 per linear foot? (Fill in the blank, round to the nearest cent)

Solution: $1727.58 1. Determine the rise .25/12 = x/127' x= 2.645' rise 2. Length of run A2+B2=C2 2.6452+1272=C2 C= 127.028 3. Cost of pipe 127.028 x 13.60=1,727.5808

Determine an appropriate spacing for ceiling diffusers in a space with ceiling heights of 8'

Solution: 8' spacing (match ceiling height) with minimum of 4' from the walls (ceiling height/2)

According to IBC stairways shall typically have a minimum headroom clearance of _____ measured vertically from a line connection the edge of the nosing.

Solution: 80"

You have a project on your desk that is going to have a fireplace in it. The fireplace and the chimney will be masonry. According to the IRC, what will you need to plan as the minimum thickness for the footing? A. 12" B. 8" C. 10" D. 16"

Solution: A. 12" According to the IRC, the footing for a masonry fireplace and chimney shall be a minimum of 12"

You are 3D modeling the framing members for a particular project and want to reflect the actual size of wood members. What is the actual dimension of a 1 x 12? A. 3/4" x 11 1/4" B. 5/8" x 11 1/2" C. 7/8" x 11 3/4" D. 3/4" x 11 1/2"

Solution: A. 3/4" x 11 1/4" The actual dimension of a 2 x 12 are 3/4" x 11 1/4". This is good information to have memorized for the exam and actual practice

A four-pipe fan-coil system functions as which of the following? A. A heating and cooling system B. An evaporative cooling system C. A domestic hot-water re-circulation system D. A high-rise fire-safety system

Solution: A. A heating and cooling system

The material resisting elements used in conventional residential construction that are similar to shear walls in engineered structures are called what? A. Braced wall lines B. Cross bracing C. Moment frames D. Structural insulated panels (SIPS)

Solution: A. Braced wall lines Braced wall lines are the material resisting elements that are used in conventional residential construction, similar to shear walls in engineered structures

If you were measuring luminous intensity, what SI unit of measurement would you use? A. Candela B. Lumen C. Lux D. Watt

Solution: A. Candela The SI unit of luminous intensity is the candela

What is a disadvantage of separating occupancies? A. Cost B. Additional building area C. Required sprinklers D. Building height restrictions

Solution: A. Cost Must add rating to areas

The major disadvantages of wood flooring is its susceptibility to A. Weather-related swelling and shrinkage B. Indentations from heavy traffic C. Damage from fire D. Stains from oils, grease, and chemicals

Solution: A. Weather-related swelling and shrinkage Wood burns slowly compared to other materials like carpet

In Manhattan, would you want to use wells or trenches in a geothermal heat pump (aka ground source heat pump A. Wells B. Trenches

Solution: A. Wells

If the unit price of a central air-conditioning system is $1,000 per ton, what would be the total cost of a system able to provide cooling (refrigeration) for 96,000 Btu/h? A. $800 B. $8,000 C. $80,000 D. $96,000

Solution: B. $8,000 1 ton of cooling = 12,000 Btu/hr (96,000 Btu/hr)/(12,000 btu/hr per ton) = 8 tons of cooling 8 tons of cooling x $1,000 per ton = $8,000

Most nearly, how many cars can be parked in a parking lot that is 455' by 1000'? A. 616 B. 1137 C. 1820 D. 2527

Solution: B. 1137 455' x 1000' = 455,000 ft2 455,000/400 = 1,137.5

What is the maximum allowable cross slope on an accessible sidewalk? A. 1% B. 2% C. 8% D. 10

Solution: B. 2%

The stringers of prefabricated steel utility stairs are normally constructed of A. Angle iron B. Channel sections C. Steel plates D. Tube sections

Solution: B. Channel sections Although any of the listed forms can be used, the stringer are NORMALLY constructed of steel channel sections with the flanges turned away from the stair

According to the IECC, which of the these is a factor in determining the minimum R-value for a wall above grade? A. Glazing area B. Climate zone C. Building height D. Mechanical system inside the building

Solution: B. Climate zone The climate zone in which a building is being constructed is one of the few factors that dictates the wall's minimum R-value requirements

One of the projects you are managing is designed to have a brick veneer. The Contractor on the project suggests you include a note on the drawings to not use any bricks that have been over-burned by being near the fire in a kiln. What are these bricks called? A. Clusters B. Clinkers C. Soldiers D. Corbels

Solution: B. Clinkers A clinker is a brick that has been over-burned by being near the fire in a kiln

Which of the following flooring types has the highest resilience? A. Asphalt B. Cork C. Linoleum D. Vinyl composite

Solution: B. Cork Asphalt tile has the lowest and linoleum and vinyl composite tile have low to moderate

Which of the following can eb used most effectively to limit low -frequency sounds in an HVAC system? A. Turning vanes B. Duct lining C. Mufflers D. Dampers

Solution: B. Duct lining - Turning vanes: smooth out the air flow as the air turns the corner - Duct lining: effective at reducing sound but has some concerns regarding air quality - Mufflers: used to control sound as well (also known as a "duct silencer"... can be used when duct penetrates a wall) - Dampers: Do not limit sound

You are designing a house, and you want the roof to capture maximum insolation when the sun is lowest in the winter, for maximum PV efficiency. What should the tilt angle be? A. Equal to site latitude B. Equal to site latitude plus 15 degrees C. 30 degrees D. Equal to site latitude minus 15 degrees

Solution: B. Equal to site latitude plus 15 degrees The angle, measured from the horizontal surface, at which a flat-plat collector is mounted, is referred to as the tilt angle. For a stationary array, total annual insolation is maximum for a tilt angle equal to the latitude of the site. To maximize insolation when the sun is lowest in the wintertime, the tilt angle can be increased to latitude plus 15 degrees

A lamp-and-fixture photometric curve, as shown below, describes: A. It's efficiency over time B. How it distributes light in space C. Its spectral light distribution D. All of the above

Solution: B. How it distributes light in space

What scope makes up the largest cost of building design? A. Electrical B. Mechanical C. Plumbing D. Furniture, fixtures, and equipment

Solution: B. Mechanical

All of the following describe the general climatic characteristics of an area except A. temperature B. topography C. humidity D. wind velocity

Solution B. Topography Topography is the shape of the ground surface, not an element of climate

All of the following represent anthropomorphic design elements in classical architecture with the exception of A. caryatids B. dentils C. pedestals D. architraves

Solution D. Architraves Architraves do not represent anthropomorphic design elements in classical architecture. Caryatids are supporting members in the shape of female figures, dentils are ornamental bands of small blocks resembling wooden teeth, and pedestals are vertical supports derived from the Latin term for foot

What is the definition of relative humidity? A. The amount of water in the air in lbs. of water per 1,000 cu.ft. of air B. The amount of water in the air in lbs. of water per pound of air C. The amount of water in the air in grains of water per pound of air D. The percentage of saturation at the current temperature

Solution D. The percentage of saturation at the current temperature The relative humidity changes with temperature. All of the other choices are absolute measures of the amount of water in the air, and say nothing about how close the air is to saturation

During construction, soil should be no steeper than it's natural angle of repose. Which of the following best describes that angle? A. 1:1 B. 1:1.5 C. 1.5:1 D. 2:1

Solution: C. 1.5:1

According to the IBC, exits typically lead to either a(n) ________ or a(n) _________. Fill in the blanks. A. Exit discharge. B. Exit access. C. Exit passageway. D. Public way.

Solution: A. Exit discharge. D. Public way

Consider a residential project with 25-ft spans that requires a minimal floor-to-floor height. What is the most appropriate structural system in this scenario? A. Flat plate B. Waffle slab C. Flat slab D. Concrete joist

Solution: A. Flat plate All systems allow easily for a 25-ft spans, but a flat plate system would further minimize the floor-to-floor height. For more on this subject, we encourage you to read chapter 4.07 of the book Building Construction Illustrated, 5th Edition

Fire is described as having a triangle of needs. If deprived of any one of these needs, the fire is extinguished. What are these three needs? (Choose the best 3) A. Fuel B. High temperature C. Oxygen D. Water E. CO2 F. Hydrocarbons G. Carbon

Solution: A. Fuel B. High temperature C. Oxygen Fire needs fuel, high temperature and oxygen. This is important to know when designing in order to combat the potential for fire

During the schematic design phase of a health-care facility project, an architect is coordinating with the electrical consultant to improve daylight access within the building. For which of the following spaces should automatic daylight-driven dimming controls be specified? Choose 2. A. Laboratory B. Examination rooms C. Atrium D. Patient rooms E. Doctors' offices (Private)

Solution: A. Laboratory C. Atrium Examination and patient rooms as well as doctors' offices are smaller spaces that are not always occupied and the activities (watching television, reading, sleeping, and examination by a doctor) that take place in these spaces have different lighting needs. Therefore, it makes more sense to use manual dimming in these spaces. Atriums and laboratories, on the other hand, are spaces typically daylighted spaces where automatic daylight-driven dimming controls make more sense. Atriums and laboratories are usually occupied and automatic daylight-driven dimming helps maintain a constant light level, so that it is never too dark or too bright, regardless of the weather conditions or the time of day. For more on this subject, we recommend reading this page

Reduced color temperature (degrees Kelvin) A. More fixtures required B. Fewer fixtures required C. No change in number

Solution: C. No change in number

You are researching alternative methods to process wastewater on a residential site. Which of the following are examples of alternative wastewater treatment systems? (Choose 3) A. Living machine B. Compost toilets C. Constructed wetlands D. Sewer E. Septic system F. Green wall G. Green roofs

Solution: A. Living machine B. Compost toilets C. Constructed wetlands Living machines, compost toilets and constructed wetlands are all examples of alternative wastewater treatment systems for residential use. These typically require more technical data to support their use and approval but are important because most household water consumption comes from flushing toilets

The cost of the open web steel joist depends on ..........Check the two that apply. A. Weight of the joist B. Function of space C. Depth of the joist D. Standardization E. Depth of the end bearing

Solution: A. Weight of the joist: if the only consideration is cost, wight should be considered carefully D. Standardization: the manufacturing of standard design will bring the cost down Depth of the system should be considered carefully if HVAC ducts are preferred to pass through joists. The function of space and depth of end bearing are irrelevant to cost

You are working with a client on a design to help them increase their total energy efficiency for a structure. When considering lamps, energy-efficient lamps are typically rated at a lower what than conventional lamps? A. Efficacy B. Current C. Wattage D. Voltage

Solution: C. Wattage The wattage of a lamp is the amount of energy it takes to produce a certain amount of light. The higher the wattage, the brighter the light, but also the more power it uses

What is NOT true about zoning? A. The first zoning ordinance was introduced in 1916 in New York B. Zoning is the most common legal constraint on land development C. Zoning has had legal status for centuries D. Zoning was originally introduced to alleviate some of the issues associated with population booms in cities

Solution: C. Zoning has had legal status for centuries Zoning has NOT had legal status for centuries. Zoning wasn't introduced in the US until 1908 in Los Angeles and 1916 in New York City

You are completing the Foundation Plan for a large project and selecting anchors and laying them out in plan. Which of the following are examples of concrete anchor types? (Choose 4) A. Bent B. Bonded C. Drop-in D. Dual cross E. Slip set F. Torque controlled G. Undercut

Solution: B. Bonded C. Drop-in F. Torque controlled G. Undercut

When laying out a U-shaped kitchen that is enclosed on three contiguous sides, how much clearance must be given between all opposing base cabinets, countertops and appliances? A. 36" min. B. 48" min. C. 50" min. D. 60" min.

Solution: D. 60" min According to ANSI 117.1, in kitchens enclosed on three contiguous sides, clearance between all opposing base cabinets, countertops, appliances or walls within kitchen work areas shall be 60" minimum

An architect is designing a 1,600-sf, one-story house in Montana, on the border with Canada. The site is 300 ft by 300 ft, has a relatively constant elevation on the north and the southern half of the site has a downwards slope of 5% towards the north. There is currently a line of tall evergreens in the middle of the site, oriented East-West, that the owner of the site would like to keep (he inherited the site from his parents and there is still an old tree house where he spent his childhood). Previous studies have found that the radon levels in the site can be as high as 0.8 pCi/L. Lastly, earth movement should be minimized. Out of the following strategies, which two would make the most sense? A. House should have a rectangular footprint (East-West orientation) and should be located on the northern edge of the site. Employ above grade sheltering. B. House should have a square footprint and should be located on the southern half of the site. C. House should have a square footprint and should be located on the northern half of the site. D. House should have a square footprint and should be located on the northern edge of the site. Employ a slight below grade sheltering. E. House should have a rectangular footprint (East-West orientation) and should be located on the south half of the site. F. House should have a rectangular footprint (East-West orientation) and should be located on the southern half of the site. Earth sheltering is advised.

Solution: B. House should have a square footprint and should be located on the southern half of the site. D. House should have a square footprint and should be located on the northern edge of the site. Employ a slight below grade sheltering. There are many factors that come into play in this question and although there is no perfect solution (sloping site, macroclimate, shade) there are two options better than the others. The question says that the levels of radon could "be as high as 0.8 pCi/L" but according to the EPA, these numbers are perfectly acceptable, especially considering the fact that the house is situated in Montana. Although the question states that earth movement should be minimized, one should also consider the inherent advantages of earth sheltering. With high levels of radon, earth sheltering would not be advisable, but in this situation, it might be acceptable, since it can protect the house from the harsh macroclimate. Regarding the microclimate, there is no information on wind, streams of water or neighboring conditions, so one should not jump into conclusions and should just analyze the information that is given. We know that the site has a relatively constant elevation on the north and the southern half of the site has a downwards slope of 5% towards the north. There is also a line of very tall evergreens in the middle of the site, oriented East-West. In a cold climate like this, a square and compact shape is always more suited, so options A, E and F (rectangular shape) are not correct. Option D would be the best solution as it provides a compact shape, earth sheltering and it places the house as far away from the trees as possible, in order to avoid shading. For this same reason, option B, although not being a perfect solution, is better than C. Placing the house in a 5% slope towards the south is better than locating the house just north of a group of very tall trees. For more on design strategies and building orientation, we encourage you to read page 222 (Part VI - FAVORITE DESIGN STRATEGIES, Topographic Microclimates) of the book Sun, Wind & Light, Third Edition. For more on radon, we encourage you to read section A25 (Earth Contact) of the book Sun, Wind & Light, Third Edition (Electronic Content)

When you first begin the process of selecting a structural system for a building, what forces must be considered to help determine the type of system and layout? (Choose the best 3) A. Carbon footprint B. Live loads such as building occupants C. Rhythm D. Dead loads such as mechanical equipment E. Inflation F. Climatic influences G. Lateral loads such as wind and earthquakes

Solution: B. Live loads such as building occupants D. Dead loads such as mechanical equipment G. Lateral loads such as wind and earth The vast range of structural loads can shape the elements of a structure. Materials, equipment and other dead loads and varying loads—such as snow, ponding of water on the roof, wind and earthquakes—must be calculated and elements properly sized. Building codes inform structural choices as well. If conflicting information appears in building codes, the most stringent one usually prevails

Which of the following is the best option to maximize the thermal comfort of an office space? A. Change the relative humidity of the space to 78% B. Provide an opening for natural ventilation equal to 1% of the floor area being ventilated C. Provide a space-heating system capable of maintaining an indoor temperature of 62F at a point 3' above the floor in the design heating day D. Change the air movement through the space to 60ft/min

Solution: D. Change the air movement through the space to 60ft/min Wind speed of 50ft/m in-200ft/min is considered acceptable for cooling without causing disturbing drafts - 20-70% is considered the tolerable range for relative humidity - Spaces intended for human occupancy must be provided with a space-heating system capable of maintaining a minimum indoor temperature of 68F at a point 3' above the floor on the design heating day - Area that can be opened to the outdoors be equal to at least 4% of the floor area being ventilated

Which of the following below are the secondary factors that can also cause tension stress in concrete? Check the two that apply. A. Admixtures B. Shrinkage of the concrete during its hydration period C. Temperature variations D. Steel reinforcement E. Air-entrants

Solution: B. Shrinkage of the concrete during its hydration period C. Temperature variations The primary function of steel reinforcement in concrete is to increase concrete's tensile strength against building loads and forces cause inherently concrete is weak in tension. However there are also secondary factors that induces tension stress in concrete such as thermal stress and shrinkage of the concrete during its hydration period

Which one-way structural system has the longest practical span? A. Glue-Laminated Arches B. Steel Heavy Trusses C. Open-Web Joists D. Precast Single Tees

Solution: B. Steel Heavy Trusses The following are common practical maximum spans for each system: Precast Single Tee -140' Open-Web Joists - 150' Glue-Laminated Arches - 250' Steel Heavy Trusses- 300' For more on this subject, we encourage you to read page 31 of the book Architect's Studio Companion, 6th Edition

If unstable ground conditions are expected on a site, which of the structural systems below should be avoided to minimize structural issues? Check the three that apply. A. Steel frame, with bolted connections B. Steel frame, with welded connections C. Heavy timber frame D. Precast concrete systems E. Masonry bearing walls F. Site-cast concrete frames

Solution: B. Steel frame, with welded connections E. Masonry bearing walls F. Site-cast concrete frames Any rigid connection and rigid joints should be avoided if the ground conditions are unstable. Therefore: - Steel frame, with welded connections - Masonry bearing walls - Site-cast concrete frames should be avoided because they don't have the capacity to mitigate forces caused by unstable ground conditions. Frame systems with bolted connections, heavy timber frames, precast concrete systems can be better choices in this scenario

A soil investigation for a building site reveals that the soil type is sandy clay and that bentonite is present. Which of the following foundation types would be most appropriate? A. Spread footings B. Mat foundation C. Belled piers D. Grade beam on piers

Solution: D. Grade beam on piers Grade beam on piers are used where expansive soils are present. Beam transfers the building weight to the piers which are commonly placed on bedrock. Voids under the beam allow the soil to expand without heaving the foundation

Consider a furnace room, within a Group-B occupancy, that is considered an Incidental use space. How would this space be typically separated and/or protected ? A. 1-Hour fire barrier and sprinkler system. B. 2-Hour fire barrier and sprinkler system. C. 1-Hour fire barrier or sprinkler system. D. None of the above.

Solution: C. 1-Hour fire barrier or sprinkler system. Typically, incidental use spaces are required to have a 1-hour fire barrier separation or a sprinkler system installed, although there are some exceptions for some specific uses and occupancies

Complete the following sentence. The fundamental period of a building has a direct correlation with... A. the nature of the ground below it B. its geometric proportions C. its height D. its structural system

Solution: C. Its height The natural (or fundamental) period is the time needed to complete one cycle of a seismic wave. Frequency, measured in Hertz, is the inverse of period —that is, the number of cycles that will occur in a second. Natural periods vary from about 0.05 seconds for a filing cabinet, to about 0.1 seconds for a one-story building or 6 seconds for a large suspension bridge. As a rule of thumb, the building period equals the number of stories divided by 10, therefore, period is primarily a function of building height. Other factors, such as the structural system, its construction materials, its contents, and its geometric proportions, are also considered when calculating a building's natural period, but height is the most important factor to consider. For more on this subject please read chapter 4.5 of the document Risk Management Series: Designing For Earthquakes - A Manual For Architects (FEMA 454 / December 2006)

You have reviewed the geotechnical soil report on a project and are working on selecting the most appropriate foundation for the project. What are the two major categories of foundation systems? (Choose the best answer) A. Aboveground and underground B. Bell and drilled C. Stem wall and retaining wall D. Spread footings and piles

Solution: D. Spread footings and piles Foundations are categorized into two major categories: spread footings and pile or caisson foundations. Spread footings do just what their name implies: they spread the load from the structure over a larger area. Pile and caisson foundations distribute the load at the ends of the piles or through skin friction

What is the most common climate type in the United States? A. Cold B. Hot Arid C. Hot Humid D. Temperate

Solution: D. Temperate

Which of the following options orders correctly these service lines in terms of their priority, when planning for a large building? A. 1) horizontal waste lines, 2) vertical waste lines, 3) sprinkler heads, 4) air duct work. B. 1) sprinkler heads, 2) air duct work, 3) horizontal waste lines, 4) vertical waste lines. C. 1) air duct work, 2) sprinkler heads, 3) vertical waste lines, 4) horizontal waste lines. D. 1) horizontal waste lines, 2) sprinkler heads, 3) air duct work, 4) vertical waste lines.

Solution: D. 1) horizontal waste lines, 2) sprinkler heads, 3) air duct work, 4) vertical waste lines. Plumbing waste lines have the highest priority in the layout of large buildings, as they must be sloped to drain by gravity. Inversely, vertical waste lines within plumbing walls do not interfere with other services, therefore, have the lowest priority. Sprinkler heads have the second highest priority and are followed by air duct work

Which of the following sentences is incorrect in regard to earth sheltering? A. It is ideal for thermal mass applications B. It helps to maintain the interior temperature C. It helps with soundproofing D. It protects the interior from radon

Solution: D. It protects the interior from radon There is less building envelope above ground if earth sheltering is applied to a building, thus helping in maintaining the interior temperature (because the soil's temperature is more stable than the air temperature). The soil also helps to soundproof the interior from exterior noises. By having the structure partially underground, radon is more susceptible to be found, when compared to a building that is completely above ground. The earth's mass naturally absorbs heat (and cold) and gradually releases it to the interior of a sheltered structure. Because of the high density of earth, the change in temperature occurs very slowly, resulting in a constant interior temperature. For more on this subject, we encourage you to read section A25 (Earth Contact) of the book Sun, Wind & Light, Third Edition (Electronic Content). We also recommend this page

Which components of a door assembly are exclusively installed in a vertical orientation? Check any option that applies. A. Threshold B. Saddle C. Stop D. Jamb E. Head F. Casing

Solution: D. Jamb Threshold, saddle and head are horizontal components of a door. Casing and stops have both a vertical and horizontal dimension. For more on this subject, please read chapter 12 (Interior Construction) of the book Architectural Graphic Standards, 12th Edition. See page 570 in particular

Complete the following sentence. A NRC rating of .63 means that a certain acoustic product... A. Reduces noise transmission by 63%. B. Reduces sound transmission by 63 dB. C. Absorbs 37 dB of sound. D. Reduces noise transmission by 37%. E. Absorbs 63% of sound. F. Increases noise absorption by 63 dB.

Solution: E. Absorbs 63% of sound. A Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) is a rating of how much sound an acoustic product can absorb. NRC is measured on a scale that ranges from 0 to 1. A value of 0 means that no sound is absorbed by a given product and a value of 1 means that the product absorbs all sound. Naturally, the higher the NRC value, the better the product is at absorbing the sound. For more on this subject, we strongly recommend reading chapter 2 (Acoustics) of the book Architectural Graphic Standards, 12th Edition. See page 96 onward in particular. See also this page: https://www.audimute.com/nrc-rating-vs-stc-rating

Your client wants you to design a 2-story parking garage and stresses that the structural system must be very cost-efficient. The structural consultant runs a load calculation and determines that the live load is 200 psf. Which of the following structural systems would better meet the client's criteria? A. Flat slab B. Precast single Tee C. Flat plate D. Waffle slab E. Two-way slab

Solution: Flat slab A precast single Tee is not an appropriate solution for this situation. It is typically used for longer spans and it would drastically reduce the floor-to-ceiling clearance, when compared to the other systems. Any of the other systems could potentially be used in this scenario, but for live loads greater than 150 psf, a flat slab would be, by far, the most economical system. It would also allow for easier coordination with MEP services, when compared to precast single Tees or a two-way slab. For more on this subject, we recommend reading page 330 (Superstructure, Shell) onward, of the book Architectural Graphic Standards, 12th Edition

The maximum area of signage on the exterior of a business is most commonly regulated by A. Building codes B. Restrictive covenants C. State laws D. Zoning ordinances

Solution: D. Zoning ordinances IBC has section about signage in the appendix but not mandatory unless specifically adopted by the local ordinances. Restrictive covenants generally do not regulate sign except in residential area

Which options correctly order soils - from lowest to highest - according to their angle of repose? Choose 2. A. 1. Saturated clay 2. Sand mix 3. Dry sand 4. Compact clay B. 1. Saturated clay 2. Dry sand 3. Sand mix 4. Compact clay C. 1. Compact clay 2. Dry sand 3. Sand mix 4. Saturated clay D. 1. Dry sand 2. Saturated clay 3. Silt 4. Compact clay E. 1. Saturated clay 2. Silt 3. Dry sand 4. Compact clay

Solution: 1. Saturated clay 2. Sand mix 3. Dry sand 4. Compact clay 1. Saturated clay 2. Silt 3. Dry sand 4. Compact clay

A security system is included in which section of the Construction Specifications Institute's MasterFormat A. Division 10 B. Division 28 C. Division 26 D. Division 27

Solution: Division 28

You are attempting to familiarize yourself with lumber costs in a specific market where you have a project. You see on the racks at a big box store that a 2" x 6" x 10' in redwood lumber costs $18. What is the cost per board foot? (Enter a numeric answer to two decimal places. Example: 0.00)

Solution: 2" x 6" / 12 in2 x 10' = 10 $18 / 10 board feet = $1.80 per board foot

You are making some general notes on a drawing set, and you remember that on the last job your firm designed that was constructed, the mortar joints in the masonry were poorly finished. Which of the following are poor examples of exterior mortar joints? (Choose 3) A. Extruded B. Rodded C. Raked D. V-shaped E. Concave F. Grapevine G. Struck

Solution: A. Extruded C. Raked G. Struck Mortar joints on exterior walls are important, as some are more likely to allow water to sit and seep into the wall. Raked, struck and extruded joints are not good on exterior walls for this reason

When drawing up the detail for a plater wall, you need to choose a metal lath. Which of the following are types of metal lath used in construction? (Choose 4) A. High-rib lath B. Paper-backed diamond mesh C. No-rib lath D. Expanded polystyrene E. Expanded diamond mesh F. XPS G. Flat-rib lath

Solution: A. High-rib lath B. Paper-backed diamond mesh E. Expanded diamond mesh G. Flat-rib lath Expanded diamond mesh, paper-backed diamond mesh, flat-rib lath and high-rib lath are all types of metal lath that can be used with plaster

Where does the moisture barrier go in a building skin assembly?

Solution: Moisture barrier should be on winter warm side of the building assembly. If generally warmer on the outside then moisture barrier on the outside. ON THE WARM SIDE

You are designing an HVAC damper that is to either be "all open" or "fully closed" depending on the occupancy sensor's detection of people in the room. Do you want to use a parallel blade damper or opposed blade damper?

Solution: Parallel blade damper Parallel blade dampers are best when a damper is going to be all open or all closed. Opposed blade can let "a little bit of air in and out" depending on the situation

Which of the following partition type below is more likely to be a fire partition? A. Enclosures around stairways. B. Partitions separating dwelling units in R-2 occupancy. C. Partitions that separates different occupancies into different fire areas. D. To separate a single structure into separate construction types.

Solution: Partitions separating dwelling units in R-2 occupancy - Enclosures around stairways - Fire Barriers - Partitions that separate different occupancies into different fire areas - Fire Barriers - To separate a single structure into separate construction types - Fire Walls

The client you are working for on a multi-family project really likes CMU block. You are not a big fan, as they remind you of big-box stores and prisons. To offer some alternatives to conventional CMU block, you are considering various face textures. Which are examples of a face texture seen on CMU block? (Choose 3) A. Blunted B. Blocked C. Edged D. Split face E. Ribbed F. Checkered G. Chiseled

Solution: D. Split face E. Ribbed G. Chiseled Examples of available decorative treatments on CMU blocks are the grooves of ribbed CMU that appear to be additional joints, split-face blocks that look more uneven and naturalized than standard, and chiseled CMU that can even appear like tooled stone

What is a capped air chamber

Solution: Run perpendicular to the main plumbing line. Used to regulate pressure and prevent water from forming waves in the supply pipes. Can be used to help prevent water hammer

A daycare facility is located in a temperate climate where wind can be problematic in the winter. Which trees should be planted to help mitigate the wind? Check the 2 that apply. A. Birch B. Maple C. Oak D. Douglas fir E. Pine

Solution: D. Douglas fir E. Pine Coniferous trees, those with needle-like leaves, should be used to block wind and views. Of the listed items, douglas fir and pine are coniferous

What is the area-weighted average R-value of a wall that is 90% opaque (R-40) and 10% transparent (R-2)?

Solution: .90 x 40 + 0.10 x 2 = 36.2

An architect is designing a mixed-use building in a temperate climate. The client would like the building to be energy-efficient and would like to minimize space dedicated to HVAC for the hotel portion of the project to maximize the number of rooms she can build in the given envelope volume. The hotel room heating and cooling system will be off until check-in, so the units need to cool or heat rapidly. The restaurant is a cook-at-your-table style with 20 exhaust hoods (one for each table). The mechanical engineer has specified a high-efficiency geothermal heat pump for use throughout the building. Input the number for the best-choice HVAC system from the list below into the box for each room type. You may use the same system more than once and you don't need to use all of the systems on the list. (remember, just input 1, 2, 3, or 4 in each of the boxes. . . nothing else) 1. Air handling unit (AHU) with displacement ventilation 2. Fan coil units with an airside economizer cycle 3. Multiduct system with electric resistance heating 4. Single-zone air handling unit (AHU) with ceiling diffusers Auditorium Hotel rooms Restaurant

Solution: Auditorium: 1 Hotel rooms : 2 Restaurant: 4 Auditorium: displacement ventilation air system is quiet, efficient, and a good choice for a tall ceiling (fan coil units would be loud, the single zone AHU with ceiling diffusers would be an okay choice, but not as good as displacement ventilation.) Note the displacement ventilation floor registers, partially hidden by the auditorium seats, allowing low-flow air to move up directly below the occupants. Hotel rooms: fan coil units allow for individual room control without taking too much space, and the economizer makes the system more efficient by redirecting outside air to the inside when the occupant calls for cooling and the temperature outside is cold. (Single-zone AHU and displacement ventilation would require too much room volume.) Restaurant: Single-zone AHU is a good default choice for a space of moderate or large size with a single thermostat. It allows for make-up outside air to replace that which is exhausted from the tables. Multi-duct takes up too much room to be used in almost any project and electric resistance heating is inefficient, especially when there's a high efficiency heat pump available

Which of these roof-skylight section drawings addresses the following priorities? Only enter one letter associated with one drawing (one character per blank). You may enter the same letter in more than one blank. 1. Best for wintertime thermal gain (direct gain space) 2. Best for a hot climate where diffuse daylight is desired 3. Highest summertime heat gain

Solution: 1. C 2. D 3. A

Put given events that are supposed to occur while designing a building in order from first to last. - Determine occupancy classification - Determine allowable height and areas - Determine which model code applies to your building - Determine allowable construction types

Solution: 1. Determine which model code applies to your building 2. Determine occupancy classification 3. Determine allowable height and areas 4. Determine allowable construction types

Match the intended purpose to the number label on the plumbing diagram. Insert only the letter associated with each purpose, no periods or phrases. A. Allows sewer gasses to escape B. Allows the pipe to expand as it heats C. Allows the water to expand as it heats D. Allows warm water to come out of the tap instantaneously E. Brings cold water to the building F. Prevents backflow

Solution: 1. (B) Allows the pipe to expand as it heats 2. (F) Prevents backflow 3. (D) Allows warm water to come out of the tap instantaneously 4. (E) Brings cold water to the building 1: An expansion loop interrupts long, straight, hot-water pipe segments with a geometrically flexible element that has "give" so that as the hot water heats and cools, and the pipe expands and contracts correspondingly, the u-shaped loop can take in the slack. See here. 2: A check valve ensures that the water won't flow the wrong way. It needs to flow from the larger primary hot water heater into the recirculating loop to replace hot water that went down the shower drain. . . but not flow the other direction from the recirculating loop back to the main hot water heater. Likewise, the loop itself must only flow one direction, so it has its own check valve keeping the water moving counter-clockwise. Click here if you don't remember how a check valve maintains forward flow. 3: An expansion tank gives the heated (expanded) water someplace to go so that the pipes don't break. As the water is heated, it expands and takes up more volume. . . it's got to go somewhere, otherwise pipes will burst! You've seen these tanks before, even if you didn't know what they were used for: click here. 4: Hot water return: Hot water continuously circulates between the fixtures and the secondary, smaller, hot water heater. In that way, occupants of the thirtieth floor of the hotel don't have to wait for a column of hot water to snake all the way from the basement hot water heater to their shower 500 feet away. The hot water return pipes (long dash with three dots) bring the hot supply water (long dash with two dots) back to the secondary heater in the basement so that a pump can recirculate it back to the thirtieth floor, keeping it ever-warm. Ever wonder why in some buildings the warm water is available instantaneously from the tap? Click here to watch a YouTube video explaining recirculating hot water systems. If you think you need more help on this topic, and have the time (or the curiosity) click here to watch an Amber Book : 40 Minutes of Competence on this subject. Know that watching ALL of the 40 Minutes of Competence videos will make this a long course, indeed. It's not an efficient way to study (but may be worthwhile anyway to become a better architect). Don't feel bad skipping most of the 40MoC videos. . . as I post them as an option to you, because so many have asked me to include them in the course. Recognize that, collectively, they may be overkill. There's always more content--libraries worth--on any of these 1100 ARE topics to study and you'll never cover it all. So give yourself permission to tackle only what you think will be most helpful to your studying, most helpful to your career, or most fun to learn more about

An architect is designing concrete partition walls to remain exposed for his new single-family house project. Which of the following issues should be considered carefully before making the final decision regarding architectural exposed concrete? Check the three that apply A. Added cost and difficulty of achieving a high quality finish B. Reduction in load bearing capacity of the walls C. Absence of the hollow space for routing of the mechanical and electrical services D. Dimensional accuracy of the partitions E. Reduced cost due to lack of gypsum wall boards or other wall finishes

Solution: A. Added cost and difficulty of achieving a high quality finish C. Absence of the hollow space for routing of the mechanical and electrical services D. Dimensional accuracy of the partitions

A preliminary drainage analysis for a small land parcel in a cold, wet location indicates slopes of 1% or less. The land parcel is intended to be developed into a suburban shopping center. Which types of stormwater management systems should the architect recommend? Check the three that apply. A. An underground cistern, fed from rainwater collection on the shopping center roof B. Porous asphalt in the parking lot C. Foundation drainage around building perimeter D. A constructed stormwater wetland planted with native vegetation E. Onsite graywater treatment F. Diversion ditches between adjacent rows of parking spaces

Solution: A. An underground cistern, fed from rainwater collection on the shopping center roof B. Porous asphalt in the parking lot F. Diversion ditches between adjacent rows of parking spaces

Which of the below items are directly tied to construction type? Check the three that apply. A. Area B. Height C. Fire Protection D. Egress width E. Travel distance

Solution: A. Area B. Height C. Fire Protection Area, height, and fire protection are all tied to the construction type. Egress width is tied to use and occupancy. Travel distance is tied to use and fire protection

What information does an architect typically need during concept design to make a responsible cost estimate? Select all that apply A. Basic programmatic requirements B. Location of project C. Size of project D. Timeline of project E. Construction type F. Major elements and building systems

Solution: A. Basic programmatic requirements Size of project

Select the most appropriate foundation system for a 65-story office tower over weak soil. A. Caissons B. Helical piers C. Linear spread footing

Solution: A. Caissons To make a caisson, the contractor drills a hole in the soil to bedrock, welds in rebar, and pours in concrete. These support the columns that in turn support our largest buildings. To see one, click here. Helical piers screw into the ground like a corkscrew and don't support heavy loads. You see them commonly used to lift a corner of a small building that's suffered uneven settlement. To see one, click here. Spread footings are concrete pads that sit beneath walls or columns. Linear spread footings run beneath the crawlspace or basement walls of buildings, typically at a shallow depth click here. To see a diagram of common foundation types, click here

The thermally broken storefront addresses _______. A. Conduction B. Convection C. Radiation

Solution: A. Conduction Thermal breaks (the opposite of thermal bridges) separate conductive materials to limit heat loss across metal, stone, and concrete. In storefront windows like this one, they use rubber to separate two pieces of aluminum and throttle the heat conducting through the frame (they're surprisingly effective for their size!). They look like this (click <<here>>). Conduction: Heat transfer through a solid (insulation, thermal breaks, R-value, U-value, conductivity, resistivity, compact building forms) Convection: Heat transfer through air (air tightness, ventilation, heat carried through ductwork) Radiation: Heat transfer through electromagnetic energy exchanged between Objects in view of one another (fireplace, sunshine & shade, low-e windows, chilled beams, radiators)

Select the disadvantages of heavy timber construction? Check the two that apply. A. Harder to conceal mechanical or electrical systems B. Not suitable for low rise residential or commercial buildings C. Not economical compared to other construction materials in general D. Less convenient for irregular building design

Solution: A. Harder to conceal mechanical or electrical systems D. Less convenient for irregular building design - Harder to conceal mechanical or electrical systems ○ Since there is no hollow space it is harder to hide mechanical, plumbing or electrical systems. Piping, wiring and duct work requires careful attention. Larger components can be exposed or hide behind separate finishes. - Less convenient for irregular building design ○ Usually construction materials that uses smaller units or lighter elements serve better for irregular design. For example wood light frame members or masonry systems. - Heavy timber is very commonly used in low rise buildings and relatively an economical option

To determine the regulations that pertain to a planned development around a wetlands area, which of the following should the architect investigate? (choose 3) A. Local governmental rules B. Local building codes C. State governmental rules D. US Army Corps of Engineers regulations E. Development covenants F. Zoning ordinances

Solution: A. Local governmental rules C. State governmental rules D. US Army Corps of Engineers regulations Regulations for wetlands are established at the federal level and can be set by local and state governments. At the federal level the US Army Corps of Engineers administers provisions of the Clean Water Act of 1972, which among other things, regulates the discharge of dredged or fill material into US waters, including wetlands

Select the advantages of the slab & columns systems compared to the beam & column systems. Check the two that apply. A. More economical due to absence of beams B. More convenient for irregular plans C. Resists lateral forces better D. Improves vertical-load carrying capacity E. Can span longer distances

Solution: A. More economical due to absence of beams B. More convenient for irregular plans Beam and column systems can carry, higher loads, and can span longer distances and resist lateral forces better, however they cannot support irregular design on plan level and they are much more costly compared to slab and column systems

An architect is designing a small real estate office in southern Arizona. The program includes the following requirements: • The building will be approximately 2000ft2 on one floor • Personnel will include a receptionist/clerk, a manager, and four salespeople • Required spaces include a private office for the manager, a conference room for 10 people, small toilet rooms, and a work room/storage room • The client wants to minimize reliance on mechanical systems and their cost Which of the following concepts could the architect add to the program to minimize reliance on mechanical systems and reduce costs? Choose 4 A. Provide deep overhangs on the east, west, and south sides of the building B. Propose using a ground source heat pump C. Plan for natural ventilation in line with the prevailing winds D. Use concrete block for the exterior walls E. Use evaporative coolers F. Design for a compact form with a light color exterior material

Solution: A. Provide deep overhangs on the east, west, and south sides of the building D. Use concrete block for the exterior walls E. Use evaporative coolers F. Design for a compact form with a light color exterior material A building in the southwest part of the country should use overhangs for shading for all elevations, but especially on the south side. Increasing building mass, such as by using concrete block for exterior walls, would also be a good strategy for Arizona, as the additional mass can absorb heat during the day and release it at night. Using evaporative coolers for a small building in an arid climate would be a cost-effective approach to cooling. A compact structure with light coloring on the exterior is an effective approach to minimize heat gain and reflect solar radiation. A ground source heat pump could provide cooling when needed but would cost more than simple evaporative coolers, which are efficient in a dry climate. Natural cooling ventilation is more appropriate for a hot, humid climate

Which action will improve the findings of life-cycle costing? (Select 3) A. Reduce stormwater runoff by utilizing swales and storm basins B. Plant trees to reduce the heat island effect C. Use recycled materials when possible D. Use a vegetated roof to reduce impervious surface area and solar heat gain E. Specify local materials, even if the cost is greater than an equal material manufactured elsewhere F. Reduce the square footage of the building

Solution: A. Reduce stormwater runoff by utilizing swales and storm basins B. Plant trees to reduce the heat island effect D. Use a vegetated roof to reduce impervious surface area and solar heat gain Not to be conflated with life-cycle analysis, life-cycle costing is concerned only with the financial costs of a building which will not necessarily be affected by the use of recycled and local resources (C and E). While some sustainable practices do reduce the financial costs of the building by lowering the energy needs for a building, others will increase the cost of the project. Reducing storm water runoff (A), heat island effect (B), and solar heat gain (D) are examples of sustainable practices that will reduce the overall financial costs of the building by saving on energy needs, waste water management, utility costs, and other cost-saving efficiencies. By contrast, all sustainable practices will help the life-cycle analysis, which evaluates the impact on the environment. Therefore (C) &(E) are incorrect. While reducing the size of a project (F) would lower overall the financial cost of the building, it would also decrease the gains of the project, making it an unequal comparison. Option (F) is also incorrect

Which of the following fixtures or types of equipment must have their waste outlets equipped with air gaps adequate to prevent contamination due to any possible backup of sewage through the waste piping? Check the two that apply. A. Refrigerators B. Heat recovery units C. Water closets D. Bathtubs E. Sterilizers F. Waste interceptors

Solution: A. Refrigerators E. Sterilizers

According to the FEMA guidelines, which of the following strategies are applicable to provide safe non-load-bearing partitions. Check the three that apply. A. Separate non-load bearing CMU wall filled with grout from the surrounding structure. B. Provide structural reinforcement in CMU non-load-bearing partitions that are connected to the surrounding structure. C. Provide bracing connected to the main structure at steel stud partitions that ends at the suspended ceiling. D. Provide bracing at the heavy and tall roof parapets. E. Detail all-steel stud non-load-bearing partitions to the extent to the underside of the structure above.

Solution: A. Separate non-load bearing CMU wall filled with grout from the surrounding structure C. Provide bracing connected to the main structure at steel stud partitions that ends at the suspended ceiling D. Providing bracing at the heavy and tall roof parapets According to FEMA 454 Designing for Earthquakes, A Manual for Architects, Chapter 9: - Separate non-load bearing CMU wall filled with grout from the surrounding structure - Provide bracing connected to the main structure at steel stud partitions that ends at the suspended ceiling - Providing bracing at the heavy and tall roof parapets is a good solution for designing non-load-bearing partitions for earthquakes

How do we create the 1:4 slope in a low-slope roof? Choose all that apply A. Slope the structure B. Tapering the structure C. Tapering the insulation

Solution: A. Slope the structure B. Tapering the structure C. Tapering the insulation

Below is a psychrometric chart that an architect is working off of to help her select the to correct climate-designs strategies for her residence. The heavy outlined area on the chart is considered "thermal comfort", if the house's dry and wet bulb temperatures consistently fall inside the green area, what design strategies should the architect pick for the building? A. Specify the use of sealed concrete flooring B. Remove the horizontal shading device from the south-facing windows C. Specify the use of light colors on the building's exterior D. Orient the brick fireplace's long dimension parallel to the south-facing glass. E. Use a rectilinear building shape-oriented East-West F. Use Low-E glazing for windows on south facing walls

Solution: A. Specify the use of sealed concrete flooring D. Orient the brick fireplace's long dimension parallel to the south-facing glass. F. Use Low-E glazing for windows on south facing walls The green area indicates a colder climates that utilize passive solar heating strategies as part of the design. - Thermal mass used in A - Fireplace parallel to south facing is generally made out of brick and can absorb direct solar gain: B - Low-E glass is a good options because it traps the heat in the window and does not let it go through but also keeps heat inside the building - Do not want to remove the south facing shading because you will still need it in the summer time when the heating bill is not a concern but the cooling bill is: B - Dark colors are preferred in the colder climates, not light colors: C - Cold buildings should be square not rectangle: E

A new, one-story daycare center is being planned in a hilly, suburban location in a hot, humid climate. The prevailing winds are from the south. The client wants to use passive cooling. Which of the following strategies should the architect recommend? Check the three that apply. A. The building should be located at the top of the slope. B. The building should be elongated along the north-south axis. C. The playground should be located north of the building. D. The building's main corridor should include operable transoms above the doors. E. The building should include large openings on the north and south sides. F. A line of shrubs should be planted west of the playground.

Solution: A. The building should be located at the top of the slope. D. The building's main corridor should include operable transoms above the doors. E. The building should include large openings on the north and south sides

A fire rated door assembly requires which of the following? (select three) A. UL Listing B. Weatherstripping C. Vison panel D. Latch and closer E. Steel hinges F. An automatic lock set

Solution: A. UL Listing D. Latch and closer E. Steel hinges There are 3 items that are absolutely required on fire-rated doors: Steel hinges, A latch and closer, and the UL rating panel attached to the door

Which of the following are not effective ways of controlling noise between two adjacent apartment units Flexible boots Resilient hangers Acoustical lining outside of the HVAC ducts Acoustical lining inside of the HVAC ducts Using stainless steel ducts

Solution: Acoustical lining outside of the HVAC ducts Using stainless steel ducts

In order to ensure the necessary separation between a night club and an I-2 group occupancy, what would probably be the wall thickness, assuming the use of 4" light-gauge stud walls and gypsum board? The building is equipped throughout with a sprinkler system. A. 5 ¼ " B. 6 ½ " C. 7 ¾ " D. None of the above, separation between the two occupancies is not permitted.

Solution: B. 6 ½ " A group I-2 and a group A (nightclub) require a 2-hour separation, for sprinklered buildings. Two layers of gypsum board on each side would be sufficient to provide a 2-hour rating. 4" studs + (5/8" x 4 layers) = 6 ½ "wall thickness

Which of the following can be applied as a protective coating to steel in order to provide fire resistance? Check the three that apply. A. Caulk B. Concrete C. Glulam members D. Gypsum wallboard E. Plaster F. Water vapor

Solution: B. Concrete D. Gypsum wallboard E. Plaster Steel can be coated with concrete, (fire rated) gypsum wallboard, and plaster to provide fire resistance. It is also common for steel needing fire-resistance to have an intumescent coating applied

According to model codes, which of the following are considered parts of the means egress? (choose 3) A. Common path of travel B. Exit C. Exit access D. Exit discharge E. Public F. Travel distance

Solution: B. Exit C. Exit access D. Exit discharge By definition the means of egress consists of the exit access, exit, and exit discharge. The means of egress must lead to a public way, but the public way is not part of the means of egress The common path of travel (or common path of egress travel) is that portion of exit access that the occupants are required to traverse before two separate and distinct paths of egress travel to two exits are available. Although an important feature, that is not a part of the means of egress. The travel distance is the distance from any point in the exit access to the nearest exit

What ingredients are in glass? Choose 3. A. Portland cement B. Lime C. Sand D. Soda ash E. Water

Solution: B. Lime C. Sand D. Soda ash Of the listed items lime, sand, and soda are ingredients in glass

During schematic design, which of the following factors should be considered in preparing an estimated cost of construction? Choose 4. A. Building height B. Location C. Overall square footage D. Labor costs E. Mechanical systems F. Programmatic elements

Solution: B. Location C. Overall square footage E. Mechanical systems F. Programmatic elements During schematic design, location, overall square footage, mechanical systems, and programmatic elements should be taken into consideration. Building height is less likely to be taken into consideration this early on, and it is probable that the height will not yet be determined

In site design, an Architect must create positive drainage away from which of the following? Check the three that apply. A. Public streets B. On-site parking areas C. Bodies of water D. Walkways E. Buildings

Solution: B. On-site parking areas D. Walkways E. Buildings The architect may or may not be required to drain away from bodies of water. Drainage for public streets is not typically a part of the Architect's responsibility

What is the typical requirement for illumination, in foot-candles, of a building interior. Choose 2. A. 0.1 B. 1 C. 10 D. 100

Solution: C. 1 D. 100

Passive Solar design is the practice of creating a building that does not require mechanical equipment for heating and depends on which 3 of the following: (select three) A. Albedo B. Building Mass C. Fenestration D. Landscaping E. Massing F. Orientation

Solution: D. Fenestration E. Massing F. Orientation Passive solar design is the practice of orienting and sizing a building, its windows, and the internal layout and design, so that it utilizes the sun and its energy to the local climate, without any utilization of mechanical equipment/energy utilization

Per the IBC which of the following is correct? Check the two that apply. IBC allows live load reduction in most cases IBC allows live load reduction in a few cases IBC does not allow live load reduction for public assembly occupancy with a live load equal to or less than 100 psf IBC does not allow live load reduction for a live load equal to or more than 100 psf

Solution: IBC allows live load reduction in most cases IBC does not allow live load reduction for public assembly occupancy with a live load equal to or less than 100 psf

In a building that uses Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) system, the forms are left in place permanently for the following reasons (Choose 4) Thermal insulation Acoustic insulation Space to run plumbing pipes and electrical conduits Aesthetic effect Construction cost Backing for gypsum boards, stucco, and brick

Solution: Thermal insulation Acoustic insulation Space to run plumbing pipes and electrical conduits Construction cost

Per the balcony diagram above, what bending moment is imparted on the balcony cantilever? Ignore the self-weight of the balcony structure. A. 600 pounds per linear foot B. 600 foot-pounds per linear foot C. 1200 foot-pounds

Solution: 1200 foot-pounds

Higher number value associated with quieter rooms (choose four) A. Reverberation time (RT) B. Noise reduction coefficient (NRC) C. A-weighted decibels (dBA) D. Noise criteria (NC) E. Transmission loss (TL) F. Sound transmission class (STC) G. Impact insulation class (IIC)

Solution: B. Noise reduction coefficient (NRC) E. Transmission loss (TL) F. Sound transmission class (STC) G. Impact insulation class (IIC)

Used to establish maximum noise levels (choose 2) A. Reverberation time (RT) B. Noise reduction coefficient (NRC) C. A-weighted decibels (dBA) D. Noise criteria (NC) E. Transmission loss (TL) F. Sound transmission class (STC) G. Impact insulation class (IIC)

Solution: C. A-weighted decibels (dBA) D. Noise criteria (NC)

According to IBC interior adhered masonry veneers shall have a maximum weight of ____ psf or _____ kg/m2

Solution: 20psf and 97.6 kg/m2

What is the power drawn from an incandescent lamp put into a socket connected to a 115‐V supply, and having a hot resistance of 62 ohms, if the power factor of the lamp is 1? (Round the nearest whole number.)

Solution: 213 Watts Available Formula While Testing: - Watts = Volts x Amperes (Current - I) x Power Factor - W = 115V x I (See below to calculate I ) x 1 According to Ohm's law, V = I x R or Volts = Current (Ampere) x Resistance (Ohm) - I = V/R = 115 volts / 62 ohms = 1.85 A - W = 115V x 1.85A x 1= 212.75 Watts Side Note: Incandescent lamps always have 1 (one) power factor

Parking lot slope

Solution: 5%

The shear diagram of a 12 feet long beam is given above. The beam is divided in equal units as shown and each unit is 2 feet long. What is the maximum moment of this beam? A. 14,000# B. 24,000# C. 36,000# D. 56,000#

Solution: 56,000# Calculate max-moment via a formula which is given by NCARB during the exam A < b so Max= R2 x b = 14000 x 4=56000 Can also calculate by area 16000x2=32000 4000x6=24000 14000x4=56000 Since the moment moves down the most at 3rd sector: 56000

A roadway's stormwater runoff must flow to an on-site retention pond along a pipe with a minimum slope of 2%. The lowest discharge pipe to the pond is 75 feet above sea level. The depth of the pipe intake at the catch basin is 4 feet below the roadway, the roadway is 240 feet from the retention bond. What is the minimum elevation in feet above sea level of the roadway to facilitate proper stormwater runoff? Round up or down to the nearest whole foot value and only input digits—no units, decimal points, or commas.

Solution: 84 240*.02=4.8 75 ft pond elevation + 4.8 ft pipe elevation = 79.8 ft above sea level Add 4 feet of elevation to get from the catch basin to the roadway: 79.8 ft + 4ft = 83.8 ft above sea level Rounded to the nearest whole number: 84

Which building form is best for a hot-humid climate? A. A B. B C. C D. D

Solution: A Building form A is best in a hot-humid climate. Buildings in this region should: • be elongated along the east-west axis • reduce solar heat gain • encourage air movement for evaporative cooling • provide shading for windows and outdoor spaces

In which class of vapor retarders will you find a polyethylene sheet? A. Class I B. Class II C. Class III D. Class IV

Solution: A polyethylene sheet belongs in Class I. With the permeability of the materials in this class being 0.1 perm or less, they are the most effective vapor retarders

A new construction project has a budget of $2,000,000 for construction cost. Which of the following is a reasonable estimation for the lighting budget? A. $40,000 B. $100,000 C. $200,000 D. $400,000

Solution: A. $40,000 Lighting usually represents 1-3% of a project's cost

The shear wall shown is designed primarily to resist force in which direction? A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4

Solution: A. 1 (2) shows a load bearing wall

You are designing a building that will incorporate a crisscross walk-around escalator. What would be an appropriate separation distance to minimize circulation confusion? A. 10' B. 25' C. 20' D. 30'

Solution: A. 10' An appropriate separation distance to minimize circulation confusion with a crisscross walk-around escalator would be 10'

You are designing a project in a desert climate, and while on site you notice that the soil is mostly made up of compacted sand. What is the typical bearing capacity of compacted sand? (Choose the best answer) A. 2,000 - 3,000 psf B. 500 - 1,000 psf C. 10,000 - 12,000 psf D. 4,000 - 6,000 psf

Solution: A. 2,000 - 3,000 psf If you missed this, don't worry. Having a general idea of these will be helpful to you in practice. Compacted sand and fill = 2,000 - 3,000 psf

You are choosing a location on a large site to build a structure. The site is located near a train track. Each time you double the distance from the track, how many dB is the sound intensity reduced? A. 6 dB B. 3 dB C. 10 dB D. 15 dB

Solution: A. 6 dB Okay, so unless you are an acoustics geek, you may have missed that one! Don't worry about it—we didn't want you to get overconfident, so we threw you a zinger! As referenced in MEEB, sound intensity level changes by 3 dB with every doubling or halving of power, and it changes by 6 dB with every doubling or halving of the distance from a point source

Which of the following is the best definition of a horizontal exit? A horizontal exit is a 2 hour separation, separating the building into two compartments A horizontal exit is an exit on the same level A horizontal exit is an exit enclosed by exit corridor on the same level A horizontal exit is always required on every building. It is a basic form of exit.

Solution: A. A horizontal exit is a 2 hour separation, separating the building into two compartments This two-hour separation needs to extend from exterior wall to exterior wall and separate the two parts of buildings completely. Horizontal exits are extremely valuable for assembly occupancies like casinos/convention spaces/large restaurant on top of high-rise building because they can avoid using huge exit stairs and save space *Not a basic form of exit

Which of the following building scenarios is expected to perform better during a potential earthquake? A. A wood frame, single-story, single-family house. B. A steel frame, three-story library building. C. A concrete frame, two-story office building. D. A single-story, concrete frame motel building with masonry partitions.

Solution: A. A wood frame, single-story, single-family house. According to Newton's Second Law of Motion, the inertial force (F) = mass (M) x acceleration (A). The mass is equal to the weight of the building, and as the equation above states, the heavier the building, the forces are greater on it. Therefore, wood-frame houses perform better in earthquakes than the rest of the answers because it is the lightest of them all

You are working on a project that is in what would be considered an extreme climate. What resource would you use to find a local area's temperature means and extremes? A. ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook B. ANSI 17.1 C. NFPA 70A D. GBCI Handbook

Solution: A. ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook The ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook lists summer values as 1 percent, 2.5 percent and 5 percent, and winter values as 95 percent and 97.5 percent in approximately 800 locations in the United States

Which of the following may be a source of a building's heat loss? A. Air infiltration B. Occupants C. Insolation D. Electric lighting

Solution: A. Air infiltration Talking about heat LOSS not heat GAIN. Insolation is radiant heat gain from the sun.

Which HVAC system below is more likely to be selected if it is desired to maximize the control of air quality and velocity for large buildings? A. All air heating systems B. Air-water induction C. Natural ventilation D. Evaporative cooling

Solution: A. All air heating systems To maximize the control of air quality and velocity for large buildings, best choice is all air heating systems, such as: VAV, VAV Reheat, VAV Induction, Dual-duct VAV, CAV Reheat and Multizone systems

Which of the following species of wood is naturally decay resistant? A. Cedar B. Pine C. Fir D. Hemlock

Solution: A. Cedar

Which term best describes a heat rejection device that extracts waste heat to the atmosphere through the cooling of a water stream? A. Cooling tower B. Heat exchanger C. Evaporator D. Condenser

Solution: A. Cooling tower A cooling tower, which is often found on a roof, rejects waste heat to the atmosphere by cooling a water stream. A heat exchanger is a device used to transfer heat from one fluid to another. An evaporator is part of a refrigeration system in which refrigerant evaporates heat from the air or water that it is cooling. A condenser is a type of heat exchanger that liquefies refrigerant, releasing heat into the air or water

An architect is designing a sports arena and will be looking for a structural system with a clear span of at least 120 ft. Which is the best option? A. DLH Steel Truss B. Glulam C. K Series Steel Truss D. Steel W-Flange

Solution: A. DLH Steel Truss Long span systems are often best served by truss. There are three series of steel trusses from shortest span to greatest: K, LH, and DHL. K Series can span up to 60ft. LH will space close to 100ft. And DLH will space closer to 150ft

This approach to HVAC separates the heating/cooling system from the ventilation system when indoor air quality is most important. A. DOAS B. HFC C. PTAC D. VAV

Solution: A. DOAS A DOAS (Dedicated Outdoor Air System) provides 100% fresh outdoor air and allows a separate system to control temperature. Generally a DOAS can be used in conjunction with almost any heating and cooling system

You have been hired to assist in the design of a commercial project in a dry, arid climate in a rural area. When selecting materials, you are considering kiln-fired brick and CMU because they are naturally what? A. Fire-resistant B. Weatherproof C. Formed D. Waterproof

Solution: A. Fire-resistant Kiln-fired brick and CMU are naturally fire-resistant, while stone will vary based on type and thickness

When is the ideal time to value engineer a project? A. Initial planning stages B. At the end of the design development phase C. After the construction documents have been completed D. After bids are received and they all exceed the owner's budget

Solution: A. Initial planning stages

Which heavy wood truss type matches a span of 90' span with a 36' depth? A. Triangular B. Bowstring C. Parallel chord D. Pratt

Solution: A. Triangular A triangular truss has a span of 90' span and a depth of 36'

How does wood's coefficient of thermal expansion compare to that of other common building materials, like steel? A. Very low B. About the same as C. Very high D. Exponentially higher

Solution: A. Very low Wood's coefficient of thermal expansion is very low. Pine, for example, has a linear temperature expansion coefficient of 5 where steel is around 11

What is it called if the underground soils are made of very porous layers of sand, gravel and other permeable materials that can contain large amounts of water and let it flow freely? A. Artesian Well B. Aquifer C. Water Table D. Saturated Ground

Solution: Aquifer

It is time to estimate the cost of a project to update the Owner. You are comparing two different floor structures. Would be the cost of fifteen 2 x 8 floor joists @ 10' long if the price of lumber is $255 per thousand board feet? A. $30 B. $50 C. $60 D. $80

Solution: B. $50 First, calculate how many board feet: 2 x 8 / 12 x 10' = 13.33 board feet 13.33 board feet x 15 pieces = 199.95 board feet total / 1,000 = .19995 x $255 = $50.99 (rounded to the closest answer = $50)

Based on the given diagram and the table above, what are the total loads carried and transferred to the foundation by column B2? A. 2850 lb B. 2940 lb C. 3468 lb D. 10860 lb

Solution: B. 2940 lb

How should an architect budget for consulting engineers' cost as related to construction cost? A. 1% B. 5% C. 10% D. 15%

Solution: B. 5% Average projects should budget about 5% for consulting engineers

Which of the following tree arrangements is best suited for optimal solar energy utilization and control for a house in the northeast region of the United States? A. Evergreens on the east and south, deciduous on the west. B. Evergreens on the west and north, deciduous on the south. C. Evergreens on the west and north, no trees on the south. D. Evergreens on the north and south, deciduous on the east and west.

Solution: B. Evergreens on the west and north, deciduous on the south

Human comfort depends on which of the following? I. Air temperature II. Air movement III. Relative humidity IV. Longitude V. Solar radiation A. I and III B. I, II, III, and V C. II, IV, and V D. I, II, III, IV, and V

Solution: B. I, II, III, and V Human comfort does not depend on longitude (although it does depend on latitude)

65°F is often used as a reference standard to represent a typical degree day. What is a degree day? A. The average day cooler than 98% of all other days of the year in a particular climate B. The difference between the daily temperature mean and 65F C. The temperature most people feel comfortable in when dressed in typical indoor clothing D. The average radiant temperature of the immediate surroundings

Solution: B. The difference between the daily temperature mean and 65°F

Which of the following items is NOT required for plumbing waste-drainage systems? A. Trap B. Vacuum breaker C. Vent D. Cleanout

Solution: B. Vacuum breaker Vacuum breaker is part of back flow prevention so therefore part of supply system not waste

Which is less likely to generate footfall noise complaints in multifamily housing? A. Concrete construction B. Wood construction

Solution: B. Wood construction ICC (impact insulation class) for multifamily housing minimum 50 (goal to be at 60)

In the Preliminary Design Phase for a project, you are reviewing items from a design checklist. One area listed to check is accessible reach distances. You need to confirm that items like light switches and door handles are within reach of someone in a wheelchair. By code, what are the accessible ranges for these types of features? A. 18" to 56" B. 24" to 48" C. 15" to 48" D. 12" to 36"

Solution: C. 15" to 48" The accessible side reach range for these types of items is 15" to 48". Don't worry if you missed this—now you know it. These are the type of things that are best learned by repetition

A contractor is calculating how much lumber he needs to order to build a small addition on a client's house. The three exterior walls are to be framed with 2x6 studs at 16"oc. The room is 12'x12', so he estimates that he will need (9) 8' studs for each wall. The contraction will be charged by the board-foot for the lumber he purchases. How many board-feet will he need to buy? A. 108 board-feet B. 144 board-feet C. 216 board-feet D. 243 board-feet

Solution: C. 216 board-feet

Lowest color temperature (degrees Kelvin) A. Fluorescent B. Metal halide C. High Pressure Sodium

Solution: C. High Pressure Sodium

Why is radon gas not desirable in a building project? It has bad odor It is poisonous It is radioactive It has too much moisture and is a source of mold problems

Solution: C. it is radioactive

Which of the following materials is considered rapidly renewable building material? A. Chestnut flooring sawn from old barn beams B. Aluminum C. Linoleum D. Plywood

Solution: C. linoleum Linoleum, wheat board cabinetry, and bamboo paneling are considered rapidly renewable resources. Recovering materials to be reused for a new purpose (floor from old beam) may be considered "green" but do not count as rapidly renewable. Aluminum and plywood are not rapidly renewable materials

Which of the steel shapes is best for a beam? Assume the steel sections have the same cross-sectional area.

Solution: D Section D has the most dimensional stability because of its two vertical sections. This makes it the most appropriate choice for a beam

Which of the following values would best represent the thermal resistance (R-value) of a typical insulating material used in a building? A. 0.01 B. 0.10 C. 1 D. 10

Solution: D. 10

A developer wants to construct a 15-story office building with approximately 10,000 sqft of gross floor area per floor. Which of the following electrical distribution systems would best meet the developer's requirement and be most economical in terms of initial cost as well as later operational costs? A. 120/208 volt, 3-phase, 4 wire B. 120/240 volt, single-phase, 3 wire C. 120/240 volt, 3-phase, 3 wire D. 277/480 volt, 3-phase, 4 wire

Solution: D. 277/480 volt, 3-phase, 4 wire Big building require the 277/480 volt, 3-phase, 4 wire service - Need a lot of power (elevator, pumps, compressors, fans...) - 3-phase power makes it smoother - Use microprocessors - ANYTHING BIGGER THAN 40,000 SQFT

You are 3D modeling the framing members for a particular project and want to reflect the actual size of wood members. What is the actual dimension of a 1 x 12? A. 3/4" x 11 1/2" B. 7/8" x 11 3/4" C. 5/8" x 11 1/2" D. 3/4" x 11 1/4"

Solution: D. 3/4" x 11 1/4 The actual dimension of a 2 x 12 are 3/4" x 11 1/4". This is good information to have memorized for the exam and actual practice

Aggregate typical occupies what percentage of the total volume of concrete? A. 10%-15% B. 25%-30% C. 45%-50% D. 65%-70% E. 75%-80%

Solution: D. 65%-70%

You are in the Schematic Design Phase on a project. What cost-estimating method is a good choice during the early Programming or Schematic Design Phase? A. Functional area method B. Assemblies/subsystems method C. Quantity survey method D. Area and volume method

Solution: D. Area and volume method During the Schematic Design Phase, the area and volume method would be appropriate for estimating construction costs. This is used for preliminary estimates, which reveal the floor area or volume of an initial design and allow for better understanding of the cost and scale of a project. Where spaces are not habitable or not conventionally enclosed, these area and volume costs may deviate from the rest of the structure

Best choice for a high-hazard area where fire spreads quickly A. Wet-pipe B. Dry-pipe C. Pre-action D. Deluge

Solution: D. Deluge

You are reviewing all of the information that was collected during the Programming and preliminary Planning Phase of a project. When reviewing climate data, in regard to solar radiation, which of the following would NOT be a factor that would contribute to solar radiation or insulation? A. Reflected daylight B. Diffuse daylight C. Direct daylight D. Harmonic daylight

Solution: D. Harmonic daylight Direct, diffuse and reflected daylight all contribute to incident solar radiation or insulation

Which of the following has the capacity to reverse the refrigeration cycle? A. Absorption Cycle B. Compressive Cycle C. Hydronic systems D. Heat pumps

Solution: D. Heat pumps Heat pumps have the capacity to reverse the refrigeration cycle, which gives the same system both heating and cooling features

Which system should an architect choose if enjoyment of the seasons is desired? A. Forced air B. Hydronic system C. Evaporative cooling D. Heating stoves

Solution: D. Heating stoves Heating stoves supplement natural systems, such as ventilation, to allow the structure to fluctuate more readily with the seasons. The other systems maintain a temperature regardless of the season, separating one from the natural swings of the seasons

The structural engineer was reviewing the architect's budget-friendly specification for lumber and noticed that the grade he selected did not have enough allowable compressive stress for the selected application as it required an allowable stress greater than 1400 psi. Which wood species and grade should the structural engineer recommend? A. Spruce-Pine-Fir- No.2 Grade B. Southern Pine- No. 2 Grade C. Douglas Fir-Larch-Stud Grade D. Hem-Fir- No. 2 Grade

Solution: D. Hem-Fir No. 2 Grade Southern Pine and Douglas Fir-Larch woods are a stronger, higher-grade species of lumber but comes at a higher cost. Douglas Fir-Larch stud grade, and Spruce-Pine-Fir No. 2 grade do not meet the allowable compressive stress of 1400 psi (given) and can be eliminated. Of the two remaining answers, both have a greater compressive stress greater than the required 1400 psi, but Southern Pine is a more expensive species group leaving Answer D, Hem-Fir, No. 2 Grade as the correct answer.

Which of the following provide information for designing facilities accessible to persons with disabilities? I. ICC/ANSI A117.1 II. FHAG III. ADAAG IV. UFAS V. IBC A. I, II, and III B. I, II, III, and IV C. II, III, and IV D. I, II, III, IV, and V

Solution: D. I, II, III, IV, and V The ICC/ANSI A117.1 American National Standard "Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities," the Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines (FHAG), the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG), the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS), and the International Building Code, Chapter 11, all provide information for designing facilities accessible to persons with disabilities

When considering the different ways lumber is sawn, which of the following would be an application where you might choose quarter-sawn lumber? A. Partition wall B. Sill plates C. Window bucks D. Interior trim

Solution: D. Interior trim Quarter-sawing produces a vertical grain pattern that is seen on the face of the board. This grain pattern would be used for interior trim, where the benefits of its greater stability and attractiveness justify the higher cost

Looking at the cost of purchasing and operating a building or product, and the relative savings is called A. Life cycle approach B. Life cycle assessment (LCA) C. Life cycle analysis D. Life cycle costing E. Life cycle cost and saving analysis F. Low impact development (LID)

Solution: D. Life cycle costing Life cycle approach: looking at a product or building through its entire life cycle Life cycle assessment (LCA): use life cycle thinking in environmental issues Low impact development (LID): A land development approach mimicking natural systems and managing storm water as close to the source as possible Life cycle analysis: A technique to assess environmental impacts associated with all the stages of a product's of life cycle Life cycle cost and saving analysis: is an invented term

The type of lockset that is most secure is a A. Unit lock B. Cylindrical lock C. Rim lock D. Mortise lock

Solution: D. Mortise lock Mortise lock are the most secure type of lockset because the mechanism is concealed within the leaf of the door. Unit locks are installed into a notch cut into the leaf of the door Cylinder locks are installed through a hole drilled in the leaf Rim locks are mounted on the face of the leaf Because each of these types of locksets leaves portions of the mechanism exposed, they can be more easily tampered with and are not as secure as the mortise lockset

A client that has hired you to assist with the design of their facility has requested that you design the mechanical system to utilize minimal fossil fuels. Of the fossil fuels, which is the most efficient? A. Oil B. Electricity C. Steam D. Natural gas

Solution: D. Natural gas Of the fossil fuels, natural gas is the most efficient. It is relatively clean-burning and low-cost

For a large, column-free, square space, which of the following structural framing systems would be most appropriate? A. Post-and-beam B. Prestressed radial cable C. Cast-in-place concrete joists D. Space frame

Solution: D. Space frame Post-and-beam and cast-in-place are too heavy and limit the span of the system. Prestressed radial cable is not going to provide the long span needed

For a structure with heavy loads resting on dense earth, which of the following would be most appropriate? A. Boat footings B. Jetted piles C. Wood piles D. Structural steel piles

Solution: D. Structural steel piles Boat footings are used where the underlying soil has a low bearing capacity, jetted piles are rarely used, and wood piles are used for light to moderate loads. The only appropriate choice is structural steel piles

You are out on a project site collecting data for site analysis. Which of the following would you use to illustrate shadowing from trees, topography and adjacent structures for different times of the day and months of the year? A. DC ammeter B. Refractometer C. Torpedo level D. Sun-path chart

Solution: D. Sun-path chart A sun-path chart or sun-path diagram is a simple graphical method to present the sun's movement. Objects that obstruct the sun from the location of data collection at different times of the day or seasonally are outlined on the chart

Despite full height apertures on three walls of these screened-in porches, occupants judge the spaces to be dark. When such rooms are perceived to be dark, what is the most likely explanation? A. The buildings adjacent to a screened-in porch shade the porch itself B. Screened-in porches often have overhangs that block direct sunlight C. The screens themselves reduce sunlight transmission D. The dark colored floor, ceiling, and mullions produce excess contrast

Solution: D. The dark colored floor, ceiling, and mullions produce excess contrast

Which is typically most economical for long spans and/or heavy loads? A. Beams B. Joists C. Girders D. Trusses

Solution: D. Trusses Trusses are most economical for long spans and/or heavy loads because they can be designed geometrically to distribute or carry loads using the least amount of material

Which of the following types of copper pipe would be installed as a stack vent? A. Type K B. Type L C. Type M D. Type DWV

Solution: D. Type DWV

In what occupancy category is a greenhouse under the IBC-2015 A. A-2 B. M C. S-2 D. U

Solution: D. U

Of the options below, what is the biggest disadvantage of a boiler heating system? A. Low efficacy B. Gases carried away though a flue C. More complex than other systems D. High life-cycle cost

Solution: D. high life-cycle cost The life-cycle cost of a boiler system is very high because of how often it needs to be replaced over a typical building's life-span. Boilers are the simplest system with 80% efficacy. The amount of gas carried away by a flue does not typically cause any problems

For a standard use, what is a typical water-cement ratio? A. 0.05-0.15 B. 0.15-0.25 C. 0.25-0.35 D. 0.30-0.45 E. 0.45-0.60 F. 0.55-0.85 G. 0.65-0.85

Solution: E. 0.45-0.60

Which of the following toilet partition finishes has the highest initial cost? Baked enamel Laminated plastic Porcelain enamel Powder shield Stainless steel Polly

Solution: E. Stainless steel Baked enamel has the lowest cost. Powder shield is powder coated baked enamel

To provide control of lighting from five locations for a large room, which of the following are required? I. Two-way switches II. Three-way switches III. Four-way switches A. I and II B. I and III C. II and III D. I, II, and III

Solution: II and III When more than two switches are necessary, two of the switches must be three-way switches, and the remaining additional switches must be four-way switches

Distribution of energy use for a large office building

Solution: Lighting generally demands half of the total energy consumed by an office building. Heating and cooling systems demand 30%. The remaining 20% is used to operate equipment in the building

Moment-resisting connection vs Shear connection

Solution: Moment-resisting connection, beam flange MUST be welded DIRECTLY to the columns or rigidly attached by plates welded to the columns and bolted to the beam

Your masonry elevations are almost complete and you need to start thinking about specifying the motor types. Which of the following is NOT a mortar type? A. M B. S C. N D. T

Solution: T The mortar types are M, S, N and O. M has the highest compressive strength at 28 days at 2,500 psi. O has the lowest at 350 psi

Which of the following system below has the highest resisting capacity to lateral forces? A. Two-way concrete beam and slab structure. B. Two-way concrete flat plate structure. C. One-way concrete flat plate structure. D. One-way concrete flat slab structure.

Solution: Two-way concrete beam and slab structure Beam and column systems can carry higher loads, span longer distances, and better resist lateral forces. However, they are much more costly compared to slab and column systems

Check valve

back flow preventer

Flag weld symbol

means field weld

Which of the following describes the color output of a fluorescent lamp? A. Line A B. Line B C. Line C

A. Line A

Diagram indicates the use of which of the following devices to control lighting from two location A. (2) single-pole, single throw switches B. (2) single-pole, double throw switches C. (2) double-pole, double throw switches D. (2) three-pole, double-throw switches

B. (2) single-pole, double throw switches

The image below depicts an A. Air purifier B. Air handling C. Energy recovery ventilator D. Evaporative cooling unit

C. Energy recovery ventilator

With the assistance of the contractor, an architect is evaluating two different wall finish materials for the main lobby of a municipal building with an expected life span of 20 years. The building will house a variety of city offices that will be open to the public. One selection in vinyl wallcovering, and the other is plastic laminate panels, both are to be applied to gypsum wallboard. The vinyl wallcovering will have an initial cost of $46,000, with an expected life span of 10 years. Annual operating, maintenance, and repair costs are expected to average $14,000 per year. The estimated replacement cost is $52,000. The plastic laminate panels will have an initial cost of $84,000, with an expected life span of 25 years. Annual operating, maintenance, and repair costs are expected to average $9000 per year. Neither wall finish is expected to have a residual value at the end of its service life. All future costs are given in present values. Which material has the lower life-cycle cost, and what is the cost?

LCC = I+R-RV+(T)(OM&R) LLC for vinyl = $46,000 + $52,000 - $0 + ((20 years)($14,000)) = $378,000 LLC plastic laminate panels = $84,000 + $0 - $0 + ((20 years)($9000)) = $264,000

Worst for rendering color (lowest CRI) A. Incandescent B. Halogen C. Fluorescent D. Metal halide E. High Pressure Sodium

Solution: E. High Pressure Sodium

- A-weighted decibels (dBA)

○ Description of noise/background noise

- Reverberation Time (RT)

○ Description of the room's acoustics ○ How quickly the sound dies ○ Longer reverberation time = work "noisy"/echo room

Concave vs convex slope

Solution: Convex: contour lines are closer to each other at the lower portion of the slope Concave: contour lines are closer to each other at the top portion of the slope

Fire rating between residential occupancies:

For the separation between the 2BR and Studio apartments- Section 708.3 in accordance with Section 420 states that fire partitions between resident units shall have a rating of not less than 1-hour

Double-duct, constant volume and constant volume reheat

NOT reasonable options

An architect is hired by a client to design a house. The client, interested in sustainable building practices, has requested that the project use low-embodied-energy choices, where possible. Based on the embodied energy concern, which material should the architect choose to clad the house? A. Aluminum siding B. Vinyl siding C. Wood siding

Solution C. Wood siding Materials that involve intensive mining and processing (aluminum) have high embodied energy. Materials made from petroleum (vinyl, plastics, foams) also have high embodied energy. Materials that are grown and harvested (wood, cellulose insulation) generally have a lower embodied energy footprint. If you want to learn more, and haven't already watched our Amber Book : 40 Minutes of Competence video on embodied energy, click here

The national average cost for a steel superstructure is $14.75, based on a total square footage of 500,000 sf. If the cost index for Nashville is 87.67, what is the total construction cost of the same steel superstructure assuming the same total square footage? A. $6,465,662 B. $13.95 C. $7,375,000 D. $564,650

Solution: A. $6,465,662 (Index for City A ÷ 100) x National Average Cost = Cost in City A In our scenario we should use the following formula to find the right answer: (87.67 ÷ 100) x $14.75 = $12.93 To find the total construction cost, we just need to multiply the cost per square foot by the total square footage: $12.93 x 500,000 sf = $6,465,662 A few quick formulas regarding cost estimating (Index for City A ÷ Index for City B) x Cost in City B = Cost in City A (Index for City A ÷ 100) x National Average Cost= Cost in City A For more on this subject, we encourage you to read page 115 of the book Problem Seeking: An Architectural Programming Primer

When are we required to use automatic ventilating hatches?

Solution: - When there is a lot of content that may burn VERY hot ○ For smoke too but mostly to let heat escape so it does not melt the structure holding up roof - When we have a large volume of space (like mall or atrium) **Can mechanically open (springs and motors) or with "drop out panels" which shrink from the heat of the fire and drop down to open the hatch

Put building materials below in order from most expensive to build a rigid (1) to least expensive (3) - Wood - Concrete - Steel

Solution: Steel > Wood > Concrete According to Structural Design: A Practical Guide for Architects, the most expensive building material to build a rigid connection is steel, which is followed by wood. The concrete is the least expensive to build a rigid connection

Which of the following options given below is one of the main standpipe system types? Check the three that apply. A. Automatic‐wet systems B. Automatic‐dry systems C. Semi-automatic‐dry systems D. Class I Systems E. Class II Systems F. Class III Systems

Solution: A. Automatic‐wet systems B. Automatic‐dry systems C. Semi-automatic‐dry systems There are five main standpipes system types: - Automatic‐wet systems: In this system, the pipes are filled with water at all times, and it is immediately available to the firefighters' use. - Automatic‐dry systems: In this system, the pipes are filled with pressurized air and are connected to a water supply. In case of fire, the system automatically replaces air with water when the hose valve is opened. - Semi-automatic‐dry systems: Like Automatic‐dry systems, the pipes are filled with pressurized air and connected to a water supply. However, a secondary remote sensing device at the hose needs to be triggered that makes water replace itself with air when hose valves are opened. This system is similar to the deluge sprinkler system and is often used when highly valuable material is stored in the building. Two phased activation system is to prevent false alarms. - Manual‐dry systems: In this system, the pipes are filled with air, and there is no connection to the water supply other than provided by firefighters. - Manual‐wet systems: In this system, the pipes are filled with water and connected to a dedicated domestic water source. Incorrect Answers: There are three major standpipe system classes: Class-I, II, and III, simply based on the firefighting response scale - Class I systems are for professional firefighting and are planned to be used by firefighters to respond to fire - Class II systems are for first-aid firefighting until professional firefighters arrive. It is very prone to building damage since a 100 ft long hose filled with high-pressure water is not easy for untrained users. So the use of this system is not very common anymore - Class III system is a combination of the first two systems therefore, the disadvantages of Class II apply this one either

What do transformers do? Check the two that apply. A. Decrease alternating current voltages B. Change AC to DC C. Change DC to AC D. Increase alternating current voltages

Solution: A. Decrease alternating current voltages D. Increase alternating current voltages

Embodied energy is the sum of the energy required for a product or material to undergo which phases? (Select the four that apply) A. Manufacturing B. Fabricating C. Delivery D. Installation E. Disposal F. Recycling

Solution: A. Manufacturing B. Fabricating C. Delivery D. Installation Embodied energy calculates the total energy that goes into manufacturing, fabricating, delivery, and installation. It does not calculate the energy involved in the disposal of the material, whether it is refuse or recycled material. The disposal of the material would be considered in a life-cycle analysis

The psychrometric chart plots which of the following factors? Check the two that apply. A. Relative humidity B. Air motion C. Mean radiant temperature D. Air temperature E. Convection current F. Surface temperature

Solution: A. Relative humidity D. Air temperature

Select which items are usually present in the geotechnical engineer's subsurface report. Select all that apply. A. Results of field tests B. Results of laboratory tests C. Recommended types of foundations D. Soil sieve analysis E. Saturation point (water table) F. Recommended treatment for contaminated soil

Solution: A. Results of field tests B. Results of laboratory tests C. Recommended types of foundations E. Saturation point (water table) The geotechnical engineer will conduct field and laboratory tests to determine the soils and their characteristics. They provide this information in their report. Based on their findings, they can usually determine the level of the water table and they will be able to recommend a foundation type. The structural engineer may or may not use this recommendation. A soil sieve analysis is not typically a part of what a soils engineer provides. If contaminated soils are found, conditions need to be assessed by a soil remediation expert

Which of the following normally do not require panic hardware at the required exits? Choose 2 Museums Warehouses with no hazardous materials Post offices Restaurants

Solution: A. Warehouses with no hazardous materials B. Post offices Group A or E occupancy having occupancy of 50 or more, or any H occupancy requires panic hardware Post offices belong to Business occupancy (B), and do not require panic hardware Warehouse with no hazardous material is considered storage and does not require panic hardware

When calculating heat loss, what information must be known about each material in the evaluated assembly? (Select 2) A. Density B. R-value C. Conductivity D. Thickness E. Emissivity F. Enthalpy

Solution: B. R-value D. Thickness

Match the lamps types to the lighting family they belong to (not all of the given family types are relevant) - Fluorescent - LED - Incandescent - "X" - Heating Filament - Induction lighting - Gaseous discharge - Solid-state lighting

Solution: Incandescent: Heating filament LED: Solid-state lighting Fluorescent: Gaseous discharge

Based on the door swing direction and approach below, what is the missing dimension? Answer in inches

Solution: 60"

An architect is checking to make sure that his accessible stair is the proper width according to the International Building Code. If the sizing factor is 0.3 inches per occupant, given the Partial Occupant Load Table and plan below, what is the required stair width?

Solution: 62" Business center= business area 5500/100=55 occupants Conference= business area 740/100=7.4 occupants (business area because under 750 sqft Appliance mart = mercantile areas on other floors 4875/60=81.25 City Engineering = business area 6300/100=63 55+81.25+63+7.4=206.65 206.65x0.3=61.995 (62")

The grid spacing for a 4-level storage facility measures 25' x 30'. The dead load on the columns is 40psf at each level, the love load on the 1st and 2nd level is 70psf, the live load on the 3rd level is 60 psf, and on the 4th level there is a stored piece of equipment with a given load of 5 psi. What is the total live load on the footing? Assume no loading reductions.

Solution: 637,000 1. Find the loading area for the column a. 25x30=750 SF 2. Convert 5 psi to psf a. (12x12) x 5 = 720 3. Combine live loads a. 720+70+60=850 b. DO NOT INCLUDE LIVE LOAD ON MAIN LEVEL (SINCE NOT SUPPORTED BY COLUMN) 4. Multiply load by the area 750SF/1 x 850PSF/SF = 637,500lb

An architect is reviewing a wiring diagram to make sure that the wiring specified has accounted for the amperage. How many amps does the architect need to account for in the wiring diagram shown below? (Fill in the blank)

Solution: 7.5 Ohms law: I=V/R 120/16=7.5

When designing in an urban environment, you can assume that a city will receive what level of ultraviolet radiation in the winter months compared to a rural environment? (Choose the best answer) A. 30% less B. 90% less C. 30% more D. 90% more

Solution: A. 30% less Urban environments have many more structures that tend to shade the street and neighboring buildings, especially in the winter months. This becomes important when designing outdoor spaces in urban environments, and of the choices, 30% less UV than rural environments would be the best answer

A partition rated STC 45 is best suited for which situation? A. A doctor's office B. Classroom walls C. Ceiling-to-floor assemblies D. Recording studios

Solution: A. A doctor's office With a barrier rated STC 45, loud noises and speech can be heard but not understood. This makes it best suited for a doctor's office where privacy is necessary but loud noises are not expected. Classrooms and recording studio will be compromised by the presence of any unintended noise, therefore THE STC ratings of the floor and ceiling are 50 or higher

An architect is laying out the house sewer for a small commercial building. The sewer has been sized at a 6" diameter with a 1/8 in/ft slope. The architect discovers that the original information on the invert of the main sewer line, which is approximately 300' away, was incorrect and that is actually 1' high than planned. In order to minimize cost, what is the best course of action? A. Decrease the slope and increase the size of the house sewer B. Angle the house sewer to connect farther down the main line C. Change the location of the building D. Decrease the slope of the sewer and add an intermediate manhole

Solution: A. Decrease the slope and increase the size of the house sewer For a change in elevation of only 1' in a distance of 300' the slope of the house sewer can be easily decreased. The size of the sewer must be increased to maintain proper flow. ***As slope of drainage pipe decreases the size must increase*** - 1/4 in/ft slope for pipes with a diameter of 2-1/2" or less - 1/8 in/ft slope for pipes from 3"-6" - 1/16in/ft slope for pipes with a diameter of 8" or larger **In this case pipe would increase from 6" to 8" without much increase in cost (trenching/installation/backfill costs remain the same)

The load of an automobile moving in a parking garage is a Dynamic load Impact load Dead load Vertical load

Solution: A. Dynamic load Dynamic loads are loads that change rapidly Impact loads are suddenly applied loads Dead loads are vertical loads generated by the weight of the building or permanent equipment

Which of the following buildings types would typically have the highest percentage of total construction cost allocated for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC)? A. Full-service, sit-down restaurant B. Climate controlled mini-warehouse C. Hospital D. Parking garage

Solution: A. Full-service, sit-down restaurant 40% of total restaurants construction budget for HVAC (ventilation of kitchen, multizone climate control) 20% of total hospital construction budget for HVAC 10% of total climate-controlled mini-warehouse construction budget for HVAC Parking garage has not HVAC

You are in the preliminary design phase and helping a client decide how to protect their car. In an effort to save money, they would like to not totally enclose the space. If the structure is not open on at least two sides, according to the IRC, what would this space be considered? A. Garage B. Carport C. Parking Stall D. Breeze way

Solution: A. Garage According to the IRC, carports shall be open on at least two sides. Carports not open on at least two sides shall be considered a garage and shall comply with code requirements for a garage

If wood has a moisture content of 30%, it is generally referred to as being _________. A. Green B. Wicked C. Ripe D. Dry

Solution: A. Green If wood has a moisture content of 30% or greater it is referred to as being green. This means that is has not had a chance to season or dry yet. Wood with a moisture content less than 20% will not rot if it maintained below that percentage

You are designing a home located in Northern Canada. Which of the following glazing types would be important for the north façade? A. High SHGC B. High U-value C. Single pane D. High-emissivity coating

Solution: A. High SHGC This is very good information to know for the exam and practice. A high solar heat gain coefficient means a higher solar heat transmission, so more solar gain gets through the glass, which you would want on north façade in Northern Canada. The lower the U-value, the better the insulator

You have been hired to consult on a project that will include an elevator. The Owner needs the most affordable option available. The project is 3 stories high. With this information, you know you will probably be specifying which type of elevator? A. Hydraulic B. Gearless C. Electric D. Traction

Solution: A. Hydraulic Hydraulic elevators are generally cheaper to install than the traction variety but have height and speed limitations

You are assisting with the design of a hospital. When considering the HVAC system for this type of structure, obviously you would most likely hire a consultant/mechanical engineer. But considering you need 100% fresh air with complete exhaust to the outside, what type of system would most likely be used? A. Induction B. Dual-duct C. Single-duct D. Reheat system

Solution: A. Induction In an induction system, air is supplied throughout the building under high pressure to each unit. For hospitals, all air supply needs to be fresh and exhaust to the outside, so induction or fan-coil would be the best choice for this program

Which of the following technique is used to fix water's hardness? A. Ion‐exchanger (zeolite process) B. Neutralizer C. Chlorination D. Aeration

Solution: A. Ion-exchanger (zeolite process) Neutralizer is used to fix corrosion characteristic of water, chlorination is used to remedy biological pollution and aeration (oxidation) is used improve the taste and color of water and to remove iron and manganese in it

You are working on the preliminary Electrical Plan and load calculations for a new structure your firm is designing. How is the voltage rating of the electrical service device determined? A. Maximum voltage that can be safely applied continuously B. Maximum amperage conductible C. Ratio of watts and amps divided by kWh D. Spacing of connectors

Solution: A. Maximum voltage that can be safely applied continuously The voltage rating of an electric service device is determined by the maximum voltage that can be applied safely to the unit continuously

In southern climates, heat loss typically occurs through which element? A. Roof B. Walls C. Doors D. Floor

Solution: A. Roof Solution: Understanding the characteristics of a building's geographic location is helpful for producing efficient and effective designs. Climatic conditions such as wind patterns and sun angles can dictate which portions of a building are most vulnerable to heat transfer. In southern climates, heat is most often lost through the roof. In northern climates, it usually happens through the walls

Which of the following types of copper pipe would be the best choice for a line buried as an underground water supply? A. Type K B. Type L C. Type M D. Type DWV

Solution: A. Type K

The owner of a 4-story laboratory building in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana, is complaining of condensation on the interior side of the exterior walls in the building. What could potentially be missing from the wall assembly? A. Vapor Barrier B. Class II Vapor Retarder C. Class Ill Vapor Retarder D. Air Barrier

Solution: A. Vapor Barrier New Orleans is located in a hot-humid climate, so vapor and moisture control is critical when designing the building envelope. Residential building code requires a Class I or Class II vapor retarder to be in the wall assembly on the warm side of the wall. - A Class I vapor retarder may also be called a Vapor Barrier depicted in Answer A. The vapor barrier has near zero vapor permeance preventing water vapor from penetrating through the assembly. - Class II and even Class Ill vapor retarders will allow for some level of water vapor to pass through the assembly. However, if there is an excess of water in the form of condensation building on the interior side of a wall, a vapor barrier is likely missing from the wall based on the given information. - An air barrier could still be in place in this wall assembly with condensation building on the interior wall, as the air barrier is used to control air leakage in the building enclosure

You have been approached by a friend to help design and construct their outdoor deck. Which of the following wood types might be best for this project? A. Western red cedar B. Hard maple C. Pecan D. Red oak

Solution: A. Western red cedar Naturally decay-resistant softwoods and hardwoods such as redwood, western red cedar, ipe and wood types listed as decay-resistant would be best for an outdoor deck if constructed in wood

Most common system type A. Wet-pipe B. Dry-pipe C. Pre-action D. Deluge

Solution: A. Wet-pipe

Which of the following building types would typically have the highest percentage of total construction cost allocated for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC)? A. Full-service, sit-down restaurant B. Climate controlled mini-warehouse C. Hospital D. Parking garage

Solution: A. full-service, sit-down restaurant Nearly 40% of a restaurant's construction budget area allocated for HVAC. This includes ventilation of the kitchen in addition to multizone climate control for the kitchen and dining areas. Hospitals - 20%. Climate-controlled mini-warehouse - 10%. Parking garage - no HVAC

An office building has an elevator bank with 4 elevators and the building is in use an average of 25 days per month. What is the monthly energy cost of this elevator bank, if the weighted average of peak load per elevator is 40%, energy loss per elevator is 5kW, and energy rate per hour is $0.06? Daily Energy Use= Weighted Average of Peak Load x Total Energy Loss x 24 Hours A. $162.00 B. $288.00 C. $188.00 D. $192.00

Solution: B. $288 Energy Use: Weighted Average of Peak Load x Total Energy Loss x 24 Hours Energy Use: 0.40 (40%) x 5kW x 24 Hours = 48kW-h The cost per day per elevator = 48kW-h x $0.06 = $2.88 per elevator per day The total monthly cost = 2.88 x 4 (elevators) x 25 (days)= $288

Refer to the figure below. You are working on a cost estimate for a project. The dimensions of the building are 100' w x 40' l x 10' h. The building walls will be sheathed with OSB. What would be a close estimate of the cost of this material? A. $310 B. $620 C. $575 D. $8,563

Solution: B. $620 First, estimate the square footage needed to sheath the building: 100' + 100' + 40' + 40' = perimeter of 280' x 10' = 2,800 s.f. / 32 s.f. = 87.5 sheets. Make it 90 sheets to be safe x $6.85 = $616.50. The closest answer is $620. Be careful not to use the cost of roof OSB sheathing that is less expensive

An architect is trying to plan out the number of sprinkler heads for a higher-education, Type IIB classroom building. If the architect designs to the maximum allowable square footage in Table 503, how many sprinkler heads are required per floor? A. 43 B. 103 C. 65 D. 118

Solution: B. 103 Higher education is B occupancy: - B occupancy is light hazard so the sprinkler head covers 225SF per sprinkler head 23000/225=102.2222 103 sprinklers

When designing for water needs for a residential structure, it is important to have an idea of the average per-person daily water needs. What is the average water use in an American home (understanding that these numbers can vary somewhat depending on lifestyle)? A. 10-20 gal/day B. 80-100 gal/day C. 150-200 gal/day D. 210-230 gal/day

Solution: B. 80-100 gal/day Estimates vary, but each person uses about 80-100 gallons of water per day. The largest use of household water is to flush the toilet, and after that, to take showers and baths or wash clothes. In many jurisdictions, grey water from showers and clothes washing can be redirected and used for irrigation

An architect is working on a museum project that has an irregular geometry on the plan level. Which of the following structural design strategy provides the best solution for this project? A. Any system with beams/ joists on the floor or roof. B. Any system without beams/ joists in the floor or roof. C. On-site construction with easily formed materials. D. A long-span system.

Solution: B. Any system without beams/ joists in the floor or roof Beam and column systems can carry higher loads, span longer distances, and better resist lateral forces. However, they cannot support irregular design on the plan level. Therefore we have to select a system without beams/ joists in the floor or roof, such as site-cast concrete or two-way flat plate, to accomplish irregular geometries successfully

Most appropriate for an unconditioned space in a cold climate A. Wet-pipe B. Dry-pipe C. Pre-action D. Deluge

Solution: B. Dry-pipe

Which organization would most likely provide financial incentive for the remediation of a brownfield site? A. ASHRAE B. EPA C. ASTM D. ICC E. ANSI F. LEED

Solution: B. EPA

An architect is hired to design a column-free indoor boat showroom with 80-foot spans. To support the lightweight roof deck, she should consider ______. A. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) B. Glue-laminated timber (glulam) C. Laminated strand lumber (LSL)

Solution: B. Glue-laminated timber (glulam) Cross-laminated timber (CLT): two-bys laminated together at right angles to make timber panels (not beams). These panels don't need a lightweight roof deck because the engineered wood products themselves are the roof deck. Click here. Glue-laminated timber (glulam): two-bys laminated together to create long beams for the kind of spanning structural support we are looking for in this question. They typically come in three- to six-inch widths by five- to 18-inch depths, and they span 10 to 100+ feet. Click here. Laminated strand lumber (LSL): The structural beam equivalent of OSB, not very strong, and used for short spans, like door lintels. Click here

A building with wood frame construction has a gym with spans of 50' to 60'. What is the best choice of wood for the beams to achieve this span? A. Box beam B. Glulam C. I-joist D. Truss

Solution: B. Glulam Beams are a good choice for long, open spans as they allow ample room for other items on the reflected ceiling plan to be placed in non-conflicting areas. Glulams can reach up to 60' (can be beams and columns) Box beam is the next best option, they can spans up to 50' and are appropriate for use in commercial spaces I-joists can reach spans of up to 30' or slightly more depending on their depth, spacing, and type of flange materials Trusses can be used in residential or commercial spaces, but they typically reach spans of only 40' unless they have been engineered to span a greater distance

A client has come to you for help with programming an innovative wellness nursing home facility. The occupancy will be for over 5 patients. A nursing home has what Occupancy Group Classification? A. Residential B. Institutional C. Assembly D. Medical

Solution: B. Institutional The institutional occupancy group is defined "places where people are physically unable to leave without assistance" (hint: there is no "medical" occupancy group). A facility such as the above with five or fewer persons shall be classified as a Group R-3

Which of the following is NOT a category of moment-resisting frame? A. IMRF B. LMRF C. OMRF D. SMRF

Solution: B. LMRF IMRF - Intermediate moment-resisting frame OMRF - Ordinary moment-resisting frame SMRF - Steel moment-resisting frame LMRF is not a category of moment-resisting frame

What is the purpose of a heat pump system? A. To extract heat from water and move it to another location B. To move heat from a cool space to a warm space C. To release heat from mechanical equipment D. To boil water for heating units throughout a building

Solution: B. To move heat from a cool space to a warm space

Which option is specifically designed to prevent flash flooding by temporarily storing excess water that the drainage system cannot handle, allowing it to slowly drain to the intended location? A. Swale B. Detention pond C. Aquifer D. Retention pond

Solution: B. detention pond A detention pond is meant to prevent flash flooding by holding excessive water while it slowly drains to the intended location. A retention pond is designed to hold a certain amount of water at all times. When water gets above this threshold, it drains to another location to prevent overflowing or flooding

You are working on the layout for a reception area in a hotel and considering accommodations and requirements for the visually impaired. In regards to objects in the path of travel, what height should they be kept lower than? A. 36" B. 56" C. 27" D. 48"

Solution: C. 27" Refer to Architectural Graphic Standards: Protruding Objects and Changes in Level. For cane detectability for the visually impaired, objects protruding in the circulation path should be kept lower than 27" and at a maximum of 4" if over 27" high

The pressure in a city water main is 50psi. The pressure loss through piping, fittings, and the water meter has been calculated as 25psi, and the highest fixture requires a minimum of 12 psi to operate. What is the maximum height the fixture can be above the water main? A. 10' B. 20' C. 30' D. 40'

Solution: C. 30' 50psi-25psi-12psi= 13psi P=0.433xh 13=.433xh h= 30'

The walls of a new coffee shop will be painted a rich pumpkin orange. What type of lighting will provide the best overall color rendering and accent the orange walls? A. Cool white fluorescent B. Warm white fluorescent C. Incandescent D. Daylight

Solution: C. Incandescent Incandescent lights will make the orange walls appear more vibrant and will provide good color rendering for other colors. However, incandescent lamps do not have a very long life span and tend not to be as efficient as fluorescent lamps. Warm white fluorescent lamps are the next best choice but their color rendering is not quite as accurate. Both daylight and cool white fluorescent lamps tend to make things seem bluish and would make the orange a grayer appearance

Reduced lamp efficacy A. More fixtures required B. Fewer fixtures required C. No change in number

Solution: C. No change in number

In the diagram, which valve type should be used at position 3? A. Check B. Globe C. Gate D. Angle

Solution: C. gate 1. Check valve + backflow preventer 2. Gate valve + shut off to do maintenance on the pump

In a single-line diagram of a typical electrical distribution system (image), which is the branch circuit? A. A B. B C. C D. D

Solution: D. A. Going into the building B. Potential switch gear C. Potentially to a bunch of different electrical closets D. Branch circuit

A contractor is calculating how much lumber he needs to order to build a small addition on a client's house. The three exterior walls are to be framed with 2x6 studs at 16" OC. The room is 12'x12', so he estimates that he will need (9) 8' studs for each wall. The contractor will be charged by the board-foot fir the lumber he purchases. How many board-feet will he need to buy? A. 108 board-feet B. 144 board-feet C. 216 board-feet D. 324 board -feet

Solution: D. 324 board-feet A piece of wood 2" thick x 6" wide x 12" long = (1) board-foot 9x3=27 studs total 27 studs x 8' tall = 216 board-feet for vertical studs (2) top studs on each wall & (1) bottom stud x 12' long = 36 board-feet 36 board-feet x (3) exterior walls = 108 board-feet 108 board-feet + 216 board-feet = 324 board-feet

A department store is 130,000 ft2. Besides surface parking, no other parking options are available for the store. How much area on the site should be reserved for surface parking? A. 52,000 ft2 B. 130,000ft2 C. 260,000ft2 D. 455,000ft2

Solution: D. 455,000ft2 The rule of thumb is to allow 3-4 times the area of the shopping space for surface parking spaces

Generally, when is construction within the floodplain permitted? A. It is never permitted B. For non-residential uses C. For residential uses D. For limited development that has been elevated above flood level

Solution: D. For limited development that has been elevated above flood level Local zoning ordinances set regulations for construction within a floodplain. This means that what is and isn't allow varies by location. However, generally speaking, construction within the floodplain is permitted but for limited development that has been elevated above flood level

You are reviewing a Lighting Design Drawing from a consultant from Europe. What is the metric unit of measure for illuminance of a surface? A. Lumen B. Footlambert C. Foot-candle D. Lux

Solution: D. Lux Lux (LX) is the metric unit of measure for illuminance of a surface. One lux is equal to one lumen per square meter. One lux equals 0.093 foot-candles

Which of the following light fixtures below is more typically used at a gymnasiums? A. HPS B. Mercury Vapor C. LPS D. Metal Halide

Solution: D. Metal Halide Refer to Mechanical & Electrical Equipment for Buildings Walter T. Grondzik and Alison G. Kwok John Wiley & Sons, 12th edition, 2015 -Chapter 17 for more information on typical electrical lighting applications for different building uses and types

Slowest start and restart times A. Incandescent B. Halogen C. Fluorescent D. Metal halide

Solution: D. Metal halide

Compared to the others, which of the following building geometry is better at utilizing daylighting strategies and incorporating passive solar heating into the building? A. Thick short buildings B. Thick tall buildings C. Combination of short and tall thick buildings D. Thin tall or short buildings

Solution: D. Thin, tall, or short buildings Thin, tall, or short buildings can utilize daylight better than other options because both sides of the building can have apertures to allow the light in. This capacity also allows the passive heating and ventilation of the building when it is necessary Incorrect Answers: - Thick buildings tend to have darker cores that require artificial lighting even during the day. - Short and thick buildings can have top lighting to utilize daylight. - Thick and tall buildings have imbalanced heating/cooling needs between the periphery and the core of the building, making it much harder to incorporate passive solar heating design strategies

Which of the following is an ideal design strategy for a building in a hot-arid climate? A. Minimizing thermal mass B. Locating large windows for ventilation C. Shading east and west facing windows D. Using a compact form

Solution: D. Using a compact form

In the early stages of schematic design, before the magnitude of forces is knowable, an architect is thinking about the portal frame structural diagram of a building he's designing. Given the wind and gravity loads described above, which diagrams represent the most plausible building foundation reactions to the forces applied to the building. Select the two best answers. A B C D E F

Solution: E & F The foundation must react in the opposite direction as the building's gravity and wind forces. When thinking about the bending moment of the frame, consider the structure as a cantilever coming out of the ground. If the wind is strong enough (or the gravity loads weak enough), the left-side foundation will be pinning the building down—but the building "wants" to peel up there and rotate clockwise. Otherwise, if the gravity loads are heavy enough (or the wind is weak enough) both foundations will be pushing up to counter the downward gravity forces and the building doesn't "want" to pull up at the bottom-left foundation. For an excellent high-yield and entertaining Amber Book : 40 Minutes of Competence that covers this, and about a dozen other topics you'll need throughout the six divisions, click here. This video is also linked to an answer explanation in PcM practice exam, so you may have seen it already

Which one below is not preferred when soundproofing a mechanical room? A. Resilient hangers B. Spring isolators C. Floating floor D. Rubber gaskets E. Rigid boot

Solution: E. Rigid boot All of the options except rigid boot (there is no such thing as rigid boot) is methods or equipment used to soundproof mechanical rooms

Which type of HVAC system is considered the most versatile with the most applications? A. Closed Loop Heat Pumps B. Constant Air Volume C. Packaged Terminal Units D. Thermal Mass Cooling E. Variable Air Volume

Solution: E. Variable Air Volume

Residential catchment areas are determined primarily by A. Local transit B. School districts C. Arterial streets D. Landscape and topography

Solution: A. Local transit

To construct an eight-inch-thick masonry wall, concrete block might be selected instead of brick because it is I. Less expensive II. Easier to handle III. Easier to reinforce IV. Faster to erect V. More attractive A. I and IV B. I and III C. I, II, and IV D. II, III, IV

Solution: A. I and IV

The lateral load resisting system for a 20-story building consists of shear walls. Which of the following plans shows the BEST arrangement for the shear wall, which are indicated by heavy lines? A. A B. B C. C D. D

Solution: B (A) would be good if it were in the middle of the building. Needs to be balanced with a rigid core. Look for a balanced plan

Which program is most appropriate for single or double tee concrete construction? A. Theater B. Multifamily residential C. Parking structure D. Barn

Solution: C. Parking structure

A high-rise building is being designed to include an open entrance plaza on the windward side of the building. The plaza can be most effectively sheltered from the wind by A. Planting a row of closely spaced deciduous trees adjacent to the plaza B. Planting a row of closely spaced evergreen trees adjacent to the plaza C. Building a six-foot-high masonry wall adjacent to the plaza D. Relocating it to the leeward side of the building

Solution: D. Relocating it to the leeward side of the building The most effective solution to shelter the plaza from the wind is to locate it on the leeward rather than windward side of the building. Since the greatest wind force flows down the face of the building and creates a high-velocity vortex at ground level, using tree windbreaks or masonry barriers will be only moderately successful in blocking winds

Which of the following materials provides the highest insulation value (R-value)? A. Expanded perlite B. Expanded polystyrene C. Fiberglass D. Polyisocyanurate

Solution: D. polyisocyanurate Polyisocyanurate: 6.25-7.20 Expanded polystyrene: 5.00

Hallmarks of new urbanism include the following

- Mass transit within walking distance of homes and business - Mixed-use zoning with multi-family housing, single-family housing and commercial uses in proximity to one another - A blend of single-family homes/apartments in the same neighborhood - More independence for those who cannot drive or do not own a car - Narrow streets and frequent 90° intersections - On-street or small-lot parking rather than vast parking lots - Streets that are safe and interesting to pedestrians

Which mortar type should an architect specify for an exposed, below-grade application that will be subject to heavy loads? A. Type N B. Type S C. Type O D. Type M

B. Solution: Type S Although Type M has the highest compressive strength (+2,500 psi), it has low adhesion properties, so it's probably not the best choice in this scenario, as the question states that it will be specified for an exposed application. In this scenario, a Type S mortar would be the most appropriate, as its compressive strength (+1,800 psi) is enough to withstand the heavy loads but it is also appropriate to use in exposed applications. Type S Mortar Mix has a minimum compressive strength of +1,800 psi and is recommended for the following applications: - below grade - masonry foundations - manholes - retaining walls - sewers. - pavements For more on this subject, please read chapter 6 (Masonry Mortaring and Grouting) of the book Architectural Graphic Standards, 12th Edition. For more on the different types of mortar and their respective applications, please visit this page and also this one

You have a residential project that has a lot of interior walls and partitions that will be covered in drywall. In order to control costs, what thickness of drywall would be sufficient and also cost effective for residential construction? A. 1/4" B. 5/8" C. 1/2" D. 3/4"

Feedback: C. 1/2" The most common thicknesses of drywall are 1/2" and 5/8". Typically, 5/8" would be used in commercial and higher-end residential

A locale that generally has cool summers is likely to have ____? A. Many heating degree days B. Few heating degree days C. Many cooling degree days D. Few cooling degree days

Solution: D. Few cooling degree days

Which of the following is graywater? Choose 2 Rainwater Water from dishwashers or kitchen sinks Water from laundry tubs and clothes washers Water from toilets

Solution: Rainwater Water from laundry tubs and clothes washers Water from dishwashers, kitchen sinks, and toilets is blackwater

An architect designing a regional shopping center expansion is considering foundation systems. The client would like to limit the cost of the project. Which foundation strategies are most likely to address budget concerns. Select the 3 that apply A. Avoid new foundations for the new building up against existing buildings B. Bear on organic soil C. Bear on well-sorted gravel D. Build on areas of the site with the steepest slopes E. Foundations should not extend to a level below the water table F. Utilize the shallowest foundations required to reach competent soil

Solution A. Avoid new foundations for the new building up against existing buildings E. Foundations should not extend to a level below the water table F. Utilize the shallowest foundations required to reach competent soil Foundations must bear on competent, inorganic soil, and their bottoms should extend deeper than the frost line. Any foundation deeper than necessary adds cost. If the foundation extends below the water table, water must be continually pumped out during excavation, and if there's a basement below the water table, water must forever be kept out of the completed building with careful and unforgiving (and expensive) waterproofing. Water proof foundation: peel-and-stick membrane and drainage mat If my foundation comes very near your building, (1) acrobatics may be required to keep your building from shifting with the new weight on the shared soil, (2) the noise and disruption from my excavation may interrupt your building operations, and (3) it's difficult (expensive) to operate digging equipment up against another structure Well-sorted, poorly-graded gravel serves drainage applications because water easily seeps amid the gaps between same-sized pieces, poorly-sorted, well-graded gravel serves bearing applications—the gravel shifts less when there are different-sized pieces because small pieces can fill in the gaps between large ones. (Click here.) Steep slopes require step foundations (more expensive, click here) and very steep slopes require pole foundations with post-and beam structures (more expensive, click here) If the foundation requires a concrete wall, to save money, design modularly so that formwork can be re-used on different portions of the wall. If the foundation requires a block wall, to save money limit the number of corners. These weren't choices in this test item, but it's worth noting that in concrete, the cost hides in the formwork and in masonry the cost hides in the construction of corners. Well-sorted, poorly-graded gravel for drainage

A client wants a museum to be built with (2) identically sized stories. The museum must have 74,800ft2 net assignable area, with a minimum of 15% of the space dedicated to circulation. The architect estimates the planned efficiency ratio to be 85%. What is most nearly the size of building footprint the architect should plan during initial site planning? A. 32,000 B. 37,000 C. 44,000 D. 62,000

Solution Efficiency ratio=net assignable area/gross area 74,800/0.85=88,000.0 gross area Circulation already included in the efficiency (2) stories so 88000/2=44000

Name two positive actions that could be taken, in the context of sustainability. A. Opt for a brownfield over a greenfield and maximize pervious paving B. Minimize building footprint and pervious paving C. Maximize building footprint and minimize building height D. Orient building's long axis perpendicular to contour lines E. Orient building's long axis parallel to contour lines and avoid impervious paving F. Minimize pervious paving

Solution A. Opt for a brownfield over a greenfield and maximize pervious paving. E. Orient building's long axis parallel to contour lines and avoid impervious paving. Building on a site that has been previously disturbed is a more sustainable approach than opting for a greenfield. Footprints should be minimized, and pervious paving should be maximized in order to lessen the impact on stormwater runoff. Buildings should be, whenever possible, oriented parallel to contour lines on their long axis, in order to minimize earthwork and therefore site disturbance. The question is quite simple but the answers are worded in a way that force you to carefully read the options as it plays with a lot of antonyms and opposites. This question is intended to challenge you to cautiously, yet quickly, read all the available options

Match the given elevator types with their description - Machine roomless - Geared traction - Hydraulic - X - They have a medium-level initial cost, maintenance cost, and life-cycle cost - They have the lowest initial and maintenance cost compared to other elevator types given here, however, their life-cycle cost is much higher - They have the high initial cost, medium level maintenance costs, but they use energy a little more efficiently compared to geared traction elevators - Regarding initial cost and maintenance cost, they are comparable to geared traction elevators, however, their life-cycle cost is much lower than geared traction elevators

Solution: - Regarding initial cost and maintenance cost, they are comparable to geared traction elevators, however, their life-cycle cost is much lower than geared traction elevators: MRL - They have the lowest initial and maintenance cost compared to other elevator types given here, however, their life-cycle cost is much higher: Hydraulic - They have a high initial cost, medium level maintenance costs, but they use energy a little more efficiently compared to geared traction elevators: "X" - Gearless Traction but it is not given as an option. - They have a medium-level initial cost, maintenance cost, and life-cycle cost: Geared Traction Visit here for more information regarding the initial, maintenance, and life-cycle cost comparisons of main elevator types

You are working on the Construction Drawings for a project that will incorporate a lot of metal, and so you are brushing up on the properties of different metals. Which of the following are nonferrous metals? (Choose 4) A. Aluminum B. Cast iron C. Copper D. Iron E. Lead F. Steel G. Zinc

Solution: A. Aluminum B. Copper C. Lead D. Zinc Nonferrous metals are those containing no iron

Select the advantages of central HVAC systems compared to local HVAC systems? Check the four that apply A. Central systems are generally quieter B. Central systems are more energy efficient C. Central systems occupy less space in building D. Central systems equipment last longer E. Central systems are more economical to buy & install F. Maintenance of the central systems does not interrupt the daily activities of the users

Solution: A. Central systems are generally quieter B. Central systems are more energy efficient D. Central systems equipment last longer F. Maintenance of the central systems does not interrupt the daily activities of the users Central HVAC systems are quieter, more energy efficient, long-lasting compared to local systems. Also maintenance of the system takes place in its own space so it does not interrupt the daily activities of the users

Which of the following terms are used in describing heat flow? Check the four that apply. A. Convection B. Conduction C. Suction D. Radiation E. Enthalpy F. Conveyance

Solution: A. Convection B. Conduction D. Radiation Enthalpy

Upon further inquiry with a client for a project, you discover that the planned facility will be handling hazardous materials. There is a creek to the west of the project that has been recently undergoing major restoration efforts and is temporarily protected by both state and local agencies. From the list below, who might need to review and approve plans to proceed with the project? (Choose the best 3) A. Department of Public Works B. Fire Chief C. Planning Commission D. State Department of Environmental Protection E. State Water Resources Control Board F. Transportation Department G. Zoning Board of Appeals

Solution: A. Department of Public Works D. State Department of Environmental Protection E. State Water Resources Control Board Because of the sensitivity of the site and the nature of the project, it is probable that various state and local agencies will need to review and approve the project. A few of these would include the State Water Resources Control Board, the State/local Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Public Works (who would be interested in stormwater runoff)

Which of the following sentences are correct? Check all that apply. A. Doors, in any position, shall not reduce the required egress width by more than one-half. B. Doors, when fully opened, shall not reduce the required egress width by more than 7". C. Doors, in any position, shall not reduce the required egress width by more than one-third. D. Doors, when fully opened, shall not reduce the required egress width by more than 4". E. Wall mounted fixtures, at a height of 70", shall not project horizontally from either side more than 4". F. Wall mounted fixtures, at a height of 82", can project horizontally from either side more than 4".

Solution: A. Doors, in any position, shall not reduce the required egress width by more than one-half. B. Doors, when fully opened, shall not reduce the required egress width by more than 7". E. Wall mounted fixtures, at a height of 70", shall not project horizontally from either side more than 4". F. Wall mounted fixtures, at a height of 82", can project horizontally from either side more than 4"

Which type of fire detector is most commonly used in warehouses? A. Heat Detector B. Ionization Detector C. Photoelectric Detector D. Ionization & Photoelectric Detector

Solution: A. Heat Detector Heat detectors have slower response times to detect a fire, but they are typically used in spaces that are not frequently used. For more on this subject, please visit this page

Select the correct statements regarding fire rating and combustibility of different construction materials. Check the three that apply. A. Heavy timber construction has a higher fire rating than unprotected steel construction. B. Unprotected steel construction has a higher fire rating than heavy timber construction. C. Rock wool is a non-combustible insulation material. D. The mortar mixture made with portland cement typically has a higher fire rating than the brick in a brick masonry wall assembly. E. Isolation or movement joints in a fire-rated building need to be fire-rated as well.

Solution: A. Heavy timber construction has a higher fire rating than unprotected steel construction. C. Rock wool is a non-combustible insulation material. E. Isolation or movement joints in a fire-rated building need to be fire-rated as well. Heavy timber construction has a higher fire rating than unprotected steel construction. Rock wool is a non-combustible insulation material. Isolation or movement joints in a fire-rated building need to be fire-rated as well. Incorrect Answers: Unprotected steel construction has a higher fire rating than heavy timber construction. The mortar mixture made with portland cement typically has a higher fire rating than the brick in a brick masonry wall assembly - they are both equally non-combustible

An architect is designing a new residential complex, formed by 4 isolated mid-rise buildings in a large 5-acre park that is always open to the public. Given the size of the property, the architect is placing extra care in the design of the pedestrian pathways around the buildings so that security, especially during the long winter nights, is not overlooked. If the client is also concerned about the upfront costs, what would be the most appropriate light source for the main poles ? A. High pressure sodium B. Fluorescent C. Metal halide D. LED

Solution: A. High pressure sodium Fluorescent and metal halide lamps offer great color rendition, which in this case is not important. Both high and low pressure sodium bulbs offer poor color rendition but have much greater efficacy and efficiency, especially low-pressure sodium. LPS bulbs can last up to 18,000 hours and they do not decline in lumen output towards the end of their life, although they start to consume more energy as their life declines. LED would typically be the right choice for this application as it has surpassed LPS and HPS lights in most aspects BUT the question also mentions that the client is concerned about the upfront costs. Although LED lights have a greater life span and very low maintenance costs, their upfront costs are still much higher than those of HPS lights. Therefore, given the client's concern and also the size of the project (5-acre park would require a considerable number of light poles) HPS would be the better choice in this particular scenario, despite the fact that they are less frequently used nowadays

Select the correct components that belong to a traction MRL elevator. Check the three that apply. A. Hoisting cables B. Penthouse for motor C. Hoisting machine D. Side counterweights E. Piston F. Plunger

Solution: A. Hoisting cables C. Hoisting machine D. Side counterweights Traction Machine Room-less elevators are essentially very similar to other traction elevators, except they don't require a penthouse for the machinery. Instead the machinery is located in the hoist-way. There is also a locked control room located in hoist-way. The counterweights can also be located either in the rear or on sides of the cabin. MRL elevators are good options for mid-size projects. Maximum travel distance for MRLs is 250 feet which is comparable to geared traction elevators. Incorrect Answers: - Penthouse for motor - Component of conventional traction elevators - Piston - Component of hydraulic elevators - Plunger - Component of hydraulic elevators

The plan graphic given above belongs to a house in a cold climate. Select the best exterior shading device options for all windows. (More than one option for the same window can be selected. Check the four that apply. A. Horizontal overhangs for South facing windows. B. Vertical slanted fins for East facing window, slanted toward South. C. Vertical slanted fins for East facing window, slanted toward North. D. Deep horizontal overhangs for East facing window. E. Deep horizontal overhangs for North facing window. F. Vertical fixed fin for North facing window. G. Vertical fixed fins for East facing window.

Solution: A. Horizontal overhangs for South facing windows. B. Vertical slanted fins for East facing window, slanted toward South. D. Deep horizontal overhangs for East facing window. F. Vertical fixed fin for North facing window. - The best shading device for south-facing windows is horizontal overhangs. The summer sun will be higher up in the sky and strongly felt on the building's south facade, therefore, having horizontal overhangs provides the best shading. - East and West are the most problematic directions due to the sun being low on the sky in the morning time for the East facade and the afternoon for West, so they should be avoided if possible. - One good solution can be directing the windows on these facades to the south or north ○ If these two solutions are not possible, then the deep horizontal overhangs are still the best shading solution for E/W. - Another good option for E/W orientation can be slanted vertical fins oriented, North or South depending on the climate. They should be slanted south in cold climates, and in hot climates, they should be slanted north. However, it should be understood that to be effective, shading devices on E/W facades will have to block the view immensely. - For the North, the best solution is vertical fins

You are working with a client on a project and focusing on reducing dependency on electric lighting and instead using natural daylight wherever possible. When using a side lighting strategy, what distance from the exterior wall could be completely daylit? A. 15' B. 25' C. 30' D. 45'

Solution: A. 15' According to MEEB, generally a 15' perimeter zone can be completely daylit, and an area from 15' to 30' could be partially daylit

What is usually the most used sprinkler head type in interior curb-mounted single-sloped skylights? A. Horizontal sidewall. B. Upright. C. Pendent . D. Concealed pendent.

Solution: A. Horizontal sidewall. Skylights have a particularity: the surface that needs to be protected is placed above the sprinkler heads. More commonly, sprinkler heads protect surfaces that are either below or side by side their heads. Since the skylight is curb-mounted, the best way to protect the glazing is to use horizontal sidewall sprinkler heads. Because the head is in a horizontal position, the water can more easily be projected upwards. The piping can either be exposed or you can conceal it in a cavity between the concrete curb and your desired finished surface (gyp board, wood veneer, etc.). For more on this subject, we strongly recommend reading chapter 13 (Fire Protection) of the book Architectural Graphic Standards, 12th Edition

What is true regarding an active chilled beam system? Choose 4. A. It is not an all-water system. B. Has a better control of airflow and humidity, when compared to an all-air system. C. It is less efficient than an all-air system. D. Allows lower floor-to-floor heights. E. Is better suited for heating than all-air systems. F. Has higher installation costs than a comparable all-air system.

Solution: A. It is not an all-water system. B. Has a better control of airflow and humidity, when compared to an all-air system. D. Allows lower floor-to-floor heights. F. Has higher installation costs than a comparable all-air system. Active chilled beams are air-water systems where outside air is pre-conditioned at a central source and then circulated through supply ducts to "chilled beams", usually located above a drop ceiling (if hidden). This primary air draws a larger volume of air from the room that goes through the device, passing over a coil (heated or cooled by water). Airflow is usually constant and the temperature is controlled locally by means of a thermostat. When compared to all-air systems, active chilled beams are usually: . Quieter (less air flow) . More constant airflow . Better humidity control . More efficient (heat is transported in water, instead of air). . Requires less ductwork, thus allowing for lower floor-to-floor heights. . Water is piped closer to room temperatures (when compared to all-water systems). Easier to integrate with renewable energy sources. . Potential higher installation costs, when compared to all-air systems. . Less indicated when there is a high demand in fresh air volume. . Limited heating capabilities, especially in high ceiling conditions. For more on this subject, we strongly recommend reading section 4.1 of the book Architect's Studio Companion, 6th Edition

You have been unable to schedule a meeting with the Owner to choose various materials and finishes on a project. You are going to need to include allowances in the Contract Documents so that you can beat them out for bids. What are some examples of the types of allowances that might be included? (Choose 4) A. Lump-sum allowances B. Unit-cost allowances C. Performance allowances D. Bi-weekly allowances E. Contingency allowances F. Prescriptive allowances G. Quality allowances

Solution: A. Lump-sum allowances B. Unit-cost allowances E. Contingency allowances G. Quality allowances Types of allowances include the following: lump-sum allowances, unit-cost allowances, quantity allowances, contingency allowances, and testing and inspecting allowances

_______ photovoltaic panels offer the highest efficiency, in highest power output per square foot of installation. A. Monocrystalline B. Polycrystalline C. Thin-film

Solution: A. Monocrystalline Monocrystalline photovoltaics offer slightly higher efficiency at a slightly higher price than polycrystalline. Each looks almost the same as the other—rigid, shiny and a few inches thick with a metal frame around each panel. Mono has a black tint and poly has a blue tint, click here to see the difference. Or to watch a video, click here. You'd be forgiven if you can't keep those two photovoltaic types separated in your head. Try this: the M for Monocrystalline is for More. . . More expensive to purchase and More efficient in output. As mnemonic devices go, it's not very clever, but it's simple to remember. Thin-film photovoltaics are flexible (bendy), less expensive, and less efficient. You first saw that technology on your calculator and it offers the promise—in the not-so-distant-future—to be integrated into roofing membranes, pavement surfaces, window glass, wall cladding, any cured surface. . . even clothing. Click here. Most experts think that the future lies in thin-film building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). Click here

How do we best reduce the build-up of low-frequency sound in a room (for instance, rumble from mechanical equipment)? A. Flush-mount absorbing material so that there is minimal airspace behind it B. Position sound-absorbing material near the corners and edges of walls C. Specify thin sound absorbing material D. Specify materials with low noise reduction coefficient (NRC)

Solution: A. Position sound-absorbing material near the corners and edges of walls Low frequency builds up in the corners/edges/perimeter of the room - When mounting sound absorbing material you always want an airspace behind it - Thicker is better for sound absorbing material - Want a high NRC

What is another name given to the distance from an axis at which the mass of a column is assumed to be concentrated? A. Radius of gyration B. Effective length C. Critical mass D. Kern area

Solution: A. Radius of gyration Effective length is the distance between two inflection points in a column subject to buckling. If this section of the column buckles, the entire column fails. Kern area is the central area of any horizontal section of a column within which the resultant of all compressive loads must pass. Critical mass is not a real term in this context. For more on this subject, we recommend reading chapter 2.13 of the book Building Construction Illustrated, 5th Edition

Name some of the characteristics of a green roof. Check all that apply. A. Reduces storm runoff. B. Increases storm runoff. C. Absorbs carbon dioxide. D. Reduces roofing membranes lifespan. E. Reduces heat island effect. F. Increases heat island effect.

Solution: A. Reduces storm runoff. C. Absorbs carbon dioxide. E. Reduces heat island effect. The question is quite simple, but the answers are worded in a way that force you to carefully read the options as it plays with a lot of antonyms and opposites. This question is intended to challenge you to cautiously, yet quickly, read all the available options. Some of the advantages of a green roof include: • reduces storm runoff • absorbs carbon dioxide • reduces ambient air temperatures • reduces the heat island effect • protects roofing membranes

What is the R-value of a 4" thick fiberglass insulation board if the board's conductivity (k) is 0.25? A. 16 B. 0.0625 C. 4 D. 1

Solution: A. 16 R = Thickness / k = 4″ /0.25 = 16

Hardwoods are made from _________. Select three. A. Seasonal trees B. Evergreens C. Deciduous trees D. Conifers E. Trees with fast growth F. Trees with slow growth

Solution: A. Seasonal trees C. Deciduous trees F. Trees with slow growth Hardwoods are made from deciduous (seasonal) trees that have a slower growth rate. Softwoods are made from evergreens (conifers) that have a faster growth rate. For more on this subject, please read chapter 8 (Wood Classification) of the book Architectural Graphic Standards, 12th Edition. We also recommend reading this page

You are reviewing the plans that you have received back from the structural engineering consultant for a project. What properties of concrete structures affect deflection? (Choose 3) A. Shrinkage B. Efflorescence C. Creep D. Wind loads E. Exposure to elements F. Grade of reinforcing G. Duration of sustained loads

Solution: A. Shrinkage C. Creep G. Duration of sustained loads Deflection of a reinforced concrete member is affected by shrinkage, duration of sustained loading and creep. Creep is the continuous deformation of concrete due to sustained loads

Which of the following factors affect a building's response to an earthquake? (Choose 4) A. Soil type B. Local temperature C. Building form D. Building orientation E. Building weight F. Structural materials and system

Solution: A. Soil type C. Building form E. Building weight F. Structural materials and system All the listed factors affect a building's response to an earthquake except for the local temperatures and the orientation of the building. Other factors that have an effect are the quality of the construction and the distance from the epicenter of the quake

An architect is designing a new three story-residential building in a historic neighborhood. For mid-rise buildings, the zoning code dictates the use of mechanical systems without chimneys to prevent visual obtrusiveness at the rooftops. Which type of heating system below is more likely to be selected to meet the code requirement? Check the three that apply. A. Split packaged system B. VAV C. Electrical heating D. Heat Pump Furnace E. Multizone

Solution: A. Split packaged system C. Electrical heating D. Heat Pump Furnace For small to mid-size buildings, choosing an HVAC system that does not burn fuel in the building is the solution to not have a chimney on the rooftop such as: - Heat pump furnace - Active solar heating - Single-packaged and split-packaged systems - Small packaged heating and cooling units - Electric heating - Wall furnace and direct-vent space heaters - Passive solar heating Some compact furnaces with higher efficiency do not require a chimney and can use a wall vent

You are looking a wall coverings for a commercial retail space. What are the different edge types available for gypsum wallboard? (Choose 3) A. Square edge B. Tapered edge C. Tongue-and-grove D. Soft edge E. Pre-taped edge F. Edgeless G. Beaded edge

Solution: A. Square edge B. Tapered edge C. Tongue-and-grove The three different edge types available for gypsum wallboard are square edge, tapered edge and tongue-and-groove, with tapered edge being the most common because it is the easiest to tape and apply joint compound without showing

An owner wants to build an office building with multiple rental units. The architect of the project is considering rigid frames as structural system. Which of the following are the greatest benefits of the rigid frames? Check the two that apply. A. They provide greatest flexibility in plan configuration, which is ideal for rental buildings with multiple units B. They are the most efficient lateral force-stabilizing system C. Their stiffness make them good choice whenever a relatively compact arrangement of stabilizing elements is desired D. They provide more freedom in facade design compared to other systems

Solution: A. They provide greatest flexibility in plan configuration, which is ideal for rental buildings with multiple units D. They provide more freedom in facade design compared to other systems - Rigid frames depend on extra strong connections at beam, column intersections and due to absence of shear walls and bracing systems, plans can be configured in a more flexible way. So, they provide greatest flexibility in plan configuration, which is ideal for rental buildings with multiple units. - Absence of bracing on facades provides more freedom to the designer for facade too. Incorrect Answers: - Braced frames are the most efficient lateral force-stabilizing system - The stiffness of shear wall systems make them good choice whenever a relatively compact arrangement of stabilizing elements is desired, not rigid frames

Which of the following sentences is false? A. Tungsten-halogen lamps provide poor color rendering. B. Metal Halide lamps have a higher color temperature range, when compared to incandescent lamps. C. Metal Halide lamps have a lower color temperature range, when compared to LED's. D. A 500-watt incandescent lamp usually provides a better color rendering than fluorescent lamps

Solution: A. Tungsten-halogen lamps provide poor color rendering. Tungsten-halogen lamps provide poor color rendering - FALSE These lamps can have a CRI of 100 (on a scale of 0-100) when operating at 3,200K. Metal Halide lamps have a higher color temperature range, when compared to incandescent lamps - CORRECT (3,000-4,000 CCT vs 2,700 CCT) Metal Halide lamps have a lower color temperature range, when compared to LED's - CORRECT (3,000-4,000 CCT vs 2,800-6,000 CCT) Incandescent lamps usually provide a better color rendering than fluorescent lamps - CORRECT (93 CRI vs 52-89 CRI) For more on this subject, please read chapter 11.41 (Light Sources) of the book Building Construction Illustrated, 5th Edition

In the case of a fire at a dormitory building, which of the following locations for annunciator panels is more advantageous for fire-fighters? Check the two that apply. A. At each dormitory room B. At the lobby or main entrance of the building C. At the building management office D. At the kitchens, mechanical rooms and other rooms where the risk of fire higher than the rest of the spaces E. At corridors on each floor

Solution: B. At the lobby or main entrance of the building C. At the building management office According to Mechanical & Electrical Equipment for Buildings, Chapter 25, Section 25.27, annunciator panels, in general, should be located to central and easily accessible locations like main entrances and lobbies. In addition to that in hotels, dormitories and such, annunciator panels can be located at building management office for easy access to fire fighters. Annunciator panels are used part of addressable fire alarm systems and they indicate the location of fire via dedicated lights to different spaces in a building

When referring to design values found in the building codes for wood connectors, it is assumed that the wood is seasoned to a maximum moisture content of what? A. 19% B. 5% C. 40% D. 35%

Solution: A. 19% For design values listed in the building codes for fasteners, it is assumed the wood has been seasoned to a moisture content of 19% or less

In a cold-dry climate, what would be the best strategies in order to make the best use of passive solar heating? Select all that apply. A. Use concrete flooring on a glazed south facing room. B. Use wood flooring on a glazed south facing room. C. Use a water-filled Trombe wall on south facing room. D. Use an IGU with a U-value of .94 on a north facing room. E. Use an IGU with a SHGC of .15 on a south facing room. F. Use an IGU with a U-value of .17 on a north facing room.

Solution: A. Use concrete flooring on a glazed south facing room. C. Use a water-filled Trombe wall on south facing room. F. Use an IGU with a U-value of .17 on a north facing room. In passive solar heating, used more commonly in colder climates, the south facing rooms of a building have large glazed surfaces (it is a good practice to use overhangs to shade the interior during the warmer months) and the interior materials absorb the sunlight's heat during the day. During the night (or periods without sun) this heat is released back into the room, helping to maintain a comfortable temperature. Some of the best materials for this purpose are concrete, masonry, adobe, water, among others. Glazing on North facing rooms should have the lowest possible U-value, so that the least amount of heat is lost to the exterior. The lower the U-value, the better your room will be insulated. Glazing on South facing rooms should have the highest possible Solar Heat Gain Coefficient value (assuming that the warmer months are not too warm or that overhangs are employed) so that the heat does not get blocked on the exterior, thus making the best use of the interior high thermal mass materials

An architect is working on a large school project where providing efficient sound isolation for classrooms is top priority. Which of the following HVAC systems below can be good options to minimize system noise in this large school building? Check the three that apply. A. VAV or CAV B. Thermal mass cooling C. Active chilled beams D. Evaporative cooling E. Fan-powered VAV

Solution: A. VAV or CAV C. Active chilled beams D. Evaporative cooling To minimize the system noise in large building, choose a central system that is located away from the occupied spaces, such as: - Any all-air system (other than fan-powered): VAV, CAV, Multizone CAV - Active chilled beams - Evaporative cooling OR - Passive chilled beams - Hydronic convectors - Hydronic radiant heating and cooling can be options for this building. Thermal mass cooling and passive solar heating can be preferred in small buildings to minimize system noise. Fan-powered VAV is a noisy system

If all these spaces have the same GSF, which option correctly orders them, from lowest to highest, in terms of fan room area requirements? A. 1- Bar, 2- Residential, 3- Commercial, 4- Computer room, 5- Auditorium B. 1- Residential, 2- Commercial, 3- Auditorium, 4- Bar, 5- Computer room C. 1- Commercial, 2- Residential, 3- Auditorium, 4- Bar, 5- Computer room D. 1- Bar, 2- Residential, 3- Computer room, 4- Commercial, 5- Auditorium

Solution: B. 1- Residential, 2- Commercial, 3- Auditorium, 4- Bar, 5- Computer room

A local theater has a capacity of 100 seats. Distances to the stage are as follows: front row - 5 feet, middle row - 20 feet, back row - 40 feet. If the actor's voices reach the back row at 52 dB, what is the difference in decibel levels between the front and middle row? A. 6 dB B. 12 dB C. 15 dB D. 18 dB

Solution: B. 12 dB Sound intensity decreases 6 dB for each doubling of the distance between the source and the receiver. So, if the sound from the stage reaches the back row at 52 dB, it means that it reaches the middle row at 58 dB (the back row is 40 ft away from the source, which is twice as much as the middle row). Therefore, between the middle row and the front row there's a sound attenuation of 12 db, because the middle row is 4 times further away from the stage than the front row (20 feet vs. 5 feet). Decibel levels: Front row: 70 dB Middle row: 58 dB Back row: 52 dB For more on this subject, please read chapter 1 (Acoustics) of the book Architectural Graphic Standards, 12th Edition. See page 97 in particular

Approximately how many gallons of water would be used per 4 sacks - 376 pounds - of cement, in a high-strength concrete application? A. 9 gallons B. 16 gallons C. 21 gallons D. 25 gallons

Solution: B. 16 gallons The most common water-to-cement ratios - the ratio of the weight of water to the weight of cement used in a concrete mix - range between 0.45 to 0.60. The ratio is considerably lower for high-strength concrete applications. If a gallon equals 8.33 pounds, 16 gallons of water * 8.33 = 132 lbs of water 132 lbs of water / 376 lbs of cement = 0.35 water-to-cement ratio The other options either have too much or not enough water for a high-strength concrete application. For more on this subject, we recommend reading chapter 13 - page 503 specifically - of the book Fundamentals of Building Construction, 7th Edition

A large convention center in Florida is in the SD phase and the client has just had the first debriefing with the architect. The site is 260-ft wide and 1,520-ft deep and there's a 20-ft setback on each side and a 30-ft setback at the front and rear. Robert, the project manager in charge, has been given very precise instructions by the client: the center should be composed of 75-ft tall, column-free exhibition halls. These should be as large as possible and they all must have an identical square footprint. Between each of these halls, there shall be a 20-ft tall back-of-house area. This space shall be as wide as the halls and it shall be 30-ft deep. Assuming that all spaces have only one story and that the client wants to build as many exhibition halls as possible, what is the total construction area? A. 213,400 sf B. 268,400 sf C. 275,000 sf D. 323,400 sf

Solution: B. 268,400 sf Despite having to absorb a lot of information, this is a quite simple question. The key to resolve this question is to find out the dimensions of each exhibition hall. The client specifically said that "these should be as large as possible and they all must have an identical square footprint". If the site is 260 ft wide and there's a 20 ft setback on both sides, each hall would be 220 wide x 220 deep. Since the client wishes to build as many as possible within the site, and we already know the quantities and dimensions of the BOH spaces (one between each hall, 220 ft wide x 30 ft deep) we just have to calculate how many of these volumes we can fit within the site's depth, respecting the owner's directions. If the site is 1,520 deep and there's a total of 60 ft in setbacks (front + back), we know that the building cannot be deeper than 1,460 ft. There's probably a bit of trial and error before you get to the correct quantities, but you'll quickly figure out that: 5 exhibition halls: 220 ft depth x 5 = 1,100 ft. 4 BOH spaces (one between each hall): 30 ft depth x 4 = 120 ft Total depth = 1,100 ft + 120 ft = 1,220 ft If we were to add another hall (and consequently another BOH space) we would add another 250 ft in depth, which would result in a total of 1,470 ft, which is deeper than the maximum of 1,460 ft that is allowed in this site. Finally, we just need to calculate the total construction area and since there is only one level, this is a very simple calculation: 1,220 ft (depth) x 220 ft (width) = 268,400 sf

Which of the following might help when pouring concrete in a cold environment? Choose any option that applies. A. Retarding agent B. Accelerators C. Reducing amount of water in the concrete mix D. Increasing amount of water in the concrete mix E. Windbreaks F. Thaw ground

Solution: B. Accelerators C. Reducing amount of water in the concrete mix E. Windbreaks F. Thaw ground For more on this subject, we strongly recommend reading chapter 5 (Typical Components Applicable to Concrete Work) of the book Architectural Graphic Standards, 12th Edition. We also recommend reading this page

Select the types of refrigeration process that produce chilled air or water. Check the two that apply. A. Condenser Refrigeration Cycle B. Compressive Refrigeration Cycle C. Comprehensive Refrigeration Cycle D. Absorption Refrigeration Cycle

Solution: B. Compressive Refrigeration Cycle D. Absorption Refrigeration Cycle - Compressive Refrigeration Cycle: ○ In this system the heat is circulated from hot to cold by the help of a refrigerant being condensed or evaporated. To evaporate the refrigerant the heat is received from the space and give to the refrigerant which makes the space cool down and when compressing the gaseous refrigerant the heat is released back. Please refer to Mechanical & Electrical Equipment for Buildings, Chapter 12, Section 12.8, Figure 12.24 for the section of the compressive refrigeration cycle. - Absorption Refrigeration Cycle: ○ Uses water as the main refrigerant and lithium bromide as the absorber. It is less efficient. Please refer to Mechanical & Electrical Equipment for Buildings, Chapter 12, Section 12.8, Figure 12.33 for the section of the absorption refrigeration cycle

You are working on the details and annotations for a masonry project in the Northwest. Which mortar joints are best for exterior and shedding water? (Choose 4) A. Beaded B. Concave C. Flush D. Raked E. Struck F. Vee G. Weathered

Solution: B. Concave C. Flush F. Vee G. Weathered

When considering wood construction in an area with high termite infestation, which of the following would be good notes to include in general notes about termite control? (Choose 4) A. Clad the foundation/stem wall in stainless steel B. Divert water by grading the landscape away from the house C. Install properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks D. Install wood mulch up to the foundation E. Mix lemongrass oil in the soil for 10' from perimeter of foundation F. Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with moisture barriers and proper ventilation G. Remove old wood boards and grade stakes used during building construction

Solution: B. Divert water by grading the landscape away from the house C. Install properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks F. Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with moisture barriers and proper ventilation G. Remove old wood boards and grade stakes used during building construction In addition to code provisions, the National Pest Management Association offers some recommendations to discourage termites and other pests: remove the conditions that pests need to survive (food and water), divert water by grading the landscape away from the house, install properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks, reduce humidity in crawl spaces with moisture barriers and proper ventilation, prevent shrubs, vines and other vegetation from growing over and covering vents, remove old wood boards and grade stakes that were used during building construction, remove old tree stumps and roots around and beneath the building, separate the soil and wood portions of the building by a minimum of an 18" gap, and routinely inspect the foundation for signs of termite activity or damage

What are some of the characteristics of thermally modified wood? Choose 3. A. Usually becomes darker, after being submitted to 400 degrees F B. Has lower chances of corroding metals C. Is heavier than a similar untreated wood D. Closed systems (under vacuum) remove less moisture than open systems E. Moisture content can be as low as 4% F. Open systems cause more internal stress to the wood than closed systems

Solution: B. Has lower chances of corroding metals D. Closed systems (under vacuum) remove less moisture than open systems F. Open systems cause more internal stress to the wood than closed systems Thermally modified wood is modified by a controlled pyrolysis process where wood is heated - usually at 400 degrees F (180 degrees C), which causes some changes to the chemical structure in the wood, thus increasing its durability. By using heat to remove organic compounds from the wood cells, the wood will no longer absorb water, expand or contract. The high heat produces a naturally durable wood that is permanently resistant to water, insects, and decay. This process uses low oxygen content to prevent the wood from burning at high temperatures. Because no chemicals are used in this process, it is unlikely that the wood will corrode metals. When the wood is heated inside a closed system, under vacuum, moisture content typically is reduced to 5%. If the process occurs in an open system, the moisture content can be reduced to 0%, causing more internal stress to the wood. This also results in a lighter wood. For more on this topic, please visit this page

In a city in the United States, with a 40° north latitude, the sun rose at an azimuth of 110° east of south and it is currently at an altitude of 38°. In which month are we and what time is it? A. March, 3 pm. B. May, 9 am. C. June, 7pm. D. June, 11 am.

Solution: B. May, 9 am. If no options were given, it would not be possible to answer this question. In real life conditions, we can always access a lot of information that helps us orient a given building in a certain geographic location. Therefore, it is not necessary to memorize the position of the sun at all times in all locations. In order to answer this question correctly we need to first understand how the sun moves throughout the year and then start eliminating options that don't make sense. A 40° North latitude is located roughly in the middle of the US (North-South direction) and if the sun rose at an azimuth of 110° east of south, we should be able to figure out that we are very close to the summer solstice (Azimuth of 120° on June 21st). We can immediately rule out option A (March, 3 pm). If the latitude is 40° North and we know that we are close to the summer solstice, an altitude of 38° (the sun is at altitude of 74° at noon) means that it can be either roughly the middle of the morning or the afternoon. So option B (June, 7 pm) is definitely ruled out. Between the other two options, May 9 am makes more sense, as the sun at 11 am on a June day should be at a higher altitude than 38°. For more on this subject, we recommend reading section 1, chapter 2 (Solar path and solar angle) of the book Architectural Graphic Standards, 12th Edition

In the context of large buildings, which of the following sentences is incorrect? A. Packaged terminal units are suited in situations where you want to minimize floor-to-floor height and initial costs. B. Variable air volume systems are appropriate in situations where you want to minimize operating and initial costs. C. Hydronic convectors are not suitable in situations where you want to maximize flexibility of space reconfiguration and speed of construction. D. Constant air volume systems are not recommended in situations where you want to minimize system maintenance and operating costs.

Solution: C. Hydronic convectors are not suitable in situations where you want to maximize flexibility of space reconfiguration and speed of construction. For more on this subject, please read section 4.1 of the book Architect's Studio Companion, 6th Edition. See pages 168-169 in particular

Stephan is designing a wood desk for the lobby of a single-tenant office building. From all the renderings shown by Stephan, the client preferred the option with a very narrow and straight grain pattern. He also made it clear that after so many change orders, there wasn't a lot of money left for the lobby furniture. Which type of sawing should Stephan propose to the client? A. Plain sawn lumber B. Quarter sawing C. Rift sawing D. Flat sawing

Solution: B. Quarter sawing Rift sawing will produce the most narrow and consistent grain pattern, but this method is also, by far, the most expensive, as it requires a lot of labor and it also produces a lot of waste. With this method, the rings on a cut board are between 30-60 degrees to the face of the board. Plain sawing (also called flat sawing) is the most cost-efficient method but the resulting grain pattern will be probably very uneven as a result of the boards being cut in parallel straight lines to the grain of the log. In this scenario, quarter sawing is the best solution because it offers a good compromise between cost and appearance. With this method, logs are split into quarters and boards are cut perpendicular to the grain (between 60-90 degrees to the face of the board). This will produce a grain pattern that is straighter and more consistent than plain sawing but not as homogenous as with rift sawing. There is less labor and waste involved, therefore it is also quite cheaper than the rift sawing method. For more on this subject, please read chapter 8 (Wood Classification) of the book Architectural Graphic Standards, 12th Edition. We also recommend reading this page

An architect is working on a residential project, where thermal storage capacity of the building elements should be carefully considered. The building is located in a temperate climate and have southern orientation available with a great view that client wants to benefit as much as possible. Which of the following strategies below can provide an increase in overall thermal storage capacity of this building? Check the three that apply. A. Paying special attention to proper insulation of all exterior walls to increase their thermal storage capacity B. Specifying concrete floors, especially where it is directly exposed to sun C. Specifying carpet floor tiles or covers on the floors that are directly exposed to sun D. Considering the use of phase change materials on concrete walls E. Use exposed concrete joists for slabs F. Suggesting narrow but very deep trombe walls to minimize the loss of valuable south view while increasing the heat storage capacity

Solution: B. Specifying concrete floors, especially where it is directly exposed to sun D. Considering the use of phase change materials on concrete walls E. Use exposed concrete joists for slabs - Exposing building mass with high thermal storage capacity materials like concrete, stone, brick, water, etc to sun is the best strategy. - Increasing this surface area via using strategies like joist slabs rather than flat slabs can be beneficial. - Phase-change materials (PCM) are also recommended to increase thermal storage capacity of surface. - Floors that are properly oriented to sun exposure have a better potential than vertical partitions when it comes to storing heat. - Trombe walls are also great thermal storage tools however, in this scenario it is risky to increase the surface of them to risk of losing the view. Increasing the thickness of the trombe walls or any heat storage element is pointless after a certain point. The exposed surface are is much more important than the thickness. - The floor surfaces should not be covered with carpet or insulation materials

Which of the following sentences is not correct? A. The exterior bearing walls of a Type I-B construction must have a 2-hour fire resistance B. The exterior bearing walls of a Type III-A construction must have a 1-hour fire resistance C. The primary structural frame of a Type II-A construction must have a 1-hour fire resistance D. The interior bearing walls of a Type I-B construction must have a 2-hour fire resistance

Solution: B. The exterior bearing walls of a Type III-A construction must have a 1-hour fire resistance Option B is incorrect because exterior bearing walls of a Type III-A construction must have a 2-hour fire resistance. The IBC classifies the construction of a building according to the characteristics and fire resistance of its major elements: structural frame, exterior and interior bearing walls, nonbearing walls and partitions, and finally, floor and roof assemblies. The following are the construction types as defined per the IBC: - Type I-A and I-B - All building elements mentioned above must be constructed of noncombustible materials, such as concrete, masonry, or steel. Some combustible materials may be permitted if they are ancillary to the primary structure of the building. - Type II-A and II-B - Similar to Type I with the main difference being that the fire resistance rating of the major elements is less stringent. - Type III-A and III-B - Exterior walls are made of noncombustible materials and the interior building elements are of any material permitted by the code. Fire-retardant-treated wood framing and sheathing complying with Section 2303.2 shall be permitted within exterior wall assemblies of a 2-hour rating or less. - Type IV (Heavy Timber, HT) - Exterior walls are made of noncombustible materials and the interior building elements are of solid wood, laminated wood, heavy timber (HT) or structural composite lumber (SCL) without concealed spaces. The minimum dimensions for permitted materials including solid timber, glued-laminated timber, structural composite lumber (SCL), and cross-laminated timber and details of Type IV construction shall comply with the provisions of sections 602.4 and 2304.11. - Type V-A and V-B -Structural elements, exterior walls and interior walls are of any materials permitted by the code. For more on this subject, we recommend reading sections 601 and 602 of the 2018 International Building Code

Which mortar type should an architect choose for an above-grade exterior application, exposed to severe weather conditions? A. Type M B. Type N C. Type O D. Type S

Solution: B. Type N Mortar is made by mixing Portland cement, lime, and sand combined in different ratios to meet specific requirements. Type N Mortar Mix has a compressive strength of roughly 750 psi and is recommended for the following applications: . above grade . exterior . interior . load-bearing walls For more on this subject, please read chapter 6 (Masonry Mortaring and Grouting) of the book Architectural Graphic Standards, 12th Edition. For more on the different types of mortar and their respective applications, please visit this page and also this one

Victor just bought a piece of land and due to the changes in elevation, he wishes to build a retaining wall at the property line. If the difference in elevation between the two properties is roughly 12' at the property line, which of the following retaining wall types should Victor choose? A. Gravity wall B. T-Type cantilevered wall C. L-Type cantilevered wall D. Counterfort wall

Solution: C. L-Type cantilevered wall Gravity walls are mostly used for retaining structures up to 10' high. Counterfort and T-Type walls can both sustain the 12' height difference between the two properties, but because of their design, their base would fall into the neighbor's property. For this reason, L-Type cantilevered walls, because of their asymmetric design, are typically used at property lines or when the wall abuts some sort of obstruction. For more on this subject, we recommend reading chapter 1.32 of the book Building Construction Illustrated, 5th Edition

A developer is preparing a pro forma for a new single-tenant commercial building. The net assignable area is 54,000 sf and the building has an efficiency factor of 62.5%. The cost per square foot is $130 for the mechanical spaces (15% of the gross area), $295 for the office floors and $235 for retail (10% of the gross area) at the ground level. What is the building's overall cost per square foot? A. $422.80 B. $352.80 C. $264.25 D. $245.60

Solution: C. $264.25 Despite all the information in the question, which is there to distract you, the solution is very simple. Take the area percentages and multiply them by the cost/ft for the respective area, then add up all cost/foot for total: $130 x .15 (area of mechanical) = $19.50 $235 x .10 (area of retail) = $23.50 $295 x .75 (area of office) = $221.25 $221.25 + $23.50 + $19.50 = $264.25 There's another way of calculating this problem, which takes much more time. But if you want to verify your answer is correct, this is how you do it the long way: First thing we need to do is calculate the building's gross area: 54,000 sf ÷ 62.5% = 86,400 sf. Then we need to figure out the square footage of each area of the building: Mechanical = 86,400 sf x 15% = 12,960 sf Retail = 86,400 sf x 10% = 8,640 sf Office = 86,400 sf x 75% = 64,800 sf We can now proceed to calculate the total construction cost: Mechanical = 12,960 sf x $130/sf = $1,684,800 Retail = 8,640 sf x $235/sf = $2,030,400 Office = 64,800 sf x $295/sf = $19,116,000 Total construction cost = $22,831,200 Finally, we just need to divide the total cost per the gross area: $22,831,200 ÷ 86,400 = $264.25

Which exit configurations below cannot be accepted as a means of egress? Check the two that apply. A. Door to a private office that leads to a general office area which leads to the exit corridor. B. The door from the gift shop of a museum into the main gallery leads to the main exit doors. C. An office door that opens to a firework manufacturing space with a discernible path of egress travel to an exit. D. A restaurant manager's office door opens to the restaurant's kitchen, which leads to the exit corridor.

Solution: C. An office door that opens to a firework manufacturing space with a discernible path of egress travel to an exit. D. A restaurant manager's office door opens to the restaurant's kitchen, which leads to the exit corridor. According to IBC-2018 section 1016.2: egress shall not pass through kitchens, storage rooms, or closets. Similarly, the means of egress is also not allowed in group H occupancy

The structural engineer has proposed a deep foundation for a new 30-story office building, located in a dense urban area with historic buildings on either side of the site. Which excavation system should be used for this project? A. Driven piles B. Soldier piers C. Bored piles D. Precast concrete piles E. Soil Nailing

Solution: C. Bored piles Bored piles may refer to auger cast grout piles, socketed piles, concrete piles, drilled caissons, drilled concrete piers and shafts, etc.). Similarly to driven piles, resistance to vertical loads typically results from a combination of end bearing and side friction. The following are some of the conditions that may favor the use of bored piles: cohesive soils, obstructions that can be tolerated with the right size of drill, and a dense reliable bearing surface. - One should choose bored piles over driven piles when: ○ The loads are extremely high and the bearing surface is reliable ○ Inspecting the bearing surface is important, and limited inspection of the bearing material is possible. ○ Most importantly, because the use of driven piles causes severe vibrations, when foundations are very close to adjacent existing structures where vibration, bored piles are a much better solution in this scenario. For more on this subject, please refer to Chapter 10 - Foundations - of the book Architectural Graphic Standards, 12th Edition. See page 293 in particular

The concrete slab of an office building is too large to be poured in one day. What are the most appropriate techniques that allow for the pouring of the slab to be stopped and continued the following day? Choose 2. A. Isolation joint B. Expansion joint C. Doweled joint D. Keyed joint E. Sawn joint F. Control joint

Solution: C. Doweled joint D. Keyed joint There are mainly 3 types of joints in concrete construction poured on site: - Isolation joints - also called expansion joints - allow for movement to occur between a slab and an adjacent wall or column. - Control joints are used to prevent the appearance of cracks on the concrete's surface. Beyond a certain distance (typically +20 ft), there is a high possibility that a concrete slab will crack after a certain amount of time, if no joints are provided. So, by adding a "weakness" point, the crack will most certainly occur along this location and will stop just beneath this intended and predetermined fissure, or trim. The most common types of control joints are sawn joints and pre-molded metal strips, flush with the concrete's surface. - Lastly, construction joints allow the pouring of a construction element such as a slab on grade, to be stopped and continued at a later time. The most common two types of construction joints are typically doweled or keyed, in order to prevent any vertical displacement of the two pourings. Construction joints also work as control joints, as they are also considered a "weakness" line, therefore helping to avoid the appearance of unwanted cracks on the concrete's surface. For more on this subject, we recommend reading chapter 3.19 (Concrete Slabs on Grade) of the book Building Construction Illustrated, 5th Edition

What is true regarding water supply systems? A. An elevated water pump piping arrangement is more complex than an downfeed system B. Upfeed systems cost less to operate than downfeed systems C. Downfeed systems are more efficient than upfeed systems D. Upfeed systems are usually less affected by pressure fluctuations

Solution: C. Downfeed systems are more efficient than upfeed systems An elevated water pump piping arrangement is more complex than an downfeed system (incorrect, an elevated water pump piping arrangement is the least complex system) Upfeed systems cost less to operate than downfeed systems (Incorrect, it's the other way around) Downfeed systems are more efficient than upfeed systems (Correct) Upfeed systems are usually less affected by pressure fluctuations (Incorrect, downfeed systems are less affected by pressure fluctuations)

Complete the following sentence. In case of fire, ____________ are used by the fire department to connect fire hoses to a fire hydrant. A. Wet standpipes B. Fire pumps C. Dry standpipes D. Reserve water tanks

Solution: C. Dry standpipes Wet standpipes are used by building occupants in case of an emergency and they contain pressurized water. Fire pumps provide the necessary water pressure in a standpipe. Water tanks, as the name reflects, contain reserve water and do not need to be connected to a fire hydrant. For more on this subject, we recommend reading chapter 11.25 of the book Building Construction Illustrated, 5th Edition

Which of the following sentences is incorrect? A. Fixing both ends of a long column reduces its effective length by 50% B. The effective length of a long column does not decrease if both ends are pinned C. Fixing one end of a long column and pinning the other, increases its effective length by 30% D. If one end of a long column is fixed and the other is free, its effective length increases by 100%

Solution: C. Fixing one end of a long column and pinning the other, increases its effective length by 30% Fixing one end of a long column and pinning the other, decreases its effective length by 30% (k=0.7). Effective length is the distance between two inflection points in a column subject to buckling. If this section of the column buckles, the entire column fails. The effective length factor (k) is a coefficient for modifying the actual length of a column according to its end conditions in order to determine its effective length. A few examples: - Fixing both ends of a long column reduces its effective length by 50% (k=0.5). - The effective length of a long column does not decrease if both ends are pinned (k=1.0). - If one end of a long column is fixed and the other is free, its effective length increases by 100% (k=2.0) For more on this subject, we recommend reading chapter 2.13 of the book Building Construction Illustrated, 5th Edition

An architect is trying to figure out the overall massing for a new office building in North Carolina. The site is rectangular, has a frontage of 135 ft to the street and is 215-ft deep. There is a requirement for a 15-ft front setback, 20-ft side setbacks and a 10-ft rear setback. If total height is restricted to 180 ft and the FAR is 7.5, which are the allowed volumes on this site? Check all that apply. A. Footprint: 90-ft-wide x 185-ft-deep. Twelve stories plus one with half the footprint area. Floor-to-floor: 16 ft. B. Footprint: 80-ft-wide x 195-ft-deep. Thirteen stories. Floor-to-floor: 13 ft. C. Footprint: 90-ft-wide x 180-ft-deep. Twelve stories. Floor-to-floor: 14.5 ft. D. Footprint: 95-ft-wide x 190-ft-deep. Thirteen stories. Floor-to-floor: 13 ft.

Solution: C. Footprint: 90-ft-wide x 180-ft-deep. Twelve stories. Floor-to-floor: 14.5 ft. This is a very straightforward question, without any tricks or misleading wording. But it does require you to know a simple formula. If the site has a frontage of 135 ft to the street and is 215-ft deep, it means that it has an area of 29,025 sf. The maximum allowable construction area is found by multiplying the area of the site by the FAR, which is 7.5 (29,025 sf x 7.5 = 217,687.5 sf). To find out the maximum allowed footprint, one must deduct the setbacks from the overall dimensions of the site: Max. Width = 135 - 40 (side setbacks multiplied by 2) = 95 ft Max. Depth = 215 - 25 (front and side setbacks) = 190 ft Now we know all the restrictions: Maximum allowable construction area = 217,687.5 sf Max. Width = 95 ft Max. Depth = 190 ft Max. Height = 180 ft Finally, we just need to calculate the resulting volumes of each option to check which one checks all the boxes. Option A is incorrect because it is too tall. Footprint - 90 ft x 185 ft = 16,650 sf Construction area = 16,650 sf x 12.5 stories = 208,125 sf (ok) Height - 12.5 stories x 16 ft Floor-to-Floor = 200 ft (not ok) Option B is incorrect because it is too deep. Footprint - 80 ft x 195 ft (not ok, no need to go further) Option C is correct. Footprint - 90 ft x 180 ft = 16,200 sf Construction area = 16,200 sf x 12 stories = 194,400 sf (ok) Height - 12 stories x 14.5 ft Floor-to-Floor = 174 ft (ok) Option D is incorrect because the maximum allowable area is not respected Footprint - 95 ft x 190 ft = 18,050 sf Construction area = 18,050 sf x 13 stories = 234,650 sf (not ok, no need to go further)

You have been tasked with estimating the construction costs for a project based on a nearly completed design. When considering the variables that impact a project's cost, chose the four below that, when combined, will determine the cost. (Choose 4) A. Code constraints B. Design fee C. Funds available D. Geometry E. Quality F. Size or quantity G. Time

Solution: C. Funds available E. Quality F. Size or quantity G. Time The four factors affecting every construction budget are time, quality, quantity and available funds. The Owner may want a certain square footage but not have the funds available. Usually, if a project is required to be constructed faster, it will be more expensive. Higher quality usually means more time

An architect is designing a 235-ft tall residential high-rise. The client is concerned with both initial costs and energy consumption. Which elevator type should be used in this scenario? A. Gearless Traction B. Hydraulic Elevator C. Geared Traction D. None of the above

Solution: C. Geared Traction Option B is incorrect because hydraulic elevators are designed to operate between 35 and 60 feet. Gearless traction elevators have almost an unlimited travel distance and they achieve the highest speeds, which makes them an ideal solution for very tall buildings. The question might mislead you because it says the building is a high-rise (NFPA defines a high-rise as being higher than 75 feet) but geared traction elevators can easily rise 235 ft - they are designed to operate within a general range of 100 to 450 ft. Secondly, this elevator type would also addresses the client's concern regarding initial costs and energy consumption (when compared to gearless traction elevators). For more on this subject, please read chapter 13 (Conveying) of the book Architectural Graphic Standards, 12th Edition. See page 642 in particular

Which of the following sentences is not correct? A. Veneer wood products usually have a better fire resistance than solid wood products B. Softwoods tend to burn quicker than hardwoods C. Hardwoods produce more smoke than softwoods D. Hardwoods are typically considered to be more fire resistant than softwoods

Solution: C. Hardwoods produce more smoke than softwoods Option C is false because hardwoods take longer to burn but they generally produce less smoke than softwoods. For more on this subject, please read chapter 8 (Wood Classification) of the book Architectural Graphic Standards, 12th Edition We also recommend reading these page: Page 1 Page 2

Select the best mechanical system for a small residential project located in Nova Scotia if the owner wishes to: 1) minimize operating costs and system noise. 2) have individual control over temperature in all rooms. A. Heat Pump Furnace B. Small packaged unit C. Hydronic Heating D. Radiant Heating

Solution: C. Hydronic Heating A Heat Pump Furnace (heating and cooling system) is a good choice for minimizing system noise and for minimizing operating costs, although more suited in temperate climates, so not the best choice in this case. However, it is not ideal in situations where control over temperature in different zones is required. A small packaged unit - also a heating and cooling system - is great for this purpose, but it is also a loud system and could have extremely high operating costs in Nova Scotia's cold climate. Radiant heating is a very quiet system that may allow for individual control over temperature but it does not help the client save money on operating costs - electricity is expensive! Hydronic heating is a perfect system in this scenario as it checks all the boxes. It does not provide cooling which in this climate is probably not necessary. For more on this subject, we encourage you to read page 245 of the book Architect's Studio Companion, 6th Edition

You are working on the design of an exterior sliding door in a dwelling, and the threshold is connecting two different heights of finish materials. The detailing was not very good, and you have just under a 3/4" height difference. In order to be compliant with ADA standards, what is the maximum slope the threshold can be? A. 1:2 B. 1:10 C. 1:12 D. 1:20

Solution: A. 1:2 According to ANSI 117.1, thresholds at exterior sliding doors shall be permitted to be 3/4" (19 mm) maximum in height, provided they are beveled with a slope not greater than 1:2

In a temperate climate and regarding the effects of wind on the microclimate, what would be the best location for a small residence on a south facing slope? A. Bottom of the hill. B. Middle of the hill, towards the bottom. C. Middle of the hill, towards the top. D. Top of the hill.

Solution: C. Middle of the hill, towards the top. On a south facing slope, the bottom of the hill would be an ideal location in a hot and arid climate due to the lower temperatures at night in this location. The middle of the slope towards the bottom is best suited in a cold climate so that the building can be best protected from the northern cold winds in the winter while still taking advantage of the exposure to sun from the south. The top of the hill is ideal in a hot-humid climate for it's the windiest location, thus maximizing passive cooling

Complete the following sentence. ________________ subject(s) a beam to bending and deflection. A. Collinear forces B. Concurrent forces C. Nonconcurrent forces D. Moment

Solution: C. Nonconcurrent forces Collinear forces occur along a straight line, the vector sum of which is the sum of the magnitude of the forces, acting along the same line of action. Concurrent forces have lines of action that intersect at a common point. Inversely, nonconcurrent forces have lines of action that do not intersect at a common point (transverse loads on a beam). A moment is the tendency of a force to produce rotation on a body around a point or line. For more on this subject, we recommend reading chapter 2.14 of the book Building Construction Illustrated, 5th Edition

Regarding wind and cross ventilation, which of the following sentences is not true? A. Roof overhangs increase incoming air flow B. Outlets should be larger than inlets for maximum airflow C. Overhangs over openings are beneficial for cooling in a hot-humid climate D. Slots in overhangs help to equalize external pressure

Solution: C. Overhangs over openings are beneficial for cooling in a hot-humid climate This is a trick question because, generally speaking, overhangs over openings are beneficial for passive cooling in a hot-humid climate. But the question asks specifically in the context of wind and cross ventilation. And overhangs over openings, direct air flow upward, which is usually undesirable for cooling in a hot-humid climate. For more on this subject, we recommend reading chapter 1.22 of the book Building Construction Illustrated, 5th Edition

What would be the best species to use in a wood foundation system of a crawl space? A. Sealed Douglas-fir B. Thermally modified Oak C. Pressure-treated Pine D. Birch

Solution: C. Pressure-treated Pine Hardwoods (Oak, Birch) are usually more suited for exterior decks, flooring, and high-quality furniture. Softwoods (Douglas-fir, Pine) represent roughly 80%-90% of all timber construction and they can be found in windows, doors, furniture, etc. Some characteristics of softwood that make it ideal for structural applications: Cheaper than hardwood Lighter than hardwood Less dense than hardwood (makes connections between members easier) High availability When softwoods are untreated, they are less durable than hardwoods, especially when exposed to the elements. So in order to be used in exterior applications or as structural elements, they must undergo some sort of treatment. Thermally modified wood is modified by a controlled pyrolysis process where wood is heated (usually at 400 degrees Fahrenheit), which causes some changes to the chemical structure in the wood, thus increasing its durability. By using heat to remove organic compounds from the wood cells, the wood will no longer absorb water, expand or contract. The high heat produces a naturally durable wood that is permanently resistant to water, insects, and decay. This process uses low oxygen content to prevent the wood from burning at high temperatures. This process is mostly applied to softwood used in exterior applications. Pressure treating is a process where the wood is placed in a depressurized tank to remove all air. The tank is then filled with a preservative under high pressure, infusing it within the grain of the wood. The infused preservative prevents the wood from rotting, but it does not completely inhibit weathering, so some people like to make it even more durable by further coating it with an adhesive. In conclusion, options B (Thermally modified Oak) and D (Birch) are incorrect because they are hardwoods. Option A (Sealed Douglas-fir) is incorrect because sealers are mostly applied to exterior wood decks, but this is not a good solution for treating structural lumber. For more on this subject, please read chapter 8 (Wood Classification) of the book Architectural Graphic Standards, 12th Edition

Frederica is working on a residential project and has just been debriefed on some of the client's requirements. The client wishes to build a main house near the road and a guest house, up the hill, in the middle of the woods. Rebecca, the client, has very specific guidelines for how the guest house should look and feel: exposed adobe walls and glulam columns and beams that allow for a reasonable span. The floor and roof should be made of CLT. What is the guest house's most likely construction type? A. TYPE III-A B. Type III-B C. TYPE IV D. TYPE V-A

Solution: C. TYPE IV The IBC classifies the construction of a building according to the characteristics and fire resistance of its major elements: structural frame, exterior and interior bearing walls, nonbearing walls and partitions, and finally, floor and roof assemblies. The following are the construction types as defined per the IBC: - Type I-A and I-B - All building elements mentioned above must be constructed of noncombustible materials, such as concrete, masonry, or steel. Some combustible materials may be permitted if they are ancillary to the primary structure of the building. - Type II-A and II-B - Similar to Type I with the main difference being that the fire resistance rating of the major elements is less stringent. - Type III-A and III-B - Exterior walls are made of noncombustible materials and the interior building elements are of any material permitted by the code. Fire-retardant-treated wood framing and sheathing complying with Section 2303.2 shall be permitted within exterior wall assemblies of a 2-hour rating or less. - Type IV (Heavy Timber, HT) - Exterior walls are made of noncombustible materials and the interior building elements are of solid wood, laminated wood, heavy timber (HT) or structural composite lumber (SCL) without concealed spaces. The minimum dimensions for permitted materials including solid timber, glued-laminated timber, structural composite lumber (SCL), and cross-laminated timber and details of Type IV construction shall comply with the provisions of sections 602.4 and 2304.11. - Type V-A and V-B -Structural elements, exterior walls and interior walls are of any materials permitted by the code

Which of the following sentences are correct? Choose 4. A. The primary structural frame of a Type I-A construction must have a 2-hour fire resistance. B. Regardless of the occupancy and the construction type, if two buildings are separated by less than 5', exterior walls must have, at a minimum, a 2-hour fire resistance. C. The exterior bearing walls of a Type III-A construction must have a 2-hour fire resistance. D. The exterior bearing walls of a Type III-B construction must have a 2-hour fire resistance. E. Regardless of the occupancy and the construction type, if two buildings are separated by less than 5', exterior walls must have, at a minimum, a 1-hour fire resistance. F. The floor construction of a Type I-B construction must have a 2-hour fire resistance.

Solution: C. The exterior bearing walls of a Type III-A construction must have a 2-hour fire resistance. D. The exterior bearing walls of a Type III-B construction must have a 2-hour fire resistance. E. Regardless of the occupancy and the construction type, if two buildings are separated by less than 5', exterior walls must have, at a minimum, a 1-hour fire resistance. F. The floor construction of a Type I-B construction must have a 2-hour fire resistance. Option A and B are incorrect because: Option A - The primary structural frame of a Type I-A construction must have a 3-hour fire resistance. Option B - Regardless of the occupancy and the construction type, if two buildings are separated by less than 5', exterior walls must have, at a minimum, a 1-hour fire resistance. The IBC classifies the construction of a building according to the characteristics and fire resistance of its major elements: structural frame, exterior and interior bearing walls, nonbearing walls and partitions, and finally, floor and roof assemblies. The following are the construction types as defined per the IBC: - Type I-A and I-B - All building elements mentioned above must be constructed of noncombustible materials, such as concrete, masonry, or steel. Some combustible materials may be permitted if they are ancillary to the primary structure of the building. - Type II-A and II-B - Similar to Type I with the main difference being that the fire resistance rating of the major elements is less stringent. - Type III-A and III-B - Exterior walls are made of noncombustible materials and the interior building elements are of any material permitted by the code. Fire-retardant-treated wood framing and sheathing complying with Section 2303.2 shall be permitted within exterior wall assemblies of a 2-hour rating or less. - Type IV (Heavy Timber, HT) - Exterior walls are made of noncombustible materials and the interior building elements are of solid wood, laminated wood, heavy timber (HT) or structural composite lumber (SCL) without concealed spaces. The minimum dimensions for permitted materials including solid timber, glued-laminated timber, structural composite lumber (SCL), and cross-laminated timber and details of Type IV construction shall comply with the provisions of sections 602.4 and 2304.11. - Type V-A and V-B -Structural elements, exterior walls and interior walls are of any materials permitted by the code. For more on this subject, we recommend reading sections 601 and 602 of the 2018 International Building Code

According to the IRC, a prefabricated swimming pool is not subject to a permit if the depth is less than how many feet? A. 2' B. 3' C. 4' D. 5'

Solution: A. 2' According to the IRC, prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24" deep do not require a permit

The Pennyworth Foundation wants to build a new gallery in Minneapolis. This new space is almost identical to a gallery built 4 years ago in Dallas, by the same foundation, for a total cost of $5,350,000. Assume that Dallas has a construction cost index of 88 and Minneapolis's index is 107. Assuming an annual inflation of 1%, how much will the new gallery cost? A. $4,578,640 B. $6,570,164 C. $6,765,318 D. $6,769,221

Solution: D. $6,769,221 First thing we should do is calculate how much it would cost to build the new gallery 4 years after the original one, based on an annual 1% inflation: $5,350,000 x (1.01)4 = 5,350,000 x -1.04060 = $5,567,210 Then we need to calculate the cost of building the same gallery in Minneapolis, based on both cities' cost index (107 ÷ 88) x 5,567,210 = $6,769,221 A few quick formulas regarding cost estimating (Index for City A ÷ Index for City B) x Cost in City B = Cost in City A (Index for City A ÷ 100) x National Average Cost= Cost in City A For more on this subject, we encourage you to read page 115 of the book Problem Seeking: An Architectural Programming Primer

For a sprinklered commercial building, which option shows the correct order for these exit access elements, from highest to lowest, in terms of maximum allowed travel distance? A. 1 - dead-end corridor, 2 - exit access travel distance, 3 - common path of travel. B. 1 - common path of travel, 2 - exit access travel distance, 3 - dead-end corridor. C. 1 - exit access travel distance, 2 - dead-end corridor, 3 - common path of travel. D. 1 - exit access travel distance, 2 - common path of travel, 3 - dead-end corridor.

Solution: D. 1 - exit access travel distance, 2 - common path of travel, 3 - dead-end corridor. The IBC establishes limits for how far a person may travel to reach an exit within a given space / occupancy. Typical maximum distances for a commercial building (non-sprinklered vs. sprinklered) are shown below: - dead-end corridor distances, 20-50 feet max - common path of travel, 75-100 feet max - exit access travel distance, 200-300 feet max

If a soil's bearing capacity is 191.6 kPa and the column load on the footing equals 36,000 lb, what are the most appropriate dimensions for the footing's contact area? Disregard the footing's own weight. A. 2'-0" x 4'-6" B. 4'-0" x 4'-0" C. 2'-6" x 2'-6" D. 3'-0" x 3'-0"

Solution: D. 3'-0" x 3'-0" With the information given, the only way to calculate the necessary contact area of the footing is by using this simple formula: Area of contact = P (column load) ÷ S (soil bearing capacity) Next we need to calculate the soil bearing's capacity in psf: If 1 psf = 0.0479 kPa, then 191.6 kPa = 4,000 psf 36,000 lb ÷ 4,000 psf = 9 sf (Area of contact) The area of option C (2'-6" x 2'-6") is too small, and the area of option B (4'-0" x 4'-0") is too large. Option A (2'-0" x 4'-6") has an area of 9 sf but the proportions (width x depth) are incorrect, as the footing is too narrow. For more on this subject, we encourage you to read chapter 3.16 of the book Building Construction Illustrated, 5th Edition

If an architect is designing an egress stair with the shortest riser dimension allowable by code, how many risers would there be before a landing is required? A. 12 B. 20 C. 24 D. 36

Solution: D. 36 Clarification: Correct answer is D - 36 You should not be memorizing the entire IBC, HOWEVER, there are a few basic things you should definitely know, especially because it will save you a lot of time during the exam. When it comes to egress stairs, IBC allows risers between 4" and 7", treads must be 11" minimum and you can only rise 12 feet before a landing is required. 12' = 144" 144' ÷ 4" (minimum riser height) = 36 risers

What is not true regarding structural frames? A. A rigid frame is statically indeterminate and rigid in its plane B. A fixed frame is more sensitive to thermal expansion than a hinged frame C. A three-hinged frame is statically determinate and is least affected by thermal stresses D. A hinged frame is more sensitive to support settlements than a fixed frame

Solution: D. A hinged frame is more sensitive to support settlements than a fixed frame Hinged frames are connected to their supports by pin joints, which allow the frames to rotate as a unit, therefore making them less resistant to deflection. They are also less sensitive to support settlements and to thermal contraction and expansion. For more on this subject, we recommend reading chapter 2.17 of the book Building Construction Illustrated, 5th Edition

A client is looking for sustainable means of heating and cooling a low-rise building in a dense urban area. Which of the following ground-source heat pumps should be specified, if the site area is very limited? A. An open-loop heat pump system B. A horizontal closed-loop heat pump system C. A pond closed-loop heat pump system D. A vertical closed-loop heat pump system

Solution: D. A vertical closed-loop heat pump system For more on this subject, we recommend reading page 471 of the book Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings, 13th Edition

Which of the following statements is incorrect? A. Copper has a very high embodied energy. B. Glass has a moderate embodied energy. C. Lightweight concrete has a low embodied energy. D. Cement has a high embodied energy.

Solution: D. Cement has a high embodied energy. Some typical values for the embodied energy of some common materials: Lightweight concrete - 940 Btu/lbm Gypsum wallboard - 1,830 Btu/lbm Cement - 4,100 Btu/lbm Glass - 11,100 Btu/lbm Expanded polystyrene - 38,183 Btu/lbm Copper - 29,600 Btu/lbm Aluminum - 103,500 Btu/lbm For more on this subject, we recommend reading chapter 12.03 (Building Materials) of the book Building Construction Illustrated, 5th Edition

Curtain walls are subject to different types of forces. What is the name typically given to its own weight? A. Dynamic load B. Live load C. Concentrated load D. Dead load

Solution: D. Dead load For more on the different types of loads, we recommend reading chapter 2.08 (Loads on buildings) of the book Building Construction Illustrated, 5th Edition. See also this this page

You are inspired to improve the air quality in the projects you design and want to make this a central focus of your work. What are some of the main contributors to carbon monoxide in dwellings? (Choose 4) A. Clothes dryers B. Electric stoves C. Excavation of basements D. Motor vehicles (attached garage) E. Gas stoves F. Fireplaces G. Pets

Solution: A. Clothes dryers D. Motor vehicles (attached garage) E. Gas stoves F. Fireplaces Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced whenever a material burns. Homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages are more likely to have CO problems. Common sources of CO in homes include fuel-burning appliances and devices such as: clothes dryers, water heaters, furnaces or boilers, fireplaces (both gas and wood burning), gas stoves and ovens, motor vehicles, and tobacco smoke

You are designing a large museum space in a temperate climate which has large heating loads. The program statement calls for the use of more daylighting strategies in the building but also states the need for a high degree of thermal comfort through passive solar strategies. Which of the following passive solar strategies would you propose? A. Trombe wall B. Sun space in conjunction with direct gain C. Direct gain system D. Direct gain in conjunction with Trombe wall E. Sunspace F. Direct gain system & Sunspace

Solution: D. Direct gain in conjunction with Trombe wall Direct gain systems are the least expensive and the most efficient passive solar heating system. It promotes the use of large openings, which in turn can cause glare and fading of colors, which is not ideal in a museum. Thus, the combination with a Trombe wall would help limit light levels and would add a high level of thermal comfort. A Trombe wall is also ideal in situations where there are large heating loads. A sunspace would be the most expensive and the least efficient system. This space would also not be able to be occupied when it is too cold or too hot. For more on this subject, we recommend reading chapter 7.15 of the book Heating, Cooling, Lighting, 4th Edition

What would probably be the best sprinkler system to use in a storage warehouse in North Dakota? A. Wet Pipe. B. Deluge. C. Pre-action. D. Dry Pipe.

Solution: D. Dry Pipe. A wet pipe system is the most commonly used in most buildings and deluge systems activate all heads at once in high hazard buildings. A pre-action system is ideal when there is a great concern of water damaging the contents of the building (like a data center full of computers). A dry pipe system would probably be the best option in this scenario as it uses compressed air or nitrogen instead of water in situations where there is a serious risk of freezing. A warehouse in North Dakota is a good example of where this system could probably be used. For more on this subject, we recommend reading chapter 11.25 (Fire protection systems) of the book Building Construction Illustrated, 5th Edition

Complete the following sentence. If the ______________ of a column buckles, the entire column fails. A. Radius of gyration B. Moment C. Kern area D. Effective length

Solution: D. Effective length Radius of gyration is the distance from an axis at which the mass of a column is assumed to be concentrated. Moment is the tendency of a force to produce rotation on a body around a point or line. Kern area is the central area of any horizontal section of a column within which the resultant of all compressive loads must pass. For more on this subject, we recommend reading chapter 2.13 of the book Building Construction Illustrated, 5th Edition

During a design meeting, the owner tells the architect that she is thinking of using either steel joists and joist girders for her new project: a 4-story gym on an irregular downtown site. The architect suggests using wide flange beams instead. What are some of the characteristics of wide flange beams that could explain the reasoning behind the architect's counter-proposal? Choose 3. A. Reduced cost of foundations B. Allow for a greater floor-to-floor height C. Faster erection time D. More cost-efficient to fireproof E. Can support changing concentrated loads F. Allow for a more flexible layout

Solution: D. More cost-efficient to fireproof E. Can support changing concentrated loads F. Allow for a more flexible layout Steel joists, when compared to W-shape beams, are more closely spaced and have a greater total surface area. Therefore, they require a larger amount of spray-on fireproofing. Steel joists and joist girders are typically an economical alternative for roof and floor structures. Because these are lighter structural systems, they have a reduced cost but also allow to reduce the cost of foundations. The overall depth of a floor using wide flange beams is typically shallower than a floor that uses steel joists. However, steel joists have open webs that allow the passage of MEP services within the depth of the floor. So although the floor height itself may be reduced, using w beams typically results in smaller floor-to-floor heights. Wide flange beams usually take longer to erect and install than steel joists. Steel joists are a very economical solution for situations where the floorplan is very regular. In situations where the floorplan is irregular and has bays with different spans, this system ceases to be economical, making wide flange beams a much better solution. When a concentrated load changes from its designed location, W-shape beams are much more forgiving than steel joists. For more on this subject, we encourage you to read page 403 of the book Building construction, Principles, Materials, and Systems, Second Edition

An architect is designing a new school in New Jersey - an isolated structure in the middle of a vast property. What would be the best strategy in order to mitigate the effects of noise pollution coming from the busy part of the city? A. Place several rows of deciduous trees next to the source. B. Place several rows of evergreens next to the source. C. Place several rows of evergreens equally spaced between the property line and the building. D. Place several rows of evergreens and deciduous trees next to the source.

Solution: D. Place several rows of evergreens and deciduous trees next to the source. When trying to mitigate noise pollution, the more rows of trees the more efficient the system will be, both close to the building and especially close to the source. Despite the fact that deciduous trees lose their leaves, they help in absorbing different sound waves. Since that a city has a wide range of noise sources - people, cars, sirens, etc. - coupling deciduous and evergreens would be the better option

Which option correctly orders PV cells from the least to the most efficient? A. Monocrystalline Silicon Cell, Polycrystalline Silicon Cell, Thin Film Cells B. Polycrystalline Silicon Cell, Thin Film Cells, Monocrystalline Silicon Cell C. Polycrystalline Silicon Cell, Monocrystalline Silicon Cell, Thin Film Cells D. Thin Film Cells, Polycrystalline Silicon Cell, Monocrystalline Silicon Cell

Solution: D. Thin Film Cells, Polycrystalline Silicon Cell, Monocrystalline Silicon Cell Monocrystalline Silicon Cell are the most efficient PV cells on the market but are also the most expensive. On the other side of the spectrum, Thin Film Cells are the least efficient and the cheapest type of PV cells. Polycrystalline Silicon Cell are somewhere in the middle in terms of efficiency and price and they represent nearly 70% of the market. For more on this subject, please read chapter 13 (Electrical) of the book Architectural Graphic Standards, 12th Edition. See page 762 in particular. We also recommend reading this page

You are weighing the pros and cons of using a metal roof deck for a project. Which of the following would be the advantages of using a metal roof deck? (Choose 4) A. High strength-to-weight ratio B. Can be erected in most weather conditions C. Can be erected quickly D. Low strength-to-weight ratio E. Less expensive than wood F. Provides lateral diaphragm G. Can be field welded

Solution: A. High strength-to-weight ratio B. Can be erected in most weather conditions C. Can be erected quickly F. Provides lateral diaphragm A metal roof deck has a high strength-to-weight ratio, which helps to reduce the weight of the roof. It can be erected quickly, and in most weather conditions, and it also provides a lateral diaphragm

Phillip has been approached by Robert, a potential new client, to design his new beach residence in Newport, Rhode Island. During the first meeting, Robert mentions that he has always dreamed of having a house with a "smooth" architecturally-exposed concrete but also stresses that he wants to reduce environmental impact as much as possible. What are some of the actions that Phillip could implement in order to satisfy his client's wishes? Choose 2 that apply. A. Replace all Portland cement with fly ash in the concrete mix. B. Replace some of the Portland cement with fly ash in the concrete mix at a ratio of 1.5 to 1. C. Use lightweight aggregates. D. Use recycled aggregates. E. Use recycled formwork.

Solution: D. Use recycled aggregates. E. Use recycled formwork. Although lightweight aggregate concrete may have some advantages, especially in small residential projects, it would probably not be the best solution as a "smooth" architecturally-exposed concrete. Replacing some or all the Portland cement could have a positive environmental impact but not without its drawbacks. One of the disadvantages of fly ash is that it usually results in higher salt scaling. Which, for an exposed concrete a few feet from the ocean (and in a very rigorous winter) may not be appropriate. The other two options would allow for a satisfying concrete finish and address the client's environmental concerns

An architect is transforming a 1950's mansion into a hotel. The 25,000-sf structure currently features 30 rooms, 20 baths and 4 large event spaces - all having access to natural light. From an environmental perspective, which components from the original structure are less likely to be kept by the architect? A. Masonry walls B. Wood flooring C. Clay roof tiles D. Windows

Solution: D. Windows There is no reference that any of these components have been replaced during the life-span of the mansion, so we should assume that they all date from the time the house was built - 1950's. Given the size of the house - and that all divisions mentioned have access to natural light - we can assume that there is a large quantity of both windows and roof tiles. On the other hand, it's harder to tell the exact quantities of masonry walls and wood flooring. Regardless of the quantities, it makes more sense to keep some elements over others. Since the structure is roughly 70 years old, the wood flooring will likely have to be fully or partially replaced but the masonry walls should be kept as much as possible. Similarly, the clay roof tiles have a longevity of roughly a century so they should be kept as much as possible. From a short-term financial perspective, it would make sense to keep the windows, given the large quantities. But windows from the 1940's are most certainly going to perform very poorly - thermally and acoustically. In the long run, by keeping the windows, it will cost more money to the client (maintenance, replacement, extra costs on HVAC) and it will be more harmful to the environment (over sizing of HVAC system). Share Feedback

Jonathan just bought a narrow and long site in an urban area. The site is surrounded by office buildings, where most people drive to work and there is a considerable shortage of on-site parking. If Jonathan were to build a 10-level structured parking facility, what would likely be the ideal circulation layout? A. Split-level circulation. B. Single-threaded helix circulation. C. Double-threaded helix circulation. D. Multi-bay circulation.

Solution: Double-threaded helix circulation. Multi-bay circulation layouts are predominantly very large flat slabs and have sloped ramps on one of the sides. Given the size restrictions of this site, it would not be a good choice. Split-level layouts have some advantages in relationship to helix layouts - they can provide the same amount of parking stalls with shorter structures and are more suited when the site is not long enough to accommodate a helix sloped parking bay. A single-threaded helix facility is a single continuous spiraling ramp which is very intuitive for first-time users (there's only one way to go, so you can't get lost) and requires a two-way traffic circulation, which can lead to congestion. Therefore, in this case, a double-threaded helix is the ideal solution. It is similar to a single-threaded helix but instead of one, it has two interlocking spirals, thus forming a continuous loop. Because of this, cars can navigate in a one-way traffic flow (if a car wants to turn around, it just needs to cross to the other direction when both spirals share the same elevation), which is ideal in situations where there's a lot of peak volume use (office users typically arrive and leave around the same time). Because the users will park here repeatedly, they will get used to the layout and there's no risk of the parking layout becoming too confusing for its target audience. For more on this subject, we encourage you to read chapter 6.2 of the book Architect's Studio Companion, 6th Edition

An architect has been hired to design a two-story office building with an occupiable roof as a third story. The first floor sits over a crawlspace. Per the diagram above, each floor of the three-story building is subjected to a combined live & dead load of 100 lbs/sq ft, evenly distributed. (Assume that this load includes the self-weight of the floor and a safety factor.) Each column weighs 2000 lbs per floor and has a tributary area of 20' by 20'." Given that the soil bearing capacity is 4 tons/sq ft, the minimum area of the spread footing will be _______ square feet. (Ignore the weight of the foundation itself.) Round up or down to the nearest whole number. Only input digits—no units, commas, or decimal points.

Solution: 16 or 15.5 Area of each floor: 20' x 20' = 400 sq ft Load from each floor: 400 sq ft x 100 lbs/sq ft = 40,000 lbs Times three floors: 40,000 lbs x 3 = 120,000 lbs Plus the weight of two columns for a total load: 120,000 lbs + 2 x 2000 lbs per one-floor column = 124,000 lbs total load at foundation Soil capacity converted to pounds: 4 tons/sq ft *2,000 lbs/ton = 8,000 lbs/sq ft Each square foot of soil can support 8,000 lbs, and our column brings down 124,000 pounds, so . . . Minimum area of the footing: 124,000 lbs / 8,000 lbs/sq ft = 15.5 sq ft Digits-only rounded up or down: 16 *Important, had the first floor been slab-on-grade (instead of suspended over a crawlspace) the weight of the first floor would not have been in-play for this calculation. To watch me solve this in an Amber Book : 40 Minutes of Competence, see below. The implosion documentary referenced in the video can be seen here

What is the height (H) of a cricket for a chimney that is 40 inches wide on a roof with a 45 degree slope? Round up or down to the nearest whole number

Solution: 20 Chimneys with a width parallel to the ridgeline of more than 30 inches require a cricket (you wouldn't be expected to know that minimum width. . . just telling you) A 45 degree slope translates to a 12-12 roof. Per the table, the height of a cricket is ½ the chimney width The chimney width is 40 inches, so the height of the cricket per the diagram is no less than 20 inches

A column supporting 30 tons bears on a 5'-0" by 5'-3" foundation. In the box, enter the force on the soil, in pounds per square foot. Round to the nearest hundred (round up or down) and don't include units, decimal points, comas, or extra characters.

Solution: 2300 30 tons = 60,000 pounds 5.25 ft x 5 ft = 26.25 sf 60,000 pounds / 26.25 sf = 2,286 pounds per sf Rounded to the nearest hundred, comma removed, units removed: 2300

You are interested in designing a rainwater catchment system to catch the water caught on the roof of a structure you are designing. Which of the following would need to be a part of that system if the water was going to be stored for household use? (Choose 4) A. Cistern B. Gutter and downspouts C. Septic tank D. Leaf and debris catcher E. Berms F. Infiltration chamber G. Filtration system

Solution: A. Cistern B. Gutter and downspouts D. Leaf and debris catcher G. Filtration system In a rainwater catchment system, water caught on the roof is conveyed to cisterns through a gutter and downspout system, passing through a leaf and debris catcher. To be used in household applications, it must be filtered

Among given building diagrams above, select the correct positive and negative wind pressures on windward and leeward sides of the buildings. Check the three that apply. A. I B. II C. III D. IV E. V F. VI

Solution: A. I B. II D. IV

One of the design goals for a project that you are working on is to attempt to infiltrate as much water as possible into the soil on the site, even with the planned structures and walkways. Which of the following would be examples of ways to accomplish this? (Choose 3) A. Plastic grid system B. Porous block systems C. Porous Portland cement D. Stained concrete E. ICF blocks F. Expansion joints G. Asphalt shingling system

Solution: A. Plastic grid system B. Porous block systems C. Porous Portland cement Plastic grid systems that are filled with small aggregate, porous block and paver systems, as well as porous Portland cement, are a few strategies used for slowing the water sheet flow and getting more water to infiltrate the soil on a site

The project your firm has been working on for the past six months is nearing the Bidding Phase. You have not been able to get answers from the Owner on some of the product and finish selections. You have decided to include allowances in the Contract Documents you are preparing for the project. What are some examples of the types of allowances that might be used? (Choose 4) A. Unit-cost allowances B. Non-conformity allowances C. Contingency allowances D. Schedule delay allowances E. Lump-sum allowances F. Quantity allowances G. Bi-weekly allowances

Solution: A. Unit-cost allowances C. Contingency allowances E. Lump-sum allowances F. Quantity allowances Types of allowances include the following: lump-sum allowances, unit-cost allowances, quantity allowances, contingency allowances, and testing and inspecting allowances

Identify the heat transfer path that is most associated with the following. Put just one letter in each blank box. Letters may be used more than once, and you don't need to use every letter. A. Conduction B. Convection C. Radiation D. Evaporation Air infiltration through cracks in the building's envelope Energy recovery ventilator (ERV) Foil facing Solar heat gain Thermal break Thermal mass

Solution: Air infiltration through cracks in the building's envelope: B Energy recovery ventilator (ERV): B Foil facing: C Solar heat gain: C Thermal break: A Thermal mass: C Conduction: heat transfer through the solid building skin. . .this is the world of insulation, R-value, U-value, conductivity, resistivity, thermal bridges, thermal breaks, and the blanket you sleep under. See here Convection: heat transfer through air (or water) . . . this is the world of ceiling fans, infiltration through cracks in a building's skin, ventilation intentionally introduced into the ducts, exhaust air, ERVs the very idea of heating and cooling through ducted air, hydronic heating and cooling, cooling towers, AHUs, fan coil units, rising hot air, convective loops in air gaps within wall or roof assemblies, cooling towers, double-layered-door entryway vestibules, blower door tests, and the reason you feel hotter on the mezzanine level as the heat from below rises. See here Radiation: heat transfer between a hotter object that "sees" a colder object . . . this is the world of electromagnetic magic, including why you feel hot on a cold-air night near a fire, why you feel cold if you work in a 72-degree office near a large window in winter, chilled beams, radiators, radiant floor heating, passive and active solar gain, sunspaces, direct gain spaces, Trombe walls, roof albedo, thermal mass, foil-facing on some insulation, radiant roof cooling to the night sky, and why you feel cooler in the shade. See here. *Evaporation is not technically a form of heat transfer, but we can use it to make a building cooler with conventional air conditioning (evaporator), and, in hot-arid climates, with evaporative cool towers, swamp coolers, & outdoor water features and why you feel disproportionally cold when you get out of the pool on a windy and dry, but hot, day (especially with a wet swim shirt on). See here

An architect, designing an elementary school, would like to provide quiet classrooms and healthy indoor air quality for the students. Which priority should he pursue? A. Allow room in the design for a duct silencer B. Line the inside of the ducts with glass fiber insulation C. Line the outside of the ducts with glass fiber insulation D. Reduce the duct diameter and diffuser sizes

Solution: Allow room in the design for a duct silencer (sometimes called mufflers): these measure three feet long to 10 feet long, are installed in line with the duct, and look like this. They prove excellent at reducing fan noise, but require a run of straight duct, downstream of the fan and upstream of the first branch take-off, of five times the duct diameter. This is not that difficult to achieve, but almost never found unless intentionally considered at the earliest stages. - Line the inside of the ducts with glass fiber insulation: air quality concerns associated with airborne fibrous particulates and microbial growth - Line the outside of the ducts with glass fiber insulation: ineffective at noise control. - Reduce the duct and diffuser sizes: smaller ducts and diffusers choke the airstream to create air turbulence noise, so larger ducts and diffusers are better

You have been tasked with estimating the construction costs for a project based on a nearly completed design. When considering the variables that impact a project's cost, chose the four below that, when combined, will determine the cost. (Choose 4) A. Code constraints B. Time C. Design fee D. Quality E. Funds available F. Size or quantity G. Geometry

Solution: B. Time D. Quality E. Funds available F. Size or quantity The four factors affecting every construction budget are time, quality, quantity and available funds. The Owner may want a certain square footage but not have the funds available. Usually, if a project is required to be constructed faster, it will be more expensive. Higher quality usually means more time

You are analyzing the codes for the allowable building heights of a new building project. Which of the following code-related factors are relevant to the allowable building height of a project? (Choose the best 4) A. Deed restrictions B. Zoning C. Construction type D. Fire suppression system E. Occupancy classification F. Municipal bond parameters G. Accessibility

Solution: B. Zoning C. Construction type D. Fire suppression system E. Occupancy classification Construction type, occupancy classification, fire suppression system and zoning are all relevant to determining allowable building heights

You are working with a site that has a diverse topography, and you need to be sure to get an accurate survey for planning where the buildings will be sited. What are some names of elements you are likely to find on a topographic survey? (Choose 3) A. Setback B. Break C. Fallback D. Contour interval E. Swale/valley F. Depression G. Property line

Solution: D. Contour interval E. Swale/valley F. Depression The typical topographic terms that you should be familiar with are: contour intervals, crown/ridges, swale/valley, hills and depressions

You and your client are "shopping" for the best terrazzo finishes to find the best cost for a particular room in a project. Which of the following are the most popular terrazzo styles? (Choose 4) A. Wood grained B. Ceramic C. Peruvian D. Rustic E. Standard F. Palladiana G. Venetian

Solution: D. Rustic E. Standard F. Palladiana G. Venetian Venetian, Palladiana, rustic and standard terrazzo are the different style options available. Standard uses small chips. Venetian uses larger chips. Palladiana uses thin fractured slabs of marble. Rustic has the matrix ground down to expose the chips

Waste from which of the following is classified as grey water? Select the (3) that apply A. Lavatories B. Waterless urinals C. Composting toilets D. Washing machines E. Kitchen sinks F. Showers

Solution: A. Lavatories D. Washing machines F. Showers Black water is anything that involves human waste or food waste

When designing a new building, which of the following actions would most likely help in reducing the effects of a potential blast from an explosion? Choose 3. A. Specify exterior masonry walls B. Specify wood stud wall system C. Specify brick veneer for the exterior cladding material D. Specify a metal stud wall system E. Specify cast-in-place concrete structural system F. Specify a curtain wall system with laminated glass

Solution: Specify a metal stud wall system Specify cast-in-place concrete structural system Specify a curtain wall system with laminated glass Masonry is a brittle material that in the event of an explosion may cause hazardous debris to fly. Timber is light and fragile, therefore should never be used for blast mitigation. Metal wall studs are a much better solution for interior framing. Non-structural elements attached to the building exterior (such as brick veneer) should be avoided at all cost. This limits the risk of flying debris and improves emergency egress ( by making sure that the exits remain clear. If used, non-structural elements should be designed using lightweight materials - such as aluminum, for example. Cast-in-place ductile reinforced concrete has been the preferred material for explosion mitigating construction. Think of military bunkers, for example. Curtain wall systems perform very well, when tested for low levels of explosive loads. They can withstand large deformations without the glass breaking hazardously. Glass should be laminated and typically the structural sealant is applied around the inside perimeter. For more on this subject, we recommend reading this page

An architect is working on a 100,00-square-foot mixed-use office and residential project on a downtown site which has required him to divide the 50,000-square-foot residential portion of the building into 2,000-square foot fire areas to avoid having to install a sprinkler He is reviewing the construction details Is and noticed that no draft stopping has been indicated on the drawings. Which locations should he direct his intern to provide draft stopping? (Pick two) A. Dividing office attic, it into 5,000 SF areas B. Dividing office attic, it into 3,000 SF areas C. In the floors dividing it into 1,000 SF areas D. In the floors dividing it into 3,000 SF areas E. Dividing residential attic, into 5,000 SF areas F. Dividing residential attic, into 3,000 SF areas

Solution: B. Dividing office attic, it into 3,000 SF areas C. In the floors dividing it into 1,000 SF areas Draft stopping is a fire and smoke protection feature that an architect can utilize to prevent the passage of fire and smoke in concealed spaces to avoid having to add a fire sprinkler to a given project. Typically draft stops are installed in attics and concealed roof spaces so that any horizontal area does not exceed 3,000SF and the horizontal floor does not exceed 1,000SF. Since the residential portion has already been broken up into 2000SF fire areas it does not require draft stops

What is the temperature inside this wall at Point A? Round up or down to the nearest whole number. Do not input decimal points or units—just the integer digits. Given: Inside temperature: 69 deg F Outside temperature: 19 deg F Batt insulation: 6 inches thick Stone: 8 inches thick Interior gypsum board R=0.5 Insulation resistivity: r=3 per inch Exterior gypsum board R=0.5 Airspace R=1 Stone resistivity: r=0.08 per inch

Solution: Delta T: 69 - 19 = 50 deg F Insulation R-value: 6 inches * 3/inch = R-18 Stone R-value: 8 inches * 0.08/inch = R-0.64 Insulation inside of Point A 0.5 + 18 + 0.5 = R-19 Insulation outside of Point A 1 + 0.64 = R-1.64 Total insulation 19 + 1.64 = R 20.64 Fraction of thermal insulation outside Point A 1.64/20.64 = 0.08 Therefore, the temperature at Point A, on a number line, will be 8% of the way between 19 deg and 69 deg 0.08 * 50 deg = 4 deg 19 deg + 4 deg = 23 deg

What is the difference between a halogen lamp and an incandescent lamp?

Solution: Incandescent: - Filament that heats up, when it heats up it gives of photons - Not very efficient - Color is more yellow - Cannot burn as hot as halogen or will actually burn out the bulb Halogen: - Type of incandescent - Electrons flow through the filament, the filament heats up and glows - Uses a gas and filament that allows the light to get hotter - Glow at a more cooler/bluer light color - 25-30% more efficient - Produce a lot of heat but also produce a lot of light (more efficient)

A tank is 75' above a fixture. What will the pressure at the fixture be? You may ignore losses from friction for this exercise.

Solution: Pressure = 0.433 x height Height = 2.3 x pressure Pressure = 32.6 PSI

the occupant has no noise concerns and none of the windows are operable. Which of the following heating and cooling options should be chosen? Select 3. A. Chilled-water and boiler-heated four-pipe hydronic system serving a central basement-located air handling unit with variable air volume (VAV) B. Chilled water and boiler-heated four-pipe hydronic system serving fan coil units C. Chilled-beam cooling with boiler-heated two-pipe hydronic radiator heating D. Chilled-water and boiler-heated four-pipe hydronic system serving a rooftop air-handling unit with variable air volume (VAV) E. Chilled-water and boiler-heated four-pipe hydronic system serving a multi-zone air-handling unit F. Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) HVAC

Solution: B. Chilled water and boiler-heated four-pipe hydronic system serving fan coil units C. Chilled-beam cooling with boiler-heated two-pipe hydronic radiator heating F. Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) HVAC Because we cannot bury the ducts in the wall (historic masonry), we cannot hide them in the ceiling (low floor-to-floor heights), and we cannot expose them (preserving the character of the old building) . . . we want to use small pipes instead of unwieldy ducts to bring heat and coolth over long distances to the occupied spaces. The three correct solutions utilize pipes to carry cold water, hot water, or refrigerant to the spaces where fans can blow over local coils, providing a high level of thermal control (and some noise from the in-room fans). The three less-correct answers each use large ducts. A VRF (minisplit) uses refrigerant in an in-room heat exchanger: high-pressure refrigerant for heating and low-pressure refrigerant for cooling. The Consultant shall not replace its identified representative or key personnel without the Architect's approval, which shall not unreasonably be withheld

An architect is working a project that has a simple beam with a concentrated load at the center of the beam. The beam is 40 feet long and the load is 2000lbs. What is the maximum bending moment on that beam? A. 20,000 ft lbs B. 80,000 ft lbs C. 200,000 ft lbs D. 400,000 ft lbs

Solution: A. 20,000 ft lbs Maximum bending moment with a point load: PL/4 20,000 lbs x 40 ft = 80,000/4=20,000

Match the structures described to the damping performances under similar seismic activity The structure that provides the highest damping to received 1 and the structure that provides the lowest damping to receive 3 - 1 (Highest damping) - 2 - 3 (Lowest damping) - A 4 floors residential building - site-cast concrete structure with 14,500 SF per floor area - A 2 floors school building - steel light-frame structure with 18,800 SF per floor area - A 4 floors office building - steel light-frame structure with masonry foundation and 12,600 SF per floor area

Solution: - 1: A 4 floors residential building - site-cast concrete structure with 14,500 SF per floor area - 2: A 2 floors school building - steel light-frame structure with 18,800 SF per floor area - 3: A 4 floors office building - steel light-frame structure with masonry foundation and 12,600 SF per floor area According to FEMA Chapter 4, Section 4.6: " If a structure is made to vibrate, the amplitude of the vibration will decay over time and eventually cease. Damping is a measure of this decay in amplitude, and it is due to internal friction and absorbed energy. The nature of the structure and its connections affects the damping a heavy concrete structure will provide more damping than a light steel frame. Architectural features such as partitions and exterior façade construction contribute to the damping. A damping value of zero might be used in the design of a simple vibrator, such as a flag pole or a water tank supported on a single cantilever column. For typical structures, engineers generally use a value of 5 % critical." Therefore, "A 4 floors residential building - site-cast concrete structure with 14,500 SF per floor area" would have the highest value, and "A 2 floors school building - steel light-frame structure with 18,800 SF per floor area" would have the lowest value

An architect is working on a massive elevator renovation project on a university campus. The project involves retrofitting elevators into a 40' tall Maintenance Building, a 4-story dormitory, and a 12-story Administration Building. The architect needs the lowest first-cost option as he had to transfer budget to mitigate the hydrostatic pressure found in multiple soiI borings on site. Option: - Holed Hydraulic - Machine-room-less traction - Geared traction - Gearless traction

Solution: - 40' maintenance building: machine-room-less traction - 4-story dormitory: machine-room-less traction - 12-story admin building: geared traction If there is hydrostatic pressure present that means that we will not be able to use a holed hydraulic elevator because of the risk that water affects the plunger needed for the car even though the hydraulic is the most cost-effective option of the ones given. - Maintenance: Machine-room-less elevator is both optimal and cost-effective option - Dorm: Machine-room-less elevator is correct because the geared and gearless traction elevators are for taller buildings - Admin Building: Geared traction elevator because it is slightly less than the gearless traction elevator and it allows the elevator equipment to be in the penthouse or machine room *GEARLESS TRACTION ELEVATOR ONLY OPTIMAL FOR HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS AND ARE MORE EFFICIENT, HAVE LONGER LIGE, AND LOWER MAINTENANCE COSTS THAN GEARED TRACTION....BUT VERY EXPENSIVE

The client of a homeopathic nature retreat wants to emulate nature through the usage of colored light. Recognizing this, the architect has to custom spec the color temperatures per light source. What is the correct color temperature for the rooms listed below: - Clear Blue Sky Room - Sunrise Room - Overcast Room - Purity White Room Color temperature options: - 1,000K - 2,000K - 3,800K - 6,500K - 8,000K - 10,000K

Solution: - Clear Blue Sky: 10,000K - Sunrise Room: 2,000K - Overcast Room: 6,500K - Purity White Room: 3,800K Reds: 1500K and up Blues: 2500K and up Clear blue (blue) Sunrise (red) Overcast (grey) White (white) Warm incandescent (2500K) Cooler-white fluorescent (4500K)

An architect is diligently working with her fire suppression consultant verifying that the correct type of sprinkler heads is being used in the correct applications. Which sprinkler heads below match up with extended stay hotel room, mechanical equipment room, hotel ballroom, covered drive-thru - Sidewall sprinkler head with nominal K-factor - Sidewall sprinkler head with high K-factor - Upright sprinkler with high K-factor - Upright sprinkler with nominal K-factor - Quick-response pendant with nominal K-factor

Solution: - Extended stay hotel room: sidewall sprinkler head with nominal K-factor - Mechanical equipment room: upright sprinkler with high K-factor - Hotel ballroom: Quick-response pendant with nominal K-factor - Covered Drive-Thru: upright sprinkler with nominal K-factor K-factor is the rate at which fire sprinkler heads release water, so a higher K-factor would mean that more water would be expelled from the head at a lower pressure - Hotel rooms will typically utilize a side-wall sprinkler head because it requires less of a run and reduces items in the ceiling. Hotels also require nominal water because they are low hazard - Mechanical/equipment rooms have upright sprinkler head with a high k-factor - **sprinkler head coverage: 225sf in low hazard, 130sf in ordinary, and 100sf in high - Ballroom: quick response pendent with low K-factor. Cannot use a side because the room will be too large. Quick response is used in spaces that are highly populated to allow for users more time to exit ○ Since ballrooms are low hazard they can have nominal K-factor - Drive-thru: Since in NY the upright head will protect it from freezing (that is what it is designed for) ○ Side wall and pendant head run the risk of freezing

Match the tilt angles of solar panels given below, to the most appropriate building scenarios. - Collector tilt angle = building latitude - 15° - Collector tilt angle = building latitude add 15° - Collector tilt angle = equals to building latitude - A collector tilt for domestic hot water - A collector tilt for space heating and for the combination space heating and domestic hot water - A collector tilt for heating swimming pools for solar cooling

Solution: - I - Collector Tilt Angle = Minus 15 degrees of building latitude: A collector tilt for heating swimming pools or for solar cooling - II - Collector Tilt Angle = Plus 15 degrees of building latitude: A collector tilt for space heating and for the combination space heating and domestic hot water - III - Collector Tilt Angle = Equals to building latitude: A collector tilt for domestic hot water According to Heating, Cooling, Lighting: Sustainable Design Methods for Architects, Chapter 8, Section 8.22, the perpendicular the panel to the sun's rays, the better for solar panels. In this question since "A collector tilt for space heating and for the combination space heating and domestic hot water" requires most of the sun's energy, a tilt angle of "Plus 15 degrees of building latitude" is the best option. Swimming pool heating requires the least amount of solar power, therefore, "Minus 15 degrees of building latitude" is the best option for this scenario

An architect is working on an industrial campus that includes four (4) buildings: a manufacturing building, and industrial office, a marketing and HR office, and a series of small outbuildings throughout the campus. The manufacturing and industrial office require fluorescent lighting to function. If the voltage on the pole is 4160V pair the appropriate buildings with the required voltage. - Manufacturing building - Industrial office - Marketing & HR Offices - Outbuildings - 120V - 120/208V - 120/240V - 277/480V

Solution: - Manufacturing building: 277/480V - Industrial office: 277/480V - Marketing & HR Offices: 120/208V - Outbuildings: 120V - Industrial Office and Manufacturing Building ○ Need fluorescent lighting throughout, this is critical information because of that requirement, the Industrial Office would then need 277 /480-V power to accommodate those loads - Marketing Office ○ Has equipment, computers, printers, monitors, do not have a high power requirement over something like a clothes dryer, does not need 240V just 208V - New residence ○ Require 120/240-V power because of things like a clothes dryer - Outbuildings ○ Might only have a couple of lights, with a couple of switches, on a couple of circuits- all it would need is a 120-V power supply

A mixed-use building to see what kind of occupancy separations will be needed between the different occupancies. The building is 4 stories tall, 30,000-square-feet, type III-B construction. In the building there is a men's clothing store, a 2,000-SF electric range storage area, adjacent to a 22,000-SF appliance design company, a 740-SF guest conference room, with the remainder of the space being owned by a large engineering firm. - Men's clothing - 2,000SF Electric range store - 740SF Guest Conference Room - Engineering Firm

Solution: - Men's Clothing: M - 2,000SF Electric range: B - 740SF Guest Conference Room: B - Engineering Firm: B 2000 storage is an incidental use since it is 10% of the 22,000SF appliance design company 740SF conference is B because it is under 750 SF, therefore it becomes an accessory to another occupancy Engineering firm is classified as a professional service and therefore would be B occupancy

Purpose of sliptrack or slotted deflection track on the top of the full-height metal stud wall is:

Solution: - Protect the metal stud walls from wind forces - Protect the metal stud walls in an earthquake - To provide room for metal stud expansion and contraction

An architect is trying to locate the main entrance of a CMU building, according to CMU block module, and use either the CMU full block or CMU half block to avoid cutting the CMU blocks. Which of the following dimension fits the CMU block module? Choose 2 18'-4" 19'-4" 20'-0" 20'-4"

Solution: 19'-4" 20'-0" **Odd number in feet must end with 4", even number must end in 0" or 8"

Which of the following statements are true? Choose 2 A dry pipe fire sprinkler system is one in which the pipes are filled with pressurized air, rather than water A dry pipe fire sprinkler system is one in which the pipes are filled with pressurized Halon, rather than water A dry pipe fire sprinkler system is lighter and less expensive to install than a wet-pipe sprinkler system A dry pipe fire sprinkler system will not freeze in unheated spaces A dry pipe fire sprinkler system has fewer valves and fittings to maintain

Solution: A dry pipe fire sprinkler system is one in which the pipes are filled with pressurized air, rather than water A dry pipe fire sprinkler system will not freeze in unheated spaces

The light fixtures for this project come in multiple voltage options. Which of these is most appropriate for this project? A. 120-volt lighting B. 277-volt lighting C. 120-volt lighting for the 2x2 fixtures and 277-volt lighting for the 2x4 fixtures

Solution: A. 120-volt Lighting Skyscraper: 277-volt (cheaper) Everything else: 120-volt (safer) Motors (A/C, Fans, Elevators) House: 240-volt (cheaper) Skyscraper: 480-volt (stronger and smoother-operating) Everything else: 208-volt (smoother-operating) You could search the lighting data reference document for "120" and "277" but you'd find that each fixture is available in each option. . .so that wouldn't be that helpful

The current design suggests a reverberation time of 1.1 seconds for the largest of the three classrooms. The architect would like to reduce that to 0.7 seconds. This can be achieved by _______. Select the 3 best choices. A. Adding sound-absorbing panels to the back wall B. Extending the wall above the ceiling to the structural deck above C. Lowering the room's ceiling D. Mounting the gypsum wall board on resilient channels E. Swapping out for more massive surface materials F. Using higher NRC acoustical ceiling tile

Solution: A. Adding sound-absorbing panels to the back wall C. Lowering the room's ceiling F. Using higher NRC acoustical ceiling tile You obviously don't need to utilize the reference material for this one, which is the case for about 25% of case study questions you'll find on the ARE. Reverberance is the lingering of sound within a space after the sound has abruptly ceased. Racquetball courts and cathedrals have long reverberation times (and it's hard to understand the person speaking), living rooms and classrooms have shorter reverberation times to allow each syllable to die out sufficiently so the next one can be heard. Adding sound-absorbing panels to the back wall: provided the new surfaces are more absorbing than what is currently designed on the back wall—and sound-absorbing panels almost certainly would be more absorbing—applying more sound-absorbent "fuzz" to surfaces brings about lowered reverberation time. Back walls offer an opportunity to add absorption without eliminating the beneficial early reflections from side walls and front walls: those reflections add clarity and loudness to the teacher's voice. Extending the wall above the ceiling to the structural deck above: this helps keep the sound from the adjacent room out but does not help with reverberance. Lowering the room's ceiling: Large rooms sound like large rooms (cathedrals) and small rooms sound like small rooms (your den at home). By reducing the mean free path of sound between surfaces, the sound dies more quickly. I don't recommend reducing the ceiling height, given that the Scenario establishes the ceiling height at only 8.5 ft, but doing so would reduce the reverberance in the room. Mounting the gypsum wall board on resilient channels: this helps keep the sound from the adjacent room out but does not help with reverberance. Swapping out for more massive surface materials: more massive materials, like concrete or stone, generally have lower absorption coefficients and make the room more—not less—reverberant. You knew that intuitively. Using higher NRC acoustical ceiling tile: The noise reduction coefficient (NRC) measures the average absorption coefficient in the middle tones (not too low-pitched, not too high-pitched). NRC offers a single number rating for sound absorptance, with a higher NRC number tile absorbing more sound. Some ceiling tile may absorb almost twice as much sound (have almost double the NRC) than other similar-looking tiles

Which of the following will be required for the kitchen? Select the 3 best answers. A. Air conditioning B. Grease interceptor C. Hotter water than required for residential kitchens D. Minimum of two doors between the dining room and kitchen E. Tile backsplash F. Vent hood

Solution: A. Air conditioning B. Grease interceptor F. Vent hood Grease interceptors limit the amount of kitchen grease that will contaminate the wastewater flowing out of the kitchen so the municipal lines don't clog. Click here for an excellent video. ICC Mechanical Code requires "Type I" commercial vent hoods with built-in makeup air and fire suppression systems. Click here to see an excellent example demonstrating how built-in makeup air works. Residential hot water supplies at 110 degrees, but because commercial kitchens must wash their dishes quickly, code requires hotter water to kill legionnaire's disease. OSHA also requires minimum sized walkways and workspaces. Local codes may further require all kinds of things: e.g. a separate sink for handwashing, a specific temperature of the freezer, or a surface performance of the floor. For a typical commercial kitchen plan, click here

Which of the following metals would be considered non-ferrous? Select any that apply. A. Aluminum B. Brass C. Copper D. Iron E. Steel

Solution: A. Aluminum B. Brass C. Copper Non-ferrous metals do not contain any iron

Which of the following are the federal laws that mandate accessibility to certain historic structures? Choose 3. A. Americans with Disabilities Act B. Fair Housing Act C. Fair Employment & Housing Act D. Unruh Civil Rights Act E. Architectural Barriers Act F. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

Solution: A. Americans with Disabilities Act E. Architectural Barriers Act F. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act Fair Housing Act is the basic federal laws involve housing accessibility issues California laws involve accessibility issues: - Fair Employment & Housing Act - Unruh Civil Rights Act

An architect is designing an apartment building in an arid climate. Which of these wastewater streams can be reused for onsite irrigation? Select the 3 best answers. A. Bathroom sinks B. Dishwashers C. Kitchen sinks D. Showers E. Toilets F. Washing machines

Solution: A. Bathroom sinks D. Showers F. Washing machines Blackwater - Originates from fixtures with food waste or human waste - Requires larger pipes (more solids) - Can't (easily) be used for irrigation for fear of waterborne disease from food waste or human waste Greywater originates from fixtures without food waste or human waste Toilets have human waste Kitchen sinks have food waste Dishwashers are a special exception: even though you might think they include food waste, they are considered greywater in some states (and blackwater in others). . . but their detergents have so much salt, reusing dishwasher water may damage the irrigated vegetation and harm the soil

The energy cost budget method, as defined in ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1, is recommended for which of the following types of buildings? (Choose 4) A. Building that utilizes passive solar heating B. Convenience store operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week C. Office building powered with photovoltaic panels D. Retail store designed as a zero-net energy structure E. Building with no mechanical system F. Two-story apartment building

Solution: A. Building that utilizes passive solar heating B. Convenience store operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week C. Office building powered with photovoltaic panels D. Retail store designed as a zero-net energy structure The building energy cost budget method allows the designer to compare the annual energy costs of the design building to a baseline building. If the design energy costs are less in the design building, the building complies with the standard. This method must be used to obtain LEED credit. This method is used to analyze the mechanical and electrical systems of complex and unique energy designs. This method cannot be used to analyze a building that does not have a mechanical system or a residential building

A government lobbying group dedicated to promoting policies on behalf of allergists would like to create a repeatable prototype and fit out an office building that limits volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the indoor air. The architect first confirms that the space will benefit from sufficient mechanical ventilation. When selecting materials she should be most careful when specifying _______. Select the two best answers. A. Carpets B. Concrete C. Glass D. Metals E. Paints F. Wood species

Solution: A. Carpets E. Paints Stains, paints, carpets, and the formaldehyde glue in engineered wood products (particle board, MDF, etc.) spew volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can irritate eyes, nose, throat, and bring on nausea and breathing difficulties. VOCs can also damage the nervous system and organs. Not sure how to remember what off-gasses? If it's made of plastic, petroleum, or chemicals, or highly processed, it may have high levels of VOCs: foam plastic insulation, flame retardants on fabrics & insulation, and PVC pipe, for example

Fire ratings are fire rated assemblies are useful in which of the following ways? (Select 3) A. Limiting the destruction caused by fire B. Establishing flammability standards C. Informing flame spread rates D. Providing compliance with fire and building codes E. Preventing the spread of smoke between partitions F. Ensuring the assembly maintains structural integrity when exposed to flames

Solution: A. Limiting the destruction caused by fire B. Establishing flammability standards C. Informing flame spread rates The fire rating helps the architect understand how well the assembly will be able to limit the destruction caused by a fire, communicates the flammability of the assembly, and indicates the speed at which an assembly would facilitate the spreading of flames. Not evaluated by a single materials but rather by a completed assembly. Fire-rated assemblies are required to maintain structural integrity to a certain extent. But since fire-rated assemblies are not fire and smoke proof, smoke passage and structural failures are still possible

A client wants to build in a coastal zone with some seismic activity and the geotechnical report of the site indicates a possible liquefaction issue as well. The local zoning code offers some tax-incentives for the new construction in this lot and client's absolutely wants to benefit from that. Which of the following options can mitigate the possible hazard to the building due to liquefaction? Check the three that apply. A. Compacting site B. Excavating, existing liquefiable soil and replacing it with gravels C. Architect should suggest to invest in a new location D. Building wells accompanied by infiltration barriers around the foundation to pump out existing ground water level and to prevent new water infiltration. E. The building heights of the new design should be limited 6 stories and raft foundation should be recommended.

Solution: A. Compacting site B. Excavating, existing liquefiable soil and replacing it with gravels D. Building wells accompanied by infiltration barriers around the foundation to pump out existing ground water level and to prevent new water infiltration. According to Risk Management Series Designing for Earthquakes A Manual for Architects FEMA 454 / December 2006, Chapter 3 and Section: "Mitigation Options for Liquefiable Sites" there are three main strategies to deal with liquefaction: - Compacting site - Excavating, existing liquefiable soil and replacing it with stringer soil types - Building wells accompanied by infiltration barriers around the foundation to pump out existing ground water level and to prevent new water infiltration. Incorrect Answers: - Obviously, telling client to find another site is always the easiest solution however in this scenario, since client wants to benefit from existing tax-incentives offered by local authorities, it is not very desirable for client. - Limiting floor heights or offering stronger foundation types are good solutions for seismic areas however without addressing the ground conditions such as liquefaction, it is still risky to build on this ground

An architect who completed schematic design (SD) needs to create an estimate of the cost of the work. Which of the following should be included in that estimate? Select the 3 best answers. A. Construction labor B. Construction materials C. Construction contingencies D. Contractor profit E. Design fees F. Land acquisition costs

Solution: A. Construction labor B. Construction materials D. Contractor profit Above all, the contractor wishes to keep her costs known. This "budget for the cost of the work" definition at first seems at first like it might be irrelevant semantics, but it's actually somewhat important. The "budget for the cost of the work" must be a well-defined term so that the architect and owner are talking about the same thing when tallying up costs. The owner hires the architect, in part, to keep the cost of construction under budget, so the definition includes everything the architect's design can influence. Design fees are likely already agreed upon when the architect is hired and land is already acquired before the architect is hired. Under this narrative, you might have trouble remembering that contingencies aren't included . . . . but consider that the owner sets aside contingencies for "unknown knowns" like incomplete designs, spikes in materials costs, bad weather, an ancient arrowhead revealed when excavation begins, or a particularly unreasonable building inspector. Owners size contingency as a percentage of construction costs, typically five or ten percent. . . but that number may be higher in the presence of some particular risk (an imminent union strike, a forecasted severe hurricane season). Contingencies should be seen by everyone as insurance against some unforeseen event and not a slush fund to dip into when the design fails to meet budget . . . and that's why it's not included in the "budget for the cost of the work." *Remember that 10% to 15% of the PPD and PDD exam fall into the professional practice content basket

An architect is hired to design a three-story retail space in an active seismic zone. Which one of the design strategies below could be used to resist lateral forces imparted onto the building. Select the 4 best answers. A. Cross bracing B. Moment frame C. Pin-connected steel frame D. Reinforced concrete stairwell E. Shear connection steel frame F. Shear wall

Solution: A. Cross bracing B. Moment frame D. Reinforced concrete stairwell E. Shear wall Shear-connected frames and pin-connected frames—two phrases describing the same thing—don't resist lateral forces. To picture this, imagine a three-dimensional grid of structural elements where every connection is a well-greased hinge. Now imagine that structure in an earthquake! In the image below, the concrete block stair tower tied to the steel frame resists wind and seismic lateral forces for the steel. Were the concrete block unreinforced, it could not serve as the building's shear wall, but abundant grout and rebar inside the block renders this tower stiff. The steel connections—or at least most of them—can then be hinges (pin/shear connections) and the building will not collapse when introduced to lateral forces

An architect, designing a small, low-energy, house with passive thermal systems in a mixed-humid climate, would like to select appropriate passive heating and cooling strategies. Which of the following should he prioritize? Select the 3 best answers. A. Cross ventilation B. Evaporative cooling C. Passive solar heating D. Stack ventilation E. Thermal mass F. Thermal mass with nighttime ventilation

Solution: A. Cross ventilation C. Passive solar heating D. Stack ventilation Mixed humid climates have cold winters and warm-humid summers. If you live east of Westminster, Colorado, north of South Carolina, and south of North Dakota, you likely live in such a climate (click here). Because of the cold winters, we'd like to promote wintertime sunshine (south-facing windows) for passive solar heat. Because of the warm-humid summers, we'd like to promote air movement to cool our skin with evaporation (large windows one-room-deep for cross ventilation, and ways for rising hot air to escape high in the room for stack ventilation). Thermal mass and evaporative cooling are used to cool people in hot-dry and mixed-dry climates. In humid climates the nights don't get cold enough to properly cool thermal mass, and the air is too saturated already to benefit from the introduction of more water

Which of the following are correct? Choose 2. A. Detention ponds are also "dry ponds" B. Retention ponds are also "dry ponds" C. Detention ponds are used to hold stormwater for a short period of time D. Retention ponds are used to hold stormwater for a short period of time

Solution: A. Detention ponds are also "dry ponds C. Detention ponds are used to hold stormwater for a short period of time Retention ponds are artificial lakes with vegetation around the perimeter

Which of the following is appropriate for extinguishing a fire in a cell phone equipment room? Choose 2 A. Dry ice B. Water C. Dry chemical D. A combination of water, carbon dioxide, and dry chemicals

Solution: A. Dry ice C. Dry chemical No water can be used

In design development, what factors are necessary to appropriately plan for the mechanical systems? (select 4) A. Load estimate B. Equipment sizing C. Equipment footprint D. Power requirements E. Space allocation F. Location of power supply

Solution: A. Load estimate B. Equipment sizing C. Equipment footprint E. Space allocation

According to the IRC, a permit is not required for the construction of a one-story detached accessory structure when it has a maximum floor area of how many square feet? A. 200 B. 150 C. 100 D. 300

Solution: A. 200 According to the IRC, a permit is not required for the construction of a one-story detached accessory structure when it has a maximum floor area of 200 s.f

Criteria that should be kept in mind when determining the location and design of the mechanical rooms? (Choose 3) A. Each mechanical room should have at least one exterior wall B. The boiler room should be adjacent to the chilled water plant C. Rooms should be as square as possible D. Ceilings in both rooms should be at least 12' high E. Mechanical rooms must be placed on the ground floor F. The mechanical rooms should be equal in size

Solution: A. Each mechanical room should have at least one exterior wall B. The boiler room should be adjacent to the chilled water plant D. Ceilings in both rooms should be at least 12' high Boiler rooms and chilled water plants should be located adjacent to one another when possible and sometimes they are in the same room It is imperative that the mechanical rooms each have at least one exterior wall to permit access to fuel tanks and allow for ventilation Recommended ceiling heights vary depending on the type of equipment chosen, but generally 12' is the minimum Rooms should be long and narrow rather than square and sized to best accommodate the equipment Often most economical to locate mechanical rooms on the ground floor but it is not required Should be located where noise will not disrupt critical tasks and soundproofing techniques should be integrated into the room when next to occupied spaces

Asbestos is found in a building that will undergo a major renovation. What should be done to address it? Select the best 3 answers. A. Encapsulation B. Enclosure C. Increased ventilation D. Redirection E. Removal F. Vacuum system

Solution: A. Encapsulation B. Enclosure E. Removal The bad news: asbestos is ridiculously carcinogenic and common in insulations, caulks, flooring, ceiling tiles, and all manner of building materials fabricated between the 1910s and the 1980s. Engineers coveted it for its fire resistance, but scientists first discovered the dangers in 1899 and industry/government were widely aware of the problems in 1918! So many unnecessary deaths, especially among workers in factories that assembled goods with asbestos. The good news: Asbestos that isn't "friable" (damaged or disturbed) may not be of concern and can often simply be left alone (and, of course, watched for deterioration). If it's in bad condition, it may pose a health threat. We can (in order of increasing cost): 1. Encapsulate it: treat it with a sealant that binds the asbestos fibers together and coats it so that fibers stay in place and don't become airborne. Click here. 2. Enclose it: cover it with a protective wrap or jacket. Click here. 3. Remove it: may be required in major renovations (expensive)

In case of a fire, which of these can be activated by building occupants? (Choose 3) A. Fire extinguishers B. Dry standpipes C. Wet standpipes D. Fusible links E. Annunciators F. Two-way communication devices

Solution: A. Fire extinguishers C. Wet standpipes F. Two-way communication devices Fire extinguishers: located max every 75' or as required by local building codes Wet standpipes: Vertical pipes attached to hoses on each floor. The occupants can access the hose and release the water as necessary Two-way communication devices: Installed for business occupants' use so that those who are having difficulty evacuating the building may call for help Dry standpipes: must be connected to a pumper truck in order to be filled with water. Designed to be used by the fire department to distribute water throughout a building Fusible links: A sensor in a sprinkler head and is not activated by building occupants but rather by a rise in ambient temperature indicating the presence of fire. Annunciators: Used to give instructions to building occupants. Typically used by firefighters or other authorized to assist with evacuation efforts

A local metal fabrication shop is looking to expand their warehouse in Raleigh, North Carolina. The client wants to showcase their metal fabrication abilities through the cladding of their new addition. Knowing this, what pairs of metals should the architect avoid putting into contact with one another? (Pick three) A. Galvanized steel & titanium B. Aluminum & 316 stainless steel C. Tin & Nickel-copper alloy D. Aluminum bronze & tin E. Aluminum bronze & copper F. 416 Stainless steel & Nickel-silver

Solution: A. Galvanized steel & titanium B. Aluminum & 316 stainless steel C. Tin & Nickel-copper alloy For this question, the premise centers around the concept of "galvanic action" a process where two metals interact with each other where the anode gives electrons to the cathode that receives them. The anode will corrode faster than the cathode because the anode is "giving" away the electrons, so it stands to reason that it would deteriorate faster than it would if it was receiving electrons. This process can be exacerbated in humid and salty conditions in climate areas like the one given in the question, Raleigh, North Carolina. That really does not factor in to which answers are correct and which are incorrect, but it would be something to keep in the back of your thought process. Two anodes can be paired together, and two cathodes can be paired together, but if one anode and one cathode are paired it would lead to corrosion. - Answer B is a correct answer with Aluminum being paired with 316 stainless steel would lead to corrosion - Aluminum could be paired with tin or copper and bronze and there would be little to no corrosion Page 687 of Fundamentals of Building Construction to learn which metals are more anodic and which are more cathodic as these pairs are to be avoided in contact with each other

Which of the following earthquake effects or damages are covered by the building code? (Choose 3) A. Ground shaking B. Landslides C. Avalanches D. Horizontal movement E. Soil liquefaction F. Vibration effects

Solution: A. Ground shaking D. Horizontal movement F. Vibration effects

Which of the following are refrigerants whose production is currently banned throughout the US? Choose 2 A. Halons B. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) C. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) D. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) E. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) F. Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs)

Solution: A. Halons B. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) Halon was banned in 1994 CFC was banned in 1995 HCFC was banned in a few states in 2020 (but not everywhere) HFO are a refrigerant with zero ozone depletion potential and low global warming potential VOCs are NOT a refrigerant

An architect is putting together a finish plan for a wood-working and paper plant factory. Due to the nature of the wood-working projects and the exposed ductwork and utility piping below the ceiling, the owner has requested that illuminance levels be greater than 60%. Which colors should the architect indicate on the drawings? (Pick three) A. Matte warm grey B. Glossy white C. Matte tan D. Matte charcoal grey E. Flat black F. Matte eggshell

Solution: A. Matte warm grey C. Matte tan F. Matte eggshell For industrial buildings, matte, light, unsaturated colors are the most optimal for industrial buildings. White, on the other hand, is to be avoided for two reasons- first it will show dirt, especially a building like the one depicted in the question, but it also is too bright and could create reflections and glare that could impede operation of what is going on below. For that reason, "glossy white" is an incorrect answer. Choosing black or dark grey (Answers D and E) are also incorrect because they would not achieve a 60% illuminance level with the light returned to the ceiling. The use of dark ceilings is for places like bars and restaurants where desired light levels are lower

The approach to town planning known as "new urbanism" advocates which of the following design strategies? (Choose 4) A. Narrow streets and frequent intersections B. Mixed-use occupancies, such as apartments over retail shops C. Large parking lots D. Front porches on houses E. Parallel parking F. Large parks to serve a district

Solution: A. Narrow streets and frequent intersections B. Mixed-use occupancies, such as apartments over retail shops D. Front porches on houses E. Parallel parking

For light to medium loaded and short span structures, which of the site-cast concrete framing systems below should be selected? Check the two that apply. A. One-Way Solid Slab B. Waffle Slab C. One-Way Beam and Slab D. Two-Way Flat Plate E. Two-Way Flat Slab

Solution: A. One-Way Solid Slab D. Two-Way Flat Plate For short spanning and lightly loaded conditions following two options are more likely to be selected. - One-Way Solid Slab - One way slab systems can span 10 to 20 feet and good for light to medium loads - Two-Way Flat Plate - Two way slabs can span up to 30 - 40 feet and good for light to medium loads Incorrect Answers: - Two-Way Flat Slab can span up to 30 - 40 feet and good for medium to heavy loads. It should be noted that, The Architect's Studio Companion: Rules of Thumb for Preliminary Design, page 187 , lists Two-Way Flat Slab as a suitable option for lightly loaded, short spanning conditions as well. However since it can carry significantly more loads than given correct options, we left this option out. Question says pick 2, other two options are better choices. - Waffle slab and any beam & slab (one way or two way) are great at carrying heavy loads and can span long distances

Which site-cast concrete system is most economical and appropriate for a long, narrow, industrial building with large open wall-less interior spaces, heavy gravity loads, and small lateral seismic and wind loads? Floor-to-floor heights are not a concern. A. One-way solid slab with beams and girders B. Two-way flat plate C. Waffle slab

Solution: A. One-way solid slab with beams and girders You will likely see at least one "select the type" question, and often several, on the topic of site-cast concrete structural floor systems. These are difficult because the names don't always clearly differentiate the variations between the floor types. I myself have to look up the difference between a one-way joist system and a one-way solid slab with beams system to remind myself which is which. . . or the difference between a two-way flat slab and a two-way flat plate. Further, the Venn use-case diagram for most of these considerably overlaps the use-case diagram for at least one other type. You'll want to cram these phrases into your head the night before the PPD exam. The good news: the exam test item will include multiple clues and the wrong choices will have no overlap with the correct answer choice. In this case, the fact that the building is long and narrow suggests a one-way system (one way systems work when there is one short dimension to span and can go unlimited lengths in the long dimension). Waffle slabs are two-way systems and expensive (lots of formwork). Flat plates are two-way systems and don't support much load. I've bolded the flavors that are easiest to write a test question for, and therefore most likely to show up as the correct answer on an exam. . . One-way solid slab with bearing walls. Pros: least expensive, cons: can't span far, can't handle much load, uses: apartments/hotels containing small uniformly arranged rooms with many bearing wall opportunities and light residential loading. Click here. One-way solid slab with beams. Pros: longer spans, and higher loads, cons: more expensive, increased floor-to-floor height requirement, beams interrupt duct runs, uses: heavily-loaded industrial buildings with large open-plan wall-less rooms. Click here. One-way solid slab with beams and girders. Higher-still loads, spans, floor-to-floor height requirements, and expense Click here. In the image below, note the depth of the ceiling cavity required for structure and ductwork (ductwork can't generally move through concrete structure). One-way solid slab with slab bands. The one time in architecture where the beams are turned sideways! You'll want to look at this one (click here) because it appearance isn't obvious by its name. Like the previous two flavors, slab bands support high loads but unlike those, they do so with less floor-to-floor height requirement and less formwork, and may even require less concrete (because the slab needn't span as far between beams). One-way concrete joist system. Like one-way beams conceptually, but here we use many smaller joists instead of a few medium-sized beams. Again, you'll want to see what these look like so click here. And again, these support heavy loads. This system reuses metal pans for formwork (click here). As an alternative in medium-loading applications, we can skip every-other joist (click here, called a skip-joist system). While these are similar to the others structurally, we build them inside-out: instead of using custom formwork to bump down horizontal structural elements, we use off-the-shelf formwork that comes in standard sizes to carve out—to subtract—the slab-only spaces between horizontal joist elements. Two-way flat plate system. This is what you thought a concrete floor system looked like in your second-year architecture school studio class: just columns supporting a floor-ceiling concrete plane. Pros: inexpensive (no extra beam formwork), low floor-to-floor height requirements, and flexible for design because columns can be moved a bit one way or the other so they don't land in the middle of a corridor, cons: can't handle high loads and not great with seismic lateral loads because the connection between the column and floor is so flimsy, uses: VERY popular for apartments and hotels. Click here. Two-way flat slab system. a slightly more complicated, slightly more expensive, and much-better-at-resisting-lateral-forces version of the flat plate system with a beefier connection where the column meets the slab. Click here. Two-way slab and beam system. Exactly what you think it is (click here). Heavy loads, used with a square column grid, high floor-to-floor height required, expensive because of extra formwork. Waffle slab. Like Trombe walls, these are dinosaurs from the 1960s that were never that common, benefit from memorable names, and live on in our books (and therefore our licensing exams). Expensive, lots of re-usable off-the-shelf, subtractive, metal-pan formwork and capable of carrying large loads. If you've designed a new building with one of these, let me know at [email protected]. Many of us find their ceiling pattern beautiful. Click here. Click here to see how these are constructed (with fun music). Below is a contemporary version of the waffle slab for the age of digital customization. Remember more formwork creates more beams to carry heavy loads and offer long uninterrupted spans. . . but is more expensive to build. As with all concrete construction, the cost can be reduced by reusing formwork so designing regular, repeatable shapes costs less

Name 2 of the actions that would benefit passive solar heating. A. Orient the long section of the building in the East-West direction, 15° off true south. B. Orient the short section of the building in the East-West direction, 15° off true south. C. Plant deciduous trees west of the building. D. Minimize thermal mass. E. Maximize thermal mass. F. Use light colors.

Solution: A. Orient the long section of the building in the East-West direction, 15° off true south E. Maximize thermal mass. The long section oriented in the E-W direction takes advantage of the natural path of the sun. Deciduous trees are only beneficial south of the building as they provide shade in the summer but allow the light through in the winter

Match the HVAC system components represented with letters in the section diagram above to the options given below. - Boiler - Chiller - Cooling Coils - Mixing Box - Pre-heater - Reheat Box - Return Duct - Supply Duct - Thermostat

Solution: A. Preheat B. Cooling coils C. Chiller D. Boiler E. Supply duct F. Return duct G. Reheat box H. Thermostat The diagram in the question represents: Single‐zone terminal reheat system. In this system, the reheat coils controlled by thermostat reheats the air to the desired temperature. Every zone has a reheat box as shown. This system once was one of the popular HVAC system because you can add as many zones as you want with a single duct system and some zones can be cooled while others being heated. But recently terminal reheat all‐air system lost its popularity due to being extremely wasteful. How to decide if the "G" in the diagram above is the Reheat Box or the VAV box? The component represented in letter "G" in the given section diagram above is the reheat box because boilers are directly connected to the heating coil inside it. In VAV systems, similar to cooling coils before the fan, there is a "Reheater" with heating coils connected from the boiler. Both hot and cold air is blown in the single duct before the fan pumps them to the VAV box, where it is decided to send how much cold or hot air, depending on the thermostat setting. Therefore in a VAV system, either the whole building is heated or cooled, different zones cannot be heated or cooled at the same time. Side Note: Terminal Reheat Systems are commonly referred as "all-air" systems, especially when AHU provides hot air to reheat the air before it is delivered into the room, however, sometimes hot water, steam or electrical resistance can be used in the reheat box to reheat the air which makes the system technically an air/water or electric/air system. But in the exam, they are mostly referred as all air systems

Which of the following are tenets of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)? (Choose 4) A. Provide clear transitions between public and private spaces B. Provide windows for tenant surveillance C. Make a clear distinction between public and semi-public spaces D. Place activity in a safe location E. Encourage the use of keypad locks F. Locate stairway near heavily used areas

Solution: A. Provide clear transitions between public and private spaces B. Provide windows for tenant surveillance C. Make a clear distinction between public and semi-public spaces F. Locate stairway near heavily used areas

You are finalizing the Electrical Plan for a project. What is the typical voltage that gets supplied to a typical residence in the United States? A. 240 V B. 120 V C. 208 V D. 110 V

Solution: A. 240 V The power that gets supplied to a typical residence is 240 V and is most commonly supplied with 3 wires: 2 "hots" at 120V and 1 neutral

Select all acoustical strategies below that are effective in reducing echoing, especially for front row seaters, in large lecture halls. Check the three that apply. A. Provide deep, sound-absorbing glass-fiber blanket insulation supported by furring on the rear wall of the lecture hall B. Reduce the front portion of the ceiling height that is above the speaker (or the stage) to create a useful reflection surface C. Splay the rear wall to redirect the echoing sound to more absorbent surfaces such as carpe flooring D. Provide a uniform ceiling height through out to space, from stage to rear end of the room. E. Create concave ceilings for large lecture halls to prevent echoing F. Create a concave rear wall to absorbs echoing sounds

Solution: A. Provide deep, sound-absorbing glass-fiber blanket insulation supported by furring on the rear wall of the lecture hall B. Reduce the front portion of the ceiling height that is above the speaker (or the stage) to create a useful reflection surface C. Splay the rear wall to redirect the echoing sound to more absorbent surfaces such as carpe flooring According to Architectural Acoustics M. David Egan J. Ross Publishing, 2007, Chapter 3: Room Acoustics, Reprint. Original publication McGraw Hill, 1988 to prevent echoing issue in medium to larger halls (lecture halls, auditoriums, etc): - Provide deep, sound-absorbing glass-fiber blanket insulation supported by furring on the rear wall of the lecture hall - Reduce the front portion of the ceiling height that is above the speaker (or the stage) to create a useful reflection surface - Splay the rear wall to redirect the echoing sound to more absorbent surfaces such as carpet flooring Uniform ceilings, concave ceilings and concave rear walls are not recommended at all, since they would make echoing issue even worse

Which of the following strategies can be used to reduce the mechanical system noise in buildings? Check the three that apply. A. Rigidly couple the vibrating machines to a larger mass B. Put vibrating units on rubber springs and make the entire system sit on a floating floor. C. 90-degree duct bends in long-running ducts to achieve maximum fan noise reduction. D. Use rigid joints in all pipes and ducts to all vibrating machines to increase the damping. E. Prefer throttling dampers for ceiling diffusers. F. Caulk or seal around ducts at all points of penetration through partitions.

Solution: A. Rigidly couple the vibrating machines to a larger mass B. Put vibrating units on rubber springs and make the entire system sit on a floating floor. F. Caulk or seal around ducts at all points of penetration through partitions. There are three main strategies to reduce mechanical system noise in buildings: 1. Reducing the vibration of the source: Isolation or damping are the two main solutions to reduce the vibration at the source. Option 1 is an example of damping, and Option 2 is an example of isolation. Option 5 is incorrect because, for pipes and ducts, flexible joints would provide better isolation than rigid joints. 2. Reducing the airborne noise by decoupling the vibration from efficient radiating sources. Smooth and larger angled bends are preferred in long-running ducts to prevent turbulence noise. It is correct that sometimes, especially in a very short duct run, a 90-degree bend is also intentionally inserted to reduce the fan noise, however, option 3 recommends it for a long duct run which creates the turbulence noise issue, hence incorrect. Lining ductwork with fibrous material is also a good solution to reduce airborne noise. Option 4 is incorrect because throttling dampers regulate the airflow by creating partial closures, which generate more noise. 3. Decoupling the source from the structure

Which 4 of the below items are land restrictions imposed by local jurisdictions through the zoning ordinance? A. Setbacks B. Covenants C. Building height & area D. Accessibility E. Parking F. FAR G. Easement

Solution: A. Setbacks C. Building height & area E. Parking F. FAR Setbacks, Building height & area, Parking, and FAR are all regulated within zoning ordinances. Accessibility is a life/safety concern that is addressed within ADA standards. Covenants & easements are ordinance related but are specific to each site and typically not regulated within the zoning ordinance

Select the disadvantages of Incandescent Lamps. Check the three that apply. A. High lamp and installation cost B. Short lamp life C. Low efficacy D. Critical voltage sensitivity E. Worst light to render skin tones

Solution: A. Short lamp life B. Low efficacy D. Critical voltage sensitivity Incandescent lamps belong to tungsten /filament lights and commonly used in desk lamps, table lamps, hallway lighting, closets, accent lighting, and chandeliers. They provide good color rendering, best for rendering skin tones, and they are very cheap. They don't require ballast. However they have some disadvantages. First of all they are not very energy efficient and their use is limited or even banned in some countries. Also, they have low efficacy, short lamp life and critical voltage sensitivity

Which of the following structures below is subject to lateral forces being induced on them, on regular basis, due to their function? Check the two that apply. Two story residential building A. Strip mall B. Dam C. Bridge D. Carport

Solution: B. Dams C. Bridges. The weight of a building acts down on a building and is called gravitational loads. Typically the live loads on building like equipment and people are gravitational loads. However for a bridge, the live loads, vehicles on the bridge, move horizontally on the bridge which adds lateral stress on the structure, on a daily basis. The loads that are acting on a building on horizontal (lateral) level such as wind or earthquake are called lateral loads. Dams are under constant pressure of water that they are holding which creates lateral stress on the structure on a regular basis and it is caused by the function of the structure

Which of the below methods are passive cooling strategies? Check any that apply. A. Strategically placed windows to promote airflow through a space B. Seal all air leaks and use an EnergyStar HVAC system C. Allow hot air to rise up and pull in cold air from below D. Incorporate louvers and overhangs on windows to block direct sunlight E. Place deciduous trees on the north side of the building

Solution: A. Strategically placed windows to promote airflow through a space C. Allow hot air to rise up and pull in cold air from below D. Incorporate louvers and overhangs on windows to block direct sunlight Strategically placed windows to promote airflow through a space. Air movement can help replace hot air that builds up in a building. Additionally, the movement of air over occupants who are sweating will cool them through the evaporative process. Allow hot air to rise up and pull in cold air from below. This is called the "stack effect" and it is an effective strategy to keep hot air up and away from occupants and move cold air into and through a building. Incorporate louvers and overhangs on windows to block direct sunlight. Blocking direct sunlight entering the building will reduce the amount of heat that gets into the building. Using an HVAC system is an active solution, not a passive one. Deciduous trees on the north side of a building have an insignificant effect on the building's temperature. If placed on the south side, deciduous trees would shade the building from the summer sun and help keep it cool

There can be considerable variation in natural brick colors. This variation is caused by which of the following? Choose 2. A. The clays from which the bricks are made B. The length of time they are stored C. Pigmented admixtures used D. Temperatures at which they are fired E. The surface on which they are stored

Solution: A. The clays from which the bricks are made D. Temperatures at which they are fired

An interior floor inclines at a slope of 1:30 to connect a reception area with the entrance to an outdoor courtyard. Which of the following restrictions limits the floor incline? A. The floor must have an ADA-compliant railing and is limited to 30 inches of rise before a landing must be incorporated into the path B. The floor must have an ADA-compliant railing but needn't include a landing, regardless of the slope's length C. The floor needn't have an ADA-compliant railing but is limited to 30 inches of rise before a landing must be incorporated into the path D. The floor needn't have an ADA-compliant railing nor does it need a landing, regardless of the slope's length.

Solution: A. The floor needn't have an ADA-compliant railing nor does it need a landing, regardless of the slope's length. Ramps with slopes shallower than 1:20 don't require a landing or railings and have unlimited length

Which of the following statements regarding conduit and other pipes embedded in concrete slabs are true. (Choose 4) A. The minimum concrete cover over conduit and other pipes should be at least 3/4" B. Conduit should always be placed in the lower half of the structural slab C. Aluminum conduit may be used instead of steel conduit when it is fully embedded within a concrete slab D. The outside diameter of the conduit should be no larger than 1/3 of the thickness of the slab E. Pipes carrying fluids or gases must be pressure tested prior to concrete placement F. Plastic pipe cannot be used in concrete slabs

Solution: A. The minimum concrete cover over conduit and other pipes should be at least 3/4" B. Conduit should always be placed in the lower half of the structural slab D. The outside diameter of the conduit should be no larger than 1/3 of the thickness of the slab E. Pipes carrying fluids or gases must be pressure tested prior to concrete placement Aluminum conduit should not be used in concrete slabs because it tends to cause spalling and cracking if it reacts with ingredients in the concrete admixture. Plastic pipes can be used instead of steel in concrete slabs if properly installed Many of the rules for placing conduit in concrete slabs are similar to those for reinforcing bars: - Conduit always should be place in part of the slab that is in tension - Cover conduit with at least 3/4" of concrete (even thicker when where heavy loads are applied) - Outside diameter of the conduit should be no greater than 1/3 of the slab thickness - Allow an adequate amount of space between parallel runs of conduit (3x the outside diameter of largest tube) - Pipes carrying fluids and gasses must be pressure tested prior to the placement of the concrete

An architect is designing an 11-story multifamily residential project with minimal floor loads. The owner would like to maintain low construction costs and minimize floor-to-floor heights. The locale includes no extreme seismic concerns. The architect should design _______. A. A two-way flat plate B. A waffle slab C. Distribution ribs D. Drop panels

Solution: A. Two-way flat plate The clearest extreme answer is a two-way flat plate system, so it will often be the correct answer. Two-way flat plates are unequivocally the thinnest. Because they have no beams protruding down, they clearly have the least amount of formwork (less costly), they clearly have the fewest obstructions to ducts and other in-ceiling services (lowest floor-to-floor dimension). And because they have no beams, they can't support heavy loads and are typically limited to multistory multi-family, hospitals, hotels, or other lightly-loaded floors. One way systems work in square or rectangular floor plans. Two way systems work best in square floor plans (or column grids spaced equally in both directions). When beams are incorporated into the slab, the spanning, loading, and shear-resisting capacities obviously increase. When drop panels or mushroom columns are incorporated into the slab at the columns, the shear-resisting capacities increase (wind, seismic). There's expensive formwork for these column-to-slab transitions, but if there are no beams, the floor-to-floor distance can be minimized. Wide module slabs work best when the code requires a thicker slab anyway. Waffle slabs are expensive. Concrete floor slabs, generally, hold an outsized footprint on a construction budget, and formwork holds an outsized footprint on the cost of floor slabs that must be poured in the air. It wouldn't be uncommon for the cost of the formwork to be larger than the cost of the rest of the slab construction, combined, so small savings in formwork leverages large savings overall

Select the 4 basic types of Active Solar Systems. A. Geothermal Heating B. Electric Generation C. Heating Towers D. Space Cooling E. Space Heating F. Water Heating

Solution: B. Electric Generation D. Space Cooling E. Space Heating F. Water Heating Active Solar systems are typically used to do the following four things: Domestic Hot Water heating, Building or space heating, (less commonly) Building or space cooling, and most common Electric Generation

Refer to the figure below. You need to estimate the cost of a steel structure to compare to concrete so that you can decide on the most economical option for construction. Assume for estimating purposes that steel is $2.50 a pound. How much will each W14 x 370 @ 30' cost? A. $27,750 B. $2,775 C. $45,560 D. $12,775

Solution: A. 27,750 Weight of the beam is 370 lbs/ft x 30' = 11,100 lbs x $2.50/lb = $27,750

A client has requested that the height of their building be reduced without reducing the height of the floor-to-ceiling space, which of the following design considerations should the architect suggest? (Choose 3) A. Using a closed-loop heat pump system B. Use a site-cast post-tensioned one-way concrete floor slab C. Suggest going with smaller floor joists more closely spaced together D. Use an all-air variable-air-volume HVAC system E. Specify a precast hollow-core plank for the floor decks F. Specify a composite deck on steel beams

Solution: A. Using a closed-loop heat pump system B. Use a site-cast post-tensioned one-way concrete floor slab E. Specify a precast hollow-core plank for the floor decks - Closed-loop heat pump system does not require duct work to heat and cool spaces therefore allowing more room - Using a concrete structure will allow for the thinnest floor assembly (than traditional wood-truss or open-web joist assemblies ○ Not all concrete (T-shape for example is more space) - By making joists smaller you are only saving a few inches (whereas going to concrete could save feet) - All-air system has ductwork which takes up A LOT of space

An architect is working with a high-rise developer who has building users complaining of excessive heat in the building's entry courtyard. If the architect is looking to mitigate this build-up of heat, which materials should she choose? (Pick three) A. White-painted asphalt B. Dark-green astro-turt C. Concrete D. Asphalt E. Walnut pavers F. Concrete Masonry Units (CMU)

Solution: A. White-painted asphalt C. Concrete F. Concrete Masonry Units (CMU) To mitigate heat island effect we are looking for materials that have a high albedo, which is the fraction of radiant energy received on a surface that is reflected back into the atmosphere and thus, not absorbed into the material. - Materials with a high albedo are those that have lighter colors or maximum reflectance like a mirror. ○ Albedo is measured between zero and 1, with zero being a flat black surface and 1 being a mirror. We are looking for the three answers that have the lightest colors, not ones that would act like a thermal mass. - White-painted asphalt - Concrete - Concrete masonry unit. The other three answers, dark green turf, (black) asphalt, and the (dark-brown) walnut pavers would all have lower albedo and not help to mitigate heat island effect

Which of the following statements are not true? Choose 2 All accessible counters have no have knee space below the counters Accessible counters for workstations have to have knee space below the counters Some accessible counters have to have knee space below the counters Accessible transaction counters have to have knee space below the counters on the customer side

Solution: All accessible counters have no have knee space below the counters Accessible transaction counters have to have knee space below the counters on the customer side Not all accessible counters have to have knee space below the counters. Accessible counters for transaction stations do not need to have knee space below the counters on the customer side

An architect is designing an indoor minigolf facility and the site's geotechnical report suggests that the soil was not competent. Which of the following could be used to strengthen the load-bearing-capacity of the soil so that it can better support the building's foundation? Select 3 A. Add peat to the soil B. Aggregate piers C. Compact the topsoil beneath the foundation D. Geotextiles E. Salt the soil F. Soil mixing

Solution: B. Aggregate piers D. Geotextiles F. Soil mixing Peat and topsoil are organic and therefore aren't stable enough to hold a building

Which of the following is not true about insulation? Choose 2 A. Batt insulation can be attached to the bottom of the roof deck B. Batt insulation can be installed under the concrete slab C. Rigid insulation can be installed under the concrete slab D. Rigid insulation is typically attached to the bottom of the roof deck

Solution: B. Batt insulation can be installed under the concrete slab D. Rigid insulation is typically attached to the bottom of the roof deck Batt insulation CANNOT be installed under the concrete slab. It can be installed under the roof deck or right above the suspended ceiling Rigid insulation is typically installed ABOVE of the roof deck

Select the daylight design strategies that provide the most equally distributed daylight in space. Check the two that apply. A. Unilateral lighting B. Bilateral lighting C. Place windows low on walls D. Place windows high on walls

Solution: B. Bilateral lighting D. Place windows high on walls - Providing windows on both walls of a space, also known as bilateral lighting, generally results in the most equally distributed daylighting in spaces - On the other hand, unilateral lighting (windows on only one wall) cannot compare to bilateral lighting. - Placing windows on higher elevations on walls rather than on lower elevations provides a better distribution of daylight in space because light can travel farther in space. I highly recommend reading Mechanical & Electrical Equipment for Buildings - Part II, Chapter 8, Walter T. Grondzik and Alison G. Kwok John Wiley & Sons, 12th edition, 2015 and Heating, Cooling, Lighting: Sustainable Design Methods for Architects, Chapter 13 Norbert Lechner John Wiley & Sons, 4th edition, 2015 for more information regarding daylighting strategies in space.

An architect is designing an detailing an exterior cladding system. Which of the following outline the primary constraints and issues the architect should consider? Choose 3 A. Zoning classifications B. Building code C. State energy code D. ASTM standards E. Local fire department F. City planning board

Solution: B. Building code C. State energy code F. City planning board The design of an exterior cladding system requires the architect to consider to consider a variety of constraints and issues: - Building code: requirements for insulation, fire resistance, air barriers, structural attachment, durability, and tolerances - State energy code: May place additional requirements on elements such as insulation - City planning board: May have specific requirements for the appearance and detailing of cladding *ASTM standards and local fire department, while important, will also be addressed in the building code or state energy code

You are wrapping up the CDs for a concrete project that is ready for construction. The Contractor is working out their schedule and planning for after the first pour. What is the normal 28-day compressive strength of commercial-ready mix concrete? A. 3-4,000 psi B. 10-12,000 psi C. 5-6,000 psi D. 15-20,000 psi

Solution: A. 3-4,000 psi The normal 28-day compressive strength of commercial-ready mix concrete is 3-4,000 psi

Which of the following is most appropriate for use in an earthquake-prone area? Select the best 2 answers. A. Concrete tile roof B. Gypsum wall board partitions in an exit way C. Large roof overhangs D. Lightweight cold-rolled steel stud structure E. Masonry veneer exterior wall F. Unreinforced concrete block office partitions

Solution: B. Gypsum wall board partitions in an exit way D. Lightweight cold-rolled steel stud structure We don't want heavy, brittle budling members, irregular building shapes, or long cantilevers that can collapse and hurt occupants in an earthquake: concrete tile roofs, masonry cladding, large roof overhangs For that reason, we want to avoid unreinforced concrete block, even if it serves as a non-load-bearing partition. (concrete block reinforced with rebar and grout performs well, click <<here>> to see that). Instead, we want to approach design with a "bend but don't break" outlook. . . lightweight, ductile building materials and simple building forms: gypsum board partitions, ductile steel connections, wood frames, EIFS stucco-over-insulation-board, lightweight asphalt shingles, and lightweight flexible steel structures like the one below. See the table at the very end of the FEMA 454 document (click <<here>>). That table's contents can also be found in PPD flashcards 159 through 163). *If you haven't gone through the flash cards for PPD, PDD, and PA yet, DO THAT BEFORE THE EXAM. The flash cards are NOT review of the videos. . . they generally offer new and IMPORTANT content you'll need to know for the exam. I cannot over-stress the importance of the flash cards

An architect has been hired to design a large university lecture hall. To prevent an echo in the room, he specifies ______. A. High impact insulation class (IIC) ceiling B. High noise reduction coefficient (NRC) back wall C. High sound transmission class (STC) side walls D. Highly sound-diffuse front wall (behind the lecturer)

Solution: B. High noise reduction coefficient (NRC) back wall High impact insulation class (IIC) ceiling: This is for multifamily housing floor-ceiling assemblies so you don't hear footfall from the neighbors walking upstairs. High noise reduction coefficient (NRC) back wall: High NRC surfaces are sound absorbent (fuzzy, with a high sound absorption coefficient). If you hear an echo in a large room where the source is on one side of it, the problem is likely the reflection off the rear wall on the opposite side. That harsh reflection can be addressed by (1) absorbing the sound impinging on the rear wall (no reflection), (2) diffusing the sound on the rear wall to disperse harsh sound reflections, or (3) angling or canting the wall so that the reflection doesn't return to the speaker on the other side of the room. High sound transmission class (STC) side walls: High STC assemblies keep the sound from one office from "leaking" to the neighboring office. Highly sound-diffuse front wall (behind the lecturer): while sound-diffusion can help in this situation, the benefit is limited to applications on the rear wall

An architect decides to change a typical wall detail and add an additional layer of gypsum to either side of the assembly. What effects will this have? (select two) A. Reduced stud size requirement B. Increased fire resistance rating C. Increased sound transmission class (STC) D. Higher noise reduction coefficient (NRC) E. Greater wall durability

Solution: B. Increased fire resistance rating C. Increased sound transmission class (STC) A double layer of GWB will increase the fire resistance rating of the wall. A double layer of drywall will increase wall density which will decrease the amount of sound that travels freely through the wall, therefore increasing the STC of the wall. NRC is the absorption of individual materials (given in the product spec sheet) and is not increased by adding more layers of that material

An architect is hired to renovate a historic post office with a focus on universal design and sustainability. Which should be priorities. Select the 3 best answers. A. Install duct work to be served by a high-efficiency air-handling unit B. Install fan coil units to be served by a high-efficiency chiller C. Install an out-of-sight outdoor elevator to the main public entrance D. Install an elevator to a hidden back entrance that is easy for disabled people to find E. Install an automatic door opener F. Replace old window panes with low-e argon-filled insulated glazing units (IGUs)

Solution: B. Install fan coil units to be served by a high-efficiency chiller C. Install an out-of-sight outdoor elevator to the main public entrance E. Install an automatic door opener Universal design is the theory behind the practice of accessibility. Accessibility is the practice behind the regulations of ADA. As you might imagine, this is a squishy, case-by-case, rule—and one that seems obvious: Improve the building but don't wreck its historic character, whenever given a chance to hide something new or install something both high-performing and invisible, take it! ADA: focus on primary entrance accessibility because disabled people should be able to enter with their friends and move in and out with dignity, and take easy wins (automatic door openers) that don't endanger the historic portions of the buildings. Energy retrofit: focus on out-of-sight solutions like attic or crawl space insulation, efficient equipment, small (and therefore less disruptive) pipes are better than large (and therefore more unsightly ducts) Argon-filled IGUs are almost certainly many times thicker than the older single-panes they replaced, and new low-e glass would likely appear anachronistic

An architect has a 4-story office building project in a seismically active area just south of San Francisco, California. If the client elects to not use base isolators, which foundations should the architect select? (Pick three) A. Steel friction piles B. Perimeter grade beams C. Slab on grade D. Mat foundation E. Shallow (3'-0") footing and foundation wall F. Caissons on a uniform grid

Solution: B. Perimeter grade beams C. Slab on grade D. Mat foundation One of the common design choices for seismic design is to use what are called "base isolators" which allows the upper parts of a building to move a little more independently of the foundation to essentially "ride" that inertial force created by an earthquake. Since the client in this question elected to not use those base isolators, we are being asked to pick some alternative choices. This building is not an overly large building, it is just 4-stories, and it is also located in a region that will not see a substantial frost depth like you would in the center of the country - There are really two choices when it comes to foundation design: ○ Go down deep: § Steel friction piles § Caissons on a uniform grid ○ Go Shallow: § Perimeter grade beams § Mat foundation § Simple slab on grade The reason why the deep foundations are incorrect is because the shear forces on a foundation with substantial depth could lead to an overturning moment causing the building to fail By going with the shallower, slab-on-grade style foundation systems we are able to dramatically reduce the shear force on the foundation, in addition to being able to ride on top of the inertial force created by an earthquake

KNOW THE ADA BATHROOM DIMENSIONS The architect for a 2-story, 153-bed, 1-2 resident nursing facility is currently trying to figure out the best floor assembly to accommodate the building's occupancy and number of units. Which floor assemblies should the architect choose? (Pick three) A. Long-span glulam frame, with fire-treated plywood deck and concrete topping B. Precast solid-core slabs on steel beams C. Waffle slab D. Precast hollow-core planks on concrete beams E. Composite steel decking with concrete topping over steel joists F. Fire-treated wood trusses with fire-treated plywood decking and gypcrete topping.

Solution: B. Precast solid-core slabs on steel beams C. Waffle slab D. Precast hollow-core planks on concrete beams The 1-2 occupancy in the International Building Code is one of the more restricted occupancy types listed, knowing that the larger the building the least likely it is going to be constructed out of combustible construction. Knowing this, Answers A and F can be omitted because they are both combustible construction not permitted by sections of the code listed above. Solid and hollow-core slabs and the wattle slab are similar in that they are a solid material with embedded reinforcing whereas the composite steel deck with concrete topping is a sandwich of materials. Composite deck assembly is not appropriate for this type of building is because the number of core drills that would need to take place to accommodate 153 bathrooms as all of the piping tor toilets and drains runs through the floor. Core drilling through concrete is not the same as core drilling through steel. - Even if you wanted to prefabricate holes in the metal decking, it would still be a task to assemble coordinating which pieces go where in the design. Precast concrete slabs allow for a little more flexibility for those core drills to be field-located with greater ease

What are the three major factors related to human comfort that needs to be carefully considered during mechanical system selection and design of a building? Check the three that apply. A. Cooling levels B. Relative humidity C. Mean radiant temperature D. Adiabatic temperature E. Air motion

Solution: B. Relative humidity C. Mean radiant temperature E. Air motion According to Building Construction Illustrated, Chapter 11 and Section 11.04, Francis D.K. Ching John Wiley & Sons, 5th edition, 2014, human comfort is effected by factors below and the first four factors in this list are the most important items while designing HVAC systems. - Air temperature - Relative humidity - Mean radiant temperature - Air motion - Air purity - Sound vibration - Light

Why is camber often built into a glued laminated beam? Check the three that apply. A. To reduce flexural stress B. To avoid the appearance of sag C. To allow the use of lumber with a lower stress rating D. To eliminate the ponding of water E. To compensate for deflection F. To minimize deflection

Solution: B. To avoid the appearance of sag D. To eliminate the ponding of water E. To compensate for deflection

An architect is working with a developer for a spec office building on a downtown urban site. The site is 20,000 SF with the building able to be built all the way up to the property line according to the local zoning code. Currently, the maximum amount of SF allowed under the IBC is 18,000SF per floor up to 3 floors. What can the architect suggest to the developer in order for him to maximize his sf and still be code compliant? (Choose 3) A. Utilize the frontage increase area modification B. Utilize the automatic sprinkler system area increase C. Suggest to the developer to change the occupancy of the building D. Change the building's type of construction E. Incorporate fire walls into the design of the building F. Incorporate fire barriers into the design of the building

Solution: B. Utilize the automatic sprinkler system area increase D. Change the building's type of construction E. Incorporate fire walls into the design of the building - Adding a sprinkler line allows a 200% increase for buildings more than (1) story and 300% increase for buildings that are only (1) story and increase the building height by 20' and add an additional story - Changing occupancy is impractical - Change the building construction - Separating a building by a fire wall which would allow us to double SF and create (2) separate buildings - Fire barrier is incorrect because they do not separate buildings but rather separate occupancy, enclose shafts within the building (ductwork or vertical transportation) ○ Can create a control area which separates out individual occupancies and allows them to be interested in a building without changing the entire occupancy of the building

Per EPA, which of the following area general categories of wetlands found in the US? Bogs Fens Lakes Marshes Reservoirs Swamps

Solution: Bogs Fens Marshes Swamps Bogs: freshwater wetlands, often formed in old glacial lakes. Characterized by spongy peat deposits, evergreen trees/shrubs/floor covered by a thick carpet of sphagnum moss Fens: Freshwater peat-forming wetlands covered mostly by grasses, sedges, reeds, and wildflowers Marshes: wetlands dominated by soft-stemmed vegetation Swamps: Have mostly woody plants

An architect is deliberating between two exhaust fans. After how many years of operation will the cost of installation & operation be equivalent? Select the closest answer, round up or down. Given: The fan will be in continuous use an average of 7 hours per day, every day Local electricity cost: $0.16 / kWh Kitchen room volume: 12,375 cubic feet Air changes per hour (from this fan only, kitchen volume only): 10.7 A. 0 years B. 1 year C. 3 years D. 5 years

Solution: C. 3 years What is the difference in installed cost? $1,950 - $1,600 = $350 How long will it take to use an extra $350 worth of electricity? To calculate that, first, what is the difference in power usage? 730 watts - 440 watts = 290 watts What is that in kilowatts? 290 watts * 1 kW / 1,000W = 0.29 kW How many hours of operation in a year? 365 days/yr * 7 hours/day = 2,555 hours How many kilowatt-hours per year? 0.29 kW * 2,555 hours = 741 kWh per year How much does that cost to operate per year? 741 kWh per year * $0.16 / kWh = $119 How many years at $119 per year in electricity costs will it be until we make up the difference in the product cost? $119 * X years = $350 2.94 years What does that mean? Ignoring other factors like inflation and the chance that the restaurant will be out of business in 16 months, the more expensive fan to buy becomes the cheaper option after about 3 years of operation. The electricity cost of the lost conditioned air that must be replaced and heated or cooled almost certainly dwarfs the actual cost of spinning the exhaust fan . . . but as each fan removes the same 2,200 CFM when operating, that doesn't come into play as we select our fan. *This is one of those times where you'll want to be familiar with how to use the exam's built-in digital whiteboard as scratch paper. This won't be easy! *This problem and the previous one telegraph to the test-taker that an exhaust fan (vent hood) is required for a commercial kitchen. That helps you on an earlier problem asking you what is required for a commercial kitchen. This happens all the time on the ARE

Refer to the figure below. You are selecting and laying out the rafters for a Framing Plan. The design loads are 40 psf live load and 10 psf dead load, with a limit of L/360 deflection. The actual span of the rafters is 16'. What is the minimum depth of rafter if you want to space at 24" O.C.? A. 2 x 10 B. 2 x 6 C. 2 x 8 D. 2 x 12

Solution: A. 2x10 Start with 2 x 6, and scan the 24" spacing row. Nothing. 2 x 8 again nothing. 2 x 10 @ 24" O.C. ...Bingo

The owner of an Atlantic City, New Jersey casino is looking to make some exterior modifications after high coastal winds did damage to the building's exterior. If the owner wants to go with some ornate metal detailing, which should the architect choose? (Pick four) A. Steel B. Wrought iron C. 304 Stainless steel D. Copper E. Brass F. Zinc

Solution: C. 304 Stainless steel D. Copper E. Brass F. Zinc In this question, we are given a building in Atlantic City, New Jersey-a coastal climate that is going to see higher moisture and humidity levels that need to be taken into account. When selecting metal for a climate like this, corrosion is something that needs to be protected against. - On this list of metals, there are two classes of metal- ferrous and non-ferrous. Half of them are ferrous metals, half are non-ferrous, those of which are commonly found in compounds used to protect ferrous metals. ○ Steel, stainless steel, and wrought iron are all ferrous metal § Only steel and wrought iron need to be protected from corrosion as stainless steel already has a protective coating of primarily nickel and chromium. ○ Copper, brass, and zinc are all found in the alloy process used as coatings and protectives to keep metals like steel and wrought iron from corroding. Corrosion can also happen if two dissimilar metals come into contact with each other in the galvanic process in which an anode and a cathode can corrode one another, but none of that was given in this question

Per the ADA, which of the following buildings are required to have an elevator? (Select 3) A. A two-story boutique hotel with 4500ft2 on each floor B. A two-story office building with 20,000ft2 on each floor C. A two-story shopping mall with 50,000ft2 on each floor D. A three-story medical facility building with 2500ft2 on each floor E. A three-story restaurant with 3000ft2 on each floor F. A four-story apartment building with 2000ft2 on each floor

Solution: C. A two-story shopping mall with 50,000ft2 on each floor D. A three-story medical facility building with 2500ft2 on each floor E. A three-story restaurant with 3000ft2 on each floor The ADA requires buildings with 3+ floors, any of which has 3000+ft2 on a single floor, to have an elevator. Buildings that do not meet both of these criteria are exempt unless they are shopping centers, health-care providers, airport terminals, or transit stations. These buildings must have elevators and are not eligible for the exemptions

An architect is renovating a large conference room with a 12'-0" ceiling height in a Type-IIB, non-sprinklered office building in Miami, Florida. Patrons are complaining of an echo and excessive noise in the room. What sound absorbing materials should the architect select? (Pick three) A. Acoustic plaster B. Acoustic tile C. Perforated metal panels D. Acoustic panels E. Sound baffles F. Fabric wall panel

Solution: C. Perforated metal panels D. Acoustic panels F. Fabric wall panel Based on the location of the project -Answers A and B can be eliminated - Answer A, acoustical plaster, is an inapplicable solution for a humid climate - Answer B, acoustical tiles as well- if acoustical tile is going to be used in a humid environment, a moisture resistant tile needs to be specified to handle the higher moisture content in the air. - Answer E - the sound baffle. The height of the space at 12'-0" meaning we don't have sufficient head-room to hang a baffle, essentially a sound-blade, from the ceiling without interfering with the activity taking place below. A-occupancy in an enclosed space has a Class-C flame spread requirement which is the least stringent so all of the applications would work in this situation

Your client has just purchased a new home they'd like to renovate. The client expresses concern about the slope of the site depicted below being too steep and eroding. What are the best actions to take? Check the two that apply. A. Regrade the site to 1:12 B. Construct a planter wall at the base of the slope C. Recommend planting vegetation D. Inform the client that erosion isn't a concern E. Split the slope in half with a retaining wall to create two flat areas

Solution: C. Recommend planting vegetation D. Inform the client that erosion isn't a concern Although the client may have expressed concern about erosion, the slope of the site is not a concern for erosion until around 25%. The slope on this site is 2:12 or 16.67%. The best options for the architect to take would be to inform the client that erosion isn't a concern and recommend planting vegetation if that might make the client feel more at ease. Regrading the site, building a planter wall, and building a retaining wall are expensive alternatives that aren't necessary for this condition

The following are considered environmental impact issues for site analysis EXCEPT...Choose 3 A. Reflections B. Dominant wind direction C. Recommended footing design D. Archeological discoveries E. Sun and shadow patterns F. Demography G. Traffic control

Solution: C. Recommended footing design D. Archeological discoveries F. Demography

Which of the following are materials most commonly used to make rigid frames? Choose 3. A. Brick masonry B. Glass block C. Reinforced concrete D. Structural steel E. Wood

Solution: C. Reinforced concrete D. Structural steel E. Wood Rigid frames are most commonly made from reinforced concrete, steel, and wood. If the columns and beams in the frame are able to resist both forces and moments, the assembly becomes a rigid frame

Which of the following is the most appropriate transformer to use as a placeholder for design development cost estimating purposes? A. 37.5 KVA single-phase B. 250 KVA single-phase C. 6 KVA (per line) three phase D. 150 KVA (per line) three-phase

Solution: D. 150 KVA (per line) three-phase Because it's a restaurant, we'll need a three-phase transformer. For purposes here, we'll use volt-amps and watts interchangeably because W=I*V and our rule-of-thumb values are inclusive of power factor. Given in the Scenario: 2,750 SF * 30 watts/SF = 82,500 watts 82,500 watts = 82.5 kw The transformer selection guide has us multiply by 1.73 for three-phase transformers (this would be easy to miss, but had you missed it, your answer choice would be the same) 82.5 kw * 1.73 = 143 KVA Looking at the table: *Single phase power is reserved for single-family residential buildings, so once we know that we are looking for three-phase power, we can probably guess that we don't want the smallest (6 KVA) three-phase transformer available from this manufacturer: this is not a giant building, but it's not small, and restaurants use a lot of power per square foot because of lighting, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment. That leaves us with the only other three-phase option, 150KVA (per line) three-phase

An architect is designing a new 100-story tower on the north end of Chicago's downtown. The structural engineer told the architect to modify the design because the wind forces on the building are too great. What design modifications should the architect make without sacrificing the height of the tower? (Pick three) A. Give the building a low-aspect ratio B. Orient the large rectangular side to face the trade wind C. Remove the canopies on the lower levels D. Eliminate the soft story at the base E. Reduce the number of surface on the building's shell to create longer vertical surfaces F. Construct the vertical transportation cores out of CMU and concrete

Solution: C. Remove the canopies on the lower levels D. Eliminate the soft story at the base F. Construct the vertical transportation cores out of CMU and concrete - Answer A is incorrect because in order to give the building a "low aspect ratio" we would have to reduce the building's height, which the question said we were unable to do. - Answer B is also incorrect, because the larger the surface area that is facing or perpendicular to the wind will actually increase the amount of force applied on the building essentially turning the building into a "sail" amplifying the wind's force. For this reason - Answer E is also incorrect. When designing tall structures it would reduce the force on the building if the skin had more vertices and surfaces it would reduce the amount of area that the wind could apply force to. - Answer C as one of the correct answers- removing canopies and overhangs will reduce the amount of area created by those canopies and overhangs for the wind to "uplift" the building - Answer D is correct- usually "soft stories" are smaller than the floors above to create outdoor space in addition to having more glazing for retail spaces on these levels. ○ If these overhangs are removed to make the base either the same as the upper levels, or even larger than the upper levels with fewer glazed surfaces will help to increase the lateral stability of a taller building. - Answer F, is probably the best solution to help increasing the lateral stability of a tall building as it will resist force in three directions while doubling as a fire-rated assembly for vertical transportation

A roof has a ¼":12" slope. Select the most appropriate roofing material. A. Lapped asphalt shingle B. Lapped cedar shakes C. Rolled and sealed EPDM membrane

Solution: C. Rolled and sealed EPDM membrane Steep roofs (steeper than 2":12") can utilize lapping (common) or sheet materials/fluid-applied (less common). Shallow roofs (steeper than ¼":12" but shallower than steep roofs) don't have gravity working with them in a way that allows lapping—in a wind, the water would run back uphill underneath the seams in the shingles

An architect is reviewing the power and furniture plan of a new two-story townhouse project. According to NEC 2020, which of the following electrical outlet location do not need to be a GFCI receptacle? Check the two that apply. A. The countertop receptacle located 5 1/2 feet away from the sink in a bathroom. B. The receptacle on the porch, located on the outside face of the house C. The receptacle supplying the refrigerator in the kitchen, located 7'-3" away from the sink. D. The below counter receptacle that is dedicated for the dishwasher in the kitchen. E. The receptacle supplying to the fire alarm system in the basement. F. The receptacle located in the crawl space.

Solution: C. The receptacle supplying the refrigerator in the kitchen, located 7′-3″ away from the sink. E. The receptacle supplying to the fire alarm system in the basement. All countertop receptacles in kitchens, including those on the islands, should have GCFI protection. In the 2020 code, they added dishwashers to the list too. However, the convenience outlets and refrigerator outlets that are more than 6 feet away from the sink do not have to have GFCI protection. Typically all receptacles in basements (finished/unfinished) should have GFCI protection except those dedicated to the fire alarm or burglar alarm systems

Which are the most-common products where asbestos might be present in existing construction? Check the three that apply. A. Planter Pots B. Window frames C. Tiles D. Insulation E. Siding

Solution: C. Tiles D. Insulation E. Siding Asbestos fibers virtually indestructible which lead to its widespread use in the 50s and 60s. Asbestos fibers were often combined with other materials for use in thousands of industrial, maritime, automotive, scientific and building products. The following list shows the range of materials that could contain asbestos: Insulation • Fireproofing/Acoustical Texture Products • Textile and Cloth Products • Spackling, Patching & Taping Compounds • Gaskets and Packings • Asbestos-cement Pipe and Sheet Material • Tiles, Wallboard, Siding and Roofing • Friction Materials • Vermiculite • Laboratory hoods and table tops

An architect is reviewing the mortar spec for his church renovation project in the windy and rainy Northwest. The project involves repairing and replacing portions of the old brick fireplace and chimney. The fireplace serves as a large portion of the building's structure that the architect needs to be cognizant of. Which mortar types should the architect select? (Pick two) A. Type 0 with a set accelerator B. Type N with a set retarder C. Type S D. Type 0 E. Type N with a set repellant F. Type S with a set repellant

Solution: C. Type S F. Type S with a set repellant Type-N mortar is primarily used for exterior veneers, non-load bearing exterior walls, parapets, chimneys, an interior load-bearing walls. The reason why the Type-N mortar answers (Band E) are incorrect is because in the question we are given ''windy and rainy" Northwest suggesting that the mortar is going to be subject to higher wind forces The Type-N answers also have add mixtures in them, a set retarder which is used to help keep the mortar from hydrating too quickly, and a set repellant that would not be necessary for a Type-N as it is already designed to be used on exterior applications. A set accelerator (given on Answer A) is needed to help keep freshly mixed mortar from freezing in very cold conditions Type-O mortar is a low-strength recommended for interior non-load bearing and historic restoration type work.

If a set of building plans has to be reviewed by the Health Department, which of the following is likely to be accepted by the Health Department as a floor finish for the Janitor's room? Choose 3 Carpet with wood base Concrete with slim foot base VCT flooring with cove base Sheet vinyl flooring with cove base Ceramic tile floor with cove base Smooth wood floor with cove base

Solution: Concrete with slim foot base Sheet vinyl flooring with cove base Ceramic tile floor with cove base

A building is served by 277v/480v three-phase four-wire electrical service. This building is most likely a _______. A. Shed B. Single family detached house C. Convenience store D. 30-story hotel

Solution: D. 30-story hotel More voltage required for mightier equipment. Three-phase required for mightier motors and smoother operation. Lower voltage is safer to be near from an electrocution point-of-view, higher voltage is safer from an electrical fire point-of-view and also requires smaller (cheaper) wires. Shed - 120v, single-phase, two-wire service. Rarely found in the wild. Single-family detached house - 120v/240v, single-phase, three-wire service (120v for plug loads and 240v for air conditioner, oven, and dryer) Convenience store - 120v/208v, three-phase, four-wire service (120v for plug loads and 208v three-phase power for air conditioner and refrigeration equipment) 30-story hotel - 277v/480v, three-phase, four-wire service (120v for plug loads (stepped down inside the building from 480v), 277v for lighting, 480 three-phase power for air conditioner and elevator)

An architect is designing a small three-room dental clinic in rural Alaska. To reduce energy bills, he should prioritize _______. A. High infiltration rates B. High ventilation rates C. Low R-value construction D. Low thermal conductivity

Solution: D. Low thermal conductivity High infiltration rates: means a leaky building envelope with lots of cracks. High ventilation rates: we sometimes need some ventilation to provide for fresh intake air, but higher-than-necessary ventilation intake just brings more cold air in that we'll have to heat. Low R-value construction: not much insulation. Low thermal conductivity (k-value): low thermal conductivity (per inch) translates to high thermal resistivity (per inch) and low thermal conductance (for a given thickness) and high thermal resistance (R-value, for a given thickness) and low U-value (for the whole wall or roof assembly)

Which of the following always requires a chimney? Select the two best answers. A. Electric resistance boiler B. Heat pump boiler C. Hydronic boiler D. Natural gas boiler E. Oil boiler F. Solar hot water boiler

Solution: D. Natural gas boiler E. Oil boiler A boiler provides heat for a circulating column of water, and that column of water can be pumped to remote air-handling units, fan coil units, and radiators, so all boilers are "hydronic" boilers, a furnace, by contrast, provides heat for a column of forced air that is blown around a system of ducts. Where there's combustion of fossil fuel, we need a way to intake fresh outside air to keep the fire going, and then exhaust that combustion air so that it doesn't enter the building—combustion air is poisonous to occupants because it contains high levels of carbon monoxide. Therefore, all boilers that use fossil fuels (natural gas, oil, coal) as a heat source require a chimney. A heat pump boiler includes a heat source that is an air conditioner, running in reverse to heat instead of cool. That's, therefore, an electric heat source and not one that includes combustion or needs a chimney

An investor wants to include a photovoltaic array in the design of a new remote ski resort near Bozeman, Montana. If the client wants to be 100% off-grid, what battery cell material should the architect specify? (Pick two) A. Lead-acid B. Lead-calcium C. Lead-Antimony D. Nickel E. Cadmium F. Lead

Solution: D. Nickle E. Cadmium - Pure lead automobile batteries (also known as lead-acid): ○ Not suitable for PV arrays because they are designed for shallow and very rapid recharge (tap a sip then refill right away) - Lead-calcium batteries: ○ Maintenance-free systems and can be left unattended ○ DO NOT cycle as deeply as a heavy-plate, deep cycle system which may not allow for a system in a cold climate to be 100% off grid (cannot use full potential) - Lead-antimony batteries: ○ Very sturdy and tolerate a deep discharge as well as a slow or rapid charge ○ Require occasional water replenishment and adequate ventilation to disperse gases during charge cycles ○ In a cold climate, that water is susceptible to freeze making this an incorrect answer. - The Nickel-Cadmium battery: ○ Most desirable for a PV system because they are maintenance-free ○ Can be discharged to 100% of capacity without shortening of battery lite ○ Much less temperature sensitive and have a longer life than the other options given in this question ○ Do come at a higher cost than the others, but that was not a stipulation given in the question

The architect needs to provide power to the cubicles in the middle of the open office on the south-east corner of the building plan drawing. The client would like to avoid tripping hazards, would prefer not to lower the floor-to-ceiling height and is not exceptionally budget-conscious. Which is the best choice? A. Cellular metal floor raceways B. Conduit cast in concrete C. Metal backed electrical raceway D. Poke-through receptacles

Solution: D. Poke-through receptacles If you haven't yet seen the Amber Book : 40 Minutes of Competence on the topic of electrical raceways (found in the flash cards), you'll want to watch it here. Cellular metal floor raceways: Conduit cast in the concrete, so not appropriate for a renovation of an existing building. Click here to see it. Conduit cast in concrete: Same problem. Click here to see it. Metal backed electrical raceway: Tripping hazard. Click here to see it. Poke-through system: We'll bring the third story's mid-floor power up through the ceiling of the second floor. This is more expensive than the other options for new construction, but perfectly reasonable for renovations and hides the wiring system beautifully. Click here to see it

The word "lamella" refers to a type of __________. A. Aggregate used in concrete B. Arch C. Beam shape D. Roof structure

Solution: D. Roof structure It's geometry allows it to span large distances with little or no support. Lamella originates from the latin word lamina which means thin plate

Which of the following regarding the Seismic Design Category (SDC) of a structure is true (Choose 2) Buildings in SDC A need to meet more restrictive earthquake requirements than buildings in SDC C Buildings in SDC C need to meet more restrictive earthquake requirements than buildings in SDC A SDC includes categories A through D SDC includes categories A through E

Solution: Occupancy group I: low hazard to human life if they fail (agricultural facilities, minor storage, temp facilities) Occupancy group II: buildings not included in occupancy group I, III, and IV Occupancy group III: substantial hazard to human life if they fail (assemblies over 300 occupant load/education over 250/building with explosives or toxic substances Occupancy group IV: buildings designated as essential facilities (hospitals with surgery or emergency treatment/healthcare facilities/police/fire/emergency shelters...) Seismic Design Category A: buildings of all occupancy groups in areas expecting minor ground shaking (good soil) Seismic Design Category B: buildings of occupancy groups I, II, and II in areas expecting moderate ground shaking (stratified soil with good and poor soil) Seismic Design Category C: buildings of occupancy groups IV in areas expecting moderate ground shaking, and buildings of occupancy categories I, II, and III in areas expecting SEVERE ground shaking Seismic Design Category D: buildings of all occupancy groups in areas expecting severe and destructive ground shaking, but NOT located close to major fault Seismic Design Category E: buildings of occupancy groups I, II, and II in areas near major active faults (doesn't matter rock/soil type) Seismic Design Category F: buildings of occupancy groups IV in areas near major active faults (doesn't matter rock/soil type)

Which of the following are likely to be most cost-effective in North America? Choose 2 Concrete over steel deck over steel beams and steel columns framing system Panelized wood floor over open web steel truss over girder and columns Panelized wood floor over open web wood truss over girder and columns Panelized wood floor over purlins over girder and columns

Solution: Panelized wood floor over open web steel truss over girder and columns Panelized wood floor over open web wood truss over girder and columns

An architect is designing a federal building with an escalator between first and second floor. Which of the following is true? Choose 2 She needs to determine the vertical slope of the escalator She needs to use dimensions to locate the work points for the escalator She needs to draw and add full dimensions for the escalator so that the contractor can build the escalator accurately She needs to coordinate with structural and electrical engineers

Solution: She needs to use dimensions to locate the work points for the escalator She needs to coordinate with structural and electrical engineers Vertical slope of an escalator is always set to 30 degrees, this is not determined by the architect. Contractor does the full dimensions as part of the shop drawings or submittals, this is not the job of the architect

An architect is working on a residential project. Which of the following are correct statements? Choose 2 The architect should review the building codes for FAR information The architect should contact the Planning Department to obtain information on the existing easement and setback requirements for the front yard, the side yard and the back yard The architect should contact the Planning Department to obtain site coverage ratio The architect should contact the Planning Department to obtain zoning information for the site

Solution: The architect should contact the Planning Department to obtain site coverage ratio The architect should contact the Planning Department to obtain zoning information for the site Planning Department has the FAR information NOT the building codes The architect should contact the owner for easement information, the owner should have that information from the site's title report

Figure shows a moment-resisting frame. Which of the following statements is correct? Choose 2 The bottom of the column is free to rotate The bottom of the column is fixed against rotation The top of the column is free to rotate The top of the column is fixed against rotation

Solution: The bottom of the column is free to rotate The top of the column is fixed against rotation Since there are only (2) anchor bolts on the bottom which offers little resistance to rotation

Which of the following statements are true? Choose 2 The pressure relief valve (PRV) is a type of valve used to control or limit the pressure in a vessel of system The PRV is designed or set to open at a predetermined set pressure to protect the system The fluid (liquid, gas, or liquid-gas mixture) released from the PRV is usually routed through a piping system known as the blowdown The pressure in a vessel or system typically needs to drop 30% below the predetermined set pressure before the valve resets

Solution: The pressure relief valve (PRV) is a type of valve used to control or limit the pressure in a vessel of system The PRV is designed or set to open at a predetermined set pressure to protect the system Blowdown is a % of set pressure and refers to how much the pressure needs to drop before the valve resets The pressure in a vessel or system typically needs to drop 2-20% below the predetermined set pressure before the valve resets

The client on a high-end residential project has requested what the cost difference would be to go from a solid oak tread on his 10'x60" wide grand entry stair, to a solid walnut tread. The cost per square foot of the solid-oak tread is $1.73, the cost of the walnut tread is $2.46 per lineal foot. Assuming the treads are 12" in depth, how much more expensive is the solid-walnut tread than the solid oak tread?

Solution: Total stair height: 10'x12" = 120" 120"/7" (stair rise) = 17.17 treads (round to 18) *cost per tread in lineal feet 5'x1' = 5 x1.73=8.65 per tread 8.65x18=155.7 solid oak stair 5x1=5x2.46= 12.30 per tread 12.30x18=221.4 walnut stair 221.4-155.7=65.7 difference

Which one of these building forms best addresses the following priorities? Only enter the number associated with the drawing (no other characters). - Can best resist earthquakes - Offers the most daylight - Offers the best option for a temperate climate: wintertime direct gain space while minimizing unwanted summertime solar gains

Solution: 2: Can best resist earthquakes 4: Offers the most daylight 1: Offers the best option for a temperate climate: wintertime direct gain space while minimizing unwanted summertime solar gains Earthquakes: design cubic buildings with no unusual formal bends, jut-outs, carve-ins, L-shapes, U-shapes, courtyards, reentrant corners, or other complex forms. Use shear walls, moment-connected frames, or structural bracing extended continuously from grade to roof, reinforce masonry shear walls, avoid soft stories, avoid weight irregularities, and avoid jutting front elevations. Daylight: design shallow plans (short room dimensions from the window to the opposite wall). Light interior surface colors and high-on-the-wall windows help with daylighting too. Thermal: in the northern hemisphere, rectangular plans with long dimensions running east-west offer access to the most low-southern wintertime sunshine, while minimizing east- and west summertime sunshine

Dimmable? (choose three) A. Incandescent B. Halogen C. Fluorescent D. Metal halide E. High Pressure Sodium

Solution: A. Incandescent B. Halogen C. Fluorescent

Space for unamplified music performance is too dry (sound dies too quickly)(choose 2) A. Reverberation time (RT) B. Noise reduction coefficient (NRC) C. A-weighted decibels (dBA) D. Noise criteria (NC) E. Transmission loss (TL) F. Sound transmission class (STC) G. Impact insulation class (IIC)

Solution: A. Reverberation time (RT) B. Noise reduction coefficient (NRC)

When deciding the capacity of the storm drainage systems, which of the following options should be considered? Check the two that apply. A. The runoff coefficient B. The amount of the water that wanted to be drained during typical rainy season anticipated in the area C. The amount of the water that wanted to be drained based on the historical data of the average rainfall anticipated in the area D. The amount of the water that wanted to be drained during most severe storm anticipated in the area

Solution: A. The runoff coefficient D. The amount of the water that wanted to be drained during most severe storm anticipated in the area The runoff coefficient: Is a the ratio of the amount of runoff to the amount of precipitation received. Areas with low infiltration and high runoff, such as pavements, have high runoff coefficient numbers and permeable areas, such as grass or vegetated areas have lower runoff coefficient numbers. It is important to factor it in for storm management. - Always size drainage systems for the most severe conditions

Which symbol in figure is a floor special purpose outlet? A B C D

Solution: A= fan hanger receptable B= Floor single receptacle outlet C= Floor special purpose outlet D = Floor telephone outlet private

Above are three section details for buildings in Northern Montana. Each has an enclosure design defect. "Drag" the description of the most likely defect to the section details by inputting the defect number associated with the section detail. Input only the number (not the name of the defect) in the box, some defect descriptions may not be used. Assembly A Assembly B Assembly C

Solution: Assembly A: 3 Assembly B: 1 Assembly C: 4 Rain and snow get trapped behind wall cladding panels because there is no rain screen airspace to allow rain to fall to a weep hole. On cold days, this trapped water freezes to ice. Warm, moist, locker-room air easily moves upward through ceiling battens, batt insulation, and the seams in the sheathing. When the warm moist air meets the very cold roof membrane underside, condensation forms. Condensation happens when warm moist air meets a cold impermeable surface. (Battens are strips of wood set next to one another, click here to see what they look like) There's no insulation in the walls, so when it's very cold outside, the inside surface of the walls will also be cold. Even if the air temperature remains at 73 degrees inside, if occupants sit for long periods near large cold surfaces, they feel uncomfortably cold (in just the same way that, when near a campfire on a cold-air-temperature night, you might feel uncomfortably warm). There's no ice-damming on Assembly C because the attic is ventilated. When it's -5 degrees outside, the whole underside of the roof is also about -5 degrees, so nothing melts and then refreezes. For more on this subject, see the following Amber Book : 40 Minutes of Competence video: here for Part I, here for Part II, here for Part III *You may need to know where a state like Montana is, which will be no problem for those of you who grew up in the US. . . but for those who moved here from other countries, 20 minutes looking at a US map a few days before the exam may be worth your time. Often, as is the case in this test item, you can intuit that Northern Montana must be cold, because apparently ice forms on a lot of surfaces there

Match the standpipe system to the definition listed: - Class I - Class II - Class III - This system is for first-aid firefighting until professional firefighters arrive. It is prone to building damage since a 100 ft long hose filled with high-pressure water is not easy for untrained users. The use of this system is not very common anymore. - This system combines first-aid firefighting and professional firefighting. First-aid firefighting is planned to be used by building owners until the fire truck arrives. This system also provides water to the sprinkler system in the building. - This system is for professional firefighting and usually is required at any sprinklered or un-sprinklered buildings higher than 3 floors. They are planned to be used by firefighters only and provide water to the sprinkler system in the building.

Solution: Class I: This system is for professional firefighting and usually is required at any sprinklered or un-sprinklered buildings higher than 3 floors. They are planned to be used by firefighters only and provide water to the sprinkler system in the building. Class II: This system is for first-aid firefighting until professional firefighters arrive. It is prone to building damage since a 100 ft long hose filled with high-pressure water is not easy for untrained users. The use of this system is not very common anymore. Class III: This system combines first-aid firefighting and professional firefighting. First-aid firefighting is planned to be used by building owners until the fire truck arrives. This system also provides water to the sprinkler system in the building. Class-I, II, and III, that are based on the firefighting response scale. The Class I systems are for professional firefighting and are planned to be used by firefighters to respond to fire. Class II systems are for first-aid firefighting until professional firefighters arrive. It is prone to building damage since a 100 ft long hose filled with high-pressure water is not easy for untrained users. So the use of this system is not very common anymore. Class III system is a combination of the first two systems, therefore, the disadvantages of Class II apply this one either

In a cold and temperate climate, what type of albedo/conductivity is preferred

Solution: Cold: low albedo/low conductivity Surface will absorb a lot of heat and no release it fast Temperate: high albedo/high conductivity Surface will reflect a lot of heat and release it fast

High intensity discharge (HID) (Choose two) A. Incandescent B. Halogen C. Fluorescent D. Metal halide E. High Pressure Sodium

Solution: D. Metal halide E. High Pressure Sodium

Dead space vs live space

Solution: Dead space: short reverberation times (best for spoken words) Live space: long reverberation times

What is the temperature at point A? Outside: -50F Inside: 70F and 85% RH R Gyp: .5 R Glass Fiber Cavity: 19.5 Point A R OSB: 0.5 1" Polystyrene: 4.5 Rainscreen and sheathing: 0

Solution: Delta temperature change 120° Inside: 70° Outside: -50° Total R-value: 25 R-value outside of point A: 5 R-value inside of point A: 20 Point A = Temperature outside + [(R outside of point A/R total) x delta T] -50° + [(5/25)x120°]= -26°

Field test measurements include influence of flanking noise (choose three) A. Reverberation time (RT) B. Noise reduction coefficient (NRC) C. A-weighted decibels (dBA) D. Noise criteria (NC) E. Transmission loss (TL) F. Sound transmission class (STC) G. Impact insulation class (IIC)

Solution: E. Transmission loss (TL) F. Sound transmission class (STC) G. Impact insulation class (IIC)

IBC requires a minimum level of 50 between units in multifamily housing (choose 2) A. Reverberation time (RT) B. Noise reduction coefficient (NRC) C. A-weighted decibels (dBA) D. Noise criteria (NC) E. Transmission loss (TL) F. Sound transmission class (STC) G. Impact insulation class (IIC)

Solution: F. Sound transmission class (STC) G. Impact insulation class (IIC)

An architect is working on a mixed-use infill project that is unable to install a fire sprinkler system thus requiring the usage of other fire protection features. Match the wall type with its description: Wally types: - Fire wall - Fire barrier - Fire partition - Smoke Barrier Description: - Required to extend 30" above the roof - Primary duct shaft from roof to basement - Demising wall between residential units - Requires a foundation

Solution: Fire wall: Required to extend 30" above the roof, Requires a foundation Fire barrier: Primary duct shaft from roof to basement Fire partition: Demising wall between residential units - "Required to extend 30" above the roof" - the only of the listed types that has that requirement is a Fire Wall. - "Primary duct shaft from roof to basement" is most notably the fire barrier - "Demising wall between residential units", all this needs to be a is a fire partition as walls separating dwelling units in the same building shall be constructed as Fire Partitions - Fire Wall may as well be its own "building" for a better term. ○ Shall have sufficient structural stability under fire conditions to allow collapse of construction on either side without the collapse of the wall for the duration of time indicated by the fire resistance rating ○ These walls will be the only thing left standing on a building's site ○ Ensure that the passage of fire is blocked for the duration of the wall's rating ○ Fire wall is easily the most restrictive of all of the fire protection features, and why the implementation of a fire sprinkler is typically preferred over having to design and construct a wall such as this

The nominal size of a standard brick in the US is _______, and the nominal size of a standard concrete masonry unit (CMU) in the US is ________. The actual size is usually about _______ smaller to allow for mortar joints.

Solution: Nominal standard brick: 8" x 4" x 2-5/8" Nominal standard CMU: 8" x 8" x 16" Actual size is about 3/8" smaller to allow for mortar joints Actual standard brick: 7-5/8" x 3-5/8" x 2-1/4" Actual standard CMU: 7-5/8" x 7-5/8" x 15-5/8"

Match the wood frame construction hardware with the description of it's use. Input only the letter associated with the hardware. Select the best answer. Not all the letters will be used but no letters may be used more than once. - Primary purpose is to resist uplift - Splices two beams together - Supports ducts

Solution: Primary purpose is to resist uplift: B Splices two beams together: D Supports ducts: A This strapping supports ductwork (click here) This keeps the roof rafters from flying off in a hurricane. (click here) This attaches joists to the walls without having to hammer into the end-grain or toe-nail. They both strengthen the connection and simplify the framing process (click here) This was the most difficult. If you splice two wood joist members into a single beam, you'll need to provide a column under that splice joint! So you'll likely want post cap hardware (click here). You can't safely build an unsupported splice (click here). *You will absolutely find many PPD questions on the topic of detailing—questions that you'd assume better fit in PDD's scope

Match the most appropriate elevator type to the building scenarios given below. Fill in the blanks by using given abbreviations per each elevator type (For example, GT). Not all elevator types will be used. - Elevator Types: ○ Geared Traction (GT) ○ Gearless Traction (GL) ○ Plunger Type Hydraulic (PH) ○ Twin-Jack Holeless Hydraulic (THL) ○ Single-Jack Roped Hydraulic (RH) ○ Telescoping Plunger (TP) - Scenarios: ○ Scenario - 1: A high rise building with 8 elevator cars, where 1500 fpm speed and 3000 lbs car capacity per each car is required. ○ Scenario - 2: A single elevator with max 2000 lbs car capacity and 150 fpm speed and 65 feet travel distance requirement. (ph) ○ Scenario -3: A single elevator with a 12'-6" travel distance and max 30 fpm speed is required. No overhead or plunger hole can be provided, and a smooth travel experience is one of the top priorities.

Solution: Scenario - 1: A high rise building with 8 elevator cars, where 1500 fpm speed and 3000 lbs car capacity per each car is required: Gearless Traction (GL) Scenario - 2: A single elevator with max 2000 lbs car capacity and 150 fpm speed and 65 feet travel distance requirement: Plunger Type Hydraulic (PH) Scenario -3: A single elevator with a 12′-6″ travel distance and max 30 fpm speed is required. No overhead or plunger hole can be provided, and a smooth travel experience is one of the top priorities: Single-Jack Roped Hydraulic (RH) There are two main categories of elevators: 1. Traction: ○ Geared Traction ○ Gearless Traction - Scenario -1 needs a gearless traction type elevator where faster, and longer travel distances are desired, such as high-rise office buildings. 2. Hydraulic ○ Traditional Hydraulic Elevator (Plunger Type Hydraulic) is the best fit for Scenario 2 because hole-less options can not provide the required travel distance and speed in the scenario. ○ Hole-less Hydraulic: Even though both options below also don't require overhead space or plunger hole (they use telescoping plunger), twin jack applications can achieve longer travel distances (up to 30 feet). Single jack holeless travel distance is up to 14-16 feet, which could be a second choice for scenario 3. 3. Roped Hydraulic (which can be single or twin jack) ○ Scenario-3 can use this option because travel distance is short, a plunger hole is not desired, and a smooth ride is preferred. Single jack applications (cantilevered) provides a smoother ride. Even though their structural stability is not as good as twin jack applications, it is not as important as a smooth ride for these questions. ○ The telescoping plunger is the type of plunger that is used by hole-less hydraulic elevators

What do all the lines mean on a psychrometric chart

Solution: Vertical lines: Dry bulb temperature Horizontal lines: Dew point Curving center lines: relative humidity East - west diagonal lines: wet bulb temperature

Typically-sized concrete masonry units (16x8) concrete masonry unit cost $2 per block. Installation of the block by the mason is $10.50 per square foot. The foundation for the concrete block wall costs $40.30 per linear foot (inclusive of labor and materials). What is the cost to build a concrete block wall that is 90' long and 18' tall?

Solution: $24,279 Block to sqft 16/12=1.3333 8/12=0.6667 1.33*0.66=0.89 sqft Wall area 90*18=1,620 sqft/0.89sqft per block = 1,821 blocks per wall 1,821 x $2 per block = $3,642 cost of block for entire wall $10.50 x 1620sqft= $17,010 mason cost 90' long foundation 90x$40.30=$3,627.0 $3642+$17,010+$3627=$24279.00

An architect is designing an office with 1500 sqft of gross area. The owner's design criteria require 10,000 BTU per 300 sqft of gross area. If the market price of a central air-conditioning system is $1,000 per ton and the system is only available in an integer ton, what is the minimum cost of a system for the office that will meet the owner's criteria? _____ dollars

Solution: $5000 1500/300=5 5 x 10000 = 50000 BTU for the project 12,000 BTU = 1 cooling ton (short ton) 50,000 BTU/12,000 BTU = 4.16 ton (since only integer ton = 5) $1000 x 5=$5000.00

At the point of inflection, bending moment has a value of _____. A. Negative infinity B. 0 C. 1 D. Infinity

Solution: 0 At the point of inflection, bending moment has a value of 0

An intern is working on calculating the area increase factor for frontage on a proposed 30'x60' warehouse project. One of the 30' sides and one of the 60' sides opens onto a public space that is 40' of the open width. Using the equation below, solve for "If" If = [F/P - 0.25] W/30 F= building perimeter that fronts public way or open space having 20' open minimum width (feet) P= perimeter of entire building (feet) W = width of public way or open space

Solution: 0.25 F= 30+60=90 P= 30+60+30+60=180 W = 30 (cannot be more than 30 according to IBC) 90/180-0.25=0.25 x1= 0.25

The architect of a 2-story atrium space is designing a stair from the main floor slab, elevation 1 00'-0", to the second floor. If the stair is 60" wide, the top-of-steel dimension is 111'-11/2" with a 10" hollow-core slab and 1-1/2" gypcrete topping, with is the minimum square-footage of the stair if the 2nd floor accounts for the top tread? (Fill in the blank, round to the nearest hundredth)

Solution: 107.09SF To bottom or structure: 11'-1.5" + 10" core slab + 1.5" gypcrete = 12'1" to top of structure Number of risers: (12'x12") + 1= 145" to top of structure 145/7" for riser = 20.7" risers - round to 21 risers A flight of stairs shall not have a vertical rise of greater than 12'-0" between floors or landings. On the drawing provided, and the height calculated, our floor-to-floor height is 12'-1" so we are required to have a landing. According to Section 1009.8, the depth of the landing need not exceed 4811 for a straight-run stair. 21 risers - typically = 21 tread Landing is -1 and top of 2nd floor is 1 so 19 risers 19x11=209 x48= 257" 257/12=21.4167 21.417x5'= 107.09SF

A simple beam has a span of 6 ft and supports a distributed load of 8 kips per foot. If the beam is a W12 x 30, what is the maximum flexural stress at extreme fiber? ( The section modulus of the cross-section is 38.6 in.3) * Click to access beam design formulas with moment and shear diagrams.

Solution: 11.2 ksi Flexural Stress is created by bending moment is the primary stress source on the beams. The formula for flexural stress at extreme fiber (f) = Maximum Moment (M) / Section modulus of the cross-section (S) - First, calculate the Maximum Moment for this Beam: For distributed loads on simple beam ○ Mmax = wL2 / 8 =8 x 62 / 8 = 36 kips-feet (Maximum moment formulas for typical beams are also given in the exam) - Secondly, M should be converted to inches since S is given in in.3 and also answer is asked in ksi ○ 36 x12 = 432 - Lastly find flexural stress ○ f = M / S (is given as 38.6) = 432 / 38.6 = 11.1917... = Round the nearest tenth = 11.2 ksi

The sitework numbers in the contractor's estimate is coming in well over budget due to an imbalance of cut and fill. Based on the information below, what is the difference between the cut and fill? Answer in cubic yards to the nearest hundredth.

Solution: 13.78 cubic yard To solve this question we must know our totals for cut and fill individually by understanding what contours and being cut into and which are being added to. The areas in orange are cut and the areas in purple are fill. Cut = 300 cu ft + 72 cu ft = 372 cu ft Fill = 229 cu ft + 200 cu ft + 315 cu ft = 744 cu ft However the question asks for the answer in cubic yards, not feet. 1 cu yd = 27 cu ft Cut = 372 cu ft/27 = 13.78 cu yd Fill = 744 cu ft/27 = 27.56 cu yd Fill - Cut = 27.56 cu yd - 13.78 cu yd = 13.78 cu yd

If the top landing is already provided at 1006.73' and the curb is at 994.73', what is the minimum length ADA ramp needed to get from the building to the parking lot? Answer in decimal length feet and inches, round your answer to the nearest

Solution: 169.00 1. 1006.73-994.73=12 2. 12x12=144" 3. MAX A RAMP CAN RISE BEFORE A LANDING IS 30" a. 144/30=4.8 This means we will have (4) ramp runs of 30' + 24 (30x.8) 4. 5' landings shall be between ramps (don't include landing at bottom??) a. 30+5+30+5+30+5+30+5+24+5=169

If the simple load bearing beam is in in equilibrium under the given loads as shown in above graphic above, find R2 in kips. (Fill the number in the given box below.)

Solution: 21.6 kips

Based on the door swing direction and approach below, what is the missing dimension? (Answer in inches without units)

Solution: 24"

If a parking lot shown has 72 parking spots. How many ADA parking spots area required?

Solution: 3 According to the ADA, parking areas with 51-75 total parking spaces are required to have 3 accessible spaces. These (3) spaces must be located no further than 200' from the entrance of the building and adjacent to an access aisle/unloading zone

Per International Mechanical Code, if the height of a roof access ladder is over ____ ft, an intermediate landing is required

Solution: 30'

The mechanical engineer is reviewing water pressures with the architect of a 10-story office tower. If the floor-to-floor height is 14'-8", what is the water pressure on the 6th floor? (Fill in the blank, round to the nearest hundredth)

Solution: 31.75 - 0.433psi to 1' of water 14'8" x 5 floors = 73.33' 73.33x0.433=31.7519

The architect is reviewing a wall assembly to make sure the R-value is compliant with what is required for the building envelope according to the International Energy Code. What is the R-value of the wall assembly below?

Solution: 31.974 1. Add up materials with R values a. Brick: 3.625" x 0.12=0.435 b. EPS: 1.5"x5"= 7.5 c. OSB: 1.32 d. Batt: 22 e. Gyp: 0.56 Total: 0.435+7.5+1.32+22+0.56=31.815 2. Calculate air space a. Minus material section from total wall to get air space Air space: 15/16" x 0.17=0.159 3. 31.815+0.159=31.974

A water tank is 75' above a fixture. What will the pressure at the fixture be? You may ignore losses from friction.

Solution: 32 psi Pressure (psi) = 0.433 (constant) x height (ft)

What is the minimum clear egress door width of a library floor with 4430 sf reading area, 970 sf stack area, 560 sf office space, and 340 sf mechanical equipment room, if there are two means of egress serving to the floor? A. 32" B. 36" C. 42" D. 48"

Solution: 32″ First, calculate the occupant load of the floor as per the International Building Code (IBC) Chapter 10, Table 1004.1.2 - Reading room 50SF/person 4430 /50 = 88.6 = 89 people - Stack area 100 SF / person 970 /100 = 9.7 = 10 people - Office Space 150 SF /person 560 /150 = 3.7 = 4 people - Mech. equip. 300 SF / person 340 /300 = 1.1 = 2 people Total Occupancy = 89 + 10 + 4 + 2 = 105, Since there are two means pf egress, each door will have 105 / 2 = 53 people. Secondly, refer to IBC 2015 1005.3.2 for egress door requirements: - It is required to have 0.2″ / person (No indication of sprinklers.). - 53 x0.2 = 10.6″ However, as per IBC 1010.1.1 doors cannot have less than 32″ opening

The architect has selected toilets that require 18 psi water pressure for his 5-story apartment building that is 70' tall. What is the total water pressure needed to operate the toilets on the 4th floor? (Fill in the Blank, round to the nearest hundredth)

Solution: 36.19 1. It takes 0.433psi to move water 1' 2. What is the height of the 4th floor 70/5=14 height per floor 3. What is the height at 4th floor (DO NOT COUNT 1ST FLOOR BECAUSE ON GRADE) a. 14*3=42' 4. The pressure at 42' a. 42*0.433=18.186 5. Pressure at floor + fixture a. 18+18.606=36.19

An architect is currently working on a redesign for a small office building. The design is knocking down the walls to the existing offices to create one large open office along with two 1,000SF conference rooms. This IIB building is already on a limited budget, the client wants the walls to be durable, and is adamant about getting the highest STC rated wall for the (2) conference rooms as to not disrupt the new open floor plan design. Choose one of the images.

Solution: 3A - Option1, while durable is the most expensive and it was mentioned that the project in on a limited budget. - The building is type II-B which means it cannot be wood construction, so 2 is incorrect - 3 vs 3A, 3A has resilient channels which add more wall thickness and increase the STC rating

A tenant wants to install 1'x4' recessed light fixtures in an office. The floor area for the office is 1,200 sqft. Each fixture has (2) lamps. The tenant wants to have a lighting level of about 50 footcandles (fc) at desk level (3'-0" AFF). The luminaires can provide about 3,000 lumens per lamp at desk level. The coefficient of utilization (CU) is 60% when the fixtures are installed at 10'-0" above finish floor (AFF). Light loss factor (LLF) is 0.65. How many 1'x4' recessed light fixtures does the tenant need for this office? 26 28 30 32

Solution: A. 26 3000x2 = 6000 lumens per fixture 6000 x 0.6 x 0.65=2340.0 lumens per fixture will all loss factors 50 x 1200 = 60000 60000/2340=25.641

You are working on the layout for a reception area in a hotel and considering accommodations and requirements for the visually impaired. In regards to objects in the path of travel, what height should they be kept lower than? A. 27" B. 36" C. 48" D. 56"

Solution: A. 27" Refer to Architectural Graphic Standards: Protruding Objects and Changes in Level. For cane detectability for the visually impaired, objects protruding in the circulation path should be kept lower than 27" and at a maximum of 4" if over 27" high

An architect is working on a home gym remodel project for one of his friends. The client has been complaining that when her husband works out, she can hear the low frequency humming of the treadmill in the family room adjacent. The room measures 20'-0" long by 15'-0" wide. The finished drywall ceiling is at 10'-6". The architect is planning on installing an acoustical ceiling 1 '-0" below the finished drywall ceiling. Using the table, what is the maximum number of Sabins the architect can achieve utilizing the materials in the table below? (Fill in the blank, round to nearest hundredth)

Solution: 725.75 Ceiling: - 15x20=300 x .5 = 150 Sabins Floors: Pick the highest value because they want to achieve the highest value possible - 15x20=300 x .7=210 Sabins Walls - 15x9.5x.55=78.375 x2= 156.75 - 20x9.5x.55=104.5 x2= 209 - 156.75+209=365.75 Sabins Total: - 150+210+365.75=725.75

With one way traffic flow, what is the most efficient parking layout angle? A. 90 degrees B. 75 degrees C. 60 degrees D. 30 degrees

Solution: 75 degrees - 90 degrees is the most efficient parking layout with two-way traffic but researches have shown that it is not ideal for users and should only be preferred for short term- daytime parking lots. - 60 degrees is a very common option but its efficiency is not comparable to 90 degree parking. It provides a much easier, parking experience for the users. - 30 degrees is the least efficient option but easy to use as well

Which of the previous images shows a "W" shape steel A B C D E F

Solution: A. W shape S shape T shape (can be cut from W or S) C channel or American standard channel Equal leg steel angle (there is also unequal leg steel angles) Square tube steel (there is also rectangle or round tube steel shapes or pipes)

Which of the following figures is the correct diagram is wind pressures of a 12-foot high building with a 30-foot square plan? A B C. D.

Solution: A. Which of the following regarding the Seismic Design Category (SDC) of a structure is true (Choose 2) Buildings in SDC A need to meet more restrictive earthquake requirements than buildings in SDC C Buildings in SDC C need to meet more restrictive earthquake requirements than buildings in SDC A SDC includes categories A through D SDC includes categories A through E +Solution: Occupancy group I: low hazard to human life if they fail (agricultural facilities, minor storage, temp facilities) Occupancy group II: buildings not included in occupancy group I, III, and IV Occupancy group III: substantial hazard to human life if they fail (assemblies over 300 occupant load/education over 250/building with explosives or toxic substances Occupancy group IV: buildings designated as essential facilities (hospitals with surgery or emergency treatment/healthcare facilities/police/fire/emergency shelters...) Seismic Design Category A: buildings of all occupancy groups in areas expecting minor ground shaking (good soil) Seismic Design Category B: buildings of occupancy groups I, II, and II in areas expecting moderate ground shaking (stratified soil with good and poor soil) Seismic Design Category C: buildings of occupancy groups IV in areas expecting moderate ground shaking, and buildings of occupancy categories I, II, and III in areas expecting SEVERE ground shaking Seismic Design Category D: buildings of all occupancy groups in areas expecting severe and destructive ground shaking, but NOT located close to major fault Seismic Design Category E: buildings of occupancy groups I, II, and II in areas near major active faults (doesn't matter rock/soil type) Seismic Design Category F: buildings of occupancy groups IV in areas near major active faults (doesn't matter rock/soil type)

If using non-metallic sheathed (NM) electrical cable trough bored holes in a wood stud wall, if you don't want to use nail plates, what is the minimum distance the hole must be located from the edge? A. 1 1/4" B. 1/2" C. 3/4" D. 2 1/2"

Solution: A. 1 1/4" Hopefully you got this one by eliminating the wrong answers. Although this question may not be on the exam, questions like this are good practice for developing good testing skills. The answer is 1 1/4" and can be found in the IRC and other code references. Nail plates can still be helpful because you never know when someone is going to drive that 3" screw into your wiring

When laying out the Electrical Plan for a commercial project, you remember at the last minute that you need to provide a light source for the means of egress. What illumination level is required? A. 1 foot-candle B. 100 lux C. 5000 lumens D. This is not required and can be daylit

Solution: A. 1 foot-candle Means of egress require illumination levels of minimum 1 foot-candle (11 lux) at the walking surface level. The areas to be illuminated include all three parts of the means of egress

A prefab steel building is being constructed for a manufacturing facility headquarters. The building will be 2 stories. The first floor should have a 9-foot ceiling height. The second floor is 12'-4" to the top of the 4" thick concrete and steel deck. The steel decking sits on 16" deep steel open web joists, with a W12x18 running along the center of the building. The electrical contractor needs 8" of space for lighting. What is the maximum size hvac duct that can be installed? A. 12" B. 16" C. 20" D. 36"

Solution: A. 12" Given a 12'-4" floor to floor, subtracting the 4 inches for the floor material is 12 feet to bottom of floor above. A W12 is 12" thick, so the open web floor joists take up more room at 16 inches. The Electrical space required is 8 inches. Adding 16 inches and 8 inches results in 24" required. Subtracting the 24 inches from the 36 inches available allows for a duct 12 inches in height

You are working on laying out the Electrical Plan for a new residential project. What is the maximum distance between receptacles? A. 12' B. 6' C. 10' D. 8'

Solution: A. 12' This might have been a little confusing if you guessed 6', but wall receptacles serve spaces for 6' on each side of receptacle. Therefore, the maximum spacing between wall receptacles is 12'

An architect in San Francisco, California, is doing a historic preservation of an old bank building in the heart of downtown. He notices that the flashing under all of the windows has corroded. If he knows that the windows are aluminum, which metal is the flashing? A. 316 Stainless Steel B. 416 Stainless Steel C. Nickel D. Tin

Solution: A. 316 Stainless Steel Fundamentals of Building Construction is a great resource for this, on page 687, they have a table depicting which metals are anodes and which are cathodes. If you review that table, you will find that aluminum is on the anodic end of the table, and the material that is the most cathodic of the ones given, Type 316 Stainless Steel. The correct answer is A

You are comparing the costs of different structural systems to determine which will be best for your client's design. When using concrete, what percentage should you estimate for formwork? (Choose the best answer) A. 40% B. 5% C. 15% D. 20%

Solution: A. 40% Formwork accounts for between 30-50% of the cost of a concrete structure

You are analyzing how tall a building might be for a certain project that is located in an urban area. The vertical distance from the grade plane to the peak of the proposed roof is 50'. The vertical distance from the grade plane to the rake edge is 40'. What would be the building height as defined by the IBC? A. 45' B. 50' C. 35' D. 40'

Solution: A. 45' As illustrated in Building Codes Illustrated, building height as defined by the IBC as the vertical distance from the grade plane to the average height of the highest roof surface. 40' + 50' = 90' / 2 = 45'

You are specifying the HVAC system for a project. Your HVAC mechanical engineer consultant recommended you use a 4-ton system. The manufactures list their systems in BTU/hr. What system would you chose? A. 48,000 BTU/hr B. 40,000 BTU/hr C. 36,000 BTU/hr D. 32,000 BTU/hr

Solution: A. 48,000 BTU/hr This is good to know. There are 12,000 BTU/hr in each refrigeration ton. So, 12,000 BTU/hr x 4 tons = 48,000 BTU/hr

An architect is redesigning a home gym for one of his clients and she is adamant that the sun be shaded in the space so it does not overheat when she works out. If the sun path diagram is the position of the sun, pick the correct overhang.

Solution: A. 50 overhang The lines that extend out from the center of the center is the azimuth line and the rings radiating from the center are the sun's altitude. - 30 azimuth, 50 altitude

A high school teacher is standing at the front of a classroom delivering a lecture to a class of 25 students. Students in the front row, 3' in front of the teacher's lecture, perceive the teacher's voice at 65 dB. What is the decibel level of the teacher's voice in the back row, 12' from the lecture? A. 53 dB B. 56 dB C. 59 dB D. 65 dB

Solution: A. 53 dB The sound intensity level at the back row of the classroom is 53 dB. Sound intensity levels decrease 6 dB for every doubling distance. 3ft doubled = 6ft, 6ft doubled = 12ft. Doubled twice = 12 dB. 65-12=53

What is the solar altitude for Minneapolis (44.9ºN) on June 21st? A. 68.5 B. 45 C. 21.5 D. 50

Solution: A. 68.5 The solar altitude for Minneapolis (44.9ºN) for various seasons at solar noon is: - Maximum (June 21), Summer Solstice: = 90º − ∼45º + 23.5º = 68.5º - Equinox (Mar/Sept 21) = 90º − ∼45º − 0º = 45º - Minimum (Dec 21), Winter Solstice = 90º − ∼45º − 23.5º = 21.5º The earth's tilt angle is 23.5, which is why we add or deduct that angle to calculate the solar altitude of the location in winter solstice and summer solstice

You have been hired to assist in the design of a high-rise building in downtown Portland, OR. When considering fire protection in upper stories, how many floors can firefighting equipment usually reach? A. 7 floors B. 3 floors C. 10 floors D. 12 floors

Solution: A. 7 floors Typically, firefighting equipment can only reach the first 7 floors or 90' of a building. This becomes important when designing for evacuation of upper floors with typically only two means of egress

When designing for wind, most of the US has a basic wind speed (peak gust) of what? A. 90 mph B. 75 mph C. 125 mph D. 150 mph

Solution: A. 90 mph With the adoption of ASCE 7-10, the basic wind speed has increased to 115 mph, but as this was not an option and most of the US is still using 90 mph, this is the best answer

Which of the following items is required in accessible parking design? A. A 5 foot wide access aisle B. A minimum of 5 accessible stalls C. Accessible stalls must be sized to 15' x 21' minimum D. Accessible stalls to be located near building entrance but are permitted to cross vehicular path of travel

Solution: A. A 5 foot wide access aisle The intent of accessible parking is to accommodate the needs of those with physical disabilities. The only listed item that is true is that a 5 foot access aisle is required. It is a requirement that accessible stalls be located in close proximity to the entrance, but when possible, any pedestrian-vehicular conflicts should be avoided. The jurisdiction will ultimately decide whether the location of ADA stalls achieves the code's intent. The quantity of accessible spaces is related to the total number of parking spaces provided. It is possible to only need 1 accessible space. The required size of ADA stalls is defined within a jurisdiction's accessibility code. A stall size of 15 feet by 21 feet is excessive for an ADA stall. However the city of Miami requires that Van-accessible spaces be 17 feet by 18 feet (including the loading area). Note that a certain percentage of accessible spaces are required to be van accessible. Van accessible spaces have additional requirements

Which building type below is more likely to be a skin-loaded building? A. A single-family house B. A college campus library C. A hospital D. An office tower

Solution: A. A single-family house - Small buildings are skin or envelop-loaded. The climate mostly dictates their cooling need or heating need. - Internal-load buildings tend to be larger and inner parts of the building usually have no contact with their climate. Larger buildings also tend to have more equipment, people, and lighting, which dictates their heating or cooling needs

For a south-facing window (temperate climate, northern hemisphere) which building type would benefit more from the use of glass with a high solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC)? A. A skin-load-dominated building B. An internal-load-dominated building

Solution: A. A skin-load-dominated building

The observation of an impending failure would be the most obvious with which type of building? A. A steel structured bridge B. A double wythe CMU interior partition without steel reinforcement C. A two-story concrete library structure D. A five-story college auditorium building with waffle slabs

Solution: A. A steel structured bridge Impending failure is more observable on steel structures due to the ductility of the steel. All other options are more brittle materials

You are working on a project where the roof will be very visible due to it being a high slope shed roof. You want to limit the number of penetrations in the roof. By code, what might be used in place of some plumbing vents? A. Air admittance valves B. Gate valves C. Check valves D. Anti-siphon valves

Solution: A. Air admittance valves Air admittance valves are acceptable as an alternative to running the vent to open air. These can also be a good solution for island sinks

Sun's position in the sky along the vertical axis is called its ___________. A. Altitude B. Solar angle C. Azimuth

Solution: A. Altitude

Which of the following should not be used in direct contact with wood treated with waterborne preservatives containing copper? Aluminum Hot-dipped galvanized steel Copper Silicon bronze Stainless steel

Solution: A. Aluminum Waterborne preservatives can increase the risk of corrosion when metal contact treated wood used in wet locations. Aluminum should not be used in direct contact with wood treated with waterborne preservatives containing copper

Which of the building type below can tolerate the majority of its geometry being exposed to Western light better than the others? A. An elementary school B. An office building C. A library building D. An apartment building

Solution: A. An elementary school - Since most elementary schools are used until early afternoon or noon, a school building is the best option. - A building can get the most sunlight by facing the South, which will contribute to both the heating and daylighting needs of the building. If South orientation is unavailable, the second-best option is facing the North. Even though the strength of the Northern light is not high enough, the consistency and the quality of the light are still better than Western and Eastern sun exposures

Which one below accurately describes an atrium as per International Building Code 2018? A. An opening connecting two or more floor levels that are closed at the top. B. Main floor area that a mezzanine opens and connects to. C. A building wrapped around an open space. D. A series of openings through floors that are enclosed by a shaft, such as an enclosed stair.

Solution: A. An opening connecting two or more floor levels that are closed at the top

You are in the Schematic Design Phase on a project. What cost-estimating method is a good choice during the early Programming or Schematic Design Phase? A. Area and volume method B. Functional area method C. Assemblies/subsystems method D. Quantity survey method

Solution: A. Area and volume method During the Schematic Design Phase, the area and volume method would be appropriate for estimating construction costs. This is used for preliminary estimates, which reveal the floor area or volume of an initial design and allow for better understanding of the cost and scale of a project. Where spaces are not habitable or not conventionally enclosed, these area and volume costs may deviate from the rest of the structure

You are designing a building in a cooling climate that only has high humidity for two to three months of the year. You want to take full advantage of cross-ventilation strategies for the structure you are designing. If you have an internal wall that will block the airflow, what is true about the opening size in these walls to maintain proper cross-ventilation? A. Area of openings needs to be equal to or greater than the required outlet area B. Area of openings needs to be equal to or less than the required outlet area C. Obstruction must be aligned at 45° to flow D. There can be no obstructions in the path of flow

Solution: A. Area of openings needs to be equal to or greater than the required outlet area In order to take full advantage of cross-ventilation strategies in a building, the area of openings in any obstructions needs to be equal to or greater than the required outlet area

In low sloped roofing, drains should be placed A. At midspan, between structural supports B. Near structural supports

Solution: A. At midspan, between structural supports

Some wall assemblies depend primarily on the thickness (mass) of the assembly itself for water resistance. Which of the following basic exterior wall assembly type can absorb rainwater when precipitation exists but also can evaporate the retained rainwater on its own after raining stops? A. Barrier walls B. Drainage walls C. Pressure-equalized walls D. Curtain walls

Solution: A. Barrier walls There are three categories of exterior wall assemblies: - Barrier Walls: They rely on thickness of the material such as cast in place concrete walls or recast concrete walls or CMU walls. - Drainage Walls: In this assembly type usually there is an outer face that resists the water and moisture and there is a drainage cavity behind supported with a structural systems that drains any penetrating water and moisture. Brick veneer walls or panel systems are example to this type of assembly. - Pressure Equalized Walls: These type of assemblies have air pressure in the air cavity to eliminate water penetrating in the assembly. Many curtain wall systems are examples of this type of walls

Which of the following is the most commonly used method to disinfect water to make it potable? A. Chlorination B. Ozonation C. Ultraviolet light D. Zeolite process

Solution: A. Chlorination Chlorination is the most common process used to disinfect drinking water. The chlorine kills bacteria and viruses that may be in the water. Ozonation/ultraviolet are two other methods of removing harmful organisms from drinking water, not as common as chlorination Zeolite is not used to disinfect potable water. It is used to soften water that has a high mineral content

An owner with a property in a hot-humid climate has hired an architect to design a 75-story office building in an open lot, immediately up against two other similar-sized buildings. The soil on the site is dense and cohesive. Which would be the best choice for a foundation? A. Belled caisson B. Minipiles C. Spread footing D. Steel end-bearing piles

Solution: A. Belled caisson Like so many questions you'll see on these exams, you can choose the best answer by eliminated the bad answers. Spread footings, (click here) are used for light and medium-weight buildings to distribute the gravity forces from a wall or column over a larger soil area. For a building of this size and weight, we'll likely need to go down to bedrock for support. The looser soil above the bedrock, while shallow and easy to access, won't be able to support our project. Steel end-bearing piles, propelled into the earth by a piledriver hammering at them for weeks, can be driven down to bedrock, so they're an option from a structural point-of-view (click here, well-worth the time). . . but that kind of hammering so close to the adjacent structures may disturb the existing buildings' foundations (click here). (And the hammering surely will drive the existing buildings' occupants to insanity from the repeated intermittent impact noises!) Minipiles (also known as micropiles, click here) are grouted friction piles, popular for repairing or "underpinning" otherwise failing small-building foundations. They can work in tight spaces, and are unlikely to disturb adjacent structures, but are not robust enough to support this building. Whereas piles are steel, concrete, or wood poles manufactured off-site and vibrated (loose soil) or hammered (dense soil) into the ground, in caisson construction a drilling rig bores a hole to bedrock and fills the hole with reinforced concrete. No hammering required. Okay, if the soil is non-cohisive (gravel, sand) the hole will collapse into itself before we get a chance to fill it with concrete and we may have to hammer a casing to hold back the soil (click here). But in this test item, we have cohesive soil (clay, silt) that might maintain the integrity of hole in place. (Click here for an excellent explanation of caissons). As is often the case in these exams, this item included one element of extraneous information (the climate)

An architect has recently begun the Design Development phase of a project. At this point, the client requests a cost estimate from the architect. What type of estimate would the architect be most likely to give? A. Building systems cost estimate B. Contractor bid estimates C. Matrix cost estimate D. Square foot cost estimate E. Unit Cost estimate

Solution: A. Building systems cost estimate The farther along in the architectural design process the project is, the more accurate cost estimate an architect can give. In the Schematic Phase, an architect is likely to estimate the cost by square footage of the project. Early in the Design Development phase, the architect should be able to provide a Building Systems cost estimate, as opposed to the more specific Unit cost estimate Once the building layout is documented moving into construction documents, the architect (or the building if selected) could start to calculate exact amount of items like flooring, ductwork, windows, etc. Then the Unit Cost would be the most accurate cost estimating method

You are designing the fire-resistance system for an open well in a building that has an escalator in it. You are considering fire sprinklers and a smoke removal system. What is true about using these system together? A. Buoyancy of smoke is reduced by cooling water B. Water is sucked into ducts, making them non-operational C. Water forces smoke into other areas of the building D. These systems are never used together and are prohibited by code

Solution: A. Buoyancy of smoke is reduced by cooling water Sprinkler systems and smoke removal systems can sometimes be in conflict, as the buoyancy of smoke can be reduced due to increased humidity and cooling water

You are familiarizing yourself with the energy codes and terminology for a project. The coefficient of heat transmission (surface to surface) through a building component or assembly, equal to the time rate of heat flow per unit area and the unit temperature difference between the warm-side and cold-side surfaces, is referred to as what? A. C-factor B. Thermal bridge C. U-factor D. Visible transmittance

Solution: A. C-factor C-factor: Time rate of steady-state heat flow through the unit area of a material or construction surfaces. Units of C-factor are BTU/hr x ft2 x degrees Fahrenheit. The C-factor does not include soil or air films. Hey, if you missed it, now you know a cool (or hot!!) new term. Don't sweat it

Which of the following water contaminants can be treated by using a zeolite? A. Calcium B. Insecticide C. Bacteria D. Acidity

Solution: A. Calcium Hard water is caused by limestone, calcium, or magnesium (minerals commonly found in groundwater) depositing in pipes. While hard water is not harmful for human consumption, it is bad for the plumbing system and can create blockages and clogs in the pipes causing obstructions to the water flow. A zeolite is an inorganic material that softens hard water through ion exchange by replacing the problematic ions (calcium, limestone, magnesium) with sodium or potassium ions

You are reviewing all of the bids that have come in on a project with the Owner. One bid is drastically lower than the other bids. The Owner is excited to take the low bid. You notice in reviewing the bid that the Contractor has made a costly error. What are the Contractor's options at this stage? (Choose the best answer) A. Can perform lower quality work B. Can refuse to sign a contract with the Owner C. Must by law absorb the cost D. Must by law revise their bid

Solution: A. Can refuse to sign a contract with the Owner If a Contractor made a mistake in their bid, they do have the option to absorb that additional cost, but they are not forced to by law. They might also revise their bid, but they are not obligated in any way to. They can refuse to sign the contract if no agreement is reached

Which of the following is the most appropriate structural system for a lab building that is sensitive to vibration? A. Cast-in-place concrete beam-and-slab system B. Heavy timber construction with panelized floor C. Lightweight concrete over metal deck over steel joists D. 4" gypsum concrete topping slab over wood deck over wood joists

Solution: A. Cast-in-place concrete beam-and-slab system

An architect is asked to design a program requiring many primary adjacencies and easy movement of people and supplies. Future expansion is not a priority. What organizational layout works for such a program? A. Central B. Grid C. Linear D. Radial

Solution: A. Central Central: provides immediate adjacencies between spaces next to each other, short walking distances between spaces for both people and supplies. Can be problematic for expansion if entire area around the central space is used because corridors must be made to connect the expansion with the Grid: requires many corridors to connect the spaces in the grid...makes size bigger and direct adjacencies difficult Linear: Extends the building and places spaces far away from each other (same with radial)

More partitions in the space (less open plan) A. More fixtures required B. Fewer fixtures required C. No change in number

Solution: A. More fixtures required

Reduced ballast factor: A. More fixtures required B. Fewer fixtures required C. No change in number

Solution: A. More fixtures required

You are designing a multi-level building and starting to plan for fire protection. What must be installed throughout buildings where the floor level of the highest story is located more than 30' above the lowest level of fire department access, or where the lowest floor level is located more than 30' below the highest level of fire department vehicle access? A. Class III standpipe B. Fire alarms C. Portable fire extinguishers D. Smoke sectors

Solution: A. Class III standpipe Class III standpipes shall be installed throughout buildings where the floor level of the highest story is located more than 30' above the lowest level of fire department access, or where the lowest floor level is located more than 30' below the highest level of fire department vehicle access

You are working on the lighting design for an office space. The ratio of lumens reaching a work plane to the lamp-generated lumens is referred to as what? A. Coefficient of utilization (CU) B. Illuminance C. Luminance D. Reflectance

Solution: A. Coefficient of utilization (CU) The coefficient of utilization (CU) is a measure of the efficiency of a luminaire in transferring luminous energy to the working plane in a particular area. The CU is the ratio of luminous flux from a luminaire incident upon a work plane to that emitted by the lamps within the luminaire

When designing for fire protection, which strategy divides a building into distinct zones with barriers to retard the propagation and spread of fire? A. Compartmentalization B. Fire blocking C. Flame spread limiting D. Block chain

Solution: A. Compartmentalization The requirements for the fire resistance of internal building elements are based on the theory of compartmentalization. The concept is to divide a building into distinct zones with barriers to retard the propagation and spread of fire

You are reviewing a project to ensure that the correct and most efficient structural system has been selected. When analyzing a structure, which material is typically considered rigid when used as a diaphragm? A. Concrete B. Structural plywood C. Un-topped steel decking D. Stone

Solution: A. Concrete Concrete is considered a rigid diaphragm. Stone is also rigid, but good luck installing it as a diaphragm!

You have been approached by a prospective client who is proposing a project that is not approved in a particular zone as defined by the local zoning code. The use does fit with the area, and the neighbors are supportive. To build or use a building for a purpose not granted in the zoning code, what would you suggest applying for? Conditional use permit Mixed zone variance Non-conforming use Non-conditional use permit

Solution: A. Conditional use permit A conditional use permit grants the ability to use the building for a proposed use even though the zoning code normally would not allow it. Typically granted with certain restrictions, it may not be transferrable to a new Owner

A developer wants to build an elementary school in an area zoned for residential use. Which of the following applications should she submit to the city? Conditional use permit Non-conforming use permit Incentive zoning permit Ordinance variance permit

Solution: A. Conditional use permit Non-conforming use permit: the use that does not conform to the current zoning ordinance Incentive zoning: use the permission to build a larger or taller building as an incentive for a private developer to provide public amenities such as a park Ordinance variance: this is just a distracter (not a real permit)

Two bodies in direct contact with each other will transfer heat primarily by the mechanism of ______ A. Conduction B. Radiation C. Evaporation D. Convection E. None of the above

Solution: A. Conduction

What is the heat transfer process that occurs when objects are in direct contact? A. Conduction B. Convection C. Induction D. Radiation

Solution: A. Conduction Conduction is the process by which heat or electricity is directly transmitted through a substance when there is a difference of temperature or of electrical potential between adjoining regions, without movement of the material

You are in the Pre-Design Phase on a project that is located in Northern Maine. You are on site conducting a site analysis. A person that lives in the area is out walking their dog and they inquire about what you are doing. During the discussion, they explain that the whole area has a high water table. What would you want to be aware of in regard to the foundation of a new building for this site? A. Correct foundation type to avoid cracking due to heaving B. Water table could freeze and cause the foundation to slip C. Foundation could separate from the soil as the water table freezes D. Water table could expand and cause the building to collapse

Solution: A. Correct foundation type to avoid cracking due to heaving The level of water below the surface of the ground is referred to as the water table. This information is critical for the purposes of designing the building foundation. A site with a high water table will need to use a mat slab or pile foundation, and if the building is placed below the water table, extensive waterproofing of the foundation would be required

An architect is designing a 10-story building and is analyzing the options for the cladding system. The architect has determined that the building will utilize a prefabricated system with a variety of glass vision and spandrel panels. Although the structural grid of the building very regular, to add visual interest to the façade, the panels will be a variety of sizes. Which type of cladding system will be the most desirable choice for this application? A. Curtain wall stick system B. Substrate mounted composite metal C. Curtain wall panel system D. Metallic finish EIFS system

Solution: A. Curtain wall stick systems Substrate mounted system: provides a lot of flexibility but requires the building to be covered with a supporting substrate. Can be unnecessarily expensive and will complicate the installation of vision panels. Curtain wall panel system: economical and practical only for structures with large numbers of identical panels Metallic EIFS: May provide a similar look but requires additional construction and would be separate from any spandrel/vision panel installation Curtain wall stick system: Allows for a variety of panel sizes and types because the individual extrusions could be cut and fit as required

You are researching the best connectors to use for a project that is wood framed. Which of the following would be the weakest type of connector for wood? A. Nails B. Plugs C. Screws D. Straps

Solution: A. Nails Though nails are the weakest of all the options for wood connectors, they are also the most commonly used for light frame construction. This is because of their economy, availability and versatility

You are assisting with a civic design project in the downtown section of the city you live in, and you want to advise the client to replace existing street lights with LED lamps. You would like to get more detail on specifications and standards regarding the cities lighting codes. Where might you search for this information? A. Department of Public Works B. Planning Department C. Zoning Department D. Building Department

Solution: A. Department of Public Works The Department of Public Works builds a city's streets, installs its sewers, constructs its storm drains, rights-of-way and service facilities, and typically consists of the following divisions: Bureau of Engineering, Department of Sanitation, Street Lighting, and Street Services

You are reviewing the options for bringing electrical transmission lines to a site with a developer. They want the least expensive option with the exception that no overhead lines will be permitted on the site. Which would be the best option? A. Direct burial B. Type II burial C. Type I burial D. Overhead feed

Solution: A. Direct burial Direct burial of electrical transmission lines is the least expensive option (with the exception of overhead lines, which are not allowed in this development). Type I concrete encased is the most expensive but has highest strength and permanence

Refer to the figure below. When reviewing the Construction Drawings for a project and crosschecking the specifications, you come access this detail. Which of the following best describes the exterior cladding system? A. EIFS B. Shotcrete C. Stone veneer D. Terra cotta

Solution: A. EIFS Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) is a general class of non-load bearing building cladding systems that provides exterior walls with an insulated, water-resistant, finished surface in an integrated composite material system

You are designing a residential project for the Northwest of the United States. When considering wall assemblies, which could be vulnerable to moisture penetrating through flaws or damage to the exterior, and therefore may not be able to drain properly and might erode the masonry substrate? A. EIFS B. Wood batten C. Earth plaster D. Brick veneer

Solution: A. EIFS There are potential pitfalls to using EIFS since it is a waterproof finish surface, if moisture does penetrate through flaws or damage to the exterior, it may not be able to drain properly and can erode the masonry substrate

When planning your details for a masonry wall assembly, what is the only component of a wall that can and should be considered sacrificial? A. Face mortar B. Flashing C. Rigid insulation D. Stucco

Solution: A. Face mortar By specifying face mortar that is softer and less durable than the masonry it binds, we ensure that stresses in the wall cause cracking along mortar joints instead of the more costly brick or stone

An architect was driving into work one morning when driving by the site of a burned-down building. On the site there were a series of walls still standing around a pile of debris. Without knowing the occupancy of the building, which of the fire-rated assemblies best describes those walls? A. Fire Wall B. Fire Barrier C. Fire Partition D. Smoke Barrier

Solution: A. Fire Wall

Which type of partition below would be selected, if the client wants to increase allowable area and architect is considering to separate building into two separate construction types? A. Fire Wall B. Fire Barrier C. Fire Partition D. Smoke Barrier

Solution: A. Fire Wall Fire-Walls are used to separate buildings into two separate construction types

What roof is the most energy efficient? A. Flat roof B. Moderately slope roof C. Steep roof D. Vegetated roof with vegetation native to the local climate and soil

Solution: A. Flat roof Any roof slope more than 40% requires additional anchors or tiedowns

An architect is selecting a roofing material for a large air-conditioned warehouse in a hot, sunny climate. The client's company has expressed a dedication to combatting climate change and local microclimate disruptions. Which is the best roofing material choice? A. High-albedo, high-emissivity EPDM roof B. High-albedo, low-emissivity hot-mopped roof C. Low-albedo, high emissivity EPDM roof D. Low albedo, low-emissivity hot-mopped roof

Solution: A. High-albedo, high-emissivity EPDM roof High-albedo (light-colored) roofs absorb less heat. High-emissivity roofs release the heat that was absorbed back to the night sky. Those two facts alone offer enough to select the correct answer, but there are other clues. . . EPDM (rubber membrane) is a better option than hot-mopped (built-up asphalt) for large low-sloped roofs and roofs with few penetrations for plumbing vents and other systems. These days, almost all low-sloped roofs are EPDM

Which of the following type of elevators below has a low initial cost but, higher life-cycle cost? A. Hydraulic elevators B. Geared traction elevators C. Gearless traction elevators D. MRL elevators

Solution: A. Hydraulic elevators Hydraulic elevators have the lowest first cost due to the absence of traction motors, penthouse equipment, elaborate controllers, safety equipment, cables and drums which makes it cheaper than traction elevators. Machine Room-less (MRL) traction elevators have a similar initial cost to geared traction elevators which is about 20% more than hydraulic elevators. When it comes to the life-cycle cost, hydraulic elevators are the worst of all given options. It is operating cost is much higher due to the larger motor that pumps the oil

When is the ideal time to begin value engineering a project? A. In the initial planning stages B. At the end of the design development phase C. After the construction documents have been completed D. After bids are received and they all exceed the owner's budget

Solution: A. In the initial planning stages

Best for rendering color (highest CRI) A. Incandescent B. Halogen C. Fluorescent D. Metal halide E. High Pressure Sodium

Solution: A. Incandescent

A client has approached you about helping them find a solution to the excessive energy consumption of their home. Their home was built in the 70s and has very little insulation. The exterior is masonry, and they like the idea of stuccoing the exterior. How might an Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) solve their issue? A. Installed as a rain screen B. Installed as a shading device C. Installed in vertical sections D. This system can only be installed on low slope roofs

Solution: A. Installed as a rain screen Drained EIFS are significantly different from face-sealed systems in that, by definition, they have a provision for drainage. Unlike face-sealed systems, rain screen systems can be successfully used as an exterior cladding system in essentially all climates and exposures

Your firm has been selected to assist with the restoration of a historic building, and you are looking for a column to match the existing ones because one is damaged beyond repair. The column has volutes and stands on a base. The cap is enriched with scroll-shaped egg-and-dart ornamentation. What type of column are you looking for? A. Ionic B. Corinthian C. Doric D. Tuscan

Solution: A. Ionic The column with volutes that stands on a base and has the scroll-shaped cap would be the ionic column

At the beginning of a project, when estimating the construction budget, what would be true about the contingency percentage for the budget? A. It would be higher B. It would be lower C. It would be the same D. It would not be included

Solution: A. It would be higher At the beginning of a project, there is less known about the project, so when estimating costs, a higher contingency percentage would be used

You are working on a project that has sloped gazing in the roof assembly. Which type of glazing should be specified for this application? (Choose the best answer based on the information given) A. Laminated B. Tinted C. Optical-quality D. Tempered

Solution: A. Laminated Laminated glass is the best answer. If the glass breaks, it will not fall through the opening and harm occupants below

The architect for a historic church renovation is putting together foundation details for the project. The building has an intricate exterior buttressed structure. There was no hydrostatic pressure noted in the soil boring, but there was a moderate level of moisture noted. Which foundation waterproofing should the architect choose? A. Liquid-applied membrane B. Sheet-applied membrane C. Bentonite D. Cement-plaster

Solution: A. Liquid-applied membrane Moderate moisture without hydrostatic pressure will help to eliminate one, possibly two answers to pick from - Answer D can be eliminated because cement plaster is a porous material similar to concrete so it won't do much to block moisture and will actually absorb it. - Answer C can be eliminated since there is no hydrostatic pressure noted, bentonite, while still usable, would be overkill under the circumstances - May be difficult to install based on the intricate exterior buttressed structure ○ Buttressing is a way to essentially locate the building's structure on the outside of the building, to free up more clear space inside a building, but this comes with a foundation that is going to have a lot of corners and odd shapes to work around - Answer B, can be eliminated because the sheet applied membrane would have a lot of seams and overlaps around the building's perimeter which could lead to areas of weaker protection Since the liquid-applied is "fluid" it can cover all of those odd shapes without putting the waterproofing of the foundation at risk

The drawing above represents a site plan diagram for a proposed highway rest stop. It will be a simple building, with restrooms and vending machines, and it will be heated and air-conditioned. Which is the best location for the fresh air intake grille? A. Location A B. Location B C. Location C D. Location D

Solution: A. Location A Because we need outside air introduced continually into buildings, we want the fresh air intake grille—the "vent" connecting the outdoor atmosphere to the air handling unit—to be relatively free of pollution. And because many drivers idle their engines at rest stop parking lots, we can assume that the air near the parking lot will be polluted and not the kind of air that we'd wish to bring into a room. Remember that regardless of where the wind arrow lays on the drawing, the wind can be considered parallel to that arrow across the full drawing So from that we know the prevailing breezes will push the exhaust up against two sides of the mechanical room, leaving the third, leeward side, as the best location for the air intake

If an architect is trying to abate the solar radiation on a building as much as possible, which of the following window glazing strategy provides this control in the best way? A. Low SHGC B. High SHGC C. Double glazing with gas fill E. Low-e windows

Solution: A. Low SHGC - Low solar heat gain coefficient windows provide the best solar radiation control when the goal is to reduce the intensity of the solar radiation ○ The low-e is the family name of low or high SHGC window films. § A low-e window can be either high or low SHGC, depending on the climate or location of the building or the window itself - In warmer climates, a low SHGC window is preferred which controls/reduces the heat gain capacity of the windows - In colder climates, the high SHGC windows are preferred because they do the opposite - they increase the solar radiation intake capacity of the windows - Double glazed windows with gas fill usually provide better insulation, which means they are good at keeping the heat in

How is luminary efficacy evaluated? A. Lumens produced to watts consumed B. Color rendering index C. Intensity to photometry D. Illumination

Solution: A. Lumens produced to watts consumed A luminary's efficacy is evaluated by dividing the results (lumens produced) over the effort (watts consumed). A color rendering index is the measure of how effectively a light source enables the viewer to perceive correct colors. Intensity is the amount of light produced, and photometry is the measure of how bright the light is perceived by the eye. Illumination is the amount of light arriving at a surface

You are assisting with determining the required trenching on a project for underground utilities. The project is located in an area with a frost line depth of 12". How deep must the water service line be buried? A. Min. 18" B. Min. 24" C. Min. 6" D. Min. 36"

Solution: A. Min. 18" According to the IRC, water service pipe shall be installed not less than 12" deep and not less than 6" below the frost line. This is a tough question if you are not familiar with these codes, but using some basic assumptions like "You probably don't want to be above frost line," the best answer would be 18"

A client wants to build 24,000 sf car dealership in Williamsburg, VA and would like to consider including photovoltaic panels on the roof top. The building is also designed to use passive heating techniques and has separate solar water heating system planned however it has limited roof surface. Which type of PV cells below would be the best fit for this project? A. Monocrystalline Silicon Solar Cells B. Polycrystalline Silicon Solar Cells C. String Ribbon Solar Cells D. Thin-Film Solar Cells (TFSC)

Solution: A. Monocrystalline Silicon Solar Cells Since the roof surface is limited we are looking for the most efficient PV-cell type which is Monocrystalline Silicon Solar Cells but they are also still the most expensive option. Monocrystalline silicon solar cells can have 15 to 20% efficiency. Wrong Answers: - Polycrystalline Silicon Solar Cells, are cheaper than monocrystalline silicon solar cells due to cheaper manufacturing techniques but their efficiency is between 13-16%. - String Ribbon Solar Cells are more costly compared to monocrystalline silicon solar cells and their efficiency is around 13-14% - Thin-Film Solar Cells (TFSC) are much cheaper and they can be flexible however their efficiency is around 7-13 % which requires a much larger surface area to achieve same energy goal. Visit here for more information

Darker room surfaces A. More fixtures required B. Fewer fixtures required C. No change in number

Solution: A. More fixtures required

Fewer lamps per fixture A. More fixtures required B. Fewer fixtures required C. No change in number

Solution: A. More fixtures required

Fewer lumens per lamp A. More fixtures required B. Fewer fixtures required C. No change in number

Solution: A. More fixtures required

Increased design illuminance: A. More fixtures required B. Fewer fixtures required C. No change in number

Solution: A. More fixtures required

Lower lamp lumen depreciation (LLD) factor (which is a faster lumen depreciation rate): A. More fixtures required B. Fewer fixtures required C. No change in number

Solution: A. More fixtures required

Lower luminaire dirt (LDD) factor: A. More fixtures required B. Fewer fixtures required C. No change in number

Solution: A. More fixtures required

You have been asked by a client to help with designing an awning for shading windows on a multifamily housing project. The awning as designed extends 50" from the facade. Would you need a permit for this? (Choose the best answer) A. No B. Not if made from cloth C. Not if made from wood D. Yes

Solution: A. No According to the IRC, window awnings supported by an exterior wall—which do not project more than 54" from the exterior wall and do not require additional support—do not require a permit

You work for a larger architectural design firm, and you have been tasked with designing the vertical circulation in a multi-story building with a green roof. What would be the main reason for choosing a hydraulic elevator versus a traction elevator? A. No machine room on the roof B. They are faster C. They can ascend to higher levels D. They are cheaper to operate

Solution: A. No machine room on the roof Hydraulic elevators do not require the penthouse machine room or a heavily braced roof over the elevator shaft

According to the International Building Code 2018 (IBC-2018), what is the required fire separation between a gas station and a dry cleaner if both occupancies are equipped throughout with an automated sprinkler system? A. No separation is required. B. 1 Hour C. 2 Hours D. 3 Hours

Solution: A. No separation is required According to IBC-2018, building with mixed uses may require certain hours of separation depending on their occupancy type. Refer to Chapter 5, Table 508.4, to see these requirements. Gas Station is type M occupancy, and Dry Cleaner is Type F-1 Occupancy. (Refer to Chapter 3 for occupancy types) and as per Table 508.4, no separation is required between these two occupancies. Note: There is another occupancy group for dry cleaning and laundry functions, which is occupancy group B, but that is for dry cleaning drop-off/ pick-up stations and self-service laundries. Since it is not specifically mentioned as a drop-off/ pick-up station, we should assume it is a space where the actual dry cleaning activity is taking place

You are working on roof ventilation details for a residential project. The ceilings are vaulted to match the roof slope and you have chosen 2-lb closed-cell foam to insulate. The structure is 2,500 square feet. There is no attic space. What percentage of the total roof surface area is required for venting? A. No venting required by code B. 15% C. 20% D. 10%

Solution: A. No venting required by code Closed-cell foam acts as a vapor barrier in addition to insulating the roof, and no venting would be required in this application. There is a lot of discussion about having some form of mechanical ventilation in homes that uses spray foam for insulation, or "air-tight" homes for indoor air quality purposes. Do your research for each project, as climate and local codes can also impact decisions made here

Which toxic gas, often found in office buildings, is a common contributor to poor indoor air quality and can be produced by laser printers, monitors, and electrical wires? A. Ozone B. Carbon monoxide C. Hydrocarbons D. Radon

Solution: A. Ozone Ozone is a toxic gas found indoors with electrical equipment. It causes congestion and shortness of breath, and it should be exhausted directly from the source. Carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons are caused by smoke and burning. Radon is a gas that naturally occurs in soil and water

When estimating the cost of construction for a project, if all that is known or provided is the location and the square footage, what type of cost estimating would be employed? A. Parametric estimating B. Analogous estimating C. Bottom-up estimating D. Activity-based estimating

Solution: A. Parametric estimating Factors like size and location are parameters—measurable factors that can be used to calculate or estimate cost. The person estimating knows the average cost per square foot for a specific type of building and adjusts for local labor costs. Estimates that are calculated by multiplying measured parameters by cost-per-unit values are parametric estimates

A client you are designing an art studio for has requested that many of the working surfaces in their proposed space be opaque and that outside natural daylight be harvested as much as possible. What would be the best way to test multiple daylighting scenarios as well as communicate the results to your client? A. Physical daylight models B. BIM C. CAD D. Hand sketches

Solution: A. Physical daylight models Physical daylight models are a quick and easy way to investigate complex daylighting phenomena

Which of the following roof penetration details is most likely to leak? A. Pitch pan B. Cone-shaped boot C. Cricket

Solution: A. Pitch pan

You have been given the documents from a Preplanning Phase for a new structure that will be constructed. Before you actually have the property where the structure will be built surveyed, you would like to review the lot dimensions and also see the adjacent lots and their relationship to each other. What would you use for this? A. Plat Plan B. Mete lines C. Bounds descriptions D. GIS

Solution: A. Plat Plan A Plat Plan (or cadastral map) is a map (drawn to scale) showing the way a piece of land has been sub-divided

You are researching solutions for a parking garage that is required to accommodate parking for a hotel you are designing. The project is in an urban center, and traffic congestion is a problem. The city will not allow night construction due to noise ordinances. The project does have access to a crane. The project is on a very aggressive timeline. What structural system would be most appropriate? A. Precast concrete frame B. Shotcrete C. Pour-in-place concrete frame D. Light gauge steel with structural sheathing

Solution: A. Precast concrete frame Precast concrete components can be pre-tensioned and brought in by the truckload, then offloaded and placed with a crane. This is much easier and faster than trying to bring in multiple concrete trucks

You are beginning design on a tower in an urban setting, and you notice a zoning restriction which requires that no building on a site may cast a shadow off the site during a predefined period of the year. What is this referring to? A. Solar envelope B. Solar zone C. Shadow casting D. Sun slicing

Solution: A. Solar envelope This type of zoning guarantees solar access to properties by regulating construction limits. Buildings within the solar envelope would not shadow adjacent properties during a predefined period of time, usually critical energy-receiving periods during the year

During the design documentation phase of a new theater building, the owner decides to increase the occupant load significantly. Due to this change, the mechanical engineer reports to the architect that the plenum spaces need to be increased 2 to 4 inches throughout the building. The owner and the architect agree to keep the interior ceiling height as before and reduce the floor thicknesses to provide room for the new plenum depth. Which of the structural scenarios below provides the best solution to this problem? A. Precast, pre-stressed concrete solid slab B. Site-cast concrete joist slab C. Waffle slab D. Any of the concrete ribbed systems

Solution: A. Precast, pre-stressed concrete solid slab. To reduce the floor thickness, the architect should prefer a structural system that doesn't have joists, or ribs in the slab. Typically site-cast and not post-tensioned slabs are thicker than, precast, prestressed, or site-cast post-tensioned slabs. Therefore, the first option would provide the thinnest slab and give extra room for new duct size

You are working on the Plumbing Plan and Specifications for a project in an area with high water pressure over 65 PSI. What would you specify to install on fixtures if the pressure is excessive? A. Pressure reducer B. Pressure relief valves C. Check valve D. Pressure check

Solution: A. Pressure reducer Pressure reducers, also called pressure regulators, are required on fixtures if the supply pressure is over 60 psi. Most figures only require 5 to 15 psi to operate, and greater pressures can cause excessive wear or failure

A brick building is being designed in a frigid, windy tundra that experiences lots of harsh weather. The brick will be exposed as a design feature. What grade of brick should be specified? A. SW B. MW C. NW

Solution: A. SW SW (severe weathering) is best for this climate. The other options are Moderate Weathering and Negligible Weathering

Complete the following sentence. Sound absorption is measured in ___________ units. A. Sabin B. Decibel C. Hertz D. dB

Solution: A. Sabin Decibel (dB) units measure sound intensity and hertz units are used when measuring sound frequency. For more on this subject, we strongly recommend reading chapter 2 (Acoustics) of the book Architectural Graphic Standards, 12th Edition. See page 95 onward in particular. We also recommend reading this page

Which of the following reasons for the selection of the given steel structural member is primarily cost driven? A. Selecting the lightest beam possible that will provide required spanning B. Selecting custom built steel sections for beams C. Specifying beams that has the highest weight per linear feet D. Specifying only field- welded connections throughout the entire structure, where connection of two steel members are necessary

Solution: A. Selecting the lightest beam possible that will provide required spanning The steel cost is directly associated with weight therefore, the primary reason to create beam sections as light as possible is because they cost less. Any custom built section means deviation from readily available members, which will increase the cost. Field -welded connections are labor intense, time consuming and pricey connections so they should be used when creating rigid connections are absolutely necessary

Which elevator operating system is the most appropriate choice for a four-story luxury apartment building with two passenger elevators? A. Selective collective operation B. Computerized system control C. Single automatic push-button control D. Collective control

Solution: A. Selective collective operation Selective collective operation is a good choice for the apartment building. It collects calls and answers the up calls on the up trip, travels to the floor level with the highest call, and then collects and answers the down calls on the return trip to the floor level with the lowest call. This type of operating system works best with more than one car because cars can be making separate trips and answering calls simultaneously, reducing wait times. Computerized controls are much more sophisticated (and more expensive) than the other three types. They are programmed based on data about building traffic patterns and analysis of the most important calls. Single automatic control answers one call at a time, delivers that passenger to the destination, and then responds to the next call. Collective control answers all calls without differentiating between up and down calls, so waiting time and time spent on the elevator can be acceptably long. This type of system is rarely used in new projects in the US

Which foundation system is most appropriate for a 2-story building where frost is not a concern? A. Slab on grade B. Spread footing C. Mat D. Pile

Solution: A. Slab on grade In a 1 or 2 story building where frost is not a concern, slab on grade foundations with thickened edges are the most economical and make the most sense

You are designing a building that is located in a seismic hazard zone. The soils are sandy for the site. How do seismic waves travel though this type of soil? A. Slower than bedrock B. Faster than bedrock C. Equal to the ratio of displacement D. Determined by the coefficient of expansion

Solution: A. Slower than bedrock It is true that seismic waves (or any wave) travel slower through soft soils than they do through hard rock. Rock is less easily deformed than sand or mud, and therefore wave speed is increased as the wave propagates

Your Client has asked you to speak with the surveyor for a project to be sure the survey is done correctly and appropriately for the site. For a relatively flat site with little slope, what spacing should you request the surveyor use for a topography map? A. Small contour intervals B. Large contour intervals C. Standard contour intervals D. 10' contour intervals

Solution: A. Small contour intervals For a relatively flat site with little slope, it would be most helpful if the surveyor produced a topography map with small contour intervals

Which glazing type below is more likely to be preferred in climates with more cooling degree days? A. Spectrally selective glazing with 0.23 SHGC B. Super windows with 0.15 U value C. Low-e glass with 0.36 SHGC D. Double-pane glazing with 0.46 SHGC

Solution: A. Spectrally selective glazing with 0.23 SHGC A location with more cooling degree days means, the building is in warm/hot climate. Spectrally selective glazing with 0.23 SHGC is the best answer because, spectrally selective coatings are a special type of low-e coatings that can filter 40% to 70% of the heat that would normally be transmitted to the space without reducing the capacity of the light transmittance. They promote a low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) with keeping a high Visible Transmittance (VT) - Super Windows with low U value are more likely to be selected in cold climates with more heating degree days. - Low- emissivity (low-e) coatings are thin films that are applied to glazing with insulated windows. they reduce energy loss via windows by 30% to 50%.- Low-e films can be produced with high or low SHGC factors. In this option the high SHGC makes this window more suitable for a colder climate since it will promote more heat gain in space. - Double-pane glazing with 0.46 SHGC may also provide a good insulation to keep the coolth inside the space but high SHGC will again invite more heat intentionally which is not ideal in a hot climate like this

A colleague in your office has decided to call in sick, and you are stuck with drawing up all of their flashing details. When selecting metal flashing, which material would you not want to pair copper with due to galvanic corrosion issues? A. Stainless steel B. Titanium C. Redwood D. Cement

Solution: A. Stainless steel When using copper as flashing, it is important to be aware of the potential for galvanic corrosion and avoid pairing this material with aluminum, stainless steel, iron or steel

You have the footprint of a project designed, as well as the preliminary structural system. You are now ready to select the foundation type. What type of foundation would work best on a site with hard bedrock or gravel at the surface? A. Stem wall foundation B. Pile or caisson foundation C. Mat slab foundation D. Raised foundation

Solution: A. Stem wall foundation A typical stem wall foundation would be appropriate for this site, as there are stable soils at the surface

You are laying out the foundation for a project and looking for the most economical choice. There is an exterior footing that is next to the property line. What type of footing might be used here where the footing cannot extend beyond the property line? A. Strap footing B. Raft foundation C. Wall footing D. Grade beam

Solution: A. Strap footing The strap footing or cantilever footing is a concrete strap beam used to distribute column loads to each footing to equalize the soil pressure on each footing. Strap footings are also used where an exterior column is next to the property line but the footing cannot extend past the property line

Corners and eaves are generally A. Subject to higher wind forces B. Subject to lower wind forces C. Subject to the same amount of wind forces as the rest of the building D. Not affected by wind forces

Solution: A. Subject to higher wind forces Corners and eaves generally receive higher wind forces than the rest of a building. This is why most wind damage occurs at corners and eaves

You are analyzing ideal solar orientation for a new commercial project. Which of the following tools could be used as a model that simulates the changing position of the sun and shade over the course of the day and throughout the year? A. Sundial chart B. Solar plotter C. Nanometer D. Sun scope

Solution: A. Sundial chart A sundial may be used to evaluate the effects of existing site conditions, impacts of building massing alternatives, the extent of sun penetration into buildings and the effectiveness of shading devices

In regard to wind load design, the categories B, C, and D are based on Surface roughness Geography Distance to the ground surface Wind strength

Solution: A. Surface roughness Surface roughness B: urban and suburban areas, wooded areas or other terrain with numerous closely spaced obstructions having the size of single-family dwellings or larger Surface roughness C: open terrain with scattered obstructions having heights generally less than 30'. This category includes flat open country, grasslands, and all water surfaces in hurricane-prone regions Surface roughness D: flat, unobstructed areas and water surfaces outside hurricane-prone regions. This category includes smooth mud flats, salt flats, and unbroken ice

What type of issue is more likely to happen with the connection given above? A. Tearing due to bolts failing to resists shear forces B. Tearing due to bolts failing to resists lateral forces C. Failure of moment connection D. Buckling at the columns

Solution: A. Tearing due to bolts failing to resists shear forces The most likely issue that can happen in the shear connection shown above is: Tearing due to bolts failing to resists shear forces. The given graphic in question shows the end framing of a beam in which the support is provided by another beam, whose top is aligned with that of the supported beam

What kind of glazing should the architect specify on an interior french door to be most economical and comply with the building code? A. Tempered B. Insulated C. Laminated D. Low-e E. Single-pane

Solution: A. Tempered Tempered glass is the correct answer. Glass in doors is required to be safety glass which includes tempered and laminated. Tempered is typically less expensive because it includes only one pane of glass where laminated includes two. Learn more about different types of glass here at the archtoolbox

Code provisions for termite protection are based on what resource, which was developed by the U.S. Forest Service and is published in the Code? A. Termite Infestation Probability Map B. Termite Census Survey of 1922 C. Aerial termite studies D. Reports of Termite Control Corporations

Solution: A. Termite Infestation Probability Map Code provisions for termite protection are based on the Termite Infestation Probability Map, which was developed by the U.S. Forest Service and is published in the Code. Code officials consider the information on the map, along with the history of local subterranean termite damage, to determine the level of need for local termite protections

If the amount of moisture in the air remains constant throughout a given day, what happens to the relative humidity as the temperature rises? A. The RH decreases B. The RH increases C. The RH remains the same D. The local wind speed will increase

Solution: A. The RH decreases Relative Humidity is the percentage of moisture present in the air compared to how much moisture would represent complete saturation at a given temperature. I.e. when the air can no longer hold water anymore, which can also be called precipitation. Warm air can hold more moisture than cold air. A clear example is when you have a cold glass of ice water on a hot day, and the outside of the glass develops condensation as the air around it cools and releases its moisture. Dew is another example of relative humidity. Use this fact to remember that vapor barriers are placed on the warm side of the wall assembly, so that moisture is not allowed through to cool and turn into water

A main brings supply water into a 6-story building at 70 psi. The temperature-controlled shower on the top floor requires 20 psi minimum for correct operation. Which one of the following statements best describes the status of the building's supply water plumbing needs? Assume 8 psi of friction loss and 12 feet floor-to-floor heights. A. The municipal water pressure is sufficient to supply the building B. The building will require a gravity downfeed system to properly pressurize the pipes at all top floor fixtures C. The building will require an upfeed pump to augment the pressurize to supply all top floor fixtures D. Water cannot be delivered to the top floor fixtures at sufficient pressure

Solution: A. The municipal water pressure is sufficient to supply the building Assume that the showerhead is halfway up the wall on the top floor (though if you assume that you are measuring pressure at the floor of the top story or at the ceiling of the top story, you will come to the same answer) 12 feet/floor * 5.5 floors = 66 feet Many people struggle with the concept of pressure loss due to elevation of water. If we are lightly pushing water into a pipe with very little force and that pipe extends upward 10,000 stories, you can imagine that there's not enough force (pressure) for water to flow that high in the air. So as water moves upward, pressure in the pipe is lost! Loss due to elevation: 66 feet * 1 psi/2.31 feet = 29 psi lost by the time the water reaches the shower height on the top floor Another 8 psi lost from friction so: 29 psi + 8 psi = 37 psi lost We started with 70 psi from the city and lost 37 psi, leaving us with 70 psi - 37 psi = 33 psi to run the fixture But the fixture only requires 20 psi minimum to operate properly, so we needn't require a pumped upfeed (click here to learn more) nor gravity downfeed (click here) system. 70 psi is high for a city water supply—typically they supply at closer to 50 psi. . . With 37 psi lost to friction and height, we'd only have 13 psi left to operate the 20 psi shower. You can see how at about five floors, we may need a pump or a roof tank. To better understand friction loss, click here and play around with the numbers on the friction-loss calculator. To see minimum fixture pressure and flow requirements, click here *If you understand this concept, you could have probably guessed correctly without calculating anything. This is common on the exams. If the city failed to supply enough pressure, we could run either a pumped upfeed or a gravity downfeed system to supply proper pressure. I don't know how one would be correct and not the other. By process of elimination, we can guess that the city supplies enough water pressure to service the whole building before opening the calculator app

You are having a meeting with an electrician to help plan for the electrical needs of a project. It is a small commercial project with large motors and some other heavy loads. Wire output would be 208Y/120 volt. What type of service would be required? A. Three-phase B. Single-phase C. Quad-phase D. Not enough information is given

Solution: A. Three-phase Three-phase power is used in some small commercial applications for higher efficiency, especially with certain large motors and other heavier electrical loads

An architect procures a hotel project where using a low-cost structural system is one of the top priorities of the client. Which of the following systems would be the ideal solution, considering both the function and the budget restrictions of this project? A. Two-Way Flat Plate B. One-Way Beam and Slab C. Two-Way Beam and Slab D. Two-Way Flat Slab

Solution: A. Two-Way Flat Plate Two-way Flat Plate: By far the cheapest option. Also a great choice for hotels, motels, and residential buildings. Incorrect Answers: Two-way Flat Slab: This is also an economical solution compared to the rest of the answers. However, it is mostly better for heavy loads, like industrial buildings, warehouses, and parking garages. One-Way Beam and Slab: The formwork is costly and usually preferred where a long span in one direction is required. It can also carry heavier loads. Two-Way Beam and Slab: Similar to one-way beam & slab systems, the formwork, and execution are costly. It is preferred for heavier loads however different from one-way slab and beam, it can span in both directions

What type of mortar should be used in the cavity walls where high velocity winds are expected? A. Type S B. Type M C. Type N D. Type O

Solution: A. Type S Type S mortar: for high-velocity winds ( velocity exceeds 80 miles/hour), also where bond and lateral strengths are more important than compressive strength, preferred for load-bearing exterior or interior walls and cavity walls Type N mortar: If the wind velocity is lower than this, Type N mortar may also be used

An architect is considering an all-water HVAC system for his client's new residential project. The client prefers a faster air exchange in the space and doesn't mind the extra noise that may be created by the delivery unit. Which of the following water‐to‐air heat exchanger devices is the best delivery unit to meet this criteria? A. Unit heaters B. Hydronic radiant panels C. Valence units D. Passive chilled beams E. Hydronic baseboard radiators

Solution: A. Unit heaters In all-water HVAC systems, you still need a delivery medium, that transfers the heat or the cold from water to air. These devices are called: water‐to‐air heat exchangers. Unit heaters is one of this systems that uses fan power to deliver the air. Fans provide faster air exchange in space. Other devices that utilizes a fan to deliver heated or cooled air are: Convectors, Active chilled beams, Induction units (can be without fan too) and Fan‐coil units. Having fan in a system means a noisier application and extra maintenance issues. All other given options depend mainly on natural occurrence of convection, therefore they cannot provide air exchange as fast as a fanned device

Wood joists generally can be used for spans A. Up to about 20' B. Up to about 30' C. Up to about 45' D. Exceeding 100'

Solution: A. Up to about 20' Wood joists generally can be used for spans up to 20'. If a span larger than 20' is required use: I-joists, laminated veneer lumber, glued laminated construction

Which of the following is a type of perimeter security system? A. Photoelectric cells B. Pressure sensors C. Ultrasonic detectors D. Photoelectric beams

Solution: A. photoelectric cells Photoelectric cells are a type of perimeter security system. Perimeter systems secure building entry points such as doors and windows. Photoelectric cells pass a beam from one point to another and sound an alarm when the beam is broken. This should not be confused with photoelectric beams that use infrared technology to protect a space. If the photoelectric beam is broken by an intruder's movements, an alarm sounds. The other three types of security systems are: Area or room protection systems, they sense when an intruder is in a protected room and sound an alarm Pressure sensors detect changes in pressure on the floor caused by a person walking Ultrasonic detectors use a high-frequency sound wave to sense intruders

Which of the options is a commonly used step-down transformer with a neutral point on the high-voltage side that can be grounded? A. Wye delta B. Delta wye C. Delta delta D. Wye wye

Solution: A. wye delta These are the names of the four types of 3-phase transformers. Wye delta is a step-down transformer with a wye connection on the high-voltage side to reduce insulation costs and a neutral point that can be grounded

Common path of travel

Solution: At a point where an individual has a choice about which direction to go to reach an exit

Which of the images shows a weather struck brick joint A. A B. B C. C D. D E. E F. F

Solution: B A. Concave brick joint B. Weather struck joint C. Vee brick joint D. Flush brick joint E. Raked brick joint F. Trowel struck brick joint

The lateral load resisting system for a 20-story building consists of shear walls. Which of the following plans shows the BEST arrangement for the shear wall, which are indicated by heavy lines? A. A B. B C. C D. D

Solution: B (A) would have been good in shear walls in center

The diagram illustrates a typical chiller and cooling tower cycle. At which point is the compressor located? A. A B. B C. C D. D

Solution: B A= heat exchanger B= compressor C= Condenser D= Pump

Which building form is best for a temperate climate? A. A B. B C. C D. D

Solution: B Building form B is best in a temperate. Buildings in this region should: - be elongated along the east-west axis - encourage air movement in hot weather, protect against wind in cold weather - minimize heat gain in summer - encourage heat gain in winter provide wind protection in winter

You are planning out the materials and construction sequence for the rain screen on a building. Which of the following would most likely be included in the detailing? A. Frieze B. Furring C. Jalousie D. Macadam

Solution: B Furring Furring is used when attaching wood or metal strips to a rough wall to provide an airspace behind a rain screen

Select the force vector diagram that best describes the condition described above.

Solution: B. Be sure the arrows you select point the correct direction. The arrows can be moved around, provided they orient correctly. If you get stuck on the exam, mentally move the arrows around until each arrow head meets another arrow's start. It should make a circle, like a snake eating itself, otherwise the bracket would be in motion.

In a building equipped with an automatic sprinkler system throughout, the separation distance of the exit doors or exit access doorways shall not be less than: 1/4 of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the area served 1/3 of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the area served 1/2 of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the area served 3/4 of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the area served

Solution: B. 1/3 of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the area served

You are working on a project that requires a limited-use/limited-application elevator. What is the maximum load these types of elevators can carry? A. 500 lbs B. 1400 lbs C. 2000 lbs D. 3000 lbs

Solution: B. 1400lbs LU/LA elevators are limited-use/limited-application, which means they are limited to a weight capacity of 1,400 lbs and floor space of 18 square feet. Travel distance is limited to 26'

An office building will be built in a seismically active location. The ground studies of the location show that the period of the ground is 1 second. Based on this information, which of the following number of floors would cause the greatest damage to the building during a possible earthquake? A. 5 floors B. 10 floors C. 15 floors D. 20 floors

Solution: B. 10 floors - Natural Period: Each building and ground type has its own natural period. The natural period is the time for the ground or building to vibrate back and forth. It is typically measured in seconds. For ground, it usually varies between 0.4 seconds to 2 seconds (soft grounds are 2 seconds and hard ground like bedrock is 0.4 seconds). The natural period of the buildings is mainly related to their height. For a 60-story building, the period is 7 seconds, and for a 1-story building, it is 0.1 seconds. To approximately guess the period of any building, you can divide the number of floors by 10, which will give you the time of period in seconds (approximately). - Frequency: It is the inverse of the natural period. The number of cycles that occurs in 1 second is called frequency. - Resonance: Resonance has a significant effect on the level of damage to the buildings during earthquakes. To understand resonance, think about a child swinging on a regular period, and if we pushed this swing even a tiny amount, the acceleration of the swing would increase 4 or 5 times. This phenomenon works similarly on structures under earthquakes. If the building's period and ground's period resonate, the damage becomes greater. Therefore in seismic design, it is recommended to decide the building's height based on the ground's natural period. - In this question, a 10-story building with an approximately 1 second (10/10) natural period would resonate the most with the ground so that the damage would be the greatest

Your firm has been hired to assist with a major development on a 10,000-acre site. What would be the impact on the design if wetlands are discovered on the development site? (Choose the best answer) A. Mat foundation must be used B. 100' setback from wetlands C. Wetlands are full of mud and clay, which will not support a building over time D. Pier foundation construction must used

Solution: B. 100' setback from wetlands Part of doing the site analysis is determining what portions of the site are buildable. By law, construction is not allowed on a wetland or areas within 100 feet (30 meters) of a wetland. A wetland is an area saturated by surface or groundwater, sufficient enough to support vegetation for saturated soil conditions. They are sometimes referred to as jurisdictional wetlands. In addition, you cannot build with any endangered species habitats, historical or archeological sites, prime farmland, or areas within 5 feet of elevation of a 100-year floodplain

You are getting into the details of analyzing a project for universal accessibility. With regard to turning spaces, each arm of a required T-shaped turning space shall be clear of obstructions how many inches minimum in each direction, and the base shall be clear of obstructions how many inches minimum? A. 11 / 14 B. 12 / 24 C. 14 / 20 D. 8 / 12

Solution: B. 12/24 If you missed this, take a look at the T-shaped space diagram in ICC A117.1. The turning space shall be a minimum of 60" square, with arms and base 36" minimum in width. Each arm of the T shall be clear of obstructions 12" minimum, and the base shall be clear 24" minimum

What is the typical electric service delivered to a commercial unit in the United States? A. 120/240 volt single-phase 3-wire B. 120/208 volt 3-phase 4-wire C. 120/208 volt 4-phase 3-wire D. 120/208 volt single-phase 4-wire

Solution: B. 120/208 volt 3-phase 4-wire In the United States, electrical power is supplied in three main voltages: - Small scale and residential projects: 120/240 volt single-phase 3-wire - Most commercial projects: 120/208 volt 3-phase 4-wire - Large-scale projects: 277/480 volt 3-phase 4-wire

Which type of system voltage is most common for a single-family residential project? A. 120-V, Single-Phase, 2-wire B. 120/240-V, Single-Phase, 3-wire C. 120/208-V, Single-Phase, 3-wire D. 120/208-V, 3-Phase, 4-wire

Solution: B. 120/240-V, Single-Phase, 3-wire 120-V, Single-Phase, 2-wire is used in the smallest facilities (sheds, barns, garages, etc.) 120/240-V, Single-Phase, 3-wire is used in single family residential & small commercial spaces 120/208-V, Single-Phase, 3-wire is typically found within a building that takes 3-phase service 120/208-V, 3-Phase, 4-wire is a widely used 3-phase arrangement for all but very large facilities 277/480-V, 3-Phase, 4-wire is used in large buildings where lighting is primarily fluorescent or HID (multi-story office building, large single-level or multi-story industrial buildings)

An architect is working on a residential tower project where there is a 40 feet by 25 feet private movie theater with 14 foot ceilings located on the basement level. - The floor of the movie theater is covered with carpet over concrete slab, with sound absorption coefficient of 0.14. - The ceiling of the movie theater is covered with 1 inch thick high‐performance vinyl‐faced fiberglass ceiling panels with sound absorption coefficient of 0.70. - Starting right above finished floor, all of the walls in the theater room are treated with 7 feet tall acoustical wall panels over existing gypsum wall board with sound absorption coefficient of 0.55 and remaining of the wall surfaces are painted gypsum wall board with sound absorption coefficient of 0.02. What is the total sound absorption of the room in sabins? (Round to the nearest whole number) A. 1136 B. 1359 C. 1675 D. 1984

Solution: B. 1359 Given Formula: A = ∑a where ∑a = (S1 x SAC1 ) + (S2 x SAC2 ) + ... A = Total sound absorption of a room (sabins). Calculate sound absorption of each surface separately and then add all of them to find the total room absorption. S1 = Surface area 1 SAC1 = Sound Absorption Coefficient of Surface 1 Floors: 40′ x 25′ x 0.14 = 140 Ceiling: 40′ x 25′ x 0.70 = 700 Walls: First find Acoustical Panel Surface Area or Gypsum Wall Board Surface Area (their areas are equal since the heights are equal of 7 feet) [(40′ x 7′) + (25′ x 7′)] x 2 = 910 SF Acoustical Panel Surface Sound Absorption = 910 SF x 0.55 = 500.5 Gypsum Wall Board Surface Sound Absorption 910 SF x 0.02 = 18.2 A = ∑a = 140 + 700 + 500.5 + 18.2 = 1358.7 = 1359

A tenant wants to install 2'x4' recessed light fixtures in an office. The floor area for the office is 1,200 sqft. Each fixture has (4) lamps. The tenant wants to have a lighting level of about 50 footcandles (fc) at desk level (3'-0" AFF). The luminaires can provide about 2,800 lumens per lamp at desk level. The coefficient of utilization (CU) is 60% when the fixtures are installed at 10'-0" above finish floor (AFF). Light loss factor (LLF) is 0.65. How many 2'x4' recessed light fixtures does the tenant need for this office? 12 14 16 18

Solution: B. 14 (lumens per lamp) x (number of lamps per fixture) = lumens per fixture 2800 x 4 = 11200 lumens per fixture Lumens per fixture x CU x LLF 11200 x .6 x .65 = 4368.0 (footcandles) x (floor area) = lumens required 50 x 1200 = 60000 60000/4368=13.7363

For a board of wood to be considered kiln dry, it's moisture content cannot be higher than ________. A. 3% B. 15% C. 19% D. 21%

Solution: B. 15% Kiln dried wood has a max moisture content of 15% which is why it has improved dimensional stability. In general though, wood used for construction should not be higher than 19%. This is considered dry, but not kiln dry

A circuit of plugs in the bedroom supplies power to the following: two bedside lamps, using 90W each, a desktop computer at 800W, and a speaker using 550W. Consider a standard 120V outlet. What size breaker is required for this circuit? A. 10A B. 15A C. 20A D. 30A

Solution: B. 15A [((2)(90)) + 800 + 550]/120= 12.75A 15A is the closest

To minimize glare, the brightness ratio between a task and its adjacent surroundings should be limited to approximately A. 1: 1/2 B. 1: 1/3 C. 1:1/5 D. 1: 1/10

Solution: B. 1: 1/3 A brightness ratio is the relationship between the illumination levels of the surfaces within a person's field of vision. The maximum ideal brightness level ratio between a task and the adjacent surroundings should be 1:1/3

What fire rating is required for a shaft enclosure connecting fewer than 4 floors? A. None B. 1 hr C. 2 hr D. 3 hr

Solution: B. 1hr Shaft enclosures connecting fewer than 4 floors require a 1hr fire rating. If the enclosure connects 4+ floors, a 2hr fire rating is required

An architect is working on a Yoga Studio renovation in a small strip mall. The client needs 120/208-volt power for the space. The voltage on the main line is 13,200 volts. How many transformers is the architect going to need to design around? A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4

Solution: B. 2 Power lines running outside your business or residence is not the same as what is running inside of the building. The lines running outside are considered "high-voltage lines" where the lines running inside homes and businesses are considered low-voltage or "secondary voltage" lines 120/208 V power for the space, but the voltage on the main line is 13,200 V - A transformer is used to step down a higher voltage, 4160-V service down to 480-V for distribution - A second transformer would then be used to step down the 480-V service to the 120/208-V service required tor the space. The location of those transformers can vary, however, as one could be out on the main line attached to the pole or structure housing the high-voltage line with a second coming within the building, or both could be located within the building. If both are located within the building, additional design consideration would need to be given to temperature as the higher voltages would produce a good amount of heat that needs to be accounted for. The architect would need to design around two transformers- the first to step the high-voltage down to 480-V power, and then a second to step the 480-V power down to the needed 120/208-V power

You are reviewing the plans for a new commercial complex being designed by your firm. Typically, in commercial construction, how many ADA-accessible fire exit routes must be provided? A. 1 B. 2 C. Depends on occupancy D. Ratio of parking spaces

Solution: B. 2 Accessible routes also serve as accessible means of egress. The number of ADA-accessible exits is the same as required by the applicable code for exits—typically 2

You are working on the Mechanical Plan for a 2,000 s.f. house in Colorado that will be constructed with SIPS panels. As a preliminary estimation of the size of the HVAC system, assuming a fairly tight construction, which of the following would be the best choice? A. 1 ton B. 2 ton C. 3 ton D. 4 ton

Solution: B. 2 ton A good rule of thumb for the preliminary sizing of a HVAC system would be 1 ton per 1,000 s.f. This is for reasonably tight new construction projects. Calculations that would include windows, doors, insulation R-values, climate, etc. (Manual J) would be done to determine the actual size of the system

An office building is to be constructed with a green roof. Which of the following is an acceptable slope for the roof deck? A. 0.08% B. 2.0% C. 32% D. 40%

Solution: B. 2.0% The roof deck for a green roof should have a minimum slope of 1.5% and a maximum slope of 30%. Slopes above 30% will have issues in stabilizing the growth medium in place

You pride yourself in being an eco-conscious designer and attempt to bring your planet-saving passion to every project. When considering whether it would be appropriate to use thermal mass as a passive heating and cooling strategy, what would be a minimum approximate diurnal temperature swing? 10°F 20°F 35°F 40°F

Solution: B. 20°F A diurnal temperature swing is a temperature swing that occurs in a 24-hour cycle. 20°F would represent a minimum swing where thermal mass storage could be an effective strategy. This would be an answer that you might not have known before you read the question, but by considering the answers and having some exposure to this topic, you hopefully arrived at the correct answer by process of elimination

You are laying out a parking lot for a commercial project and you need to plan for 2 ADA-accessible stalls. What is the minimum total width that should be allowed for these spaces? A. 18' B. 21' C. 24' D. 25'

Solution: B. 21' You need 8' minimum width for each ADA stall and 5' minimum for shared access aisles, so the answer is 21'

A 1500ft2 multipurpose room is illuminated by pendants at 650 lumens each. The owner specified a need for 20fc, which was achieve by the design. After installation, the owner insisted on replacing the LED bulbs in the luminaries with incandescent bulbs. Most nearly, how much more energy will the client be consuming by using the incandescent bulbs? 7W LED has the same lumens output as a 60W incandescent bulb. A. 2385 W B. 2500 W C. 2700 W D. 2820 W

Solution: B. 2500 W (1500ft2)(20fc) = 30,000 lm needed 30,0000/650 = 46.15 luminaries used (47) 60-7=53W additional used per light if you change to incandescent 53*47=2,491 W of additional energy consumed in the entire multipurpose room

As you are reviewing the Lighting Plan for a project, you remember that you must make a note about fire resistance. Combustible insulation shall be separated not less than how many inches from recessed luminaires, fan motors and other heat-producing devices? A. 2 B. 3 C. 1.5 D. Luminaires, fan motors and heat-producing devices shall be listed for insulation contact

Solution: B. 3 Combustible insulation shall be separated not less than 3" from recessed luminaires, fan motors and other heat-producing devices

Which of the following below cannot be used as a wind break in cold climates? A. Earth berm B. Retention pond C. Dense stand of trees D. Window wall

Solution: B. Retention pond All other options have some sort of vertical formation to create a barrier against the wind. Window walls are glass partitions usually put around porches, balconies, and similar outdoor areas to create some type of wind/weather barrier

An architect is working on a 260-bed student housing project consisting of 130 dorm rooms. The University has requested that each room be conditioned with a chilled-beam system tied to a single closed-loop hydronic piping system with two branch supply I in es and two branch return lines. If the University requests that each room have its own temperature controls, what type of valve should the architect make sure the mechanical engineer specifies in the design? A. Globe Valve B. 3-Way Valve C. Gate Valve D. Check Valve

Solution: B. 3-Way Valve For a chilled-beam, temperature is controlled by a local thermostat, which control the hot and cold flow of water to the coils. Closed-loop branch supply line and branch return line, that means there are (4) piping lines running the building (hot and cold supply and separate hot and cold return). - 3-way valve is correct answer - Gate valve: gate blocking the water flow: water main - Globe valve: used to help control the amount of flow and would be used at or just before a fixture - Check valve: used to prevent the flow of water in the wrong direction

You are researching ways to reduce water consumption in a home you are designing. What percentage of total indoor water consumption do the toilets account for in an average American home? A. 10% B. 30% C. 40% D. 50%

Solution: B. 30% According to the EPA, toilets are by far the main source of water use in the home, accounting for nearly 30% of an average home's indoor water consumption

You are working on the design of a grocery store. In regards to ADA and accessibility guidelines, what is the maximum height of a counter surface? A. 48" B. 38" C. 24" D. 28"

Solution: B. 38" This would probably be something you would reference in ANSI 117.1 if you didn't have it memorized, but based on the available choices, hopefully you were at least able to eliminate the obviously wrong answers to arrive at 38"

Refer to the figure below. You and some fellow architecture colleagues have decided to open your own firm. You have all worked diligently over the past ten years to save money to design and build your own office. You are planning to build out of masonry block walls and a wood floor and roof assembly that is rated for 1-hour fire protection. What is the maximum number of stories your firm's office can be, considering only the information given in the question? A. 3 B. 4 C. 2 D. 5

Solution: B. 4 This question is a little more difficult in that it requires that you know that a block wall structure with wood floor and roof assembly that is rated for 1-hour fire protection would be classified as Type III-A. It also requires that you know that an architectural firm would be classified as occupancy group B. Pat yourself on the back if you got that one

When laying out the stud framing around the back of a masonry fireplace, what is the minimum distance required for clearance by code? A. 1" B. 4" C. 12" D. No clearance required

Solution: B. 4" Don't sweat it if you missed this—although if you didn't know it, hopefully you got it right through process of elimination. If you did miss it, now you know it, and it's a good thing to know

What grade percentage would be noticeable but could accommodate most activities A. 2% B. 8% C. 13% D. 15%

Solution: B. 8% A site slope between 4% and 10% is noticeable but can accommodate most activities. Anything below 4% is barely noticeable and appears flat. Slopes above 10% may make activities prohibitively difficult

You are studying the natural light available for harvest on a particular site. The brightest area of luminance in a cloudy sky would be where? A. A ratio of degrees from horizon B. At the zenith C. Depends on type of clouds D. Irrelevant without sun for solar gain

Solution: B. At the zenith The brightest area of luminance in a cloudy sky is at the zenith. Refer to MEEB for a review of these terms and concepts

You are working with a client to assist them in choosing a prime Contractor for a project. They want to choose a Contractor earlier in the design process so that they can give their input on the design. When inquiring with a sub-contractor about a specific General Contractor, they inform you that this Contractor has a reputation for sharing bid prices of sub-contractors in an effort to get competitors to lower their bids. What is this unethical practice called? A. Low balling B. Bid shopping C. Bid awarding D. Blacklisting

Solution: B. Bid shopping Bid shopping occurs when a Contractor discloses the bid price of one sub-contractor to its competitors in an attempt to obtain a lower bid than the one on which the Contractor based its bid to the Owner. Bid shopping occurs when a General Contractor uses the lowest bid received to pressure other sub-contractors to submit even lower bids

You are meeting with a Contractor on a project to review some material selections. One of the materials is a mastic which contains asphalt as the primary material. Which of the following would best match this description? A. Elastomeric B. Bituminous C. Vapor barrier D. Asbestos

Solution: B. Bituminous Bituminous is a cement mastic or roofing material which contains asphalt as a principle ingredient

An architect is selected to create a "folly" in the middle of a park. The architect chooses to create a concrete arch, that is designed to break down and fall apart over time to become a "graceful ruin". The arch will need reinforcing bar inside. What reinforcing bar should she use? A. Galvanized steel B. Carbon steel C. Epoxy Coated D. Glass Fiber Reinforced

Solution: B. Carbon steel The correct choice should be common Carbon Steel reinforcing bar. It is the most value for strength. It is not coated in any way to help resist corrosion, and part of the program is that the Folly should deteriorate over time to become a "ruin." Carbon steel is the likely candidate for the quickest degradation through corrosion. Corrosion will cause the re bar to expand, and start to break the concrete surrounding the bar apart, thus giving the folly the "ruin" look. Galvanized and Epoxy coated are treated in a way to resist corrosion. They also add expense because they require additional processing. Glass Fiber is actually made of fiberglass and resin, is lightweight, non-corrosive, and nonconductive

When designing an art gallery, which of the following metrics would be most relevant to your lighting strategy? A. Color temperature B. Color rendering index (CRI) C. Lamp lumen depreciation D. Lamp life

Solution: B. Color rendering index (CRI)

Which joint type is used when two successive pours of concrete must follow each other? A. Contraction joint B. Construction joint C. Expansion joint D. Isolation joint

Solution: B. Construction Joint

What is the transfer of heat by circulatory motion of the heated parts of a liquid or gas due to a variation in density and the action of gravity? A. Conduction B. Convection C. Radiation D. Evaporation

Solution: B. Convection There are four methods (all given options are a method) to transfer heat: - Convection, air molecules transfer heat to our bodies by contacting us. Convection only occurs in gasses and liquids - Radiation, the transmission of energy occurs in the form of waves or particles through space or through a material - Evaporation is the process when water turns into the gas form from liquid form

IF the set point temperature is 70, the building's balance point temperature is 55, and the outdoor temperature is 70, which is the mechanical system mostly likely to be doing? A. Heating B. Cooling C. Neither heating or cooling

Solution: B. Cooling Don't need the set point temperature

What is the term for a retaining wall in which the stem and base are connected at intervals by transverse walls? A. Cantilever wall B. Counterfort wall C. Impact wall D. Retaining wall

Solution: B. Counterfort wall A counterfort retaining wall is one in which the stem and base are connected at intervals by transverse walls. It can be seen below

Which type of photovoltaic (PV) cell produces the most power? A. Fritted B. Crystalline C. Polycrystalline D. Thin-film

Solution: B. Crystalline (3) most common types of PV cells are crystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film cells. - Crystalline cells are the best power generators and are widely used - Polycrystalline cells are less expensive but produce less power - Thin-film PV cells produce the least power, but can be fused to other building materials (such as roofing materials) to capture solar energy PV cells can be made with fritted glass (also called enameled glass) to add color, but at a small loss in power generation

At what point during the design process can an architect expect to produce reasonably budget estimates derived from the natural design of the project? A. Schematic design B. Design development C. Construction documentation D. Bidding and negotiation

Solution: B. Design development During design development, a project is developed to the point at which reasonably dependable budget estimates can be derived from the actual design of the project. During design development, estimates can be based on the actual proposed design, not just comparable projects

An architect is working on a residential building design with low sloped roof in a dense, urban lot, where permeation capacity of existing soil is very low, the lot is limited and local zoning code requires the rainwater discharge at a lower rate. Which of the following ground water surcharging strategy below is the best solution for this building? A. Using gutterless sloped roof for the building to direct rain water away B. Designing a flooded roof to collect rain water and later discharge it at a slower rate C. Creating bioswales around the building to slow down the rain water permeation to the ground D. Creating an on-site detention pond to collect rainwater to give it back to the ground at a slower rate

Solution: B. Designing a flooded roof to collect rain water and later discharge it at a slower rate There are 3 main strategies available for ground-water surcharging: - Roof Retention: Flooded roofs. They hold water intentionally and discharge it at a slower rate. usually preferred in urban areas where site design options are limited due to limited lot area and being part of a dense urban settlement. - Porous Pavement - Site Design for Recharging

A developer planning to build a boutique hotel in the mountains needs to determine the value of the land. The vacant site is in rural New Hampshire in a unique location overlooking a lake to the south and freshwater stream to the north. What is the best method for estimating the land value? A. Comparison method B. Development method C. Income approach D. Allocation method

Solution: B. Development method Since the vacant site is in an undeveloped rural area and is unique in nature, the appropriate approach is the development method. - The comparison method uses similar parcels, regardless of use, to compare prices if the data is available. - Income approach is used in highly developed areas by estimating the potential income from improvements that yield the most profit (assessing a property's maximum revenue potential) - Allocation method is used for developed properties to determine the land value alone by deducting the value of the improvements

You are working on an exciting and hip urban project downtown in the city you live in. If the structure contains four live/work units intended to be occupied as a residence, the residential portion must be what in terms of accessibility? A. 50% of the units shall be Type A units B. Each unit shall be a Type B unit C. At least one unit shall be accessible D. Each unit shall not be required to be accessible

Solution: B. Each unit shall be a Type B unit Where there are four or more dwelling or sleeping units intended to be occupied as a residence in a single structure, every dwelling unit and sleeping unit intended to be occupied as a residence shall be a Type B Unit. Type B units do not include requirements for storage and windows such as those found in Accessible and Type A units. You should review this information generally if you are not familiar with it

What is the simplest two-way concrete system? A. Beam-and-girder system B. Flat plate system C. Flat slab system D. Waffle slab system

Solution: B. Flat plate system The simplest two-way concrete system is a flat plate system. According to Building Construction Illustrated a flat slab is: a concrete slab of uniform thickness reinforced in two or more directions and supported directly by columns without beams or girders. Simplicity of forming, lower floor-to-floor heights, and some flexibility in column placement make flat plates practical for apartment and hotel construction

Which sawing method(s) produces the least dimensionally-stable wood? A. Quarter sawing B. Flat sawing C. Quarter and Rift sawing D. Rift sawing

Solution: B. Flat sawing - Rift sawing will produce the most narrow and consistent grain pattern, but this method is also the most expensive, as it requires a lot of labor and it also produces a lot of waste. Logs are split into quarters and then boards are cut perpendicular to the rings, producing a linear grain with no flecking. - Plain (or flat) sawing is the most cost-efficient method, but the resulting grain patterns will be probably very uneven as a result of the boards being cut in parallel straight lines to the grain of the log. - Quarter sawing, logs are split into quarters and boards are cut so that the growth rings intersect the face of the board at a 60 to 90-degree angle. This will produce a grain pattern that is straighter and more consistent than plain sawing but not as homogeneous as with rift sawing. There is less labor and waste involved, therefore it is also quite cheaper than the rift sawing method. - Flat sawing - Lower cost, less waste, poor stability - Quarter sawing - Medium waste and cost, high stability - Rift sawing - Maximum waste, cost and strength, maximum stability For more on this subject, please read chapter 8 (Wood Classification) of the book Architectural Graphic Standards, 12th Edition. We also recommend reading these pages. Page 1 Page 2

You are in the middle of design on a project and out on a job site to study a similar type of project, which uses similar materials to what you are considering. You overhear one of the masons telling another mason to "throw them a bat." What is a bat in this context? A. Blunt chisel B. Half of a broken brick C. Repointing tool D. Wooden mallet

Solution: B. Half of a broken brick A bat is a part—usually half—of a broken brick. It is the portion of brick cut across the width

You have been asked to assist with the design of a LEED platinum building. Although you let your membership lapse, you are familiar with the rating system. Which of the following is NOT one of the six LEED categories? A. Water Efficiency B. Hazardous Material Mitigation C. Materials & Resources D. Sustainable Sites

Solution: B. Hazardous Material Mitigation Hazardous Material Mitigation is not part of the LEED process. This would take place during construction and may have local agency involvement to make sure any hazardous materials are encapsulated or disposed of properly

The architect can minimize the heat island effect of impervious site paving by selecting a materials with A. Low albedo B. High albedo C. Low conductivity D. High conductivity

Solution: B. High albedo A paving with high albedo will reflect more of the sun's heat, thereby reducing the heat island effect. Albedo is a measure of how much of the radiant energy that a surface receives is reflected rather than absorbed (from 0-1). High albedo means it reflects more (1 = reflects all). Conductivity does not have an effect on the site's temperature

Which of the following lights consist of a tungsten filament within a glass bulb containing an inert gas? A. LED B. Incandescent C. Fluorescent D. HID

Solution: B. Incandescent

Select lamp types with the shortest and the longest lamp life, given respectively in the correct option below. A. HPS/Metal Halide B. Incandescent / HPS C. Metal Halide / LPS D. Incandescent / Fluorescent

Solution: B. Incandescent / HPS Lamp life per lamp types: - High Pressure Sodium (HPS) (16,000H to 24,000H) - Metal Halide (15,000H - 20,000H) - Low Pressure Sodium (LPS (12,000H to 18,000H) - Fluorescent (7,000H to 15,0000H) - Incandescent (1,000H) Among given options, option B is the correct choice. Incandescent has the shortest and HPS has the longest lamp life

You are working with a client that wants to achieve a solar savings fraction of 1.0. What would you need to do to accomplish this? A. Cut the conventional electricity use by 1 MW per year B. Shade west-facing windows C. Ensure all energy is provided by solar D. Orient the build to the south

Solution: C. Ensure all energy is provided by solar The solar savings fraction is dependent on many factors, such as the load, the collection and storage sizes, the operation and the climate. An SSF of 1.0 means all energy to a project is provided by solar technology

Your client has expressed interest in installing a solar thermal system. The project is in an area that has heavy freezing in the winter. What system uses a separate fluid for collecting heat, which is then transferred to the domestic hot water, making it easier to protect from freezing because the heat-collecting fluid can contain antifreeze? A. Fan coil system B. Indirect system C. Direct system D. Geothermal system

Solution: B. Indirect system An indirect system uses a separate fluid for collecting heat, which is then transferred to the domestic hot water so is easier to protect from freezing because the heat-collecting fluid can contain antifreeze. These systems can also be operated at a lower pressure

Natural ventilation can be used to provide passive cooling. Which of the following is incorrect about natural ventilation design for cooling: A. Exterior openings on the leeward side should be roughly equal to openings on the windward side B. Insect screens do not restrict airflow C. Openings arrange in multiple orientations will account for irregularity if winds on a site D. Passive cooling works best on small to medium sized buildings

Solution: B. Insect screens do not restrict airflow Insect screens reduce airflow through window openings by as much as 50%. Openings should be equal on both sides to promote the full potential of airflow through space. Passive cooling is difficult in large buildings due to the relative location of window openings

When considering the heating and cooling strategy and mechanical systems for a specific climate, you are applying the relationship of relative humidity and temperature. How are these two factors related? A. Additive B. Inversely proportional C. No correlation D. Proportionate

Solution: B. Inversely proportional Relative humidity and temperature are inversely proportional to each other. High temperatures cause low RH, and low temperatures cause high RH

You are detailing the finishes for a project that your firm designed. Which of the following would be an option for plaster that would be installed in a wet area that will get a lot of abuse? A. Earth plaster B. Keene's cement C. Perlite D. Gypsum plaster

Solution: B. Keene's cement Keene's cement is made from gypsum (sulphate of lime or plaster of paris) steeped in a solution of alum (double sulphate of aluminum and potassium), then subjected to intense heat, ground to a powder and sifted. Keene's cement has a high resistance to abrasion and water penetration

What type of glass is required for a skylight above an atrium? A. Annealed B. Laminated C. Tempered

Solution: B. Laminated Annealed: Ordinary glass Tempered glass: required for doors and glass panels next to doors (laminated acceptable there too) Laminated glass: required for skylights, high-security applications, and hurricane windows. Click here for an excellent short video comparing the three types of glass

Which of the following defines the sudden loss of shearing resistance in a cohesionless soil? A. Plasticity B. Liquefication C. A collapsing soil D. An expansive soil

Solution: B. Liquefication

Does an interior-load-dominated building have a low or high balance point temperature? A. High B. Low

Solution: B. Low So much heat being generated inside the building (people, lighting, equipment) and little exposure to outside that there is likely little need for heating when its cold outside. Might actually need more cooling in the building

You are analyzing the lighting in a museum and notice that some of the sculptures appear unnatural under the chosen light source. This would probably mean what? A. High CRI B. Low CRI C. Low color temperature D. High color temperature

Solution: B. Low CRI The Color Rendering Index (CRI) is a scale comparing the effect of a light source on the color appearance of an object to its color appearance under a reference light source. It is expressed on a scale of 1 to 100, where 100 indicates no color shift. A low CRI rating suggests that the colors of objects will appear unnatural under that particularly light source

Which type of elevator would be best suited for a midrise office building on an urban site? A. Traditional traction B. Machine-roomless C. Hydraulic D. geared

Solution: B. Machine-roomless A machine-roomless elevator is capable of servicing a midrise building up to 250'. While it is a type of traction elevator, unlike the traditional traction elevator, the machinery sits in a space at the top of the shaft instead of in a separate room. In an urban setting space is limited and footprints are small, making MRL a good option. Traditional traction elevators have machine rooms and can serve mid- to high-rise buildings at fast speeds (A). A hydraulic elevator is moved by a piston underneath the car. It moves slower and can service only low-rise buildings less than 80'

One of the project managers in your office has asked you to create a list of materials with quantities and descriptions in an effort to estimate the cost of construction for a project. What is this called? A. Construction Document B. Material takeoff C. Blueprint costing D. Itemized table

Solution: B. Material takeoff A material takeoff (MTO) is an itemized count of how much material will need to go into a project. It can include how many studs, light fixtures or feet of cable is needed to complete the job to the specifications in the Contract Documents

What scope makes up the largest cost of building design? A. Electrical B. Mechanical C. Plumbing D. Furniture, fixtures, and equipment

Solution: B. Mechanical

Two pushing or pulling adjacent forces, acting close together but not directly opposing each other described what kind of load? A. Tension B. Compression C. Shear D. Live

Solution: C. Shear According to The Dictionary of Architecture and Construction shear is: A deformation (e.g., in a beam or flexural member) in which parallel planes slide relative to each other so as to remain parallel

This roofing system uses rolls of enhanced asphalt bonded to fiberglass or polyester fabrics, and welded together with flame to create a strong durable roof membrane. A. Built up B. Modified Bitumen C. Thermoplastic Polyolefin D. Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM)

Solution: B. Modified Bitumen Modified Bitumen is an asphalt based roof system that uses a few layers to create a weather tight flat roof system. It involves putting down a base layer, then rolling out poly or Fiberglas reinforced fabric to which is attached a base layer and a top layer of modified bitumen roll. This is welded together usually with open flame torches. Though it is technically 3-4 layers, this is still considered a singly ply membrane roof. EPDM and TPO are single ply membranes laid down directly on insulation and adhered to the base with glue, stone, or mechanically fastened. They are seamed together with a heat gun or seam tape. A built up roof involves layers or asphalt and reinforcing fabric, then usually covered with stone to prevent UV degradation. Built up roofs will be anywhere from 3 to 5 layers

An architect is deciding on the boiler type for a new school project. The main concern of the school board is to provide the most energy efficient HVAC system possible for the school building. Which of the following boiler type (for HVAC systems) is probably the best fit for this project, simply because it conserves energy the most? A. Steam Boilers B. Modular Boilers D. Compact Boilers E. Electric Boilers

Solution: B. Modular Boilers Modular Boilers conserves energy the most. Incorrect Answers: - Steam Boilers: Are used to produce steam - Compact Boilers: Are used when space is an issue and a compact size is required by design. - Electric Boilers: Are used where the cost of electricity is close to fuels

When reviewing the drawings for a public library, you are working to reduce unwanted noise, especially in the quiet study areas. What is true about structure-borne sound transmission? A. Easier to control B. More difficult to control C. Correlates directly with reverberation D. Easier to isolate

Solution: B. More difficult to control Structure-borne sound is more difficult to control and can be a nuisance because it travels wherever the structure leads. An example of this would be ceiling fan motors vibrating through ceiling joists

You are consulting with a developer that is working on the master planning of a new residential development. You are suggesting that homes be arranged with primary entries and windows facing streets and common outdoor spaces. What is this known as? A. HOA B. Natural surveillance C. Neighborhood watch D. Solar orientation

Solution: B. Natural surveillance The juxtaposition of dwellings—their entries and amenities—with streets so as to incorporate the streets within the sphere of influence of the residential environment is known as natural surveillance. This also includes juxtaposition of dwelling interiors with exterior spaces and the placement of windows to allow residents to naturally survey the exterior and interior public areas of their living environments and the areas assigned for their use

What is the most efficient parking lot layout—the one that, on average, provides the most spaces per paved acre while still providing safety and feasibility?

Solution: B. One-way traffic through the aisles and spaces at an angle from the aisle Cars can't maneuver one-way aisles with 90-degree parking unless you design the parking lot aisles extra-wide (and therefore render the lot less efficient as measured in paved-area-per-parking-space)

The U-value of a wall assembly includes resistance allowances for each of the following factors EXCEPT: A. Air spaces B. Orientation C. Interior air film D. Exterior air film

Solution: B. Orientation

Which one below defines a potential issue for very tall and slender columns under both axial compression force and lateral loads? A. Direct shear stress B. P-delta effect C. Bending moment D. Modulus of elasticity

Solution: B. P-delta effect P-Delta effect is a potential problem for tall and slender columns under both gravitational and lateral loads. Bending moment on columns can manifest in different ways. When a column is under gravitational loads, a degree of bending is expected but in tall, slender columns additional bending can potentially occur where the axis of the column deviates beyond the axis of vertical loads. The distance between that two axis is represented in Δ and P (vertical load) x Δ gives the total deflection effect on column

When detailing a ceramic tile wall, what type of mesh would be used as a base for Portland cement? A. Hardcover B. Paper-backed C. Peal and stick D. Perlite impregnated

Solution: B. Paper-backed The paper-backed type diamond mesh has an asphalt-impregnated paper applied to it and is used as a base for Portland cement plaster under ceramic tile

What is the term for a pitted area sometimes found in cedar wood? A. Knot B. Peck C. Shake D. Wane

Solution: B. Peck A pitted area sometimes found in cedar or cypress wood is called a peck

You are writing up the general notes on a project that has concrete columns. How does concrete get its compressive strength? A. Cover time B. Ratio of water to cement C. Amount of reinforcing D. Amount of fiber

Solution: B. Ratio of water to cement The single most important indicator of compressive strength in concrete is the ratio of water used compared to the amount of cement

In calculation of lighting levels, the coefficient of utilization is defined as the % of total lamp lumens that... A. Leave the luminaire B. Reach the work plane C. Are lost because of lamp age D. Are lost because of environmental dust

Solution: B. Reach the work plane

What is the main purpose of the bolted steel bearing plate shown above at steel column & concrete footing section detail? A. Dealing with lateral forces on column B. Reducing bearing pressure at footing C. Preventing buckling at the column D. Resisting shear forces at footing

Solution: B. Reducing bearing pressure at footing The purpose of the steel bearing plate is to create a larger surface for loads coming from the column above to reduce bearing pressure at footing

Your architectural design firm has been hired to work on the restoration of a historic masonry building. Much of the mortar is cracking or has been compromised. What masonry work will be required? A. Weathering B. Repointing C. Striking D. Sealing

Solution: B. Repointing Brick facades should be repointed or tuck-pointed whenever the joints become compromised and no longer prevent water from entering the wall

The Owner on a residential project has budgeted a small fortune to get custom terrazzo floors throughout the main entryway and circulation paths. Based on this fact, they want you to ensure there is no cracking. Although you can't guarantee this, what would be the best detail to lower the chances of cracking in this type of floor? A. Construction adhesive method B. Sand cushion method C. Vapor barrier over concrete slab D. Weep screeds

Solution: B. Sand cushion method A sand and cement underbed is built up 2 1/2" to 3" thick and reinforced with 2" x 2" wire mesh, then topped with divider strips and 1/2" cement matrix topping. The divider strips may be zinc, brass or other materials. The aggregate may be marble or other material appropriate in size for the system and thickness. The system is ground, finished and sealed per design

Within a plumbing system, human waste is handled by which assembly? A. Sanitary drain with an anode B. Sanitary drain with a trap C. Interceptor with a cleanout D. Interceptor with a vent

Solution: B. Sanitary drain with a trap A sanitary drain carries drainage that might include human waste and is equipped with a trap to block methane gas from escaping into the building, making it the right choice for this scenario. An interceptor catches grease, hair, and other debris from entering the plumbing lines. An anode is a piece of metal placed in a water tank to attract mineral deposits. Vents are located on all sewage lines to ventilate to the outside, regardless of what the line is carrying. A cleanout is a plug that can be removed to clean out clogs or blockages in the drain

A practice or device designed to keep eroded soil on a construction site, so that it does not wash off and cause water pollution to a nearby water body is called A. Erosion control B. Sediment control C. Pollution control D. Defoliation control

Solution: B. Sediment control Sediment control is preventing the disturbed soils from entering a nearby water body. Sediment basins and silt fences are examples of sediment control. Erosion control is the practice of controlling wind or water erosion in land development, agriculture, and construction. Erosion control is holding the soil in place. Often involves a physical barrier, such as vegetation or rock

The term "PVC" is likely to appear in the specifications of which of the following? Built up roof Single ply roof Tile roof Wood shingle roof

Solution: B. Single ply roof Two major categories of membrane roofing systems: Bituminous Systems (traditional systems) Single ply roofing systems (newer systems) Bituminous: Built up APP modified bitumen SBS modified bitumen Single ply: TPO (ethylene propylene rubber) PVC (thermoplastic material) EPDM (elastomeric material) CSPE (synthetic rubber) Neoprene (synthetic rubber) Polymer-modified bitumen (composite material)

In what type of building is 120/208 voltage, three-phase power appropriate? A. Industrial B. Small commercial C. Residential D. Large commercial

Solution: B. Small commercial 120/208, three-phase power is appropriate for a small commercial building. Residences typically have 120/240 voltage, single-phase systems. Larger buildings with greater demand require higher-voltage, three-phase services

When continuing work on the site evaluation for a project after the initial Programming Phase, which of the following would NOT be a resource to use to collect climate information on a particular site? A. ASHRAE's Fundamental's Handbook B. Solar Living Sourcebook C. NOAA D. AIA's Architectural Graphic Standards

Solution: B. Solar Living Sourcebook It is important to understand which references to use to find certain data. For climate data on a particular site, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), ASHRAE's Fundamental's Handbook and Applications Handbook and AIA's Architectural Graphic Standards are good sources to use for collecting climate data

You are working with a developer on a new residential development next to a freeway. When you are driving along the freeway, you often notice ugly concrete walls bordering the roadway. What are these most likely trying to create? A. Wind blocks B. Sound shadows C. Water retention D. Road shade

Solution: B. Sound shadows Sound shadows are a phenomenon caused by the absorption or obstruction of a sound wave by an object in its path. The effect produced is perceived as a reduction in loudness depending on the observer's position with respect to the sound source and the obstructing object and is greatest when all three are aligned

Which masonry wall below can be a load-bearing wall for a larger buildings? A. Concrete masonry units B. Steel reinforced CMU C. Single wythe brick walls D. Double wythe brick walls

Solution: B. Steel reinforced CMU Concrete is weak in tension, so it is always required to reinforce it with a ductile material such as steel if the application is desired to have load-bearing capacity. This rule is also relevant to concrete masonry units and for brick. So the answer is: Steel reinforced CMU. Incorrect Answers: - Non-reinforced CMU is not enough to carry loads on an extensive application like this. - Single wythe brick walls are generally non-load-bearing walls too. They are typically veneered walls, where a steel, concrete, or wood backup wall exists. - Double wythe walls are also called cavity walls and are an excellent option when water resistance and thermal capacity are required. Still, they are also not enough to bear loads without reinforcement in this case

Which curtain wall system has the lowest shipping and handling costs? A. Unitized System B. Stick System C. Semi-unitized system D. Unit System

Solution: B. Stick System Because of its nature, the stick system is normally associated with lower shipping and handling costs, but it also typically represents greater installation costs. With this method, none of the components of the curtain wall (mullions, rails, vision glass, spandrels, etc.) are pre-assembled before arriving to the site. All the individual components are therefore easier to ship and handle and allow for a greater flexibility to site conditions. On the other hand, they require a lot more labor on site, thus the higher costs with installation. For more on this subject, we recommend reading chapter 8.31 of the book Building Construction Illustrated, 5th Edition

You are reviewing the Construction Documents and Specifications for a project, and you come across the reference standard ACI 318-11. What type of structure would this be? A. Structural steel B. Structural concrete C. Structural masonry D. Light gauge metal framing

Solution: B. Structural concrete The ACI 318-11 covers the materials, design and construction of structural concrete used in buildings. The Code also covers the strength evaluation of existing concrete structures. You may not have been familiar with the standard, but you should at least know that ACI is the American Concrete Institute, and that would lead to the correct answer

Per IBC, which of the following is correct regarding the panic hardware at the required exits? The actuating portion of the releasing device shall extend at least 1/4 of the door leaf width The actuating portion of the releasing device shall extend at least 1/2 of the door leaf width The actuating portion of the releasing device shall extend at least 3/4 of the door leaf width The actuating portion for the releasing device shall extend the entire door leaf width

Solution: B. The actuating portion of the releasing device shall extend at least 1/2 of the door leaf width

Right after the punch walk of a project, a HVAC worker falls down through the roof hatch opening and dies. The constructions plans do not show any safety railing around the roof hatch opening. Who is responsible for this accident? A. The owner B. The architect C. The contractor D. The HVAC subcontractor

Solution: B. The architect The architect is responsible for this accident because the construction plans do not show any safety railing around the roof hatch opening

What is measured by a pitot tube and consists of the combination of static pressure and velocity pressure? A. Static head B. Total pressure C. Turbidity D. Effluent

Solution: B. Total pressure Total pressure is the combination of static pressure and velocity pressure Static head is the pressure required to overcome friction and push water vertically Turbidity is caused by debris such as silt, clay, and organic materials suspended in water, and effluent is liquid waste

A piece of electrical equipment that gets power from one source and then changes that power—from AC to DC, for example—so that it can be used by another system is called what? A. Surge arrestor B. Transducer C. Transformer D. Voltmeter

Solution: B. Transducer If an electric current is too powerful, it will render equipment and appliances inoperable. That's why transformers are often used to "step down" or reduce a current to more usable levels. They do this by using two sets of coils—one to take in the input current and the other to step down the current by a predetermined ratio. Transducers, on the other hand, function by converting electrical energy into other types of energy, such as power, voltage or current. They are used in a wide variety of applications, from microphones to car horns and even photoelectric cells. Current transducers, in particular, convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) signals for use in control systems that monitor electricity

Which of the following concrete floor systems would be economically and structurally the best solution for a parking garage project? A. Two way flat plate B. Two way flat slab C. Two way slab D. Waffle slab

Solution: B. Two-way flat slab - Two-way flat slabs are mostly preferred for heavy loads such as parking garages. Their span range can be between 20-40 ft. - One-way slabs (especially with post-tensioning) are also suitable for parking garages and other buildings where long spans in one direction are needed. Their span range can be between 10-20 ft. TWO-WAY FLAT SLAB: Incorrect Answers: - The two-way flat plate is ideal for moderate spans and loads. It is a very economical solution for hotels, apartments, dormitories, etc. - Two-way slab (Two-way slab & beam): The formwork is costly but can tolerate higher spans. It is not very appealing unless heavy concentrated loads exist. - The waffle slab is good at carrying heavy loads and can tolerate long spans, however, formwork is very costly and usually incorporated in a project for it is the visual effect. Typically they are not preferred for parking garages

An old two-story concrete factory building with strip windows is converted into a rentable office suite facility. In order to keep the industrial feel, no fireproofing of any sort is added to the structure. Is this building considered Type A or Type B construction? A. Type A B. Type B C. Construction Type does not apply to historic buildings

Solution: B. Type B "A" is protected, meaning that all structural members of a building or structure have an additional fire rated coating or cover by means of sheetrock, spray on, or other approved method. The additional fire rated coating or cover extends the fire resistance of the structural members by at least 1 hour. "B" is unprotected, meaning that all structural members of a building or structure have no additional fire rated coating or cover. Exposed members are only fire resistant according to their natural ability, characteristics, and fire rating

When considering water systems for a project, which type of system uses pressure in the water main directly to supply the plumbing fixtures? A. High pressure system B. Upfeed system C. Downfeed system D. Gravity feed system

Solution: B. Upfeed system An upfeed water system uses pressure in the water main directly to supply the plumbing fixtures. Because there is always some friction in the system and some pressure must be available to work the highest fixtures, the practical limit is about 40' to 60'

An architect is presented with a residential site in St. Louis, Missouri. The site is large and runs from bottom to top of a hill. Where would the best placement for the house be on this site? A. Top of the hill B. Upper portion of hill slope C. Lower portion of hill slope D. Bottom of hill

Solution: B. Upper portion of hill slope St. Louis, Missouri is in the Temperate Climate zone. Top of the slope: Get the most sun, but be exposed to the highest winds, and is best for Hot Humid climates Bottom of the slope: Will get a cool night breeze for cooling in hot and arid climate buildings Cold climates: Bottom of the slope, gets direct sun for heat gain, and protects from cool winds at bottom and high winds at the top Temperate climates: Upper portion of the hill, still gets some breezes for summer cooling, and max solar heat gain in the winter

An all-brick building is being constructed in coastal Maine, a region that sees higher than usual precipitation and coastal winds. Which mortar joint is the most appropriate for the climate in this region? A. Raked B. V-Joint C. Weathered D. Stripped

Solution: B. V-Joint The first thing to take note of is that the "raked" and "stripped" joints are the same, one just cuts deeper than the other. This joint is used primarily for interior applications and do nothing to help shed water. This leaves the V-Joint and Weathered joint- both of them work well to shed water, however, the V-joint is a tooled joint where the mortar is compressed into the shape forcing it tightly against the brick surfaces providing maximum protection against water penetration in areas subject to high winds and heavy rains. The V-Joint (and Concave Joint) also resists freeze-thaw cycles better than any of the other joint profiles

When selecting plywood sheathing, you need a sheet that can span roof rafters at 32" on center and floor joists at 16" on center. How must the sheathing you need be stamped? A. 16/34 B. 12/32 C. Plywood is not stamped with this information D. 32/16

Solution: D. 32/16 A plywood stamp of 32/16 means the panel can be used to span up to 32" on center for roof rafters and 16" on center for floor joists

A multifamily light wood frame construction project needs floor structural elements to clear span 38 feet. Which is the best choice? A. Solid wood joists B. Wood floor trusses C. Wood I-joists

Solution: B. Wood floor trusses Solid wood joists, "two-bys," generally span less than 18 feet, but can span farther. Wood I-joists (click here) typically span about 24 feet, but can span farther. Light wood floor trusses (click here) typically span 20 to 40 feet. But YOU DON'T HAVE TO MEMORIZE THESE NUMBERS! You do have to know what each of these is, and that, in terms of span, floor trusses—which can measure more than two feet deep—span the farthest. When you see a question asking you to choose, and the span seems long for the material, and there's nothing specific in the question that would cancel out the longest-spanning material, then the answer is almost always the longest-spanning choice. You likely know that dumb cross-sectional shapes (two-bys) span the shortest, that clever cross-sectional shapes (I-joists) span longer, and that trusses span the farthest, you'll find a similar pattern with steel spans. You'll just have to know what option spans the farthest. What's an example of a specific phrase that might cancel out the longest-spanning choice? "Code requirements forbid airgaps of more than 12 inches between floor and ceiling," or "the owner would like to minimize floor-to-floor heights." There's just too much overlap between the spanning capabilities of most options for a computer graded exam to ask about something with a span in the middle-distance. For instance, a strong-wood 2x12 would be a good choice to span 24', as would a heavy 14-inch-deep wood I-joist, as would a 16-inch-deep wood floor truss. . . so NCARB simply can't ask this same question if it replaced the 32' span in this test item with a 24' span instead: none of the choices would be wrong! For steel bar trusses, remember that DLH trusses offer the longest span (click here). In concrete construction, spans can be really long, but spanning great distances without a concrete arch requires ridiculously deep concrete members. So questions about concrete spans are more likely to ask you to minimize the depth (rather than the span) of the structure. In that case, remember that two-way flat plates (click here) are the thinnest, though they don't hold much weight, nor are they well-braced for lateral loads, so are only typically valid for multifamily residential construction

Which of the following simple beam diagram has the highest maximum moment under the same loads? Consider all beams having the same cross-section area, material, weight, and length. (Refer to Structural Formulas Sheet that is available while testing) A. A B. B C. C D. D

Solution: Beam A Method-1 (This is a bit longer, but I highly suggest trying to understand this method, which may also help you with other questions) According to given the United States. American Institute of Steel Construction, Inc. Steel Construction Manual 14th edition. Chicago, Illinois, 2011, we have to calculate their maximum moments (find the maximum moment formulas for each beam in the exam given reference sheet). Refer here if you don't have access to Steel Construction Manual. Give some easily calculated, small values for each item and do the math to find the max moment. Here I will accept: W (DISTRIBUTED LOAD) as 1 (one) pound. The distributed loads (shown in options C & D) apply per unit length of a beam, and they should be converted to point loads to make an equal comparison between all these four beams. In this scenario, since the length of the beam is L, we should assume the total load applied on the beams with distributed loads = W x L, and it applies at the center (L/2) of the beams (C & D). L (LENGTH) = 10 ft P (POINT LOAD) = 10 lb (distributed load per the length of the beam should be equal to the total point load because the question says applied loads on each beam is equal to 1 lb per 10 ft gives us 10 lb for point load) Beam A: PL /4 = (10 x 10) /4 = 25 lb/ft Beam B: 3PL /16 = 3x10x10 /16 = 18.75 lb/ft Beam C: WL2 /8 = 1 x102 /8 = 12.5 lb/ft Beam D: WL2 /12 = 1 x102 /12 = 8.3333... lb/ft Method-2: To answer this question, you can also use your architectural judgment. Which of these beams do you think is the safest, and which one is the least safe? Obviously, a fixed beam on both sides with distributed load (Beam D) will have the least deflection. It is the safest beam. That is why the maximum moment is the lowest on Beam D. The second safest beam is Beam C because it has fixed support on one side and column-like point support on the other side with a distributed load. And the least safe is Beam A (the highest maximum moment) cause the loads are accumulated at one point, and supports are the same. The deflection between load and supports is going to be much more than the rest of the options

When do you use a tankless toilet? A. Building with low water pressure B. Building with high water pressure

Solution: Building with high water pressure Tankless - Flush valve lets lots of water in at once - Building with high water pressure available - Commercial applications - Less space required - Multiple flushes - Less prone to clogging - Loud Tank - Tank about the bowl provides the pressure - Buildings with low water pressure - Residential applications - More space required - Single flush and wait - More prone to clogging - Quieter Other types - Concealed tank - Flush assist - Elevated tank

Which of the following beam-section best describes the flexural stress on a simple beam that is supported at the ends with a force acting in a downward direction? A. A B. B C. C D. D

Solution: C Flexural stress or also known as bending stress, is a big concern in designing beam. This bending force causes compression on one end of a beam section and tension on the other hand. The center is neutral, and the stress in the central axis is Zero. In this question, the beam has a force acting downward on it. This creates compression at the top and tension at the bottom of the beam. - In option C, we can see how the top of the beam is under compressive stress that gradually increases from central axis to top and how the tensile strength is doing the same thing in the opposite direction. Bending stress causes the beam's compressed side (top) to shrink in size and the tension side (bottom) to stretch. This creates the sagging in all lateral load resisting elements such as slabs and beams. If there were a force pushing upward instead, the bottom portion would be in compression, and the top portion would be in tension

If an architect is designing for the climate region, cold, which wall assembly should be selected?

Solution: C Note that 1 & 3 are the only walls that have insulation in the wall cavity. Note that 1 does not have a vapor barrier, which is fine in a warm climate but not in a cold climate. Note that 3 does have a vapor barrier and it is located on the WARM SIDE

A wide flange (shown in black) in an existing structures has excessive deflection. Which addition (in red) is the best option to reduce the deflection? Assume the amount of steel added in each option is the same A. A B. B C. C D. D E. E

Solution: C To reduce bending in a beam, the depth needs to be increased. The most effective shape will have a centroid furthest from the existing shape's centroid. In A, D, and E the centroid is located at the center of the new shape. However E is the worst of all the options because it has the centroid closest to the existing centroid. In B the centroid is located near the top flange of the new shape, making it closer than A & D. In C the centroid is located near the bottom flange of the new shape, making it the furthest from the existing shape's centroid. Option C is the correct answer

In HVAC, cooling is measured by the ton, which is the amount of ice that would melt in a 24 hour period. The equivalent amount of heat transfer of one ton of cooling is: A. 24 Btuh B. 1,000 Btuh C. 12,000 Btuh D. 24,000 Btuh

Solution: C. 12,000 Btuh A BTU or British Thermal Unit, is the amount of heat required to raise 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. A Btuh is the abbreviation for BTU's per hour, otherwise known as the energy flow rate. 1 ton of cooling is equal to 12,000 Btuh A typical 2,000 SF residential house, requires 4 tons of cooling. This obviously varies by climate type, solar orientation, windows, wall insulation...

Which structural beam below has the deepest beam depth and should be considered carefully while designing the clear floor to ceiling height? A. Single Tee B. Double Tee C. LH D. DLH

Solution: D. DLH DLH - 52″ to 72″ depth and can span max 144 feet LH - 18″ to 48″ depth and can span max 96 feet Single Tee - 12″ to 48″ depth and can span max 120 feet Double Tee - 8″ to 32″ depth and can span max 60 feet to 80 feet

An architect has been hired to renovate an historic 6-story masonry building with low floor-to-floor heights into a mixed-use project. Thermal control in individual spaces is important, as is preserving the character of the old building,An architect is designing an large indoor garden for a museum in Climate Zone 7 with a steel structure. Which of the insulation diagrams below will best address concerns of condensation on the parapet's structure? (The shaded area represents the location of rigid insulation.)

Solution: C. Climate zone 7 is cold, an indoor garden is humid, and condensation appears when warm humid air makes contact with cold steel. Wrapping the parapet structure in insulation keeps it warm enough in the winter to limit condensation. A continuous air control layer would also help, because it limits humidity that travels with air leaks. Surprisingly, a vapor control layer ("vapor barrier") would do little to keep moisture out of the structure, and if the layer outboard of the enclosure was vapor-impermeable (which it likely would be), a second vapor barrier will trap moisture inside the assembly. Enclosure is a very complex topic and one that figures heavily on these exams. If you don't yet have a handle on enclosure, click here to watch a video explanation

An architect is designing an large indoor garden for a museum in Climate Zone 7 with a steel structure. Which of the insulation diagrams below will best address concerns of condensation on the parapet's structure? (The shaded area represents the location of rigid insulation.)

Solution: C. Climate zone 7 is cold, an indoor garden is humid, and condensation appears when warm humid air makes contact with cold steel. Wrapping the parapet structure in insulation keeps it warm enough in the winter to limit condensation. A continuous air control layer would also help, because it limits humidity that travels with air leaks. Surprisingly, a vapor control layer ("vapor barrier") would do little to keep moisture out of the structure, and if the layer outboard of the enclosure was vapor-impermeable (which it likely would be), a second vapor barrier will trap moisture inside the assembly. Enclosure is a very complex topic and one that figures heavily on these exams. If you don't yet have a handle on enclosure, click here to watch a video explanation

You are getting a general idea of construction costs and comparing different structural systems for a project. At the big box stores, a 2 x 12 @ 16' #2 Douglas fir board is $25.50. What is the cost per board foot? A. $0.60 B. $0.70 C. $0.80 D. $1.00

Solution: C. $0.80 2" x 12" / 12 in2 x 16' = 32 board feet $25.50 / 32 board feet = $0.79 (rounded to $0.80 for the best answer)

The cost index of city A is 1257, and the cost index in city B is 1308. The expected construction cost for a building in city A is $1,250,000. What will be the approximate expected cost for the same building if constructed in city B? A. $1,100,000 B. $1,200,000 C. $1,300,000 D. $1,400,000

Solution: C. $1,300,000 1257/1308 = 1,250,000/x 1257x = (1,250,000)(1308) x= $1,300,716

An architect is selecting a book storage and retrieval system for a small library. System A is a motorized system, and system B is a manually operated system. Either is acceptable to the librarian, but the library board would prefer all equipment to have the highest possible depreciation value over the life cycle of the system. System A has an initial cost of $53,000, an anticipated useful life of 20 years, and a residual value of $3,000. System B has an initial cost of $32,000, an anticipated useful life of 15 years, and a residual value of $2,000. What is the annual depreciation of the system with the higher per-year depreciation? A. $2,000 B. $2,200 C. $2,500 D. $2,800

Solution: C. $2,500 (Initial cost - residual value)/life span System A: ($53,000-$3,000)/20 years = $2,500/yr System B: ($32,000-$2,000)/15 years = $2,000/yr

A client wants the architect to handle the interior design as an added service, and the budget for furniture, fixtures, and equipment is $160,000. Which of the following is within the typical range of fees for the additional contract? A. $24,000 B. $32,000 C. $48,000 D. $56,000

Solution: C. $48,000 Interior design fees typically range from 1/4 to 1/3 of the total furniture, fixtures, and equipment budget

The architect is concerned with the cost implications as the result of voltage drop coming from the building's generator. If the generator is 480V, 600-amp with the cost per kW= $0.17, what is the cost of the voltage drop? Where: E = l/R Vdrop = I x R Watts= V x l A. $102.00 B. $81.60 C. $48.96 D. $127.50

Solution: C. $48.96 EQUATION TO ALWAYS USE: V = I X R V= voltage I= amps R = ohms 480=600R R= 0.8 ohms Vdrop = I x R X = 600x0.8 X = 480 (same as provided but not always the case) Watts = VxI Watts = 600*480 = 288,000 watts = 288 kW 288 x 0.17=48.96 (C)

A project's construction cost is estimated to be $2,500,000. What is the most reasonable allowance to estimate for the contractor's overhead and profit? A. $125,000 B. $250,000 C. $500,000 D. $1,000,000

Solution: C. $500,000 A contractor's overhead and profit should range from 15-40% of the construction costs, which is between $375,000 and $1,000,000 for this project. Insurance providers often use 20% as the standard for estimating replacement cost

You are designing a two-story town house. In a dwelling unit for ADA compliance, how many bathrooms need to be in compliance? A. None B. All C. 1 D. Min. 2

Solution: C. 1 According to ANSI 117.1, at least one toilet and bathing facility shall comply. At least one lavatory, one water closet, and either a bathtub or shower within the unit shall comply. The accessible toilet and bathing fixtures shall be in a single toilet/bathing area, such that travel between fixtures does not require travel through other parts of the unit

You are working on the Plumbing Plan and fixture count for a new residential project. When selecting and specifying toilets for a project, what would be a good minimum standard to use for gallons per flush? A. 4.5 gallons B. 3.5 gallons C. 1.6 gallons D. 2.8 gallons

Solution: C. 1.6 gallons According to the EPA, 1.6 gallons per flush is the federal standard for toilets. Did you get that one right? Now that's one you can brag to your friends about!

What is the diameter of a #4 piece of rebar? A. 1/8" B. 1/4" C. 1/2" D. 4"

Solution: C. 1/2" Rebar is measured in 1/8ths of an inch. A number 4 rebar is 4/8ths or 1/2. Ex #5 rebar would be 5/8ths

In the interior elevation shown, how far into the room will the daylight from the window reach? A. 6' B. 10' C. 12' D. 18'

Solution: C. 12' Measure the height from the floor to the top of the window and multiply that distance by 2 to determine how far into the room the light from the window will penetrate: (6+14+4+48)x2=144 in = 12'

A successful public transportation system can serve areas with a population of at least _____ people per acre and where the maximum walking distance to a stop is _____ mile. A. 20, 1/2 B. 20, 1 C. 30, 1/2 D. 30, 1

Solution: C. 30, 1/2 Public transportation needs a population density of 30 people per acre, and stops should be located where no one needs to walk more than 1/2 mile to reach the stop

You need to specify a weathertight electrical junction box for an outdoor application to prevent ingress of water (rain, snow and sleet). Which of the following NEMA designations should you look for? A. 1 B. 2 C. 3R D. WT

Solution: C. 3R Type 3R enclosures constructed for either indoor or outdoor use provide a degree of protection with respect to harmful effects on the equipment due to the ingress of water (rain, sleet, snow) and the external formation of ice on the enclosure

The flush control for a handicapped accessible urinal is a maximum of how many inches above the floor? A. 36" B. 40" C. 44" D. 48"

Solution: C. 44"

When laying out the Floor Plan for a single-family dwelling and considering ADA, which of the following would not be required to have a turning space? A. 72" deep pantry B. 65" deep closet C. 48" deep pantry D. Garage

Solution: C. 48" deep pantry According to ANSI 117.1, a turning space is not required within closets or pantries that are 48" maximum in depth

An architect is approached by a client to finish out a project in an abandoned 7-story-high building in downtown Dallas, TX, The building has floor-to-ceiling storefront windows that is obliquely faced towards the northwest. The program is a public library with user seating space, staff work space, meeting space, special-use spaces, an archive, and sufficient mechanical spaces. What floors do we put the user seating spaces in? A. 1st through 3rd floors B. 2nd through 4th floors C. 4th through 7th floors D. Sub-basement and main level

Solution: C. 4th through 7th A public library in a dense urban area with narrow streets and tall buildings surrounding means that little light will get to task-oriented spaces if they are toward the bottom of the building. Rooms was greater need for illumination need to be placed on upper floors to allow for more access to natural light to illuminate spaces

Which of the following insulation material should be preferred in a wall assembly for a better thermal performance, if the building is in a cold climate? A. 3 1/2" Fiberglass Batt (high density) B. 3 1/2" Rock Wool Blown ( in wall) C. 4" Expanded Polystyrene (beadboard) D. 3 1/2" Perlite Loose Fill E. 3 1/2" Vermiculate Loose Fill

Solution: C. 4″ Expanded Polystyrene (beadboard) Question is simply asking which of the materials given below has the highest R value (or lowest U value). - 4″ Expanded Polystyrene (beadboard) = 16 R Value (4 /inch) - 3 1/2″ Fiberglass Batt (high density) = 15.0 (4.28 /inch) - 3 1/2″ Rock Wool Blown ( in wall) = 10.85 - 14 ( 3.10 -4/ inch) - 3 1/2″ Perlite Loose Fill = 9.45 (2.7 /inch) - 3 1/2″ Vermiculate Loose Fill = 7.28 (2.08 /inch) - Expanded perlite board = 2.8 - Extruded polystyrene (XPS) board = 5.0 - Polyurethane board (laminations on both sides) = 6.5 - Polyisocyanurate (ISO) board (laminations on both sides) = 6.5

You are working on the Foundation Plan for a project. What would the minimum dimensions of a square column footing need to be to support a load of 37,500 lbs if the soil's allowable bearing pressure is 1,500 psf? A. 4' x 4' B. 6' x 6' C. 5' x 5' D. 3' x 3'

Solution: C. 5' x 5' You need to know or reference this formula: Stress (f) = force (P) / area (A) and then solve for area: A = P/f = 37,500 lbs / 1,500 psf = 25 s.f. or 5' x 5'

Contingencies usually make up how much of the total construction costs? A. 1-2% B. 3-5% C. 5-10% D. 10-20%

Solution: C. 5-10%

When planning drinking fountains for a commercial project, what is the minimum that should be ADA accessible? A. 20% B. 10% C. 50% D. 75%

Solution: C. 50% Both high and low drinking fountains are required, and no fewer than 50% should be accessible

According to ADA guidelines what is the minimum required width of the hallway for Door C (with a closer) to be accessible? A. 36" B. 44" C. 54" if the door has a closer D. 60"

Solution: C. 54" if the door has a closer The minimum door width is 48" for a standard door without closer. With a closer, the minimum width expands to 54" per ADA Guidelines

You are reviewing the preliminary design for a residence and planning the mechanical heating system for a cooling climate with winter temperatures of 58°. For habitable rooms, what is the minimum temperature at 3' above the floor that the system must be capable of delivering? A. 60° B. 65° C. 68° D. 75°

Solution: C. 68° According to the IRC, when the winter design temperature is below 60°F, every dwelling unit shall be provided with heating facilities capable of maintaining a minimum room temperature of 68°F at a point 3' above the floor and 2' from exterior walls in all habitable rooms

Refer to the figure below. You are analyzing the climate for the site of a project your firm is designing to determine the appropriate type of heating and cooling for the project. What is the humidity ratio for the point plotted on the graph? A. 40 B. 25 C. 8 D. 45

Solution: C. 8

A bathroom fixture of the 2nd floor of a home is 22' above the supply lines. Most nearly, what pressure is required of the pump that is supplying the fixture with water? A. 6.6 psi B. 8.9 psi C. 9.5 psi D. 10.3 psi

Solution: C. 9.5 psi A pressure of 1 psi can raise a water supply 2.31' 22/2.31 = 9.5238

As shown below, the public sewer drainage is located 40' - 0" away from the building and the slope required for the connection is 2%. If the thickness of the main public sewer drainage pipe is 2", what is the invert elevation of the drainage pipe? A. 98.025 B. 94.36 C. 96.36 D. 95.27

Solution: C. 96.36 First calculate the slope depth: 40 x .02 = 0.8 feet The end of the slope is 0.8 feet lower than 100.16′ point. End of slope = 100.16 - 0.8= 99.36′ Secondly, find the Invert Elevation : See above for invert elevation point. The thickness of pipe is 2″ and the bottom of the pipe is at 3′-2″ so the invert elevation is at 3′ below the lowest slope point. 99.36′ - 3′ = 96.36′

An architect is working on the yearly operating expense of a 3000‐lb, 120‐fpm hydraulic elevator in a school, where 1 kW cost is $0.08. The elevator unit requires 35 hp motor and assumed to be in operation 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, and a regular 70% time‐in‐operation figure. What is the yearly cost of operation of this elevator? (Motor operation is only required in upper direction and 1hp = 0.74 kW) A. ≈$3,017 B. ≈$2,206 C. ≈$1,509 D. ≈$1,430

Solution: C. = ≈$1509 1. First calculate how many kW per day is required to operate the elevator: Required Horse Power (convert to kW) x Operation Hours per Day x Time-In-Operation Percentage x 1/2 (motor operation is required only upper direction) (35 hp x 0.74 kW) x 8 x 0.70 x (1/2) = 72.52 kw per day 2. Secondly calculate weekly cost of the elevator (the elevator is not in use all 365 days) and then yearly. 72.52 kW x 5 days = 362.6 kW per week x $0.08 = $29.008 Cost Per Week 29.008 x 52 (weeks in a year) = $1508.416 = $1,509

What is laitance? A. A high-strength layer of fine particles that floats to the surface of wet concrete B. A high-strength layer of large particles that sinks to the bottom of wet concrete C. A low-strength layer of fine particles that floats to the surface of wet concrete D. A low-strength layer of large particles that sinks to the bottom of wet concrete

Solution: C. A low-strength layer of fine particles that floats to the surface of wet concrete

What does a perm measure? A. Flow of light from a source to a surface B. Passage of inaudible sound waves through a barrier C. Ability of a material to resist the passage of water vapor D. Amount of aggregate in a soil sample less than 0.06 mm in diameter

Solution: C. Ability of a material to resist the passage of water vapor Perms measure the ability of a material to resist the passage of water vapor, this measurement is called out on products that serve as water and vapor barriers. The flow of light from a source to a surface is measured in flux. Aggregate less than 0.06 is referred to as silt. Measuring the passage of inaudible sound is not a concern in the field of architecture and acoustics

When analyzing the acoustical properties of a space, what are the two properties you will be designing for? A. Frequency and decibel B. Echo and tolerance C. Absorption and reverberation D. Refraction and reflection

Solution: C. Absorption and reverberation The two primary acoustical characteristics of a space are absorption and reverberation. The reverberation time is a measure of how fast the sound dies away in a given space. Once we know the sound absorption coefficient of a material and how much of it there is in a room, we can calculate the total absorption in the room

Which medium transmits sound the fastest? A. Concrete B. Air C. Aluminum D. Water

Solution: C. Aluminum Sound transmission is related to density. The more dense something is the more easily it transmits sound. Air - 1,139 ft/sec Water - 4,625 ft/sec Wood - 10,825 ft/sec Brick - 11,800 ft/sec Concrete - 12,100 ft/sec Steel - 16,000 ft/sec Glass - 16,400 ft/sec Aluminum - 19,000 ft/sec

Figure shows the south elevation of a building. If the U-value for the windows is 0.35, and the R-value for the opaque wall is 21, what is the overall U-value for the entire south wall of the building? Approximately 0.05 Approximately 0.08 Approximately 0.10 Approximately 0.15

Solution: C. Approximately 0.10 Equation: Overall U-value = [(U-value of window x Area) + (U-value of wall x area)]/total area Window area: (3x5) x5=75 sqft of window Wall area: (9x50)=375 sqft of wall (must minus window area) (75 x 0.335) + (375 x 0.048) = 43.125/450=0.0958

Which of the following buildings will be a good application of demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) technology? A. Pet store B. Locker room C. Bowling alley D. Dry cleaner

Solution: C. Bowling alley DCV uses a carbon dioxide sensor to increase or decrease ventilation of a space according to occupancy. This technology is best used for spaces where the occupancy of the space can vary greatly at different times during the day or week and where the occupancy of the space can vary greatly at different times during the day or week and where there is not a high concentration of air contaminants that need to be exhausted through a HVAC system. A bowling alley will be a good application of DCV because it has long operating hours but widely varying occupancy levels. There will probably not be as many people present in the afternoon during the week compared to Friday/Saturday. DCV technology is not a good choice for spaces where there are odors or contaminants that must be constantly exhausted or for spaces that are always occupied (pet store, locker room). Dry cleaner will not be a good applications of this technology because there are air quality issues to be addressed beyond those determined by occupancy

System where all sprinkler heads in an area are activated at once A. Wet-pipe B. Dry-pipe C. Pre-action D. Deluge

Solution: D. Deluge

What would be the color perception of a 3'-6" AFF blue table top, under 4200K fluorescent light? A. Greenish blue B. Gray C. Bright Blue D. Dull blue

Solution: C. Bright Blue For an object to show its true color, the light that it is subject to should have that color in it. For example the day light is rich in all colors (it includes all colors in itself) therefore every object that has color shows its color the best under the daylight. In this question the high fluorescent lamp has a cool white light (4200K) which means it is rich in blue light. Hence, the blue car will look bright blue

Which of the following window types allows for the greatest actual openable area? A. Single-hung B. Awning C. Casement D. Jalousie

Solution: C. Casement Casement allows for ~90% openable area Awning allows for ~75% openable area Jalousie allows for ~75% openable area Single-hung allows for ~45% openable area

Which of the metal decking type below allows raceways for electrical and communications wiring to be placed in decking itself? A. Form Decking B. Composite Decking C. Cellular Decking D. Corrugated Decking

Solution: C. Cellular Decking. - Cellular roof decks provides room for cable raceways in the deck itself - Corrugated decking is not a type of metal decking, metal deckings are all corrugated in general

Which one below is not one of the rain-water harvesting out door cistern methods/equipment? A. Roof Washer B. Tipping Valve C. Clean-out D. Flapper Valve

Solution: C. Clean-out All of the options except Clean-out are parts of typical out-door cisterns. - Clean-out is typically part of indoor plumbing systems. - While collecting rainwater, it is important to make sure that the dirt that contaminates rain water when it hit the roof surface should be eliminated as much as possible. ○ Roof washer gets the first run-off and should be emptied regularly. § Once it is full, the dirt is assumed to settle down while clean water at top is transferred to the cistern. ○ Roof washer can sometimes be a sand filter with a Flapper valve. § Flapper valve allows first run-off to be diverted in sewer system and repositioned after some time to divert water in cistern. ○ A tipping valve is also another tool/method that is used to discard first dirty run-off water. § In this method, the valve manually repositioned to change the direction of water towards cistern, after couple gallons of first run-off water is discarded

You are doing a takeoff for materials required for a tile floor on post-tensioned structural concrete floor. Which of the following would you expect to see on this type of floor? (Choose the best answer) A. Rapid-set B. Surface bullnose C. Cleavage membrane D. Terrazzo

Solution: C. Cleavage membrane Okay, this was a bit of a technical question. What we are looking for here is that a tile and reinforced mortar bed would typically be separated from the structural floor with a cleavage membrane (15-lb roofing felt or 4-mil polyethylene) when excessive deflection is expected or on precast or post-tensioned concrete floors

Which one is the most common solar water heating system that uses a nonfreezing fluid in it? A. Batch System B. Thermosiphon System C. Closed Loop Active System D. Drain-down System

Solution: C. Closed Loop Active System: This is the system that uses anti-freezers. - Batch System: Are the simplest soar water heating systems. The main idea behind batches systems, depend on direct gain from sun, for example a metal storage tank exposed to sun. This system does not offer an anti-freezing strategy, therefor is not recommended in cold climates. - Thermosiphon System: This is a very reliable, cheaper system that requires less expensive hardware and installation its much easier. It depends on the passive heat exchange via gravity and convection to circulate cold and hot water in pipes. - Drain-down System: this is the most vulnerable system to freezing

An architect is working on a high-rise building project in a dense urban area where there are existing buildings adjacent to property line and ground soil conditions require a deep foundation to be able to support the loads. Which of the excavation support type below is the best choice for this project? A. Anchored Soldier Piles B. Soldier Piles with Lumber Lagging C. Contiguous Bored Piles D. Bench Terraced

Solution: C. Contiguous bored piles. Contiguous bored piles method is preferred where anchoring to the adjacent property is not possible. - In this system augers with hollow centers are screwed in to the ground and later filled with concrete while auger is withdrawn which creates concrete piles to support excavation area. Incorrect Answers: - Anchored Soldier Piles: This system requires tie-backs which penetrates to the adjacent property and not preferred in dense urban areas like this. - Soldier Piles with Lumber Lagging also only preferred where adjacent buildings are further away from property line due to the requirement of recessed - Bench Terraced excavation is a self-supporting excavation method which cannot tolerate tight property conditions like this

Which of the following below is not used to transfer lateral loads through the building to the foundations? A. Floor diaphragms B. Rigid cores C. Curtain walls D. Trussed floor systems

Solution: C. Curtain walls In any structural system there are horizontal elements, such as floor diaphragms trusses and beams, and vertical elements such as columns, shear walls and braces to transfer lateral loads to the foundation and ground Curtain walls does not have any load carrying capacity, they are anchored to the main structures and those anchors transfer their load to the structures

You are selecting materials for the exterior walls of a project. The project is in a rural setting, and the Owner wants it to fit well in the natural landscape. You want as little reflection factor as possible. Which of the following would be the best material choice when only considering these criteria? A. Glass B. Concrete C. Dark slate D. White stucco

Solution: C. Dark slate Dark stone has a reflection factor of between 10-30, while concrete is higher at 20-40. Darker materials tend to reflect less

A simple test in construction is to blow smoke through a material. The purpose of this test is to Determine if the material is watertight Determine if the material is airtight Determine if the material is a good sound absorbent None of the above

Solution: C. Determine if the material is a good sound absorbent The purpose of this test is to determine if the material is a good sound absorbent. If that material is porous, thick, fibrous, and allows smoke to pass freely, it should be a good sound absorbent

Which type of loudspeaker system is most appropriate to install in a low-ceiling area? A. Direct B. Indirect C. Distributed D. Static E. Central

Solution: C. Distributed There are only two principal types of loud speaker systems: central and distributed. In locations with low ceiling distributed, or overhead, loudspeakers are most appropriate

An architect is designing a marine structure where concrete columns will be subject to salty water on regular basis. What type of rebar below should be specified for the structural concrete members of this project? A. Steel rebars B. GFRP rebars C. Epoxy coated rebars D. Stainless steel rebars

Solution: C. Epoxy Coated When extreme corrosion exist such as a marine structure in this question, epoxy coated steel bars are preferred due their resistance to corrosive environments. For example they are also used in parking garages where deicing salts are regularly used. - Steel rebars are the most typical and most common rebars but cannot resist corrosive environments as long as epoxy-coated steel bars. - Glass-fiber reinforced polymer rebars (GFRP) are used when non-ferrous/ non-magnetic, reinforcement required, such as an MRI facility. - Stainless steel rebars are very expensive, they have the highest durability and usually used in buildings like nuclear facilities

Sometimes egress systems can be discontinuous. When there has to be a break in the exit system, what is required? A. Exit connector B. Exit enclosure C. Exit passageway D. Fire rated corridor

Solution: C. Exit passageway Exit passageways connect exit enclosures where those enclosures cannot be continuous. One example is a central fire stair that connects through an exit passageway to a perimeter exit stairway. Exit passageways must be fire rated at the required level per code, and cannot have direct openings from certain uses, like toilet rooms, mechanical closets, or storage rooms

You are designing a new 3,500 s.f. residence in a new active-living development going into a suburban area. Which wind exposure category would you use? A. Exposure C B. Exposure A C. Exposure B D. Exposure D

Solution: C. Exposure B Exposure B is used for urban and suburban areas, wooded areas or other terrain with numerous closely spaced obstructions having the size of single-family dwellings or larger, prevailing for a distance greater than 1,500 feet in any direction from the installation

An architect is planning on using an all-water fan coil system instead of using an all-air VAV system. Which of the following spaces is the architect not going to need to account for in the design? A. Chilled water plant B. Cooling tower C. Fan room D. Boiler room

Solution: C. Fan Room All-water: cooling tower looping water back and forth with the chilled water plant, then in conjunction with boilers, they are lopping the hot and cold water to each of the individual fan coil terminal in each of the spaces that it is supplying. Fan rooms are not needed to push air through ductwork into each of the spaces

An architect is designing a mercantile retail store that is Type Ill-A construction. The client has requested that the ceiling height be 15'-6" to allow for more display space in the showroom. If the building is designed to the maximum allowable height, stories, and square footage, which HVAC system should the architect select? A. Multi-zone Variable Air Volume (VAV) B. Constant Air Volume System (CAV) C. Fan Coil Unit(s) D. Closed Loop Heat Pump

Solution: C. Fan coil units 65'/4 stories = 16'-3" 16'3" - 15'-6" = 9" We need to review the mechanical systems and see which ones will be able to fit in 9" of interstitial space. Of the choices listed, the only one that will work is the fan coil terminal. This is the only option that is not located in the ceiling space, and is the only one of the choices that does not require space for duct work and what limited piping there is can be run inside the walls instead of the ceiling space. - Closed loop heat pump: may be ductless, may not be ductless, fan coil unit is always ductless

In regards to fire protection for an escalator, which of the following would be an acceptable method? A. Intumescent paints B. Energy recovery ventilator C. Fire sprinklers D. Fire extinguishers mounted top and bottom

Solution: C. Fire sprinklers Fire sprinklers from the ceiling can be used to create an automatic curtain of water that isolates the escalator, usually used in conjunction with fireproof baffles that surround the wellway

You are designing a small cafe in an industrial park. You want to expose a wood ceiling structure but you have relatively long spans and do not want a "chunky," heavy structural look. What might you select for the ceiling structure here? A. TJI B. Castellated beams C. Flitch beams D. Steel encased concrete

Solution: C. Flitch beams A flitch beam is a beam made up of a steel plate sandwiched between two wood joists. This enables longer spans without having to increase beam depth

Lowest heat output per lumen A. Incandescent B. Halogen C. Fluorescent D. Metal halide E. High Pressure Sodium

Solution: C. Fluorescent Widest range of color temperatures available (degrees Kelvin) A. Incandescent B. Halogen C. Fluorescent D. Metal halide E. High Pressure Sodium +Solution: C. Fluorescent Lowest color temperature (degrees Kelvin) A. Incandescent B. Halogen +Solution: A. Incandescent

Even though they are good for day-lighting and space ventilation, which of the following issue is associated with the high-windows in spaces? A. Window to wall ratio B. Effective aperture C. Glare D. Visible light transmittance

Solution: C. Glare Design decisions to avoid potential glare issues: - Light shelves - especially to solve the issue with high windows. - Avoid East / West day-lighting - Choose light colored interiors - Prefer bilateral lighting in space as possible - Design overhangs on South wall windows

What color does a blue car look under the CCT 2100 HPS Lamp light fixture? A. Blue B. Bright Blue C. Gray D. Red

Solution: C. Gray CCT stands for the Correlated Color Temperature and is measured in Kelvin (K). - A warm (yellow) light typically has a Kelvin degree of around 2000 K, - More white to neutral lights have a Kelvin degree of 4000 K and above. For an object to show its actual color, the light that the object is subject to should have that color in it. - For example, daylight is rich in colors, and it includes all colors in itself. Therefore, every object that has color shows its color the best under daylight. - In this question, the high-pressure sodium lamp has a very low CCT value which means it is rich in yellow and orange colors and very poor in blue. Hence the blue car will look gray because there is a very low blue color in CCT 2100 HPS to reflect the object's blue color enough

You are in Design Development on a tower project in an urban infill zone. The building is 100' tall, and the highest occupied floor is at 85'. According to the IBC, this building would be defined as what? A. Tower B. Super high-rise C. High-rise D. Multi-level

Solution: C. High-rise A high-rise designation is given to buildings with occupied floor levels over 75'. This is important when considering fire protection requirements and the height at which firefighters' ladders and hoses can reach. We suggest reviewing special fire requirements for high-rise buildings. They are illustrated well in Building Codes Illustrated

In designing a 4 story hotel building, the architect reads in the soils report that the property has a high water table. Which type of elevator should she specify for the building? A. Conventional Hydraulic B. Gearless Traction C. Holeless Hydraulic D. Machine Room Less

Solution: C. Holeless Hydraulic Standard (conventional) Hydraulic elevators are elevators which operate using a piston that travels through a cylinder. They use an electric motor to pump hydraulic oil into the cylinder, which moves the piston. For the distance that the elevator rises, the piston must be drilled into the ground below. These pistons are typically supported by bedrock below. In this instance you would not use a standard hydraulic elevator because of the high water table rising into the elevator pit or building, and the potential of intermixing with the risk of hydraulic fluid leaking. A Hole less Hydraulic Elevator has the pistons mounted inside the hoist way. This is a solution for existing buildings / elevator shafts, buildings built on bedrock, in high water table locations, or on unstable soil. Hydraulic Elevators tend to max at 6 floors. Machine Room Less elevators do not require a dedicated room for elevator equipment. These are great solutions for buildings where square footage is at a premium. The machinery is contained inside the hoistway, at either the top or bottom. The main controller is installed on the top floor and is accessible via locked cabinet. Most machine room less elevators are used in low to mid rise buildings. Gearless Traction elevators are electric motor driven elevators. These elevators use steel cables and counter weights over a pulley to raise and lower the elevator cab. These elevators can go to any height and operate at much higher speeds than hydraulic elevators

You are working on a project in a seismic zone and are brushing up on your knowledge in this area. When considering seismic waves, what happens to the wave's amplitude when a seismic wave slows down? A. These two forces have no relation to each other B. Decreases C. Increases D. Stays the same

Solution: C. Increases Amplitude is proportional to the energy that any wave transmits. If there's no change in energy, amplitude increases when speed decreases. In the case of seismic waves, this amplitude increase causes amplified shaking. It's common for softer soils to be deposited above rock by the earth's erosion processes. These soils can amplify seismic waves when the wave speed slows down when moving from rock underneath into softer soils above

You are considering the various lamp options available for the luminaries in a space you are designing, and you want to choose the option with the highest efficacy. Which lamp would have an efficacy of around 90 lm/W? A. Incandescent B. Halogen C. LED D. CFL

Solution: C. LED Don't sweat this if you missed it. The idea is to have a general idea of the concept and where these choices rank in terms of luminous efficacy. Be familiar with the term luminous efficacy, which is a ratio of the visible energy emitted to the power needed to produce the light. Visible energy emitted from a lamp is also known as luminous flux, and the units are measured in lumens

Your client would like to expose the building's structural timber system. The plan has a clear span of about 60'-0". Considering the cost, which is the best structural system to select? A. Trusses B. Planks C. Laminated beams D. Joists

Solution: C. Laminated beams In timber framing, only laminated beams and trusses can span 60′-0″. However trusses can span much further than 60′-0″, selecting a timber truss over a laminated beam would be unnecessary and cost-ineffective. The correct answer is laminated beam

An architect finalizes the construction documentation set of a project where adverse weather conditions are forecasted during the time of construction. Which of the following structural systems would be much easier to deliver to prevent a delay in construction schedule under this conditions? Consider all structural systems to be equally sufficient and accessible. A. Concrete rigid framing structure with CMU exterior walls B. Heavy timber frame structure with brick curtain walls for exterior walls C. Light weight steel framing with precast wall panels for exterior walls D. Light weight steel framing with brick curtain walls for exterior walls

Solution: C. Light weight steel framing with precast wall panels for exterior walls If it is desired to keep construction running even during adverse weather conditions, the architect should avoid using systems that depends on site curing. Also selected system should be able to erected as fast as possible. Therefore "steel frame structure with precast wall panels for exterior walls" is the best answer here. All other options have some or all parts of the system that requires site curing and longer erection times such as: concrete which needs site-curing or CMU & brick walls that has grout that requires curing and longer erection times due to intense labor

Which of the following building organizational patterns is the best for minimizing the cost of mechanical system? A. Central B. Radial C. Linear D. Clustered

Solution: C. Linear Mechanical systems can be easily integrated into a linear organizational systems. All other layouts make mechanical systems more complex and costly

You are working on an adaptive reuse project and need to roughly measure the existing light levels in a room. What method uses calculations of the "cavity ratios" of the upper, middle and lower volumes of the space to be lighted? A. Ballast method B. Light loss method C. Lumen method D. Luminance method

Solution: C. Lumen method The lumen method is simply the total number of lumens available in a room divided by the area of the room. The method is a series of calculations that uses horizontal illuminance criteria to establish a uniform luminaire layout in a space

You are working on the lighting design for a project and trying to analyze different scenarios in terms of satisfying the initial design intent of even, well-distributed light throughout the space with minimal energy consumption. What would you use to measure the amount of light given a certain amount of power? A. Luminance B. Lumens C. Luminous efficacy D. Illuminance

Solution: C. Luminous efficacy Luminous efficacy is a measure of how well a light source produces visible light. It is the ratio of luminous flux to power, measured in lumens per watt

Which of the following construction material below rarely completes a structural system on its own? A. Wood B. Steel C. Masonry D. Reinforced concrete

Solution: C. Masonry Masonry usually is used as a supporting material or filling element between wood, concrete, or steel structures but rarely makes a whole structural system on its own

Fluorescent bulbs are primarily filled with what kind of gas? A. Halogen B. Hydrogen C. Mercury D. Nitrogen E. Fluorescent lights aren't filled with gas

Solution: C. Mercury Fluorescent bulbs produce light when an electric arc passes between cathodes to excite mercury and other gases producing radiant energy, which is then converted to visible light by a phosphor coating

What is true about greywater irrigation systems? A. They should share the same pipes as potable water irrigation systems, provided the potable systems are gravity feed B. Greywater can be stored for weeks but not months C. Minimum human contact with greywater D. Avoid washing machines for a source of greywater irrigation because of the detergents

Solution: C. Minimize human contact with greywater Greywater should not be stored and greywater can be used from washing machines but NOT dishwashers!!

When considering the different options for indoor transformers, what would be relevant to oil-insulated transformers if keeping costs low was the deciding factor? A. Higher noise level B. Higher upfront cost for unit C. Must be placed in a fire-resistant vault D. Typically larger

Solution: C. Must be placed in a fire-resistant vault Oil-insulated transformers must be installed in a fire-resistant vault, which could add considerable cost to a project. That's why these units are typically only installed in industrial applications. Advantages are lower upfront costs, smaller size and lower noise levels

Worse for rendering color (lower CRI) A. More fixtures required B. Fewer fixtures required C. No change in number

Solution: C. No change in number

What is a drain tile, and what purpose does it serve? A. Pervious paving material used to decrease water runoff B. Roofing material designed to collaborate with the gutter system and roof membrane to accommodate excessive rainfall C. Perforated pipe surrounded by small aggregate to relieve hydrostatic pressure on a foundation D. Flooring for a wet space to quicken the drying process and prevent the growth of mold and mildew

Solution: C. Perforated pipe surrounded by small aggregates to relieve hydrostatic pressure on a foundation A drain tile is a perforated pipe used along foundations to relieve hydrostatic pressure. The other options are incorrect and unrelated to a drain tile

The architect of a 7-story, mixed-use office tower is concerned about the variable-air-volume HVAC system causing the over-design of the building's structure. Which location of the fan room will have the smallest impact on the building's structure? A. Place the fan room on the root B. Place small fan rooms on each floor C. Place the fan room on the 1st floor D. Place the fan room on the 2nd and 5th floors

Solution: C. Place the fan room on the 1st floor The variable-air-volume (VAV) system requires the use of a fan room, or multiple fan rooms spread throughout the building depending on the use of the building, but those floors would require an increased structural design to account for the weight of the equipment, which then translates to greater walls and foundations should the weight be that substantial. Given that, the best option for HVAC design with regard to the impact on a building's structure is to place the fan room as close to the foundation as possible. - If a fan room was on the roof, the roof structure would need to be increased, and subsequently the walls and structure transferring the load to the foundation would also need to be increased. - Even if you wanted to put a smaller room on each level, each level would see an increase is structural design. While a design that puts a room on each level increases the HVAC flexibility, it would require all of the structure to increase. The question did not state that there was a basement, if there was this would still be a correct answer, but since none was indicated, the only portion of the structure that needs to be increased to support this load is the floor slab. - The floor slab is independent of the foundation walls and footings so it would have minimal impact on the building's structure

Which piping material has the highest coefficient of thermal expansion? A. Steel B. Cast iron C. Plastic D. Glass

Solution: C. Plastic

You are analyzing the structural system on a project that is currently designed as a flat plate concrete structure. You are having an issue staying under required building heights and keeping your floor-to-ceiling heights at 8' 6", because you need to have room for mechanical ducting hidden behind suspended ceiling acoustical tiles. The Client is willing to increase the budget to solve the issue. What would be the best structural solution here? A. SIPS B. Light gauge steel with EIFS C. Post-tensioned concrete D. Precast concrete

Solution: C. Post-tensioned concrete In order to get a thinner concrete floor and gain extra floor-to-ceiling height, post-tensioned concrete slabs could be used here

Allows time for fire to be put out before sprinkler is activated A. Wet-pipe B. Dry-pipe C. Pre-action D. Deluge

Solution: C. Pre-action

You are discussing the installation of data lines for communication and security systems for a project. The consultant is describing the cabling, connectors and accessories that are used to connect LAN (Local Area Network) and phone equipment within the commercial building. What is this referred to as? A. Conduit system B. Star topology C. Premise wiring D. Demarcation points

Solution: C. Premise wiring Premise wiring is the cabling, connectors and accessories that are used to connect LAN (Local Area Network) and phone equipment within a commercial building. Premise wiring is made up of vertical and horizontal cable runs from a central location throughout buildings to individual desktops

In a wood-framed single-family residence you design a under-floor area crawl space. What is the most practical strategy to use in order to keep that space dry? A. Install an energy-efficient dehumidifier B. Install a sump pump C. Provide continuous ground cover using polyethylene film D. Paint underfloor surfaces with water resistant paint

Solution: C. Provide continuous ground cover using polyethylene film The best solution in this case is to prevent water from ever getting into the space. Continuous ground cover with a polyethylene film would provide this. A sump pump and dehumidifier may be useful back-ups if the film fails but may not be cost-effective. Painting underfloor surfaces with water-resistant paint may protect the elements exposed to moisture but will not help remedy any moisture issues

Which building type is most appropriate for a retail store in an urban setting requiring on-site parking? A. Courtyard building B. Perimeter yard building C. Rear yard building D. Side yard building

Solution: C. Rear yard building 4 basic types of site utilization for urban site planning - Rear yard type: The front of the building is placed on the lot line and open space at the rear of the lot used for parking/other services (Good for retail) - Courtyard building: Occupies all or nearly all of the edges of a lot with a private interior courtyard. Good for privacy/security - Perimeter yard building: Building in the middle of the yard with open space surrounding it. Used in semi-urban or suburban locations for residential use of where appearance is desired - Side yard building: Building occupies one side of the lot with the other side open. Can be used to create a semiprivate yard or to orient the building for solar access

A client plans to install a curtain wall along a building's façade. The client wants to give employees in the buildings a clear exterior view while obscuring passerby's view to the inside of the building. What is the best glazing option for the curtain wall system? A. Tinted glass B. Spandrel glass C. Reflective glass D. Low-iron glass

Solution: C. Reflective glass Reflective glass: has thin metallic layer that creates a mirror-like surface on one side, allowing for views in one direction but not the other Tinted glass: reduces the solar transmittance of the glass. It partially obscures the view into the building and veils the exterior view with whatever tint used Spandrel glass: is opaque glass typically used to conceal a building's floor and ceiling structure Low iron glass: contains a reduced amount of iron oxide, which increases the clarity of view through the glass in both directions

What type of agent would be added to the mix when pouring concrete in hot weather? A. Air-entraining agent B. Hardening agent C. Retarding agent D. Workability agent

Solution: C. Retarding agent

What is the difference between a retention and a detention basin? A. Detention basins hold water for an indefinite amount of time where retention basins retain water only during storms B. Retention basins are naturally occurring where detention basins are man-made C. Retention basins hold water for an indefinite amount of time where detention basins retain water only during storms D. There is no difference between a retention and detention basin

Solution: C. Retention basins hold water for an indefinite amount of time where detention basins retain water only during storms Both detention basins and retention basins are ways in which flood damage reduction can be accomplished. Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there are differences between them. DETENTION is the temporary storage of excess stormwater. RETENTION implies that stormwater is stored indefinitely

The name given to units of sound absorption is... A. Decibels B. Degrees C. Sabins D. Watts

Solution: C. Sabin

On a given site, which of the following would NOT be relevant to life-cycle costing? A. Design fees B. Land costs C. Salvage value D. Repair costs

Solution: C. Salvage value

You are coordinating the remaining drawings and documents required on a project in an effort to update the schedule. Which of the following of the Design/Construction Document Phases would most likely be the hardest to estimate when setting the Project Schedule? A. Design Development B. Bidding or Negotiation C. Schematic Design D. Construction Documents

Solution: C. Schematic Design The time needed for the Schematic Design Phase is the hardest to estimate, since it has the greatest number of unknowns. Working closely with the Client, the Architect draws from their experience and skill to pull together an initial design concept. The time needed for this varies by the size and complexity of the project, the thoroughness of the program information provided by the client, the availability and decision-making ability of the Client, and the size and experience of the project team

The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties allow for all of the following types of treatment except: A. Rehabilitation B. Reconstruction C. Selective Demolition D. Chemical Restoration

Solution: C. Selective Demolition Preservation pertains to the maintenance and upkeep of existing historic properties. Rehabilitation allows for the need to alter or add to a historic property to meet current standards while retaining the historic character. Restoration is the rendition of a property at a particular time in its history and removes evidence of other periods of use. Reconstruction allows for the recreation of missing pieces of a property. Demolition is not one of the main treatments of Historic Preservation Standards

You are researching and specifying the wood connectors for a project. The environment in which a wood joint will be installed—which might include dry, wet, exposed to weather, or subject to wetting and drying—is referred to as what? A. Spacing B. Net section C. Service conditions D. Climate

Solution: C. Service conditions Service conditions refer to the environment in which a wood joint will be used. Conditions might include wet, dry, exposed to weather, or subject to wetting and drying

The diagram above in blue shows what kind of force on the member? A. Compression B. Tension C. Shear D. Moment

Solution: C. Shear

Which of the following structural beam given below potentially has the longest spanning range? A. LH B. Glue-Laminated Beams C. Single Tee - Pre-stressed Concrete D. Double Tee - Pre-stressed Concrete

Solution: C. Single Tee Pre-stressed concrete span: 60 to 150 ft (potentially the longest of the given options) Spanning Capacity of Other Options: - LH Open web steel joist - 96 ft max - Glue-Laminated Beams - max 100 ft - Double Tee - Pre-stressed Concrete - max 100 ft - K Open web steel joist - max 60 ft - DLH Open web steel joist - max 144 ft

Once soil has been contaminated, the risk of contaminants leaching into groundwater is high. Before this happens, what method of remediation can be used to extract contaminants from unsaturated soils? A. Penetration radar B. Phytoremediation C. Soil vapor extraction D. Photolysis

Solution: C. Soil vapor extraction Soil vapor extraction is a physical treatment process for in situ remediation of volatile contaminants in unsaturated soils. SVE (also referred to as in situ soil venting or vacuum extraction) is based on mass transfer of contaminant from the solid and liquid phases into the gas phase, with subsequent collection of the gas phase contamination at extraction wells. Extracted contaminant mass in the gas phase is treated in above-ground systems

Which of the following surface finishes is more likely to be specified on the outside surface of a concrete exterior wall to provide graffiti resistance? A. Epoxy-coal-tar-based coating B. Cementitious acrylic polymeric coating C. Solvent-based urethane coating D. Vinyl ester-based coating

Solution: C. Solvent-based urethane coating As a general rule, urethane-based surface finishes are the best at graffiti resistance. A solvent-based urethane coating is good at resisting graffiti, chemicals, and abrasion. Incorrect Answers: - The epoxy-coal-tar-based coating is good at waterproofing and resisting corrosion. - Cementitious acrylic polymeric coating is good for aesthetic treatments. - Vinyl ester-based coating is good at high chemical resistance

To raise 1 lbm of water 1F, 1 Btu of heat is required. This 1 Btu reflects what characteristic of water? A. Latent heat B. Sensible heat C. Specific heat D. Relative heat

Solution: C. Specific heat Latent heat is the amount of energy required to force a change between states (solid, liquid, and vapor) given in Btus Sensible heat is the amount of energy released or absorbed during a temperature change Relative heat is not a measurement of energy

An owner wants to build an office building in a lot, in the downtown area. The lot is surrounded by existing buildings with no set-backs from neighboring properties. Which of the following footing type will less likely to be applicable for this project? A. Strap footings B. Raft foundations C. Spread footing D. Trapezoidal footing

Solution: C. Spread Footing According to Architectural Graphic Standards, spread footing is the most popular and economical footing choice however, it is not applicable when property line limits the footing extension. Also, spread footing may not be the best choice if the soil is not strong. All of the other options are applicable for the scenario given in the question

You have a fairly complex concrete project, and the Contractor has requested that you draw up the more complex forming so that some of the issues can be worked out before construction. Which of the following would NOT be something that would be used in concrete forming? A. Wailer B. Snap tie C. Standoff PB D. Cleat

Solution: C. Standoff PB On more complex concrete projects, it is not uncommon that the Architect or Engineer would work out some of the forming before construction. Standoff post-base would not be used in concrete forming. Snap ties, wailers and cleats are all used in forming, and these are terms you should be familiar with

You are in the process of selecting the structural system for a one-story community library. You are looking for 50'-60' roof truss spans. You will need to run mechanical ducting throughout the space, and you want to hide it in the structure. The structure needs to be relatively low cost. Which system would be the best for these requirements? A. Precast concrete forms B. Steel frame with curtain wall C. Steel bar joists with CMU bearing walls D. Post-tensioned concrete

Solution: C. Steel bar joists with CMU bearing walls Bearing walls to support a steel bar joist system can be threaded with mechanical ducting and spans up to 50'-60'. This is a fairly economical solution and typically would be used in one-story structures

A site for a small commercial building has a water table 24' deep. Which of the following pump types is best for serving this building? A. Turbine pump B. Jet pump C. Suction pump D. Submersible pump

Solution: C. Suction pump Suction pumps are the only pumps suitable for water tables shallower than 25'. Turbine, jet, and submersible pumps are all intended for use in wells deeper than 25'

In life-cycle cost analysis, costs incurred prior to the baseline date are referred to as A. Uniform costs B. Break-even costs C. Sunk costs D. Sensitive costs

Solution: C. Sunk costs Sunk costs are expenses that have been incurred on a project prior to the baseline date and cannot be recovered. Generally these costs are disregarded with analyzing life-cycle costs

When comparing the output of a source with a color temperature of 5,000° K to one with a color temperature of 3,500° K: A. The 5,000° K source appears warmer than the 3,500° K source B. The 5,000° K source appears flatter than the 3,500° K source C. The 5,000° K source appears cooler than the 3,500° K source D. The 5,000° K source appears brighter than the 3,500° K source

Solution: C. The 5,000° K source appears cooler than the 3,500° K source

An architect is working on a historic inn project that includes a balcony. The original building had a railing of only 36" instead of the required 42". To maintain the feel of the original building the Architect decides to use a 36" railing and the building department agrees to this. After renovations, a patron falls over the railing and is injured. What is true about the situation? A. No one is at fault for the injury because of the nature of the project B. The owner is at fault because the injury occurred on their property and they have a unique building C. The Architect is at fault for creating an unsafe situation D. The building department is at fault for approving the change made to the railing E. The patron is at fault for being careless and is responsible for the costs associated with fixing the railing

Solution: C. The Architect is a fault for creating an unsafe situation The Architect is responsible for the health, safety, and welfare (HSW) of the general public. Despite the design intent to retain the character of a historic building, the architect made a decision that jeopardized the HSW of the public and is liable

What is a Kilowatt hour? A. A unit of time based on energy created in a system B. The number of kilowatts something uses in 1 hour C. The amount of energy required to run 1,000 watt appliance for 1 hour D. The energy output for a solar panel array

Solution: C. The amount of energy required to run 1,000 watt appliance for 1 hour 1 kWh is equal to the amount of energy required to run a 1,000 Watt (1 kW) for 1 hour Example: A 100 Watt light incandescent light bulb - uses 1kWh of energy in 10 hours

What is the advantage of a fire-cut beam? A. A fire-cut provides a small slit in the beam for smoke to travel out of the space B. Beams fabricated with a fire-cut profile are more able to resist exposure to flames without igniting C. The fire-cut allows a beam to rotate freely out of a recess like a wall pocket , so that it does not pry the wall apart if the beam falls D. Fire-cutting separates a section of a beam designated to fall in the event of a failure, allowing the remaining portion of the beam to stay intact.

Solution: C. The fire-cut allows a beam to rotate freely out of a recess like a wall pocket , so that it does not pry the wall apart if the beam falls Beams must be able to rotate freely to not pry the wall apart in the event of failure and beam collapse. A fire cut allows the beam to fall without compromising the structure of the wall

Which of the following options below cannot be included as one of the basic means of controlling heat loss and gain in buildings? A. The correct selection of building materials. B. The orientation of the building. C. The micro-climatic condition of the site. D. The proper construction and insulation of the building envelope.

Solution: C. The micro-climatic condition of the site The proper selection of building materials, the correct construction and insulation of the building enclosure, and the orientation of a building on its site are the primary means of controlling heat loss and gain

What is the electric water heater component, that is circled with red in the given picture called? A. Drain valve B. Shut-off valve C. Pressure relief valve D. Flow-control valve

Solution: C. The pressure relief valve The item circled in red is called a pressure relief valve which relieves excessive pressure of the water in pipes when it is heated. It is essentially a safety device that will release the water and pressure in the closed-looped pipes, to prevent further damage to the heater or the piping. Also refer to Mechanical & Electrical Equipment for Buildings Walter T. Grondzik and Alison G. Kwok John Wiley & Sons, 12th edition, 2015, Chapter 12 Figure 12.76 for an excellent diagram explaining all system components of an oil fired boiler and see how pressure relief valve is located

The architect is reviewing the structural engineer's concrete spec for the foundation of their new fire station project for the city of Duluth, Minnesota. The city is in immediate need of the facility and opted to start construction over the winter months. What type of cement shou Id the structural engineer have specified? A. Type II B. Type llA C. Type III D. Type V

Solution: C. Type III If this project was to be constructed during the warmer months of the year, Type I cement would be sufficient for the foundation. If the question stated that the foundation was going to come into contact with water that has a high concentration of sulfates then type II or type V would need to be specified. If it was stated that water was present Type llA would have been the answer because the 'A-type' cement (A stands for air-entrenching) would be needed because the air-entrenching allows for the concrete to resist the freeze and thaw cycles that Duluth, Minnesota would commonly see. For this question, Answer C, Type III cement is the correct answer because type Ill hardens more quickly than other types and is employed in situations where reduced curing period is desired (as may be the case in cold weather)

If you needed a high early strength for a mortar for a masonry wall, what type of Portland cement would you specify? A. Type I B. Type II C. Type III D. Type IV

Solution: C. Type III Type III Portland cement is specified when high early strength is required

Which type of cement should be used, when facing extreme cold-weather conditions in the course of pouring concrete? A. Type I B. Type II C. Type III D. Type IV E. Type V

Solution: C. Type III Typical uses and characteristics of the various types of cement: - Type I - General construction - Type II - General construction where resistance to moderate sulfate is required (piers, retaining walls) - Type III (High Early Strength) - Cures faster and gains strength earlier. Allows for early removal of formwork and for reducing the time required for protection from low temperatures - Type IV - Low-heat cement used in massive concrete structures, such as dams, where there is a concern for large buildups in temperature. - Type V - General construction where resistance to severe sulfate is required. For more on this subject, we recommend reading chapter 12.04 (Concrete) of the book Building Construction Illustrated, 5th Edition

An architect is designing an eight story residential building in historic downtown with 11 feet floor to floor height. According to zoning code, no technical facility on the roof top should be located between 40 feet to 96 feet above ground, to protect the street silhouette perceived from the street. Which water supply system below would be best option for this building? A. Up-feed distribution - Static pressure B. Down-feed distribution C. Up-feed distribution - Pumped D. Down-feed distribution-multiple zones

Solution: C. Up-feed distribution - Pumped. The building height is 8 x 11 feet = 88 feet. Zoning code, requires a technical facility-free roof top between 40 and 96 feet. A typical down feed system would have a tank around 24 feet tall which added to the 88 feet, would be against zoning code. So the options B and D which include a tank on the roof cannot be correct answers. Besides, down-feed distribution-multiple zones system is typically used for high rise buildings. According to Mechanical & Electrical Equipment for Buildings, Chapter 19, Section 19.9 in general, the water distribution is either up feed or a down feed system. Buildings that are smaller, static pressure from city main is basically enough to provide water to the fixtures throughout the building. So option A is only correct for small buildings. However when building get taller all of the other options can be correct depending on the scenario

You are working on the Framing Plans for a project. When using cold-formed metal C-channel framing joists for the floor, what is important to remember to include at the bearing ends? A. Jamb anchor clips B. Runner track C. Web stiffeners D. Z furring

Solution: C. Web stiffeners Make sure to be studying detail sections for this exam and PDD. At the bearing ends, when using C-channel cold-formed metal joists, web stiffeners should be included

You are working on a project that seasonally has a lot of wind that you need to analyze for structural and micro-climactic purposes. What might you use in your design and planning that charts the direction, speed and frequency of wind in a particular location by month or year? (Choose the best answer) A. Air stats B. NOAA C. Wind rose D. Anemometer

Solution: C. Wind rose The wind rose gives detailed information about wind direction and frequency for specific time periods. An anemometer is a device that is used for measuring the speed of wind

An architect is designing a multifamily residential project in a cold climate. Which type of wall structure should be pursued to address thermal bridging concerns? A. Concrete columns with glass fiber insulation in the cavity between the columns B. Steel studs with mineral wool insulation in the cavity between the column C. Wood studs with mineral wool insulation in the cavity between the studs D. Concrete masonry units with perlite poured in the cell cavities

Solution: C. Wood studs with mineral wool insulation in the cavity between the studs Because metal and concrete conduct heat, the metal studs and concrete columns short-circuit efforts to thermally insulate the wall. You can insulate inside the CMU but thermal bridging will still occur

Which of the following scenarios is more likely to be considered as a dead load on buildings? A. Ponding water on flat roof B. HVAC unit installed after ceiling finishes are in place C. Wood trusses D. Snow on a gable roof

Solution: C. Wood trusses. Building codes specifies loads on building in two categories: dead loads and live loads. - Dead loads are in permanent nature such as the structural components of a building, for example wood trusses. - Live loads are non-permanent loads, that are introduced to the building after it is built. ○ Typical live loads are snow, occupants, furniture, etc. - Some components can be either dead or live load depending on their building sequence. ○ For example HVAC units are typically dead loads, unless they are not installed after ceiling finishes are in place cause it will create extra deflection on slab and in that case they should be considered as live loads

An architect is designing a nursing home with 150 beds. The patient have varying levels of mobility and independence. The building manager requests a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system that permits each patient to control the temperature in his or her own room, that is quiet, and that requires minimal maintenance. Which type of system will be the most appropriate recommendation? A. Packaged terminal units B. Fan coil terminals C. Variable air volumes D. Single duct, constant air volume

Solution: C. variable air volumes VAV systems allow for individual control of temperature, quiet operation, and minimal maintenance. Packaged terminal units and fan coil terminals permit control over the temperatures of individual spaces but do not operate as quietly or requires as little maintenance as VAV systems Single duct, constant air volume (CAV) units are relatively inexpensive to install and maintain but do not offer occupants the ability to control the temperature of individual spaces

Which parking lot layout utilizes the most appropriate design strategy to minimize confusion? A. A B. B C. C D. D

Solution: D In Option D, vehicles are able to enter the parking lot freely without having an obstruction as in choice A. The entrance to the parking lot is located an appropriate amount away from the intersection to reduce any confusion or conflict with the intersection. In D there is also no parking along the street. Parking along the street, without a buffer, may encourage vehicles to exit directly off of and on to the street which could create problematic vehicular conflicts as seen in options A, B, and C

You are working on the preliminary Plumbing Plan for a project and spacing out the cleanouts on the drain lines. What is the maximum distance between cleanouts on all horizontal drain lines? A. 250' B. 200' C. 150' D. 100'

Solution: D. 100' According to the IRC, the maximum distance between cleanouts in each horizontal drain line is 100'. This is so drain openers and cleanout tools like snakes can have access to potential blockages in the lines

Open-web steel joists spaced 4' OC span 36'. The dead load = 30psf (including the weight of the joists), live load = 50psf, and maximum allowable deflection = 1/360 of the span. What is the most economical section to use? 20K9 20K10 22K7 22K9

Solution: D. 22K9 Dead load = (30 psf)(4) = 120 plf Live load = (50 psf)(4) = 200 plf Total load = 120+200=320 plf Look at chart (top number is total load, bottom number is live load) 20K10 and 22K9 can both support the loads, however 22K9 is lighter

Plumbing fixtures in large buildings are often placed back to back, and restrooms are stacked from floor to floor. How much space should be allowed within the plumbing wall if all fixtures are wall hung. A. 12" B. 16" C. 18" D. 24"

Solution: D. 24" If there are fixtures on only one side of the wall a 12" space would be adequate If the back to back fixtures were not wall-hung, a 16" space would be adequate

An architect in a cold climate suggests a row of trees to be planted on the typical prevailing wind side of a building to block the effects of wind on a new residential construction. What should the suggested distance for the tree row from the house be? A. 3-5 times the height of trees B. N/A - It is not advisable to block the prevailing wind in this instance C. N/A - Trees should be randomly scattered across the site for protection from all wind directions D. 3-5 times the height of trees

Solution: D. 3-5 times the height of trees Tree windbreaks can be used as a method for reducing wind-induced air infiltration in buildings. One study showed a single row of trees, functioned as a high-density windbreak and reduced air infiltration by about 60% when planted approximately four tree heights away from the building

You have a project that is your first to include an escalator. What angle of degrees should you draw it at? A. 40° B. 25° C. 60° D. 30°

Solution: D. 30° Okay, if you didn't know that or didn't guess the right answer of 30°, now you know that all escalators installed in the United States are installed at 30° from horizontal

What is the maximum spacing for electrical outlets behind a kitchen counter? A. 1' B. 2' C. 3' D. 4'

Solution: D. 4' - Maximum spacing between electrical outlets in 12' - Each wall more than 2' in length must have an outlet - No point along a wall should be more than 6' from a receptacle (cannot measure across a door or fireplace) - No point along the back of a kitchen counter should be more than 2' from a receptacle (therefore outlets every 4') - Any counter more than 1' long requires its own receptacle - Receptacles cannot be lower than 18" above the floor OR higher than 5.5' - Floor receptables must have a cover that seals them when nothing is plugged in - Microwave, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, and any other permanent device must have its own dedicated circuit - Cannot be below 18" on a garage wall - Cannot be directly over a sink or tub

What is the minimum required total street main pressure required for a water source at the topmost point of a 5-story building that requires 12 psi water pressure? (Assume friction loss as 13 psi and each floor having 10 foot, floor to floor height) A. 44 psi B. 45 psi C. 46 psi D. 47 psi

Solution: D. 47 psi The height of the fixture is vaguely described as the topmost point of the five-story building, so we will include the entire height of the building (50 feet). The water pressure at main supply = 13 psi (friction loss) + 12 psi (required for faucet operation) + 50 feet x 0.433 psi per feet = 46.65 psi, min 47 psi is required at street main. Side Note: In the exam, if the height of the topmost fixture in the building is not given, assume the full building height. It is better to provide more pressure than falling short. Do not assume average fixture height, unless the question specifically gives a table or extra information in excerpts regarding that. Carefully review excerpts in the Case Study questions for extra information like a building section

You are working on the Plumbing Plan for a residential project and planning one of your favorite areas of the plan: the venting!! When using horizontal venting, the branch vents need to be a minimum of what distance above the flood level rim of the highest fixture served? A. Actually needs to be lower than flood level rim B. 18" C. 24" D. 6"

Solution: D. 6" This was a little tricky, but it's good to know that the requirement is 6" above the flood level rim of the highest fixture served. Okay, right about now you may be thinking that there are an infinite number of things that you could be tested on, and this is true! The approach here is to expose you to as many areas as possible within the scope of each section, so that you have the best chance of passing not necessarily scoring 100%. You may miss a few, and that's no problem

You are working on a commercial project that has a hallway that will also serve as the means of egress. What is the minimum ceiling height for a means of egress? A. 6' 8" B. 8' C. 7' 6" D. 7'

Solution: D. 7' According to the Building Code, the minimum ceiling height for a means of egress must be not less than 7'

For a roof space accessible by the public or building tenants, what is the minimum height of a vent pipe extension? 6" above the roof 8" above the roof 6'-8" above the roof 7'-0" above the roof

Solution: D. 7'-0" Normally the minimum height of a vent pipe extension is 6" above the roof. However, if roof space is accessible by the public or building tenant, the minimum height of a vent pipe extension is 7'-0" above the roof

A single-story building has an allowable floor area of 2000 ft2. The owner decides to have the building fully protected by a sprinkler system. Considering the addition of the sprinkler, what is the allowable floor area for this building? A. 2000 ft2 B. 4000 ft2 C. 6000 ft2 D. 8000 ft2

Solution: D. 80000 ft2 When a single-story building is protected by a sprinkler system, the allowable floor area can be quadrupled. If a multistory building is protected by a sprinkler system, the allowable floor area can be tripled

A client has approached you to help in the design of their casino. Which occupancy group would this fall under? A. A-3 B. A-1 C. B D. A-2

Solution: D. A-2 Knowing the occupancy group for a project is very important when designing, as there are particular egress requirements and codes that apply based on the occupancy. An occupancy group where alcohol might be served may be different than that for a church, for example. Group A-2 is for assembly areas where food and drink are consumed

You have been hired by an artist to design a steel structure in the desert. What is the most commonly used strength grade of steel used in construction? A. L34 B. S21 C. A65 D. A36

Solution: D. A36 The most commonly used strength grade of steel used in construction is A36 with 36,000 psi yield strength

Trusses are used _____. A. Diagonally B. Horizontally C. Vertically D. All of the above

Solution: D. All of the above Trusses are used horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. The triangular arrangements of truss components make them suitable in all three conditions

What is the energy created by the flow of electrons? A. Current B. Voltage C. Resistance D. Electricity

Solution: D. Electricity The energy created by the flow of electrons is electricity. Current is the flow, voltage is the pressure, and resistance is the opposition of the flow (or current). An analogy is often made to water and plumbing systems, where the voltage is compared to pounds per square inch, the current is compared to the gallons per minute, and resistance is the passage of inches per feet (the resistance of a larger pipe would be less than the resistance of a smaller pipe, which would be more restrictive to the flow)

Which piece of information is most useful when preparing a cost estimate for a hotel during the programming phase? A. Precise cost per square foot of tile floor B. Average cost per bed of similar hotels C. Estimated cost of the mechanical scope D. Approximate cost per square foot of a recently constructed comparable building

Solution: D. Approximate cost per square foot of a recently constructed comparable building The most useful piece of information when preparing a cost estimate for a hotel during the programming phase is the approximate cost per square foot of a recently constructed comparable building. - Estimates are based on cost per unit for selections and complete assemblies (square foot of tile floor) during the construction documentation phase. - Estimates are based on unit costs such as cost per person and cost per bed during the preplanning or proposal-writing phase - Estimates are based on building systems (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) during schematic design

You are working with a local DJ to design a nightclub. The total square footage will be 6,500 square feet, with an occupant load over 100. This will be located in a warehouse on the second floor. In terms of fire protection, what will be required? A. 3 egress routes B. Fire extinguishers at each exit C. Standpipe D. Automatic sprinkler system

Solution: D. Automatic sprinkler system This would be considered an A-2 occupancy group, and because the square footage is over 5,000 s.f. and the occupant load is over 100, and because this is being planned for the second level above the level of exit discharge, automatic sprinklers would be required

Which of the following is NOT an available method to improve ground soil conditions to increase its density and stability? A. Soil-mixing B. Compaction C. Pre-consolidation D. Back-filling E. Ground Freezing

Solution: D. Back-filling Back-filling is used to fill around sub-grade openings of a structure, such as around the basement opening of a building. Except backfilling, all other methods increase soil's density and make the ground stronger to resist loads. According to Architectural Graphic Standards, The American Institute of Architects John Wiley & Sons, 11th edition, Pages 44 & 45, (2016), soil conditioning or densifying can be achieved in many ways: compacting soil with extra loads is one of the most common methods. When soils are compacted under heavy loads, they retain that memory, also called "pre-consolidation." Mixing soil with cement or grouting is another method that is used for similar reasons. Ground freezing is done by introducing chemicals that freeze the moisture in soil and bonds soil together like cement

You are familiarizing yourself with the energy codes and terminology for a project. The coefficient of heat transmission (surface to surface) through a building component or assembly, equal to the time rate of heat flow per unit area and the unit temperature difference between the warm-side and cold-side surfaces, is referred to as what? A. Thermal bridge B. Visible transmittance C. U-factor D. C-factor

Solution: D. C-factor C-factor: Time rate of steady-state heat flow through the unit area of a material or construction surfaces. Units of C-factor are BTU/hr x ft2 x degrees Fahrenheit. The C-factor does not include soil or air films. Hey, if you missed it, now you know a cool (or hot!!) new term. Don't sweat it

Which of the following is the most effective type of fire detector? A. Heat detector B. Ionization smoke detector C. Photoelectric smoke detector D. Combination ionization and photoelectric smoke detector

Solution: D. Combination ionization and photoelectric smoke detector Heat detectors are very slow and not effective. Alert by smoke is better because it is an earlier warning. 3 types of smoke alarms: - Ionization smoke detector: smoke interrupts the electric current and trips the alarm ○ Quickest to catch fast raging fires - Photoelectric smoke detector: light source with a photoelectric sensor and when smoke interrupts the beam of light it trips the alarm ○ Best for slow smoldering fires - Combination ionization and photoelectric smoke detector: has ionization for fast raging fire and photoelectric for slow smoldering fires combined into (1)

Which construction material below is better for impact noise isolation? A. Glass B. Wood C. Steel D. Concrete

Solution: D. Concrete According to Architectural Acoustics M. David Egan J. Ross Publishing, 2007 Reprint. Original publication McGraw Hill, 1988, the more the mass, the better the sound isolation of a material or assembly. Among all given options concrete is inherently has more mass and has better IIC and STC values

Which of the following HVAC systems would have the highest operating cost for a large office building? A. Single-zone constant volume B. Variable air volume C. Double-duct, constant volume D. Constant volume reheat

Solution: D. Constant volume reheat

The Owner has not yet hired a Contractor, and the schedule needs to be adjusted. Which document directs a change in Work prior to an agreement being reached on cost or time between the Owner and Contractor? A. Change Order B. Supplemental Instructions C. Addenda D. Construction Change Directive

Solution: D. Construction Change Directive AIA G714 Construction Change Directive is a directive for changes in the Work for use when the Owner and Contractor have not reached an agreement on proposed changes in the contract sum or contract time

When working on the Electrical Plan for a project with the assistance of an electrical engineer, why might you specify a contactor versus a switch? A. Contactor is motion activated B. Contactor is controlled with photocell C. Contactor is more energy efficient D. Contactor can be controlled remotely

Solution: D. Contractor can be controlled remotely A contactor might be specified over an electrical switch because contactors can be controlled remotely

Refer to the figure below. What type of escalator system is depicted in this image? A. Parallel B. Multiple parallel C. Double helix D. Crisscross spiral

Solution: D. Crisscross spiral This is an example of a crisscross spiral escalator layout

What kind of lock is shown on the previous image? A. Mortise lock B. Unit lock C. Integral lock D. Cylinder lock

Solution: D. Cylinder lock Mortise lock: fits into mortise on the door edge Unit lock: fit into door cut out Integral lock: Combination of cylinder lock and mortise lock Cylinder lock: Most common and cost-effective type, used in many residential buildings. It fits into lock stile of the door and the drilled holes

An architect was reviewing a soil boring for a residence in southern Louisiana, and noticed that the bulk of the soil between the surface and the bedrock 30' below the surface was silty-clay with some ground water present. Which of the following foundations should the architect consider? A. Socketed Caisson B. End Bearing Pile C. Belled Caisson D. Frictional Pile

Solution: D. Frictional Pile Soil type is less cohesive, meaning that if a contract was going to try and drill a hole for a caisson that the hole would likely collapse in on itself during the drill. For that reason, both caisson options, (A and C) are incorrect answers. Of the two remaining answers, an end bearing pile and a frictional pile- the end bearing pile is the incorrect answer. This pile, while able to be utilized in non-cohesive soils would require it to be driven 30' down into the bedrock. This is not a practical application for a house project. If this was a mid-rise, or slightly taller building, then it would be the most practical option. Since this is a house, the frictional pile makes the most sense because it would not require it to be driven down to bedrock, and a fewer number of piles would be needed since this is a relatively small project and the weight of the building is not as substantial as a multi-story building.

An architect is designing a 45-story office tower on unstable soil with a high water table. What type of elevator should she select? A. Conventional hydraulic B. Hole-less hydraulic C. Telescoping hydraulic D. Gearless traction

Solution: D. Gearless traction Gearless traction: fast, smooth, quiet, no hole in the ground (important for a high water table site or shallow bedrock), long travel distances (200 stories), requires an elevator machine room on the roof. The only viable choice for towers this tall. Machine-room-less (MRL) traction: same as gearless, but no rooftop machine room needed and can't travel as far (can go to 20 stories). Conventional hydraulic: slow, rough ride, hole in the ground for a piston, short travel distances (< 3 stories only), requires oil to be pumped into a cylinder to raise a piston (potential for underground oil leaks) Hole-less hydraulic: similar to conventional hydraulic but no hole in the ground required. Telescoping hydraulic: similar to conventional hydraulic but can travel five stories

The owner of a high-end residence in Orlando, Florida has hired an architect to redesign his home. The client has expressed a desire to use a thermal mass in her residence. Which of the following materials shou Id the architect select? A. Poured Concrete B. Concrete Masonry Units (CMU) C. Double-wythe brick D. Glass water wall

Solution: D. Glass water wall Water stores much more heat per unit of volume than masonry

Of the options below, what is the biggest disadvantage of a boiler heating system? A. Low efficacy B. Gases carried away through a flue C. More complex than other systems D. High life-cycle cost

Solution: D. High life-cycle cost The life-cycle cost of a boiler system is very high because of how often it needs to be replaced over a typical building's life-span. Boilers are the simplest system with 80% efficacy. The amount of gas carried away by a flue does not typically cause any problems

You are in pre-design on a project, working on some preliminary site analysis. You are studying the potential wind loads on a structure. In most cases, what will the wind pressure be on the windward side of a building? A. Positive pressure B. Neutral pressure C. Lower pressure D. Higher pressure

Solution: D. Higher pressure In almost all cases, high pressures occur on the windward side and low pressures on the leeward side, while wind that is constricted as it moves around the edges of the building increases in velocity

As you are drawing up a wall section and considering vapor barrier placement, you remember that in a building assembly, ____ air on one side will always migrate toward the ____ air on the opposite side of the assembly. A. Cold or cool / hot or warm B. Stale / fresh C. Stagnant / volatile D. Hot or warm / cool or cold

Solution: D. Hot or warm/Cool or cold In a building assembly (i.e., wall, roof or floor), the hot or warm air on one side will always migrate toward the cool or cold air on the opposite side of the assembly

Lightning protection can be provided to a building by which of the following? I. A system of lightning rods and conductors extended to the ground II. An overhead grid of wire conductors extended to the ground III. A system of lightning rods connected to the building's steel frames and then to the ground A. I and II only B. I and III only C. II and III only D. I, II, III

Solution: D. I, II, and III Is a Faraday cage and it is used to redirect lightning somewhere else

A building that serves as an essential facility would fall under what occupancy category? A. I B. II C. III D. IV E. V

Solution: D. IV The occupancy categories range from I (low hazard to human life in event of failure) to IV (an essential facility). An example of a I hazard would be small storage facilities. IV would be hospitals. IV is the correct answer

A trombe wall is an example of which of the following passive solar heating system types? A. Sunspace B. Solar panel C. Direct gain D. Indirect gain

Solution: D. Indirect gain All passive heating systems should have two components: - South facing openings, windows to collect the sun's heat - A storage element to keep the collected energy in space which is called "thermal storage" Trombe walls are simply thermal storages, that are located behind a south facing glass and usually build with a high thermal storage capacity material like concrete, rock, brick, adobe or sometimes water. Since they are not directly transmitting heat from sun to the space like a glass window, their gain is more indirect. Trombe walls are glazed with a dark color most of the time to collect more heat and then they give it slowly back in the space in the evening

Which of the following is the least expensive site cast concrete framing system? A. Waffle slab B. One-way beam & slab C. Two-way flat slab D. Two-way flat plate

Solution: D. Two-way flat plate Due to lack of beams (as in slab and beam systems )and the dropped caps (as in flat slab systems ) that requires extra formwork, the two-way flat plate system is the cheapest of all the given options. It is also the least labor-intense compared to all other options. The most expensive is of the given options is the Waffle Slab

When reviewing with the Owner the types of construction as they relate to fire resistance, which of the following would be the least expensive? A. Type III B. Type 2-B C. Type I-A D. Type V

Solution: D. Type V Type V construction is the least restrictive construction type, and therefore also the least expensive. It allows any materials permitted by code, such as conventional stick framing. It is also the type with the least fire resistance

The architect of a retail development needs more square footage for the proforma to work. If a sprinkler system is already installed in the design, what can the architect do to increase the allowable square footage without having to fire-rate the entire building's structure? A. Change the Occupancy Type B. Change the Construction Type C. Install Fire Barriers D. Install Fire Walls

Solution: D. Install Fire Walls Of the given answers, three of them will allow an architect to increase square footage - changing the occupancy type - changing the construction type - installing fire walls Fire barriers, while used as occupancy separations will not function to create a greater allowable area - Change the occupancy type, depending on the change, could potentially lead to a greater allowable area, but it is small in the grand scheme of things, and would require the function of the building to change which poses additional issues - Change the construction type, however, in the question it stated that it did not want to fire-rate the entire building's structure. o The fire wall is the most stringent of all of the fire protection features and it would allow an architect to keep stacking buildings next to one another on the same site thus increasing the allowable square footage without lire rating the entire building's structure

An architect is working on a science high school project. The school will have three floors in total. The first floor is 27,430 SF, and the second and third floors are both 24,720 SF each, due to setbacks. What is the required fire separation for the 2703 SF chemistry lab on the first floor if the school building will be fully sprinklered? A. 2 Hours B. 1-1/2 Hours C. 1 Hour D. It is not required because the school building is equipped with sprinkler system

Solution: D. It is not required because the school building is equipped with a sprinkler system. Incidental uses shall not occupy more than 10 percent of the building area of the story in which they are located - Since the chemistry lab is 2703 SF and on the first floor, we need to look into the square footage of the first floor only, so the square footage of the other two floors is irrelevant. - 2703 SF is less than 10% of 27,430 SF, so Chemistry Lab is an incidental use to the high school (occupancy type E) - According to IBC, Table 509: Incidental Uses, in occupancy type E, incidental uses do not require separation and/or protection if they are fully sprinklered

Best efficacy (highest lumens-per-watt value) A. Incandescent B. Halogen C. Fluorescent D. Metal halide E. High Pressure Sodium

Solution: D. Metal halide

You are revising the budget on a new residential project after the Design Development Phase. The Owner has asked that when you revise the budget, that you also integrate more sustainable options into the design. Which of the following would be an example of a sustainable wood flooring option? A. Oak B. Maple C. Birch D. Palm wood

Solution: D. Palm wood Palm wood comes from coconut palms and is a by-product from commercial coconut plantations. It is a little more expensive than bamboo flooring

A school is planned for a site near a major interstate. In addition to sound attenuation strategies to be incorporated into the building design, what site planting strategy will most reduce the amount of highway noise reaching the school? A. Planting deciduous trees and low shrubs B. Planting evergreen trees C. Planting deciduous trees D. Planting a combination of deciduous and evergreen trees

Solution: D. Planting a combination of deciduous and evergreen trees Planting a combination of deciduous and evergreen trees is the most effective sound attenuation strategy. Although they lose their leaves in the winter, including deciduous trees will increase the overall height of the tree canopy as evergreen shrubs or trees will most likely be lower

The building codes usually define the requirements based on occupancy type, construction type, building materials quality, and execution standards and specifications for structural and fire safety, therefore, the building codes are more likely to be .......... in general. A. Descriptive B. Performance C. Reference D. Prescriptive

Solution: D. Prescriptive In general, building codes are more prescriptive due to their nature of specifying requirements in detail and with few opportunities to set performance criteria for more architectural innovation. Refer to Building Codes Illustrated: A Guide to Understanding the 2015 International Building Code, Chapter 1, Francis D.K. Ching and Steven R. Winkel, FAIA, PE, CASp John Wiley & Sons, 2016 to read more on this

You have been approached by a client who wants to hire you to design a cluster of live-work units. What occupancy would this be, and what would be the maximum floor area of the non-residential area? A. R-6 / 500 s.f. B. R-L / 3,000 s.f. C. R-2 / 1,000 s.f. D. R-2 / 1,500 s.f.

Solution: D. R-2/1,500 s.f. Okay, this was a hard one. We don't want you to get too overconfident! This one is just good to know. Live-work units are limited to a maximum of 3,000 square feet, and the non-residential portion can make up a maximum of 50% of that space (1,500 square feet)

You are designing the preliminary HVAC system for a skin-load dominated building. Which of the following strategies would be most appropriate for this type of building? A. North glazing B. Increased exposure to west C. Minimal thermal mass D. Room-by-room zones

Solution: D. Room-by-room zones In a skin-load dominated structure, energy consumption comes primarily from the influence of the exterior climate on a building's envelope. Internal-load dominated buildings consume the majority of their energy to provide lighting and cooling to counteract the heat given off by people, plug-loads (such as computers), fixtures and other sources. For skin-load dominated buildings, a building can have multiple thermal comfort needs in different places in the building based on sun exposure, etc. So of the choices, room-by-room zoning would be the best option

An architect has a residential client looking to increase the R-value to his 1920 Victorian house. In addition to a high R-value, the client is most concerned with the insulation's combustibility, and would like something that mitigates vapor permeance if possible, as the client noted a damp feeling in the house's basement. Which of the following materials should the architect select? A. Foamed-in-place Polyurethane B. Foil-faced Batting Insulation C. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) D. Semi-rigid Mineral Fiber

Solution: D. Semi-rigid Mineral Fiber - Batt insulation has limited combustibility, but it is not vapor impermeable and of the choices given, it has the lowest R-value. - Foamed-in-place Polyurethane has the highest R-value of any of the given answers, it is vapor impermeable, but it is a combustible material thus making it an incorrect answer - Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) has the same characteristics of the foamed-in-place polyurethane, but it does not have as high of an R-value. - If the greatest concern is the material's combustibility, while maintaining a "high R-value" the correct answer is D, Semi-rigid mineral fiber. While the R-value of this material is lower than other options and is vapor permeable, it is the only one of these that is non-combustible.

Which of the following statements regarding blast-resistant design is true? A. L-shape buildings can minimize blast effects B. Flat glass can be used if properly framed C. Blast energy decreases in inverse proportion to the square of the distance D. Standoff distance should be maximized

Solution: D. Standoff distance should be maximized Building shapes that can focus or amplify blast energy should be avoided. This includes L-shaped and U-shaped buildings and buildings with reentrant corners or second-floor overhangs. Because a great deal of injury can be caused by flying glass, standard float glass should not be used. Instead, injury can be minimized by using laminated glass and by properly designing glazing framing. Blast energy decreases in inverse proportion to the cube of the distance. Blast energy decreases exponentially with increased distance between the source of the blast and the building. Because of this, one of the most effective site planning strategies is to maximize the distance between the building and the outermost secured perimeter

In life-cycle cost analysis, which of the following factors must be kept constant in order to compare different options for a building component? A. Maintenance costs B. Discounts rates C. Initial investment D. Study period

Solution: D. Study period

Which of the following statements describes how the findings of a life-cycle assessment (LCA) can inform a project's estimated budget? A. An LCA conveys the cost of energy required B. The information from an LCA helps to estimate delivery costs for finished assemblies C. An LCA reveals the cost of raw materials to be factored into the overall construction costs D. The findings from an LCA can help in securing funding from a sustainability grant

Solution: D. The findings from an LCA can help in securing funding from a sustainability grant A LCA evaluates the environmental impact of products and building materials. If a project is seeking funding from environmental grants or subsidies, the LCA will help support the project's sustainability claims. The LCA evaluates energy, material sourcing, and manufacturing from an environmental standpoint only

When a roof is attached in a ballasted system, what does that mean? A. The roof membrane has been vacuumed down to the flat surface B. Nails have been fired through a gun to secure the system to the base structure C. The roof has been painted and covered in various size rocks to create a waterproof barrier D. The roof system is mostly loose laid, and covered with stone

Solution: D. The roof system is mostly loose laid, and covered with stone Typically a ballasted roof is one that includes loose laid layers of insulation and waterproof membrane not glued or screwed, but held down by a heavy stone layer to hold all the parts down. When the stone is removed the area becomes susceptible to wind, solar radiation, and other penetrative items like nails or foot traffic. Ballasted roofs are easily penetrated by defects in the stones over time, or by foot traffic for roof issues

An architect is designing an accessible counter and sinks in a public restroom. Which of the following is correct? The accessible counter has to be 2'-10" from the finish floor The tops of the rims of the sinks, on the accessible counter, have to be 2'-10" from the finish floor The accessible counter has to be 2'-10" maximum from the finish floor The tops of the rims of the sink, on the accessible counter, have to 2'-10", maximum from the finish floor

Solution: D. The tops of the rims of the sink, on the accessible counter, have to be 2'-10", maximum from the finish floor

Steven is designing a vacation house for a young couple, in upstate New York. The house features a large exterior deck where the family plans to spend most of their weekends. The couple asks for a durable and cost-effective dark wood that does not require a lot of maintenance. They also insist that the planks must have a very consistent appearance, meaning that the granularity and color shifts must be minimal. Which type of wood should Steven recommend? A. Oak planks B. Teak veneer planks C. Redwood planks D. Thermally modified Pine planks

Solution: D. Thermally modified Pine planks Hardwoods (Oak, Teak) are usually more suited for exterior applications than softwoods (Redwood, Pine). But in this scenario a hardwood is not the better option for the following reasons: The client asked for a cost-effective wood - hardwoods are usually much more expensive than softwoods. The client asked for a consistent appearance - hardwoods generally have a much more diverse appearance (grain, color, texture). A thermally modified pine would combine the advantages of a softwood (price, appearance consistency) with the pros of a hardwood (durability, strength). Thermally modified wood is modified by a controlled pyrolysis process where wood is heated (usually at 400?C), which causes some changes to the chemical structure in the wood, thus increasing its durability. By using heat to remove organic compounds from the wood cells, the wood will no longer absorb water, expand or contract. The high heat produces a naturally durable wood that is permanently resistant to water, insects, and decay. This process uses low oxygen content to prevent the wood from burning at high temperatures. For more on this subject, please read chapter 8 (Wood Classification) of the book Architectural Graphic Standards, 12th Edition

Which of the following types of piles has the lowest initial cost and least load-bearing capacity? A. Steel piles B. Precast concrete piles C. Cast-in-place concrete piles D. Timber piles

Solution: D. Timber piles Timber piles have the lowest initial cost and least load-bearing capacity. The general depth range of these piles is 25'-40'. Their safe load-bearing capacity varies from 30 kips-80 kips

What type of electronic security system best protects the exterior of an office building? A. Audio alarms B. Motion sensors C. Thermal detectors D. Video surveillance

Solution: D. Video surveillance Audio and motion sensors can be prone to false alarms. Thermal detectors are useful only in relatively small rooms and are used to detect torches and other high-heat sources

Which of the following plumbing fixtures types is NOT permitted to connect to a waste stack vent? A. Bidet B. Utility sink C. Lavatories D. Water closets

Solution: D. Water closets Water closets contain human waste and must be on a soil stack vent NOT a waste stack vent (human and food waste are not on a waste stack vent) Kitchen sink would also fall under soil stack vent

When is a raft foundation likely to be used? A. When load-bearing walls are spread out B. When the most economical option is needed C. When rock is near the surface D. When differential settlement is likely

Solution: D. When differential settlement is likely Since a raft foundation is continuous and reinforced, it is capable of withstanding differential settlement of the ground underneath without compromising the foundation. A raft foundation, also called a mat foundation, is more expensive than other options, but it may make sense when columns or load-bearing walls are close, meaning the locations of typical spread footings might overlap, or when the soil is weak, inconsistent, or unpredictable

When considering the way a light source will appear over the surfaces of materials, what color would be chosen if the desired effect was for equal quantities of energy to be produced over the entire visible spectrum? A. Grey B. Yellow C. Blue D. White

Solution: D. White Only a small portion of the light spectrum of wavelengths can be seen by the human eye. This visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum is called the visible spectrum. When you mix all of the wavelengths of the visible spectrum, you get white light

Considering a plaza at ground level, what natural phenomenon will be uniquely problematic for the plaza's users? A. The sun causing a heat island effect as it directly hits the hard surfaces B. Rain causing flash flooding as a result of insufficient impervious surfaces C. Ice in the winter as the surrounding buildings will shield the low winter sun from reaching the ground plane D. Wind breaking, where part of the wind goes up and over the building and the rest accelerates toward the ground

Solution: D. Wind breaking, where part of the wind goes up and over the building and the rest accelerates toward the ground Considering a ground-level plaza, the wind patterns associated with the wind breaks navigating the building are the main concern. This is a concern for both structural wind loads and human comfort

Based on the criteria given below, which of the following building forms has a better potential to meet all of the requirements? Check the three that apply. - Building should provide cross ventilation for most of its spaces, if not all - High quality daylighting should be available at most of the spaces - There is no height limitation for building - High potential for passive solar heating is a must - There is no site area limitation

Solution: I, II & V - Options I: Even though its footprint is much larger, quality daylighting and passive solar heat gain can be gained through top lighting and clerestory windows for the spaces that can't receive S/N light. As criteria require, most of the spaces can be ventilated via cross-ventilation via roof vents and operable windows. - Options II and V: They are much more advantageous than the option I for solar heat gain because all windows can be located in S/N directions, with no need for top lighting or clerestory or roof vents for cross ventilation. Incorrect Answers: - Option III: Even though the atrium is a good solution to bring natural light inside the entire building and providing good cross-ventilation, half of this square-shaped structure lacks high-quality S/N light. Meaning, the E/W light is unavoidable for almost half of the spaces in the building. Also, the structure's compactness reduces its chance of benefitting from the passive solar heating because it has less building area that is receiving southern solar radiation. - Option IV: Although it is super compact, this option has a similar problem with option 3. The square-shaped building makes E/W orientation unavoidable for some spaces. - Option VI: Its massive size makes it hard for natural daylighting and solar heating available for the inner parts of the building. Also, only E/W orientation is available for a big part of the building. Cross ventilation would also a problem for the spaces that are located around the core of the building

An architect is designing a house where the main driving force of the design is utilizing as many passive heating and cooling strategies as possible. The architect informs the client about the importance of heat retention in such designs and recommends using super-insulation as opposed to regular insulation in exterior walls. Which of the following negative side-effect of using super insulation in buildings should be mentioned to the client immediately to prevent any future issues? A. Increased gross area of the exterior walls due to super-insulation B. More effective moisture migration with super-insulation C. Increased cost of cooling the space due to super-insulation D. Increased cost of building due to super-insulation even with the potential elimination of heating/cooling requirement entirely.

Solution: Increased gross area of the exterior walls due to super-insulation​​​​​​​ Super-insulation is the use of extreme insulation material in building envelopes to create an absolutely air-tight building. It is an increasing trend in passive building design. However, the increased amount of insulation in exterior walls would mean an " increased gross area of the exterior walls due to super-insulation". Incorrect Answers: - More effective moisture migration with super insulation would be a positive side effect - Increased cost of cooling the space due to super-insulation - With super insulation, the goal is to reduce or even eliminate mechanical cooling and heating needs of the space so it would decrease the cost. - Increased cost of building due to super-insulation even with the potential elimination of heating/cooling requirement entirely. - The initial cost of the building may increase with super-insulation however a potential elimination of the cost of mechanical systems would bring the cost of the overall building cost down, not up

An architect is designing an office building with self-parking, parking space adjacent to it. The rectangular parking area is 405 feet x 610 feet. The lighting designer recommends the use of HPS light fixtures and estimates a 6300 W, floodlighting level will be provided for the whole parking area. Based on the Lighting Application Guide given below, decide whether the lighting level per square foot achieved in this project is sufficient enough? A. Yes, it is sufficient. The total floodlighting level should be minimum 4941 W B. Yes, it is sufficient. The total floodlighting level should be minimum 5682.15 W C. No, it is not sufficient. The total floodlighting level should be minimum 6423.3 W D. No, it is not sufficient. The total floodlighting level should be minimum 7411.5 W required.

Solution: No, it is not sufficient. The total floodlighting level should be minimum 6423.3 W required. 1. FIND THE AREA OF THE PARKING LOT: 405 X 610 = 247,050 SF 2. FIND REQUIRED TOTAL LIGHTING LEVEL PER TABLE: 247050 SF X 0.026 (min required) = 6423.3 W Since the given floodlighting level is number is estimated to be 6300 W, it is not sufficient. Minimum 6423.3 W required

An architect is working on the design of an auditorium, located in a school building. Based on the design decision, the auditorium will have recessed light fixtures and unexposed, smooth and flat ceiling. Which of the following smoke detector is the most appropriate option for this project? A. Laser Beam Photoelectric Detector B. Ionization Smoke Detectors C. Video Smoke Detection D. Projected Beam Photoelectric Smoke Detector

Solution: Projected Beam Photoelectric Smoke Detector Projected Beam Photoelectric Smoke Detector are the best smoke detection devices for places with high ceilings. Their performance can be obstructed by pendant light fixtures and exposed ceiling elements. Since the question indicates recessed fixtures and unexposed, smooth ceiling, this is the best type for this project. Incorrect Answers: - Laser Beam Photoelectric Detector depends on a very high sensitive laser technology, therefore are best applied in clean environments. It is expected that the possibly high ceiling of an auditorium to collect dust and cleaning cannot be done on regular basis. - Ionization Smoke Detectors mostly preferred for spaces less than 15 feet or less and typically used in offices and residential projects. - Video Smoke Detection is a system that based in computer analysis of CCTV footage to detect fires. Usually used in outdoors, historical buildings , roads and tunnels

A loop road best handles traffic for which type of building? A. Shopping center B. Elementary school C. Residential subdivision D. Grocery store

Solution: Since shopping centers are often located close to major highways, they usually have a designated road that ushers cars from a high-traffic road directly into the shopping center. This road is called a loop road, and it is a type of collector road. The entry of a shopping center differs from that of most other sites, which are best accessed by local roads. Local roads are low-capacity and considered much safer when in close proximity to pedestrian traffic. An elementary school, a residential subdivision, and a grocery store should all be entered from a local road

Which of the following feature is more likely to be expected in harvested rain water? A. Hardness B. Turbidity C. Foamability D. Potability

Solution: Turbidity. Turbidity is the name of visible pollutants that are in roof runoff, rivers and streams and expected to be in harvested rainwater. Incorrect Answers: - Hardness refers to hardness level of water and rain water is naturally soft. It hardens when it contaminates wit surfaces. - Foamability is usually caused by existence of foaming chemicals such as detergents. - Rain water is not naturally drinkable (aka not potable)

Select the most economical structural solution for industrial structures where live load exceeds 150 lb per sq ft? A. Two-way flat plate B. Waffle slab C. Two-way flat slab D. Two-way slab & beam

Solution: Two-way flat slab Two-way flat slabs are mostly preferred and are good choices for heavy loads exceeds 150 lb per sq ft such as industrial structures . Their span range can be between 20-40 ft. TWO-WAY FLAT SLAB: Incorrect Answers: - Two way flat plate: Is ideal for moderate spans and loads. It is a very economical solution for hotels, apartments, dormitories. - Two way slab & beam: The form work is costly but can tolerate higher spans. It is not very appealing unless heavy concentrated loads exist. - Waffle slab: Is good at carrying heavy loads and can tolerate long spans however form work is very costly and usually incorporated in a project for it is visual effect. Typically not preferred for parking garages

How to determine lumens when given foot-candles?

Solution: foot-candles x square footage = lumens

Label the evaporator, condenser, compressor, and expansion valve

Solution: image

How do you determine foot-candles when you are given lumens?

Solution: lumens/square footage = foot-candles

Per the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) using a _____ - based approach to wetland protection ensures that the whole system, including land, air, and water resources is protection

Solution: watershed

Fire wall requirements

The firewall should be extended min 18″, horizontally, beyond the exterior surface of exterior walls on both sides. The firewall can remain as it is, however, new automated sprinklers should be installed in both of the adjacent buildings, and exterior walls should be non-combustible. The firewall can remain as it is, however, the exterior walls on both sides should have a fire-resistance rating, not less than 1 hour with a horizontal distance of not less than 4 feet on both sides of the fire-wall

- Noise reduction coefficient (NRC)

○ Average absorption coefficient at the middle frequencies ○ Absorptivity of materials in the space § More absorptive the materials the fast the sound decays ○ Higher number means more of the sound is absorbed

- Impact insulation class

○ Regarding footfall on the floors ○ Higher number means a more "squishy" assembly so more structurally discontinuous so foot fall above is less likely to be heard § High number 70 § Low number 30

- Sound transmission class

○ Single number rating to describe the robustness of a material or assembly keeping sound out from one side to another § One number for entire assembly ○ Higher number means a more robust assembly (quieter space)

What is the moment about point A of the 3 forces shown below? A. 688 in-lb B. 4000 in-lb C. 12000 in/lb D. 23,312 in-lb

Solution A. 688 in-lb 100# produces no moment on point A since it passes through it 1500# produces clockwise moment 1500# x 8'=12000 # *Since clockwise it will be positive 2000# use SOH CAH TOA Horizontal = 2000x cos 45 = 1414# Vertical = 2000x sin 45 = 1414# Vertical 1414# will cause no moment because it is going through point A Horizontal = 1414x8=11312# *Since counterclockwise it will be negative

In a typical neighborhood comprising single-family dwellings, the expected density is approximately A. 10 dwelling units per acre. B. 10 families per acre. C. 20 persons per acre. D. 20 households per acre.

Solution C. 20 persons per acre The answer is 20 persons per acre. Regardless of how density is calculated—by dwelling units, families, households, or persons per acre—it is generally acknowledged that 20 persons, or five dwelling units (which is the same as families or households), per acre is standard. This relatively low density generally applies to suburban development, where costs for roads and utilities may be high and distances to work and schools are lengthy. Although it may not always be desirable from a planning viewpoint, low-density residential development is preferred by much of the population

The most important factor controlling soil erosion at any given site is A. wind. B. runoff. C. the soil's cohesiveness D. vegetation

Solution D. vegetation The answer is vegetation. Soil erosion is determined by many factors, including the intensity and frequency of winds, the amount of runoff on a site, the soil's cohesiveness, the topography, and the size of soil particles. But studies have shown that vegetation is the single most important factor in this regard. Plants greatly reduce soil erosion caused by wind, and plant roots are very effective in improving a soil's resistance to erosion caused by runoff

Which of the following earthquake effects or damages are covered by the building code? (Choose the three that apply.) A. ground shaking B. landslides C. avalanches D. horizontal movement E. soil liquefaction F. vibration effects

Solution: A. Ground shaking D. Horizontal movement F. Vibration effects The earthquake effects or damages not covered in the building codes are landslides, avalanches, and soil liquefaction. Building codes cover ground shaking, horizontal movement, and vibration effects. Vibration generally covers a large area and can occur in any direction, including the vertical direction. The current practice, however, is to consider only the horizontal or lateral movement, the vertical component of the vibration is ignored because the component is small compared to the horizontal component, and the weight of the building tends to counterbalance the vertical forces

Which of the following is required of an area of refuge? (Select the three that apply.) A. Sprinkler system B. Supply of outside air C. Emergency lighting D. Two-way communication box E. Operable window F. NFPA-approved fire extinguisher

Solution: B. Supply of outside air C. Emergency lighting D. Two-way communication Areas of refuge must have a steady supply of outside air and be equipped with emergency lights, a two-way call box, and passive fire protection. Fire extinguishers and operable windows are not required. Sprinkler systems are not required for areas of refuge either. In fact, the installation of an automatic sprinkler system can eliminate the need for areas of refuge in some cases

Which of the following floor plans represents the best design for lateral loads?

Solution: The square floor plan is the best shape for lateral loads. The figures in option A, C, D show floor plans with reentrant corners, which should be avoided when possible. If reentrant corners cannot be avoided, then drag struts or seismic separations must be considered

An architect is reviewing a geotechnical report for a large site to help determine where to locate a four-story medical building with two floors of underground parking included in the program. The report shows that soil conditions vary widely around the site. The architect wants to find a location where foundation design will be least expensive to support the building envelope, while the client wants to minimize both cost and construction time. Which of following aspects of the soil report should the architect be most concerned with? Choose 4. A. Bedrock depth B. Soil types and bearing pressures C. Pavement requirements D. Temporary excavation bracing requirements E. Recommended cut-and-fill slopes F. Water table depth

Solution: A. Bedrock depth B. Soil types and bearing pressures D. Temporary excavation bracing requirements F. Water table depth Soldier beams or braced excavations are more expensive than simple sloped excavations. The recommendation for pavement design is less important than other factors. Cut-and-fill slope recommendations are important for grading and site work, but not necessarily for the building itself

Which of the following statements about steel connections are true? Choose 4 A. Bolts are easily installed, inexpensive, and can be visually checked B. One of the advantages of using welded studs is a reduction in the number of holes to be punched C. The overall cost of riveted construction is usually lower than the cost of using bolted connections D. Welding is more practical for moment connections E. Rivets are still fabricated on a limited basis F. Welding is less efficient than bolted construction

Solution: A. Bolts are easily installed, inexpensive, and can be visually checked B. One of the advantages of using welded studs is a reduction in the number of holes to be punched D. Welding is more practical for moment connections E. Rivets are still fabricated on a limited basis Bolts are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Welded studs, in which one end of a bolt is welded to one piece of steel, minimize the number of holes that must be punched for bolts. Moment connections require a continuous connection between (2) pieces of steel, and welding achieves that continuous connection better than the use of bolts. Rivets, though once popular, are not often used today, but they are still fabricated on a limited basis. A rivet has a cylindrical shank with a head at one end and excess metal at the other end. The shank extends through the parts to be connected and the remaining metal is compressed to form the other head. The head end is backed up by a pneumatic jackhammer. A second pneumatic hammer with a head-shaped die is used to form the second head. The overall cost of riveted construction is usually higher than the cost of construction using bolts or welds because of increased labor equipment requirements. Welding is often more efficient than bolted construction because there are no angles, bolts, or washers to deal with an no clearance problems with wrenches

The requirements for an occupancy to have three exits can be based on which of the following? I. Occupancy type II. Type of construction III. Number of occupants IV. Travel distance to an exit V. Intervening rooms A. I and II B. III and IV C. III and V D. IV and V

Solution: B. III and IV

Which of the following are true about life-cycle cost analysis? Choose 4 A. Higher up-front costs often lead to lower operational costs B. Costs presented in the analysis are the only factors that should be considered when making a decision about a material or system C. It is economical to complete a life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) if two items have similar installation costs but differing operational costs or projected lifespans. D. LCCA evaluates all costs based upon their present value E. An LCCA is similar to a life-cycle assessment (LCA) F. Salvage fees may be included in an LCCA.

Solution: A. Higher up-front costs often lead to lower operational costs C. It is economical to complete a life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) if two items have similar installation costs but differing operational costs or projected lifespans. D. LCCA evaluates all costs based upon their present value F. Salvage fees may be included in an LCCA

The planning phase of a sustainably designed architectural project should include which of the following elements? Select all that apply A. Native landscaping that is aesthetically pleasing and functional B. Designing structures in the floodplain that can resist the forces of flood waters C. Consideration of sun orientation, topographic relief, and the scale of adjacent buildings D. Locating projects within existing neighborhoods that are adjacent to public transportation E. Avoiding the use of city-supplied utilities, opting instead for self-provided resources F. Evaluating the density of the neighborhood and success of local establishments

Solution: A. Native landscaping that is aesthetically pleasing and functional C. Consideration of sun orientation, topographic relief, and the scale of adjacent buildings D. Locating projects within existing neighborhoods that are adjacent to public transportation

An architect is doing final planning and developing outline specifications for a small, two-story private school. When reviewing the stairway, the architect calculates they will each serve an occupant load of 90. Each door will have a small, 10"x10" vision lite. Which actions should the architect take in selecting the doors to the stairway. Choose 3 A. Specifying doors with a fire rating of 1 hour B. Specify fire-protection-rated glazing in the doors C. Make sure the doors are self-closing D. Verify that the level handle hardware is also fire rated E. Make sure the specify hollow metal doors F. Show on the drawings a 36" width for the doors

Solution: A. Specifying doors with a fire rating of 1 hour C. Make sure the doors are self-closing F. Show on the drawings a 36" width for the doors In a stairway serving less than 4 stories, enclosing walls must be fire barriers with a rating of 1 hour. Doors and glass must also be rated as 1 hour. Egress doors must be self-closing, and a minimum clear width of 32" is required for accessibility. A 36" wide door provides this. Glass in doors with glazing of 100 in2 or less must be fire-resistance-rated glazing with a rating of 1 hr. Fire-protection-rated glazing is not available in a rating or more than 45 minutes . Lever handles are not allowed on egress doors in educational and assembly occupancies...it MUST be panic hardware. Mineral core woof doors with a fire rating of 1 hr are available

Which of the following building elements are seismically optimal? Choose 4 A. Uniform sections B. Uniform elevations C. Equal floor heights D. Long spans E. Fewer columns F. Symmetrical plan

Solution: A. Uniform sections B. Uniform elevations C. Equal floor heights F. Symmetrical plan

Which of the following will be considered when a remote building site is proposed? Select all that apply A. Underground utility locations B. Alternate power sources C. Factory-premanufactured components D. Passive heating and cooling E. Large-span, complicated, structural systems F. The use of local materials

Solution: B. Alternate power sources C. Factory-premanufactured components D. Passive heating and cooling

Which of the following materials is considered a rapidly renewable building material? A. Chestnut flooring B. Mineral fiber insulation C. Linoleum D. Recycled cardboard paneling

Solution: C. Linoleum

An office building is proposed for a rectangular suburban office park site measuring 300 feet by 600 feet. The program requires an uncovered grade level entrance plaza of 30,000 square feet, a 120,000-square-foot below grade parking garage, plus 450,000 gross square feet of office space. Setbacks must be free of built site improvements. What is the minimum total number of parking and office levels needed if the city requires a 20-foot setback on all sides?

Solution: 5 levels You'll first need to calculate the buildable areas. The below-grade buildable area equals the surface area of the site reduced by the required setbacks (Step 1). The above-grade buildable area equals the below-grade area, reduced by the required plaza (Step 2). Next, you'll calculate the number of levels required to accommodate the office space. This can be found by dividing the total office area by the above-grade buildable area (Step 3). Finally, you'll calculate the number of levels required to accommodate the parking garage, which is found by dividing the total parking area by the below-grade buildable area (Step 4). Remember that all partial levels should be rounded up to the nearest whole number. Add the above-grade and below-grade levels together to find the total answer (Step 5). The answer must be entered in the box as a numeral (5), not as text (five). Also note the units are already provided. Step 1: 560 ft. x 260 ft. = 145,600 sq. ft. Step 2: 145,600 sq. ft. - 30,000 sq. ft. = 115,600 sq. ft. Step 3: 450,000 sq. ft. / 115,600 sq. ft. = 3.9 levels Step 4: 120,000 sq. ft. / 145,600 sq. ft. = .8 levels Step 5: 4 levels + 1 level = 5 levels

How much space should be planned between the bottom of ducts and the finished face of a ceiling? A. 2" B. 4" C. 6" D. 8"

Solution: 8" Recessed lighting is often 4"-6" deep from the finished face of the ceiling. For an electrician to install the fixtures, an extra 2" is needed for wiring and the thickness of the ceiling

What is the equivalent thickness of a concrete block with a nominal thickness of 8" that is 60% solids? A. 4.58" B. 5.50" C. 6.60" D. 7.91"

Solution: A. 4.58" 7.625" (actual thickness of block) x 60% = 4.58"

The design for a federal courthouse building is slightly over budget during schematic design, and the architect is exploring options for cost savings. Of the following ways to reduce the budget, which would most likely be considered only as a last resort? A. Altering the electrical system B. Altering the mechanical system C. Choosing a different contractor D. Altering the structural system

Solution: A. Altering the electrical system Electrical would most likely be the last resort for saving costs. A federal courthouse building need extensive security systems, servers, equipment, and lighting

A soils report indicates that bentonite is present below the site of a proposed two-story manufacturing building. What type of foundation system should be used? A. drilled piers with grade beams B. independent column spread footings C. caissons with pile caps D. extended spread footings

Solution: A. Drilled piers with grade beams Bentonite is an expansive type of clay that can push foundations and floor slabs upward when it gets wet. To prevent this, drilled piers are used to support the building weight on bedrock or stable soil below the bentonite. Grade beams span continuously between the piers and transmit building loads from the superstructure to the piers. Voids are left below the grade beams to allow the bentonite to expand without transmitting uplift forces. Independent column spread footings are used to help distribute the load of each column. Without some structure uniting the columns, each column footing would be subject to the clay swelling around it. Caissons with pile caps are used to distribute a load from one column to two or more caissons or piers and would only be appropriate if there was a void below the pile cap. Spread footings placed on bentonite would be subject to the uplift of the swelling clay soil and would not be appropriate

Which of the following materials has the highest allowable shear value when used as a horizontal diaphragm, if the nailing is adequate? A. Half-inch plywood sheathing B. Two-inch straight sheathing C. One-inch straight sheathing D. One-inch diagonal sheathing

Solution: A. Half-inch plywood sheathing Plywood sheathing, when properly nailed, has a higher allowable shear value than any other type of wood diaphragm. Half-inch plywood sheathing can have an allowable diaphragm shear as great as 820 pounds per foot, depending on the nailing. Straight sheathing has very low diaphragm shear values and diagonal sheathing has a maximum allowable diaphragm shear value of 300 pounds per foot

Which of the following qualities are normally associated with lightweight concrete? I. Improved thermal insulation II. High density III. Excellent fire resistance IV. Low cost V. Difficulty of handling A. I and III B. II and III C. I, III, and V D. II, IV, and V

Solution: A. I and III Lightweight concrete, whether structural or nonstructural, provides better thermal insulation compared to standard concrete and provides excellent resistance to fire, so statements I and III are correct. Lightweight concrete has low density and relatively high cost, and is easy to handle and place, so statements II, IV, and V are incorrect

If the MRT (mean radiant temperature) is low, which way does the comfort zone shift? I. Toward higher ambient temperatures II. Toward lower ambient temperatures III. Toward lower relative humidities A. I only B. II only C. III only D. II and III

Solution: A. I only The ambient air temperature must make up for the radiant loss to the surroundings

Reverberation time is I. the time required for a sound to decay 60 dB in a space. II. the time it takes for an echo to return. III. longer in a dead space, and shorter in a live space. A. I only B. II and III C. I and III D. I, II, and III

Solution: A. I only The reverberation time is defined as the time required for a sound to decay 60 dB in a space. The return time for an echo depends on the distance to the reflecting surface, and is only vaguely related to reverberation time. Reverberation time is shorter in a dead space

Infiltration is calculated using which method (s) I. Design day method II. Air change method III. Crack method A. II and III B. I only C. II only D. III only

Solution: A. II and III A design day is a day colder than 98% of the days experienced in a given climate. It is not used to calculate infiltration

A building houses two discrete occupancies. Which of the following are correct? The building is limited in size by the code requirements for the more restrictive occupancy. Occupancy separations may be vertical or horizontal or both. Every part of the building must conform to the code requirements for the more hazardous occupancy. Occupancy separations must be of three-hour fire-resistive construction. A. II only B. II and IV C. III and IV D. I and III

Solution: A. II only The answer is II only. When a building is used for more than one discrete occupancy purpose, each part of the building comprising a distinct occupancy must be separated from any other occupancy as specified in the code. The occupancy separations may be vertical or horizontal or both (II). Each such portion must conform to the code requirements for the occupancy it houses. Since the occupancies are separated, the total allowable area of the building takes into account all the occupancies, not just the most restrictive, so statement I is incorrect. Similarly, because of the occupancy separation, each portion of the building must conform to the code requirements for its occupancy, not for the more hazardous occupancy, so statement III is incorrect. Finally, occupancy separations are of one-, two-, three-, or four-hour fire-resistive construction, as required by the code, so statement IV is incorrect

Which of the following requires the most water closets? A. Nightclub with 125 occupants B. School with 100 occupants C. Business with 55 occupants D. Factory with 49 occupants

Solution: A. Nightclub with 125 occupants Nightclubs require 1 water closet per 40 occupants (1:40), schools require 1:50, business 1:50 when there will be 51 or more occupants, and factories require (1:100). Therefore, a nightclub requires the most water closets of the options given

On a moderate hillside that rises behind a housing development, one could reduce the need for a complex drainage system by which of the following methods? A. Providing a thick ground cover of plant materials B. Paving the hillside area with an impervious material C. Grading level areas into the hillside D. Creating earth berms at the foot of the slope

Solution: A. Providing a thick ground cover of plant materials The purpose of drainage systems is to collect, conduct, and dispose of excess rainwater. Complex drainage systems are required when any of these (3) purposes can't be accomplished in a natural way. Paving or grading the hillside might help collect and conduct water, but neither would dispose of the water

Galvanic action can be avoided by A. Using neoprene spacers B. Increasing the thickness of the material C. Reducing contract with dripping water D. All of the above

Solution: A. Using neoprene spacers Increasing the thickness of the materials may postpone their complete deterioration but will not prevent it. Direct contact with water will speed up galvanic action, but even moisture in the air is sufficient to cause it

An architect is asked to design a program requiring many primary adjacencies and easy movement of people and supplies. This program does not allow for easy expansion. What organization layout works for such a program? A. Central B. Grid C. Linear D. Radial

Solution: A. central Grid, linear, and radial layout options tend to spread out spaces and allow for fewer primary adjacencies, even though they do allow for expansion

An Architect discovers that the anticipated load of a proposed floor exceeds the safe carrying capacity of conventional wood joists spaced at 16". Because the design is limited to a relatively shallow framing depth, the practical solution would be to use A. Conventional joists more closely together B. Shallow wood trusses C. Glued laminated beams D. Plywood girders

Solution: A. conventional joists more closely together

Which system should an architect choose if minimizing maintenance is the goal? A. Forced air B. Active solar heating C. Evaporative cooling D. Heating stoves

Solution: A. forced air Forced air has minimal moving parts and is a reliable system. Other systems have more moving parts or required maintenance schedules are more frequent than with a forced air system

A passive heat sink refers to A. Water circulated through a series of heat pumps B. The insulating value of air space C. Heat exchange through the process of conduction D. The amount of heat that can be removed from return air

Solution: A. water circulated through a series of heat pumps A passive heat sink is a heat exchange system that uses fluid to transfer heat through a series of pumps and regulates the temperature. Air space does not provide insulating values, and it is not a heat sink. Conduction is a form of heat transfer occurring between two objects in direct contact. It is a process, therefore, and not a material or a system. It is desirable to recover heat from return air, however, it is collection and storage, not recovery, that defines a passive heat sink

A mechanical engineer has proposed two different HVAC systems for a new project. Either system is suitable for the project type and location, but for tax purposes, the owner prefers a higher HVAC equipment depreciation cost over the lifecycle of the system. System A is a forced air heating and cooling system with an upfront cost of $10,000, an anticipated useful life of 20 years, and a salvage value of $1,000. System B is an electric packaged terminal unit with an upfront cost of $7,500, an anticipated useful life of 15 years, and a salvage value of $1,500. What is the annual depreciation of the system with the higher per year depreciation? A. $400 B. $450 C. $500

Solution: B. $450 Annual depreciation value is an important aspect of life cycle considerations. It can be determined by subtracting the salvage value from the initial investment (Step 1), then dividing by the estimated life span of the system (Step 2). Based on the results of each annual depreciation value, you determine that System A has a higher per year depreciation of $450. Step 1. System A: $10,000 - $1,000 = $9,000 Step 2. System A: $9,000 / 20 = $450 Step 1. System B: $7,500 - $1,500 = $6,000 Step 2. System B: $6,000 / 15 = $400

A three-story speculative office building has a footprint of 6724 ft2. The floors are equal in size. The building is sited on a 1.5 ac parcel. The floor area ratio is approximately A. 0.1:1 B. 0.3:1 C. 0.6:1 D. 1:1

Solution: B. 0.3:1 The floor area ratio (FAR) expresses the relationship between the square footage of the building and the area of the site on which it is constructed. Zoning ordinances often set limits on the maximum floor area ratio allowed within a region as a means of controlling development density. MAKE SURE YOU REMEMBER 3 FLOORS

Which system should an architect choose if avoiding a chimney is required? A. Forced air B. Active solar heating C. A hydronic system D. Heating stove

Solution: B. Active solar heating

An architect who prepares a preliminary estimate of construction cost according to the subsystem method A. Considers one set of subsystems for concrete building and a different set for steel buildings B. Can easily analyze cost of alternative exterior wall systems C. Would most likely use this method during the schematic design phase D. Would probably be performing an additional service under AIA Document B101

Solution: B. Can easily analyze cost of alternative exterior wall systems

An architect who prepares a preliminary estimate of construction cost according to the subsystems method A. Considers one set of subsystems for concrete buildings and a different set for steel buildings B. Can easily analyze the cost of alternative exterior wall systems C. Would most likely use this method during the SD phase D. Would probably be performing an additional service under AIA Document B101, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect

Solution: B. Can easily analyze the cost of alternative exterior wall systems The subsystems method of construction cost estimation includes the costs of all components of a particular subsystem. Thus, the subsystems method allows the architect to easily compare the total costs of two alterative systems

What type of elevator should be specified for a 40-story office building? A. Hydraulic B. Gearless traction C. Geared traction D. Electric

Solution: B. Gearless traction Gearless traction elevators can travel at the highest speeds of the types listed, and to accommodate the rush of people entering and existing the building in the morning, at lunch time, and in the evening, the quick cycles will be a necessity

Select the correct statements about a continuous beam having (2) equal spans supporting a uniformly distributed load over both spans I. The moment over the middle support is negative II. The point of inflection occurs over the middle support III. The beam is statically indeterminate IV. The moment at the end supports is zero V. The moment diagram for the two spans is comprised of parabolic curves A. I, II, and IV B. I, III, IV and V C. II, III, and V D. I, II, and V

Solution: B. I, III, IV and V The moment diagram for any beam span supporting a uniform load is a parabola. Statement II is incorrect because the point of inflection occurs some distance from the middle support

Select the correct statements. Flat slabs I. Are economical in reinforcing steel II. Are economical in formwork III. Require beams or girders along the column lines IV. Are economical for heavy live loads A. I and III B. II and IV C. I, II, and IV D. II and III

Solution: B. II and IV Flat slabs are economical in formwork, and they are also economical for heavy live loads and bays that are approximately square. A flat slab is a concrete slab that is reinforced in two directions and brings its load directly to the supporting columns, generally without any beams or girders, so statement III is incorrect. Statement I is incorrect because flat slabs are relatively thin and therefore not economical in reinforcing steel

Which type of elevator would be best suited for a midrise office building on an urban site? A. Traditional traction B. Machine-roomless C. Hydraulic D. Geared

Solution: B. Machine-roomless A machine-roomless elevator (MRL) is capable of servicing a midrise building up to 250'. While it is a type of traction elevator, unlike the traditional traction elevator, the machinery sites in a space at the top of the shaft instead of in a separate room. In an urban setting, which the question specifies, space is limited and footprints are small, making the MRL a good space-saving option. Traditional traction elevators have machine rooms and can serve mid- to high-rise buildings at fast speeds. A hydraulic elevator is moved by a piston underneath the car. It moves slower and can service only low-rise buildings less than 80'. Similar to the MRL elevator, a geared elevator is a type of traction elevator than can be either geared or gearless

A large corporation has decided to add an open parking area adjacent to and on the same level as its suburban headquarters building. To shield the vehicles from the view of passersby, it is proposed that an earth berm be constructed. The angle of repose for the earth is 1:2, and the berm will have a 2' level area at its top. If the berm is required to be 5' high, how wide must the berm be? A. 12' B. 20' C. 22' D. 26'

Solution: C. 22' The angle of repose is the steepest angle at which earth will remain stable. In this case, the 1:2 earth berm will extend 2' horizontally for every foot it rises in elevation. To slope up to the berm height of 5', the berm must extend 10' in width. It is 2' wide at the top, and it will take another 10' to slope back down to ground level. Summing these distances gives a total berm width of 22' (10'+2'+10'=22')

An architect is reviewing possible selections for the ceiling system for a corporate conference room. The client has directed the architect to keep costs low while maintaining a good acoustic environment. Assume the perforation patterns are very similar for all four systems and acceptable to the architect. Which system should the architect choose? A. 12x12 concealed grid with NRC of 0.95 B. 24x24 lay-in with narrow grid with NRC of 0.80 C. 24x24 lay-in with standard T-bar with NRC of 0.86 D. 24x48 lay-in with tegular tiles with NRC of 0.88

Solution: C. 24x24 lay-in with standard T-bar with NRC of 0.86 Even though concealed grid system tile has a very high NRC, it would not be needed in a conference room. The concealed grid system tile would also be the most expensive option. The narrow grid system would have a moderate cost, but the NRC of 0.80 is lower than recommended. The 24x48 tegular system has a good NRC, but would be more expensive than the plain system

Refer to the exhibit. The cross section shown indicates an interior column. The tributary area for loading on the column equals 20 feet by 24 feet. Assuming no live load reductions, which one of the following is the design live load for the footing? A. 43,200 lb B. 57,600 lb C. 72,000 lb D. 96,000 lb

Solution: C. 72,000 lb You'll first need to calculate the tributary area for the column (Step 1). Next, you must add up the live loads acting on the column (Step 2). The total live load multiplied by the tributary area (Step 3) will give you the design live load for the footing. Step 1: 20 ft. x 24 ft. = 480 sq. ft. Step 2: 30 psf + 60 psf + 60 psf = 150 psf Step 3: 480 sq. ft. x 150 psf = 72,000 lb

Mountains influence climate by A. Creating shadow patterns B. Reducing temperature extremes C. Forcing prevailing winds to rise D. Reducing relative humidity

Solution: C. Forcing prevailing winds to rise The answer is forcing prevailing winds to rise. Mountains force winds to rise. The air cools as it rises, clouds form, and rain falls

Reverberation time depends on which of the following factors I. Room volume II. Sounds volume III. Absorptivity of surfaces A. I and II B. II and III C. I and III D. I, II, and III

Solution: C. I and III Reverberation time is defined as the time it takes a 60dB sound to die out after the source has stopped. It depends on room volume and surface absorptivity. It may vary with pitch but only because absorptivity varies with pitch. However, it does not vary with sound volume

Open web steel joists are I. Small, lightweight trusses II. Standardized III. Fabricated in a shop IV. Strong both vertically and horizontally A. I and II B. II and III C. I, II, and III D. I, III, and IV

Solution: C. I, II, and III Open web steel joists are small, lightweight, standardized steel trusses that are shop fabricated, so statements I, II, and III are correct. While they are strong in the vertical direction, they are weak in the flat, horizontal direction, so statement IV is incorrect

In deciding where to site a structure, which does an architect consult first? A. Site plan B. Building code C. Zoning code D. Geotechnical report

Solution: C. Zoning code

Which of the following types of wood floors would be the LEAST appropriate for commercial office? A. Block B. Parquet C. Resilient D. Strip

Solution: C. resilient Resilient wood floors are commonly used for theater stages, dance floors, and gyms. They provide extra bounce and resiliency for these types of uses

What is the definition of a nail-laminated wood beam? A. A form of engineered wood made from strands of wood chemically adhered and oriented in the same direction B. A form of engineered wood made from thin layers of chemically adhered, cross-oriented lumber C. A form of engineered wood made from standard lumber chemically adhered D. A form of engineered wood made from standard lumber mechanically adhered

Solution: D. A form of engineered wood made from standard lumber mechanically adhered Engineered wood made from standard lumber mechanically adhered describes nail-laminated wood beams. When a description states chemically adhered, it often refers to glue or an adhesive...when its states mechanically adhered it refers to nails or screws. - Engineered wood made from strands of wood chemically adhered and oriented in the same direction describes parallel strand lumber (PSL) beams - Engineered wood made from thin layers of chemically adhered, cross-oriented lumber describes a laminated veneer lumber (LVL), which consists of layers of veneer wood glued and pressed into a beam or column - Engineered wood made from standard lumber chemically adhered describes glue-laminated lumber

The measure of how well a given light source shows true color is called: A. Color temperature B. Intensity C. Luminance D. Color rendering index (CRI)

Solution: D. Color rendering index (CRI)

In the design of a three-story commercial building with a maximum height of 45', the architect wishes to have a constant roof silhouette with no projections above the 4' high parapet. Consequently, the architect should choose a(n) A. Electric elevator with geared traction and operating machinery at the basement level B. Gearless electric elevator with operating machinery in a 4' high roof structure C. Hydraulic elevator with operating machinery in a 4' high penthouse D. Hydraulic elevator with operating machinery located in the elevator pit

Solution: D. Hydraulic elevator with operating machinery located in the elevator pit Buildings less than 50' high, or 5 stories high, generally have hydraulic, rather than electric, elevators. Hydraulic elevators require no penthouse and are simpler and less expensive to install

Architects are able to control which of the following factors affecting construction cost of a project? A. Cost of labor B. Cost of materials C. Contractors' bidding method D. None of the above

Solution: D. None of the above

A corporate executive has asked an architect to design an elegant dining room in his new house using flush wood paneling. The client has also requested a uniform appearance to the grain pattern, and has said that cost is not a consideration. The architect and client have selected walnut as the wood species. What type of veneer slicing and veneer leaf matching in the architectural woodwork specifications should the architect select? A. Rift slicing and slip matching B. Half-round slicing and sequence matching C. Plain slicing and bookmatching D. Quarter slicing and bookmatching

Solution: D. Quarter slicing and bookmatching

What type of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning distribution system is shown? A. Dual duct B. Multizone C. Unitary D. Variable air volume

Solution: D. Variable air volume The diagram depicts a variable air volume system in which the air is conditioned at a central location. The thermostat in each zone controls air temperature and regulates the volume of air

Which of the following outdoor deck materials is most comfortable and best moderates the microclimate around a house in a temperate zone? A. Red brick pavers B. Light colored concrete C. Grass between stone pavers D. Dark wood decking

Solution: D. dark wood decking A material with a low albedo and a low conductivity such as dark wood is most comfortable and moderates the microclimate best. Brick, concrete, and stone have higher albedos and make the surrounding area hotter in the summer. Their high conductivity also make them feel hot to the touch. Planting grass around the pavers will improve the albedo of a brick deck slightly, but dark wood still has a lower albedo. Also, wood has the lowest conductivity of the materials listed and will feel less hot in the summer

A development company is planning to build a 60,000ft2, two-story speculative building with retail on the first floor and office space on the second floor. In order to provide maximum flexibility for prospective tenants, the company has instructed the architect to provide as much column-free space as possible while minimizing the amount of mechanical and electrical services below the structure. AS part of the program, the company wants to use as much wood as possible for its carbon sequestering potential. The mechanical engineer has suggested using a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system with supplemental ventilation to ducted units. Which of the following systems is more appropriate for spanning the space? A. Plywood web I-joists B. Laminated veneer lumber C. Cross-laminated timber D. Metal web floor joists

Solution: D. metal web floor joists All systems listed could span a wide space without the need for columns, metal web floor joists can span the farthest and have the additional advantage of allowing ductwork, piping, and electrical services within the space of the structure to satisfy programming requirements. Although plywood web I-joists and laminated veneer lumber would provide a slightly higher carbon sequestering potential than metal web joists, they can only be pierced for small pipes and conduits, not for large ductwork to pass through. Cross-laminated timber can be used for floor panels, but it would be more difficult to pierce for services between floors and through the roof. Also costlier and limited availability

An architect is designing a 4 story hotel. The architect wishes to expose the structural system while maintaining a high fire-resistance rating and needs to minimize construction time. Which types of framing system should the architect choose? A. Wood platform frame B. Light-gauge steel framing C. Steel frame with rigid connections D. One-way solid slab concrete frame

Solution: D. one-way solid slab concrete frame

An architect is designing custom oak cabinetry and wants the grain of the door frames to be as straight and consistent as possible. Which type of sawing should be specified? A. Plain sawing B. Quarter sawing C. Flat sawing D. Rift sawing

Solution: D. rift sawing In rift sawing, boards are cut radially from the center of the log. This produces a very straight and consistent vertical grain, and this type of cut is typically only used for sawing oak. Log must be repositioned for each cut, so the process is very labor intensive. There is also a great deal of waste so this makes it the most expensive sawing technique. Quarter sawing involves dividing a log into quarters and then cutting boards perpendicular to the grain. Like rift sawing, it produces boards with straight grain running parallel to the length of the board. However, the grain is not as straight with quarter sawing as it is with rift sawing. Plain sawing and flat sawing are the same thing. The boards are cut in straight lines across the grain of the log. The grain tends to be more uneven than quartersawn or rift-sawn boards, but it is this technique that produces the "curvy" grain often seen on framing members