SPD-H
Flume
Elevated artificial channel that carries fast moving water and is used to transport things like fish and logs.
External load dominated buildings/Internal load dominated buildings
External: those whose energy use is determined mainly by heat loss or gain through the exterior envelope. They generally have few occupants per unit area and a small amount of heat gain from lighting, equipment, and people. Examples include houses, apartments, condominiums, and warehouses. Internal: those whose energy use is driven by high heat gain from occupants, lighting, and equipment. Examples include office, hospitals, retail stores, schools, and laboratories.
The Ahwahnee Principles
The Ahwahnee Principles for Resource-Efficient Communities, written in 1991 by the Local Government Commission, paved the way for the Smart Growth movement and New Urbanism.
Albedo
The Portion of the radiant energy that is reflected as it falls on a surface.
Drip line of a tree
The area defined by the outermost circumference of a tree canopy where water drips from and onto the ground. *Contour line modification must be avoided within the drip line of trees.
Invert
The bottom elevation of sewer line, also used to call out bottom elevations of drains, catch basins, and manholes
Rigid pavement vs flexible pavement
Concrete roads are called rigid while asphalt-covered roads are flexible. These terms refer to the amount of deformation created in the road surface itself when in use and over time.
control joint
Control joints are planned cracks which allow for movements caused by temperature changes and drying shrinkage. Space: no more than 2-3 times the slab thickness (in inches). A 4" slab should have joints 8-12 feet apart. Deep: joints 25% of the depth of the slab. A 4" thick slab should have joints 1" deep.
Nonvegetative bank stabilization
Gabion; Deflector
Geotextiles
Geotextiles are commonly used to improve soils over which roads, embankments, pipelines, and earth retaining structures will be built. separation, filtration, drainage, reinforcement, sealing, and protection.
Design in different climate zones
Hot and arid: minimize sun exposure and effects of wind. Use small windows. Optimize thermal mass for large temperature swing during the day and closely cluster buildings for the shade that offer each other. High ceiling. Hot and humid: minimize sun exposure, maximize natural ventilation. Use lightweight construction to minimize radiation of heat and space buildings far apart for breezes. High ceiling. Temperate: maximize solar gain in the winter, minimize in the summer. Maximize breezes in the summer and minimize it in the winter. Take advantage of daylighting opportunities. Cold: orient buildings/openings for the maximum protection from cold winds and use small windows/compact shapes to minimize heat loss. Use south facing windows to maximum solar gains.
Manhole
Large storm sewer systems need it for service access, they are located wherever the sewer changes direction or a maximum of 500 ft apart.
Best approach to discourage criminal activities
Make activity inside the lobby visible from the street. this employs the principla of natural surveillance. (i.e. separating the lobby and the street with a large expanse of glass)
Expansive soil
Many soils, such as bentonite, expand when they get wet and shrink when they dry. If such soils are below a proposed building, the foundation must be isolated from them. One method of doing this is to use pile or caisson foundation piers that bear on material below the expansive soil. Concrete grade beams span between the piers with voids below the beams so any expansion does not cause stress on the foundation. The building walls are then built on the grade beams. The remainder of the ground level slab is usually built over select fill material, although in some instances it is suspended from beams and piers.
Slopes for automobile ramps
Maximum 12% if pedestrians are allowed. Maximum 15% if pedestrians are prohibited.
Requirement for ramps
Maximum slope for handicapped is 1:12 Maximum slope for others is 1:8
Requirement for curb cuts
Maximum slope for ramp is 1:12, maximum slope for flared sides is 1:10
Deciduous trees in south sides of buildings
Medium to large trees located 15-30ft from buildings are most effective. The distance between the building and the tree should be about 1/4 to 1/3 the mature height of the tree.
Most common exterior lighting
Metal-halide, High Pressure Sodium (HPS), and Light Emitting Diode (LED) are the most commonly used types of exterior lighting.
Width/slope for sidewalk
Minimum 5ft in width Maximum 5% in slope (ADA) Maximum 2% for cross slope
Slope of roads
Minimum of 1/4"/ft for drainage from the center of the roadway (crown), to the sides.
reason of use reinforced concrete or masonry retaining walls
The height of wall exceed 4 ft, because it is subject to sliding and overturning force and must be engineered to resist the expected load. Under 4 ft can use stones, loose laid of blocks or preservative treated wood.
Passive apprach vs Active approach (in reducing building's consumption of GHG-emitting fossil fuels)
Passive: to work with the climate in designing, sitting, and orienting a building and employ passive cooling and heating techniques to reduce its overall energy requirements. Active: to increase the ability of a building to capture or generate its own energy from renewable sources (solar, wind, geothermal, low-impact hydro, biomass, and bio-gas) that are available locally and in abundance. Usually passive is the first step while active comes second.
Pedestrain walks vs bike paths
Pedestrian: minimum 3' for single pathway minimum 4' for two people, 6'-8' preferred minimum 6' when adjacent to parking area where cars can overhang the walkway Bike: minimum 4' for one-way traffic minimum 7' for two-way traffic, 8' preferred
Grade beam
Piles are driven or drilled in line at regular intervals and connected with a continuous grade beam. The grade beam is designed and reinforced to transfer the loads from the building wall to the piles. It is often used where expansive soils or clay, such as bentonite, are encountered near the surface.
Floating foundation (boat foundation)
Placed at depth such that the weight of the soil removed is close to the weight of the building being supported. Usually used where the underlying soil has a low bearing capacity.
performance zoning
Planners started with several goals—a certain number of jobs, a certain number of homes including affordable homes, and strict standards for a low carbon footprint. The developers were allowed to design the project as they saw fit as long as they could achieve those goals.
Planting strips
Planting strips for trees should be a minimum of 6ft-7ft. Planting strips for grass should be minimum 4ft.
Calculate peak discharge
Q = CiA Q = peak discharge in cfs C = runoff coefficient (a ratio of the amount of surface runoff to rainfall) i = rainfall intensity for a storm duration equal to the time of concentration A = area of the basin (or subshed)
R-value/ U-value
R-value: measure of thermal resistance in a component. Used to define level of insulation. U-value: measure of heat transmission where a low U-value has a slow heat loss or gain(brick wall) and a high U-value has a rapid heat loss or gain(window). (U=1/R)
Methods to restore landscape
Rehabilitation refers to actions taken to restore environmental functions and the vitality of a landscape. Reclamation projects are usually undertaken on landscapes in which features have been obliterated by development, agriculture, or mining operations. Remediation activities are concerned with mitigating a condition that has resulted in a degraded landscape. A given landscape restoration project may involve all three activities.
Geotechnical engineer's subsurface report includes
Results of field tests; Results of laboratory tests; Recommended types of foundations; Saturation point (water table)
Thalweg
The line connecting the deepest parts of a channel.
Probable maximum flood
The most severe flood that may resonably be possible for a particular location. It results from a combination of the most critical meteorological and hydrological conditions in a drainage basin. The water level in this type of flood is higher than in a standard projected flood. PMFs are used for designing facilities and structures that must be subject to almost no risk of flooding.
Building sewer
The pipe that connects a building's plumbing system from 3ft beyond the building to the main sanitary sewer. Also called "service laterals", "house laterals", or "sewer laterals". The main sanitary sewer is usually located in the street and collects wastewater, called sewage, from building sewers and conveys it to the wastewater treatment plant. (A house sewer or house drain is the portion of sewer system within the building and to a point 3ft outside the building)
Three types of substructures with shallow foundations (Slab on grade; crawl space; basement)
The slab on grade is the most economical under many circumstances, especially where the water table lies near the surface of the ground. A crawlspace is often used under a floor structure of wood or steel, and gives much better access to under floor piping and wiring than a slab on grade. Basements provide usable space for building occupants.
Battering
The sloping or recessing of successive courses of stone or masonry to help resist soil thrust and overturning. It usually has a slope of 6:1 for flexible walls and somethat less for rigid walls.
Carbon footprint
The total set of greenhouse gas emissions caused by a person, place, or thing.
Allowable bearing capacity
The ultimate bearing capacity divided by a factor of safety. Sometimes, on soft soil sites, large settlements may occur under loaded foundations without actual shear failure occurring; in such cases, the allowable bearing capacity is based on the maximum allowable settlement.
Xeriscaping/dryscaping
The word "xeriscape" is derived from the Greek "xeros," meaning dry, and "scape," a kind of view or scene. Together, xeriscaping is landscaping with slow-growing, drought-tolerant plants to conserve water and establish a waste-efficient landscape.
Area conversion
1 Mile = 5,280 Feet 1 Square Mile = 640 Acres 1 Acre = 43,560 Square Feet 1 Hectare = 10,000 Square Meter or 2.47 Acre
Rough grading/finish grading
Rough grading involves moving of soil prior to construction to approximate level of final grades. It also includes adding or removing soil after construction to the approximate final grades. Usually within 6 in-1 ft of the desired level. Often, excavation is part of rough grading. Finish grading is the final movement of soil prior to landscape or paving, where the level of the earth is brought to within 1 in of the desired grades. Often down by machines and hands and includes the placement of topsoil.
Phosphorus reduction
Significant reduction an takes up to 2 weeks.
Runoff
Stormwater that does not seep into ground.
Surface drainage
Surface water should be drained away from a building by sloping the land and otherwise modifying the finish contours to divert water into natural drainage patterns or artificial drains. Methods include gutters, drain inlets ot catch basins, etc.
Harvest a tree
Sustainably harvested materials do not kill or destroy the material host. Cork, bamboo, and palm wood are three kinds of wood that can be sustainably harvested.
Fire hydrant distance
150' apart in high density districts and 600' apart in suburban areas
Slope of curb ramps and the slope of counterslopes
1:12 and 1:20
Wind velocity feeling
50 feet/min - barely noticeable 50-100 feet/min - ideal 100-200 feet/min - pleasant but noticeable 200-300 feet/min - feels drafty +300 feet/min - gusty and uncomfortable
90° parking vs angled parking
90° is the most efficient in terms of land use and allow 2 way traffic; angled is easier to use and lay out and forces a one-way circulation pattern and requires less total width. The most efficient layouts are those that use double-loaded configurations or that utilize a drive as the back-up space.
Parking spaces within 100 lineal feet
90°: 11 cars 60°: 9 cars 45°: 8 cars 30°: 5 cars
slopes
<1% will not drain well 1-4% - appears level, ideal for construction and outdoor activities 1-5% walkways approach building paved parking: 1.5% - 5%; ADA < 2% 3% - Max for grassy recreation area or sidewalks next to building 4-10% - easy to grade, suitable for most construction and outdoor activity Drainage ditch 2-10% 10% - max for road preferred, can goes up to 15% >10% - difficult and expansive to build upon 25% - max for grass area >50% - prone to dangerous erosion
leaching field
= drainage field
Drywell
A large, porous, underground container where water collects and seeps into the soil. It is designed to collect runoff directly from a roof drain or outfall. If drywell is not adequate or the ground is not sufficiently porous, a drain field similar to leaching field can be used. In some cases the dry well concept can be incorporated into a catch basin.
Soil liquefaction
A phenomenon whereby a saturated or partially saturated soil substantially loses strength and stiffness in response to an applied stress, usually earthquake shaking or other sudden change in stress condition, causing it to behave like a liquid. Sands and silts with high water content are particularly suspectible to liquefaction.
Soil vapor extraction
A physical treatment process for in situ remediation of volatile contaminants in vadose zone (unsaturated) soils. It is based on mass transfer of contaminant from the solid (sorbed) and liquid (aqueous or non-aqueous) phases into the gas phase, with subsequent collection of the gas phase contamination at extraction wells. Extracted contaminant mass in the gas phase (and any condensed liquid phase) is treated in aboveground systems.
Soil sieve analysis (gradation test)
A practice or procedure used to assess the particle size distribution (also called gradation) of a granular material. Dense gradation refers to a sample that is approximately of equal amounts of various sizes of aggregate. By having a dense gradation, most of the air voids between the material are filled with particles. This results in the most stable soil. Narrow gradation is known as uniform gradation, a narrow gradation is a sample that has aggregate of approximately the same size. Gap gradation refers to a sample with very little aggregate in the medium size range. This results in only coarse and fine aggregate. Open gradation refers an aggregate sample with very little fine aggregate particles. This results in many air voids, because there are no fine particles to fill them. Rich gradation refers to a sample of aggregate with a high proportion of particles of small sizes.
Sump pump
A pump used to remove water that has accumulated in a water collecting sump basin, commonly found in the basement of homes.
Slurry wall
A slurry wall is a technique used to build reinforced concrete walls in areas of soft earth close to open water or with a high ground water table. A trench is excavated to create a form for each wall, then filled with slurry; it is kept full of slurry at all times. The slurry prevents the trench from collapsing by providing outward pressure which balances the inward hydraulic forces and prevents water flow into the trench. Reinforcement is then lowered in and the trench is filled with concrete, which displaces the slurry.
Check dam
A small, sometimes temporary, dam constructed across a swale, drainage ditch, or waterway to counteract erosion by reducing water flow velocity.
Hydric soil
A soil that is, "formed under conditions of saturation, flooding, or ponding long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part"
Graded/Degradation/Aggradation
A stream in a state of dynamic equilibrium is called a graded stream. Alternate deepening by scour and shallowing by deposition are responses to changes in the stream's ability to transport its load. This process is known as degradation. When a stream has capacity for more bed load, rivers will scour and deepen. When there is too much bed load, stream gradient and velocity increase and channels widen. This process is known as aggradation.
Sheepsfoot
A tamper roller used during soil compaction process which has large teeth used to increase soil stability and bearing capacity. The soil is usually compacted in six-inch layers.
Condemnation easement
An easement created by the government or government agency that has exercised its right under eminent domain. By definition eminent domain is the right of a government or its agent to expropriate private property for public use, with payment of compensation. Government agency will first try to buy the land in normal manner, negotiating price with the owner. If agreement could not be reached, eminent domain will be used as the last resort. In that case, the value of the property may have to be determined by the court.
Sheet flow
An overland flow or downslope movement of water taking the form of a thin, continuous film over relatively smooth soil or rock surfaces and not concentrated into channels/gutters larger than rills. Simply water that drains across a sloping surface.
Catch basin
An underground drainage system, has a sump into it so that debris will settle instead of flowing down the sewer. The sump needs to be cleaned up periodically.
Untreated wood piles
Are permitted to be used only when the cutoff (topmost level of the pile) will be below the lowest ground water level assumed to exist during the life of the structure. The reason is that if untreated piles are constantly wet, they are in no danger of deterioration. It is the alternate wet and dry conditions that lead to mold and decay.
Slope for underground drainage systems using piping
At least 0.3%
Slope for buidling sewer
At least 0.5%-2% depending on the size of the pipe, a greater slope is required for smaller pipe.
Parking for the physically disabled
At least ONE parking space is for physically disabled. Accessible route has a slope no more than 2%. Establish drainage in parking areas of a slope of 1.5%-5% (for convenience, 2%-3%). One rule of thumb is that the change in elevation from one side of a double-loaded parking area to the other (62 ft) for a minimum 1.5% slope is about 1 ft, the maximum of a 5% slope, is about 3 ft. This is a useful way to quickly check new contour lines when designing a parking area.
Slope for surface drainage (most paved surface)
At least a 1% to 1.5% slope
Bearing capacity of soil types
Crystalline bedrock = 12,000 psf Sedimentary rock = 6,000 psf Sandy gravel or gravel = 5,000 psf Sand, silty sand, clayey sand, silty gravel, and clayey gravel = 3,000 psf Clay, sandy clay, silty clay, and clayey silt = 2,000 psf
bearing capacity
Crystalline bedrock = 12,000 psf Sedimentary rock = 6,000 psf Sandy gravel or gravel = 5,000 psf Sand, silty sand, clayey sand, silty gravel, and clayey gravel = 3,000 psf Clay, sandy clay, silty clay, and clayey silt = 2,000 psf
Soil treatment (Ballast 35-4)
Drainage; fill; compaction; densification; surcharging; mixing
Economical alternative to retaining walls
Earth reinforcing; Gabions
Engineered fill
Earth that has been deposited under the supervision of a soils engineer. The engineer, working from the results of laboratory compaction tests on samples taken from the soil used for filling,
Wale/Raker/Lagging
Wale: horizontal brace of steel or timber used to support sheathing or other members such as concrete form work. Raker: A temporary diagonal brace used to support vertical sheeting against earth walls created by excavation. Lagging: horizontal boards 2"-4" thick placed between soldier beams to hold soil in place during excavation.
waterproof
Waterproofing is only required by the IRC "in areas where a high water table or other severe soil-water conditions are known to exist."
Small lot development
Works best in real estate market, usually 6 to 12 units per acre
Slope for sanitary sewers
0.5%-1.5%
indigenous/vernacular architecture
乡土建筑,
Soil creep
滑坡
Common causes of differential settlement
(1) Frost heave (2) Soil types that expand and contract at different rates (3) Varied foundation depths (4) Subsurface water leaks
Basic principles for designing outdoor sound barriers
(1) Generally, solid barriers block high-frequency sounds better than low-frequency sounds. (2) The barrier is best placed as close as possible to either the source of the noise or the receiver. (3) It the barrier is placed close to the noise source, it should be at least four times as high as the distance from the source to the barrier. (4) The greater the effective height, the greater the atternuation. (5) For point noise resource, a short barrier should be at least four times as long as the distance from the barrier to the source or distance from the barrier to the receiver, whichever is shorter. (6) A barrier should have a density of at least 5 lbm/sqft (25kg/sqm) and be solid. However, greater densities than this do not increase sound attenuation significantly.
Advantages of earth sheltering
(1)Because below a few feet the temperature of the earth is stable, heat gain and heat loss are minimized, and the impact of extreme outdoor air temperatures is lessened. (2)It protects the structure from cold winter winds. (3)Natural soundproofing (4)Less outside maintenance (5)Better protection from high winds, hail, and tornades.
Optimum orientation angle (long direction along east-west axis and facing slightly to the east)
(1)Cool: 12° (2)Temperate: 17.5° (3)Hot-arid: 25° (4)Hot-humid: 5°
Soil classification
(1)Gravel: particles over 2mm in diameter (2)Sands: particles from 0.05mm to 2mm in diameter (3)Silt: particles from 0.002mm to 0.05mm in diameter (4)Clay: particles under 0.002mm in diameter Sand and gravel are good bases for building foundation and drainage. Silt is plastic in their behavior. Clay is unpredictable because it swells when it absorbs water and shrinks when it dries. Clay makes good foundation when it mixed with other types of soil. Hardpan refers to an unbroken mixture of clay, sand, and gravel. It is a good base for building foundations. Shale and slate are soft rocks with a fine texture, they make up the group with the second highest bearing capacity. Boulders describe rocks that have broken off of bedrock. Bedrock is the soild rock that forms the earth's crust, it (and sedimentary rock) has the highest bearing capacity of all soil types.
When develop wetland area, the architect should investigate:
(1)Local government rules (2)State government rules (3)U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulations (federal level) In CSI Masterformat, wetlands section is 32 70 00
Solar orientation influences three aspects of site planning
(1)Orientation of the building to control solar heat gain or heat loss. (2)Location of outdoor spaces and activities. (3)Location of building entries.
Types of retaining walls
(1)Retaining walls that are less than 4 ft high can be built with any suitable materials, such as stone, looselaid block, or preservative-treated wood. (2)Gravity wall is commonly used for low retaining walls up to 10ft where the forces on it are not too great. (3)Cantilever wall is most common type and is of reinforced concrete. Economically, it is limited about 20-25ft. (4)Counterfort wall is used for walls higher than 20-25ft In CSI Masterformat, retaining wall is 32 32 00 All retaining walls require a suitable foundation. Flexible retaining walls are usually fairly low and, given a suitable compacted base, may not require footers to extend below the frost line. Retaining walls generally should extend a minimum of 2 ft below grade, or half the above grade height or to the frost line, whichever is greatest. A certain amount of settlement and perhaps seasonal movement can be tolerated in flexible walls. Rigid walls of concrete or masonry construction are used where greater changes in elevation are necessary, where flexibility cannot be tolerated, or where the mass of the wall is used to retain the earth.
Elements to consider when choosing building location
(1)The amount of grading required to provide a level pad for the building (2)The grading required to establish good drainage away from the building (3)Roads should cut across slopes gradually to minimize steep grades.
Subsurface drainage
(1)The land around the building must be sloped to drain surface water before it soaks into ground near the structure. A minimum slope of 5% for pervious surface is recommended (2% for impervious surface). All water from roof and deck should also be drained away from building with gutters and drain pipes. (2)Below ground, perforated drain tile (also called French tile or sub-drain) should be laid around the footings at least 6 in below top of the floor slab to collect water and carry it away to sewer system, drywell or other natural drainage area. (3)If hydrostatic pressure against wall is a problem, a layer of gravel or open-web matting can be placed next to the wall. can also be used. (4)To relieve pressure againest floor slabs, a layer of large gravel is placed below the slab. If the presence of water is a significant problem, the gravel layer is used in conjunction with a waterproofing membrane and drain tiles are placed below the slab.
The capacity of a drainage system is based on:
(1)The size of the area to be drained (2)The runoff coefficient (that fraction of water not absorbed, calculate amount of runoff in cubic feet/meter per second on a site) (3)The amount of water to be drained during the most severe storm anticipated in the design (frequently 25 year storm, otherwise 10 year storm)
Considerations of earth-sheltered design
(1)There should be a natural slope to the land so earthmoving can be minimized. (2)The soil should be granular. Gravel, sand, and sandy loam are all appropriate. The site should be tested for radon concentrations. (3)The groundwater level must be below the building and positive drainage should be maintained. (4)Underground portion must be waterproofed. (5)Even though earth-sheltered designs do not require much insulation, the insulation must be designed to keep the indoor temperature comfortable and prevent condensation from forming on cool inside walls in a humid environment. (6)With fewer windows on all sides, the building will need adequate ventilation to control humidity and maintain good air quality.
Property boundaries are described with
(1)US survey system(reference to a section and township) (2)Location within a subdivision (3)Metes and bounds(not used as much as other two methods)
Primary elements when selecting and designing foundations
(1)subsurface soil and groundwater conditions (2)structural requirement, including foundation loads, building configuration and depth Secondary factor: (1) construction methods, including access and working space (2) environmental factors, including noise, traffic, and disposal of earth and water (3) building code and regulations (4) proximity of adjacent property and potential impact (5) available time (6) construction risk
SWPPP ovbjectives
- stabilize the site as soon as possible: 1. get to final grade and either permanently or temporarily stabilize as soon as possible 2. take into consideration germination times for grass and vegetation 3.additional stabilization on erosion prone areas.(slope, drainage) 4. seasonal limitation: drought or temperature 5. vegetation cover as much as possible, avoid erosion - protect slope and channels stable slope use pipe slope drains or earth berm. avoid natural drainage - reduce impervious surfaces and promote infiltration - control the perimeter of site (divert clean trap dirt) - protect receiving water adjacent to your site - proper containers for waste and garbage at site - minimize the area and duration of exposed soils
swppp should include
1 cover/title page 2 project and swppp contact information 3 site and activity description, including a site map 4 identification of potential pollutant sources 5 description of controls to reduce pollutant 6 maintenance/inspection procedures 7 records of inspections and follow-up maintenance of BMPs 8 SWPPP amendaments 9 SWPPP certification
Purposes of test borings
1. Ability of the soil to support structures on the surface with or without additional assistance from footings, piers, and other aids 2. Permeability of the soil to determine whether it will percolate sufficiently for an on-site septic system 3. Discover and monitor leakage from underground storage tanks or the presence of other contaminants.
Blast protection
1. Building shape: L/U shape building should be avoid. any reentrant corner or second floor overhangs will amplify blast ennergy. 2. standoff distance: should be maximumed because blast energy decreases exponentially with increased distance between the source of the blast and the building. 3. laminate glass: tend to remain integral.
SPD Vignette - Site Grading
1. Calculate contour line range according to slope requirement. 2. Draw a circle sketch to identify and limit the minimum distance between contour lines. 3. A swale is when the points of consecutive contours point IN THE DIRECTION OF THE UPHILL. 4. Minimize site disturbances
Any site requires some modification of the land, but the changes should be kept to a minimum, the reasons are:
1. Earth moving costs money 2. Excavating and building on steep slopes is more expensive than on gentle slopes 3. Excessive modification of the land affects drainage patterns that must be resolved with contour changes, drainage ditches, culverts or other sitework. 4. Large changes in elevations can require retaining walls which add cost to the project. 5. Removing or hauling in soil is expensive. 6. Large amounts of cutting may damage existing tree roots.
Four zoning types
1. Euclidean zoning is characterized by the segregation of land uses into specific geographic districts which stipulate limitations on development activity within each type of district. 2. Performance zoning uses performance-based or goal-oriented criteria to establish review parameters for proposed development projects 3. Incentive zoning is a way to encourage private developers to provide amenities for public use in exchange for the opportunity to build a larger or taller structure on a site. 4. Form-based zoning regulates the form that land use may take instead of type of land use.
SPD Vignette - Site Design
1. In any case, the pedestrian plaza should not be larger or smaller than 5% of required size. 2. Handicap parking spaces should be connected by pedestrian sidewalk as well. 3. Add entry plaza.(use driveway tool) 4. make sure whether the square needs sunlight or shade. 5. Add 5' buffer at the end of parking row. 6. Service road long enough so that 20' long truck doesn't impede traffic flow 7. The height of trees is the length of shadow given a 45 deg solar angle. 8. Trees can be located on plazas. 9. Draw seperate sidewalk if plaza is not included in the circulation. 10. Service roads should be away from residential neighbors 11. Add deciduous trees 50' from the first row if plaza is deeper than 50' to completely shade it from noon day sun. 12. Entry must be towards street for being visible from street!
green Site planning guideline
1. Minimize cooling loads through careful building location and landscaping. 2. Utilize renewable energy resources to meet site energy demand for lighting. 3. Install energy-efficient lighting. 4. Use existing buildings and infrastructure instead of developing in "greenfields." 5. Design to create or contribute to a sense of community. 6. Design to reduce dependence on the automobile. 7. Reduce material use or increase the efficiency of material use. 8. Protect and preserve the local ecosystem. Maintain the environmental function of the site. 9. Specify low-impact. 10. Design site and buildings for longevity and to be recycled. 11. Design to minimize the use and runoff of water. 12. Minimize waste
Woonerf
1. Rights of way are narrower and completely paved except for planting islands and play areas. 2. Pedestrian walkways are at the same level and grade as the cartway. There is no curb separating them. 3. Vehicle traffic is permitted, but street design and activities require a reduced speed. 4. Areas of potential conflict such as play and social areas are signaled through the use of trees, planted islands, and signs. 5. Travel lanes for vehicles are narrow and change direction often to encourage lower speeds and more awareness on the part of drivers. 6. Two-way streets are encouraged; one-way streets encourage higher speeds. 7. Parking spaces are provided in "clusters" of six or seven and are usually at a right angle to the direction of traffic. 8. The right of way is given to the pedestrian, and traffic speed limits are usually about 15 mph. 9. Signs at the entrance to a woonerf inform drivers that they are entering a residential area and that special conditions prevail.
Erosion categories
1. Splash erosion: the result of raindrop impact on unprotected soils. 2. Sheet erosion: occurs where there is a uniform slope and surface and runoff flows in a sheet. Sheet flow tends to concentrate into more defined flows as it is channeled by the irregularities of a site. 3. Channelized flow: rill and gully erosion. Rill erosion is characterized by small, even tiny channels that abrade and intertwine; gully erosion is identified by large channels that are obviously damaging. Where a rill is at worst only a few inches deep, a gully can be 10 or more feet deep.
Feasibility of infiltration
1. The soil texture is in a class with an infiltration rate that permits adequate percolation of collected water through the soil. 2. Ponding or dewatering time is at least three but no more than seven days. 3. A minimum vertical depth of 2 to 4 ft is available between the infiltration bed and bedrock or the seasonal high water table. 4. The site topography (slope) and the nature of the soil (fill, stability) will permit the location of foundations, utilities, wells, and similar site features. Limits: Infiltration removes particulates and pollutants that might attach to soil particles, but water soluble pollutants such as nutrients, pesticides, or salts travel through the soil medium dissolved in the water. When water soluble pollutants are a particular risk, the design must provide for a biological treatment such as algae in wet ponds or microorganisms in wetlands or in bioretention beds or rain gardens.
reduce noises
1. building place as far away from the noise source as possible. 2. high sound barrier as close to source as posible 3. planting a buffer of trees, diverting the wind to carry the sound away. some noise will blend together to create a white noise(wind)
ways to mitigate or limit disturbance to flora
1. designate no disturbance zones 2. re-plant disturbed area top another area of site 3. Minimize disturbance to natural water or food supply on site 4. plant native or indigenous specious 5. avoid invasive plants to help protect existing vegetation 6. conservation easement - is a legal protection of a portion of the site to ensure that no future development will ever occur on it. A conservation easement may also provide tax benefit
Benefits of Infill Development
1. making better use of urban land supplies while reducing consumption of forest and agricultural land 2.increasing access of people to jobs, and jobs to labor force 3. reducing the time, money, energy, and air pollution associated with commuting and other use of single occupant automobiles 4. strengthening real estate markets and property values, and renewing older neighborhoods and housing stock 5. making better use of existing infrastructure and lowering costs of public services such as: transit, sidewalks, water and sewer, school, and public safety (police, fire, ambulance) 6. replacing brownfields and abandoned industrial areas with functioning assets 7. adding to socioeconomic diversity 8. supporting unique cultural, arts, educational and civic functions, such as museums, opera, sports, and universities
erosion control
1. minimize disturbed area and protect natural features and soil 2. phase construction activity 3. control storm water flowing onto and through the project 4. stabilize soils promptly 5. protect slopes
slope faliure
1. overloading slope 2. Increasing fill without adequate drainage 3. Removing vegetation 4. Increasing the slope grade 5. Increasing slope grade by cutting at bottom of slope 6. Changing surface drainage route 7. Changing in subsurface drainage route
ways to control site design cost
1. place building along gentle slope to minimize grading and excavation for the foundation and slab 2. locate the building in a place accessible by vehicles to avoid steep roads and expensive paving options 3. layout roadways to follow the lines of the contours to minimize earthwork, retaining walls and new earth banks 4. situate the building for positive natural drainage to avoid excessive regrading or expensive drainage system 5. place the building close to existing utility lines to avoid labor intensive trenching and expensive connections 6. preserve existing vegetation to limit the expense of new landscaping 7. avoid areas with high water table or large boulders to avoid future foundation problems 8. specify appropriate exterior finishes to reduce maintenance costs 9. select native-species, drought-tolerant or xeriscaping plants to reduce water usage 10. choose energy efficient site lighting to minimize energy use, maximize security and eliminate light pollutionff
sediment control
1. protect storm drain inlet 2. establish perimeter controls 3. retain sediment on-site and control dewatering practices 4. establish stabilized construction exit 5. inspect and maintain controls
site utilization type
1. rear yard: ideal for retail store. the front of the building is placed on the lot line. expose a max amount of storefront to the street. Open spaces at the rear can be used for parking. 2. courtyard: occupies all edges of the lot with a private interior courtyard. good for security or privacy is needed for outdoor space. 3. perimeter yard: building in the middle of the lot with open space surrounding. good for residential or monumental appearance is desired. 4. side yard: building occupies one side of the lot with the other side open. this configuration can be used to create a semiprivate yard or to orient the building for solar access.
new urbanism/Neotraditionalism features
1.people would rather walk, ride a bicycle, or take the bus than drive 2. mixture of homes and businesses, small lot sizes, and lots of multi-family residences 3. tree-lined street 4. Street lighting on pedestrian scale
Gutter slope
1/16 in/ft to 1/2 in/ft
Public works department (or similar named department)
A Public Works Department (PWD) or Department of Public Works is a common name for a government department or ministry responsible for public works, which is a broad category of infrastructure projects, financed and constructed by the government, for recreational, employment, and health and safety uses in the greater community. They include public buildings (municipal buildings, schools, hospitals), transport infrastructure (roads, railroads, bridges, pipelines, canals, ports, airports), public spaces (public squares, parks, beaches), public services (water supply, sewage, electrical grid, dams), and other, usually long-term, physical assets and facilities. Though often interchangeable with public infrastructure and public capital, public works does not necessarily carry an economic component, thereby being a broader term
Atterberg Limits
Atterberg Limits are actually two measures: the liquid limit and the plastic limit. These procedures measure the water in a soil at a point where the soil begins to act as a liquid or begins plastic flow. The numerical difference between the LL and the PL is called the plasticity index (PI). This is the range of moisture in which a soil behaves as a plastic material. A PI over 15 is a good indicator of an expansive soil.
Sediment basin outlets
Basins are typically designed to contain a 10-year storm. Designed to allow the basin to dewater at a rate slow enough to provide for settlement and fast enough to remain in service and reduce the risk of insect infestation. The typical principal spillway is designed with a minimum flow of 0.2 cubic feet per second. Sediment traps are smaller versions of the sediment basin and are used for drainage areas of less than 5 acres.
Way to deal with Lead
Because removing lead paint from dwellings, e.g. by sanding or torching creates lead-containing dust and fumes, it is generally safer to seal (or encapsulate) the lead paint under new paint.
Roof area of a sloped roof
Calculate the projected area (horizonal area defined by the roof)
Site datum point
Datum point is a known point of reference on the basis of which further measurements or analysis can be made. The point can be based on the finished floor level, an existing building or a benchmark.
Deed of trust/Metes and bounds/Plat/Lot and Block survey
Deed of trust is a written document that primarily describes the owner of the property and from whom it was purchased. A deed includes a description of the property, either by address or lot description. Metes and bounds is a written description of the boundaries of a parcel of land. It defines the perimeter of the site by using a starting point and describing each boundary line by angle of bearing and length. Plat(subdivision) is a legal description of a subdivided piece of property that includes information on lots, streets, rights-of-way, and easements, among other items. Lot and Block(Caroline note P80)
Pile or caisson foundations (often refered to as piers) (Ballast 15-6)
Distribute the load from the building to the ends of the piles, which often bear on bedrock, or to the surrounding soil in contact with the pile through skin friction, or a combination of both. They are either driven or drilled(piers).
Materials that usually contain Asbestos
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 If asbestos is discovered during construction a specialist should be hired to assess the situation. The specialist will most likely recommend abatement (removing) the asbestos or encapsulating (sealing) it. Asbestos is only problematic when it becomes airborne. So if it's in good condition, just leave it alone without disturbing it.
Cofferdam
For bridge piers or similar construction located in water, the entire area is surrounded with watertight sheet piling, the water is pumped out, and the foundations are then constructed.
Form-Based Codes
Form-Based Codes foster predictable built results and a high-quality public realm by using physical form (rather than separation of uses) as the organizing principle, with a lesser focus on land use, through municipal regulations. A FBC is a regulation, not a mere guideline, adopted into city, town, or county law and offers a powerful alternative to conventional zoning regulation
Street drainage information
Found at public works department
The Phase I, II, Environmental Site Assessment
I: involves no collection or testing of samples and is limited to information already available through public sources, interviews, or firsthand observation. This approach allows a buyer to determine whether there is an indication of a problem or an increased risk with a particular property. II: If Phase I ESA determines a likelihood of site contamination. The Phase II ESA includes sampling and laboratory analysis to confirm the presence of hazardous materials.
Holding pond
If the site development creates a runoff in excess of the capacity of the existing municipal storm sewer or natural drainage course, holding pond is needed. It temporarily collects the site runoff and releases it into sewer system at a controlled rate without letting the excess water flood other areas.
Daylight factor
In architecture, a daylight factor is the ratio of the light level inside a structure to the light level outside the structure. It is defined as DF = (Ei / Eo) x 100%, where, Ei = illuminance due to daylight at a point on the indoors working plane, Eo = simultaneous outdoor illuminance on a horizontal plane from an unobstructed hemisphere of overcast sky.
Seismic base isolator
In areas where strong earthquakes are common, buildings are sometimes placed on base isolators. When significant ground movement occurs, the base isolators flex or yield to absorb a significant portion of this movement; as a result, the building and its substructure move significantly less than they would otherwise, reducing the forces acting on the structure and lessening the potential for damage.
Use of trees to reduce wind velocity
In general, a row of trees of certain height will decrease the velocity of the wind between 30% and 40% at a distance about five times the height of the trees. Trees planted next to a building may reduce wind velocity between 20% and 60%. The effect of trees decreases greatly at about 10 times the tree height and is negligible beyond 20 times the tree height.
Earthwork
It includes excavating soil for the construction of a building foundation, water and sewer lines, and other buried items as well as modifying the site's land contours.
Percolation test
It measures the amount of time it takes water in a test hole to drop 1 in. Based on this time, reference table give the minimum length of piping, and therefore the ground area, that is required to handle a project's sewage flow volumne. A test to determine the absorption rate of soil for a septic drain field or "leach field". The results of a percolation test are required to properly design a septic system.
Smart Growth
It relates to controlling sprawl, reusing existing infrastructure, creating walk-able neighborhoods, and locating places to live and work near public transportation. It is more resource-efficient to reuse existing roads and utilities than to build new ones which are far out from cities in rural areas. Smart growth preserves open spaces and farm land, strengthens the development of existing communities and improves their quality of life.
Standard projected flood
It's a flood that may be expected from the most severe combination of meteorological and hydrological conditions in a particular location, excluding extremely rare combinations as with PMF. SPFs are typically expressed as a probability frequency, such as a 50 year flood, which means that there is a 2% probability in any one year that a flood would occur.
Basic allowable height and floor area of a building
It's determined by zoning ordinance and building codes. In zoning ordinance, it's based on FAR and setbacks, in building codes, It's based on the construction type and the occupancy group. The floor area can be increased if an automatic sprinkler system is installed and if a prescribed minimum open space is maintained between the building and adjacent buildings or property lines. (The open space prevents fire from spreading from one building to another and allows emergency vehicle access). Once the construction type is established and the distance from the building to property lines is know, the codes establish the required fire protection rating of openings.
Moisture control in basements/below grade
Jenny's note P28
Road slope
Limit roads to a maximum slope of 15% for short distances, although 10% or less is preferable. If a road does slope more than 10%, there should be transition slopes of one-half of the maximum slope between the road and level areas. Ramps crossing sidewalks must have a level area between the ramp and the sidewalk.
Methods to establish stream bank vegetation
Live stack; branch packing; cribwall
View plane restrictions
Local ordinances typically establish it to protect scenic views from a specific point or area. Buildings cannot be built that obstruct these views.
Wastewater systems
Located to provide gravity flow to treatment facilities or disposal locations. Grades are slopes to provide a velocity between 2.5 feet per second and 10 feet per second. The pipe diameter should be no less than 8"
The greatest angle of repose
Loose wet clay or silt: 30% Compact dry clay: 100% Wet sand: 80% Dry sand: 65%
Population density vs development cost
More compact (dense) units on a site can greatly reduce the costs of site development. The density of units is inversely proportional to the infrastructure required to support them. The higher the density, the less infrastructure that is required. The less infrastructure required, the lower the cost. Reason: In order to achieve low density, infrastructure must be more spread out. Because the infrastructure is spread out, more of it is needed and thus it is more expensive.
CSI Masterformat
Site related work can be found in division 02,03,31,32,33,34
Spread footings (Ballast 15-6)
Spread the load from the structure and the foundation walls over a large area, so the load-carrying capacity of the soil is not exceeded and settlement is minimized. Used for shallow foundations maximum of 5 feet.
Basic planning unit for parking
Standard size is 9'x19'(for ARE, best to use this dimension unless otherwise stated) Compcat size is 7.5'x15' 300 sqft per car is typically used to estimate parking lot size if it includes the parking spaces, access, and fairly efficient driveways. 400 sqft per car can be used to estimate parking spaces, drives, and walkways.
Dewatering (well points vs watertight barrier)
Two methods of keeping an excavation dry, viewed in cross section. The water sucked from well points depresses the water table in the immediate vicinity to a level below the bottom of the excavation. Watertight barrier walls work only if their bottom edges are inserted into an impermeable stratum that prevents water from working its way under the walls.
Population density
Typical European town: 30 people per acre Some old American Towns: 30 people per acre Typical American City: 20 people per acre Efficient American Suburb: 10 people per acre Sprawling American Suburb: 2 people per acre Minimum density to support a public transportation system: 30 people per acre
Nonpoint source pollution (NPS)
Unlike pollution from industrial and sewage treatment plants(point source pollutions), NPS comes from many diffuse sources. NPS pollution is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground. Including nutrients, sediment, bacteria, oil and grease, heavy metals, chemicals, and pesticides, etc.
Spot elevation
Used to indicate proposed finished elevations at single points. These indications are typically used to identify the elevation of key structures such as building corners, manholes, catch basins, etc.
Ground coupling
Uses the stable coolness of the earth to cool a building, typically by using a ground-source heat pump.
Radiative cooling
Uses thermal mass to store heat during the day and release heat to the outside at night.
Vortex
When moving air encounters a building perpendicular to a broad face it flows both over roof and down the facade. Air collects at the base of the building which results in a high velocity swirl of wind.
Proctor test
With all types of soil fill, there is an optimum relationship between the fill's density and its optimum moisture content. The method for determining this is the Proctor test, in which fill samples are tested in the laboratory to determine a standard for compaction. Compacted fill should be within 90% to 100% of optimum Proctor density and 2%-4% of optimum moisture content.
Utility Mapping
architects' primary resource for utility map is from local utility companies. even municipal utility maps and the civil engineer may have information about the location of utility lines. However, utility maps generally are not considered accurate, and locations should be confirmed in the field for design purposes.
Renewable energy
biomass, wind, solar, hydro and geothermal
Fascine
bundle of rods, sticks, or plastic pipes bound together, used in construction for strengthening the sides of embankments, ditches, or trenches.
road surface
concrete: cost more/ stronger and durable than asphalt asphalt: pros:relatively low noise, relatively low cost compared with other paving methods, and perceived ease of repair cons:less durability than other paving methods, less tensile strength than concrete, the tendency to become slick and soft in hot weather and a certain amount of hydrocarbon pollution to soil and groundwater or waterways. gravel: high maintenance cost
water table
less than 6 feet below surface, is high water table and will limit the build of foundation in cold climate, high water table can freeze. wrong type of foundation could crack or settle if the water table freezes and pushed it upward excavating below the water table, concrete foundation are subject to seepage(water penetration) due to capillary action.
NFIP (national flood insurance program)
standards require that local participating government adopt min floodplain management plans. requirements of zoning, subdivision of building, special-purpose floodplain ordinances. These requirements must be met in order for federal flood insurance to be available for property owners.
dampproofing
the control of moisture that is not under hydrostatic pressure. Any concrete or masonry foundation walls "that retain earth and enclose interior spaces and floors below grade shall be dampproofed from the top of the footing to the finished grade. 1. admixtures: added to concrete to repel water 2. bituminous coating: asphalt or coal-tar pitch materials applied to exterior side of foundation wall 3. cementitious coating: portland cement mortar troweled over the surface of foundation walls. 4. membrances: built-up layers of hot or cold applies asphalt felts 5. plastics: generally used for above grade dampproofing
Ground source heat pump
the size of lot is the most important factor in determining if it is feasible to use a ground heat pump.
recess line
the top of the full-width plane of a building facade. building block is recessed to provide daylight and view, so it does not affect the sense of enclosure of the public space.