AEP - PPD Personal Cards Flashcards
(182 cards)
1
Q
In PPD, topography is generally concerned with:
A
Surface conditions
2
Q
What are some ways topography matters in PPD?
A
- Grading: is the site level and flat or hilly and sloped
- Vehicular access to the site: how easy is it for cars to reach the site? Do roads already lead to the site? Can construction vehicles access the site?
- Utilities access: are utilities available at the property line or 1,000 yards away? Are there power poles blocking views or vehicular access?
- Features of the site: are there any rock outcroppings, cliffs, grassy meadows, wooded and forested areas?
- Bodies of water: are there wetlands, ponds, lakes, streams or rivers on the site?
- Views: are there any significant views to the lake, ocean, city lights, wooded areas?
3
Q
What is grading?
A
It is associated with moving portions of the earth to make a site level, or a site with a specific slope.
4
Q
What is the difference between “rough grading” and “finish grading”?
A
“Rough grading” is often done with heavy equipment such as bulldozers.
“Finish grading” is often accomplished using a grader.
5
Q
What are general rules of thumb for the following slope conditions:
- Flat
- Moderate
- Steep
- Very steep
- Accessible ramps
- Roadways
- Parking lots
- Grass areas
A
- Flat: less than 4% (suitable for all activities)
- Moderate: between 4% and 10% (requires some effort to climb or descend)
- Steep: between 10% and 50% (suitable for limited activity only)
- Very steep: over 50% (subject to soil erosion or collapse)
- Accessible ramps: 1:12 or 8.3%
- Roadways: should not exceed 10%. A 15% slope approaches the limit a vehicle can climb for a sustained period of time.
- Parking lots: should not exceed 5% (2.5% is preferred)
- Grass areas: should not exceed 25%
6
Q
The more perpendicular the sun rays, the _____ the amount of solar radiation received.
A
greater
7
Q
Define azimuth.
A
The angle between the sun’s vertical height and the horizon.
In the summer it is a larger angle and more perpendicular, thus more radiation is received.
8
Q
How does slope of the site relate to solar?
A
The slope of the site affects the amount of solar energy it receives.
The angle between the ground surface and the direction of the sun’s rays is greater if the ground slopes to the south than if it is level. Hence south sloping sites receive more radiation than north sloping sites.
9
Q
How does the water table affect the foundation?
A
It determines:
- the type of foundation;
- the depth of the foundation;
- the type of waterproofing;
- if a basement is possible
10
Q
What is a high water table?
A
If subsurface water is within 6’ below the surface.
11
Q
What happens in cold climates with a high water table?
A
The water can freeze , and if it does, it expands as it freezes.
The wrong type of foundation could crack or settle if the water table freezes and pushes it upward.
12
Q
What is seepage?
A
Water penetration with concrete foundations, due to capillary action.
13
Q
What are the five climatic conditions architects should be aware of?
A
Temperature: Our comfort zone ranges between 63-71 in winter and 66-75 in summer.
Humidity: The amount of water vapor in the air. Comfortable ranges are from 30 to 60 percent.
Wind: hazards can include hurricanes, tornadoes, and windstorms. Prevailing wind patterns should be considered.
Rainfall: most important concern related to rainfall is storm water runoff and management to prevent flooding.
Snowfall: snow loads on structures and snow removal strategies; also concerns for water runoff from snowmelt.
14
Q
What is the difference between “climate” and “weather”?
A
Climate describes general trends.
Weather describes the specific weather on a given day.
15
Q
What affects the macroclimate?
A
Site latitude; site elevation; prevailing winds; proximity to water; proximity to mountains; topography.
16
Q
What are the four primary climate zones?
A
Cool; Temperate; Arid; Tropical
17
Q
What is the difference between Albedo and Conductivity?
A
Albedo is a measure of the reflectivity of a material. Snow has a high albedo, grass has a low albedo.
Conductivity refers to material’s ability to absorb light.
Grass areas have low albedo (they reflect less) and have high conductivity (absorb more) and therefore are cooler than nearby paved areas.
18
Q
What are some ways to mitigate site noise?
A
Use vegetation; site walls; or have smaller wall openings on that side of the building.
19
Q
What are some benefits of trees and vegetation?
A
- Trees can be used to screen or direct wind on the site.
- Tress and vegetation absorbs sunlight and adds humidity to the air, cooling the site around the building.
- Planted areas are cooler during hot days and have less heat loss during the night.
- Trees are often used to shade the south and west facing sides of the building.
- Deciduous trees block out direct sunlight in the summer while allowing it to pass through in the winter.
- Coniferous trees block wind and views.
20
Q
Names ways to mitigate or limit disturbance to flora.
A
- Designate no disturbance zones.
- Re-plant disturbed areas to another area of the site.
- Minimize disturbance to natural water or food supply on site.
- Plant native or indigenous species.
- Avoid invasive plants to help protect existing vegetation.
- Use/Employ a conservation easement.
21
Q
What is a Conservation Easement?
A
A 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 certain tax benefits.
22
Q
Name ways to mitigate or limit disturbance to fauna.
A
- Designate no disturbance zones.
- Minimize disturbance to natural water or food supply on site.
- Minimize night site lighting to not disturb fauna.
- Maintain wildlife/use corridors through the site.
- Use/Employ a conservation easement.
23
Q
Name ways you can increase the bearing capacity of soil?
A
Compaction; Fill; Surcharging.
24
Q
Name and order (by size) the different types of soil.
A
From largest to smallest (size): Gravel; Sand; Silt; Clay.
Organic material - must be removed.
25
Name and state key aspects of each soil type.
- Gravel: drains well, able to bear loads
- Sand: drains well, good foundation when graded.
- Silt: stable when dry or damp, not when wet. Swells when frozen.
- Clay: plastic when wet, stiff when dry. Poor drainage, can be highly expansive.
26
Name some general rules of thumb about boring tests.
- Placed 100-500 feet apart for uniform conditions.
- 50' apart for large structures.
- Placed with one at each building corner and one in the center of the proposed building.
- Should extend 20' beyond firm strata.
27
What is the difference between Safe Bearing Capacity and Ultimate Bearing Capacity?
Safe Bearing Capacity: ultimate bearing capacity of the soil divided by a safety factor of 2 to 4 times.
Ultimate Bearing Capacity: maximum unit pressure to which the foundation soil may be subjected without detrimental settlement.
28
Name the basic vehicular routes and in order from High to Low intensity.
Freeways > Arterial Streets (Highways) > Collector/Distributor Streets > Local Streets
29
What is the area covered by a person standing still?
~ 3 square feet
30
As a general rule of thumb, what should a ...
- sidewalk's width be?
- collector walkways (handling larger number of people) be?
Sidewalk: not less than 5'
Collector walkway: at least 6' to 10'
31
Name some high thermal mass materials.
- Stone
- Earth
- Brick
- Concrete
- Tile
32
Name some building materials that can be reclaimed.
- Wood
- Brick
- Countertops
- Cabinets
33
Name examples of sustainably harvest materials:
- Cork
- Bamboo
- Palm wood
34
Name the 6 Principles of Sustainable Design
1) Optimize site potential
2) Optimize energy use
3) Protect and conserve water
4) Optimize building space and material use
5) Enhance indoor environmental quality (IEQ)
6) Optimize operational and maintenance practices
35
When used for irrigation, graywater requires a _____ system.
drip
36
What is rainwater harvesting?
The process of collecting water that falls on your roof or yard. That water is filtered and stored for later use to irrigate the landscape or flush the toilets.
37
Name typical patterns for designing livable and thriving neighborhoods.
- Street front pattern
- End-on pattern
- Court pattern
- Cluster development
- Planned unit development (PUD)
- Urban redevelopment / Urban renewal
38
Name three main characteristics of a PUD
- Large scale
- Mixed use
- Done in phases
39
How are Urban Redevelopments / Urban Renewal funded?
Urban redevelopments / Urban renewal are federally funded.
40
What is the main difference between a PUD and Urban Redevelopment / Urban Renewal project?
PUDs typically refer to new development.
Redevelopment (or renewal) refers to improving an existing area to bring density, diversity and a mix of uses.
41
Name the four approaches to preserving historically significant structures (from most historically accurate to least).
- Preservation
- Rehabilitation
- Restoration
- Reconstruction
42
In historic preservation, _____, _____, and _____ are emphasized, while _____ is discouraged.
protection, maintenance, repair;
| replacement
43
List the process of historic preservation (in order):
- Identify, retain, and preserve historic materials and features.
- Stabilize any deteriorated historic materials/features as a primary measure.
- Protect and maintain historic materials and features.
- Repair historic materials and features.
- Limited replacement of extensively deteriorated portions of historic features.
- Address energy efficiency, accessibility, health and life safety issues.
44
What are the two ways to measure density?
Net Density: the ratio of people to land, excluding streets and open spaces
Gross Density: the ratio of people to land INCLUDING streets and open spaces. This is more accurate.
45
What is the minimum average people per acre (PPA) required for an effective public transit system?
30
46
The purpose of zoning is to allocate the function and use of land in order to:
- Protect local residents from undesirable types of business;
- Protect the access to direct sunlight and fresh air;
- Protect the amount of open space for local residents;
- Ensure incompatible types of building uses do not disturb residents (ie: putting a loud factory next to a quiet library).
47
Name and define the four main categories of zoning used in the US.
- Euclidean: single use zoning
- Performance: designed for flexibility and responds to changing market
- Incentive: encourage new development by implementing a reward-based system for urban development
- Form-Based: regulate the form that the land use may shape (setbacks, building heights, density, etc), rather than type of land use
48
Name examples of issues regulated by building codes.
- Type of Construction
- Type of Occupancy
- Construction standards of care (nailing patterns, connections, etc.)
- Structural and seismic requirements (shear walls, bolting, lateral forces)
- Hurricane requirements (impact strength, roof shingle attachment)
- Accessibility Guidelines (wheelchair ramps, handrails)
- Safety (guardrails, stair nosings)
- Health standards (ventilation, fresh air needs)
- Sanitation requirements (pipe locations and size, water supply)
- Assembly (room location and sizes)
- Electrical (wiring safety, outlet locations, circuit breakers)
- Fireplace requirements (smoke dampers, ventilation requirements, glass doors)
- Energy efficiency requirements (minimum insulation, window sizes, orientation)
- Water efficiency requirements (low flow toilets, plumbing flow rates)
- Egress and exiting requirements (exit signage, hallway length & width, exit discharge)
- Fire protection (sprinklers, smoke/fire dampers, standpipes)
49
What is the difference between the Property Line and the Building Line.
Property line is the legal boundary of a site outlining the ownership of a property.
Property lines are used as the starting point of certain setbacks to determine the building line of (or buildable area on) the site.
50
Define: Prescriptive Code
A code that specifies specific techniques, materials and methods allowed for use. Simple to administer, but the specific code allows for no innovation.
51
Define: Performance Code
A code that describes functional requirements that meet a certain standard, allowing the architect to find ways to meet those standards. The open nature of the code promotes innovation. You may have to demonstrate you're meeting the intent of the code by requiring a test paid for by owner.
52
Define: Fire Zone
A special area within the building deemed high, moderate, or low hazardous for fire.
The type of zone affects the types of materials and uses permitted in the zone.
53
What are the three steps the Permitting Process can be simplified into?
1) Entitlement Phase;
2) Building and Safety Plan Check (and other agencies);
3) Obtaining the Building Permit
54
Who can obtain the Building Permit?
The Owner can.
The GC can, and will have to show their General Contractor's license and proof of workers compensation insurance.
The Architect DOES NOT.
55
List ramp and walkway requirements.
- Ramps shall not be steeper than 1:12 (8.3%) slope.
- Ramps shall be a minimum width of 36"
- Ramps maximum run to be be 30' and maximum rise 30" (before a landings is required).
- Ramp landings shall be a minimum of 60" in length.
- Ramps that change direction shall have a clear landing area of 60" minimum by 60" minimum.
- Handrails shall extend 12" minimum beyond the top and bottom of the ramp.
- Clear space between handrails and the wall shall be 1.5" minimum.
- Minimum width required for two wheelchairs to pass each other is 60," so public walkways should be a minimum 60" (5') wide.
- Walkways should have a maximum gradient of 5% (1:20) and a maximum cross gradient of 2% (1:50).
- All accessible paths of travel, which cross into vehicular aisles are required to have detectable warning strips (truncated domes).
- Flared sides of curb ramps shall be 1:10 maximum slope.
56
# Define the following:
- Wheelchair passage width
- 2 wheelchairs passing width
- Required headroom
- Wheelchair turning space
- Clear floor space
- Doors
- Shallow closet doors
- Door clearance
- Handrail height
- Handrail cross section from wall
- Handrail extension at top
- Handrail extension at bottom
- Stairways
- Wheelchair passage width: 36" clear (32" clear at pinch point)
- 2 wheelchairs passing width: 60" clear minimum
- Required headroom: 80" minimum
- Wheelchair turning space: 60" minimum circle
- Clear floor space: 2'-6" (30") x 4'-0" (48")
- Doors: 32" clear minimum, when opened at 90
- Shallow closet doors: 20" clear minimum
- Door clearance: 1'-6" (18") clear at pull side of door
- Handrail height: 34" minimum to 38" maximum
- Handrail cross section from wall: 1.24" - 2" in diameter, no more than 1.5" clear
- Handrail extension at top: 12" past top of stair/ramp
- Handrail extension at bottom: 12" PLUST depth of one tread
- Stairways: 48" clear between handrails minimum
57
What are the requirements for an Area of Refuge?
- A minimum of one-hour fire rating with a smoke proof enclosure;
- Emergency lighting;
- Two-way communication with instructions;
- The area must be marked with an illuminated sign;
- Steady supply of outside fresh air;
- Passive fire protection
58
What is the Occupant Load Factor?
The amount of floor area presumed to be occupied by one person.
59
What is the difference between "Net Area" and "Gross Area" as it refers to Occupant Load Factor?
Net Area: the space actually used;
| Gross Area: all floor area: stair, hallways, toilets, mechanical rooms, storage and wall thicknesses.
60
What is an Accessory Use Area, and provide an example.
To be considered an accessory use area, the area CAN'T exceed 10% of the total floor area allowed by the height/area table. It does NOT need to be separated from the main area by a fire separation.
Example: a small office inside a factory
61
What is an Incidental Accessory Area?
It is similar to an accessory area, in that it cannot be more than 10% of the total floor area allowed by the height/area table, but it DOES need to be separated from the main area by a fire separation.
Example: a linen closet on the same floor as the hotel rooms
62
What is a Mixed Occupancy?
If the occupancies in a building are too large to be considered incidental or accessory then the building is considered to have mixed occupancy.
63
How do you determine the Occupant Load?
Take the largest of the these three methods:
1) Actual number of people the space or building is designated to accommodate, typically used where fixed seating exists.
- Example: an auditorium with 300 seats sets an occupant load of 300
2) Use a load factor provided in the code. Divide the building area by this occupant load factor.
- Example: a restaurant is 5,000sf, and the occupant load factory (shown in the code) is 15sf per person. Thus 5000/15 = 333.33 or 334 persons (round up to the nearest number)
3) Occupant load is cumulative as the occupants exit through intervening spaces to an ultimate exit.
- Example: An office is 3,700sf with an occupant load factor of 100sf/person; connected to 2 classrooms of 1,200sf each, with a load factor of 20sf/person. Thus:
Office: 3700/100= 37 persons
Classrooms: 1200+1200=2400/20 = 120 persons
37+120=157 persons
64
What determines the need for a fire suppression system (typically sprinklers)?
Generally based on:
- Area of the building (larger areas have more requirements)
- The type of occupancy (larger groups of people in one area will have stricter requirements)
- The number of occupants (more people trigger more requirements)
65
When are sprinklers required?
For buildings taller than 55', or deep underground, or windowless structures.
66
Define: Fire Resistance
The value for how long a wall separation can resists the passage of fire.
Stated in terms of hours. i.e. R1 = one hour of resistance.
67
Define: Flame Spread Rating / Smoke Developed Rating.
It measures the amount of flame and smoke a material generates when burned.
Certain ratings are required for certain materials and use.
68
Name a way to gain additional bonus height increase, as it relates to Type of Construction.
- Use a higher rated type of construction (i.e. go from Type V to Type III)
- Add fire proofing to the structure
- Add a sprinkler system
69
Name the Types of Construction and provide an example.
Type I: Fire Resistive - Concrete or protected steel. Typically found in high-rise buildings.
Type II: Non-Combustible - reinforced masonry with metal framing at roof. Typically found in mid-rise office buildings.
Type III: Combustible - using brick, block or light gauge steel framing walls with wood framing at roof. Typically found in low-rise schools, hotels, or offices.
Type IV: Heavy Timber - also called "mill construction," wood must be nominally 8" or larger. Typically found in warehouse buildings.
Type V: Wood Frame - used on apartment buildings and single family homes.
70
What does the letter after the Construction Type indicate?
Whether it is fire resistance or not.
A: protected by fire rated covering (drywall, spray-on coating) by at least 1-hour rating
B or N: unprotected with no additional fire rating other than the material's natural fire resistance.
71
What are the three parts to the Egress?
1) Exit Access (unprotected): typically limited to 75' before a second path is required. the overall travel distance from ANY space within an office to an exit is 250'.
2) Exit: A door that opens directly to the outside or to a protected stair to the outside.
3) Exit Discharge: the path from the exit door to reach the public way.
72
What is the fire rating for an Exit Stair?
Enclosed fire stairs must be fire rated for one hour for up to 3 stories, or two hours for 4 or more stories.
73
What is the maximum number of people a space can have with only one exit?
49
74
What is a Public Way?
Any street, alley or land that is unobstructed from the ground to the open sky that is permanently set for public use with a clear width of at least 10'.
Exits must discharge to a public way.
75
Name the five steps to comply with the building code.
Step 1: Determine the Occupancy Group and Load.
Step 2: Identify the Fire Areas and Separation Requirements
Step 3: Identify the Type of Construction
Step 4: Determine the Means of Egress
Step 5: Determine System Requirements
76
How far can an egress door swing into the path of travel?
no more than 7"
77
For egress: Travel distance is based on what?
The occupancy and whether or not the building is sprinklered.
78
For egress: The number of exits depends on what?
- Occupant load;
- Occupancy type;
- The limitations of the common path of egress travel;
- Specific requirements for large occupancy loads
79
If the Occupancy Load is more than 1,000 how many exits do you need?
At least 4 exits.
80
How far apart should exit doors be from one another if the building is NOT sprinklered?
At least one-half the maximum diagonal dimension of the building area being served.
81
How far apart should exit doors be from one another if the building IS sprinklered?
At least one-third the maximum diagonal dimension of the building area being served.
82
If 3 or more exits are required, how far apart are they required to be?
Two must follow half the diagonal rule, and the additional exits should be a reasonable distance apart such that if one is blocked the others are available.
83
High-rise buildings are required to have:
- An automatic sprinkler system
- Smoke detectors and alarms
- Communication systems at areas of refuge
- Central control stations for fire department use
- Smoke control for exit stair enclosures
- Standby power systems
84
Exit widths for corridors and stairways follow what equation? Do you round up or down?
For stairways: occupant load x 0.3
For other egress components (corridors, etc.): occupant load x 0.2
Round up
85
What is the minimum width of Corridors?
36" minimum for an occupancy up to 50 people
44" minimum for an occupancy greater than 50 people;
For example: an office has an occupant load of 157, the minimum width would be first calculated at:
Corridors etc.: OLx0.2 = 31.4 --> 32"
Stairs: and OLx0.3 = 47.1" --> 48"
Because the minimum for over 50 ppl is 44", it would be 44" for the corridor and 48" for the stairs.
86
How far can handrails project into the required stair width?
No more than 4.5"
87
For ADA accessible stairs, ____" clear is required between handrails.
48
88
Dead end corridors are limited to ____', except when:
| _____ and _____.
- 20
- two of them allow for a 50' long corridor (depending on occupancy group)
- their length is less than 2.5 times the smallest width of the dead end.
89
When are door, window and duct openings allowed along a 1-hour fire rated corridor?
ONLY IF:
- Doors have a 20-minute fire rating
- Doors have smoke and draft control seals
- Doors have self-closing / automatic closers
- Doors can be held open if the closers activate a smoke detector
- Windows have UL Listed glass with a 45-min fire rating
- Windows cover no more than 25% of the wall (except if glass is fire rated)
- Ducts include a fire damper with a 20-minute fire rating
90
Corridor dimensions:
____" minimum width;
____" minimum width with occupant load <50 OR within a dwelling unit;
____" minimum width for E (educational) occupancy with >100 occupant load OR for I (Institutional) occupancy
44"
36"
77"
91
Why should a stairway be completely enclosed?
A vertical shaft could easily spread a fire to every floor of the building.
92
When can stairs NOT be enclosed?
- In Group H and I occupancy, a stairway is serving an occupant load of less than 10, with only one story above or below the level of exit discharge.
- In Group R-2 and R-3 occupancy, a stairway is serving and is contained within a single residential dwelling unit, or in and R-1 guest room.
- Up to half of the number of egress stairways is serving only one adjacent floor (except for Group H and I).
93
What are the required fire ratings for stair ways in a:
- 1-story building;
- 2-story building;
- 3-story building;
- 4+ story building
1, 2 or 3 stories: 2-hour rated walls, and 1.5 hour rated doors
4+ stories: 1-hour rated walls and doors
4+ stories require sprinklered systems, thus the rated time is lower.
94
List the following typical stair dimensions:
- Max riser height
- Min tread depth
- Max nosing overhang
- Max nosing thickness
- Max between landings
- Max height of handrail
- Handrail extension at bottom
- Handrail extension at top
- Head height clearance
- Max riser height: 4" - 7"
- Min tread depth: 11"
- Max nosing overhang: 1.5"
- Max nosing thickness: 1"
- Max between landings: 12' measured vertically
- Max height of handrail: 34" - 38"
- Handrail extension at bottom: tread depth + 12"
- Handrail extension at top: 12" beyond top riser
Head height clearance: 6'-6" min (78")
95
If a stair width is wider than ___" an intermediate handrail is required.
60
96
When are guardrails required?
Along any walking surface with a drop off of more than 30".
97
What is the height and spacing for guardrails?
Must be at least 42" high, and designed such that a 4" diameter sphere cannot pass through any opening.
98
How much weight must a railing or guardrail be able to handle?
200 lbs
99
Name the factors that contribute to the risk and spread of fire.
- Slope: fire will follow the slope and burns faster going uphill.
- Weather: hot, dry conditions increase fire risk, and wind spreads the fire more quickly.
- Vegetation: an overgrown site runs a higher risk of catching fire.
- Lighting strike: lighting is one of the major causes of wildfire.
- Campgrounds: unattended campfires or campfires that were thought extinguished.
- Highways: careless people discard their cigarettes out the car window.
100
What are some ways to reduce the risk of fire:
- Defensible Zone or Defensible Space: set back overgrown plants, workshops, and combustible materials at least 5' from the perimeter of the building.
- Materials: select non-combustible materials for the exterior finish, including fiber cement siding, fiberglass trim, stucco and concrete block.
- Construction methods: use appropriate materials for roofing and wall and floor assemblies.
101
Name some hazards associated with wind.
- Uplift: the entire structure, including awnings, overhangs, and porticos, must be designed to resit the force of uplift.
- Overturning: the structure and site elements must be properly anchored to resist the force of overturning.
- Lateral loads: structural systems need to be designed to resist wind and seismic loads.
102
What is a thermal bridge?
Material that lets heat move easily from one side of the wall to the other through direct contact.
103
What are the four methods of heat transfer?
- Conduction: Direct contact
- Convection: Through the air
- Radiation: Straight line from the source
- Evaporation: When water changes into water vapor in the air
104
How do you calculate degree days for...
...cooling?
...heating?
Example to use:
- 6 months heat wave, average temperature: 82 F
- Expected human comfort for hot days: no greater than 80 F
- 3 months cold, average temp: 58 F
- Preferred indoor temperature: 72 F
First you need to understand the assumption that conventional commercial / residential construction means the indoor temp averages 5 F greater than outdoor temperature.
Cooling:
1) 6 months = ~180 days
2) 82 F is 2 F above comfort (80 F)
3) Add 5 F to 82 F = 87 F
4) Subtract 87 and 80 = 7 F
5) Multiply 7 F x 180 days = 1,260 degree days
Heating:
1) 3 months = ~90 days
2) Add 5 F to outside temp (58 F) = 63 F
4) Subtract 63 and 72 = 9 F
5) Multiply 9 F x 90 days = 810 degree days
105
Is 50% relative humidity at 65 F the same as 50% at 72 F?
No.
Relative humidity is the typical measure of humidity as it relates to the current temperature; it is expressed as a %.
106
What relative humidity level do architects strive for, and why?
At least 20%, so that building materials, such as wood, don't become too dry.
107
What is a leading cause of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)?
Lack of fresh air in a building/space. Recirculating old, air.
108
What is the current standard (numerical value) for ventilation requirements as it relates to air circulation?
15 cfm (cubic feet per minute) of fresh air PER person.
*20 cfm in offices.
109
What are the two configurations options for a central air distribution system?
- One duct system: delivering hot OR cold air
| - Two duct system: delivering hot AND cold air
110
What does a _____ pipe central water distribution system entail?
.... a two pipe .....
.... a three pipe ....
.... a four pipe ....
Two pipe: cold and return
Three pipe: hot, cold and return
Four pipe: hot, hot return, cold, and cold return
111
What is a local distribution system?
Where an AHU (air handling unit) brings fresh air directly in to a space; think motel rooms.
112
What are four different types of air conditioning systems that use just air?
- Variable air volume (VAV): control the amount of air and can control humidity as well.
- Dual-duct system: there are separate ducts for heating and cooling.
- Reheat system: like an in-wall unit, this system will condition air and put it back into a room. The difference, the reheat system can also filter and use outside air.
- Multizone system: provides heating and cooling ducts to separate areas (zones) of a building.
113
How many BTUs per hour is equivalent to one ton of capacity?
12,000
114
In regards to ducts, what is a "boot"?
The piece of duct that makes the transition from in both shape and direction at once.
115
What is the difference between a register and a grille?
A register is what is placed at the delivery end of a duct when the supply air is ducted through a wall or from under the floor.
If the register does NOT have operable fins, but just a grate or wire weave, it is simply known as a grille.
116
What is a diffuser?
It is used to distribute air from above, and can take on a variety of shapes.
117
What is the difference between the throw and the spread, as it relates to air delivery systems?
Throw: how far into a space the conditioned air will travel with reasonable speed. Should be 3/4 the depth of the space.
Spread: how widely the diffuser or register can deliver the air.
118
What is a plenum?
A sealed off space where air can be collected.
This is still an active air-return system, just without the ducts.
119
In early design phases, how much should we assume that the mechanical system, as a whole, is going to occupy the building by volume?
3% - 10%
120
What is the conversion of...
... BTU/hr to Watt?
.... Watts to Horsepower (HP)?
3.413 BTU/hr = 1 Watt
| 746 Watts = 1 HP
121
What is the relationship between wattage (watt(s)), voltage (volt(s)), and amperage (amp(s))?
watts = volts x amps
122
How much voltage is typically supplied to residences?
240 volts.
This is most commonly supplied with three wires - one that carries no charge, and two each have 120 volts.
123
How many wires, and what voltage, is associated with three-phase power?
4 wires; three of them carrying 120 volts each, one that carries no charge.
Typically used in businesses.
124
What is the difference between power and energy?
Power refers to the wattage available to us.
Energy refers to the use of power over time.
125
What are the three main voltages electrical power is supplied?
- Small scale and residential: 120/240 volt; single-phase; 3-wire
- Most commercial projects: 120/208 volt; 3-phase; 4-wire
- Very large-scale projects: 277/480 volt; 3-phase; 4-wire
126
What is the typical service voltage supplied to a typical wall outlet?
120 volts
127
What are some disadvantages to flat wire cabling?
- PVC backed carpet tiles can only be used per code.
- Care should be taken not to run through high traffic areas or concentrated loads from furniture.
- Wires my alter the appearance of carpet tiles as they run below them.
- Telephone cables run only 35 feet.
128
What are some examples of "always-on" devices, and what is a general rule for the calculation for them?
Devices like a refrigerator, water heater, or clock radios.
Calculate at 125% of their stated power requirements.
129
What does GFCI stand for?
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt
It is a type of outlet. Think of it like a mini circuit-breaker on a specific plug.
130
When does the code require the use of a GFCI?
When an outlet is within 10' of water, like kitchens and bathrooms.
131
What percentage of efficiency as a conductor is aluminum wire to copper wire?
60% as efficient. Copper wire is better
132
What are four different ways to state a wire gauge? Use 8 gauge for example
- 8 AWG (American Wire Gauge)
- #8
- No. 8
- 8 ga.
133
Technically speaking what size is for "wire" and what size is for "cable"?
"Wire" is 8 AWG or smaller
"Cable" is 6 AWG or larger
NOTE: A larger number represents thinner wires
134
What is the difference between a wire and a cable?
Cables are often two or more conductive wires wound together.
135
What is a busbar?
A rigid conductor, called a busbar, is used when cables are not adequate.
136
What is Ohm's Law?
```
Voltage = Amperage x Resistance
V = I x R
```
Thus: 1 volt = 1 amp x 1 ohm
137
Mathematically, how are the following related?
| Watts, Volts, Amps, Ohms
```
Watts = Volts x Amps
Volts = Amps x Ohms
```
If you know any two, you can figure out the other two.
138
Example problem: An outlet is going to be 100' away from the main panel. The planned circuit is going to be 120 V AC with a 20 amp breaker. The applicable code only allows for a loss of 3% of power in transmission.
Would a 12 AAWG copper wire be adequate for this service or will it need to be upgraded to a thicker wire?
Let's say you have a table to look up the amount of resistance for 100' of this wire. It shows the resistance is 0.16.
Step 1) Watts = Volts x Amps
Watts = 120 Volts x 20 Amps = 2,400 Watts
Step 2) Watts = Volts x Amps --> Volts = Amps x Ohms
Watts = (Amps x Ohms) x Amps
Watts = (20 Amps x 0.16) x 20 Amps
Watts = 3.2 Volts x 20 Amps = 64 Watts
Step 3) Code only allows for a 3% loss of power (which is what was solved for in Step 1)
3% of 2,400 watts = 72 Watts
This system only loses 64 Watts (what was solved for in Step 2).
Therefore, the 12 AWG wire is fine as it loses only 64 Watts and can lose up to 72 Watts per code.
139
Typically, how high above the finish floor should outlets be placed?
12" - 18"
140
How is water pressure measured?
Pounds per square inch (PSI)
141
What is the way to express (calculate) the force needed to move water?
Every 1 PSI of force can lift water up by 2.3 feet (~2'-4")
For example: given a vertical pipe that is 23' - 4" tall and filled with water, you would need a force of 10 PSI just to keep that column of water in place.
142
Typically main supply lines are ran ________, while drain lines are primarily ________.
horizontal; vertical
Remember, drainage relies on gravity, so a drain line that is primarily horizontal will need to have some slope to it.
143
What are the three typical nomenclatures for thickness of copper piping?
- K is the thickest, and is the only one suitable for running underground
- L is medium
- M is thinnest, which actually has the greatest capacity of water flow
All have the same outside dimension.
144
What are the four types of plastic pipes?
How many, and what are they, can deliver hot water as well?
- Polybutylene (PB)
- Polyethylene (PE)
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC)
2, and PB and CPVC
145
What is a "normal stress"?
Forces that act perpendicular on an area are said to have a direction that is normal to that area.
Therefore, compressive and tensile stresses are normal stresses.
146
What are the four levels (or states) water content in soil?
Solid, semi-solid, liquid, plastic
147
Where is steel reinforcing often added in footings, and why?
Often added near the bottom of the footing to resit the tension from the footings natural deflection upward.
148
What is the maximum speed, in feet per minute (fpm), an elevator can be designed for?
1.6 times the building height plus 350
149
For people to feel comfortable in an elevator, how much space (in sf) should they get?
about 2 SF
150
What are the three primary types of elevators?
- Hydraulic Elevators: supported by a piston at the bottom of the elevator; used for low-rise applications of 2-8 stories
- Geared and Gearless Traction Elevators (with Machine Room): lifted by ropes, which pass over a wheel attached to a motor; used for mid- and high-rise applications
- Machine Roomless (MRL) Elevators: traction elevators with the machine in the override space (above the cab) used for mid-rise up to 250'
151
What are the four basic types of fire detection devices?
- Ionization detectors: can detect particles from a smoldering fire before it bursts into flames; considered early warning detectors
- Photoeletric detectors: responds to smoke
- Rise-in-temperature detectors: trips an alarm when a particular temperature is reached; no early warning sign
- Flame detectors: responds to infrared or ultraviolet radiation given off by flames; no early warning sign
152
What is coping?
The top, typically sloping, course of a brick or stone wall.
153
What is a parapet?
The extension of the exterior wall above the top of the roofline.
154
How far must wall framing be kept above the exterior grade and why?
4"-6" to avoid absorption of moisture from ground surfaces.
155
Match coniferous and deciduous trees to hard and soft lumber.
Coniferous trees are a soft wood.
Deciduous trees are a hard wood.
156
What are three things an architect can specify/detail to keep lumber dry after construction?
1) properly ventilating crawl and attic spaces;
2) installation of vapor barriers; and
3) maintaining a minimum 6" clearance between lumber and the ground
157
What is the difference between dimension lumber and timbers?
Dimensional lumber is members that are 2" - 4" in nominal thickness.
Timbers are members that have a minimum thickness of 5" or more.
158
What is concrete slurry and what is its main use?
Concrete without aggregate is called slurry.
It is used in patching concrete surfaces that have cracks or holes and can also be used in smoothing out concrete counter tops.
159
How is rebar numbered? I.e. what does a number 5 bar mean?
based on eights of an inch; 5/8" in diameter
160
After installation brick/stones tend to [expand or shrink]?
expand slightly
161
After installation and curing concrete block/precast concrete tends to [expand or shrink]?
shrink slightly
162
What side of the wall does the vapor barrier go?
the warm side
163
What does CPTED stand for?
Crime Prevention through Environmental Design
164
What are four key principles of CPTED?
1) Natural Surveillance
2) Natural Access Control
3) Territorial Reinforcement
4) Maintenance
165
Color can affect ...
- Emotions
- Productivity
- The feeling of the space
- How the form is perceived
- How imperfections are hidden
166
What are the 7 principles of Universal Design?
1) Equitable use
2) Flexibility in use
3) Simple and intuitive
4) Perceptible information
5) Tolerance for error
6) Low physical effort
7) Size and space for approach and use
167
What is the difference between Open Specifications and Closed Specifications?
Open specs: often called "equal specs," typically includes three or more trade names with a provision of "or approved equal." Used for competitive bidding.
Close specs: specifies a single trade name and typically does not allow for substitutions. Generally not allowed on public projects.
168
What is the difference between Proprietary Specs and Performance Specs?
Proprietary specs generally name a specific product or products.
Performance specs describes the desired and required performance of the product (i.e. fiberglass batt insulation with R-19 value)
169
What are some typical time frames for development of the following stages (in weeks or months):
- Design Development
- Construction Documents
- Bidding and Negotiation
- Design Development: 2 - 4 months for a typical project
- Construction Documents: 3 - 7 months, depending on the project size
- Bidding or Negotiation: 3 - 6 weeks, regardless of project size
170
What are some cost considerations for a material or system?
The initial cost, the durability and maintenance cost, and the lifecycle cost.
For example, materials that have higher quality or durability may have a higher initial cost, but a lower cost to maintain or replace in the future.
171
By adjusting what (name 5), how can an architect help control project costs?
- Project size
- Finish quality
- Detail complexity
- Program requirements
- Number of trades used (carpenters, welders, masons, etc.)
172
Name five items that cost estimating generally does NOT include.
- New utility services to the building from the street
- Site improvements and landscaping
- Unusual foundation situations
- Unconventional requests typically not found under building type
- Furnishings and equipment not furnished/handled according to contract
173
What are Accommodation Units (or units of accommodation)?
Units of accommodation assist designs where there are multiple iterations of the same function/space.
I.E. apartments, hospital beds, parking spaces, dormitories, and movie theaters
174
What does CCI and BCI stand for?
CCI: Construction cost index
BCI: Building cost index
175
Usually any exposed steel is limited to _____ stores in a building.
3
176
What are cathodes and anodes?
The two types of metal groups. Important to know which ones to keep apart from the other. The anodes are less stable and corrode easily.
177
Name some metals in the cathode group.
Gold, silver, nickel and titanium
178
Name some metals in the anode group.
zinc, galvanized steel, and aluminum
179
What side of the wall do you put the vapor barrier?
On the predominantly warm side
180
Flashing is used primarily in three areas of the building. What are the three and name the specific locations of each.
Roofs: at valleys, and at penetrations from chimneys or pipes.
Sills: beneath windows, and at door thresholds
Walls: at caps, or connections to roofs
181
When the air temperature falls to 40 degrees, or below, during the protection period it can potentially lead to what for concrete?
It can lead to concrete freezing before it cures.
182
Typically all concrete must be protected within the first _____ hours?
24
