C1-KS01 Flashcards
Knowledge of conditions of the natural environment regulated in California (e.g., wetlands, coastal regions, habitats of endangered species) as they relate to design and construction.
Topographical conditions
— concerned with surface conditions, remember on the surface. 1. Grading — is the site level and flat OR hilly and sloped? 2. 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? 3. Utilities access — are utilities available at the property line or 1,000 yards away? Are there power poles blocking views or vehicular access? 4. Features of the site — are there rock outcroppings and cliffs, grassy meadows, wooded and forested areas? 5. Bodies of water — are there wetlands, lakes, streams, rivers, or ocean nearby? 6. Views — are there any significant views to the ocean, city lights, wooded areas? Think about the items included on a Topographical Map, the kind of map used for navigation and the same kind of map you might take on a hiking trip.
What the difference between topographical and geological conditions?
Topographical concerns occur on the surface, Geological concerns occur under the surface (yes, a little simplified, but it suits our purpose).
Hydrological conditions
— concerned with water and its relationship to the site. 1. Water table - high water table requires additional site drainage/storm water runoff measures, concern for appropriate foundation type, waterproofing measures. 2. Site drainage — how is water draining off of the site? Is it being contained on site via a catch basin, is it running off into the local storm water system, or running off into the local wetlands? 3. Movement of water on or through the site — how is water moving through the site? Are there places where it is ponding and collecting? Is water draining away from the building? 4. Affect foundation selection/design — the presence of water onsite can impact the type of foundation system recommended by the Geologist.
Geological conditions
— concerned with soil conditions, directly impacts foundation design, remember under the surface. 1. Type of soil affects the foundation selection and design • Expansive/clay— low bearing capacity • Bedrock — stable, high bearing capacity 2. Type of foundation based upon soil conditions • Typical footings & stem walls (stable soils, bedrock) • Mat foundation (expansive soil, high water table) • Piles and grade beams (expansive soil, high water table)
There are 5 main Climatic Conditions to be concerned with
- Temperature 2. Humidity 3. Rainfall 4. Wind 5. Snowfall. -There is a common misconception among candidates as many believe Solar Orientation is a climatic condition. However, Solar Orientation is not a Climatic Condition, rather a Site Condition. See Wikipedia’s definition of Climate. - It is also important to understand the individual climatic conditions and the concepts associated with each. Let’s take a further look;
Temperature
-Hot and cold, extreme temperature ranges possible in deserts and mountainous regions. It is a good idea to incorporate the following when designing for temperature concerns: -Proper insulation in walls and ceilings -Larger overhangs on southern exposure -Passive heating and cooling strategies -Properly sized mechanical equipment
Humidity
-The amount of water vapor in the air. -Remember humidity is likely to be involved in any project scenario. Even in the desert environment where the humidity level is low, you may need to incorporate humidification equipment into the design to increase the humidity on the interior, especially if it’s a library or museum so the contents are at the proper internal humidification level. -Moisture in the air -Excessive moisture in toilet rooms/shower rooms can lead to mold -Moisture control — exhaust fans in toilet rooms, laundry areas -Proper design of exterior details to allow materials to breathe
Rainfall
-Water penetration of the building envelope is always a concern and care must be taken to ensure a properly designed weather tight building. Also a concern for storm water runoff and rain water collection/distribution methods should be factored into the project scenario. -Proper slope and drainage of roof and site -Overhangs above exterior doors and windows to better protect openings -Proper flashing around door and windows -Proper flashing at all roof penetrations -Design a rain screen envelope to minimize moisture buildup in envelope -Desert environment — design for drainage to avoid flash flooding
Wind
- Wind hazards can include hurricanes, tornadoes, and other windstorms Winds generally occur from west, blowing over the Pacific Ocean, but local patterns should be studied -Note the prevailing wind patterns for the geographical area Strategic placement of operable windows, passive ventilation -Desert & mountainous environments — areas of high wind, extra care in design of overhangs to resist uplift -Southern California is prone to Santa Ana winds which usually occur in the fall and winter and originating over the hot and dry desert regions to the east of Los Angeles and blow in a westerly direction, oftentimes fanning wildfires in Southern California -We will discuss Wind in more detail in Knowledge Statement #2
What are the big 4 permits/approvals that may be required for most wetland or stream projects?
- USACE 404 Permit- US army Corps of Engineers 2. RWQCB 401 Cert. Regional Water Quality Control Board 3. CDFG Streambed Alteration Agreement - CA Dept. of Fish and Game 4. CEQA Compliance - CA Environmental Qualit Act
Snowfall
- Occurs in many parts of California, including the high desert and mountainous areas of Southern California
- Concern for weight of snow on roofs as well as areas of snow drift/accumulation
- Concern for runoff from snowmelt in the spring season, especially along the foothill areas associated with mountainous regions
California Wetlands Portal
Mission Statement/About — The California Wetlands Portal provides free public access to information about wetland projects, habitats, and habitat conditions in selected regions of California. Information on projects includes location, type (mitigation or non-mitigation), size, sponsors, status and planned changes to habitat. Wetland habitats are mapped for the entire state, using the best available information on each region.
California Wetlands Information System
Mission Statement/About — Designed to provide comprehensive wetlands information to the general public, the educational community, and governmental agencies. It is a compilation of public and private sector information, including maps, environmental documents, agency roles in wetlands management, restoration and mitigation activities, regulatory permitting, and wetland policies.
6 Factors that affect wetland health
- Habitat Alteration — converting wetlands to housing and farming that can easily displace or destroy wetlands.
- Hydrological Modification —levees, dams, and other unnatural structure can directly affect the wetland area such as upstream development, diversions or additions of surface water.
- Biological Invasion — non-native species that are inadvertently or intentionally introduced by people into a wetland can proliferate, displacing native species and altering wetlands functions and services.
- Pollution — manufactured chemicals that are spilled, leaked or dumped and also an overabundance of nutrients, sediment, native vegetation, additional water can disrupt the fragile ecosystem.
- Overharvesting— native plant and fish species.
- Climate Change — changes in annual rainfall amounts and temperature. 7
Wetlands
From the “California Wetlands” website;
- Wetlands have aquatic and terrestrial characteristics.
- They form wherever the land gets too wet for upland vegetation and standing water is not too deep for wetland vegetation.
- They form along the shallow margins of lakes, estuaries, and rivers, and in upland areas with high groundwater or shallow surface water, such as springs, seeps, wet meadows, and ponds.
- Wetlands are found in every region of California.
- They vary widely in form, function and human services because of regional and local differences in soils, topography, climate, hydrology, geology and other factors, including human disturbance.
