category I Flashcards
A site is located on a steep, undeveloped slope with souther views to the ocean. What are three primary concerns for this location?
// grading and foundation type: steep slope will require either extensive grading or a pile foundation system, or both
// utilities access: an undeveloped piece of land will need to connect to existing utilities
// views: preservation of southern view may be desired
Name six topographical conditions to consider when evaluating a site.
// grading: is the site flat, hilly, or sloped?
// vehicular access: during & after construction
// utilities access: exiting on site or must be extended
// site features: rock outcroppings, cliffs, forests, etc
// bodies of water: wetlands, lakes, streams, ocean, etc
// views: preserve existing views
How can a site be designed to avoid the ponding of water?
// reduce the amount of paving on site or use pervious paving materials
// include proper grading and swales to direct water away from building and to the storm drain system
What is the difference between topological conditions and geological conditions?
// topographical conditions occur on the surface of a site, while geological conditions occur under the surface of a site
What effect does a high water table have on site design?
// site drainage: dewatering may be necessary as well as storm water runoff management
// foundation type: mat slab floating on upper soil layers or piles extending to bear on stable soil
// waterproofing: foundation and basement walls require proper protection from water damage
What are the similarities and differences between a mat foundation and a pile foundation?
// similarities: both used on expansive soil or site with high water table
// differences: mat foundation essentially floats a building on the upper soil layers of the site, pile foundation is penetrated deep into site to reach stable soil
What are three passive design strategies that can be included in a building located in a desert climate?
// deserts are known for extreme temperature ranges, both very hot and very cold. passive design strategies can include:
// properly insulating walls and ceiling will help maintin the indoor temperature
// using large overhangs on the southern exposure will allow for ample sunlight in winter and shading in summer
// use of operable windows will allow for natural ventilation and air exchange
Name three design methods for protection against water penetration of the building envelope.
// proper slope and drainge of roof reduces the risk of ponding and leakage
// overhangs above doors and windows protect the openings from water infiltration
// a properly designed rain screen envelope minimizes moisture buildup in the exterior envelope (which can lead to mold and deterioration of materials)
You are designing a museum containing artifacts that are light and humidity sensitive. What measures should you take given these conditions?
// maximize the use of indirect lighting for the spaces containing artifacts, such as clerestory windows
// use of effective moisture control such as exhaust fans in toilet rooms will minimize indoor humidity as well as utilizing properly designed exterior details to allow materials to breathe
// install special humidification or dehumidication equipment to maintain proper humidity in the gallery spaces
Why should an architect be concerned with wind hazards?
// strong winds, much like seismic activity, can damage buildings by introducing lateral forces, particulary on projections such as parapets and overhangs
// these elements must be designed to resist uplift and overturning forces
// wind can also propel objects at buildings during hurricanes and tornadoes, so a building should be designed to withstand impact forces
You are designing an office building near the wetland area and the landscape architect wants to introduce a new plant species. What effect may this have on the wetland area?
// non-native plant species can have a negative impact on a wetland by displacing or destroying native species, altering the wetland function or service as well as disrupting the ecosystem
// an architect should take great care to minimize or eliminate construction and disturbance in wetland areas as well as maintain the proper permits for this type of site
Name four federal agencies that may be involved in the approval process for a wetlands project.
// u.s. fish & wildlife service
// u.s. army corps of engineers
// u.s. environmental protection agency (EPA)
// national resources conservation service
What are “the big four” permits/approvals that may be required for most wetland or stream projects?
// USACE 404 permit: u.s. army corp of engineers
// RWQCB 401 cert. - regional water quality control board
// CDFG streambed alteration agreement: california department of fish and game
// CEQA compliance: california environmental quality act
Describe flora and fauna and describe how your design may be affected by their presence on the site.
// flora is plant life such as trees, vegetation, and shrubs
// fauna refers to any animal life present, particularly endangered species
// site design may be affected by needing to designate no disturbance zones, re-planting disturbed areas, minimizing effect on food and water supply, minimizing night site lighting and maintaining wildlife use corridors
Your client has a site located near a wetland in the coastal zone. Which state agencies may be required for approval to design on this site?
// department of fish and game
// california environmental protection agency (CAL EPA)
// state water resources control board
// california coastal commission
Define the coastal zone in California according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
// the california coastal zone generally extends 1,000 yards inland from mean high tide line
// in significant coastal estuarine habitats and recreational areas extends inland to the first major ridgeline or five miles from the mean high tide line, whichever is less
// in developed urban areas, the boundary is generally less than 1,000 yards
Which state and federal agencies may be involved in the review process for habitats of endangered species?
// state agencies: department of fish and game, california environmental protection agency (CAL EPA)
// federal agencies: u.s. fish & wildlife service, u.s. environmental protection agency (EPA)
Which seismic zone in California poses the greatest earthquake hazard?
// seismic zone 4
// zone 4 is lcoated nearest to active faults and poses a greater hazard than zone 3
// there are four seismic shaking zones in the u.s., the higher the number the higher the earthquake danger
// all of california lies within two shaking zones, 3 and 4
According to the California Geological Survey, what is a fault and how are they defined on fault zone maps?
// a fault is a fracture in the crust of the earth along rocks on one side have moved relative to those on the other side
// an active fault is one that has ruptured in the last 11,000 years
// earthquake fault zones are plotted on topographic maps at a scale of 1 inch equals 2,000 feet and typically average about one-quarter mile wide
Name the three fire zones in California and what factors the severity of each is based on.
// the three fire zones in california are based on increasing fire hazard: medium, high, and very high
// these areas, or zones, are based on factors such as fuel (material that can burn), slope and fire weather
// fire burns faster uphill and weather conditions such as high temperatures, winds, or low humidity can cause a fire to grow rapidly
Name five ground effects an earthquake can cause on a site.
// ground shaking: causes over 90% of all damage
// landslide: shaking causes soil and rock to slide off slope
// fault rupture: crack forms as ground is offset along the two sides of a fault
// lateral spreading: shaking causes soil to break into blocks and separate
// liquefaction: loose, wet sandy soil causes the foundation to sink
What must occur before a project can be permitted in relation to earthquake fault zones?
// before a project can be permitted, cities and counties require a geologic investigation to show the building will not be constructed across active faults
// if an active fault is found, a structure for human occupancy must be set back from the fault, generally 50 feet
// the alquist-priolo act (1972) is intended to prevent construction of buildings used for human occupancy on the surface of active faults
What are the two key elements of the fire hazard severity zone model?
// probability of burning + probable fire behavior
// CAL FIRE has developed a model that serves as the basis of zone assignments that is based on factors such as fire history, existing and potential fuel, flame length, blowing embers, terrain, weather and likelihood of buildings igniting
What are three methods to reduce the chance of building loss in a fire?
// defensible space: reduce flammable material around homes to keep direct flames and heat away (law requires 100 feet around buildings)
// exterior wildlife exposure protection: construct buildings of fire resistant materials
// green zone: clearing an area of 30 feet immediately surrounding homes, keep roof clear of flammable material, trim tree branches and keep a spark arrester on the chimney
What types of disasters is FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) responsible for?
// FEMA has nationwide responsibility for reducing damages from hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, floords, fires, hazardous spills, acts of nature, or terrorism
// FEMA also creates and maintains floor insurance rate maps (FIRMS), which delineate both the special hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community
What site design measures can an architect use to mitigate flood damage?
// locate building pads above 100 year floodplain
// avoid large areas of concrete/hard surface
// use of swales to direct water runoff
Define the three wind exposure categories from most protected to least protected.
// determined by “ground surface roughness” that arises from natural and constructed site features
// exposure B: urban & suburban areas, wooded areas, or other terrain with closely space obstructions
// exposure C: open terrain with scattered obstructions with heights less than 30 feet
// exposure D: flat, unobstructed areas & water surfaces not in hurricane prone regions
What building design measures can an architect implement to mitigate damages from a flood?
// avoid building in a floor prone area unless the structure is elevated and reinforced
// elevate the furnace, water heater, and electrical panels if susceptible to flooding
// install “check valves” in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into drains
// seal walls of basement with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage
It is discovered that there are hazardous materials present on a site. What mitigation measures should be followed?
// there are two main methods to mitigate hazardous materials:
// removing hazardous material from the site and properly disposing per federal, state, and local guidelines
// encapsulating and permanately sealing the material on the site per federal, state, and local guidelines
What are the acts, laws, and regulations applicable to hazardous material mitigation?
// toxic substances control act (federal)
// comprehensive environmental response compensatoin and liability act, also known as superfund (federal)
// federal EPA brownfields program
// california EPA brownfields program
// federal EPA clean air act
// federal EPA clean water act
What are some common materials that may contain VOCs? Name two methods to for controlling their effect on indoor air quality.
// off-gassing of VOCs may come from glues and adhesives from carpet, millwork, and hardwood flooring as well as paint
// to mitigate this hazard, the architect should specify low/no VOC products as well as provide adequate passive and mechanical ventilation to continually bring fresh air into the building
A site is located near an industrial center with a high level of air pollution. What are some measures to protect building users from harmful air borne particulates?
// off-gassing of VOCs may come from glues and adhesives from carpet, millwork, and hardwood flooring as well as paint
// to mitigate this hazard, the architect should specify low/no VOC products as well as provide adequate passive and mechanical ventilation to continually bring fresh air into the building
A site is located near an industrial center with a high level of air pollution. What are some measures to protect building users from harmful air borne particulates?
// install air filter equivalent to MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) 13 or better
// regular maintenance of the building ventilation systems, such as cleaning filters and replacing outdated equipment
// incorporate dehumidication or humidification equipment