Codes and Regulations Flashcards
According to ADAAG, what is the minimum clear floor space for one stationary wheelchair?
A. 24 in (610) by 36 in (915)
B. 30 in (760) by 48 in (1220)
C. 32 in (815) by 48 in (1220)
D. 60 in (1525) by 60 in (1525)
The answer is B.
Solution
The minimum clear floor space required for one stationary wheelchair is 30 in (760) by 48 in (1220) This critical dimension is the basis for many other accessibility guide lines, such as the amount of clear floor space required at a lavatory and the width of a hallway required to allow two wheelchairs to pass (60 in (1525), which is 30 in (760) times two).
An assembly occupancy with an occupant load of fewer than 50 persons would be classified as occupancy group:
A. M
B. E
C. A
D. B
The answer is D.
Solution
An assembly occupancy with an occupant load of fewer than 50 persons would be considered a group B, or busi ness, occupancy.
Which of these events triggered revisions to the building codes?
A. the Chicago Fire of 1871
B. the San Francisco Earthquake and Fire of 1906
C. the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001
D. all of the above
The answer is D.
Solution
As constantly evolving documents, the building codes have undergone many revisions to reflect the introduction of new materials, building technologies, and challenges. The biggest changes to the codes tend to follow disasters, when the shortcomings of the previous requirements become apparent. All the events listed, plus many other natural and human-made disasters, have influenced the thinking behind the requirements of the codes with the intention of making buildings safer and protecting human life.
Occupant load factors are calculated based upon:
A. the number of exits
B. the net floor area
C. the gross floor area
D. the net or gross floor area, depending on the occupancy
The answer is D.
Solution
Occupant load factors are calculated based upon either net or gross floor area, depending on the occupancy. The IBC refers to Table 1004.1 to determine which calculation is appropri ate for a particular situation. The occupant load represents the number of people that the code assumes will occupy a space or building. This number is then used to determine egress requirements.
According to ADAAG, what is the maximum distance an object may protrude into the path of travel when it is mounted to a wall between 27 in (685) and 80 in (2030) above finish floor?
A. 2 in (50)
B. 4 in (100)
C. 6 in (150)
D. 8 in (205)
The answer is B.
Solution
An object mounted to the wall between 27 in (685) and 80 in (2030) above finish floor may protrude a maximum of 4 in (100) into the path of travel. This requirement is intended to minimize obstructions that a person with impaired vision may possibly walk in to. Obstructions placed lower than 27 in (685) may project more than 4 in (100) as long as other requirements for access are main tained, because a person using a cane can detect the obstructions.
An office in an unsprinklered building has an occupant load of 290. Which of the following exit door combinations would minimally satisfy the exit width required?
A. a pair of 30 in (762) entry doors and a 36 in (914) door remotely located
B. two 36 in (914) doors on opposite sides of the building
C. three 32 in (813) doors remotely located
D. three 36 in (914) doors remotely located from each other
The answer is B.
Solution
To find the total exit width required, multiply the occupant load, 290 people, by the standard 0.2 in/person (5 mm/per son).
In U.S. units:
(290 people)(0.2 in/person) = 58 in
In SI units:
(290 people)(5 mm/person) = 1450 mm
Any exit door must provide a clear width of at least 32 in (813), so choices A and C cannot be correct because their clear widths would be less than 32 in (813). Three 36 in (914) doors would be acceptable, but the question asks for the minimally acceptable solution, which is two 36 in (914) doors; this would provide approximately 66 in (1676) of width (considering the clear width of the door to be from the doorstop to the face of the door when open).
Which of the following statements about standards and testing is FALSE?
A. Trade association standards must be followed if they are referred to by a building code adopted in a jurisdiction.
B. The American National Standards Institute
(ANSI) does not write standards.
C. The American Society for Testing and Materials
(ASTM) does not perform tests.
D. Building codes prescribe which laboratories must perform required tests.
The answer is D.
Solution
Building codes only prescribe which tests and standards a material or construction element must meet in order to be acceptable. Any qualified Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) may perform a test, as long as the lab follows the procedures described in the test.
Measured vertically from the nosing of the stair, how high must a handrail be for barrier-free design?
A. 28 in (711) to 32 in (815)
B. 30 in (760) to 34 in (865)
C. 32 in (815) to 36 in (915)
D. 34 in (865) to 38 in (965)
The answer is D.
Solution
For barrier-free design, a handrail must be 34 in (865) to 38 in (965) high, measured vertically from the nosing of the stair.
An architect has been hired to prepare a design for remodeling toilet rooms to make them accessible. The architect finds it is impossible to provide adequate clearance on one side of an entrance door. What is the most econom ical course of action?
A. Apply to the building department for a hardship exemption because compliance is not readily achievable.
B. Tell the client that walls should be demolished and the toilet rooms replanned to provide the necessary clearances.
C. Specify a power-assisted door opener that meets accessibility standards for the noncompliant door.
D. Plan for accessible toilet rooms in another loca tion in the building where all requirements can be adequately met.
The answer is C.
Solution
A power-assisted door would be the least expensive option and require the least construction time. It would be possi ble to solve the problem by demolishing the existing restrooms and rebuilding them to comply with accessibility standards, or meet the requirement for accessible facilities in another location in the building, but both of these options are likely to be less economical than the door opener.
Which of the following ramp configurations meets barrier-free design requirements?
A. 1:14 slope with maximum rise of 24 in (610)
B. 1:12 slope with maximum rise of 34 in (865)
C. 1:10 slope with maximum rise of 8 in (203)
D. 1:8 slope with maximum rise of 4 in (100)
The answer is A.
Solution
The maximum acceptable slope for compliance with acces sibility guidelines is 1:12, but the maximum total rise between landings is limited to 30 in (760). A 1:14 slope is less steep than 1:12 and the maximum rise of 24 in (610) given in choice A both comply with the guidelines. A 1:10 slope is allowed if the maximum rise is held to 6 in (150) or less. A 1:8 slope is permitted only if the maximum rise is 3 in (75) or less.
In the diagram shown, what is the minimum distance, x, between two entry doors in the vestibule?
A. 36 in (915)
B. 42 in (1065)
C. 48 in (1220)
D. 60 in (1525)
The answer is C.
Solution
The minimum distance between two entry doors forming a vestibule when one opens out and one opens in is 48 in (1220).
The element labeled X in this drawing of an interior windowsill is the:
A. anti-walk block
B. glazing bead
c. setting block
D. removable stop
The answer is C.
Solution
In all windowsill details, the glass is placed on two or more setting blocks to support the weight of the glass and cushion it from the frame.
Anti-walk blocks are sometimes used in jamb frames to pre vent the glass from touching the jambs. A glazing bead describes a material used to cushion and seal the glass against the stop and the frame. A stop is a removable piece used to hold the glass in place after it has been installed in the frame, which makes it possible to replace the glass when necessary.
In a full set of construction drawings, the mechanical engineering drawings are typically placeThe answer is C.d
A. after the civil engineering drawings and before the architectural drawings
B. immediately after the architectural drawings
C. after the structural engineering drawings and before the electrical drawings
D. after the electrical drawings
The answer is C.
Solution
The normal sequence of drawings in a full set of drawings is as follows: site drawings, then civil engineering drawings, followed by architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing (if not included in mechanical), and electrical drawings.
Which of the following symbols indicates a floor telephone outlet?
The answer is A.
Solution
A floor telephone outlet symbol is indicated in Option A.
Option B indicates a floor duplex electrical outlet. Option C is the symbol for a thermostat. Option D indicates a data outlet.
Study Note: Be familiar with standard mechanical and electrical symbols as well as the appearance of architec tural, structural, mechanical, and electrical floor plans and other types of drawings.
During preparation of construction drawings, the architect should coordinate with the structural engineer by
A. requiring the engineer to submit progress draw
ings when changes are made
B. conducting weekly meetings with the engineer and exchanging progress copies of drawings
C. holding conference calls between staff at both offices at times required by the work progress
D. submitting weekly written memos to the engi
neer describing the architectural requirements
The answer is B.
Solution
Two-way communication of graphic information is critical if the complex coordination required between consultants and the architect is to be successful. Regularly scheduled meetings and exchange of progress documents achieve this goal.
Submission of engineering progress drawings implies only a one-way exchange of information. Conference calls alone cannot fully describe the visual information being developed during production of construction documents. Telephone calls or emails must be supplemented with some type of exchange of visual information through computer network ing, faxes, or a physical exchange of printed drawings. The written word is not sufficient to describe drawings, and tends to be a one-way method of communication.
While the architect is coordinating a set of construc tion documents, the interior designer submits the drawing shown.
The drawing is a portion of
A. a finish plan
B. a furniture location plan
C. a telecommunications plan
D. an equipment layout
The answer is B.
Solution
This partial drawing shows furniture locations and the indi vidual pieces identified with numbers. It would be coordi nated with a schedule that would specify each piece of furniture.
If this detail is on an east-facing elevation in Boston, what change should the architect make?
A. Modify the drip detail at the top of the window frame.
B. Change the glazing.
C. Add seismic fasteners for the suspended ceiling. D. Increase the shim space.
The answer is B.
Solution
The most significant problem with this detail in a cold cli mate like that of Boston is the lack of insulated glazing. The detail only indicates a single pane of glass. Although the question does not address this issue, notice also that there is no insulation between the ceiling and the floor above.
In the detail shown, which of the following would be of greatest concern?
A. attachment of exterior materials to the structure
B. possible water leakage
C. lack of tolerance for the storefront system
D. cracking from differential movement of materials
The answer is B.
Solution
Water leakage is the greatest concern in this construction detail. Although flashing is shown and noted below the sill of the second-floor framing, extending it under the framing to the edge of the carpet is inadvisable. In addition, there is no sealant called out for the joint between the sill and the flashing. Water dripping down the window could be drawn into the framing by capillary action.
The following symbols may appear on a consultant’s drawings. In order, identify the disconnect switch, the dif fuser, the home run to panel board, and the weld.
A. I, III, II, IV
B. II, I, III, IV
C. IV, III, II, I
D. IV, II, I, III
The answer is D.
