IDPX Practice Test 1 Flashcards
In a small lecture hall, it would be best to avoid:
parallel walls
a vaulted ceiling
carpet
a sound amplification system
a vaulted ceiling
A vaulted ceiling would focus sound reflections into one concentrated area and produce annoying echoes or quiet spots in the hall.
All of the following are true about pivot door hinges EXCEPT?
makes it easy to seal the door against sound or light transmission
pivots are often used for glass doors
intermediate pivots are used to prevent warping and to provide additional support for heavy doors
used where a frameless door makes the use of hinges impossible
makes it easy to seal the door against sound or light transmission
Because of the way they operate center pivots cannot be used with a doorstop on the same side of the door on both jambs. This makes it
difficult to seal the door against sound or light transmission on the hinge and strike sides.
Which of the following is the easiest and least expensive type of construction to enclose a 1-hour rated corridor?
5/8 (16 mm) Type X-gypsum wallboard on 3 5/8 in (92 mm) metal studs
two layers of 1/2 in (13 mm) Type X gypsum wall board on 3” metal studs
two layers of 1/2 in (13 mm) Type X gypsum wallboard on 2 1/2 in (64 mm) metal studs
3/4” (19 mm) gypsum wallboard on 3 5/8 in (92 mm) metal studs
5/8 (16 mm) Type X-gypsum wallboard on 3 5/8 in (92 mm) metal studs
Although there are several ways to achieve a 1-hour rating, a single layer of 5/8” (16 mm)
Type X wallboard is the easiest and least expensive.
Which is NOT true about noise reduction between two rooms?
An increase in wall area separating the two rooms is detrimental.
Noise reduction increases with an increase in the transmission loss of the wall separating the two rooms.
The stiffness of the wall can affect noise reduction.
To improve noise reduction, the designer should place absorptive materials on both sides of the wall.
To improve noise reduction, the designer should place absorptive materials on both sides of the wall.
Although placing absorptive materials on both sides of the wall would not hurt and would decrease the noise level in the “noisier” room,
the three most important variables are the wall’s stiffness, the transmission loss, and the common area between rooms.
Which of the following hardware holds a door in place, with no provisions for locking?
closer
latchset
dummy set
astragal
latchset
Locksets are devices to operate a door, hold it in the closed position, and lock it. A latchset only holds the door in place, with no provisions
for locking.
Which label is required by code for a 20-minute-rated wooden door?
UL
CPSC
NFPA
IBC
UL
UL 10B Standard for Fire Tests of Door Assemblies 1.1 These methods of fire tests are applicable to door assemblies of various materials
and types of construction for use in wall openings to retard the passage of fire.
In general, fire door assemblies are rated at what fraction of the rating of the surrounding wall?
one-fourth
the same
three-fourths
one and one-half
three-fourths
In general, door assemblies are rated at three-fourths of the rating of the surrounding wall.
For example, a 45 minute door is used in a 1-hour rated wall, a 3-hour fire door is used in a 4-hour rated wall.
Which of the following partition materials is least specified by interior designers?
glass reinforced gypsum wall board
gypsum wallboard
green board
masonry
masonry
Masonry is a general term that includes brick, concrete block, glass block, structural clay tile, terra-cotta and gypsum block.
In most cases masonry materials are part of the architectural design of a building and are part of the architect’s work. Occasionally,
however, the interior designer may need to modify a non loadbearing wall of masonry.
All of the following are true about suspended acoustical ceilings EXCEPT?
prevent sound transmission to an appreciable extent
consists of thin panels of wood fiber, mineral fiber or glass fiber set in a support grid of metal framing
offer easy access to electrical and mechanical components in the plenum
is perforated or fissured in various ways to absorb sound
prevent sound transmission to an appreciable extent
Suspended acoustical ceilings do not prevent sound transmission to any appreciable extent.
A lintel is another name for a?
girder
cripple stud
transom
header
header
When openings for doors and small windows are required, they are framed at the top with lintels (also called headers).
Challenges with acoustic separation are most often caused by?
partition material
ceiling material
ceiling finish
mechanical and electrical services
mechanical and electrical services
Mechanical and electrical services often pose problems with maintaining acoustic separation, especially in offices spaces where ducts, convectors and piping run continuously along an exterior wall while partitions intersect the exterior wall at regular intervals.
Level 4 gypsum wallboard finish is MOST suitable for which of the following applications?
Areas where gloss or semi-gloss paint finishes are to be applied as a final finish
Areas where eggshell finish paints are to be applied as a final finish where economy is of concern
Areas where heavy-grade textured wallcoverings are to be applied as a final finish
Behind porcelain wall tile in wet areas with plumbing
Areas where eggshell finish paints are to be applied as a final finish where economy is of concern
Level 4 is the level most commonly used for areas receiving light textures or wallcoverings, or where economy is of a concern for painted walls.
During the permitting process, who submits the drawings and specifications to the building department or AHJ?
licensed contractor
interior designer
owner
architect
licensed contractor
The formal permitting process begins after the interior designer has completed the drawings and specifications. Those are given to the contractor, who has been selected through a bidding process or through negotiations.
Linear pendant fixtures in an open office with a standard ceiling height are most appropriately mounted at:
84” AFF
130” AFF
60”AFF
72” AFF
84” AFF
For a suspended fixture to provide indirect light, it must be mounted low enough below the ceiling to allow for the light to reflect back off the ceiling surface, but not too low that is does not comply with code, or a minimum 12” (305 mm) for two‐lamp units.
How many stairs are required to reach the second floor, when the ceiling height of the first floor is 10 feet. Allow 6″ space between floors.
17
16
20
18
18
Step 1. Convert feet to inches. Floor 1 is 120 inches, plus 6’’ between floors. 10x12=120+6=126”
Step 2. Divide by 7”, height of a typical riser. 126/7=18
What is the most important criterion for lighting a fabric showroom?
CRI
visual comfort probability
coefficient of utilization
color temperature
CRI
In a fabric showroom, accurate color rendition is an important concern. Although the color temperature rating of a lamp gives a general indication of the lamp’s “whiteness,” the color rendering index (CRI) is a more accurate indication of how appropriate a lamp is for a
specific application.
The principal consideration in acoustic control in large spaces is the sound absorptive quality of the:
soft furnishings
floor
roof
ceiling
ceiling
Noise reduction within a space: In larger rooms, ceiling treatment is most effective, while in smaller rooms, wall treatment is more effective.
Which of the following devices would be used to prevent the spread of smoke during a fire?
smoke damper
fire suppression detector
ionization detector
fire damper
fire damper
Fire Dampers are used to PREVENT the spread of fire AND smoke. Smoke Dampers are used to RESIST the passage of smoke and air.
What would be the easiest way to increase the IIC value of a conference room floor?
providing a resiliently suspended ceiling below
providing a thick flooring at least 1/8” thick
providing sound-absorbing material (insulation) in the air space between the floor and the finished ceiling below
carpeting the floor
carpeting the floor
The IIC value of a floor can most easily be increased by adding carpet
What part of a door is the “Stile”
Vertical Components
Top Horizontal Component
Bottom Horizontal Component
Middle Horizontal Component
Vertical Components
Stiles are the vertical components in frame & panel door construction
What type of structural system cannot be penetrated after construction placement?
Precast concrete
Post and Beam
Open web steel joist system
Post-tensioned concrete
Post-tensioned concrete
Post-tensioned concrete consists of steel cables that at tightened as the concrete hardens to reinforce strength. Once tightened the cables cannot be cut or manipulated without affecting the material strength and damaging the wall
Which partition system consists of individual components that can be quickly assembled, disassembled, and reused with nearly total salvageability?
modular partitions
demountable partitions
salvageable partitions
systems partitions
demountable partitions
Demountable partitions consist of a system of individual components that can be quickly assembled, disassembled, and reused with nearly total salvageability.
Which of the following typically must be located directly on a plumbing trench?
toilet
mop sink
all of these
shower drain
all of these
Typically, all items with a floor drain go on the trench in ground floor slab on grade construction
This classification of a roof assembly of a building depends on the costs/maintenance, appearance, energy conservation, ventilation of the attic/roof joist space, and weight of the roof parts (including imposed live loads of snow, etc.).
parapet
low-slope or steep-slope
flat or bent
low-slope or curved
low-slope or steep-slope
The roof assembly is classified as a low-slope or steep-slope system, depending on the costs/maintenance, appearance, energy conservation, ventilation of the attic/roof joist space, and weight of the roof parts (including imposed live loads of snow, etc.).
Construction elements that control the spread of fire, such as fire doors and fire walls, are classified as:
smoke detection
passive
fire prevention
active
passive
Sprinklers are a method of active fire suppression, and compartmentalization through fire rated door and wall assemblies are passive. Smoke detection and fire prevention do not control the spread of an existing fire.
Where is the junction box for a power pole located?
access panel
plenum
circuit breaker box
floor
plenum
Commercial construction includes a plenum space above finished ceiling for mechanical systems, wiring and other building services. A Jbox for branching or connecting electrical circuits would be within the plenum space. Wiring is concealed within a conduit. J-boxes will be exposed or mounted on the wall or finished ceiling for lighting or other features requiring an electrical connection.
Which level of gypsum board finish should be used where gloss, semi-gloss, enamel, or non- textured flat paints are specified or where severe lighting conditions exist?
level 6
level 1
level 3
level 5
level 5
Level 5 is similar to Level 4 except that a thin skim coat of joint compound is applied over the entire surface. This level is used where gloss,
semi-gloss, enamel, or non- textured flat paints are specified or where severe lighting conditions exist.
Which occupancy group is most restrictive?
B
A
I
R
A
A is assembly occupancy and is most restrictive because these spaces like churches or theaters would contain large groups of people, and who would need to exit all at once during an emergency.
Your new client is considering leasing the top two floors of a converted office building for their marketing agency, approximately 24,000 square feet. There is a large centrally located staircase between the floors.
What are the most important items you need to review in order to determine if the space will work for their needs?
location of elevators, structural elements, number of employees
location of structural elements, usable area, number of employees
access to elevators, window placement, usable area, location of structural elements
window placement, structural elements, location of plumbing, number of employees
location of elevators, structural elements, number of employees
Because the space is commercial, it needs to be accessible so must have access to elevators. The designer must know the number of employees and location of architectural features like structural elements in order to determine the usable area. The location of elevators, whether within the space or in adjacent public corridors will affect the layout and amount of usable space.
Lighting levels and energy power budgets are set by International Building Codes and other standards, these Codes provide power-level criteria based upon the use of the building.
For office buildings, the overall building is allowed to use how many watts per square foot to power the interior lighting for the entire building?
2.5
1
1.3
1.5
1.3
The International Building Code provides power-level criteria based upon the use of the building. For office buildings, the overall building is allowed to use 1.3 watts per square foot to power the interior lighting for the entire building.
In addition to meeting the requirements of the ADA, what other accessibility requirements should the interior designer be most concerned with when doing design development for a commercial project?
scoping provisions of the local building code
ANSI A117.1, Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities
ADAAG
Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards
scoping provisions of the local building code
Scoping provisions tell the designer how much of something is required. Although there are scoping provisions in the ADA, local codes may be more stringent, in which case the interior designer must conform to the most restrictive requirements.
Determine the minimum distance between two exits for an auditorium with an overall diagonal dimension of 106’ in a sprinklered high-rise building.
35’ 6”
53’ 3”
35’ 4”
56’ 0”
35’ 4”
We can determine this distance by taking the longest diagonal distance in the space and dividing it by 3.
You divide the number by 3 because it is a sprinkled building, you would divide it by 2 if it was non-sprinkled. This number tells you that the doors can be no closer together than this dimension.
In a rectangular layout 90,000 sq. ft. single-story office building, what would be of greatest concern in space planning?
travel distances
horizontal exits
corridor widths
dead-end corridors
travel distances
A 90,000 sq.ft. building would be approximately 300 sq.ft. or about 250 ft wide and 360 ft long. The size combined with typical rectangular
planning of corridors would create very long distances to exits.
What is the minimum height of an accessible (barrier free) base cabinet toe kick?
6” (150 mm) H
10” (250 mm) H
9” (230 mm) H
8” (200 mm) H
9” (230 mm) H
ALL front approach accessible (barrier-free) elements MUST have a 6”D maximum x 9”H minimum [150mm x 230 mm] toe-kick.
How many fire extinguishers are required in an office suite that measures 6100 sq ft (566 m2)?
3
6
2
4
3
The minimum number of fire extinguishers MUST be calculated based on one (1) fire extinguisher per 3,000 sq. ft. [280 m²].
ASTM is an example of:
a model code group
an industry standard-writing organization
a testing laboratory
a federal code writing agency
an industry standard-writing organization
ASTM is the American Society for Testing and Materials and is one of the organizations that establish a wide variety of standards covering testing methods, products, definitions, and more. Although its committees develop test methods, it is not a testing laboratory.
Which of the following is an INCORRECT statement about corridors?
Corridors are part of the exit access.
Corridor construction must be fire-rated.
Corridors must be used exclusively for egress.
Corridors are included in calculating travel distance.
Corridor construction must be fire-rated.
The main thing to remember is that corridors are part of the exit access. This means that they are used for calculating travel distance, but they do not necessarily have to be fire-rated (although they usually are). Also, by definition they must be used exclusively for egress.
The minimum number of toilet fixtures required for an interior design remodeling is determined by occupant load and:
occupancy group
square footage
building type
accessibility requirements
occupancy group
The International Plumbing Code and similar model codes base toilet fixture requirements on the basic use or occupancy of the building
The centerline of accessible (barrier-free) toilets must be how far from the side wall or partition?
16” (400 mm) - 20” (500 mm)
18” (450 mm)
16” (400 mm) - 18” (450 mm)
15” (380 mm) - 19” (480 mm)
16” (400 mm) - 18” (450 mm)
Centerline of accessible toilets MUST be 16”-18” [400 mm - 450 mm] from side wall or partition.
In a commercial space, an object (wall sconce, sign, etc.) that is mounted at 65″ AFF must be no deeper than:
4” (100 mm)
3 1/2” (89 mm)
5” (127 mm)
3” (75 mm)
4” (100 mm)
ALL objects located on a wall between 27” [685 mm] and 80” [2115 mm] AFF MUST NOT protrude more than 4” [100 mm] into an egress path of travel.
Glazing in fire rated partitions, doors or sidelights may not exceed how many sq in/cm2:
240 sq in (1548 cm2)
150 sq in (968 cm2)
225 sq in (1451 cm2)
100 sq in ( 610 cm2)
240 sq in (1548 cm2)
Glazing in fire rated partitions, doors or sidelights may not exceed 240 sq. in. [1548 cm²].
What can an interior designer do to improve indoor air quality?
Bring in outdoor air via the HVAC system
Specify operable windows to let in fresh air
Specify non-toxic cleaning chemicals
Specify low-emitting interior finishes
Specify low-emitting interior finishes
An interior designer has the most control over interior finishes that are specified. An interior designer does not typically specify windows or HVAC systems. The cleaning chemicals used in the space may be determined by the maintenance staff in that building, not the interior designer.
Accessible (barrier free) counters should be no higher than:
36” (900 mm) AFF
27” (675 mm) AFF
34” (850 mm) AFF
33” (825 mm) AFF
34” (850 mm) AFF
ALL accessible (barrier-free) countertops, sinks, reception/transaction surfaces, and other horizontal work surfaces MUST NOT exceed 34” [865 mm] AFF with a 27”H [685 mm] clear knee space below
Where is it most important to use safety glass?
sidelites 24 from a door frame
window pane greater than 9 sf
shower doors and bathtub or shower enclosures or when the pane is greater than 9 sf
swinging doors, storm doors, or when the bottom edge of the pane is less than 18” above the door
swinging doors, storm doors, or when the bottom edge of the pane is less than 18” above the door
Building codes require safety glass to prevent injury in hazardous locations subject to human impact, such as glass in doors, bath and shower enclosures and specific wall locations. Because the bottom edge of the window pane is lower than 18” AFF, safety glass is required
Which two factors most typically determine whether a room must have at least two exits?
occupancy and travel distance
occupant load and occupancy
travel distance and occupant load
exit width factor and occupancy
occupant load and occupancy
The two most important variables are the use of the space (occupancy) and the number of people that must exit the space (occupant load).
What is the size of grab bars at the side of an accessible (barrier free) toilet?
42” (1060 mm) long
36” (900 mm) long
48” (1200 mm) long
24” (600 mm) long
42” (1060 mm) long
ALL grab bars at toilets MUST be 36” [900 mm] long at the rear and 42” [1060 mm] long at the side, mounted between 33” [840 mm] and 36” [900 mm] AFF.
What international organization oversees the development of national and regional standards based on basic forest management principles and criteria?
American Wood Council (AWC)
Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
Forest Council Initiative (FCI)
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
The Forest Stewardship Council accredits certifying organizations that comply with its principles and ensures that materials have come from environmentally responsible management.
You have been hired by a local doctor to design new office and patient spaces. The doctor is very involved in the selections and has found wall sconces to use in the exam room corridors.
The wall sconce measure 16 in (400 mm)H x 5 in (125 mm)D. What must you do in this situation to comply with life safety and ADA codes?
be sure to mount the sconces a minimum of 7’ (2100 mm) AFF to the bottom of the sconce
mount each sconce so that the bottom of the sconce is 80” (2115 mm) or higher AFF
mount the sconce at any height as long as they are less than 6” deep they meet life safety and ADA codes and
guidelines
inform the doctor that these fixtures do not comply with code so you are unable to use them; however, after you
have completed your work what the doctor chooses to do is not your problem
mount each sconce so that the bottom of the sconce is 80” (2115 mm) or higher AFF
ALL objects located on a wall between 27” [685 mm] and 80” [2115 mm] AFF MUST NOT protrude more than 4” [100 mm] into anegress path of travel.
When an office lease space only occupies a portion of the floor, which area measurement includes a proportionate share of the elevator lobby, public corridor, restrooms, and mechanical rooms?
gross area
circulation area
tenant area
rentable area
rentable area
The rentable area is the product of the tenant’s occupancy area and a load factor to account for the shared portions of the building.
When selecting the upholstery and window treatment fabrics for a hotel lobby design, which of the following standards would NOT be a consideration for the fabric?
Cal TB 116
NFPA 257
Cigarette Ignition Resistance Test of Furniture components
Vertical Ignition Test
NFPA 257
All of these tests relate to the flammability of fabrics with the exception of NFPA 257, the Standard for Fire test for window and glass block
assemblies.
One of the primary goals of the design you are currently working on is to reduce energy consumption.
Which of the following would NOT be a strategy to accomplish this goal?
complete the building commissioning process
control ventilation
avoid the use of CFC based refrigerants in tenant spaces
specify high reflective finishes
control ventilation
Controlling ventilation is one of the 4 broad categories for maintaining good indoor air quality, but not conserving energy.
Utilizing BOMA standards, gross building area for a two-story building leased to a single tenant is measured:
To the interior glass surface of exterior walls and includes all interior area, excluding circulation
To the inside dominant face of the building and includes all interior area, excluding major vertical penetrations
To the outside face of the building and includes all interior area
To the inside dominant face of the building and includes all interior area
To the outside face of the building and includes all interior area
BOMA’s published standards recognize that, in an office building that is leased entirely to a single occupant, it is common to utilize exteriorgross area (or construction gross area) instead of rentable area as the basis for leasing.
BOMA Standards do not direct which measure of floor area to choose. That choice is generally made by the stakeholders to the lease
agreement.
A designer has determined that a client needs about 8000 ft2 of usable office space. The leasing agent for the building says that the rentable-usable ratio will be 1.25. Approximately how much area should the interior designer recommend that the client lease?
10,000 sqft
10,700 sqft
13,300 sqft
7500 sqft
10,000 sqft
The rentable area is calculated by multiplying the usable area by the rentable-usable ratio.
Rentable = Usable (rentable-usable ratio) = (8000 sqft) x (1.25) = 10,000 sqft
The controls for all accessible (barrier free) wall mounted restroom accessories must be located how many inches/mm AFF for a SIDE reach:
9” (230 mm) - 44” (1100 mm)
9” (230 mm) - 48” (1200 mm)
15” (380 mm) - 48” (1200 mm)
15” ( 380 mm) - 44” (1100 mm)
9” (230 mm) - 48” (1200 mm)
ALL accessible (barrier-free) wall-mounted controls MUST be located between 15” [380 mm] and 44” [1100 mm] AFF for a Forward Reach and between 9” [230 mm] and 48” [1200 mm] AFF for a Side Reach.
As outlined in the General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, who pays for any field tests/inspections beyond what is required in the contract documents?
General Contractor
Both the Interior Designer and General Contractor
Owner
Both the Owner and the General Contractor
Both the Owner and the General Contractor
If additional testing beyond what is required in the contract documents, the interior designer should instruct the contractor to make arrangements, but only after written authorization from the owner.
A tender or bid form is a part of the contract documents that
provides space for the bidding vendor to fill in the required information including pricing
has the sales price filled in by the designer
contain the general conditions of the contract
contains the drawings necessary for the custom details
provides space for the bidding vendor to fill in the required information including pricing
A bid or tender form is a standardized form that all bidders will submit for comparison of bids and should include the base bid, unit pricing and alternates (if applicable), time for completion, space to acknowledge receipt of any addenda. It must be signed by a party who can bind the vendor or contractor to the owner in a legal contract.
Which of the following would NOT be an example of a submittal?
samples
shop drawings
construction drawings
product brochures
construction drawings
construction drawings are contract documents they would not be an example of a submittal.
Which of the following is NOT a part of the contract documents?
bid form
Owner-Contractor Agreement
addenda
specifications
bid form
Although the bid form is often bound into the project manual along with the specifications, it is only a proposal and is not considered part of the contract documents.
Which of the following is a FALSE statement about addenda?
An addendum must be issued four or five days before bid opening.
Addenda are only issued before the construction contract is signed.
Addenda are used to modify or interpret the contract documents.
An addendum is sent only to the contractor to request the clarification.
An addendum is sent only to the contractor to request the clarification.
Addenda must be sent to all the contractors bidding on a project.
When can a contractor make a final application for payment on a project?
When the certificate of substantial completion has been issued
As soon as the project is deemed as being in the project close-out phase by the interior designer
After site inspection and all punch list items are corrected
After the interior designer’s final site inspection
When the certificate of substantial completion has been issued
Although all of the above steps are part of working towards substantial completion in the close-out phase of a project, only when the certificate of substantial completion is issued can the contractor submit final application for payment.
With construction underway, the contractor has requested to make a material change due to availability shortages and extended lead times.
This change could NOT be considered a:
addenda
formal change order
minor change in the work
change order
addenda
During construction, changes in the construction work are accomplished in one of three ways: by minor changes in the work, by construction change directive, or by formal change order.
While on site for your regular site visit, you see an obvious safety problem that could be dangerous for the workers on site. What should be your first response to this observation?
Notify the workers in the immediate area of the problem to stop work until the contractor has resolved the issue
Call the owner and tell him/her to stop construction until the contractor has resolved the issue
Tell the appropriate subcontractor about the issue and discuss options for how to solve the problem with the
contractor
None of the above
None of the above
The contractor is solely responsible for safety on the job site. If the interior designer volunteers suggestions or directions concerning construction means and techniques in regard to safety issues, the interior designer may also assume legal responsibility and be held liable for accidents or other problems.
