Multiple Choice Flashcards
Which of the following are the best orientations for daylighting?
A. South and West
B. North and South
C. East and West
D. North and East
B - The best orientations for daylighting are North and South.
An architect elects to design a building with a flat roof to allow for a rooftop deck. Which of the following structural materials should be considered if the building is of Type I construction? Select 2.
A. Reinforced concrete slabs
B. Exposed glulam beams with decking
C. Steel trusses coated in intumescent paint
D. Steel beams with decking
A, C - In Type I construction, Reinforced concrete slabs and Steel trusses coated in intumescent paint are suitable for flat roof construction.
A building that the Architect has designed has a requirement to maximize outside air capability for “purging” the building. Which of the following systems should the Architect use? Select all that apply.
A. All-water systems B. Air/water systems C. All air systems D. Heat pump systems E. Ducted water-loop systems
C, D, E - When the building application requires the use of economizer cooling or maximum outside air capability for purging the building, you should rule out all-water and air/water systems, which have little or no separately ducted outside air capacity. Instead choose from options of All air, heat pump, or ducted water-loop systems.
When building a residential home, which of the following may be a concern related to hard water? Select 3.
A. It may be difficult to do laundry B. Drinking can be hazardous C. Pipes can become clogged D. It may appear discolored E. Coffee may taste different
A, C, E - Hard water impacts a number of chores and tasks a homeowner may do daily. It can impact laundry because hare water can interact with detergent and make it harder to clean clothes. It can clog pipes, and it can make coffee or tea taste different. It is not hazardous, however, and it does not appear discolored.
In order to receive LEED credit, what percentage of wood products must come from a certified forest?
A. at least 25%
B. at least 50%
C. at least 75%
D. at least 80%
B - At least 50% of wood products for a project must come from a certified forest to obtain LEED credit.
Transformers are used for which of the following purposes?
A. Provide load control
B. Distribute power
C. Change alternating currents
D. Serve as as switchgear
C - Transformers are used to change alternating currents. They are not used for load control or to distribute power. They are part of a switchgear.
An Architect is designing a new office building that features a large conference room that is available for external functions. How should the conference room be classified when determining occupant load and the appropriate load factor used for this space?
A. Business
B. Assembly
C. Education
B - If an office building contains a large conference space within the building, it should be classified as an assembly function when determining occupant load and the appropriate load factor used for this space.
Fire partitions are most commonly used in which of the following scenarios?
A. To seal floors above and below a wall.
B. To separate individual dwelling units in an apartment building
C. To create separate buildings.
B - Fire partitions are most commonly used to separate individual dwelling units in apartment or condominium buildings or when corridor walls are required to be rated due to the total occupant load of the building.
Fire resistive barriers can be categorized by which of the following hourly ratings? Select all that apply
A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4 E. 5
A, B, C, D - All fire resistive barriers are categorized by their hourly rating as either 1, 2, 3, or 4 hour rated.
Which of the following are categories of roofs? Select all that apply
A. High Slope
B. Graded Slope
C. Steep Slope
D. Low Slope
C & D - Shape and material of a roof will depend largely on the function but are divided in to 2 distinct categories: steep and low slope. Steep slope refers to pitched roofs while low slope refers to “flat” roofs.
Which of the following is the primary method for determining a roof system’s wind uplift resistance?
A. Exposure testing
B. Physical testing
C. Spray testing
B - The primary method of determining a roof system’s wind uplift resistance is through physical testing.
To calculate the specific design wind pressures for each roof zone, which of the following must be known? select all that apply
A. Velocity pressure
B. External pressure coefficients
C. Corner zones.
A, B - Multiplying the velocity pressure by the external pressure coefficients that are specific to each roof zone results in specific design wind pressures for each roof zone.
When a specified carpet has a pile height of 1/2”, which of the following must the architect do to ensure the finish meets accessibility requirements?
A. Specify a carpet with a thinner pile
B. Provide a transition strip at exposed edges
C. Confirm the finish is flush with adjacent surfaces
D. Verify the pile density is greater than 6,000 stitches/inch
B - In this case, the architect must provide a transition strip at the exposed edges.
An architect is designing a space for a client and has recommended incorporating a green environment into the plan. The client is concerned about the impact vegetation could have on the space. Which of the following are facts the architect should share with the client based on his recommendation? Select 3
A. Vegetation can absorb light energy.
B. Vegetation can reduce wind speed.
C. Vegetation can reduce daytime temperatures.
D. Vegetation can thin out low-frequency noises.
A, B, & C - Advantages of incorporating a green environment into a plan include vegetation’s ability to absorb light energy, reduce wind speed, and reduce daytime temperatures. However, vegetation is able to thin out high-frequency noises, not low-frequency noises.
A soils report ha indicated that the water table is 5’0” above the basement level of a planned three-story building. What type of construction technique most likely will be required?
A. Dampproofing
B. Surcharging
C. Waterproofing
D. Waterstopping
C - Waterproofing is the control of water and moisture that is subject to hydrostatic pressure. It can refer to the application of watertight membranes, waterstops, or bentonite panels when building below the water table.
Dampproofing is the control of water and moisture when hydrostatic pressure is not present.
Surcharging is the preloading of the ground with fill material to cause condolidation and settlement of the underlying soil. Surcharging is used to increase the bearing capacity of soil or decrease the possible settlement, or both. A waterstop is a preformed piece of material used to seal construction joints. Although waterstops would be used in this situation, they are a subset of the larger requirement of waterproofing the entire basement slab and a portion of the basement walls.
A deep excavation for a high-rise building in an urban area would require
A. battered walls
B. needle beams
C. steel sheeting
D. tiebacks
D - A deep excavation would require the used of vertical soldier beams supporting horizontal timber breast boards or cribbing. The vertical soldier beams must be anchored into the adjacent earth with grouted tieback rods. Even steel sheeting would require tiebacks for support.
A battered wall is simply a type of retaining wall using a material, such as stones or brick, slighting angled to support the adjacent earth. It is not appropriate for a deep excavation wall in an urban area where space is limited. Needle beams are used to temporarily support a structure when its foundation is repaired or deepened. Steel sheeting requires the use of rakers that extend into the excavation site, limiting the depth of the excavation and interfering with construction activities in the excavated area.
A soils report indicates that bentonite is present below the site of a proposed two-story manufacturing building. What type of foundation system should be used?
A. drilled piers with grade beams
B. raft foundation
C. caissons with pile caps
D. extended spread footings
A - Bentonite is an expansive type of clay that can push foundations and floor slabs upward when it gets wet. To prevent this, drilled piers are used to support the building weight on bedrock or stable soil below the bentonite. Grade beams span continuously between the piers and transmit building loads from the superstructure to the piers. Voids are left below the grade beams to allow the bentonite to expand without transmitting uplift forces.
A raft foundation is use to distribute a building load over a large surface area of low-bearing capacity soil. Caissons with pile caps are used to distribute a load from one column to two or more caissons or piers and would only be appropriated if there was a void below the pile cap. Spread footings placed on bentonite would be subject to the uplift of the swelling clay soil and would not be appropriate.
On a site with extensive development of buildings, roads, and parking, which change in drainage would have the most significant negative impact?
A. Decrease in pervious paving
B. increase in water held on site
C. increase in the number of drainage grates
D. increase in the overall runoff coefficient
D - The runoff coefficient is the fraction of total precipitation falling on a surface that runs off the surface or is not absorbed into the ground. Although the runoff coefficients may vary slightly depending on the types of paving materials used, on a site with a great deal of hard-surface development, more stormwater would have to be diverted to a storm drain system or to natural waterways. It is preferable to minimize the amount of water allowed to run off of a site.
From the information given in the problem statement, it is not clear whether or not pervious paving would be used. With a large amount of hard-surface development, the amount of water held on site would decrease, rather than increase. The number of drainage grates would most likely increase, but this is not the most significant problem.
The runoff coefficient is used to calculate the amount of runoff a cubic feet per second on a site. The calculation takes into account the rainfall intensity and the area of the site. The runoff coefficient value ranges from almost Zero for wooded areas with spongy soil to 1.0 for totally waterproof surfaces.
The formula is Q = CIA, where C is the runoff coefficient, I is the rainfall intensity in inches per hour, and A is the area of the surface in acres.
Several sites are being considered for the construction of a new community college. The most appropriate site would be the one adjacent to
A. two major intersecting highways
B. libraries and shopping
C. a technology-oriented office campus
D. a residential neighborhood and public transportation
A - A community college is a regional resource and would benefit from easy access to transportation sources encompassing a wide areas, which two highways would provide.
Although public transportation is also a requirement, a large-scale development like a community college would not be appropriate for a residential neighborhood.
This problem requires an understanding of whether the proposed land use is local, district, or regional in nature and what the compatible uses are. A locally based project, such as a branch library or church, is compatible with residential uses and pedestrian transportation, while regionally based projects require public or vehicular transportation.
Which of the following design features would have the most detrimental effect on the environment of the surround neighborhood in an urban setting?
A. square building shape.
B. dark exterior colors
C. extensive exterior paving
D. reflective glass
D - Reflective glass would subject the surrounding buildings, streets, and pedestrian areas to harsh reflective light and heat during most of the day. Moreover, it would affect the surrounding areas throughout the day and during all times of the year.
A square building shape would not have much of an effect other than to cast a shadow during the day. Dark colors would generally absorb heat and affect the building itself more than the surround environment or microclimate. Extensive exterior paving would tend to absorb heat and affect the mircoclimate, but primarily in the immediate area of the paving.
With regard to the theories of proxemics, which approach to the design of a plaza would probably accommodate the most people while allowing individuals to maintain comfortable personal space distances?
A. large, flat, open space with trees defining the perimeter
B. heavily landscaped area with areas of lawn
C. amphitheater with bench-type seating in raised tiers
D. space with various levels, benches, and spaces defined by low walls.
D - Proxemics is a term used by Edward T. hall for his theory of cultural use of space. Proxemics deals with issues of territoriality, spacing and positioning between people, and how the organization of the environment can affect these issues.
When designing a plaza that could accommodate a large number of closely spaced people, the designer may incorporate features that provide a sense of territoriality, encourage actual or imagined separation, and offer a choice of various spatial positions. These elements could be provided by using design features such as changes of level; juxtaposition of open spaces and spaces defined by street furniture, landscaping, and low walls; landscape areas not intended for occupancy; and individual seating. This design could be flexible enough to accommodate a large number of people when required for large events, or could be used for individual groupings of people.
A large, open space would encourage individuals and small groups to spread out rather than feel at ease nearer together. A heavily landscaped area would be attractive and would help define separate spaces for people to gather, but may limit the greatest number of people from assembling. An amphitheater would accommodate a large number of people but would be limited in flexibility for other types of informal uses.
An architect can best discourage criminal activity in a street-level apartment lobby by applying which of the following design strategies?
A. separating the lobby and the street with a large expanse of glass.
B. changing the paving texture at the property line.
C. clearly marking the entrance with a “residents only” sign.
D. adding a bright light over the entrance door.
A - although all of these design features would help discourage criminal activity, the best approach would be to make activity inside the lobby visible from the street. This employs the principle of natural surveillance.
Changing the texture of the flooring between the sidewalk and the private property, using a sign, and adding a light are methods of territorial reinforcement, but they would not be as effective as opening the lobby to public view.
In regard to blast security, the space between a building and the outermost secured perimeter is called the
A. blast reduction zone
B. perimeter defense area
C. security setback
D. standoff distance
D - The standoff distance is the space between a building and the potential location of a blast threat. For blast protection, this distance should be maximized because blast energy decreases exponentially with increased distance between the source of the blast and the building.
An architect is developing a site plan for a developed property with an existing building. The building is in good condition and was used for the same purpose as the client’s proposed use of the site. Which of the following four strategies would earn the greatest number of points within the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) 2009 for New Construction rating system?
A. Maintain at least 50% of the interior nonstructural elements.
B. Remove the building and recycle and/or salvage at least 50% of construction and demolition debris.
C. Maintain at least 95% of the existing walls, floors, and roof.
D. Reuse materials from the site that amount to 5%, by cost, of the total value of materials on the project.
C - If 95% or more of the existing building’s structure, exterior walls, and roof are reused, the LEED 2009 NC rating system awards three points, one point each for reaching levels of 55%, 75%, and 95% (MR Credits 1.1 through 1.3). Window assemblies and nonstructural roofing material are excluded from these calculations.
(Under the older LEED NC rating system v2.2, two points were awarded, for 75% and 95%)
In the LEED 2009 NC rating system, each of the other three strategies - maintaining 50% of the interior nonstructural elements (MR Credit 1.4), recycling and/or salvaging 50% of the debris (MR Credit 2.1), and reusing materials from the site worth 5% by cost, of the total value of materials (MR Credit 3.1) - would earn only 1 point.
Certified contractors are required for handling or abatement of which of the following hazardous materials? Select 4
A. asbestos B. lead C. polyvinyl chloride (PVC) D. polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) E. radon F. vermiculite
A, B, D, F - Radon detection and remediation can be done by anyone, from homeowners to specialty contractors. PVC can be removed by anyone. Asbestos, lead, PCBs, and all must be handled by a certified contractor.
A row of trees of moderate density will reduce the wind velocity on the leeward side by about 30-40% up to about
A. three times the height of the trees
B. five times the height of the trees
C. seven times the height of the trees
D. nine times the height of the trees
B - For a row of trees of moderate density, wind speed is reduced about 30-40% on the leeward side up to a distance of about five times the tree height.
According to model codes, the minimum width of an office exit corridor serving an occupant load of 55 is
A. 36”
B. 42”
C. 44”
D. 48”
C - Model codes prescribe a minimum corridor width of 44”, with various exceptions. Corridors in residential occupancies or those serving an occupant load of less than 50 may be 36” wide. Other occupancies require wider corridors, but B occupancies (offices) require the 44” width.
Model codes also require that the minimum width of an exit corridor be calculated by multiplying the occupant load by a factor given in the codes, which varies depending on the occupancy, the interior area of the building, and whether the building is sprinklered. Both requirements must be checked, and the larger of the two should be used. If this calculation results in a number larger than other minimum requirements given in the code (such as for corridors), then the larger dimension must be used.
The maximum allowable floor area of a building is primarily determined by the
A. city planning board
B. International Building Code (IBC)
C. Life Safety Code
D. Zoning Ordinance
D - A local city planning board may have requirements for building sizes, but the requirements are not a primary determinant. The IBC limits the allowable floor area of a building based on occupancy, building construction type, frontage, and whether the building is sprinklered, all of which may set a limit more or less than a zoning ordinance. For example, a zoning ordinance may set a maximum limit of 200,000 sq.ft., but using a type IIA construction with no frontage may limit the area to 150,000 sq.ft. The Life Safety Code also places restrictions on building area; however, like the IBC, it is not the primary determinant until occupancy and building type are determined. A zoning ordinance sets limits on the floor area ratio based on the lot size, setbacks, maximum height, and solar access, among other possible parameters. A combination of these factors will determine the maximum allowable floor area.
An Architect is designing a house for a client in coastal Texas, a hot and humid location. The site does not have access to standard utilities, which are cost prohibitive. Which of the following systems should the architect incorporate into the design of the house to reduce the financial load on the client? Select all that apply.
A. Cross ventilation B. Northern shading C. Northern Daylighting D. South-facing windows E. Southern & Western Shading
A, C, D, E - Adding southern and western shading, cross ventilation, south-facing windows, and northern daylighting are passive systems that would be cost effective in a high humidity, hot environment. The client pays less in the long term.
An architect is designing a house in Georgia. She is determining how cross-ventilation can be maximized as a form of cooling. Which of the following should be considered for this project? Select 3
A. Locate opening ins rooms across from, but not directly opposite, each other.
B. Locate opening in rooms exactly across from each other.
C. Place larger openings on the leeward faces of the building.
D. Place larger openings on the windward faces of the building.
E. Place inlets at higher pressure zones and outlets at lower pressure zones.
F. Place outlets at higher pressure zones and inlets at lower pressure zones.
A, C, E - It is generally not the best to place openings exactly across from each other, even though it does provide ventilation, it can cause parts of the room to be far better cooled and ventilated than others. Placing inlets low and outlets high can cool the space more effectively because the strategy is able to leverage natural convection.
Which of the following should you consider when deciding if you will use wood framing for a project? Select 3.
A. Thermal conductivity
B. Combustibility
C. Susceptibility to insects
D. Spanning capabilities
B, C, D - Wood construction must rely on finish floor and ceiling materials for fire resistance rating due to its combustibility. Because wood is a natural material, its susceptibility to decay and insects requires positive site drainage, adequate separation from the ground, appropriate use of pressure-treated lumber, and ventilation to control condensation.
Which of the following construction types allow the use of noncombustible exterior walls and any material permitted by the building code for interior elements?
A. Type I B. Type II C. Type III D. Type IV E. Type V - Protected F. Type V- Unprotected
C - Type III construction classification per IBC
A high performance building program calls for a wide walkway on the southern side of a new facility. Which of the following shading strategies should be considered?
A. Deciduous trees and plants on the north and south with operable overhang awnings to the east and west.
B. Fixed horizontal overhangs to the south and vertical louvers to the east and west.
C. Rotational horizontal louvers to the south and rotating vertical louvers to the east and west.
D. Deciduous trees and plants to the east, west, northeast, and northwest with operable overhang awnings to the south.
D - Movable shading devices. Fixed overhangs don’t meet the performance criteria of high performance buildings, same with operable louvers that are fixed in place and have limited motion.
At which decibel level is privacy not possible?
A. 30 db
B. 35 db
C. 40 db
D. 75 db
A- at a decibel level above 30 db, speech privacy is not possible.
When selecting a grade of veneer for your project, you want to guarantee a smooth surface with few to no defects. Which grade of veneer would be best suited?
A. A-Grade
B. C-Grade
C. D-Grade
D. N-Grade
D - N-Grade gives a smooth softwood veneer of all heartwood or sapwood, free from open defects with only a few well-matched repairs usually needed.
Which of the following types of septic systems should be used when the site has a high water table, the previous system has failed, and there is a shallow bedrock?
A. Mound
B. Seepage Pit
C. Sand Filter
D. Drainage Field
C - Sand filters are used when a previous system has failed, there is high ground water, shallow bedrock, or poor soil. Mounds require there to be 5’ above the water table. Seepage pits require porous soil to a depth of 10-15 feet. Drainage fields require porous soil but are not very effective in conditions with a high water table.
