PA Mix

Question 1

How do you calculate a building’s efficiency?

Answer 1

A building’s efficiency is the net area divided by the gross area. Buildings that have a lot of circulation and support areas are less efficient than buildings that are almost entirely usable, such as a warehouse.

Question 2

What is a Xeriscape style of Landscaping?

Answer 2

Xeriscape is a type of low water-consuming landscaping, popular in arid regions. Xeriscape landscapes use native plantings and rock or gravel and do not use irrigation.

Question 3

What is a Naturalistic style of Landscaping?

Answer 3

Naturalistic landscapes are informal and draw their aesthetic inspiration from nature such as forests and meadows. A naturalistic landscape attempts to look like it was not designed, but is part of the natural landscape.

Question 4

What is a Formal style of landscaping?

Answer 4

Formal landscapes have clear structure and strong geometric forms. They are also often symmetrical and have eye-catching elements such as statues or fountains at the end of long axial pathways.

Question 5

What three things determine the maximum height of a building?

Answer 5

Zoning Regulations
-limit building height by setting maximum height limits and establishing floor area ratios (FAR).

Occupancy group
-the International Building Code specifies maximum heights based on the type of construction and occupancy group.

Type of Construction
-the International Building Code specifies maximum heights based on the type of construction and occupancy group.

NOT:
occupancy group or proximity to fire station

Question 6

How should the architect depict compliance with setbacks on a drawing?

Answer 6

Show the property line as a dashed line, show the proper setbacks from the property line and dimension from the setbacks to the building face. The property line should be shown on site plans. Dimensioning to the building face will clearly show if setback distances are met.

Question 7

What is a “Transfer Beam”?

Answer 7

Transfer beam is a horizontal structure that transfers heavy gravity loads from the above structural elements to the below structures. These are beam elements that are mainly employed in the design of high-rise building structures. They are designed to take up load more than what a normal beam is designed for.

Think “concrete header”.

Question 8

True or False?

Passive solar systems store electricity?

Answer 8

False

Question 9

What is a benefit of passive solar heating that the architect can discuss with the client?

Answer 9

Low maintenance costs

-there are generally low maintenance requirements for passive solar heating systems.

Question 10

What is typically included in a boundary survey?

Answer 10

Easements and right-of-ways
-a boundary survey shows a property’s boundaries, easements, setbacks, zoning, and any improvements such as buildings, walls, or fencing.

note: Location and characteristics of utilities and spot elevations are found on a topographic survey. Topographic surveys are often conducted along with boundary surveys.

Question 11

Which steps should be taken to minimize slope destabilization?

Answer 11

Use alternatives to septic systems

Comply with local grading ordinances regarding the use of retaining walls for steep hill cuts

Review local landslide hazard maps and landslide reduction regulations

Utilize native plantings that require little irrigation

Question 12

What ratio of street width to building height prioritizes pedestrians?

Answer 12

1.5 : 1
Just a little wider- not too wide or it encourages faster vehicular speeds.
Vegetation makes the street pedestrian friendly.
Multiple types of users on street encourage social interaction.

Question 13

How will the architect and client use this construction budget?

Answer 13

To set cost guidelines for their work
-the budget serves as a guide, establishing parameters for the project costs. It keeps the architect from spending too much in the wrong place and helps them to meet the project goals.

Budgets are not hard numbers and often fluctuate.

Question 14

What does a storm drain do?

Answer 14

-is designed to drain excess rain and ground water from impervious surfaces such as paved streets, car parks, parking lots, footpaths, sidewalks, and roofs.

This is not an effective technique for reducing runoff volume and improving stormwater quality.

Question 15

True or False?

A privately owned facility with three units would not fall under the requirement to have ADA accessibility as per the Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Answer 15

True

Per 2010 ADA Standards - Section 233, residential structures having four or more multi-family dwelling units, regardless of whether they are privately owned or federally assisted, include certain features of accessible and adaptable design according to guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). A privately owned facility with three units would not fall under this requirement.

Question 16

What is the primary function of a vegetated roof?

Answer 16

Stormwater management
-vegetated roof covers or “green roofs” provide an important strategy for the management of stormwater. They can reduce runoff on a site by 50 percent.

Question 17

What is a Control Joint used for?

Answer 17

Control joints are used to regulate cracking in concrete pours, such as slabs and walls. They limit cracking from thermal movement, curing shrinkage, etc.

Question 18

Where will the maximum bending moment at an exterior balcony be?

Answer 18

The maximum bending moment is where the balcony intersects the wall. The bending moment occurs here because the wall is a rigid connection point for the balcony. It provides an upward force on that point, which is countered by a downward force of the balcony load.

Question 19

Name some of the characteristics of a successful transit-oriented development?

Answer 19

Diverse housing types
-a mix of housing types ensures population density for the development.

Varied housing prices
-a variety of housing prices, including affordable housing, should be planned.

Mixed-use functions
-they benefit this type of development by providing residential functions adjacent to commercial and office functions, increasing the vitality of the community. Mixed-use also provides opportunities for shared parking.

Increased bicycle facilities
-facilities for bicycles should be increased, including dedicated bicycle paths and bicycle parking.

Question 20

Preservation

Answer 20

-the act or process of applying measures necessary to sustain the existing form, integrity, and materials of a historic property. Work, including preliminary measures to protect and stabilize the property, generally focuses upon the ongoing maintenance and repair of historic materials and features rather than extensive replacement and new construction. The limited and sensitive upgrading of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and other code-required work to make properties functional is appropriate within a preservation project.”

Preservation is the appropriate choice for the scenarios such as, “The stone cornice of a historic hotel is patched and repaired,” and, “An 1890 train station will be reused as a light rail station but will largely retain its original look and feel.”

Question 21

Rehabilitation

Answer 21

-the act or process of making possible a compatible use for a property through repair, alterations, and additions while preserving those portions or features which convey its historical, cultural, or architectural values.”

Rehabilitation is the appropriate choice for the scenario, “An old theater is being repurposed as a bookstore and coffee shop.”

Question 22

Restoration

Answer 22

-the act or process of accurately depicting the form, features, and character of a property as it appeared at a particular period of time by means of the removal of features from other periods in its history and reconstruction of missing features from the restoration period.”

Question 23

Reconstruction

Answer 23

-the act or process of depicting, by means of new construction, the form, features, and detailing of a non-surviving site, landscape, building, structure, or object for the purpose of replicating its appearance at a specific period of time and in its historic location.”

Reconstruction is the appropriate choice for the scenario, “A badly deteriorated native dwelling is carefully studied and missing parts are replaced with great accuracy.”

Question 24

True or False

Building on greenfield sites promote sustainability.

Answer 24

False

Question 25

What is the approximate percentage of the total area that can be developed after accounting for the minimum amount of space needed for infastrcuture when planning a residential neighborhood?

Answer 25

70 - 90%
-Infrastructure is a major part of residential neighborhood planning. Infrastructure commonly includes roads, utility easements and other rights-of-way, as well as accommodations for public structures. Infrastructure may use 10 - 30% of a residential neighborhood’s gross land area.

Question 26

What is the primary reason a city has for controlling the floor area ratio (FAR) of a site?

Answer 26

To control density
-the FAR (floor area ratio) controls the square footage of the building being developed relative to the size of the site. Therefore, if a city wants to create density, it would allow a high FAR, which would enable developers to build more area and/or floors.

Question 27

Name 4 actions that comply with the best practices for maintaining defensible space (measures to prevent forest fires)?

Answer 27

Store firewood uphill from the building.

Reduce forest density within 100 feet from the building.

Do not use wood chip mulch directly adjacent to the building.

Extend defensible space further on the downhill side of the building (Fires spread vertically and travels uphill, therefore, a larger defensible space is required on the downhill side of the building).

Question 28

Name three benefits from an urban in-fill project?

Answer 28

Neighborhood revitalization
-taking use of vacant and underused land increases population density and neighborhood continuity. A critical mass of people is required to support retail, an amenity the existing community can utilize.

Creation of mixed-use development
-mixed-use development creates a presence of people at all times of the day, which increases public safety and community connection.

Promotion of sustainability strategies
-there is an opportunity to promote sustainable strategies, including utilization of existing infrastructure and community amenities. Public transit is also more viable in densely populated areas.

NOT:
parking
property values (promotes gentrification)

Question 29

True or False?

Utilizing brownfield sites is often seen as a positive and sustainable practice, regardless of strategy used.

Answer 29

True

Question 30

What is the best HVAC system to use when you have need multiple unit individual controls (i.e.-motel)?

Answer 30

Local air-to-air heat pumps
-this is the best option that will allow the individual user high autonomy of control for each unit. It is well-suited for this system where rooms tend to be located on the perimeter and climate can be adjusted to account for the difference in exposure promoted by orientation of the structure. The system is relatively economical because the installation costs would be lower than a complete HVAC refrigerant system with the associated equipment and ductwork. The unit is also more energy-efficient than the local unitary air conditioning unit.

Question 31

Which soil type is the least susceptible to liquefaction during a seismic event?

Answer 31

Clay
-liquefaction is when a soil behaves like a liquid, such as when seismic “S” waves cause vibrations during earthquakes. Loose and uncompacted granular soils such as sand and sandy (non-plastic) silts are the most susceptible to liquefaction. During liquefaction, soils lose their shear strength. A clay content of 15% or more is considered adequate protection from liquefaction.

Question 32

Name an analysis that will assist in designing building systems to meet performance goals?

Answer 32

Model-based analysis (BIM)
-model-based analysis, which can include energy modeling, building performance modeling, life cycle cost analysis, or other types of simulation, is a process that uses the three-dimensional model of the building to predict various aspects of performance while still in the design phase. Some combination of these analyses should be performed by the architect or appropriate consultant to determine if the design will be likely to meet the client’s goals. After construction, a commissioning agent or other authority will need to verify ongoing performance of the building and its systems through testing or observation of the actual facility.

Question 33

What is the simplest form of cost estimation?

Answer 33

Comparison

-this is a cost estimate based on the comparison of a similar building, adjusted for location and inflation.

Question 34

What type of cost estimation is completed at the schematic design phase?

Answer 34

Gross square footage
-this is a cost estimate based on the square footage of a building and is slightly more detailed than a comparison estimate.

Question 35

What type of grain patters will show if wood is quarter sawn?

Answer 35

Even grain patters. Growth rings will run parallel to board edges. (thin straight lines)

Question 36

What type of grain patters will show if wood is plain sawn?

Answer 36

Noticeable grain patterns

Question 37

Which strategy should the architect propose in order to reduce the heat island effects in a project?

Answer 37

Incorporate a rooftop garden

-rooftop gardens reduce the heat island effect while also providing outdoor space for building residents.

Question 38

Name three conditions that could lead to the decision to phase a project?

Answer 38

The initial budget is limited
-when the initial budget is limited, a phased schedule can provide extra time to obtain money for additional phases.

The client’s functional needs are expected to grow
-when functional needs are expected to grow, phasing allows the client to provide more space as needed, instead of creating a large building upfront, which can be expensive and possibly underutilized at first.

Money for the project will become available over time
-when money will become available over a period of time, phasing can be useful because it allows an owner to build as the funds become available to do so.

Question 39

An architect is working on a small development where the developer would like to minimize greenhouse gas emissions.

Which energy source will help them meet this goal?

Answer 39

Geothermal
-geothermal systems emit no greenhouse gases during operation. According to the U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, their life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are four times less than solar PV emissions and up to 20 times less than natural gas emissions.

Question 40

What is a Parti diagram in architecture?

Answer 40

A quick concept sketch. A parti diagram is a rough drawing, doodle, or diagram used early in the schematic design process to represent a design concept. The classic “napkin sketch”. ​Note that a design parti, is not necessarily a diagram. The word is from the French phrase parti pris, meaning to make a decision.

Question 41

Name and describe 4 types of Parti diagram styles?

Answer 41

Bauhaus or International Style; characterized functional design and geometric form.

Beaux-Arts; characterized by symmetrical, harmonious designs.

Panopticon; characterized by a radial system, all parts of the floorplan are visible from a central point.

Gothic; characterized by tall heights, long corridors, and Christian symbolism (floorplan in the shape of a Christian cross)

note:
lighter and bolder lines define hierarchy

Question 42

Name a soil type that would be the best for a building’s foundation?

Answer 42

(GW) Well Graded Gravel
-GW has excellent shear strength, negligible compressibility, and excellent workability. GW soils are preferred for subgrade and base conditions.

Question 43

What is the principal benefit of using a DOAS (dedicated outdoor air system) system?

Answer 43

The supply air can be comprised of 100% fresh outside air

-A DOAS system is often used on projects with high sustainable performance criteria. The ability to provide 100% fresh outside air reduces energy dependence because the return air system is powered and used far less frequently than in a conventional HVAC system.

Question 44

Name four environmental mitigation solutions to help clean up a brownfield site?

Answer 44

Incineration
-Incineration is controlled burning of soil or solids to convert, degrade, or oxidize contaminants. It may be done on or off site.

Dechlorination
-Dechlorination is chemical treatment to remove chlorine atoms bonded to hazardous chemicals. Hydrogen or hydroxide ions are used to detoxify materials.

Soil vapor extraction
-Soil vapor extraction is used to remove VOCs from soil through the use of vapor extraction wells. It is sometimes used in conjunction with air injection systems. Contaminants are volatilized and flushed into the air for treatment.

Air sparging
-Air sparging is the injection of air into groundwater to flush volatile contaminants, which are collected and treated by the soil vapor extraction process.

Question 45

Under the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, what should be done to mistakes or erroneous additions that have taken place over the history of a building?

Answer 45

Protect the elements in place as they are now part of the building and should be recognized for their historic value.

Question 46

What is the range for a typical turning radius for a cul-de-sac?

Answer 46

38’-0” to 50’-0”

Question 47

How deep are medium to high voltage cables buried?

Answer 47

Often in areas where they will be below the water table and permanently in a wet environment. The electrical engineer’s work will be largely unaffected by any issues to the top layers of the soil.

Question 48

What is the maximum distance a project can be from the transit stop to qualify as a Transit Oriented Development (TOD)?

Answer 48

.5 (1/2) mile

Question 49

When assessing a client’s budget, what information does the architect need?

Answer 49

Project schedule
-The owner is responsible for bringing the preliminary project schedule, which the architect utilizes to assess the feasibility of the budget. The length of the schedule could affect the appropriate project delivery method which may affect cost.

Site requirements
-The owner is required to provide a site location and site requirements to the project. The specific site and the expectations for the site are critical for determining budget feasibility.

Project program
-The owner is responsible for bringing a written program which the architect will utilize to assess the feasibility of the budget. Too much program could present an issue for the budget.

Question 50

True or False?

Trees to be saved near building sites should be wrapped in plastic to protect them from construction activity.

Answer 50

False

Trees should have a fence or other barrier around them to protect them from construction activity.

Question 51

True or False?

Roads that follow existing topography require less grading and minimize disturbance to the site and soil.

Answer 51

True

Roads should be parallel with the topographic contours to have the least impact on a site.

Question 52

Name a site drainage strategies that filters wastewater and mimics the function of local ecology?

Answer 52

Constructed wetlands
-Engineered or constructed wetlands can function in a manner similar to natural wetlands – receiving and processing site runoff or wastewater.

Question 53

What is the maximum slop(%) for lawns, planted slopes, and road shoulders?

Answer 53

10%

Question 54

What is the maximum allowable slope(%) for parking lots?

And what is the preferred slope(%)?

Answer 54

20% (max)

2-3% (preferred)

Question 55

How many square feet in an acre?

Answer 55

43,560 sq ft

Question 56

What is a fiber roll?

Answer 56

A fiber roll is a temporary erosion control and sediment control device used on construction sites to protect water quality in nearby streams, rivers, lakes and seas from sediment erosion. It is made of straw, coconut fiber or similar material formed into a tubular roll.

Question 57

Minor Arterial Street-

Answer 57

A minor arterial supports high volumes of traffic connecting lower- and higher-capacity roadways and provides moderate site access.

Question 58

Collector Street-

Answer 58

A collector street is not designed for through-traffic access, so it supports a lower traffic volume.

Question 59

Local Street-

Answer 59

A local street provides the most direct access to sites, but it has the lowest traffic volume.

Question 60

Principal Arterial Street-

Answer 60

A principal arterial is a continuous route between urban areas. It supports a high traffic volume, but it does not provide direct site access.

Question 61

When preparing a preliminary site analysis for a property, what information should the architect typically include?

Answer 61

Flood zones
-Any parts of the site that are prone to flooding should be identified immediately.

Existing vegetation
-It is important to identify existing site vegetation to maximize solar shading, and minimize tree removal.

Topography
-Topography is an essential element in determining the lay of the land.

DO NOT INCLUDE:
soil type
neighboring properties
local wildlife

Question 62

Which has more embodied energy:

straw bale or stainless steel?

Answer 62

stainless steel

Materials that occur naturally have the least amount of embodied energy, materials that grow have less energy than those that are mined. Items that need to be refined or produced have the highest levels of embodied energy.

Question 63

What is embodied energy?

Answer 63

-the energy consumed by all of the processes associated with the production of a building material, from the mining and processing of natural resources to manufacturing, transport and product delivery.

Question 64

Name one of the most important things the architect should do to design the building for maximizing daylighting?

Answer 64

Create undulations in the building form and massing

-The architect should shape the massing of the building so that no interior spaces are too far from the skin, allowing for daylighting throughout the building and reducing the need for electric lighting. This is how buildings were shaped before electric lighting existed.

Question 65

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) soil survey maps provide what?

Answer 65

General soil characteristics
-including soil texture.

Drainage patterns

Soil erodibility

Surface topography

Question 66

Which has more embodied energy:

Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) foundations or cast in place concrete walls?

Answer 66

Cast-in-place concrete walls

-While concrete does perform well as a thermal mass, it has a high embodied energy. CMU can perform well as a thermal mass and also meets the criteria of being a low embodied energy material.

Question 67

What might a site experience as a result from frequent and intense storms?

Answer 67

Increased runoff

-more frequent and more intense storms result in more runoff and decreased infiltration.

Question 68

What is the LEED system based on?

Answer 68

CREDITS- based on sustainable strategies.

The strategies are classified as:
water efficiency, 
energy use,
materials and resources,
and indoor air quality.

Question 69

Which category of modeling is the best way to estimate how a building and its systems will perform during design?

Answer 69

Energy model analysis

Energy modeling, which predicts energy use and energy savings measured against a baseline of performance, is the best way to estimate how a building and its systems will perform during design. This analysis may be performed by the architect if they possess the abilities in-house or it could be conducted by a third party. Although BIM processes may be used to conduct an energy analysis, this is not the best answer as BIM is a general category of modeling techniques.

Question 70

Name four items that are regulated on a local level:

Answer 70

Minimum landscaping
-Required minimum landscaping is regulated at the local level by zoning ordinances.

Rainwater harvesting
-Rainwater harvesting is regulated locally and may be illegal in some communities

Site lighting
-Site lighting is regulated at the local level. Types of light fixtures, cut-off angles, and lighting levels are typical parts of local land use regulations.

Parking requirements
-Parking requirements. Sizes and allowable configurations are regulated at the local level.

Question 71

What type of elevator system has speedy operation, relative ease of maintenance, a low cost, and is environmentally friendly?

Answer 71

Geared Traction Elevator
-This type of elevator provides the quick speed desired by the owner (about 500 feet per minute), and the height of the building is no more than 10 stories. A geared traction elevator also would not have the environmental concerns present in hydraulic systems.

Question 72

When topographic lines begin to bend into a “point” which is aimed downhill, this indicates what?

Answer 72

A Berm

Question 73

When topographic lines begin to bend into pointed contours that aim uphill, this indicates what?

Answer 73

A Swale

If no water source is present, this suggests evidence of simple erosion caused by loose soils which were washed away repeatedly over time. This portion of the site should receive erosion mitigation.

Question 74

What is Transfer of Development Right (TDR)?

Answer 74

is a zoning technique used to permanently protect land with conservation value (such as farmland, community open space, or other natural or cultural resources) by redirecting development that would otherwise occur on this land (the sending area) to an area planned to accommodate growth and development (the receiving area).

Question 75

Which soils are classified as cohesionless?

Answer 75

Gravel and Sand

Question 76

Name a good strategy that will offer the greatest climatic benefit for the new building in a cold climate?

Answer 76

Earth Berming
-Cutting a structure into a slope or locating it partially underground moderates the temperature and provides protection from cold wind and heat loss in cold climates.

Question 77

True or False?

Zoning laws dictate the amount of required parking.

Answer 77

True

Note:
Not building code.

Question 78

True or False?

Construction Types and applicable restrictions are defined in the building code.

Answer 78

True

Note:
Not Zoning code.

Question 79

Name some ways to reduce disturbance to the existing drainage patterns.

Answer 79

Minimizing the footprint
Condense parking (one lot)
Reduce paving

Question 80

From which organization can the architect request topographical maps?

Answer 80

USGS (United States Geological Survey)

Question 81

What is Euclidean Zoning?

Answer 81

Euclidean zoning is characterized by a clear separation of uses. Also known as single use zoning. It is the most widely used form of zoning in the United States. Employs a segregation of land uses separated from one another.

Example- shops in one zone, housing in another, and industrial in another. Named after the town of Euclid, Ohio.

Question 82

Which percentage is the minimum clay content that the architect should specify within the soil in order to prevent liquefaction?

Answer 82

15%

In fine sandy soils, the presence of 15% clay is considered adequate protection from liquefaction. Liquefaction is a condition that can occur during an earthquake where soil behaves like a liquid, losing all its shear strength. Clay can offer protection against liquefaction because it is a cohesive soil that has a small particle size and low void ratio. Note, however, that not all clays can protect from liquefaction.

Question 83

What is the minimum width the architect must plan for two accessible parking spaces separated by an access aisle?

Answer 83

21 ft wide total

Each standard, non-van accessible parking space must be a minimum of 8 ft. wide. Each access aisle must be a minimum of 5 ft. wide. So, the required total width for two spaces and one access aisle would be at least 21 ft.

Question 84

As a rule of thumb, what is the minimum distance that should be provided from the center of the intersecting road to the entrance driveway of a parking lot?

Answer 84

100 feet

-As a rule of thumb, the driveway to a parking lot should be a minimum of 100 feet from any intersection. This allows traffic to enter and exit a lot without impeding the traffic waiting at the intersection.

Question 85

Name some key goals of an environmental impact assessment?

Answer 85

Reducing risk of project opposition
-By providing objective and accurate information to stakeholders and the design team, it is less likely that opposition will arise in later design phases regarding the best way to treat the site or address any challenges discovered in the impact assessment.

Determining effective ways to use project resources in addressing potential impacts
-A common challenge architects face when confronted with an environmental impact assessment includes determining how to address issues raised in the study. Mitigation techniques may cost the architect time and money, but so does changing a design to better fit the needs of the site. This is a balance that must be struck to effectively move forward with the project.

Evaluating the relationship between a project and site
-Environmental impact assessments help educate a design team about potential issues their project may face as it relates to a chosen site. The architect can use the early stages of design to help address those problems in more cost-effective ways, by making mitigation efforts and solutions fundamental to the design.

Establishing a defensible public record of findings
-By publicly documenting findings from the assessment, this helps reduce the risk of potential legal issues which might arise from community members or activists involved in the site or its challenges. This also establishes an ethical base for the design team, by showing that they were forthcoming with information and knew about challenges and risks before undertaking their project.

Question 86

What is the defining characteristic that differentiates between Supplemental and Additional Services?

Answer 86

Timing

-Article 4 of AIA B101-2017 lists Supplemental Services.

If these are agreed upon BEFORE the contract signing, they remain SUPPLEMENTAL SERVICES.

If added to the scope of the project AFTER the contract is signed, they become ADDITIONAL SERVICES.

Question 87

How wide is a township?

Answer 87

36 square miles

or 6 miles by 6 miles

Question 88

True or False?

Paleontology is not an environmental constraint.

Answer 88

True

Paleontology is the branch of science concerned with fossil animals and plants.

Question 89

When would you use a shallow foundation using a thick mat slab?

Answer 89

A mat slab is a good foundation option for low-rise buildings on soil that may be subject to liquefaction, but is inadequate when bearing a high-rise building.

Question 90

True or False?

Special interest groups have direct influence and can offer suggestions as potential stakeholders on public projects?

Answer 90

False

Because the project is for the public, such as an addition to the elementary school, and because it is a government project which must adhere to strict guidelines for design and construction-influences and suggestions from special interest groups are NOT allowed.

Question 91

What is the most effective way a firm to can communicate and interact with a community?

Answer 91

Host community charrettes

-Through more extensive models of engagement such as community charrettes, citizens can become engaged in longer-term and more meaningful ways.

Question 92

What do horizontal cracks in a foundation indicate?

Answer 92

-pressure from the backfill such as that from hydrostatic pressure.

Question 93

What do diagonal cracks in the foundation or basement walls indicate?

Answer 93

-pressure from differential settlement.

Question 94

Based on the International Building Code, which of the following areas requires the most square footage per occupant?

1. Science lab
2. Gymnasium
3. History Classroom
4. Admin Offices

Answer 94

4. Admin Offices
   they have a floor area allowance of 150 sq ft (gross)
5. 50 sq ft (net)
6. 50 sq ft (gross)
7. 20 sq ft (net)

Question 95

What is the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and what does it provide?

Answer 95

• topographical maps for much of the contiguous United States in both digital and printed form.

Question 96

What are the name of the laws that make owners liable for their land, should it be found to contain contaminants?

Answer 96

Superfund

The United States federal Superfund law, officially the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), established the federal Superfund program, administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The program is designed to investigate and clean up sites contaminated with hazardous substances. Sites managed under this program are referred to as “Superfund” sites.

Question 97

What building design is best suited for cold climates?

Answer 97

Cold climates call for more compact forms, not elongated ones. Examples of locations that have cold climates are Alaska and Montana.

Question 98

What building design is best suited for hot humid climates?

Answer 98

An ideal building for a hot humid climate would maximize air flow. For example, parts of the building might be disconnected from each other and joined by airy breezeways. The kitchen might also be detached from the rest of the building.

Question 99

What building design is best suited for hot arid climates?

Answer 99

An ideal building for a hot arid climate such as Phoenix would have an atrium or courtyard that encloses a fountain so that cooler, humidified air can be drawn into the building. The building would also ideally be built out of materials with a high thermal mass, such as adobe, that stores the heat from the day and releases it at night.

Question 100

What building design is best suited for temperate climates?

Answer 100

Much of the Continental United States falls into the temperate climate zone where it is cold some parts of the year and hot during others. The building’s east-west orientation would maximize sun exposure on the south-facing facade in winter and help to keep the building warm. In the summer, when the sun is higher, a porch will help to shade the facade and keep the building cool. The northern side of the building is least exposed to the sun, and thus it is a logical position to place the kitchen, which generates heat.

Question 101

Name four levels of development (LOD) that BIM models and drawings can represent?

Answer 101

LOD 100
-indicates only massing, location on site, and orientation. No architectural elements (such as fenestration, materials, etc.) are yet shown.

LOD 200
-specifies general systems and assemblies.

LOD 250
-not commonly used, but would fall between LODs 200 and 300. There would be fenestration shown on an LOD 250 model.

LOD 300
-specifies assemblies and is accurately modeled. The image shows a general massing model with no specific assemblies.

LOD 400
- Fabrication & Assembly
Model elements are modeled as specific assemblies, with complete fabrication, assembly, and detailing information in addition to precise quantity, size, shape, location and orientation. Non- geometric information to the model elements can also be attached.

LOD 500
- As-Built
Elements are modeled as constructed assemblies for Maintenance and operations. In addition to actual and accurate in size, shape, location, quantity, and orientation, non-geometric information is attached to modeled elements

Question 102

In the event of a fire, the elevator system in a building automatically overrides its programming to implement Phase 1 of standard safety protocol.

What does the elevator do?

Answer 102

Elevator is recalled to primary floor and doors remain open

-typically in Phase 1, all elevators are recalled to the primary floor (usually the lobby floor of a building) for egress of any occupants and remain at the level until manually operated by fire department personnel (in Phase 2).

Question 103

Describes the goal of regenerative design?

Answer 103

To produce a net positive environmental impact
-The goal of regenerative design is to produce a net positive environmental impact. For example, a net-positive-energy or net-positive-water building produces more energy or water than it consumes.

Question 104

Name the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation.

Answer 104

Preserve
Restore
Rehabilitate
Reconstruct

Question 105

Explain Radiation-

Answer 105

It’s a process where electromagnetic waves are emitted from a warm body.

Example: a trombe wall- wall that absorbs the warm sun, stores its heat, and radiates it out at night.

Question 106

Explain Conduction-

Answer 106

It’s the process by which heat is directly transmitted through a substance when there is a difference in temperature between adjoining regions, without movement of the material.

Question 107

Explain Convection-

Answer 107

It’s the transfer of heat by the movement of a fluid between areas of different temperature.

Question 108

Explain Evaporation-

Answer 108

It’s the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor.

Question 109

A lunchroom of how many occupants or more located within another use inside the same building would be classified as an “A” occupancy and could trigger occupancy separation requirements based on section 508 of the International Building Code (IBC).

Answer 109

50 or more

Question 110

Often municipalities will take into account a site’s location relative to what when considering variance requests to reduce required parking.

Answer 110

mass transit

Question 111

Approximately how wide is a drive aisle?

Answer 111

25’

Question 112

Approximately how big is a parking space?

Answer 112

9’ x 18’ (162 sq ft)

Question 113

How many sq ft in an acre?

Answer 113

43,560 sq ft