SPD - Practice Test Flashcards

Question

What is a test boring and why is it performed? a. A test boring is used to determine if poured concrete has met it's maximum bearing strength. b. A test boring will determine the types of soils on a site as well as its relative bearing capacity. c. A test boring is used on an existing structure to find out if any damage has occurred beneath the surface. d. A test boring calculates the loads the foundation will need to support once the building is complete.

Answer 1

A test boring will determine the types of soils on a site as well as its relative bearing capacity. Notes: The four main types of test borings are wash borings (using high pressure water), auger borings (using drills), core borings (to gather layers of soils) and test pits (to see layers of soils).

Answer 2

Integrate the design of landscaping with streets and buildings. Notes: The purpose behind the City Beautiful Movement also included the desire to create a complete and comprehensive design as well as begin a movement towards modern city planning.

Answer 3

Level D - Solid sandstone. Notes: The fourth soil level is actually Level D - Solid bedrock.

Answer 4

The frost line indicates the level where soil freezes. Notes: The top of footings should be at or below the frost line, which avoids damage to the foundation due to moisture changes throughout the year.

Answer 5

It can cause neurological disorders and birth defects. Notes: The dust and loose chips from lead paint are especially dangerous to children and pregnant women, who touch the window sill and absorb the lead directly through their fingers and by touching their mouth.

Answer 6

Soil that has been deposited on a site by the movement of water, such as runoff. Notes: Alluvium is a common runoff deposit and in general is not desirable for foundation placement.

Answer 7

Also known as highways, they are continuous channels that connect with freeways (at the exits). Notes: In most modern cities, arterial streets are the main boulevards running through the city.

Answer 8

Construction costs (site grading, building construction) Notes: Cost of construction generally consumes the majority of the project budget and should be funded adequately.

Answer 9

The cost of site development and improvement for a project is lowered. Notes: By increasing the density of the units on the site, you lower the individual construction costs for each unit. The shared walls, utilities, sewer system, parking and roadways save the cost of providing that for each unit.

Answer 10

Two or more people, each holding an undivided interest and each owner has a share in the ownership of the whole. Notes: Joint tenancy: two or more people, each holding an undivided interest (meaning the land is not physically divided into individual pieces, but rather each owner has a share in the ownership of the whole).

Answer 11

Federally funded programs, these are a type of Planned Unit Development involving rehabilitating an existing (often urban) property. Notes: Urban Redevelopment / Urban Renewal: referring to federally funded programs, these are a type of Planned Unit Development involving rehabilitating an existing (often urban) property. A PUD typically refers to a new development. Redevelopment (or renewal) refers to improving an existing area to bring density, diversity and a mix of uses. Such projects have received increasing interest in recent years due to an overabundance of suburban sprawl and a desire by people to return to cities.

Answer 12

Many neighborhoods can be grouped together to form larger communities. Notes: Other features included: Three neighborhoods grouped together to serve one high school and the maximum walking distance is one mile.

Answer 13

The wrong type of foundation could crack or settle if the water table freezes and pushes it upward. Notes: High water tables in cold climates are especially problematic since water expands as it freezes. The wrong type of foundation could crack or settle if the water table freezes and pushes it upward.

Answer 14

Non-Conforming Use Notes: A prudent zoning code should allow for buildings that may have been permitted or allowed when built, but now no longer comply with the current zoning regulations. This is called a “nonconforming use” and is often described as a building being “grandfathered in.”

Answer 15

To allow access to light and air Notes: Setbacks are standards that the building “sets back” from the property line by a certain amount.

Answer 16

Providing heat for a water heater Notes: A solar water heater uses the warmth of the sunlight to directly heat the water.

Answer 17

Construction Details Notes: Drawings are submitted to the local Planning Department and are usually in some kind of stage of Design Development with enough information to illustrate the size and scope of the project.

Answer 18

South facing windows should be shaded Notes: Windows facing north will not get any direct sunlight, whereas windows facing south will receive a lot of sunlight year round.

Answer 19

A test used to calculate the maximum density that is required for the soil on a project site. Notes: A Proctor Test evaluates the native soils in both dry and wet conditions to determine the potential negative qualities of the soil. It is performed by dropping a hammer on a sample of soil several times and then dried for a period of time.

Answer 20

Using drought tolerant landscaping can help reduce water usage on a site. Notes: Using drought tolerant landscaping is smart in that it reduces water consumption, however it has no effect on reducing heat on a site.

Answer 21

Where did this material come from? Notes: Other questions to ask when performing a Life Cycle Analysis: What are the by-products of its' manufacturer? How is the material delivered and installed? How is the material maintained & operated? How healthy are the materials? What do we do with them once we are done with these materials?

Answer 22

5-10% Notes: Foundation costs typically average about 5-10% of the total construction costs for flat sites. Foundation costs for hilly or sloped sites can be as much as 25-35% or more.

Answer 23

Eucalyptus Notes: Deciduous species include maples, elms, oaks and sycamores.

Answer 24

Distance a building occupant would need to travel to reach an exit. Notes: The Exit Access is restricted by the code based on building type and number of exits provided as well as if automatic sprinklers are utilized.

Answer 25

Circulation requirements & Site Access; Spatial requirements based on necessary tasks. Notes: Spatial requirements needed to do a certain task (i.e.: size of a classroom for 30 kids). Circulation requirements & Site Access (from vehicles, pedestrians, utilities)

Answer 26

Remediation Notes: In order to reuse a brownfield, the hazardous waste and pollution must be removed and cleaned up through a process called remediation.

Answer 27

A municipal law in addition to a standard building code. Notes: Cities can adopt ordinances so long as they do not violate current building codes.

Answer 28

Foundation Leaks Notes: For a retaining wall, any groundwater behind the wall that is not dissipated by a drainage system can cause hydrostatic pressure on the wall.

Answer 29

A less formal code that allows the architect creativity in meeting the requirements Notes: A Performance Code is one that describes functional requirements that meet a certain standard, allowing the architect to find ways to meet those standards.

Answer 30

Wood fencing Notes: Material selection should consider how well the material can withstand the elements (sun, wind, rain, etc.). Natural materials, such as wood, deteriorate much faster than manufactured materials.

Answer 31

Grants you the ability to use a building for your proposed use, even though the zoning code normally would not allow it. Notes: If you wish to build or use a building for a purpose not granted in the zoning code, you can apply for a “non-conditional use” permit. This grants you the ability to use the building for your proposed use, even though the zoning code normally would not allow it. This use is typically granted with certain restrictions and may not be transferable to a new owner.

Answer 32

Longitudinal lines running North – South. Notes: Longitudinal lines running North – South are called “meridians.” Lines between these are called range lines.

Answer 33

Any required setbacks from property lines, rights-of-way, streets and sidewalks. Notes: The zoning code also prescribes building height limitations as well as site usage (residential, commercial, etc.)

Answer 34

Identifies potential areas of unnecessary expenditures. ``` Notes: Value engineering (VE) is a method to improve the "value" of products and services by either improving the function or reducing the cost. In most cases this practice identifies and removes unnecessary expenditures, thereby increasing the value for the owner. ```

Answer 35

Entitlement Phase Notes: In this phase, we are trying to obtain permission/approval for our project prior to producing construction documents.

Answer 36

30 degree angled parking Notes: Angled parking at 30 degrees is most economical because stall projection is smaller (about 15’-6” verses 18’ of 90 degrees). However, it requires greater curb length and triangular space at end is wasted.

Answer 37

A measure of the reflectivity of a material. Notes: Albedo is a measure of the reflectivity of a material. Snow has a high albedo (blinding light) while grass has a low albedo.

Answer 38

Collection of rainwater from roofs and yards Notes: Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting the water that falls on your roof or yard. That water is filtered and stored for later use to irrigate the landscape or flush the toilets.

Answer 39

90 degree perpendicular intersections Notes: The other intersection types make seeing cross traffic difficult and can lead to driver confusion.

Answer 40

Seal all leaks in the building and provide a very efficient duct system. Notes: Passive cooling refers to avoiding the use of mechanical systems in order to provide temperature comfort within a building.

Answer 41

A site with a high water table. Notes: If the water table is located less than 6' below the surface, this is considered high and will limit foundation design. A mat slab or pile foundation may be necessary in order to evenly distribute the loads of the building on site.

Answer 42

30 persons per acre Notes: Collective Transit System needs at least a population density of 30 persons per acre.

Answer 43

Describes an even or harmonious distribution of elements, either static or dynamic, not necessary evenly spaced. Notes: Balance describes when something has an even or harmonious distribution of elements; it can be static, such as when you have a row of columns of all the same size, or dynamic, as when you have a large window on the left side that is balanced by several smaller windows on the right side.

Answer 44

Position most windows on the south façade. Notes: Natural sunlight contains the full spectrum of the visible light our eyes can see, and therefore, is considered the best type of light to use within your building.

Answer 45

Low Density Notes: Density affects the cost of the development. Low density planning requires the infrastructure to be more spread out, less efficient and, therefore, more expensive. The number of people served by each foot of sewer pipe, utility line, roadway and street lamp is much lower, demanding more expense.

Answer 46

Sale-and-leaseback Notes: Sale-and-leaseback: an arrangement in which one party sells a property to a buyer and the buyer immediately leases the property back to the seller.

Answer 47

1:12 Notes: Handicapped ramp slopes must be a 1:12 slope (1' rise for every 12' run). 1/12 (100) = 8.3% slope

Answer 48

Soils have come loose and act in a liquid state. Notes: Earthquakes are often triggers of liquefaction and can result in landslides and serious damage.

Answer 49

A measure of the ability of a material to absorb light. Notes: Conductivity refers to a material's ability to absorb light. Grassy areas have low albedo levels and high conductivity. Paved areas have high albedo and low conductivity thus are often warmer than grassy areas.

Answer 50

Materials should be tested to assure they will perform as expected and designed. Notes: The life span of the material should be evaluated to make sure it will withstand normal wear and tear.

Answer 51

Residual Method Notes: Residual method or income approach method: value can be determined by estimating the potential income from site improvements.

Answer 52

Spread Footing Notes: The size of the footing is determined by dividing the load by the safe bearing capacity.

Answer 53

Silt - stable when dry or damp, not wet. Notes: Silt tends to swell when frozen due to its ability to hold a high water content.

Answer 54

400 square feet Notes: Parking spaces are estimated as 400 sq. ft. per vehicle, this includes 270 square feet of actual required foot print and additional circulation.

Answer 55

Soft soil which is comprised of decomposed organic matter. Notes: Humus is made up of decomposing organic matter. Though this would make a wonderful garden soil, it has very poor bearing capacity for a building foundation.

Answer 56

Conditional Use Permit Notes: If you wish to build or use a building for a purpose not granted in the zoning code, you can apply for a “conditional use” permit. This grants you the ability to use the building for your proposed use, even though the zoning code normally would not allow it.

Answer 57

The site contains a building or structure built prior to the current zoning code and may remain in use. Notes: Any prudent zoning code should allow for buildings that may have been permitted or allowed when built, but now no longer comply with the current zoning regulations. This is called a “nonconforming use” and is often described as a building being “grandfathered in.”

Answer 58

Soil compaction Notes: For a retaining wall, any groundwater behind the wall that is not dissipated by a drainage system causes hydrostatic pressure on the wall.

Answer 59

Provide clerestories for indirect light Notes: North-facing windows will not get any direct light but will provide an even glow from reflected light all day.

Answer 60

A set of repeating and identifiable elements in a design. Notes: In architecture, style is defined as a set of repeating and identifiable elements in a design.

Answer 61

Transport the hazardous material to a local landfill. Notes: Removing hazardous material from the site and properly disposing per federal, state, and local guidelines or encapsulating and permanently sealing the material on the site per federal, state, and local guidelines are the two approved methods for mitigating hazardous materials.

Answer 62

Coarse gravel Notes: The Angle of Repose describes how soils form mounds when loose. Sand and gravel are stiff soils and will have steeper angles of repose as compared to soft silts and clays.

Answer 63

The Safe Bearing Capacity is the ultimate bearing capacity of the soil divided by a safety factor of 2 to 4 times. Notes: This ensures the site will not endure the full ultimate bearing capacity and helps to avoid structural failure.

Answer 64

Concrete near south facing windows Notes: The low winter sun warms the south side of the house all day. A stone or concrete floor stores up the heat during the day and releases it in the evening.

Answer 65

California Building Code (CBC) Notes: The International Building Code (IBC) is relatively new and first produced in 2000 by the International Code Council (ICC). It combines the three model building codes published by BOCA, ICBO and SBCCI.

Answer 66

The boundaries of the site described by their relation to True North. Also states the measurements and legal boundaries of the site. Notes: The boundaries of the site (metes and bounds) are often described by their relation to True North. For example: N 30 degrees 13 minutes and 22 seconds E describes a straight line that starts by pointing North and then rotating 30 degrees 13 minutes and 22 seconds toward the East. The length of that line is described in feet and decimals (e.g.: 34.11 feet).

Answer 67

1916; to address the need for access to sunlight and air around tall buildings. Notes: The need for zoning began with the growth of our cities in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries when it quickly became clear that cities like New York would soon have streets with limited access to light and air. As the buildings grew taller and taller, the lack of access to sunlight and air threatened the surrounding property values.

Answer 68

The ability of water to seep into small openings and penetrate into an object. Notes: Capillary action refers to the ability of water to seep into small openings and penetrate into an object. If the foundation comes into contact with the water table, water could penetrate into the building causing further structural and mold related issues.

Answer 69

A centrally located neighborhood school. Notes: Instead of a neighborhood, a centrally located civic space was included.

Answer 70

Reuse materials instead of using new construction Notes: Studies have shown that reusing a building material can cut carbon dioxide emissions (its’ carbon footprint) by more than half when compared to creating a new version of the material. Reusing materials is one of the best and most cost-effective ways to cut the carbon footprint of your buildings.

Answer 71

To minimize disturbance to the site. Notes: Construction should be phased to balance disturbance of soil and natural features on site to minimize and control erosion and sedimentation.

Answer 72

Parallel to the contour lines. Notes: The length of the building should be placed parallel to the contour lines as this minimizes foundation work and eases rainwater drainage. This also applies to driveways and roads.

Answer 73

A variance is a request to deviate from some of the requirements of zoning (maximum height, minimum setbacks, etc.), because complying with these requirements would create financial hardship or practical construction challenges. Notes: Since, by its’ very nature, a zoning code places general requirements over an entire area, the unique needs for each individual property sometimes requires an exception called a “variance.” For example, the local zoning code requires your building to be no more than 30 feet in height, but your property is on a steeply sloping street and needs additional height to work. In this case, you could apply for a variance to exceed the height limitation. Variance requests are often reviewed by a Zoning Board or Planning Commission and are project specific.

Answer 74

The design should be efficient and use materials wisely to achieve its purpose. Notes: The design should use an economy of means to achieve its purpose. The design should utilize technologies ingeniously. The design should utilize materials properly.

Answer 75

Setbacks Notes: Setbacks are standards that requires the building to be "set back" from the property line by a certain distance.

Answer 76

Is 6 miles square and numbered and designated as North or South of the base line and east or west of principal meridian. Notes: Each check is divided into four by four squares, creating 16 townships per check. Each township is 6 miles square and numbered and designated as North or South of the base line and east or west of principal meridian.

Answer 77

Is an easement for public good. As in the case where required for a street, highway, railroad right of way or for a telephone or electric power line. Notes: Generally these easements must remain accessible, such in the case of a utility easement.

Answer 78

A pile that supports the building by creating friction with the foundation. Notes: A Friction Pile does not bear on solid soil; instead they transmit their load between the pile and the soil using friction to transfer the load.

Answer 79

General contractor's overhead and profit Notes: The general contractor's overhead and profit are part of construction costs. The other items are project costs and they are typically paid by the Owner outside of the cost of construction budget.

Answer 80

Floor Area Ratio Notes: The ratio of the allowable floor area in relation to the size of the property. A FAR of 2.0 would mean that you are allowed to build twice the lot area.

Answer 81

Converting an old factory building into apartments. Notes: Adaptive Reuse is a term that describes the process of reusing an old building or site for a purpose other than what was intended. Since adaptive reuse takes buildings that have outlived their usefulness and makes them useful again, it is seen as a key factor in urban redevelopment and reducing suburban sprawl.

Answer 82

Time to complete affected by complexity of project. Usually 2-6 months. Notes: Design Development - time to complete affected by complexity of project. Usually 2-6 months. Plans are detailed to a greater level than during Schematic Design to prepare to move into Construction Documents.

Answer 83

City composed of several distinct central points. Notes: Multiple Nuclei Pattern describes a city composed of several distinct central points. Some of these nuclei, or sub-centers, are old, while others developed as urbanization progressed.

Answer 84

Debris, trash and pollutants can get swept up with the stormwater and pollute the sewer. Notes: Trash and debris increases stormwater treatment procedures. Flooding is often problematic since most storm sewers become overwhelmed quickly during heavy storms.

Answer 85

Zoning Code Notes: The zoning code also prescribes building height limitations as well as site usage (residential, commercial, etc.)

Answer 86

Homes are placed linearly along the street allowing straightforward access for cars and people. Notes: This is the traditional suburban tract home layout that is prevalent in most US neighborhoods.

Answer 87

Use clerestories or skylights Notes: Using clerestories or skylights will bring light into the building without giving up privacy or in places where windows are not possible.

Answer 88

An old material that has been reused. Notes: Reclaimed materials avoid the need for recycling. Instead, they are simply salvaged, cleaned up and used over again.

Answer 89

A door that directly leads to a stair or outdoor area. Notes: Exits must be fire rated to a minimum of 1-hour and lead out of a building to a safe exit discharge.

Answer 90

A brownfield Notes: Environmentalist argue that cleaning up a chemically polluted brownfield is better and more important than developing on a pristine piece of undeveloped land, called a "greenfield".

Answer 91

Proximity to Freeways - excessive traffic can increase site temperature and affect air quality. Notes: Other factors that affect the microclimate include proximity to water, proximity to mountains and the topography of the site.

Answer 92

Piles or caissons Notes: A site containing silts or clays in the soil may require this foundation type in order to reach stable soil.

Answer 93

Handicapped parking stalls must have a 5 feet access aisle between every two spaces. Notes: Number of required stalls depends on total number of parking spaces and the type of building.

Answer 94

A measure of insulation performance Notes: Insulation is measured in R-Value. The higher the R-Value, the more insulation value the material has. The thicker the walls, the more insulation it can hold, and therefore the more R-value the wall has.

Answer 95

Row House Notes: Row House: three or more attached units set in a single, continuous box (or row).

Answer 96

Landforms (terracing, berms, grading) Notes: Some measures to protect the site include protecting and maintaining buildings and sites by providing proper drainage to assure that water does not erode foundation walls; drain toward the building; or damage or erode the landscape.

Answer 97

Increase the negative effects of the risk Notes: Risk management is the identification, assessment, and prioritization of risks followed by coordinated and economical application of resources to minimize, monitor, and control the probability and/or impact of unfortunate events or to maximize the realization of opportunities. The strategies to manage risk typically include transferring the risk to another party, avoiding the risk, reducing the negative effect or probability of the risk, or even accepting some or all of the potential or actual consequences

Answer 98

A monoculture is described as having only one type of building, which creates dull and predictable communities without any mix of uses. Notes: In general, creating a monoculture (having only one type) of building creates dull and predictable types of communities. For example, think of a typical suburban tract development consisting solely of housing, or an urban civic center filled with only public buildings. These types of communities are not 24-hour use spaces, and as such can attract crime, trash or worst of all, boredom.

Answer 99

Accessibility requirements Notes: Construction Type for a building is classified according to degree of fire resistance, determined by the fire zone it is located in and intended use, influences the height, floor area, and materials.

Answer 100

Blocking wind and views. Notes: Conifers are needle like evergreens that do not shed leaves. Perfect when used as year-round wind breakers or privacy screens. Pines, such as spruce and firs, are the most common conifers.

Answer 101

A test used to evaluate the rate at which soil will absorb water on a site; necessary for septic draining or leach fields. Notes: Soils that absorb water quickly also tend to be more fertile with better drainage than harder, less absorbent soils.

Answer 102

Do not grade past the drip line of the tree. Notes: Grading into the drip line of a tree could damage the roots and kill the tree.

Answer 103

Planning Department Notes: The Planning Department is generally the first step in the permit approval process. Most other agencies, such as Building and Safety, will not perform a plan check until after the Planning Department has completed their review.

Answer 104

Local Streets Notes: Local Streets - provide access to low intensity uses in front of them.

Answer 105

70dB Notes: We measure noise (sound) in decibels (dB) on a logarithmic scale between 1dB (the bottom threshold of hearing) and 140dB (threshold of pain). A change of 1 decibel is the smallest difference that a human ear can detect.

Answer 106

Drip irrigation delivers water directly down to plant roots. Notes: Instead of using sprinklers, a drip irrigation system uses up to 80% less water—by bringing the water directly to the roots where it belongs.

Answer 107

Overall, causes lower costs for Design and Construction and lower quality project. Notes: Actually, shortening the project schedule often increases costs for design and construction.

Answer 108

Ensure incompatible types of building uses do not disturb residents (i.e.: putting a loud factory next to a quiet library). Notes: Other zoning code concerns include: Protect local residents from undesirable types of business; protect the access to direct sunlight and fresh air; protect the amount of open space for local residents.

Answer 109

Region and population of a city that supports local facilities Notes: A “catchment area” is a development term that refers to the geographic region and population from which a facility attracts visitors/customers.

Answer 110

Very dense soil containing the smallest grains of all soil types. Notes: Cohesive Soils - very dense soil containing the smallest grains of all soil types (clay and silt).

Answer 111

Process of strengthening and stabilizing the foundation of an existing building while work occurs to the building on site. Notes: Underpinning is used when a building is undergoing repairs or additions and requires the foundation to be stabilized.

Answer 112

2,000 - 3,000 psf Notes: Compacted sand and fill = 2,000 - 3,000 psf

Answer 113

To hold heat within a building. Notes: Heavy mass materials (such as concrete, stone, brick or even water) store heat and cold. When the temperature changes, these materials release the stored temperature back into the air.

Answer 114

Type of Foundation to use Notes: The seven items include: Value, History, Renovation Costs, Community, Program, Environment, Archaic Materials

Answer 115

In the core of the building, connecting various spaces. Notes: Certain activities may want to be centrally located (elevators, bathrooms). Spaces used by a majority of the people may be placed up front (lobby, reception), while specialized purposes may be put further back (conference room).

Answer 116

Remove the soil and replace it with an appropriate fill material. Notes: Organic soils do not have adequate bearing capacities and should be removed. Otherwise, foundation piles would need to extend through to solid bedrock or bearing soils.

Answer 117

Arid Zone Notes: Arid Zone - areas of Midwestern and desert states.

Answer 118

Caused when the weight of water is forced against an object by gravity. Notes: Hydrostatic pressure is caused when the weight of water is forced against an object by gravity. Since water is very heavy, the more water that presses against a foundation, the greater the pressure due to gravity. This can cause weaknesses in the foundation and will require additional strength and reinforcement in order to avoid potential problems.

Answer 119

Roads are placed at perpendicular right angles with buildings in each quadrant. Notes: The grid system consists of consistently spaced streets and roads that are perpendicular to each other, forming a grid.

Answer 120

3 square feet Notes: The area covered by a person standing still is approximately 3 square feet.

Answer 121

Provide overhangs for shading Notes: South facing windows receive sunlight nearly all day. A 2 foot overhang will usually do a good job of shading the summer sun but allowing the winter sun to come in to the building.

Answer 122

Water from building fixtures such as faucets and showers Notes: Showers, baths, faucets and laundry require clean water. The soapy water going down the drain is called “graywater.”

Answer 123

Planned Unit Development Notes: Large Scale: a PUD typically involves the development of a large project, such as an entire block, neighborhood or town. Mixed Use: unlike a residential development, a PUD usually involves a mix of building types and uses. Done in Phases: given the scale and scope of such developments, a PUD is often planned and built in phases, over an extended period of time. Changes may be made to future phases in response to evolving community needs, changing economic demands or new planning regulation.

Answer 124

The more perpendicular the sun's rays are to the site, the greater the amount of solar radiation received. Notes: The more perpendicular the sun's rays are to the site, the greater the amount of solar radiation received. It is important to note the amount of solar radiation received in order to design a building that maintains a consistent internal temperature.

Answer 125

Based on the major elements of each building system, i.e. structure, MEP. Notes: Schematic Design Phase - based on the major elements of each building system, i.e. structure, MEP.

Answer 126

Urban Legibility Notes: Urban Legibility - refers to how the parts of any city are recognized by your brain and organized into a pattern. This legibility is important since it orients us and helps us find our way.

Answer 127

To maintain crops arranged in even rows Notes: Rectilinear - architectural settlements (crops arranged in even rows).

Answer 128

Minimum number of required stalls is 10; increases in lots larger than 50 standard stalls. Notes: Number of required stalls depends on total number of parking spaces and the type of building.

Answer 129

Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment Notes: Furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) is a term used to describe all of the loose items within a building.

Answer 130

The level of water below the surface of the ground. Notes: The level of water below the surface of the ground is referred to as the "water table".

Answer 131

Design for large areas of concrete/impervious surfaces. Notes: Other considerations include: Proper storm drain system to avoid waterway contamination; Avoid building in flood prone areas; elevate above the 100 year flood plain and reinforce the foundation.

Answer 132

To protect the health, safety and welfare of the occupants. Notes: In the broadest sense, building codes are designed to protect the health, safety and welfare of the occupants. As such, codes set requirements for life safety issues such as: fire protection (sprinklers, fireproofing) or egress requirements (hallway width, stairwell layout).

Answer 133

A Planned Unit Development, which uses a cluster concept combining residential, commercial or industrial uses. Notes: Planned Unit Development (PUD): this is the legal term used to describe the cluster concept, and can be used for residential, commercial or industrial developments, making it broader in scope than a simple residential cluster.

Answer 134

Local Zoning ordinances Notes: Local Zoning ordinances or guidelines from the FAA can be used to enforce air rights.

Answer 135

A basic plan showing the boundaries, orientation (north) and possibly a few major features of the site. Notes: Preliminary Survey is a basic plan showing the boundaries, orientation (north) and possibly a few major features of the site. This is used to prepare initial design plans.

Answer 136

Copper water pipes Notes: In general, most substances expand when heated and contract when cooled. This can cause structural and aesthetic issues in a building. Metals tend to expand and contract more than other building materials. Water expands when it freezes. As a result, if copper pipes freeze, they may burst and require costly repairs.

Answer 137

Relatively flat sites require less grading and excavation, greatly reducing foundation complexity. Notes: The slope of the site also determines the amount of rainwater that can be absorbed by the soil, the areas appropriate for driveways or parking and the access to natural light and views.

Answer 138

A tree is trimmed instead of completely cut down. Notes: A “sustainably harvested” material is one that is gathered without killing or destroying the original source.

Answer 139

There are local and readily available Notes: Locally found materials are called indigenous materials and don't require transportation or import.

Answer 140

Groundwater contamination Notes: Groundwater contamination is a serious problem and the site should be tested for the presence of any harmful materials.

Answer 141

A measure of window insulation performance Notes: The insulating value of windows is measured in U-value, which is actually just 1/R-value. Since it is the inverse of R-value, the lower the U-value, the more insulation value it has.

Answer 142

Safe Bearing Capacity Notes: This ensures the site will not endure the full ultimate bearing capacity and helps to avoid structural failure.

Answer 143

Services provided by a sub-contractor Notes: The contractor pays for the sub-contractors; the other items are project costs, however they are paid by the Owner outside of the cost of construction budget.

Answer 144

Transfers the legal title to a trustee, who holds it as security for a loan between a borrower and lender. Notes: If the borrower defaults on the loan, the trustee has the power to foreclose on behalf of the beneficiary.

Answer 145

Minimize disturbance of terrain Notes: Minimizing disturbance of terrain around buildings or elsewhere on the site, thus reducing the possibility of destroying or damaging important landscape features or archeological resources.

Answer 146

The design should have a human scale, in both its material parts and its spaces, and in its interior and exterior. Notes: The design should have a human scale, in both its material parts and its spaces, and in its interior and exterior.

Answer 147

Conditional Use Permit Notes: If you wish to build or use a building for a purpose not granted in the zoning code, you can apply for a “conditional use” permit. This grants you the ability to use the building for your proposed use, even though the zoning code normally would not allow it. This use is typically granted with certain restrictions and may not be transferrable to a new owner.

Answer 148

They might become anxious or excited. Notes: Color can affect: Emotions, Productivity, The feeling of the space, How the form is perceived, and How imperfections are hidden.

Answer 149

Variance Notes: Since, by its’ very nature, a zoning code places general requirements over an entire area, the unique needs for each individual property sometimes requires an exception called a “variance.” For example, the local zoning code requires your building to be no more than 30 feet in height, but your property is on a steeply sloping street and needs additional height to work. In this case, you could apply for a variance to exceed the height limitation. Variance requests are often reviewed by a Zoning Board or Planning Commission and are project specific.

Answer 150

Non-conforming Use Notes: An example of a non-conforming use would be an industrial factory building built in 1920, but today is in an area marked for residential or commercial zoning. In this case, the factory could be able to continue operating in that location.

Answer 151

Location of curb cuts Notes: Location of curb cuts are usually reviewed by the Transportation Department or Public Works.

Answer 152

Any three points in space with two-dimensions; it has width and length, but no thickness. Notes: Plane: any three points in space determine a flat surface called a plane. A plane is two-dimensional; it has width and length, but no thickness. A sheet of paper is an example of a plane.

Answer 153

A building may have rooftop features that extend past the height limit Notes: Penthouses, fan rooms, and skylights are sometimes allowed to exceed height restrictions.

Answer 154

The science of the relationship between an organism or community and its environment. Notes: Ecology is the science of the relationship between an organism or community and its environment. The community comprises of all the living plants and animals occupying a given area.

Answer 155

A caisson that widens at the bottom. Notes: A belled caisson is used when there is a layer of firm stratum at the bottom. A deep hole is drilled into the ground and a caisson is lowered into the hole to form a footing at the bottom.

Answer 156

The largest use of land is for residential needs. Notes: Also included as part of the Neighborhood Concept was the idea that one should design a well balanced and useful neighborhood that benefits the community as a whole. Live, work, education and recreation should all be located within a close proximity to one another.

Answer 157

A property that is not being used in the best manner possible to increase the value Notes: The term under-improvement refers to a property that is not being used to its highest and best use, thus reducing the value of the property.

Answer 158

Variant of cluster plan but has a dominant center, often the original city. Notes: Satellite Plan - describes a series of individual urban developments, each with its’ own central core, surrounding a large, major urban center. For example: Detroit and its’ surrounding cities.

Answer 159

Planning Department Notes: In addition, the Building Department will review for Accessibility Guidelines, Health Standards and Sanitation Requirements.

Answer 160

Allows you to build outside of the zoning code Notes: If you wish to build or use a building for a purpose not granted in the zoning code, you can apply for a “conditional use” permit. This grants you the ability to use the building for your proposed use, even though the zoning code normally would not allow it.

Answer 161

40 feet total Notes: Street widths are determined by the number of traffic lanes, typical lane is 11 to 12 feet. A typical two lane highway or arterial street, allowing nine feet for shoulders is about 40 feet.

Answer 162

An ideal density would consist of a mix of building types such as housing, public space and shopping areas. Notes: Community density should have a mix of building types, including housing, public space, shopping areas and school facilities. Such practices are often mentioned in New Urbanism, an approach calling for traditional town planning by combining mixed-use and high density to create livable spaces.

Answer 163

Providing shade. Notes: Deciduous trees are full with leaves through the Spring and Summer, providing shade.

Answer 164

Yard: distance from the hip to the foot. Notes: Anamorphic Design refers to design in reference to the scale of the human body. A yard is actually the distance from the center of body to an outstretched arm.

Answer 165

Increased stress and loss of sleep. Notes: Unwanted noise affects sleep patterns, comfort and adds to stress levels. Tolerance levels for noise depends on the neighborhood or environment of the residents. For example, residents in a dense, urban city might have a higher tolerance of noise levels compared to residents living in a suburban or rural environment.

Answer 166

Cactus and Joshua Trees Notes: Drought tolerant landscaping refers to plants that require very little water to thrive.

Answer 167

The drive aisles force drivers to back up in order to exit the aisle. Notes: "Dead End" parking refers to parking arrangements that do not allow for drive through circulation.

Answer 168

A typical stem wall foundation Notes: A typical stem wall foundation would be appropriate for this site as there are stable soils at the surface.

Answer 169

Very rich soil containing equal amounts of sand, silt and clay. Notes: Loam contains a majority of silt and clay, making it an undesirable choice for a building foundation.

Answer 170

Perform site improvements such as landscaping and paving. Notes: Landscaping and paving are performed once construction is complete.

Answer 171

The route between the exit door and a safe public way. Notes: The Exit Discharge has no limitations on distance once an occupant is outside of the building on ground level.

Answer 172

Contractor Notes: The Contractor is ultimately responsible for construction means and methods. The Architect can advise the Contractor as to any special features that may require certain sequencing, but is not responsible for directing such work.

Answer 173

Industrial factory building built in 1920; currently zoned for residential. Notes: An example of a non-conforming use would be an industrial factory building built in 1920, but today is in an area marked for residential or commercial zoning. In this case, the factory could be able to continue operating in that location.

Answer 174

Can severely weaken the soil of a site and cause damage or failure to building foundations. Notes: Erosion is the natural process of soil and rock being removed from a site due to wind or water. Over time, excessive erosion can severely weaken the soil of a site cause damage or failure to building foundations.

Answer 175

Neighborhood Unit Notes: Other features of the Neighborhood Unit include: Three Neighborhoods group together to serve one high school and the maximum walking distance is one mile.

Answer 176

Asbestos Notes: Asbestos, if disturbed, can cause serious health problems if inhaled and as a result, asbestos use faded out by the mid 1970s and was banned completely a few years later.

Answer 177

A Spread Footing distributes the weight of the building directly to the soil. Notes: The size of the footing is determined by dividing the load by the safe bearing capacity.

Answer 178

9'x18' with 5' clear aisle for a standard stall and a 9' clear aisle for van accessible parking. Notes: Accessible stalls generally require at least a 5' clear aisle for a standard stall and a 9' clear aisle for van accessible parking.

Answer 179

Circulation flows in or out of a common center, with straight channels of circulation originating from this center point. Notes: Radial - the radial system directs flow in or out of a common center, with straight channels of circulation radiating from this center point.

Answer 180

Approval from all the required agencies. Notes: The Building Permit can only be obtained after ALL agencies have signed off on the project.

Answer 181

Nodes Notes: Nodes are the centers of activity. These are often landmarks in which people can gather for a function. The can be the core of a district, such as a civic center or entertainment area, or a junction, such as intersection, plaza or public square.

Answer 182

Retention basins always contain water while Detention basins are dry except during storms. Notes: Retention Basin - used to manage stormwater runoff to prevent flooding and erosion. Always contains water with surrounding landscaping. Detention Basin - used as an overflow to manage stormwater runoff when other basins are full. Always dry except during storms.

Answer 183

Walks should have a maximum gradient of 8% (1:12.5), and maximum cross gradient of 10% (1:10) Notes: Walks should have a maximum gradient of 5% (1:20), and maximum cross gradient of 2% (1:50)

Answer 184

A tool used to compact soil. Notes: A sheepsfoot is a roller with large teeth used to tamper the soil during compaction.

Answer 185

Compressing soils to release air trapped between the grains. Creates higher bearing capacity. Notes: Compaction is often performed using rollers or tampers to hammer the soils on the site and release trapped air.

Answer 186

A Mat Slab or Pile/Caisson foundation Notes: Either a mat slab or pile/caisson foundation would be necessary for this site as the soils are not adequate to support the building.

Answer 187

To create areas of circulation and comfort. Notes: Landscape design is typically passive and is used for recreation, circulation and comfort.

Answer 188

Contract Documents Notes: Contract Documents Phase. This is often the longest of the 5 basic phases offered by the architect and so requires the most work and highest fee.

Answer 189

A site containing no humus, alluvium or loam. Notes: Alluvium, humus and loam are considered poor soils for building foundations due to their high amounts of organic matter, water, and/or silt & clay.

Answer 190

Mortgage Notes: Mortgage: a contract in which a buyer of a property borrows money from a bank or any other landing institution to purchase the property.

Answer 191

Constellation - group of urban developments, each with it's own central core. Notes: Constellation - describes a group of urban developments of similar size, located fairly close to one another with no clear center. For example: the cities of Southern California.

Answer 192

Refers to openings in a building such as windows and doors. Notes: Fenestration refers to openings in a building such as windows and doors. Glass is a poor insulator. Heat escapes through glass about 20 times greater than through an insulated wall. However, natural daylight through windows and skylights will reduce the need for artificial lighting, saving electricity and eliminating the heat from the light bulbs.

Answer 193

Mat Slab Notes: Mat foundations are used when the underlying strata is weak. It acts as one continuous foundation and is very costly due to the amount of material used.

Answer 194

Sequencing and scheduling Notes: Construction should be phased to balance disturbance of soil and natural features on site to minimize and control erosion and sedimentation.

Answer 195

Existing landscaping Notes: Utilizing the existing landscape would help minimize disturbance of terrain around buildings or elsewhere on the site, thus reducing the possibility of destroying or damaging important landscape features or archeological resources.

Answer 196

Allows a building to deviate from some portion of a zoning code Notes: A variance is a request to deviate from some of the requirements of zoning (maximum height, minimum setbacks, etc.), because complying with these requirements would create financial hardship or practical construction challenges.

Answer 197

Prevailing wind patterns. Notes: Designing to prevailing wind patterns allows for cross breezes and ample air flow through spaces when designed properly.

Answer 198

A property that is valued at less than the expense of improvements Notes: The term over-improvement refers to a property in which the cost of improvement exceeds potential revenue or income.

Answer 199

Eminent Domain Notes: If a property is needed to complete a public project, or required for the greater good, the owner may be required to relinquish his property to the government.

Answer 200

Irrigation and toilet water Notes: Graywater is considered non-potable (undrinkable). It can be used in toilets, irrigation using a drip system, or as a reserve for fire protection.

Answer 201

Employs time tested techniques to determine code compliance Notes: A code that specifies specific techniques, materials, and methods allowed for use. Simple to administer, but the specific code allows for no innovation.

Answer 202

The angle between the sun and the horizon. Notes: Azimuth - the angle between the sun and the horizon. Summer sun has a larger azimuth than Winter sun.

Answer 203

Planning reviews first Notes: The Planning Department is generally the first step in the permit approval process. Most other agencies, such as Building and Safety, will not perform a plan check until after the Planning Department has completed their review.

Answer 204

Glare is caused by having too much contrast. Notes: Glare is not caused by having too much light, but by having too much contrast. You experience glare when looking at a bright computer screen in a dark room (while that same screen would be easier to see if the room lights were on.)

Answer 205

Design documents are reviewed for approval Notes: In this phase, we are trying to obtain permission/approval for our project prior to producing construction documents.

Answer 206

Storm sewer Notes: Above ground - involves sheet flow (the drainage of water across a sloping surface), gutters built into roadways and parking areas, ground swales and channels.

Answer 207

13 square feet Notes: In order to stand comfortably and move about easily a total of 13 square feet per person is required.

Answer 208

Oak Notes: Deciduous trees have leaves that fall in the Autumn and expose bare branches through the Winter allowing sun to pass into a building.

Answer 209

Existing buildings greatly reduce the amount of waste and new materials consumed in the project. Notes: Reusing existing buildings greatly reduces the amount of waste and new materials consumed in the project. In addition, reuse also reduces sprawl.

Answer 210

Roads should be designed with intermittent swales for water drainage. Notes: Roads are designed with crowns to allow water to drain along each side of the road. The crown creates a slight concave shape to the road so water will not pool.

Answer 211

A site containing potentially hazardous materials. Notes: Brownfields are abandoned or vacant industrial and commercial sites that may contain a dangerous (unacceptable) level of contaminants in the ground which could affect groundwater in the area. Examples include abandoned oil or gas tanks, old gas stations, and presence of asbestos in older buildings.

Answer 212

Location of water table Notes: Additional factors contributing to land value are: topography, access to the land, zoning, utilities & adjacent uses

Answer 213

The architect should approach the design with integrity, honesty, and wholeness throughout. Notes: The Architect's Practice Act defines the moral code by which architects must practice.

Answer 214

Plane: this survey presents the site as a flat plane. Notes: Plane: this survey presents the site as a flat plane. Although technically distorted, this is the one used most often.

Answer 215

L'Enfant Notes: L'Enfant (from Paris) 1791. The final plan was a composition of civic art with a working grid connected through a series of axes, vistas and diagonal boulevards. This created a geometry in which to locate important civic monuments and key buildings.

Answer 216

Implies an axis down the length of the space, and this would direct people to look and walk in that direction. Notes: The shape of a space can indicate to people how they should move through it. For example, a long narrow space implies an axis down the length of the space, and this would direct people to look and walk in that direction.

Answer 217

Increase the density of the units on the site, which will enable them to share utilities and roadways. Notes: By increasing the density of the units on the site, you lower the individual construction costs for each unit. The shared walls, utilities, sewer system, parking and roadways save the cost of providing that for each unit.

Answer 218

Refers to the general climate of the overall region Notes: A Macroclimate refers to the general climate of the overall region, such as the Southwestern states or the East coast.

Answer 219

Building Height Notes: Penthouses, fan rooms, and skylights are sometimes allowed to exceed height restrictions.

Answer 220

Hydrostatic Pressure Notes: Hydrostatic pressure is caused when the weight of water is forced against an object by gravity. Since water is very heavy, the more water that presses against a foundation, the greater the pressure due to gravity. This can cause weaknesses in the foundation and will require additional strength and reinforcement in order to avoid potential problems.

Answer 221

A material's ability to absorb heat and cold Notes: The ability of a material to store temperature is referred to as thermal mass. If insulation is how a material is able to hold in temperature, thermal mass is the ability of a material to absorb and store temperature.

Answer 222

Building height and setbacks Notes: The Building Department will review for Accessibility Guidelines, Health Standards and Sanitation Requirements.

Answer 223

Zoning Codes Notes: Other zoning code concerns include: Protect local residents from undesirable types of business; protect the access to direct sunlight and fresh air; protect the amount of open space for local residents.

Answer 224

Divide the rise by the run Notes: g = V/H(100) g = the grade of slope V = the rise or vertical distance H = the run or horizontal distance. Multiply by 100 to convert into a percentage.

Answer 225

The analysis of the life cycle of a building product Notes: Life cycle assessment (LCA) is an analysis of the entire environmental impact of a material or product throughout its’ entire life.

Answer 226

Critical Path Method Notes: CPM (Critical Path Method) - The path with the longest required time is the Critical Path and the activities on that path are called Critical Activities. Reducing the critical path reduces the whole schedule and increases job costs but decreases overhead costs.

Answer 227

Site datum point Notes: Topographic survey: uses dashed lines to indicate the topography and elevation above a set base point (called a datum) or above sea level.

Answer 228

A south facing slope Notes: Other conditions that could effect foundation design include: Evidence of slides or sinking earth; Areas of recent fills such as garbage dumps; Rock formations close to the surface of the ground; Presence of swamps or peat.

Answer 229

Control of moisture that is NOT under hydrostatic pressure. Notes: Most typical use of term is for protection of slabs and foundation walls below grade that are subject to continuous exposure to moisture.

Answer 230

Large in scale; utilizes mixed use of occupancies; completed in phases over an extended schedule. Notes: Large Scale: a PUD typically involves the development of a large project, such as an entire block, neighborhood or town. Mixed Use: unlike a residential development, a PUD usually involves a mix of building types and uses. Done in Phases: given the scale and scope of such developments, a PUD is often planned and built in phases, over an extended period of time. Changes may be made to future phases in response to evolving community needs, changing economic demands or new planning regulation.

Answer 231

Commercial center becomes focal point of neighborhood. Notes: Other elements include: Elementary school becomes focal point of neighborhood; Neighborhood occupies approximately 160 acres at a density of 10 families per acre; Neighborhood is served by shopping centers, churches, etc. and does not require further than a half mile walk to school.

Answer 232

A mat slab or pile foundation. Notes: If the water table is located less than 6' below the surface, this is considered high and will limit foundation design. A mat slab or pile foundation may be necessary in order to evenly distribute the loads of the building on site.

Answer 233

Low density planning requires the infrastructure to be more spread out, less efficient and, therefore, more expensive. Notes: Density affects the cost of the development. Low density planning requires the infrastructure to be more spread out, less efficient and, therefore, more expensive. The number of people served by each foot of sewer pipe, utility line, roadway and street lamp is much lower, demanding more expense.

Answer 234

A library with intimate study rooms as well as a large atrium with a clear hierarchy of space. Notes: Scale describes the scale of the elements to a person, such as the "human scale".

Answer 235

Water Heater Notes: Nearly 20 percent of all of the energy used in your home goes just to your water heater.

Answer 236

Durability and longevity Notes: Durable materials must be able to withstand the elements and should be selected to extend the useful life of the materials.