Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
'; -
:1/P- .lc .
\'i.:..
:
", \
\
"
Programming,
2009
Planning & Practice .
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Joh'n
!
Hardt
/
' .. ..
. .
. . . . ..... a a,.
\
\
-\
\
ARE Programming,
Planning & Practice
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS John Hardt
AEC EDUCATION
This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in
regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the pub-
lisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service.
If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent
professional should be sought.
President: Mehul Patel
Vice President & General Manager: David Dufresne
Vice President of Product Development and Publishing: Evan M. Butterfield
Editorial Project Manager: Jason Mitchell
Director of Production: Daniel Frey
Production Editor: Caitlin Ostrow
Production Artist: Virginia Byrne
Creative Director: Lucy Jenkins
Senior Product Manager: Brian O'Connor
1995 by Architectural License Seminars, Inc.
2008 by Dearborn Financial Publishing, Inc.
Published by Kaplan AEC Education
30 South Wacker Drive, Suite 2500
Chicago, Illinois 60606-7 481
(312) 836-4400
www.kaplanaecarchitecture. com
All rights reserved. The text of this publication, or any part thereof, may not
be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the
publisher.
Printed in the United States of America
08 09 10 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
ISBN-13: 978-1-4277-7033-2
ISBN-10: 1-4277-7033-6
. - -. ;--.-1
Introduction v
Symbols and Abbreviations xm
Questions 1
Answers 19
iii
.INTRGYDl.JCTION
WELCOME The ARE is designed and prepared by archi-
tects, making it a practice-based exam. It is
Thank you for choosing Kaplan ABC Edu- generally not a test of academic knowledge,
cation for your ARE study needs. We offer but rather a means to test decision-making
updates annually to keep abreast of code and ability as it relates to the responsibilities of the
exam changes and to address any errors discov- architectural profession. For example, the exam
ered since the previous update was published. does not expect candidates to memorize spe-
We wish you the best of luck in your pursuit of cific details of the building code, but requires
licensure. them to understand a model code's general
requirements, scope, and purpose, and to know
the architect's responsibilities related to that
code. As such, there is no substitute for a well-
ARE OVERVIEW rounded internship to help prepare for the ARE.
Since the State of Illinois first pioneered the 4.0 Exam Format
practice of licensing architects in 1897, archi-
tecturallicensing has been increasingly adopted The seven ARE 4.0 divisions are outlined in the
as a means to protect the public health, safety, table below.
and welfare. Today, all U.S. states and Cana-
dian provinces require licensing for individuals . DIVISiON QUESTIONS VIGNETTES
practicing architecture. Licensing requirements
Building Design 85 Accessibility/
vary by jurisdiction; however, the minimum
& Construction Ramp
requirements are uniform and in all cases
Systems Roof Plan
include passing the Architect Registration
Stair Design
Exam (ARE). This makes the ARE a required
Building Systems 95 Mechanical &
rite of passage for all those entering the pro-
Electrical Plan
fession, and you should be congratulated on
undertaking this challenging endeavor. Construction 100 Building Section
Documents &
Services
Developed by the National Council of Archi-
tectural Registration Boards (NCARB), the Programming, 85 Site Zoning
v
vi Introduction
Though it is difficult to predict how essential your knowledge of architectural history\vili ])etppassipg,any:Of
the multiple-choice divisions, it is recommended that you refer to a primer in this fieid.L;.such'as:K:avtali's!itchi
tectural taking each exam, and that you keep an eye out for topics th,e di-yision ?
which you are studying. It is always better to be overprepared than taken by at 5;:r:v::
simple on-screen icons. The vignettes require Which of the following cities is the capital
candidates to create a graphic solution accord- of the United States?
ing to program and code requirements.
A.NewYork
Actual appointment times for taking the exam B. Washington, DC
are slightly longer than the actual exam time, C. Chicago
allowing candidates to check in and out of the D. Los Angeles
testing center. All ARE candidates are encour-
aged to review NCARB's ARE Guidelines for The second type of question is a negatively
further detail about the exam format. These worded question. In questions such as this, the
guidelines are available via free download at negative wording is usually highlighted using
NCARB's Web site (www.ncarb.org). all caps, as shown below.
Which of the following cities is NOT
Exam Format located on the west coast of the United
It is important for exam candidates to familiar- States?
ize themselves not only with exam content,
A. Los Angeles
but also with question format. Familiarity with
the basic question types found in the ARE will B. San Diego
reduce confusion, save time, and help you pass C. San Francisco
the exam. The ARE contains three basic ques- D.NewYork
tions types.
The third type of question is a combination
The first and most common type is a straight- question. In a combination question, more than
forward multiple-choice question followed by one choice may be correct; candidates must
four choices (A, B, C, and D). Candidates are select from combinations of potentially correct
expected to select the correct answer. This type choices. An example of a combination question
of question is shown in the following example. is shown on page viii.
Introduction vii
ARE 3.1
In November 2005 NCARB released ARE Guidelines Version 3.1, which outlines changes to the exam effec-
tive February 2006. These guidelines primarily detailed changes for the Site Planning division, combining the
site design and site parking vignettes as well as the site zoning and site analysis vignettes. For more details
about these changes, please refer to Kaplan's study guides for the graphic divisions.
The guidelines mean less to those preparing for multiple-choice divisions. Noteworthy points are outlined
below.
All division statements and content area descriptions were unchanged for the multiple-choice divisions.
The number of questions and time limits for all exams were unchanged.
The list of codes and standards candidates should familiarize themselves with was reduced to those of
the International Code Council (ICC), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the National
Research Council of Canada.
A statics title has been removed from the reference list for General Structures.
ARE 4.0
In the spring of 2007, NCARB unveiled ARE 4.0, available as of July 2008. According to NCARB, the 4.0
version of the exam will be more subject-oriented than 3.1, and is intended to better assess a candidate's
ability to approach projects independently. The format combines the multiple-choice and graphic portions of
different divisions, reducing the number of divisions from nine to seven.
The transition will be gradual, with a one-year overlap during which both ARE 3.1 and ARE 4.0 will be
administered. Provided you pass at least one ARE 3.1 division prior to May 2008, you can continue to take '
ARE 3.1 divisions until July 2009.
If you have not passed all ARE 3.1 divisions by June 2009, you will be transitioned to the ARE 4.0 format.
You will be given credit for ARE 4.0 divisions according to which 3.1 divisions you have passed. Visit www.
kaplanaecarchitecture.com for more details.
In order to avoid being retested on subjects you have already passed, you should develop a strategy for which
divisions you take in which order. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Building Technology is a key division in the transition; its vignettes will be dispersed across four
ARE 4.0 divisions. Be sure to pass Building Technology if you have passed and want credit for any of
the following ARE 3.1 divisions: Building Design/Materials & Methods; Construction Documents &
Services; General Structures; Lateral Forces; or Mechanical & Electrical Systems.
Pre-Design and Site Planning content will be shuffled in ARE 4.0: If you pass one, pass the other.
General Structures, Lateral Forces, and the Structural Layout vignette from Building Technology are
being merged into the Structural Systems division. If you pass any of these and want to avoid being
retested on material you have already seen, pass all three.
viii Introduction
Which of the following cities are located so that details learned while studying for
within the United States? earlier divisions will still be fresh in your
mind.
I. NewYork
2. The Construction Documents & Services
II. Toronto
exam covers a broad range of subjects,
III. Montreal dealing primarily with the architect's role
IV. Los Angeles and responsibilities within the building
A. I only design and construction team. Because
B. I and II these subjects serve as one of the core
foundations of the ARE, it may be
C. II and III
advisable to take this division early in the
D. I and IV process, as knowledge gained preparing for
this exam can help in subsequent divisions.
The single most important thing candidates can
3. Take exams that particularly concern you
do to prepare themselves for the vignettes is to
early in the process. NCARB rules prohibit
learn to proficiently navigate NCARB 's graphic
retaking an exam for six months. Therefore,
software. Practice software can be downloaded
failing an exam early in the process will
free of charge from their Web site. Candidates
allow the candidate to use the waiting
should download it and become thoroughly
period to prepare for and take other exams.
familiar with its use.
Recommendations on
Exam Division Order EXAM PREPARATION
NCARB allows candidates to choose the order Overview
in which they take the exams, and the choice is
an important one. While only you know what There is little argument that preparation is key
works best for you, the following are some gen- to passing the ARE. With this in mind, Kaplan
eral considerations that many have found to be has developed a complete learning system for
beneficial: each exam division, including study guides,
question-and-answer handbooks, mock exams,
1. The Building Design & Construction and flash cards. The study guides offer a con-
Systems and Programming, Planning & densed course of study and will best prepare
Practice divisions are perhaps the broadest you for the exam when utilized along with the
of all the divisions. Although this can make other tools in the learning system. The system
them among the most intimidating, taking is designed to provide you with the general
these divisions early in the process will background necessary to pass the exam and to
give a candidate a broad base of knowledge provide an indication of specific content areas
and may prove helpful in preparing for that demand additional attention.
subsequent divisions. An alternative to this
approach is to take these two divisions last, In addition to the Kaplan learning system,
since you will already be familiar with materials from industry-standard documents
much of their content. This latter approach may prove useful for the various divisions. Sev-
likely is most beneficial when you take the eral of these sources are noted in the "Supple-
exam divisions in fairly rapid succession mentary Study Materials" section below.
Introduction ix
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
xiii
1. The design of a two-story senior citizen 4. A hospital cafeteriais designed to serve
center includes, as its largest space, a multi- doctors, nurses, and visitors. An important
purpose meeting hall that seats 300 people. planning goal of the hospital administration:
It is anticipated that this meeting facility is maximum flexibility, economy, and
will be used frequently. Where should it be comfort. Which among the following
located within the building? Check all that seating arrangements best expresses the
apply. client's goal?
A. At the extreme end of the structure, for A. Individual counter seating
easy exiting B. Two-person rectangular tables
B. On the second level of the structure, for C. Four-person round tables
privacy
D. Four-person booths
C. Near the structure's ground floor
entrance 5. Which of the following features is not
D. At the side of the structure with the best associated with the John Hancock Building
view in Chicago?
E. Within easy access of the toilet rooms A. Distinctive x-bracing structure
B. Park-like setting
2. The chief goal in creating an architectural
program is to C. Open ground floor shopping plaza
D. Battered tower inclines inward as it rises
A. establish the project intent.
B. identify the nature of the problem. 6. The programmed efficiency of a building is
C. organize the project standards. 65 percent. If the efficiency were increased
D. determine the project form. to 70 percent and the net area remained
constant, the gross area would
3. A second mortgage on a piece of property A. decrease by 7 percent.
generally carries a higher interest rate
B. decrease by 5 percent.
because the mortgagee
C. remain unchanged.
A. has no right of foreclosure on the
D. increase by 5 percent.
property.
B. may have greater difficulty in obtaining 7. The well-decomposed, more or less stable
repayment. part of the organic matter found in mineral
C. is usually an individual rather than an soils is -----------------
institution.
D. is not bound by the normal regulations
concemmg usury.
1
2 Programming, Planning & Practice Questions & Answers
8. The project development budget for a 11. Which of the following schematic diagrams
proposed County Library is limited to of a hypothetical office structure allows the
6.3 million dollars. The building program most direct elevator access from any point
results in a total net usable area of 49,000 on the ground floor to the upper floors of
square feet with a targeted efficiency of 70 the tower?
percent. Select the incorrect statement from
those below.
A. The total gross building area will be
70,000 square feet.
B. The unit cost for construction will be
$90 per square foot.
C. At 8 percent the architect's fee would
not exceed $500,000. A.
D. The cost of furnishings and equipment
would normally be included in the 6.3
million dollar budget.
13. The following schematic designs represent 15. The maximum allowable floor area ratio for
a typical floor of a multistory apartment the lot shown is 2.0. Which of the following
building located along a body of water. statements is correct?
Which design would best accomplish the
objective of providing a view of the water? 76'
.rk_ _ _
Assume an equal number of units in each
design. 1 1---.f- 20 REARI
-, -}t- YARD
I
I
PROPERTY
150 LINES
A. c. SETBACK
LINES
=
-;(-- 20' FRONT
--,L_ YARD
D.
ctSIPE Y.:!s
A. The total floor area of a building on this
lot may not exceed 5,625 square feet.
B. The total floor area of a building on this
14. Which of the following statements about lot may not exceed 14,300 square feet.
programming and design are correct? C. The total floor area of a building on this
lot may not exceed 22,500 square feet.
I. Programming is problem seeking,
while design is problem solving. D. The net floor area of a building on this
lot may not exceed 22,500 square feet.
II. Programming involves physical
solutions to architectural problems. 16. Other than the building program, which
III. Design involves functional solutions to of the following would have the greatest
performance problems. impact on the floor area of a building?
IV. Ideally, programming should be A. Site utilities
completed before design is begun.
B. Topography
A. II and III
C. Functional relationships
B. I, II, and III
D. Building codes
C. I and IV
D. I, II, III, and IV
4 Programming, Planning & Practice Questions & Answers
vre.w
SERVICE
CAFETERIA
SERVICE
COLLEGE
SHOP
E:NTRV
Pt.A"ZA
17. With reference to the diagrammatic layout 18. An assessment made according to the value
shown, an exit path from the cafeteria of a property is called _ _ __
might' go through any of the following
spaces, EXCEPT the 19. Mannerism is an architectural style that
A. lobby/entry plaza. may be accurately described as
B. dining terrace. A. an expression in which classic elements
C. lobby/exit corridor. are used unconventionally.
D. electronic games. B. an expression in which classic motifs
are harmoniously integrated.
C. the expression most frequently used by
postmodemist architects.
D. the expression most closely identified
with Charles Moore.
Questions 5
20. The cluster-type residential development 23. The geographic area from which the
would be most appropriate for an area that customers of a retail center are drawn is
has called a _ _ _ _ __
A. a restricted size.
24. Which of the following statements about
B. dense natural foliage.
landscaping is NOT correct?
C. unusually high fuel costs.
A. Trees can be used to screen winds and
D. highly irregular contours.
increase ventilation in desired areas.
21. The City Beautiful Movement from the B. Vegetation can capture moisture, reduce
1890s resulted in all of the following, fog, and increase the amount of sunlight
EXCEPT reaching the ground.
C. Coniferous trees screen out direct
A. it restored human scale to the new
sunlight in the summer while allowing it
industrial cities.
to pass in the winter.
B. it launched a classic revival moment
D. Planted areas are cooler during hot days
throughout the country.
and have less heat loss during the night.
C. it led to a greater awareness of city
planning. 25. To discourage vandalism in a housing
D. it resulted in a profusion of dome- project, which of the following details
topped civic buildings. should be incorporated at exterior spaces?
A. Exterior paths and entrance doors
22. Which of the following traffic circulation
arranged for visibility
systems might be considered the best
choice for a community focused on B. Exterior paths arranged in curves, rather
sustainable design? than straight lines
C. Low levels of exterior lighting to
A. Curvilinear system
eliminate glare
B. Grid system
D. Natural and attractive exterior materials
C. Radial system used to inspire respect
D. Linear system
26. If a designer wanted to impart symbolic
importance to a public institutional
building, the form of the structure might
include
I. a number of wide entrance doors.
II. a symmetrical arrangement.
III. a long flight of entrance steps.
IV. small, randomly placed windows.
V. a flagpole.
A. I, II, and V C. II, III, and V
B. J, III, and V D. II, III, and IV
6 Programming, Planning & Practice Questions & Answers
27. If a building were to be planned with regard 30. A five-story reinforced concrete office
to the sun's impact on space heating, the building is planned for a site. A soil boring
most desirable forms of the building would log for the site is shown below. Which of
be which of the following? the following foundation types is likely to
be economical and appropriate?
I. Circular
II. Square 900
III. Elongated on the north-south axis
IV. Staggered vertically or horizontally
V. Stacked vertically 890
A. I and III
B. IVandV
C. I, II, and IV
D. II, Ill, IV, and V
32. Which of the following site planning 35. The Natural Step is an approach to the
techniques are most effective in inhibiting environment that follows which of the
criminal activity in a residential following principles?
community?
I. The biosphere affecting humans is
I. Large superblocks with no interior a relatively stable and resilient zone
vehicular traffic that includes five miles into the
II. Sites subdivided by streets earth's crust and five miles into the
atmosphere.
III. Symbolic barriers that define the
boundaries of a site II. Improved technologies have
dramatically increased the number and
IV. Play areas located at the periphery of
quantity of available natural resources.
a site
III. Toxic substances released into either
A. I only
the sea or atmosphere will only
B. II and III influence areas adjacent to the toxic
C. II and IV source.
D. I and III IV. Using building materials that are
recycled is an adequate sustainable
33. Which of the building forms shown is the design approach.
most appropriate for a temperate climate? A. I
B. II
C. II and IV
D. None ofthe above
37. Which of the following are included in 39. The International Building Code classifies
the federal guidelines for rehabilitating every building according to which two of
buildings on the National Register of the following?
Historic Places? Check all that apply.
I. The building's quality of construction
A. Every reasonable effort shall be made to II. The building's type of construction
use a property for its originally intended
III. The building's occupancy
purpose or to provide a compatible
use that requires minimum alteration IV. The building's proximity to fire
of the building's structure, site, and department equipment
environment. A. I and II
B. Changes that have taken place in the B. I and III
course of time may have acquired C. II and III
significance in their own right, and this D. II and IV
significance shall be recognized and
respected.
40. Which of the following statements would
C. Deteriorated architectural features least likely be found in the building code?
shall be replaced rather than repaired,
wherever possible, with materials that A. Stairs in smokeproof enclosures shall be
match the design, color, texture, and of noncombustible construction.
other visual qualities of the original B. No leaf of an exit door shall exceed four
materials. feet in width.
D. Contemporary design for alterations C. The maximum height and number
to existing properties shall not be of stories of a building shall be
discouraged when such alterations dependent on its occupancy and type of
are compatible and do not destroy construction.
significant historical, architectural, or D. The area of the building. may not exceed
cultural material. 75 percent of the total area of the
building lot.
38. The total width of exits required for a
multistory building is determined by the 41. The goal of barrier-free design is to
A. the occupant load of the largest floor in A. permit autonomous functioning.
the building. B. permit free use by the nonambulatory.
B. the total number of occupants in the C. eliminate the physical barriers within all
building. buildings.
C. the area of the largest floor in the D. provide unobstructed access to all
building. buildings.
D. the purpose for which the building is
used.
Questions 9
42. Select the statement that is LEAST correct. 45. In general, why does a governmental
agency use the right of eminent domain?
A. Barrier-free design is frequently
considered to be a civil right. I. To acquire land from an owner who
B. Barrier-free design is usually beneficial refuses to sell at any price
to all building users. II. To acquire land from an owner who
C. Barrier-free design resolves the life refuses to accept the purchase price
safety problems of the handicapped. offered by the agency
D. Barrier-free design generally increases a III. To establish a scale of values,
project's cost. which is then used to determine fair
compensation for all owners whose
43. In a public building it is necessary to property is acquired
provide an appropriate number of public IV. To avoid the normal procedures for
telephones that are accessible to physically buying land, which are costly and
handicapped persons. In this regard, which time-consuming
of the following considerations must be V. To avoid a court determination of the
taken into account? value of acquired land
I. Locate the phones on the ground floor A. I, II, and IV
II. Height of the coin slot B. I and II
III. Size of doors leading to the phones C. I, Ill, and V
IV. Provisions for hearing disabilities D. II, IV, and V
V. Visual identification sign
46. Zoning ordinances provide light, air,
A. I, II, and III
and spaciousness through the use of
B. III, IV, and V
C. I, II, and V
D. II, III, IV, and V 47. An urban site is 130 feet wide in an area
where the zoning ordinance requires the
44. A knurled door knob would be of greatest minimum to be 150 feet. Under these
benefit to someone who is circumstances, the owner wishing to
A. blind. develop the site would probably apply for
B. arthritic. A. spot zoning.
C. confined to a wheelchair. B. incentive zoning.
D. using crutches. C. a conditional use permit.
D. a zoning variance.
10 Programming, Planning & Practice Questions & Answers
48. The zoning ordinance requires 6-foot 51. An acquired right of use by one party on
side yards in a residential zone. However, the property of another without ownership
overhanging eaves are permitted to is called a(n) _ _ _ _ __
project a maximum of 18 inches into
the side yards. If a building has a 6-foot 52. According to the International Building
overhanging eave, how close to the side Code (IBC), an office building that is
property line can the building be placed? designated Use Group B (Business) and
A. 6 feet being constructed of Type IV construction
is permitted to have what maximum height
B. 7 feet 6 inches
and area? Use the table provided.
C. 10 feet 6 inches
D. 12 feet
TYPESOFCONSmUcnON
v
I
F.R. F.R. "
DneohOIH' N One-hour
IU
N
IV
H.T, One-hour N
TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION UL
160
(48768mm) I (tn::'mm) I (167lfmm) I I (15Jgmm) I (121::mm}
UnGroup H1lght x0.0921formz
A-I H UL 4
A UL 29,900 Not Pcnnined
A-2.2.1:! H UL 4 2 NP 2 NP 2 2 NP
A UL 29.900 13,500 NP 13.500 NP 13,500 10.500 NP
H UL 12 2 I 2 I 2 2 I
A UL 29,900 13.500 9.100 13,500 9,100 13.500 10.500 6.100
B.F-I.M.S-1, H UL 12 4 2 4 2 4 3 2
S-3.S-5 A UL 39.900 18.000 12,000 18.000 12.000 18.000 14,000 8,000
E-1,2.34 H UL 4 2 I 2 I 2 2 I
A UL 4$,200 20,200 13,500 20,200 13,500 20.200 15,700 9.100
F-2.S-2.l II UL 12 4 2 4 2 4 3 2
A UL 59,900 27,000 18.000 27,000 18,000 27,000 21,000 12,(100
H-l:i H I I I I
A 15.000 12,400 5,600 3,700 Not Pcnnined
H-2!1 H UL 2 I I I I I I I
A 15,000 12,400 5.600 3.700 5.600 3.700 5,600 4,400 2,!500
H UL 5 2 I 2 I 2 2 I
A UL 24,800 11.200 7.500 11,200 7,500 11.200 8.800 5.100
H-6,7 H 3 3 3 2 3 2 3 3 I
A UL 39.900 18,000 12,000 18.000 12.000 18,000 14.000 8,000
1-1.1". 1.2 H UL 3 I NP I NP I I NP
A UL 15,100 6.800 NP 6,800 NP 6.800 5,200 NP
1-2 H UL 3 2 NP 2 NP 2 2 NP
A UL 15,100 6,800 NP 6,800 NP 6,800 5,200 NP
1-3 H UL 2
A UL IS,HXJ Nol Pcnniued7
R-1 II UL 12 4 2' 4 2' 5 3 2'
A UL 29,900 13,500 9,1009 13,500 9,1()(19 13.500 10,500 6,0009
53. The occupancy classification, or Use 56. The critical factor in determining the size
Group, of a structure is determined by of building exits is the occupant load of the
the activities for which the structure is building. This calculation is determined by
intended. Which of the following is NOT an using
occupancy classification recognized by the
A. requirements specified in the building
International Building Code (IBC)?
code.
A. Business (B) B. the number of occupants the architect
B. Institutional (I) expects to utilize the building.
C. Assembly (A) C. the expected number of occupants as
D. Office (0) established by the owner.
D. the number of occupants expected to use
54. Which of the following is the PRIMARY the building based on precedent.
purpose of the fire resistance requirements
in the International Building Code (IBC)? 57. Stairways that serve as required building
exits must meet numerous requirements
A. Maintain structural integrity long
described in the code. Among these are
enough for firefighters to extinguish the
blaze I. width, rise, and run of the steps.
B. Provide sufficient protection to the II. location of the handrails.
structure to limit damage and avoid III. headroom.
collapse
IV. fire rating of the enclosure.
C. Permit the safe egress of the occupants
A. I and II
in the event of fire
B. I, II, and III
D. Protect the contents of the structure
C. I, II, and IV
55. To encourage openness, some zoning codes D. I, II, III, and IV
limit the bulk of a building by means of a
formula that restricts the total floor area to 58. In the critical path network diagram shown,
a multiple of the lot area. This is referred to which of the following is the critical path?
as the
A. allowable floor area.
B. floor area ratio.
C. required yards.
D. maximum lot coverage.
A.1-4
B. 1-3-4
c. 1-2-4
D. 1-2-3-4
12 Programming, Planning & Practice Questions & Answers
65. In the critical path network diagram shown, 68. Which of the following is a method
what is the critical path? by which a community might finance
the construction of a new community
recreation center?
A. Comprehensive planning
B. Property tax
C. Bonds
A. 1-3-4-5
./ D. Eminent domain
B. 1-2-3-4-5
c. 1-4-5 69. An HVAC engineer would likely perform .
D. 1-2-3-4 final cooling load calculations and perform
detailed ductwork layouts in which phase
66. Which of the following has the LEAST of basic services?
impact on the time required for schematic
A. Pre-design
design?
B. Schematic design
A. The size and complexity of the project
C. Design development
B. The quality and completeness of the
D. Construction documentation
program
C. The decision-making ability of the client 70. Buildings are often sited parallel, rather
D. The size of the design team than perpendicular, to the contours because
that orientation generally
67. Which of the following statements
A. minimizes the amount of grading
regarding float is INCORRECT?
required to fit the building to the site.
A. It is defined as difference in time B. minimizes the amount of disturbance to
duration between the critical path and the existing natural surface drainage.
any other path.
C. maximizes the available area for
B. It is a measure of the extra time construction.
available for a given activity or group of
D. maximizes the solar advantage in
activities.
northern latitudes.
C. As long as float time is not exceeded, no
delay in project completion will result. 71. On a road with a gradient of 5 percent,
D. Any activity may be delayed, so long as what will the elevation be 150 feet distant
the delay does not exceed the available and uphill from a point at elevation 142.5?
float.
A.l35
B. 149.5
C.150
D. 183.3
14 Programming, Planning & Practice Questions & Answers
72. Where topography is steep and irregular, 75. In the hot-arid climatic zone of the United
the installation of an underground sewer States, which of the following construction
line is generally elements would be appropriate?
A. more expensive than for a level site, I. Thick walls
because the line requires more sewer II. Wide overhangs
manholes.
III. Dense windbreaks
B. less expensive than for a level site,
Iv. High ceilings
because the line can follow the natural v,_
slope to drain. A. I and II
C. less expensive than for a level site, B. I, II, and IV
because the line will require less C. II, III, and IV
excavation. D. I, III, and IV
D. about the same expense as for a level
site, because the underground work for 76. The first winter after completion of a
both is similar. construction project, the building remained
stable, but large paved areas of an adjacent
73. Solid contour lines on a topographic map parking lot rose several inches above their
do which of the following? original level. The probable reason was
because
I. Connect points of equal elevation
II. Represent proposed landform A. of frost and heaving of the subsoil.
modifications B. the parking lot was built over filled land.
III. Indicate natural topographic C. the paving subsurface was insufficiently
configurations compacted.
IV. Never close on themselves D. a subsurface water or sewer pipe froze
V. Never split in two and burst.
A. I and V
77. On a topographic survey that has a contour
B. III and IV interval of 1 foot, a road is shown with
C. I, II, and V a 5 percent grade. How far apart will the
D. I, II, IV, and V contours on the road be indicated?
A. 1 foot
74. All of the following information may be
B. 2 feet
found on a topographic map, EXCEPT
C. 10 feet
A. property lines, easements, and utilities.
D. 20 feet
B. location of streams.
C. location of roads and buildings.
D. location and identification of soil
conditions.
Questions 15
78. For the graded bank shown below, the 80. Select the incorrect statement concerning
grade of the slope is traffic flow in a parking area.
A. Traffic aisles should be arranged so that
they lead towards the buildings they
serve.
B. Angled parking requires one-way traffic
flow.
C. Perpendicular parking layouts usually
lead to the most rapid traffic flow.
D. Circulation of traffic within large
parking areas should be continuous.
A. 12.5 percent
81. The U.S. System of Surveying the Public
B. 40 percent Lands, begun in 1785, divides land into
C. 80 percent
A. townships and sections.
D. 125 percent
B. metes and bounds.
79. Vehicles entering a parking lot from the C. blocks and lots.
street generally have a different effective D. villages and hamlets.
turning radius than vehicles exiting from
the same lot. The reason for this is because 82. A is a legal clause that
places limitations or restrictions on the use
A. drivers entering a parking lot are usually
- of the property.
less familiar with the lot layout than
those exiting.
83. Which of the following utility lines do NOT
B. drivvrs entering a parking lot are usually
flow by gravity?
moving at a faster rate than those
exiting. I. Sanitary sewers
C. drivers entering a parking lot usually. II. Storm drains
take less care than those exiting. III. Water lines
D. entrance driveways are usually wider IV. Gas lines
than exit driveways, since it is assumed
A. III only
that those exiting have greater control
than those entering. B. I and IV
C. II, III, and IV
D. III and IV
16 Programming, Planning & Practice Questions & Answers
84. The dotted line in the contour map shown 86. The contours shown below represent a
represents a
...........___
...._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _,.. 30
32
100
34
100
36
3B
102.
40
A. uniform slope.
B. concave slope.
C. convex slope.
D. valley.
88 90 92 94 96 98100 !02.
87. Which of the following statements about
A. swale. septic drain fields is correct?
B. ridge.
A. The underlying soil at a site to be used
C. trench drain. for a septic drain field should preferably
D. drain pipe. be impermeable.
B. The drain tiles in a septic drain field
85. What is the grade of the slope shown? should be sloped at least 1/4 inch per foot.
C. The effluent sewage from a septic drain
field may be permitted to flow to a
potable water course.
D. Drain fields should be at least 100 feet
from any surface water or well.
89. The contours shown represent a road 91. An architect instructs his consulting civil
engineer to ensure that the amount of soil
I. with a crown at the center.
removed from one portion of a site is equal
II. with a gutter at the center. to the amount added to another to avoid
III. with a six-inch-high curb at each edge. having to truck soil to or from the job site.
IV. that is elevated six inches above the This practice is called
adjacent grade at each edge. A. cutting the site.
ROAD B. filling the site.
C. balancing the site.
D. engineering the site.
- a proposea retaining
A. I and III wall superimposed on naturally sloping
B. II and IV land. If the area on the west side of the
wall were graded to a constant elevation of
C. II and IV 4, what would be the elevation necessary
D. II and III at the highest point along the wall's top in
order to retain the natural grade?
90. Place the following roadway types in order
from smallest to largest based on their
traffic carrying capacity.
I. Local access streets
II. Collector streets
III. Expressway
.
------N--
14 ,_.,------ - - - - - - - - - - - . . . . . . . .
IV. Arterial
A. 4 feet
A. I, II, III, IV
B. 8 feet
B. II, I, III, IV
C. 12 feet
C. I, II, IV, III
D. 16 feet
D. II, III, I, IV
18 Programming, Planning & Practice Questions & Answers
94. An ordinance in a small city prohibits new 96. Construction within a flood plain is
buildings from exceeding the height of the
A. never permitted.
city hall dome, which is at elevation 168.
For the construction of a new five-story B. limited to nonresidential uses.
office building along Main Street, between C. usually uneconomical because the
1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue, which is the land can be used more efficiently for
highest site that would comply with the agriculture.
ordinance assuming the owner requires a D. generally limited and elevated above
floor to floor height of 11 feet? flood level.
J
97. Select the correct statements about solar
Main Street
_,r-108
L radiation.
I. The south wall of a building receives
maximum solar radiation in the winter.
A. Insulated glass windows A. the day when the length of day and night
is equal.
B. Flat roof planes
B. the day that has the maximum hours of
C. Fixed vertical louvers
sunlight.
D. Deeply recessed openings
C. the day with the minimum hours of
sunlight.
D. none of the above.
1. C and E. The correct answers are C and including those concerning usury, which is
E. Large spaces used often by many people lending money at exorbitant rates. Higher
should be located on the ground floor, in interest on second mortgages is justified
a central location near the entrance (C) by the additional risk and difficulty one
so that they are easy to find and use and has in obtaining repayment on the loan, as
circulation is minimal. It is also a good described above (correct choice B).
idea to make toilet rooms readily accessible
4. B. The answer is Two-person rectangular
(E) wherever large groups gather. At the
tables. The differences in economy and
extreme end (A) is likely too distant for
comfort among the various choices is
easy access; on the second level (B) is
relatively minor; however, the differences
unnecessarily inconvenient for senior
in flexibility are significant. The least
citizens; and the best view (D) seems to be
flexible seating arrangements are those that
an unimportant feature for a meeting room.
are fixed, such as counter seating (choice
2. B. The answer is identify the nature A) or booth seating (choice D). Between
of the problem. The chief goal of the rectangular and found tables, rectangular
programming process is to identify and are preferred, since they may be joined
understand the nature of an architectural end to end to create a variety of groupings.
problem. Programming may establish Finally, two-person tables are most
desirable objectives (choice A), and it may suitable, because the greatest flexibility
also organize structural, aesthetic, and is always achieved by using the smallest
budgetary standards (choice C). However, organizational unit.
since programming states, rather than
5. B. All of the choices are features of
solves, the problem, it does not determine
prominent modem buildings and all apply
form (choice D). Programming is clearly
to the John Hancock Building with the
not design; it is the process of identifying
exception of B. The building, designed
essential information that permits one to
by Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, is a
create an intelligent and responsive design.
single battered tower that inclines inward
3. B. The answer is the mortgagee may have as it rises 100 stories above Michigan
greater difficulty in obtaining repayment. Avenue. It is set in a predominantly paved
A mortgage on a piece of property is a shopping plaza (not a park-like setting),
contract by which a buyer borrows money and the tower is further distinguished by
and pledges the property as security for the the exposed diagonal steel braces. Answer
loan. Second mortgages are subordinate B, therefore, is the incorrect answer we are
to first mortgages, that is, the holder of looking for.
the first mortgage has first claim against
6. A. The efficiency of a building is the ratio
the property. If the buyer defaults on a
of the net area to the gross area, where
prior mortgage, the second mortgagee
the net area is the sum of all usable floor
may pay the defaulted amount, add it to
spaces not including circulation and general
his loan, and foreclose on the property
service areas. If we assign number 1 to the
(choice A). The mortgagee may be an
65 percent efficient building and number 2
individual or an institution (choice C),
to the 70 percent efficient building, we have
and in any event,second mortgages are
bound by all prevailing laws (choice D), net area 1 =0 _65 and
gross area 1
19
20 Programming, Planning & Practice Questions & Answers
this kind often appear on the exam, and 18. Property tax. Property tax is a tax based
candidates should be prepared for them. on a property's value, as distinguished from
Programming is the process of searching a tax on income, personal possessions,
for sufficient information about a proposed or sales price. This tax was originally
project, so that the problem can be stated (I a general tax on land, buildings, and
and IV are correct). It involves functional possessions, such as livestock and tools.
solutions, while the design process involves However, possessions could easily be
actual physical solutions (II and III are concealed when the tax assessor came
incorrect). around, and thus, it gradually became
a tax on the physical property that was
15. C. The floor area ratio (FAR) is the ratio
impossible to conceal or move elsewhere.
of the total floor area of a building to the
The value that is taxed is not necessarily
total area of the lot. The lot in this question
the property's market value, but only a
has an area of 75 x 150 = 11,250 square
valuation for tax purposes. Thus, valuations
feet. The total permitted floor area of a
and/or tax rates may be raised or lowered in
building on this lot is the floor area ratio
order to produce desired tax revenues.
of 2.0 multiplied by the lot area of 11,250
square feet, or 22,500 square feet (answer 19. A. The answer is an expression in which
C). The front, rear, and side yards refer to classic elements are used unconventionally.
required open space on all four sides of a Mannerism was a style of architecture in
building and are irrelevant in this question. Italy and elsewhere that evolved between
The net floor area (D) is the total, or gross, the Renaissance and baroque periods. The
floor area minus the area used for service style was an expression of the manner,
and circulation, and is also irrelevant in this rather than the substance, of classical
question. elements, and it was characterized by a
lack of classical harmony and order, as
16. D. The building codes establish minimum
well as the incongruous use of classical
allowable sizes for many building elements
motifs (choice A). Principal examples
including stairways, corridors, toilet
of this style in Italy are Michelangelo's
rooms, and mechanical spaces. The codes,
Medici Chapel and Laurentian Library.
therefore, have the second greatest impact
Some postmodemists have been likened
on the size of a building other than the
to mannerists (choice C), because
owner's program requirements.
elements from the past may be used in
17. D. Questions on this exam may test your unconventional ways in some of their
ability to read and comprehend bubble buildings. An example of this are the
diagrams or diagrammatic layouts. In classically inspired columns used by
this question, there are several possible Charles Moore (choice D) in his own house
exit paths from the cafeteria. The most in Orinda in 1961. Nevertheless, mannerism
direct path is through the lobby and out is not the same as postmodemism (choice
to the entry plaza (A). Another possibility C), nor is it a term that characterizes the
is through the lobby to the exit corridor, work of Charles Moore (choice D).
which leads outside (C). A third path is
20. D. The answer is highly irregular
out to the dining terrace (B). Since no exit
contours. The cluster-type arrangement
from electronic games is shown, this space
features a concentrated grouping of
would not be part of any exit path.
Answers 23
residential units surrounded by open space. A), utilizes the natural topography by
The idea of clustering is to place units in following the natural contour of the land
a tight group by reducing lot sizes, and as much as possible. In this regard there is
thereby end up with large common areas less grading work required and the natural
of open space that canbe developed or flow of water across a site would be less
simply enjoyed in a communal way. In disturbed making it a good choice for
cluster plans, the lengths of streets and sustainable design. The grid system usually
utility runs are generally reduced, and most consists of equally spaced streets which run
residential units adjoin some open space. perpendicular to each other. This system of
For these reasons, such a development is circulation is most often used on flat land
most suitable in a hilly area, an area defined and ideally continues uninterrupted. The
by irregular contours. Clustered units may radial system directs flow to a common
be sited on moderately sloping land, while central point and in cases where there is
more steeply sloping land could be left a great deal of activity at the center, may
undeveloped as common open space. The cause congestion and crowding. Because
other three choices have little relevance of their rigid geometric patterns, both of
in the arrangement of residential units. these systems lack regard for the natural
The problems and influences of land size, topography and create visual monotony (B
natural foliage, and fuel costs are similar and Care incorrect). The linear system of
regardless of the development type. circulation, is typical of a highway, railway,
or canal and is unsuitable for use in a
21. A. The answer is it restored human
community setting (Dis incorrect).
scale to the new industrial cities. The City
Beautiful Movement was an outgrowth 23. Catchment area. The term catchment
of the enormous influence generated by area describes the geographic area from
the Chicago World's Fair of 1893. On the where the participants in a particular
shores of Lake Michigan, Daniel Burnham activity are drawn. Catchments may be
created the spacious, classically-scaled local, regional, or national. For example,
White City, which launched a classic Disneyland draws its visitors from all over
revival that swept the country (choice the country, while a local shopping mall
B). This surge of development led to the may only draw its visitors from surrounding
creation of city planning organizations neighborhoods.
(choice C), and resulted in a profusion of
24. C. All of the statements are true except
classically-inspired civic centers, dome-
C. The statement provided in C is true of
topped structures, and grand plazas,
deciduous trees, which lose their leaves in
complete with monuments and fountains.
the winter months, but not coniferous trees.
Unfortunately, the scale of development, far
Therefore, C is the incorrect answer we are
from restoring a more human expression
looking for.
(choice A), promoted the monumental and
grandiose. 25. A. Vandalism, which is the willful
destruction of property, is an unfortunate
22. A. Regarding circulation systems, there
fact of modem life, and a subject with
are several patterns that have developed
which architects must often be concerned.
through history to solve specific traffic
To deal with the perils of vandalism,
problems. The curvilinear system (choice
one must understand the techniques of
24 Programming, Planning & Practice Questions & Answers
security. For example, at exterior spaces minimize the use of energy. In general, the
the key technique is surveillance, with optimum shape of a building is one that
local residents taking the responsibility loses a minimum amount of heat in the
over their own locality. In this regard one winter and gains a minimum amount of
would arrange paths for high visibility (A is heat in the summer. Considering the choices
correct), and provide well-lighted grounds of this question, a circular or square shape
(Cis incorrect). Further, one would avoid (I and II) are not desirable, since they have
curved paths (B is incorrect) because they the least amount of enclosing walls for the
tend to obscure the view ahead. Finally, area. This means that sunlight will strike
one must be realistic. While attractive or an absolute minimum amount of exterior
natural materials are desirable, they are not surface. The very best shape is a form
immune to vandalism and durability is a elongated in the east-west direction (not
more critical quality (Dis incorrect). the north-south as stated in III), as this form
will derive maximum heat gain during the
26. C. Architectural symbolism has existed
winter months, while exposing the shorter
and been employed for thousands of years.
east and west sides to minimum heat
Throughout nearly all that time, informal
gain in the summer. Staggered or stacked
or casual arrangements have signified
buildings (IV and V) can also be beneficial,
relative unimportance, while importance
since direct sunlight will strike large
has been characterized by rigid formality.
surface areas, especially if the building's
In the case of an important public building,
longer dimensions are oriented to the south.
therefore, the designer would include a
The correct combination of choices is
symmetrical arrangement (II), which is
found in correct answer B.
regarded as formal, and a long flight of
entrance steps (III), which accentuates 28. B. A path is a circulation route, such as a
the insignificance of the user, and thus, street or a highway. A district is a section of
the relative importance of the institution. a city that has an identifying character, such
Additionally, one would use a flagpole as a neighborhood, a suburb, or a college
(V), since this object symbolizes the campus. An edge is the boundary between
institution's important association with the districts, such as a shore line, a railroad
governing state or country. The use of many line, or a wall of buildings. A landmark is a
entrance doors (I) actually diminishes the prominent visual feature that acts as a point
importance of a single principal entrance; of reference, such as a major department
furthermore, a tall, rather than wide door store, a city hall, or a train station. A node
would signify greater prominence. Finally, is a center of activity, such as a square,
for the reasons already mentioned, one a plaza, or a civic center. Although the
would avoid random placement of openings university campus in this question might
(IV). The correct combination is found in be considered a landmark or a node, it is
answer C. primarily a district (correct answer B).
27. B. Buildings that disregard the sun's 29. C. The Second Empire Style, named for
impact frequently require large amounts of the Second French Empire, was popular
energy to heat and cool. When determining throughout the Western world in the mid-
a building's shape, designers should to late-19th century. It had two features
consider the solar orientation that will that were clearly identifiable: the mansard
Answers 25
roof (I) and the pavilion, which consisted continue through the site (I is incorrect, II is
of one or more forward breaks in elevation correct). The reason is that through streets
(Ill). These were generally symmetrical are easily patrolled and provide more direct
and at the center although they could also access and the likely presence of people.
be at other locations as well. This style was Symbolic barriers, such as planters, low
widely used in governmental and other walls, and formal entries do not physically
buildings to convey an image of prestige restrict criminal activity, but tend to
and authority. inhibit such activities by making potential
criminals more conspicuous (III is correct).
30. A. Spread footings (B) are appropriate
Play areas should be located relatively
where good soils are found at a shallow
close to homes, where they can be watched
depth. Since the site in this question is
by residents. Locating such areas far
underlain by 20 feet of loose fill, spread
from dwelling units invites vandalism
footings would be inappropriate. Placing
and possibly more serious crimes (IV is
spread footings on recompacted fill (C)
incorrect). The correct choices are therefore
is often economical where the maximum
II and III (answer B).
depth of fill is about five feet, and would
therefore be uneconomical in this case. A 33. B. A rectangular box with its long axis
mat foundation (D), which is essentially in the east-west direction is the most
one large footing under the entire building, appropriate for a temperate climate, in
is sometimes used where soil conditions which there is too much heat in the summer
are fair to poor. But since we have no and not enough heat in the winter. The
information about the loose fill close to the long east-west axis provides a great deal
surface, we cannot assume that it would be of southern exposure and a minimum of
adequate to support building loads. A better eastern and western exposure. This is best
solution would be grade beams supported in winter, when the predominant heat gain
on piles that extend into the sand layer is on the south facade. Conversely, in the
(correct choice A). summer, the primary gain is on the roof
and on the east and west facades, which are
31. B. Symmetry is a balanced arrangement
minimal in a building with a long east-west
of elements that are exactly the same on
axis.
each side of a central axis. Symmetry is
found throughout nature, and has become 34. B. The answer is two. A candidate must
associated in the man-made environment know two facts to solve this problem: the
with formality and authority (I and III). definition of FAR and the number of square
Symmetry is most appropriate where feet in an acre. FAR, or floor area ratio, is
building programs are uncomplicated (II) the ratio between the gross floor area of a
and building sites are regular in shape (IV building and the gross land area on which
is incorrect). the building sits. In this case, the gross floor
area of the building is 17,420 square feet on
32. B. Removing vehicular traffic from the
each of five floors, or 17,420 x 5 = 87,100
interior of a large residential project may be
square feet. The gross land area is one acre,
a desirable goal, since it allows the interior
which contains 43,560 square feet. The
to be used for recreation. However, such
FAR, therefore, is 87,100 I 43,560 = 1.999.
developments often have more crime than
Note that in calculating FAR ratios, gross
comparable projects having streets that
26 Programming, Planning & Practice Questions & Answers
areas are always used, with no regard for life span than lower quality products,
elements such as building circulation or site resulting in a lower long-term cost.
setbacks.
37. A, B, and D. All provided answers
35. D. The correct answer is None of the are correct with the exception of C.
above. Choice I is not correct. The zone Deteriorated architectural features shall
of the earth that supports human life is be replaced rather than repaired, wherever
an extremely fragile ecosystem. This possible, with materials that match the
biosphere, which has evolved over millions design, color, texture, and other visual
of years, has been dramatically affected qualities of the original materials. All
by the growth of human activity in the last guidelines presented are accurate, with
100 years. While innovative technologies the exception of the matter in which
are improving energy efficiency of some deteriorated architectural features are dealt
building systems, the vast majority of the with. These should be repaired, whenever
built environment is energy inefficient possible, in preference to their replacement.
(choice II is incorrect). Toxic substances If repair is not feasible or architectural
have the tendency to expand and affect features are missing, their replacement
large areas. For example, the air above the should be based on accurate duplications
Great Lakes contains evidence of DDT, a that are substantiated by historical
toxic pesticide banned in the United States evidence.
decades ago. It was discovered that DDT
38. B. The answer is the total number of
is captured in the jet stream bringing toxic
occupants in the building. The total width
materials from far away continents that still
of required exits is determined by the total
use the pesticides (choice III is incorrect).
occupant load of a particular floor plus
Finally, while recycling is helpful, it is ]list
an additional allowance for occupants of
the beginning of the sustainable design
floors above and below that floor, if those
process. The principals of sustainable
occupants use the same exit path. The
design say that we need to have more
required width is usually calculated by
building products that can be recycled
dividing the total number of occupants by
and are biodegradable to create a more
a factor, such as 50, resulting in a total exit
sustainable ecosystem.
width expressed in feet. For example, if
36. C. Life-cycle costs include construction the total occupant load of a building was
costs (around 15 percent), as well as 600, the total width of required exits would
operational and maintenance costs, taxes, be 600/50 = 12 feet of width. This width
financing, replacement, and renovation (B would be divided approximately equally
and Dare correct). Financing costs may be among four separate exits (three-foot-wide
decreased if the design and construction doors). The total exit width has nothing to
processes are accelerated using fast-track do with floor area, nor does it depend on
or other similar delivery systems (A is building usage, although the floor area per
correct). Cis the incorrect statement we are occupant may be specified by usage in the
looking for; although high quality products code.
have a greater initial cost, they generally
39. C. Candidates are expected to understand
require less maintenance and have a longer
the theory and application of building
code regulations. Although all building
Answers 27
codes used in this country are generally ambulatory (B), but also the ambulatory
similar, they are by no means identical. who are handicapped, such as the blind.
The code most frequently used as the basis Choices C and D are also correct, as far as
for questions on the licensing exams is the they go, but they are incomplete. Physical
International Building Code. According to barriers must be eliminated outside of,
this code, every building is classified by as well as within, all buildings (C). And
the building official according to its use or finally, unobstructed access (D) serves little
character of its occupancy (Ill) and its type purpose if the handicapped person cannot
of construction (II), making C the correct use the facilities once he arrives at his
answer. destination. Candidates should note that in
this question, where each choice is partially
40. D. Candidates often find it difficult to
correct, the right answer is the choice that
differentiate between a building code and
is most inclusive. In other words, some
a zoning ordinance. The primary purpose
questions require one to find the answer
of the building code is to provide for the
that is most correct and, therefore, better
safety and health of the public. It is created
than all the others.
by an ordinance to regulate the construction
of buildings within a municipality. In 42. C. All of the statements concerning
contrast, zoning is created by an ordinance barrier-free design are true, with
to regulate the character and use of a the exception of correct answer C.
parcel of land. Zoning ordinances stipulate An unresolved problem exists with
the type of development; i.e., residential, handicapped individuals in the event of
commercial, industrial, agricultural, and so fire in a multistoried building. In that
forth, that may take place within a given case, the able-bodied will exit through
area. In most instances, zoning ordinances enclosed fire-stair towers. The handicapped,
also control the extent of allowable land however, must rely on elevators, which
coverage, setbacks from property lines, are risky because they tend to stall at the
allowable densities, and building heights fire floor; on aid from the able-bodied,
and areas. Building codes also regulate which is unpredictable; or on "refuge"
maximum building heights, areas, and compartments at each floor, which are
allowable number of stories. However, these designed to provide protection long enough
limitations are based on construction and to allow the fire to be extinguished. All
occupancy types to provide for the safety of these alternatives have drawbacks and
of the public. Similar restrictions imposed create a serious problem of life safety
under zoning ordinances are intended to that barrier-free design has yet to solve.
provide uniform standards of development Concerning choice B, it is true that all
to protect the environment and property building users benefit from certain barrier-
values. The correct answer is D. free elements that are provided expressly
for the handicapped. For example, nearly all
41. A. Most authorities agree that the goal
able-bodied individuals would appreciate
of barrier-free design is to permit any
ramps rather than steps, door levers rather
person with a handicap to participate in
than knobs, wider entrances, non-slip
normal activities without help-in other
floors, and a general absence of hazardous
words, autonomous functioning (correct
building elements. Incidentally, choice D
answer A). This includes not only the non-
states that project costs increase with the
28 Programming, Planning & Practice Questions & Answers
Proceeding with a project for which on the transaction. A balloon payment (C)
adequate funds are not on hand (C) is is a final mortgage payment that is much
unrealistic. The architect cannot arbitrarily larger than the typical periodic payments.
reduce space needs 25 percent, nor can he And finally amortization (D) refers to the
reasonably expect to reduce the project's payment of a debt in periodic installments.
quality 25 percent. The only reasonable The correct answer is A.
course of action is to convince the owner to
62. A. CPM is a planning and scheduling
reduce his overall space needs to meet the
technique that uses network diagrams, not
budget prior to entering into an agreement
bar graphs, to show various construction
(D), and to attempt to develop efficient
activities and how they are related
uses of space that will satisfy the users'
sequentially (Ill is incorrect). I and II are
functional needs. The correct answer is D.
correct: the critical path is that path of
61. A. A construction loan is short-term construction activities that requires the
interim financing, which is in effect during greatest amount of time. Other paths, called
the construction of a project. For smaller float paths, require less time. The difference
projects, construction loans are often in required time between the critical path
made through banks or savings and loan and any other path is call the float for that
associations rather than mortgage brokers, path.
because this procedure is usually less
63. C. The critical path method (CPM)
costly and time consuming. Regardless
is a system of scheduling construction
of who the lender is, the borrower must
operations where each activity is assigned
pay certain fees at the time he obtains the
a start date, duration, and an end date. In
loan, including the discount, legal fees, and
addition, activities are linked to indicate
recording fees. The discount (A) may be
instances when one activity must be
known by various names-loan placement
complete before the next activity may start.
charge, origination fee, "points"-and
These relationships are shown in network
represents a fee charged by the lender to
diagrams. The resulting shortest path to
the borrower for the privilege of obtaining
completion is known as the critical path (C
the loan. For example, if the lender states
is correct).
that the discount will be two points, that
means that for every $1,000 borrowed, the 64. A. Programming, while a vital part of the
borrower will actually receive only $980, planning process, is not considered part of
the difference of $20 being two points (i.e., an architect's basic services. AlA contract
2 percent) of the $1,000 borrowed. But the documents recognize that the owner is
borrower will have to repay the full $1,000, expected to begin the design process with
plus the interest on $1,000. In effect, this an established program. Many architects
raises the true interest rate paid by the can, and should, assist the owner with this
borrower. The lender's justification for the phase, however it is generally recognized
origination fee is that it is required to pay as being an "additional service" for which
the costs of the loan officer as well as other the architect is entitled to additional
loan processing costs. Recording fees (B) compensation.
include charges made by the county to
65. A. The critical path is the one in the
record the mortgage, as well as any taxes
network diagram that requires the greatest
levied by the state and federal government
32 Programming, Planning & Practice Questions & Answers
In addition, if sewers below street level sun, and high ceilings (IV) allow a greater
require pumping stations to connect lines volume of space for air to circulate. Dense
to mains in the street, the overall cost will windbreaks (Ill) are generally unnecessary,
rise substantially. Finally, the expense of since unpleasant winds are infrequent,
installing underground utilities on sloping being more closely associated with hot-
land exceeds that of levelland (choice D), humid, as well as cool, climactic zones.
because of generally increased excavation,
76. A. The answer is offrost and heaving
length of runs, and number of direction
of the subsoil. If any of the other choices
changes in the line.
had occurred, the land beneath the paving
73. C. The answer is /, II, and V. Contours would have settled, not risen. Filled land,
are lines that connect points of equal insufficiently compacted soil, and broken
elevation (1). Those that are solid represent pipes would all cause the soil to sink. Only
proposed modifications to the existing the penetration of frost and ice would cause
landform (II), while dashed lines are used the subsoil to heave and the paving to rise
to represent existing or natural topography above its original level.
(III is incorrect). Although contour lines
77. D. We determine the ground slope by
may close on themselves (IV is incorrect),
dividing the vertical change in height by
for example, when indicating a summit or a
the horizontal distance (G =V/H). 5% = 1
depression, they may never split in two (V),
foot/H, or H = 1 foot/.05 = 20 feet.
since this would indicate an implausible
topographic configuration. 78. C. Many candidates find it confusing to
analyze the slope of the ground. However,
74. D. The usual topographic map shows the
it is important to be able to utilize the
location, size, and shape of physical and
topography of a site in order to maximize
other features of a piece of land, including
the use of available land, both in site
property lines, easements, and utilities (A);
planning and building design. Grades for
natural features, such as streams (B); man-
existing as well as man-made slopes are
made features, such as roads and buildings
established by measuring the distance
(C); and contours indicating elevation.
between contours at a given scale and a
Soil conditions, however, are not generally
given contour interval. The formula is
shown on a topographic map (correct
% grade =change in vertical elevation/
answer D).
horizontal distance x 100. Therefore, in the
75. B. The answer is/, II, and IV. The hot- graded bank we are shown a four-foot change
arid zone of the United States includes in elevation for every five horizontal feet
most of the southwest, from Texas and New of land. Using the formula we calculate
Mexico west to the Southern California as follows: 4/5 x 100 = 80%. The correct
deserts. The region is characterized by clear answer is C.
skies, dry air, long periods of heat, and
79. B. Vehicles entering a parking lot from
large variations in daily temperatures. In
the street are invariably traveling at a faster
such a climate one would use thick walls
rate than those exiting (correct answer B),
(1), which tend to make interior spaces
since they are in the process of slowing
cooler by day and warmer at night by
down from normal street speeds. Those
absorbing and then radiating the sun's heat.
exiting are moving along a restricted
Wide overhangs (II) block the high summer
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- l
34 Programming, Planning & Practice Questions & Answers
aisle width and are, therefore, traveling and II) typically flow by gravity and flow
more slowly. In addition, vehicles exiting only partially full.
generally slow or even stop completely
84. A. A swale is a flow path similar to a
when they approach the street. This slower
valley, in which the contours point uphill
speed enables a driver to tum within a .
(correct answer A). A ridge is the reverse of
radius somewhat smaller than one travelmg
a swale and is represented by contours that
at a greater speed.
point downhill (B is incorrect). A trench
80. C. All of the statements are true with drain is a device used to collect water
the exception of correct answer C. Angled before conducting it to underground pipes,
parking nearly always leads to more rapid while a drain pipe is any pipe used to carry
traffic flow than perpendicular parking, water from collection points to disposal
because one can pull in and out of an areas (C and Dare incorrect).
angled space more quickly; hence, traffic
85. C. The grade of a slope is equal to the
is obstructed or halted for a shorter period
vertical rise divided by the horizontal
of time. Concerning choice A, traffic aisles
distance, multiplied by 100 to convert it to
generally lead toward buildings so that the
a percentage. In this case, the vertical rise is
buildings are more visible, and customers
20 - 16 = 4 feet, and the horizontal distance
can walk along traffic aisles instead of
is 8 feet. The grade is therefore 4 -:- 8 = 0.50
between cars.
x 100 = 50 percent.
81. A. The U.S. System, which is the basis
86. B. The shape of the ground surface is
for much of the legal description of non-
most often shown on drawings by means
urban areas outside the original 13 states,
of contours, which are imaginary lines
established a grid of north-south lines
that connect all points of equal elevation.
(meridians) and east-west lines (parallels),
A uniform slope is indicted by evenly-
which are 24 miles apart in each direction.
spaced parallel contours. A concave slope
Each 24-mile-square area is in tum divided
is indicated by parallel contours spaced
into 16 townships, each six miles square.
closer together going uphill, as in this
Each township is further divided into 36
question. Parallel contours spaced farther
square sections, each containing one square
apart going uphill indicate a convex slope,
mile. Metes and bounds descriptions start at
and contours which point uphill indicate
a point on the property boundary and then
a valley. If you find it hard to remember
describe the length and direction of each
these typical contour characteristics, you
boundary line in narrative form. Urban land
can cut a section perpendicular to the
is generally described by lot number, block
contours, which in this case would look
name or number, and tract name or number.
approximately like the curve shown below
82. Deed restriction. A deed restriction is any (a concave slope).
clause in a deed that places limitations or
restrictions on the use of the property. ELEV. 40
87. D. Where the soil is relatively pervious ramps. They are typically two or more
(A is incorrect), a septic tank that lanes wide in each direction. Expressways
discharges into an underground drain field are designed to allow movement of large
may provide an adequate sewage system. volumes of traffic between, around, and
In that case, potential health hazards through urban centers. Vehicles move at
and water pollution must be considered more rapid speeds because access to and
(Cis incorrect, Dis correct). The tiles access from expressways is limited. Answer
comprising the drain field should be placed C is the correct answer.
at a very gentle slope of about 1 inch in 24
91. C. In an ideal situation, a civil engineer
feet, or 1/24 inch per foot (B is incorrect).
will try to ensure that the amount of soil
88. B. Approximately 300 to 400 square feet removed and added to different areas of a
per car is required for parking, including site is equal so that additional soil does not
stalls and aisles. Therefore, the required need to be imported or exported from the
area varies from 400 cars x 300 square feet job site. This practice is called balancing
per car, or 120,000 square feet to 400 x the site (Cis correct) and is desirable
400, or 160,000 square feet. Since there are because trucking large quantities of soil
43,560 square feet in an acre, this converts can be expensive. Cutting the site is the
to 120,000-:- 43,560 = 2.75 acres, and process of removing soil (A is incorrect).
160,000-:- 43,560 = 3.67 acres. Therefore, Filling the site is the process of adding soil
the least area required is about 2.75 acres. (B is incorrect). Engineering describes, in
B, 3 acres, is therefore the best answer. general terms, the role of the civil engineer
(D is incorrect).
89. A. If you cut a section through the road
where the 100 contour meets the edges of 92. A. Lines that connect points of equal
the road, it will look like the sketch below. elevations are contour lines (A is correct).
Therefore, there is a crown at the center of The other choices are lines that may be
the road (I) and 6-inch-high curb at each found on various types of site drawings,
edge (III). but they are not related to elevations or
topography.
EL.100 93. C. The answer is 12 feet. What may
appear at first to be confusing is actually a
simple problem. There is only one factor
to consider: Since the south end of the
90. C. Local access streets provide access wall terminates at elevation 12, the wall
to low-intensity fronting them such as must extend to that elevation in order to
houses and often take the form of loops retain the earth at the east side of the wall,
and cul-de-sacs. Collector streets serve irrespective of the elevation of the level
as the transition between arterials and the area at the west side. The high end of the
local access streets. Although intersections wall would extend 8 feet above the adjacent
with arterials may be controlled with traffic grade at the west (12- 4 = 8), and the
signals, intersections with local streets may elevation at the top of the wall would be
have only stop signs. Arterial streets are 12 feet, or perhaps a few inches higher.
continuous vehicular channels that connect Incidentally, the angle between the wall and
with expressways by means of on and off existing contours is irrelevant.
36 Programming, Planning & Practice Questions & Answers
94. C. The answer is site Ill. By adding in reducing solar heat gain than controlling
the widths of the sites along Main Street, the gain once the glass has been exposed to
we determine that the block between 1st sun.
and 2nd Avenues is 300 feet long. Since
96. D. A flood plain is the relatively flat
Main Street slopes 15 feet downward
land within which a stream flows. When
along its length, from 123 to 108, the
the volume of flow exceeds the stream's
slope is calculated to be 15/300 = .05, or
capacity, which occurs more or less
an assumed uniform slope of 5 percent. c