Building Design & Construction Systems Exam Guide - Architecture Exam - Ncarb

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Building Design & Construction Systems Overview a Knowledge/Skills 1

Sample Multiple-Choice Questions Sample Multiple-Choice Answers

Accessibility/Ramp Vignette Sample Passing Solution Sample Failing Solution

Stair Design Vignette Sample Passing Solution Sample Failing Solution

Roof Plan Vignette Sample Passing Solution Sample Failing Solution

References 32 This document, effective July 2012, supersedes all previous editions of the ARE® 4.0 Exam Guide: Building Design & Construction Systems. Please check NCARB’s web site, www.ncarb.org, regularly for updates to the ARE 4.0 Exam Guides and for the most current information regarding the ARE.

Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

Knowledge/ Skills Sample MultipleChoice Questions Accessibility/Ramp Vignette

Apply knowledge and skills of building design and construction, including environmental, social, and economic issues, project and practice management.

Stair Design Vignette Roof Plan Vignette

2. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

(27-36 percent of scored items)

(11-17 percent of scored items)

3. CODES & REGULATIONS (7-10 percent of scored items)

4. MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY

5. PROJECT & PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

(31-40 percent of scored items)

Design a ramp and stairway connecting two levels that complies with accessibility and code requirements.

Design a stairway connecting multiple levels that complies with accessibility and code requirements.

Design a sloped-roof plan for the removal of rainwater and locate accessories and equipment.

(7-13 percent of scored items)

July 2012 ARE® 4.0 a

Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

Knowledge/ Skills Sample MultipleChoice Questions Accessibility/ Ramp Vignette Stair Design Vignette Roof Plan Vignette

The division has been broken down into a listing of knowledge and skills directly related to each major content area.

(27-36 percent of scored items)

5. Space Planning and Facility Planning/Management Initiate schematic design and design development decisions including spatial visualization and modeling.

A. Consider the impact of human behavior, historic precedent, and design theory in the selection of systems, materials, and methods on building design and construction.

6. Fixtures, Furniture, Equipment, and Finishes Assess the selection of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and finishes made in schematic design and design development.

1. Building Design Develop tasks, procedures, and methods associated with schematic design and design development such as basic engineering principles, spatial visualization and modeling. 2. Design Principles and Design Impact on Human Behavior Assess the affect of form, scale, color, texture, ergonomics, lighting, universal design, spatial organization, and acoustics in building design to meet user needs and client requirements. 3. Building Systems and their Integration Determine appropriate building systems such as structural, mechanical, electrical, and specialties using basic engineering principles and coordinate these systems into a coherent design that best meets the client’s requirements. 4. Implications of Design Decisions Assess the impact of early design decisions concerning building orientation, area, materials and products selection, cost, code, phasing, future technology changes, and sustainability on the later phases of detailed design, construction, and building use.

7. Adaptive Reuse of Buildings and/or Materials Consider the constraints, issues, methods, programmatic implications and cost impact associated with adaptive reuse of buildings and/or materials during schematic design and design development phases. 8. Architectural History and Theory Apply concepts of architectural history and theory in decision making.

2 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES (11-17 percent of scored items)

A. Consider the impact of applying principles of sustainable design including adaptive re-use, thermal and moisture protection, energy consumption and utilization, alternative energy, and hazardous material mitigation to proposed project.

1. Hazardous Conditions and Materials

Identify the requirements of regulatory agencies and their impact on design. Survey, evaluate, and document existing conditions related to hazardous materials. Develop strategies for mitigation.

July 2012 ARE® 4.0 1

Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

Knowledge/ Skills Sample MultipleChoice Questions

Stair Design Vignette

3. Sustainable Design Develop designs that minimize environmental impact, pursues recyclable and replacement strategies, considers life-cycle analysis, utilizes renewable resources, and minimizes material consumption and waste.

Roof Plan Vignette

Accessibility/ Ramp Vignette

4. MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY

2. Indoor Air Quality Develop strategies to ensure indoor air quality.

(31-40 percent of scored items) Consider impact of design decisions in the selection of systems, materials, and methods on building design and construction.

4. Natural and Artificial Lighting Develop strategies that utilize daylight, solar control, energy consumption.

A. MASONRY Identify the properties and characteristics of masonry structural and finish materials. 1. Building Systems and their Integration

2. Implications of Design Decisions

3. Construction Details and Constructability

5. Alternative Energy Systems and New Material Technologies Investigate technological advances and innovative building products.

4. Construction Materials

3. CODES & REGULATIONS

5. Product Selection and Availability

6. Cost Estimating, Value Engineering, and Life-Cycle Costing

7. Thermal and Moisture Protection

(7-10 percent of scored items)

A. Incorporate building and specialty codes, zoning, and other regulatory requirements for inclusion in site design and construction. 1. Government and Regulatory Requirements

and Permit Processes Conduct code analysis to determine compliance with government and regulatory requirements and the permitting processes.

2. Specialty Codes and Regulations including

Accessibility Laws, Codes and Guidelines Conduct analysis of codes and regulations such as ADAAG, seismic codes, life safety, Fair Housing Act, and historic preservation requirements to incorporate into the site design and construction.

B. METALS Identify the properties and characteristics of structural and miscellaneous metals.

1. Building Systems and their Integration

2. Implications of Design Decisions

3. Construction Details and Constructability

July 2012 ARE® 4.0 2

Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

4. Construction Materials

Sample MultipleChoice Questions

5. Product Selection and Availability

Accessibility/ Ramp Vignette

Stair Design Vignette

6. Cost Estimating, Value Engineering, and Life-Cycle Costing

7. Thermal and Moisture Protection

Roof Plan Vignette

C. WOOD Identify the properties and characteristics of wood structures, rough carpentry, finish carpentry, and millwork assemblies.

1. Building Systems and their Integration

2. Implications of Design Decisions

3. Construction Details and Constructability

E. OTHER Identify the properties and characteristics of miscellaneous systems, assemblies, membranes, cladding, coatings, and finish materials (e.g., plastics, composites, glass, tensile, pneumatic, EIFS, etc.). 1. Building Systems and their Integration

2. Implications of Design Decisions

3. Construction Details and Constructability

4. Construction Materials

5. Product Selection and Availability

6. Cost Estimating, Value Engineering, and Life-Cycle Costing

4. Construction Materials

5. Product Selection and Availability

6. Cost Estimating, Value Engineering, and Life-Cycle Costing

7. Thermal and Moisture Protection

D. CONCRETE Identify the properties and characteristics of concrete structures and finishes.

1. Building Systems and their Integration

2. Implications of Design Decisions

3. Construction Details and Constructability

F. SPECIALTIES Analyze and select accessories, equipment, and fittings.

1. Building Systems and their Integration

2. Implications of Design Decisions

July 2012 ARE® 4.0 3

Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

4. Construction Materials

1. Construction Sequencing Prepare phasing plans for building design and construction.

5. Product Selection and Availability

Stair Design Vignette

6. Cost Estimating, Value Engineering, and Life-Cycle Costing

2. Cost Estimating, Value Engineering, and Life-Cycle Costing Develop and revise cost estimates for building design and construction through the design development phase.

Roof Plan Vignette

7. Thermal and Moisture Protection

8 Natural and Artificial Lighting

3. Project Schedule Management Manage the building design and construction schedule of professional services and document project progress via contract document setup, storyboarding, and staffing projections.

Sample MultipleChoice Questions Accessibility/ Ramp Vignette

3. Construction Details and Constructability

5. PROJECT & PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

(7-13 percent of scored items) Ascertain the impact of construction sequencing, scheduling, cost, and risk management on the selection of systems, materials, and methods.

4. Risk Management Assess building design and construction professional and general liability and risk management procedures, phasing, budget, and schedule.

A. Determine the impact of construction sequencing, scheduling, cost, and risk management on selection of systems, materials, and methods.

July 2012 ARE® 4.0 4

Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS

Go to page 14 for answers

Knowledge/ Skills Sample MultipleChoice Questions Accessibility/Ramp Vignette

1. The primary purpose of panic hardware on exit doors is to o allow an alternate method of opening the door o allow easier access for disabled occupants o provide a method of controlling exit doors o provide easy release of the latch on the door

Stair Design Vignette Roof Plan Vignette

2. Which of the following toilet partition finishes has the LOWEST initial cost? o Baked enamel o Laminated plastic o Stainless steel o Porcelain enamel 3. What is shown at X in the drawing above?

4. To prevent it from deteriorating, copper should be isolated from direct contact with which of the following roofing materials? o Asphalt shingles o Red-cedar shingles o Built-up roofing o Mineral-fiber felts

5. All of the following are true when selecting windows for a building EXCEPT: o A high visible light transmission value indicates that more light can pass through. o A high air leakage rate value indicates a tighter seal. o A low solar heat gain coefficient value indicates that less heat is transmitted. o A low heat transfer coefficient indicates better thermal value.

6. Which of the following occupancy classifications requires panic hardware at the required exits? o Manufacturing facility o Motel guest room o Movie theater o High-rise office suite

o A cricket o Base flashing o Cap flashing o Gable flashing

7. Accessible ramp handrails shall extend beyond the top and bottom of the ramp a minimum of o 6 in [150 mm] o 9 in [230 mm] o 12 in [300 mm] o 15 in [380 mm]

July 2012 ARE® 4.0 5

Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS

Go to page 14 for answers

Knowledge/ Skills Sample MultipleChoice Questions Accessibility/Ramp Vignette Stair Design Vignette Roof Plan Vignette

8. Based on the table above, the minimum number of water closets required for women in a theater with a seating capacity of 4,000 is

9. In the detail above from an air-conditioned building located in a hot, humid climate, where should the vapor barrier be located? o At A o At B o At C o At D

10. The extensive use of gypsum wallboard in residential, commercial, and industrial construction stems from all the following EXCEPT o low cost o ease of installation o recyclability o fire resistance

July 2012 ARE® 4.0 6

Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS

Go to page 14 for answers

Knowledge/ Skills Sample MultipleChoice Questions Accessibility/Ramp Vignette Stair Design Vignette Roof Plan Vignette

11. A client is proposing to build a residence in an area where there is a high probability of the presence of radon gas. Which of the following is NOT a method that would be selected as a means of radon-resistant construction for the building? o Automatic vent damper devices o Sub-slab depressurization systems o Drain tile loops o Soil-gas retarders 12. The type of door hinge indicated above is a

o full mortise o full surface o half mortise o half surface

13. Which of the following types of portable fire extinguisher is appropriate for fires generated by electrical equipment? o Loaded stream water base only o Pressure water base only o Carbon dioxide and dry chemical o Loaded stream water base, carbon dioxide, and dry chemical

14. In a fast-track, single-story industrial project, which of the following schematic design and design development considerations is most likely to have a significant effect on the successful sequencing of the construction? o Foundation design o HVAC systems design o Roofing materials selection o Window design

15. Which of the following basic structural systems would be appropriate for a high-tech building with equipment and functions that are extremely sensitive to vibrations? o Poured-in-place concrete beam-and-slab system o Heavy steel frame with composite floor slab with rubber insulators o Heavy (12) gauge metal studs with a long-span steel joist with a 5-inch-thick concrete slab o M asonry bearing walls with wood joists and wood deck with a 4-inch-thick gypsum concrete topping slab

July 2012 ARE® 4.0 7

Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS

Go to page 14 for answers

Knowledge/ Skills Sample MultipleChoice Questions Accessibility/Ramp Vignette Stair Design Vignette Roof Plan Vignette

16. Which of the following is the most effective method to control indoor air quality? o Exhaust air o Source reduction o Air cleaning and filtration o Increased temperature and lowered humidity

18. Which of the following is NOT significant in selecting the type of elevator to be used? o Power used to operate the elevator o Height of the building o Speed of the elevator o Number of building occupants

17. Which of the following diagrams would best indicate an exterior self-supporting non-load-bearing wall design?

July 2012 ARE® 4.0 8

Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS

Go to page 14 for answers

Knowledge/ Skills Sample MultipleChoice Questions Accessibility/Ramp Vignette Stair Design Vignette Roof Plan Vignette

19. When designing a residential development, which of the following is an example of the “Crime Prevention through Environmental Design” strategy of encouraging natural surveillance? o Reducing the overall amount of site lighting o Visually screening parking areas with tall landscaping o Placing the majority of windows to the rear of residences o P roviding a primary living space with a view of the street

20. All of the following types of fasteners are recommended for use with wood treated with inorganic waterborne preservatives EXCEPT o aluminum o stainless steel o hot-dipped galvanized o hot-tumbled galvanized

21. When compared to a steel beam-and-bar joist floor system, the use of composite construction will likely result in which of the following? Check the two that apply. o A. Stiffer floor o B. Heavier frame o C. Lighter frame o D. More expensive system o E. Increased fabrication time o F. Faster erection time

22. The figure shown above represents which of the following types of insulating concrete form (ICF) system? o Waffle-grid o Waffle-core o Waffle-cast o Waffle-slab

July 2012 ARE® 4.0 9

Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS

Go to page 14 for answers

Knowledge/ Skills Sample MultipleChoice Questions Accessibility/Ramp Vignette Stair Design Vignette

23. Which of the following actions can achieve the most significant cost reduction in value engineering a precast concrete warehouse? o Removing reveals in the panels o Changing the exposed aggregate in the concrete o Maximizing and standardizing the panel sizes o Removing the integral color from the concrete mix

Roof Plan Vignette

27. Which of the following is true of humidity? o Human thermal comfort is unaffected by relative humidity. o Cold air is able to hold more moisture vapor than warm air. o Dewpoint is unreachable in the middle of a homogeneous material. o Condensation in a building can contribute to mold growth.

24. A waterproofing treatment should be specified in lieu of a dampproofing treatment for subsurface masonry when which of the following conditions is present? o Hydrostatic pressure o A low frost line o Sandy subsurface soils o Expansive subsurface soils

25. The passage of water under pressure through concrete cracks is defined as o capillary action o seepage o saturation o leakage

26. An elevator hoistway would be constructed to which of the following model code standards for walls? o Shaft enclosure o Occupancy separation o Area separation o Demising

28. The two-inch [50 mm] gap at the perimeter of the wood athletic floor shown above is provided to o allow for proper alignment of the flooring system o allow air circulation o accommodate expansion and contraction o increase resiliency of the floor

July 2012 ARE® 4.0 10

Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS

Go to page 14 for answers

Knowledge/ Skills Sample MultipleChoice Questions Accessibility/Ramp Vignette Stair Design Vignette

29. Which of the following is the most appropriate flashing detail for the design of brick veneer (cavity) wall construction?

Roof Plan Vignette

July 2012 ARE® 4.0 11

Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS

Go to page 14 for answers

Knowledge/ Skills Sample MultipleChoice Questions

30. Which jamb anchor should be used for installation in a masonry wall?

Stair Design Vignette

33. Locating footings at or below the frost line is important because doing so o promotes good drainage o makes perimeter insulation unnecessary o helps to stabilize the foundation system o simplifies excavation during winter construction

Roof Plan Vignette

31. The terms “scratch coat,” “brown coat,” and “finish coat” refer to o painting o parging o paving o plastering

32. Which of the following types of concrete construction is reinforced with tensioned high-strength steel-wire strands? o Tilt-up o Prestressed o Cast-in-place o Precast

34. Which letter in the figure above indicates a muntin? o A o B o C o D

July 2012 ARE® 4.0 12

Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS

Go to page 14 for answers

Knowledge/ Skills Sample MultipleChoice Questions

35. Which of the following brick veneer patterns is the most expensive per square foot?

Accessibility/Ramp Vignette Stair Design Vignette

36. What type of lockset is pictured below? o Mortised o Unit o Cylinder o Lever

Roof Plan Vignette

37. Efflorescence on masonry walls is caused by water-soluble salts that are present in which of the following? Check the two that apply. o A. Mortar o B. Sheathing o C. Masonry flashing o D. Masonry units o E. Masonry ties o F. Rigid insulation

July 2012 ARE® 4.0 13

Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS

Go to page 14 for answers

Knowledge/ Skills Sample MultipleChoice Questions Accessibility/Ramp Vignette Stair Design Vignette Roof Plan Vignette

1. provide easy release of the latch on the door 2. Baked enamel 3. A cricket 4. Red-cedar shingles 5. A high air leakage rate value indicates a tighter seal. 6. Movie theater 7. 12 in [300 mm] 8. 29 9. At D 10. recyclability 11. Automatic vent damper devices 12. full mortise 13. Carbon dioxide and dry chemical 14. Foundation design 15. Poured-in-place concrete beam-and-slab system 16. Source reduction 17.

28. accommodate expansion and contraction 29.

31. plastering 32. Prestressed 33. helps to stabilize the foundation system 34. D 35. 18. Number of building occupants 19. Providing a primary living space with a view of the street 20. aluminum 21. A, C 22. Waffle-grid 23. Maximizing and standardizing the panel sizes 24. Hydrostatic pressure 25. leakage 26. Shaft enclosure 27. Condensation in a building can contribute to mold growth.

36. Mortised 37. A, D

July 2012 ARE® 4.0 14

Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

Sample MultipleKnowledge/ Choice Skills Questions Sample MultipleChoice Questions

General Tips for Taking Accessibility/Ramp

Accessibility/ Stair Design Ramp Vignette Vignette Determine the number of risers you need to meet the landing before selecting the “Draw-Stair” tool.

Roof Design Plan Vignette Stair Vignette Roof Plan Vignette References

Directions Complete the floor plan shown on the work screen by developing a ramp and stair system in accordance with the given program information. Using the tools provided, indicate all ramps, stairs, railings, wall(s), door(s), and landings required to complete the plan and indicate all landing elevations. The completed plan should reflect conformity to program and code requirements and to principles of design logic. Before beginning your solution, you should review the program and code information that can be accessed through the Vignette Index screen and familiarize yourself with the floor plan on the work screen.

Use “Check” tool to make sure your ramps, landings and stairs are properly aligned.

1. Two small office buildings on a sloped site are to be connected by a new lobby placed at the floor elevation of the lower building. 2. Provide an accessible circulation system with a ramp and a separate stair to connect the lobby and upper level corridor. 3. Place wall(s) and door(s) only on the existing upper level to separate the lobby and the upper level exit corridor. In addition, the ramp and stair must conform to the following restrictions:

portion of the ramp or stair may encroach on the existing upper level. u Indicate the elevation of all new landings.

July 2012 ARE® 4.0 15

Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

Sample MultipleKnowledge/ Choice Questions Skills Sample MultipleChoice Questions Accessibility/ Stair Design Ramp Vignette Vignette Roof Design Plan Vignette Stair Vignette Roof Plan Vignette References

Code Comply with the following code requirements. These are the ONLY code-related criteria you are required to use.

Definition 1. Accessible Means of Egress: A continuous and unobstructed path of travel from an accessible space to a public way that is usable by a mobility impaired person. An accessible means of egress comprises the vertical and horizontal means of travel and shall include accessible exit routes, ramps, stairways, and doors.

Maneuvering Clearances 1. The minimum width of an exit route shall not be less than 44 inches. u Projections into a required exit route width are prohibited, except for handrail projections. 2.

T he space required for a wheelchair to make a 180-degree turn is a clear space of 60 inches in diameter, as shown in Figure 1.

3. Minimum maneuvering clearances at doors shall be as shown in Figure 2. u The floor or ground area within the required clearances shall be level.

F loors or walks in an accessible means of egress path of travel having a slope steeper than 1:20 (one unit vertical in 20 units horizontal) shall be designed as ramps.

2. Width: The minimum width shall not be less than 44 inches. u Ramps shall not reduce in width in the direction of egress travel. u Projections into a required ramp width are prohibited, except for handrail projections.

FIGURE 1: TURNING SPACE

3. Slope: The maximum slope of a ramp shall be 1:12 (one unit vertical in 12 units horizontal). 4.

L andings: Ramps shall have level landings or floor surfaces at the top and bottom of each ramp run, all points of turning, entrance, exit, and at doors. u The least dimension shall not be less than the required width of the ramp. u The least dimension in the direction of travel shall be 60 inches. u If ramps change direction at landings, the least dimension shall be 60 inches.

FIGURE 2: MANEUVERING CLEARANCES AT DOORS

Stairways 1. Width: The minimum width shall not be less than 44 inches. u Stairways shall not reduce in width in the direction of egress travel. u Projections into a required stairway width are prohibited, except for handrail projections. 2. Landings: Stairs shall have a level landing or floor at the top and bottom of each stair run. u The width of a landing shall not be less than the width of the stair. u The least dimension in the direction of travel shall be 44 inches. u If the path of travel changes direction between stair runs, the least dimension shall be the width of the stairs.

July 2012 ARE® 4.0 16

Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

Sample MultipleKnowledge/ Choice Questions Skills Sample MultipleChoice Questions

Accessibility/ Stair Design Ramp Vignette Vignette Roof Design Plan Vignette Stair Vignette Roof Plan Vignette References

Treads and Risers: Minimum tread depth shall be 11 inches. u Maximum riser height shall be 7 inches and minimum riser height shall be 4 inches. u There shall be no variation in any riser height or tread depth within the complete stairway system. u

Doors 1. Width: Door openings shall have a minimum clear width of not less than 32 inches, measured between the face of the door and the opposite stop with the door open 90 degrees. 2. Exit Doors: Exit doors shall swing in the direction of egress travel. 3.

ouble-leaf Doorways: If doorways have two indepenD dently operated door leaves, then at least one leaf shall meet the requirements for clear width and maneuvering space.

pen sides of landings, floor surfaces, ramps, and stairways O shall be protected by a continuous guardrail.

Handrails shall be provided on both sides of ramps and stairs. Handrails are not required on ramps where the vertical rise between landings is 6 inches or less.

andrails shall be continuous within the full length of H each ramp run or stair flight.

3. Inside handrails on switchback or dogleg ramps or stairs shall be continuous between runs or flights. 4. Non-continuous handrails for ramps and stairs shall have extensions as follows: u Ramp handrails shall extend horizontally at least 12 inches beyond the top and bottom of the ramp run. u Stair handrails shall extend horizontally at least 12 inches beyond the top and bottom risers. 5. Handrails may not project more than 4 inches into the required ramp, stair, or exit route width. 6. Stairways more than 88 inches wide shall have intermediate handrails.

July 2012 ARE® 4.0 17

Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

ACCESSIBILITY/RAMP VIGNETTE – Sample Passing Solution

Sample MultipleKnowledge/ Choice Questions Skills Sample MultipleChoice Questions

Procedural Tips u

Before you draw your stairs, you should calculate how many risers you need.

While you are drawing the stairs, the tread depth will be automatically calculated for you. This measurement is displayed in the element information area at the bottom of the work screen.

Be sure to keep scrolling until you have seen all of the Code information. Click on the down arrow on the scroll bar to ensure that you have seen all of the text.

When elements overlap, you may have trouble selecting a particular element. If this happens, keep clicking (without moving the mouse) until the desired element highlights.

Check overlaps while you are working through your solution.

Handrail extensions are correct throughout. 6” risers meet code requirements.

Accessibility/ Stair Design Ramp Vignette Vignette Roof Design Plan Vignette Stair Vignette Roof Plan Vignette References

References Sketch circles used to establish railing extensions. Handrails shown on both sides of all ramp segments.

Ramp segments have acceptable slope.

Note: It is extremely important in this vignette to set the elevation of all landings.

Be sure you are aware of the elevations of various parts of the base drawing.

Tools You Might Find Useful

This vignette requires the candidate to connect two levels by means of an accessible egress stair and ramp system. The uppermost landing is set at the same elevation as the existing upper level. A simple ramp and stair system is shown with

correct slopes for the ramps and the correct number of risers for the stairs. All necessary handrails are provided and extensions are correctly sized. The new door is the correct size and swings in the direction of egress travel.

S ketch measure or sketch line tools to lay out railings

July 2012 ARE® 4.0 18

Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

ACCESSIBILITY/RAMP VIGNETTE – Sample Failing Solution

Sample MultipleKnowledge/ Choice Skills Questions Sample MultipleChoice Questions Accessibility/ Stair Design Ramp Vignette Vignette Door swings the wrong direction.

Roof Design Plan Vignette Stair Vignette Roof Plan Vignette References

References Two ramps are not necessary.

Landings are too small.

Both ramps are too short and therefore steeper than 1:12.

This solution creates an unusual system of two ramps with a stair between them. The ramps are both too short, making them steeper than the 1:12 maximum slope stated in the code. The

top landings are too small and do not meet code requirements. Also, the new corridor door swings in the wrong direction.

July 2012 ARE® 4.0 19

Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

STAIR DESIGN VIGNETTE

Sample MultipleKnowledge/ Choice Skills Questions Sample MultipleChoice Questions

General Tips for Taking Stair Design

Using the tools provided, develop a design for an exit stairway within the existing two-story stairwell shown on the work screen. Draw the necessary components of the stairway on the two floor plans provided, and:

Accessibility/ Stair Design Ramp Vignette Vignette Roof Design Plan Vignette Stair Vignette Roof Plan Vignette References

Use the “Sketch” tool to indicate the clearances of the Ground Floor doors, then start working on the Second Floor Plan.

I ndicate the elevations of all landings. Indicate the elevations of all stair flights – at the top of the highest riser and at the bottom of the lowest riser – to match adjacent landing elevations. Include railings, i.e., guardrails and handrails. Connect stair flights to landings or the ground floor only. When using the cut stair tool, the flight of stairs should be drawn from landing to landing or from ground floor to landing.

You should develop a design that meets the given code and program requirements. Before starting to work on your stair design, you should familiarize yourself with the floor plans on the work screen as well as the program, the code, and the ection that can be accessed through the Vignette Index screen.

Use the “Set Elevation” tool at the landings and for each end-of-stair run.

July 2012 ARE® 4.0 20

Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

STAIR DESIGN VIGNETTE

In order to meet new accessibility standards and increased occupant loads, schematic plans are being developed for a new exit located within an existing stairwell in a two story bank building. Second floor to have area of refuge. The design for the other building exits – a second stairway and the building’s main entrance – has been completed.

Comply with the following code requirements. These are the ONLY code-related criteria you are required to use.

1. Design the stairway to serve as a means of egress from all three building levels leading into the stairwell and through the exit discharge door to the sidewalk at grade (a public way). u The stairway must provide a continuous path from Second floor to Ground floor exit that includes a landing at the Intermediate level. 2. The total occupant loads and number of exits for each level of the building are as follows:

Definitions 1. Means of Egress: A continuous and unobstructed path of travel from any point in a building to a public way. A means of egress comprises the vertical and horizontal means of travel and shall include exit stairways, passageways, and exit doors. 2. Exit Stairways: That portion of a means of egress which is separated from all other spaces of a building by fire resistance rated construction to provide a protected way of travel to an exit door at grade. A stairway shall consist of one or more flights of stairs and the landings connecting them.

Capacity of Exit Components Building Level Ground Floor Janitor Second Floor

Total Occupant Load 360 9 180

Number of Exits 3 1 2

3. The stairs will be constructed from pre-cast concrete components with the following dimensions: u Landings: 12 inches deep between the landing soffit and the surface. u Stair flights/stringers: 12 inches deep between the stair nosings and the stringer soffit measured along a line perpendicular to the soffit.

1. Occupant Load: The occupant load for each exit shall be determined by dividing the total occupant load for an individual floor by the number of exits serving that floor. u Where stairways serve more than one level, the capacity of the exit components shall be based on the individual floor with the largest occupant load, provided that the exit capacity shall not decrease in the direction of means of egress travel. 2. Minimum Width: The width of each exit component in inches shall not be less than the occupant load served by an exit multiplied by 0.3 nor less than the minimum width specified by this code for each component.

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Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

STAIR DESIGN VIGNETTE

Knowledge/ Skills Sample MultipleChoice Questions Accessibility/Ramp Vignette Stair Design Vignette Roof Plan Vignette

Stairways 1. Width: The minimum width shall be computed in accordance with Capacity of Exit Components, above, but shall not be less than 44 inches. u Stairways shall not reduce in width in the direction of egress travel. u Projections into a required stairway width are prohibited, except for handrail projections. 2. Landings: Stairs shall have a level landing or floor at the top and bottom of each stair run. u The width of a landing shall not be less than the width of the stair. u The least dimension in the direction of travel shall be 44 inches. u If the path of travel changes direction between stair runs, the least dimension shall be the width of the stairs. 3. Headroom: The minimum headroom of all parts of a stairway shall not be less than 80 inches measured vertically from the tread nosing or from any floor surface including landings. 4.

Treads and Risers: riser height shall be 7 inches and minimum riser height shall be 4 inches. u Minimum tread depth shall be 11 inches. u Treads shall be of uniform depth and risers of uniform height in any flight of stairs. u Maximum

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Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

STAIR DESIGN VIGNETTE

Knowledge/ Skills Sample MultipleChoice Questions Accessibility/Ramp Vignette Stair Design Vignette Roof Plan Vignette

1. When opening, doors shall not reduce the width of landings to less than one-half of the required width.

1. An accessible area of refuge serving the second floor shall be provided within the stair enclosure.

2. There shall be a floor or landing on each side of a door and the floor surface on both sides of the door shall be at the same elevation.

2. The area of refuge shall be sized to accommodate one wheelchair space of 30 inches by 48 inches. u Such wheelchair spaces shall not reduce the required stair or landing width.

3. Minimum maneuvering clearances at doors shall be as shown in Figure 1.

FIGURE 1: MANEUVERING CLEARANCES AT DOORS

hen areas of refuge are required, stairway width shall have W a minimum clear width of 48 inches between handrails.

Guardrails 1. Open sides of landings shall be protected by a continuous guardrail.

Stairways shall have continuous handrails on both sides.

u At locations where handrails are not continuous between

stairway flights, including the top and bottom of a stairway, at least one handrail shall extend horizontally at least 12 inches beyond the top riser and the bottom riser. 2. Handrails shall not project more than 4 inches into the required passageway and stairway width.

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Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

STAIR DESIGN VIGNETTE - Sample Passing Solution

Sample MultipleKnowledge/ Choice Questions Skills Sample MultipleChoice Questions

Procedural Tips u

Pay attention to the order of tasks specified in the Vignette Directions.

Calculate the number of risers you need before you begin to lay out your stairs.

The tread depth is calculated for you. It appears in the element information area at the bottom of the work screen.

The question marks at each end of the stair represent the elevations at the points of attachment of a stair to its landings.

Change layers at the appropriate level as indicated by the groundfloor cut line in the section drawing.

When elements overlap, you may have trouble selecting a particular element. If this happens, keep clicking (without moving the mouse) until the desired element highlights.

Accessibility/ Stair Design Ramp Vignette Vignette Roof Design Plan Vignette Stair Vignette Roof Plan Vignette References

Note: All necessary information included on second floor plan.

First Floor Because the design of the stairs for this particular solution does not obscure other portions of the stair, all necessary information

can be created and displayed on the Second Floor Plan. It is not necessary to utilize the “Cut Stair” tool.

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Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

STAIR DESIGN VIGNETTE - Sample Passing Solution

If you do not draw a stair or a landing in a given location within a stairwell, the scoring mechanism will assume that the area is open to below.

You must indicate the elevation of the stair and the landings separately even if the elevations are the same.

Be sure you are aware of the elevations of various parts of the base drawing.

Knowledge/ Skills Sample MultipleChoice Questions Accessibility/Ramp Vignette Stair Design Vignette

Clearance underlanding is adequate. Sketch rectangle used to represent area of refuge.

Roof Plan Vignette

Sketch circles used to quickly establish handrail extensions.

All landing and end of stair run elevations match.

Second Floor This vignette requires the insertion of a new stair system connecting three levels in an existing space. In this solution, the stairs are wide enough at all runs, do not get narrower in the direction of egress, and do not block egress at the ground floor level. The intermediate landing is set at the same elevation

Tools You Might Find Useful u

Note: The end of all stair runs must have the same elevation as the landings or floors they connect to.

as the janitor room it serves as shown on the given section. The upper landing is located at the correct elevation and extends to allow for an area of refuge. The solution provides adequate headroom where required considering the thickness of the structure as given in the program.

July 2012 ARE® 4.0 25

Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

STAIR DESIGN VIGNETTE - Sample Failing Solution

Knowledge/ Skills Sample MultipleChoice Questions Accessibility/Ramp Vignette Stair Design Vignette Roof Plan Vignette

Landing elevation does not match elevation of Janitor.

First Floor This solution also takes a simple approach to the same problem, but fails in three major areas. The landing located near the janitor room is not at the correct elevation.

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Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

STAIR DESIGN VIGNETTE - Sample Failing Solution

Knowledge/ Skills Sample MultipleChoice Questions Accessibility/Ramp Vignette

6’-9” landing elevation only allows for 5’-9” headroom clearance.

Inadequate clearance at door.

Stair Design Vignette Roof Plan Vignette

Area of refuge (shown by sketch rectangle) does not meet code.

Second Floor Additionally, the area of refuge indicated by the sketch rectangle on the upper landing is inadequate. A rectangle representing the area of refuge is not required to be shown, but the necessary space for the area of refuge must be

provided according to the code. Also, the upper intermediate landing only allows for 69 inches of headroom below. This does not meet the minimum code requirement for 80 inches of clear headroom.

July 2012 ARE® 4.0 27

Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

ROOF PLAN VIGNETTE

Sample MultipleKnowledge/ Choice Questions Skills Sample MultipleChoice Questions

General Tips for Taking Roof Plan

Accessibility/ Stair Design Accessibility/Ramp Ramp Vignette Vignette

Arrow points in the direction of downward slope.

Roof Design Plan Vignette Stair Vignette References Roof Plan Vignette References

1. For each roof area, define the extent, slope, and spot elevations of a plane or planes designed to remove rainwater by means of roof slope, gutters, and downspouts only and to allow for any required clerestory. The outside edges of the roof planes you define must coincide with the dashed lines indicating the outermost edges of the roofs; eaves or overlapping roof planes are not to be shown.

Use the “Set Roof” tool to establish roof slope, pitch, and elevation.

Use the “Check” tool frequently to make sure your roof planes are properly aligned.

The work screen shows the floor plan of a building and a simplified representation of its roof system. This representation consists of dashed lines that indicate the outermost edges of the two roofs that make up the system. When creating roof planes, confine your solution to the areas defined by the dashed lines (use no eaves or overhangs). Using the tools provided, configure these roofs for effective removal of rainwater, as follows:

Use the “Set Roof” tool to move the elevation markers around to check vertical relationships.

2. Indicate the location of the clerestory and all necessary gutters and downspouts by using the appropriate symbols. 3. Place on the roof the HVAC condensing unit and any necessary plumbing vent stacks, skylights, and exhaust fan vents. 4. Indicate any necessary flashing and crickets. The chimney shown on the plan should be considered to penetrate any roof plane that you draw over it. Before beginning your solution, you should review the program that can be accessed through the Vignette Index screen and familiarize yourself with the plan on the work screen.

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Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

ROOF PLAN VIGNETTE

Sample MultipleKnowledge/ Choice Questions Skills Sample MultipleChoice Questions Accessibility/ Stair Design Accessibility/Ramp Ramp Vignette Vignette Roof Design Plan Vignette Stair Vignette References Roof Plan Vignette References

Program Your office is designing a regional craft center. The following requirements must be considered in preparation of the roof plan. General 1. The building consists of two volumes, one high and one low. Each volume has a roof height and slope requirement. Roof Drainage 1. The building is located in a temperate climate with moderate annual rainfall. 2. Only roof slope, gutters, and downspouts are to be used for removal of rainwater. 3. Downspouts should not conflict with any door, window, or clerestory window. 4. Rainwater should not discharge from the edge of an upper roof directly onto a lower roof or from any roof or gutter directly onto the ground. Construction 1. Finished floor elevation is 0’-0”. Minimum ceiling height is 8’-0”. 2. All roof areas must have a positive slope. 3. The roof over the exhibition room shall have a slope between 6:12 and 12:12. u The roof and structural assembly is a total of 18 inches thick.

4. The roof over the remaining spaces shall have a slope between 2:12 and 5:12. u The roof and structural assembly is a total of 18 inches thick. 5. The exhibition room is to have a horizontal clerestory window 24 inches in height located in the existing west wall. u The clerestory sill is included in the overall height dimension. 6. Natural light must be provided for all rooms by means of windows, clerestory window, or skylight. u Skylights must be provided only where no windows are shown and no clerestory window has been specified. u Skylights are not required in halls, storage rooms, or closets. 7. Flashing must be provided at all roof/wall surface intersections, including chimneys. u HVAC condensing units, plumbing vent stacks, exhaust fan vents, skylights, and gutters are self-flashing and require no additional flashing or crickets. Mechanical 1. The HVAC condensing unit must be placed on a roof with a slope of 5:12 or less. u Maintain a minimum of 3 feet clearance from all roof edges. u Do not place in front of the clerestory window. 2. Provide one (1) exhaust fan vent for each toilet room. 3. Provide plumbing vent stacks through roof where required to vent plumbing fixtures.

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Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

ROOF PLAN VIGNETTE - Sample Passing Solution

Procedural Tips u

To see the limits of the roof, turn off Display floorplan under the layers menu.

Use the check tool to ensure that your roof planes are drawn within the given limits of the roof.

Where roof planes meet, the lines indicating the edges must coincide. The zoom tool may be helpful in accomplishing this.

While working with the set roof tool, refer to the instructions area at the bottom of the work screen. The instructions will guide you in using this tool.

All intersections at wall, roof, and chimney are flashed.

Change the cursor to a full-screen crosshair to assist in aligning your roof plane with the given roof edge. Ortho is also helpful for aligning.

Mechanical unit is properly located.

When elements overlap, you may have trouble selecting a particular element. If this happens, keep clicking (without moving the mouse) until the desired element highlights.

Knowledge/ Skills Sample MultipleChoice Questions Accessibility/Ramp Vignette Roof Design Plan Vignette Stair Vignette Roof Plan Vignette

All roof edges have gutters and downspouts. Water does not directly shed to lower roof or ground.

References Correct location of clerestory.

Simple roof plan works to shed water. All planes align throughout. Plumbing vent stack located in common wall.

In this solution, the slope of the upper roof is 6:12 and falls within the required slope. The roof elevations are correctly set at each corner of the roof. At the low corner of the upper roof, there is adequate difference between the two roof levels. This allows placement of the required 24-inch horizontal clerestory window on the west wall of the Exhibition Room and the

Plumbing vent stack and exhaust fan provided.

necessary 18-inch roof structure above. The lower roof slopes are set at 3:12 with a low point at 9 feet 6 inches. Flashing is provided at all roof/wall surface intersections, and there are gutters and downspouts at the eaves. Skylights are provided in spaces with no exterior windows and all plumbing fixtures are close to a plumbing vent stack.

Be careful to follow the perimeter edges for both the upper and lower roof planes. Use the “Check” tool frequently.

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Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

ROOF PLAN VIGNETTE - Sample Failing Solution

Knowledge/ Skills u

Sample MultipleChoice Questions Accessibility/Ramp Vignette

Height ignores the 18” thickness of roof structure.

Roof Design Plan Vignette Stair Vignette

T he dashed lines labeled Edge of Roof (on the work screen) are the outer limits of the roof. Do not extend your roof planes beyond these lines. Gutters and downspouts may be placed beyond the outer limits of the roof.

Tools You Might Find Useful u

et roof tool to make calculating S a roof elevation easier

Roof Plan Vignette Missing gutters and downspouts

Roof planes do not properly meet at the same elevation.

Lower than allowed minimum slope.

HVAC unit too close to roof edge.

This solution generally sheds water but has some major technical flaws. The main problems are with the roof slopes and corner elevations on the three roof planes that make up the roof system. The slope of the lower level, south-facing plane is set shallower than the program allows, and the top corners of the two lower

level planes do not align at the same elevation. The HVAC unit is too close to the roof edge. The upper roof is missing gutters and allows the water to shed off the roof directly onto the lower roof and ground.

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Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

The following references are presented to assist candidates in preparation for the examination. This list represents texts that have content covered in this division of the examination. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible reference materials for the subject area. NCARB makes no guarantee that the various references are currently in print.

Sample MultipleChoice Questions Accessibility/Ramp Vignette Stair Design Vignette Roof Plan Vignette

The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice Joseph A. Demkin, AIA, Executive Editor The American Institute of Architects John Wiley & Sons, latest edition The Architect’s Portable Handbook, Second Edition Pat Guthrie McGraw-Hill, 2003 The Architect’s Studio Companion: Technical Guidelines for Preliminary Design Edward Allen and Joseph Iano John Wiley & Sons, latest edition Architectural Graphic Standards Charles G. Ramsey and Harold R. Sleeper The American Institute of Architects John Wiley & Sons, latest edition Building Codes Illustrated: A Guide to Understanding the International Building Code Second Edition Francis D. K. Ching and Steven R. Winkel, FAIA John Wiley & Sons, 2007 Building Construction Illustrated Francis D. K. Ching and Cassandra Adams John Wiley & Sons, latest edition Building Design and Construction Handbook, Sixth Edition Frederick S. Merritt and Jonathan T. Ricketts McGraw-Hill, 2000

Dictionary of Architecture and Construction Cyril M. Harris, Editor McGraw-Hill, 2005 Fundamentals of Building Construction, Materials, and Methods, Fourth Edition Edward Allen John Wiley & Sons, latest edition Historic Preservation: An Introduction to Its History, Principles, and Practice Norman Tyler W. W. Norton & Company, latest edition The HOK Guidebook to Sustainable Design Sandra F. Mendler, AIA, and William Odell, AIA John Wiley & Sons, 2006 Illustrated Dictionary of Architecture, Second Edition Ernest Burden McGraw-Hill, 2002 Interior Graphic Standards Maryrose McGowan and Kelsey Kruse John Wiley & Sons, 2003 Landscape Planning: Environmental Applications, Fourth Edition William M. Marsh John Wiley & Sons, 2005 Means Building Construction Cost Data RS Means Company, latest edition

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Building Design & Construction Systems 85 MC Questions

Building Design & Construction Systems

Knowledge/ Skills Sample MultipleChoice Questions Accessibility/Ramp Vignette Stair Design Vignette Roof Plan Vignette

Sun, Wind, and Light: Architectural Design Strategies, Second Edition G. Z. Brown and Mark DeKay John Wiley & Sons, 2000

Time-Saver Standards for Building Types, Fourth Edition Joseph De Chiara and Michael J. Crosbie, Editors McGraw-Hill, latest edition

Time-Saver Standards for Architectural Design Data Donald Watson, Michael J. Crosbie, and John Hancock Callender, Editors McGraw-Hill, latest edition

Time-Saver Standards for Interior Design and Space Planning Joseph De Chiara, Editor, Julius Panero, Editor, and Martin Zelnik McGraw-Hill, latest edition

Time-Saver Standards for Building Materials & Systems: Design Criteria and Selection Data Donald Watson, Editor McGraw-Hill, latest edition