Project-Planning-Design Premium Exam Questions

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

To reduce consumption and waste, especially for government projects emphasizing sustainability:

Construction waste recycling (A): Diverts materials from landfill.

Use of local materials (B): Reduces transportation energy and emissions.

Reuse of existing structures (D): Minimizes new material use and demolition waste.

Use of low flow fixtures (F): Conserves water and reduces operational consumption.

Means of construction (C) and limiting bidding (E) affect cost and process but less directly impact waste reduction.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

For efficient weekend cooling in a multi-story office building, placing fan equipment centrally between the conditioned spaces reduces duct lengths, allows better zoning, and minimizes energy use.

In option C, fans are located mid-building between office floors and other uses, allowing for more efficient distribution and individual zone control.

Other options (A, B, D) place fans either all at one end or stacked at one side, increasing duct runs and reducing flexibility in zoning, which can lead to inefficiency during reduced loads like weekends.

NCARB PPD guidelines emphasize mechanical system design that optimizes equipment placement to balance energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and system flexibility.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Bus duct systems with tap boxes offer modular, flexible electrical distribution capable of handling high loads and allowing easy future expansions with minimal disruption and cost.

Paralleled wires (A, B) increase complexity and are less flexible.

Single large conductors (C) are limited in expansion.

Bus ducts optimize installation speed, scalability, and cost in commercial building retrofits.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

When designing in locations with insufficient water service to support sprinkler systems, architects must rely on inherently fire-resistant materials or assemblies that can provide passive fire protection while also meeting the aesthetic and structural needs of the space. This is especially critical in assembly spaces where sight lines are important and exposed structure is desired.

Option A: Steel columns with open web girders and joists are acceptable because steel does not combust and can be designed for fire resistance either by inherent fireproofing or applied fireproofing. The open-web design also supports maximizing sight lines by minimizing visual obstruction.

Option B: Large peeled log columns with glulam beams and wood decking are commonly used in lodge designs. Although wood is combustible, large timber members like glulam beams char on the surface and maintain structural capacity for a predictable duration under fire conditions, which often meets code for exposed timber in assembly spaces without sprinkler systems.

Option F: Cedar columns with light gauge steel purlins and fire retardant treated plywood decking can be suitable where fire retardant treatment extends the fire resistance of wood members. This is an accepted strategy in areas lacking sprinkler protection, particularly for visual warmth and compatibility with lodge aesthetics.

Options C and D: Concrete columns and beams are noncombustible but tend to be bulky and can obstruct sight lines. Additionally, precast planks with concrete may not fit the desired exposed wood or open aesthetic.

Option E: Light gauge steel columns with corrugated metal decking are lightweight and minimal, but 3" steel columns are structurally insufficient for large assembly spaces and metal decking without proper fireproofing is less common in exposed wood aesthetic projects.

These design choices align with NCARB's Project Planning & Design content regarding material selection for fire resistance, visual requirements, and assembly occupancy considerations. Specifically, the guidelines recommend using heavy timber, fire-retardant-treated wood, or protected steel systems where sprinkler systems are not feasible to comply with fire and life safety codes while addressing architectural intent.