Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from June 12, 2011

Irregularity

Identify the condition of vertical irregularity in this illustration. Answer In-plane discontinuity in vertical lateral-force resisting elements - that is offset of structural elements. Shear walls transfer loads to the foundation, but the capacity to do so is interrupted in this condition of random windows and openings. ARE 4.0 exam prep: SS

Elevator selection

A residential project requires an elevator. Which of the following elevator types are commonly selected for this application? Choose 2 A. holed hydraulic B. geared traction C. winding drum D. roped hydraulic Answer C. winding drum and D. roped hydraulic ARE 4.0 exam prep: BS

Fire zones

The fire zone of a project's site can impact requirements for fire resistive features, certain usage and construction type selection (such as combustible, non-combustible). They are typically designated high hazard, moderate hazard, or low hazard, and mapped geographically. Through which authority are fire zones generally established? Choose 2 A. life safety code B. building code C. local jurisdiction D. state E. NFPA F. FEMA Answer Fire zones are generally established by D. state (state fire code) and through C. local jurisdictions (county or local fire departments) ARE 4.0 exam prep: PPP

Fundamental period

Period (time needed to complete a seismic wave cycle) in seconds is given for each of the following: equipment (filing cabinet), one-story structure, 4 stories, 10-20 stories, 70 story skyscraper. What is the primary determinant of a building's fundamental period? Answer Building height more than its structural system, materials or proportions determines its period. Rule of thumb: period = # stories / 10 ARE 4.0 exam prep: SS

Basic Services

As outlined in B101 (owner-architect agreement, article 3), which of the following are usual and customary services included in the Architect's Basic Services? choose 3 A. mechanical B. structural C. electrical D. civil engineering E. existing facilities surveys Answer usual and customary A. mechanical, B. structural, and C. electrical services are part of the Architect's Basic Services. Civil and existing facilities surveys are additional services. ARE 4.0 exam prep: CDS

Efficiency tools

Consumption and Gross Energy Intensity for Major Fuels (thousand Btu/square foot) Avg. for Office buildings constructed 1990-2003 = 88.0 Avg. for Office buildings constructed 1960-1989 = 94.4 Avg. for Education buildings constructed 1990-2003 = 80.6 Avg. for Education buildings constructed 1960-1989 = 88.4 Avg. for Health Care buildings constructed 1990-2003 = 135.7 Avg. for Health Care buildings constructed 1960-1989 = 215.8 US Dept of Energy, Energy Information Administration Standards measuring energy efficiency across different building types used for comparison study by the project design team are known as: A. models B. specifications C. benchmarks D. guides Answer C. benchmarks. Benchmarking provides a way to gauge how well a design compares to similar buildings and how well it might achieve project specific targets or goals. ARE 4.0 exam prep: SPD Reference tip: US Dept of Energy provides data and analysis of energy consumption for many building types, acc

Deflection: steel or wood

For EITHER steel or wood beams, a question that asks for the allowable deflection limit (maximum) for live loads only requires which of the following equations? A. L/240 B. L/360 C. ∆ = 5wl⁴ / 384EI D. ∆ = 5Wl³ / 384EI Answer B. L/360 or span in inches divided by 360. ARE 4.0 exam prep: SS Note on calculations: From posted discussions on AREforum , memorization of most equations is not advised. However, even when the equation may be available in in-exam reference, selection of the appropriate equation requires correct identification.

Vertical exit and exit passageways

According to IBC exit design requirements (1020. & 1021.) what is the maximum travel distance allowed in vertical exit and exit-passageway enclosures? A. 75 feet above the lowest level of fire dept vehicle access B. 250 feet C. 350 feet D. none Answer D. none. There is no limit as these egress components are intended to provide a protected means to safely egress in an emergency. ARE 4.0 exam prep: BDCS

Water supply

A loft tank in the house is connected to the outdoor pool on the hillside. If the pool elevation is higher than the supply tank, dirty water will be siphoned down to the house. What means can prevent the potential contamination of a potable water system? A. reduced principle assembly (RP) B. air gap C. double check valve assembly (DC) D. pressure vacuum breaker (PVB) E. none of the above F. all of the above Answer F. all of the above - are backflow prevention methods, but in this case a mechanical backflow preventer is the proper mechanism required. A/C/D are principal types of backflow prevention devices. ARE 4.0 exam prep: BS

Project meetings

The project team including contractor meet regularly at a bi-weekly construction meeting. Which of the following is NOT an appropriate agenda item that could be discussed? A. Occupancy-permit procedures B. Status of change orders C. Notification of future addenda D. Pre-commissioning procedures Answer C. Notification of future addenda. Addenda are only issued before the bidding period has concluded. Changes made to the contract documents during construction will be change orders. ARE 4.0 exam prep: CDS

Interior Glazing

Safety glazing (tempered glass, laminated glass or impact resistant plastic) is not required at this interior window (18sf glazed area). Which of these satisfies conditions for using non-safety glazing? A. Within 36 inches horizontally of a walking surface B. Bottom edge is less than 60" above the plane of the adjacent walking surface C. 1 1/2 in protective bar between 34 and 38 inches on accessible side D. Exposed area of the pane is greater than 9 sf Answer C. 1 1/2 inch protective bar between 34-38 inches on accessible side. In this case, safety glazing is not required. ARE 4.0 exam prep: BDCS