Free NCARB Project-Planning-Design Exam Practice Questions

Refer to the exhibit.

Refer to the exhibit (building subjected to wind with force diagrams A, B, C, D).

Which of the force diagrams shown correctly represents the resultant wind forces causing an overturning effect on the building and the forces that resist this overturning effect? (Direction and point of application of forces are to be considered; magnitude of forces is not.)

An elementary school requires a renovation, selective demolition, and a major addition in order to accommodate a growing student population. An architectural firm has prepared schematic design plans incorporating the school's increased programmatic needs, including an enlarged library, cafeteria, and gymnasium; a secure courtyard; and additional space for administrative offices and classrooms. The main entrance was relocated in order to improve the traffic and pedestrian flow at the beginning and end of the school day, and additional parking was provided to comply with current zoning requirements.

The existing single-story masonry building was built in 1950. Two small additions were built later: the north addition will be kept and repurposed, but the south addition will be demolished. The building contains asbestos and lead in roof soffits, floor tiles, pipe insulation, and window paint. All existing mechanical systems need to be replaced; new systems have not been selected.

Considerations for the renovation include:

* The relocated front entrance must be easily recognizable, highly visible, and secure.

* Interior and exterior materials need to be durable and maintainable in order to withstand frequent student abuse, but also economical due to strict budget limitations.

* Good indoor air quality and increased energy efficiency are priorities for the selection of mechanical equipment.

After completion, the entire school should look uniform, without a distinctive difference between the existing building and new addition.

Building information:

* Construction Type is II-B.

The following resources are available for your reference:

* Existing Plans, including site and floor plans

* Proposed Plans, including site and floor plans

* Cost Analysis

* Zoning Ordinance Excerpts, for off-street parking requirements

* IBC Excerpts, showing relevant code sections

* ADA Standards Excerpts, showing relevant sections from the ADA Standards for Accessible Design

The project team decides to cover the roof area above the gymnasium and platform with 350 watt, stationary, photovoltaic (PV) panels. Each panel requires 20 square feet, accounting for access aisles and safety clearances. The PV system will be tied to the local power company's electrical grid, and will not have battery storage. The school is located in a region that gets an average of 4 usable hours of sunlight per day.

Which of the following PV system design considerations apply to this project? Check the three that apply.

Refer to the project involving an elementary school renovation and addition with photovoltaic (PV) panels on the gymnasium roof (350-watt panels, 20 sq ft each, ~4 usable sunlight hours/day). The PV system is grid-tied without battery storage.

Which of the following PV system design considerations apply? Check the three that apply.

A new gallery is being built and requires shading elements to protect the light-sensitive artwork on display.

Which of the following are design criteria relevant to the design of shading components on the west facade of the new gallery? Check the three that apply.

Refer to the exhibit.

Refer to the exhibit (building with wind impacting wall A, and openings shown).

For the building subjected to wind as shown, the design pressure acting on the interior face of wall A would be what?

A site has been engineered with a 1:20 grade.

Which of the following sidewalk designs would be the most cost-effective way to get from the top to the bottom and still be in compliance with the accessibility standards?