Project-Planning-Design Exam Dumps - ARE 5.0 Project Planning & Design (PPD)

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.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

In mixed-use buildings in cold climates, placing mechanical equipment in a mid-level floor between different occupancy types (C) offers several benefits:

This location reduces the length and complexity of vertical distribution of heating and cooling systems to both apartments (above) and offices (below).

It avoids heat loss associated with exterior walls (as opposed to the top floor or parking level).

The equipment can be more centrally located, improving energy efficiency and system performance.

Locating equipment on the parking level (A) or store level (B) may require longer ductwork or piping runs and pose maintenance challenges.

The top floor (D) exposes mechanical equipment to outdoor weather, which is not ideal in cold climates.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Based on the project description and site context:

Separating vehicular traffic flows into distinct entry and exit points improves safety and efficiency. Patient, staff, service/delivery, and emergency vehicles each have different operational needs and access priorities. This separation reduces conflicts and congestion.

Locating service equipment on the southeast facade, which has excellent highway visibility, is appropriate because service areas are typically screened but can take advantage of visibility for logistical purposes. The PD document restricts screening and material use here, so adherence to those guidelines is necessary.

Positioning the main building entrance on the northwest side facing the parking lot optimizes patient and visitor convenience, even though it has less visibility from the highway. This respects pedestrian access from Sycamore Boulevard and aligns with parking access, enhancing user experience.

Future expansion (Phase 2) on the adjacent southwest vacant site is planned, so site circulation and building orientation must allow for growth without major redesign.

Placing the pedestrian plaza connecting to existing sidewalks with bicycle parking and future bus stop meets ADA and site planning requirements, ensuring multimodal accessibility.

The strategy in Option B addresses client priorities, PD document constraints, visibility, safety, and operational efficiency, consistent with NCARB ARE 5.0 Project Integration of Program and Systems content focusing on complex site planning and programmatic coordination.

Options A, C, and D introduce compromises in circulation, visibility, or expansion potential that conflict with the project constraints and client needs.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Noise in mechanical air delivery systems is often caused by high air velocity and turbulence within ducts, which generate sound that can be transmitted to occupied spaces.

Increasing the size of the ductwork (A) lowers the air velocity for a given volume of air flow, which reduces turbulence and noise generation inside the duct. Larger ducts allow air to move more quietly and efficiently.

Exterior duct insulation (B) can reduce noise transmission through the duct walls but is less effective at controlling the noise generated by airflow itself inside the duct.

Reducing the free area of the supply air grille (C) increases velocity at the grille, potentially increasing noise at the outlet and causing discomfort.

Therefore, the most effective strategy is increasing duct size to reduce air velocity and noise.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The diagonal cracking pattern seen in the photo is characteristic of in-plane shear failure in structural walls or diaphragms. In-plane shear occurs when lateral forces (such as seismic or wind loads) act parallel to the plane of the wall, causing it to deform in shear. This results in diagonal tension cracks typically forming at roughly 45 degrees, as shown in the image.

Overturning (Option A) refers to the rotation of a wall or structural element about its base or a pivot point due to lateral forces. Overturning typically causes tension cracks at the base or separation at connections rather than diagonal shear cracks.

Excessive diaphragm flexure (Option C) causes bending deformations in horizontal diaphragms such as floors or roofs, usually leading to different cracking patterns, such as horizontal or vertical flexural cracks.

This type of in-plane shear failure is critical to identify for seismic design, as walls or diaphragms must be detailed to resist shear forces to prevent such damage.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) panels are the most appropriate sustainable feature to offset building operational costs with minimal design changes, especially in a mixed-use development with planned future expansion.

Building-mounted vertical sunshades (A) require design integration and may affect exterior finishes and daylighting.

Ground-mounted PV panels (C) require additional land and site preparation, which could conflict with future development plans and site constraints.

Roof-mounted PV panels maximize use of existing roof space, reduce energy costs, and are relatively easy to integrate with minimal impact on building massing or future phases.