NCARB PDD Dumps

(PDD) Study Guide References:

Temporary shoring in masonry construction supports walls until they gain sufficient stability. It should remain in place until:

The wall is laterally braced or tied back to a stable structure to resist wind and other lateral loads.

Mortar may have hardened but shoring removal depends on the overall stability.

Horizontal reinforcing and backfilling provide some support but do not replace lateral bracing.

Thus, temporary shoring should remain until all lateral bracing connections are complete, ensuring the wall’s stability.

Per IBC Chapter 6 and Chapter 7, distillation involving flammable liquids requires a 2-hour fire-resistance-rated fire wall between H-occupancy (hazardous) and assembly use (A-2). Objective 1.3 of the PDD Handbook emphasizes understanding of life safety code implications in space planning.

Understanding Slip Matching in Wood Veneer

When wood veneer is sliced from a log, each sheet (or "leaf") has a repeating grain pattern. How those sheets are arranged side-by-side on a panel is called the matching method.

Slip Matching:

Consecutive leaves are laid side-by-side without flipping or reversing them.

This creates a repeating grain pattern that flows consistently across the panel.

The result is a uniform, continuous grain with no "mirror image" effect — the cathedrals and figure in the grain run in the same direction from sheet to sheet.

Slip matching often produces a striped effect if the grain is straight, or a flowing, consistent repeat if the grain is more figured.

Identifying Slip Matching in the Exhibit:

Option A shows consecutive veneer leaves with the grain pattern running in the same orientation across the panel — no mirroring, only repetition. This is classic slip match.

Option B shows book matching — where every other leaf is flipped horizontally to create a mirrored grain pattern.

Option C appears to be random matching — leaves are placed without grain sequence alignment.

Option D shows reverse slip matching — similar to slip match but alternating leaves are reversed end-to-end.

NCARB ARE 5.0 PDD Study Guide References:

Content Area: Integration of Materials & Finishes — Millwork and Casework Veneer Matching Methods

Sources:

Architectural Woodwork Standards (AWS) — Section on Veneer Matching

Architectural Graphic Standards — Finish Carpentry and Veneer Matching

Building Construction Illustrated (Ching) — Interior Finish Carpentry

Key Point:

Slip matching keeps all veneer leaves in the same orientation, producing a consistent flow of the grain without the mirrored effect seen in book matching.

A thermal break in metal window frames interrupts the conductive path of heat through the frame, reducing heat transfer.

This reduces the chance that the interior surface of the frame will drop below the dew point temperature, thereby reducing condensation (surface moisture buildup).

Thermal breaks do not increase air infiltration; they help maintain thermal performance.

They reduce sound transmission, so B is incorrect.

Thermal breaks typically increase cost and complexity, so D is incorrect.

A battered (leaning back) face on a dry-stacked retaining wall improves stability against lateral earth pressure by shifting the wall’s resultant closer to/within the middle third of the base, increasing frictional resistance and reducing overturning. It does not significantly change permeability (C) or directly increase cohesion between stones (D), and erosion resistance (B) is secondary compared to stability.

PDD References: Site & foundation systems—retaining wall behavior, active/passive earth pressures; IBC/Geotechnical fundamentals; CSI Div. 32 site improvements.

1. Understanding the APA Grade Stamp

The stamp in the exhibit reads:

APA RATED SHEATHING 32/16

15/32 INCH (thickness)

SIZED FOR SPACING

EXPOSURE 1 (can handle temporary moisture exposure)

2. Meaning of "32/16"

The numbers 32/16 are the span ratings for the panel:

32 inches = maximum recommended span for roof sheathing (when applied perpendicular to supports).

16 inches = maximum recommended span for floor sheathing (when applied perpendicular to supports).

These ratings are established by APA (The Engineered Wood Association) based on panel thickness, grade, and allowable loads/deflection limits.

3. Applying to the Question

The question asks specifically for maximum recommended span for use in a floor system.

From the stamp:

Floor span rating = 16 inches

Therefore, the correct answer is 16 in.

4. Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. 15 in — Not the value given; 16 in is the rating.

C. 32 in — This is for roof applications, not floor systems.

D. 108 in — Not related to APA span ratings; possibly confused with the certification number "NBR-108."

5. NCARB ARE 5.0 PDD Study Guide References:

Content Area: Building Materials & Assemblies — Wood Products

Reference Sources:

APA – The Engineered Wood Association: Panel Span Ratings Guide

Building Construction Illustrated (Ching) — Plywood and OSB Panel Markings

IBC Chapter 23 — Wood span and application requirements

Tripling the distillery and converting adjacent Tap Room areas to production introduces additional hazard (flammable liquids), changes occupancies/occupant loads, and requires updated fire separations and egress.

A-01 Life Safety Plan must be revised for occupancy classification, fire‐resistance ratings between uses, travel distances, exit widths/number, and signage.

A-03 Floor Plan must change to show new room uses, rated partitions/doors, openings, and equipment footprints.

A-04 Reflected Ceiling Plan must change for new/relocated rated assemblies at ceilings (e.g., continuity of fire/smoke barriers), sprinkler/exit sign/FA device locations, and any duct-damper/access changes.

Site (B), Roof (E), and Elevations (F) are not directly driven by the interior use change.

PDD refs: IBC Chs. 3, 5–10 (occupancy, separation, egress), coordination of architectural, fire protection, and MEP on drawings (Division 01).

1. Reviewing the Construction Estimate

The listed components are:

Architectural Precast Panels — exterior cladding

Aluminum Storefront Windows — glazing system

Prefinished Metal Sill Flashing — weatherproofing at sill

Sealant — for joints between components

No line item appears for thermal insulation.

2. Identifying the Missing Element in the Axonometric Detail

Looking at the drawing:

The detail shows precast concrete panel cladding outside.

A storefront frame and glazing in the opening.

There is a hatched layer behind the precast in the stud cavity area — this represents continuous insulation.

The insulation is a required component for the wall to meet energy code R-value/U-factor requirements (per IECC or ASHRAE 90.1).

3. Why This is Critical

Insulation is essential for thermal performance, occupant comfort, and energy efficiency.

Omitting it from the estimate could cause:

Noncompliance with code.

Incomplete cost budgeting.

Change orders during construction.

In ARE 5.0 PDD, architects must check that all components of an assembly are represented in the cost estimate.

4. References

NCARB ARE 5.0 Handbook — PDD Content Area 3: Integration of Building Materials & Systems

Architectural Graphic Standards — Precast wall sections with insulation

Building Construction Illustrated (Ching) — Continuous insulation in wall assemblies

Energy Code References: IECC Table C402.1.3 for minimum continuous insulation requirements in exterior walls

Verified Answer: C. Change 20,000 sq ft of stained concrete to VCT and substitute 10,000 sq ft of VCT for ceramic tile.

Comprehensive Detailed Explanation with all NCARB ARE 5.0 Project Development and Documentation (PDD) Study Guide References:

Calculate savings for each option by comparing current costs to proposed changes.

Verified Answer: C. Change 20,000 sq ft of stained concrete to VCT and substitute 10,000 sq ft of VCT for ceramic tile.

Comprehensive Detailed Explanation with all NCARB ARE 5.0 Project Development and Documentation (PDD) Study Guide References:

Calculate savings for each option by comparing current costs to proposed changes.

Check if this matches required savings:

No, it's less than $150,000. So let’s check others briefly.

Total savings = $100,000 + $52,500 = $152,500 → Meets and exceeds required savings

Options A and B will be less, so the answer should be D.

Summary:

Option D results in approximately $152,500 savings, meeting the $150,000 target.

When new plan‐review rules require 1-hour fire-resistance for storage rooms >150 sf, the least cost/time/program impact is typically a 1-hour gypsum board assembly (metal studs with Type X on each side per UL/GA listings).

A. CMU: durable but higher material and labor cost; heavier, slower to install.

C/D. Splitting rooms: Avoids the rating but disrupts program, adds doors/partitions, circulation, and can increase costs and complexity.

PDD References: IBC Ch. 7 Fire & Smoke Protection Features; GA/UL fire‐rated wall assemblies; ARE 5.0 PDD—Code compliance strategies and cost/time implications of alternative assemblies.

Given:

Maximum story drift ratio = 0.002 × story height (H)

Maximum door tolerance (max lateral displacement allowed) = 1/4 inch = 0.25 inch

Since the door can tolerate up to 0.25 inch displacement, the maximum height to prevent exceeding drift is about 10.4 ft.

But check options—since 10.4 ft is closest to option B: 9 ft or option C: 10 ft?

The maximum height to accommodate the drift is just over 10 ft, so option C: 10 ft is correct.

Correction to Verified Answer: C. 10 ft

Summary:

Max drift = 0.002 × H

Max drift ≤ 0.25 inch

Solve for H → 125 in = 10.4 ft

Door can tolerate max 10 ft height to not exceed drift

HVAC duct penetrations through fire/smoke rated assemblies require listed dampers and control/sensing to limit spread of flame and smoke.

Fire dampers (D) close on heat to maintain the fire-resistance rating of penetrated assemblies.

Smoke dampers (A) limit smoke migration in smoke partitions/barriers and in smoke control systems.

Air-handler shut-down sensors (F) (e.g., duct smoke detectors interfaced with the FA system) stop fans to prevent smoke distribution.

Not required: Balancing dampers (B) (for airflow only); Smoke barrier (C) (a wall/assembly requirement, not a duct device); Variable-volume smoke controls (E) (project-specific engineering, not a base requirement).

PDD refs: IBC Ch. 7 & 9; IMC §§607 (dampers) & 606 (smoke detection in ducts); ARE 5.0 PDD—MEP/fire protection integration.

When coordinating construction documents, heating duct clearances and tolerances in suspended ceiling plenum spaces must be verified with:

The mechanical engineer (for duct sizing and layout)

The ceiling manufacturer (to confirm the clearance requirements, installation tolerances, and compatibility with the ceiling system)

The ceiling manufacturer provides critical information on allowable spacing, panel sizes, suspension system limits, and any required clearances around ducts or pipes that run above the ceiling.

Other parties:

HVAC contractor executes installation but follows design and ceiling guidelines

Electrical contractor coordinates separate systems

Structural engineer focuses on load and framing, not ceiling duct clearance

The detail shows a steel runner with sheetrock and screws, typical for drywall suspended ceiling assemblies.

This construction method is commonly used in concrete frame buildings with drywall ceilings suspended below the structural slab.

It helps prevent cracking by accommodating building movement and separating finish materials from structural movement.

Structural steel frame buildings with plaster ceilings typically have different finish and framing details.

Concrete flat slabs with exposed ceilings have no finish requiring such assemblies.

Exposed steel frames without partitions don’t need drywall framing.

The diagrams depict metal stud or curtain wall connections to structural frames under wind loading. Diagonal bracing can be eliminated when the connection itself provides lateral restraint in both directions.

A: Shows a connection with angles or plates attached to resist both in-plane and out-of-plane forces, creating a moment-resisting connection that can handle wind loads without diagonal bracing.

B, C, D: These connections allow slip or have limited fixity—requiring separate bracing to resist lateral loads.

PDD Reference: ARE 5.0 PDD “Structural Systems—Lateral load resistance in curtain wall and stud framing connections”; AISC Steel Design Guide for cladding attachment; Curtain wall engineering details.

In PDD, the architect must coordinate consultant drawings. When a conflict exists (here, duct vs. beam), the best course is to ask the responsible engineer (mechanical) to reroute the ductwork to clear the beam. As per ARE 5.0 Handbook Objective 3.1, the architect is expected to "coordinate building systems and their integration."

Given:

Load (W) = 1,600 lb

Screw shear capacity = 440 lb per screw

Screw tension capacity = 215 lb per screw

Assuming worst case is shear capacity (usually governs):

If tension applies, 8 screws needed.

But typically, shear governs for header connection; since question likely focuses on shear, 4 screws would be safest.

If question expects minimal number to resist both, 8 screws would be correct.

Final answer: 4 screws (Option C) if shear governs; if considering tension also, 8 screws (Option D).

Since the question is ambiguous, and shear usually controls, C. 4 screws is appropriate.

Understanding the Reviewer’s Comment

The under-floor access refers to an access opening to the crawlspace.

Crawlspaces are located below the main floor framing and above the foundation.

The International Residential Code (IRC) Section R408.4 requires access openings to under-floor spaces, either from the exterior or the interior.

If site conditions prevent exterior access, access must be provided from inside the building — typically through a framed opening in the main floor.

Why the Main Floor Framing Plan is Correct

Main Floor Framing Plan shows the joists, beams, and floor openings above the crawlspace.

The under-floor access opening (often between joists, covered by a hatch) must be framed into the main floor structure to allow entry to the crawlspace.

This plan will clearly show the location and framing details of the access hatch for contractor reference.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Second Floor Framing Plan — The crawlspace is not under the second floor, so no access opening would be framed here.

C. Foundation Plan — Shows foundation walls, footings, piers, and crawlspace layout, but the actual framed access opening is in the floor system above, not in the foundation drawing. The note about providing access might be referenced here, but the physical location and framing would be shown on the main floor framing plan.

NCARB ARE 5.0 PDD Study Guide References:

Content Area: Integration of Building Materials & Systems — Coordination between structural drawings and code requirements.

Code Reference: IRC R408.4 — Access Opening Requirements for Under-Floor Spaces.

Source References:

Architectural Graphic Standards — Crawlspace access detailing

Building Construction Illustrated (Ching) — Floor framing over crawlspaces

A201 is the General Conditions of the Contract for Construction and outlines duties, rights, and responsibilities of the contractor. This includes site supervision, safety, and conformance with documents. ARE Handbook Objective 1.4 focuses on interpreting contract documents.

When metals are embedded in concrete or masonry, corrosion resistance is a critical factor due to the alkaline environment and potential moisture exposure.

Stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance, making it ideal for embedments in concrete or masonry where long-term durability is required.

Bronze is corrosion-resistant but typically used for decorative or hardware applications, not structural embedments.

Aluminum corrodes readily in alkaline concrete environments and is not suitable for embedments without protective coatings.

Cast iron is susceptible to rust and corrosion in moist conditions and is generally avoided for embedded components.

Thus, stainless steel is best suited for durability and corrosion resistance in concrete/masonry embedments.

A motorized movable partition used to subdivide a gymnasium requires coordination with:

The structural engineer: to ensure the partition loads are supported, especially if the system is suspended or has track supports.

The electrical engineer: to provide power for the motorized operation, controls, and safety systems.

Mechanical and fire protection engineers are typically less involved unless the partition affects HVAC zones or fire separation requirements, and furniture consultants typically do not deal with structural or electrical coordination.

The transformer is located in the first large box after the high-voltage primary feeders and before the secondary service conductors on the left side of the diagram.

Step-by-Step Reasoning

1. Understanding the diagram flow:

The leftmost symbol represents high-voltage primary feeders from the utility (2,400V, 4,160V, 7,200V, or 13,200V).

Immediately after that, there is a large box labeled "Secondary Service conductors" with standard building service voltages (120/208, 120/240, 277/480 V).

To get from primary (medium/high) voltage to these usable secondary voltages, you must step down the voltage — and that is done by a transformer.

2. Transformer location in electrical distribution:

Transformers are always placed between the incoming primary service and the secondary distribution system in building diagrams.

In this drawing, the transformer is symbolized by the first large square/rectangular box after the high-voltage primary feeders.

3. Why not any other box?

The following boxes and lines after this first step are feeders, panels, and motor starters — they operate at secondary voltage.

Only the transformer connects the utility high-voltage system to the building's lower-voltage system.

NCARB ARE 5.0 PDD References:

Content Area: Electrical Systems — Service Entrance and Distribution

Source References:

MEEB (Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings) — Chapter on Transformers & Electrical Service

NEC (National Electrical Code) Article 450 — Transformer Installation and Use

Architectural Graphic Standards — Single-Line Diagrams for Electrical Distribution

Key Point:

In building electrical distribution, the transformer is always between the high-voltage primary service and the secondary service conductors to step down voltage to a usable level for building loads.

Comprehensive Detailed Explanation with all NCARB ARE 5.0 Project Development and Documentation (PDD) Study Guide References:

In wood frame construction, blocking installed between joists at regular intervals (commonly 48 inches on center) serves primarily to brace and stabilize the joists laterally, preventing twisting and lateral displacement under load.

The 2x4 blocking at point X, placed perpendicular between the ceiling joists, acts as cross bracing.

It resists lateral torsional buckling of the joists and distributes loads evenly.

It also helps maintain alignment during construction and after the finish materials are installed.

The blocking does not support the partition top plate directly (that is the function of the studs beneath), nor does it transfer lateral load to the 1x8. Its main role is structural bracing for the joists.

Supporting References:

NCARB ARE 5.0 Review Manual, Project Development and Documentation, Structural Systems chapter

Wood Frame Construction details from International Residential Code (IRC)

Building construction texts such as “Fundamentals of Building Construction” by Allen and Iano, which describe blocking used to brace joists.

Proper flashing is critical for water shedding and moisture protection. Flashing behind the cladding allows water to drain outward—addressing ARE Objective 3.3: Evaluate construction details for moisture control.

Understanding the Diagram

The diagram shows a 480Y/277V three-phase, four-wire wye-connected system with a neutral (N) and system ground.

480 V = Voltage between any two phase conductors (line-to-line)

277 V = Voltage between any one phase conductor and neutral (line-to-neutral)

Fluorescent Lighting Voltage Requirements

Standard commercial fluorescent lighting systems are typically designed for 277 V operation in the U.S. (in buildings with a 480Y/277V system).

To achieve 277 V, you connect one phase conductor (A, B, or C) to Neutral (N).

This is a single-phase line-to-neutral connection.

Which Conductors to Use?

In the given options, the correct pair must give 277 V.

C, N → 277 V line-to-neutral → Correct for fluorescent lighting.

Other options produce different results:

A, B = 480 V (line-to-line) — too high for fluorescent ballasts.

C, A, B = all three phases — used for three-phase loads, not lighting.

C, A, N — would give two circuits, but includes extra phase unnecessarily for single-phase lighting.

NCARB ARE 5.0 PDD Study Guide References:

Content Area: Electrical Systems — Power Distribution and Circuiting for Lighting

Source References:

Electrical Systems for Architects — Fluorescent lighting voltage selection

MEEB (Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings) — Chapter on Electrical Service and Lighting Systems

NEC (National Electrical Code) — Voltage to ground for wye-connected systems

Key Point:

For a 480Y/277V wye system, fluorescent lighting should be connected from any phase to neutral for 277 V operation.

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To identify the discrepancy between the drawings and the Room Finish Schedule for Room 101, compare what’s shown in the restroom elevation and plan versus the listed finishes.

Step-by-step comparison:

Room 101 (Women’s Restroom) is shown with:

Wall finish: Clearly shows tile (CT) on the lower half of the walls in the elevation.

But in the finish schedule, Room 101 has “PT” (paint) listed under wall finish.

✅ Therefore, the error is in the wall finish cell for Room 101, which should show CT (ceramic tile), not PT (paint).

When the mechanical unit on a utility mezzanine increases in size:

The structural engineer must confirm the mezzanine can support the increased weight and dynamic loads of the larger unit.

The architect coordinates with the structural engineer to ensure structural integrity.

The building owner is informed but not responsible for technical assessment.

The authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) oversees code compliance but not structural verification.

Accessibility consultant deals with accessibility issues, not mechanical equipment sizing.

With outdoor below freezing and indoor RH ~40% continuously, interior vapor will migrate outward. If a proper interior-side vapor barrier/retarder is missing, moisture moves through the wall and can condense and freeze at the cold exterior stone, forming visible ice. Insulation, air spaces, or rain screens help heat/moisture management, but the symptom (ice due to vapor diffusion) points specifically to the lack of an interior vapor barrier in a cold-climate assembly.

PDD references: Moisture control & vapor retarder strategy in cold climates; condensation diagnostics (ASHRAE Fundamentals; ARE 5.0 PDD—Envelope moisture control).

Coordination is essential in PDD. When a clash arises, the architect must consult with the responsible consultant (plumbing engineer). This supports Objective 3.1: Coordinate consultant drawings.

To keep the concrete warmest in winter, place the continuous insulation on the exterior so the concrete mass stays inside the thermal envelope and sees interior temperatures. This reduces heat loss, limits risk of interstitial condensation at the concrete surface, and improves thermal lag. Option D shows all polyurethane insulation on the outside of the wall; A and B place some or all insulation inside, and C splits it—both allow more winter heat loss from the concrete.

PDD references: Building envelope heat flow & thermal mass strategy; continuous insulation placement (ASHRAE Fundamentals; NCARB ARE 5.0 PDD—Envelope & Thermal/Moisture Protection, CSI Div 07).