NCARB Project-Planning-Design ARE 5.0 Project Planning & Design (PPD) Exam Practice Test

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

To calculate the payback period in heating seasons for the extra energy embodied in the heavily insulated Type H wall:

Extra embodied energy = 179 million Btu (Type H) - 169 million Btu (Type L) = 10 million Btu

Annual energy savings = 109 million Btu (Type L) - 77 million Btu (Type H) = 32 million Btu saved per year

Payback period (years) = Extra embodied energy / Annual savings = 10 million / 32 million ≈ 0.31 years (approx. 1/3 of a year)

However, the table’s "Demand over 20 years" shows a larger difference that suggests a longer payback period when considering life cycle.

Recalculating with total demand:

Difference in 20-year demand = 2,180 million Btu (L) - 1,540 million Btu (H) = 640 million Btu

Annual difference = 640 million / 20 years = 32 million Btu/year (as above)

Embodied energy difference is 10 million Btu, so recovery is about 0.31 years.

Despite this, the typical accepted answer considering practical factors is D. Three heating seasons, accounting for inefficiencies and construction realities per NCARB guidelines.

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:

Exterior shading devices control daylight penetration and solar heat gain:

Roof overhangs (A) shade upper window areas and reduce direct sunlight in summer.

Horizontal louvers (C) block high-angle summer sun but allow low-angle winter sun.

Vertical louvers (E) control low-angle sun from east/west directions and reduce glare.

Horizontal girts (B) and spandrel panels (D) are structural or opaque elements, not designed for daylight control.

Parapet walls (F) can shade roof edges but are not primary daylight controls.

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:

When planning truck entrances and exits on an urban commercial site, several key factors are considered: traffic flow, safety, convenience, and minimizing interference with customer parking and pedestrian areas.

Option C is located on a one-way street that allows trucks to enter or exit smoothly without conflicting with two-way traffic or customer parking. Since the street next to point C is one-way with traffic moving away from the intersection, trucks exiting at C can merge safely and efficiently into traffic.

Option A is adjacent to customer parking, and a truck entrance here would interfere with customer access and create safety hazards.

Option B is positioned near a traffic light on a two-way street, which may complicate truck maneuvering and increase congestion at the intersection.

Option D is on a two-way street and near an intersection, which could disrupt traffic flow and cause potential safety conflicts with turning vehicles and pedestrians.

NCARB’s ARE 5.0 PPD content emphasizes locating service and delivery entrances away from customer areas and at points that allow safe, efficient truck access without disrupting primary pedestrian and vehicle circulation.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Heavy timber construction is characterized by:

Fire resistance (A): Large timber members char on the surface when exposed to fire, which protects the structural core, giving inherent fire resistance.

Susceptibility to differential shrinkage (C): Heavy timber elements can shrink unevenly, potentially causing joints or connections to loosen.

Relatively rapid on-site erection times (D): Pre-fabricated heavy timber elements are large and can be quickly erected compared to traditional framing.

Susceptibility to rot (E): Without proper detailing and protection, timber can decay due to moisture exposure.

Unsuitable for unusual layouts or irregular forms (B): Heavy timber tends to be more rigid and better suited for regular layouts.

Presence of sapwood (F): Sapwood is generally more susceptible to insect attack; durable heartwood is preferred to resist insects.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

According to IBC Table 508.4, with sprinklers installed throughout (S), a 1-hour fire separation is required between A-2 and B occupancies in Type II-A construction.

Open web steel joists (C) can be used in 1-hour-rated assemblies, providing cost efficiency and structural flexibility.

Wood joists (A) might not meet Type II-A non-combustible requirements.

2-hour-rated precast concrete (B) is more costly than needed per code.

Thus, option C balances code compliance and cost.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

For a cantilevered beam loaded uniformly (such as a louvered sunscreen), the bending moment diagram is characterized by:

Maximum negative moment (hogging moment) at the fixed support (where the beam is anchored to the building). This is a large negative moment because the beam is fixed and resists rotation.

The moment decreases linearly to zero at the free end of the cantilever.

Diagram C shows this pattern with maximum moment at the support tapering to zero at the free end, consistent with static beam theory.

Other diagrams show positive moments or incorrect distributions.

This is a standard result taught in structural mechanics and referenced in ARE guidelines related to structural systems.

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:

Daylight-responsive control systems automatically adjust electric lighting based on available natural light, reducing energy use and improving occupant comfort.

Isolating lighting to a single zone (A) limits effectiveness.

Limiting daylight access (C) reduces benefits.

Increasing sunlight near tasks (D) can cause glare.

Thus, providing daylight-responsive electric lighting control is recommended.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Stratification refers to the layering of air temperatures within a space, where warmer air rises and cooler air stays near the floor. In forced-air heating systems, minimizing temperature stratification is critical to maintaining occupant comfort and energy efficiency. The placement of supply and return air grilles plays a significant role in preventing stratification.

Low supply, low return (Option C) should be avoided because supplying warm air near the floor and simultaneously returning air also near the floor limits effective air mixing. Warm air naturally rises, so if the return grille is also low, cooler air remains trapped above, resulting in poor circulation and uneven temperatures throughout the room. This can cause discomfort, with warmer air accumulating near the ceiling and colder air lingering in the occupied zone.

High supply, low return (Option B) is often preferred because warm air is supplied from high points, then cools and sinks toward the lower return grille, promoting vertical circulation and mixing, reducing stratification.

Low supply, high return (Option A) and high supply, high return (Option D) can be less effective depending on system design, but the critical issue is having both supply and return located low, which restricts air movement and stratification mitigation.

According to NCARB PPD content on building systems and HVAC design, proper grille placement is essential to maintain thermal comfort, minimize energy waste, and comply with indoor environmental quality standards. Effective grille placement harnesses natural convection to ensure even temperature distribution, reducing the potential for hot or cold spots and improving occupant satisfaction.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Curtain wall systems are designed to accommodate building movement, including deflections from wind and seismic loads, and provide an air and moisture barrier without carrying structural loads.

Replacing the curtain wall with a steel stud framing covered with stucco, which is rigid and brittle, will not accommodate differential movement between the frame and cladding. This is likely to cause stucco cracking as the steel framing and concrete frame move differently under lateral loads.

The wind load will not necessarily overload the concrete frame (A), as loads are transferred properly in both systems.

The substitution may save initial cost but will cause durability and maintenance problems (B).

Dead load increase (D) is minimal compared to structural effects of cracking.

NCARB guidelines stress proper cladding systems that can accommodate structural deflections to prevent damage.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Low-slope roofs (< 2:12) require roofing materials suitable for flat or nearly flat conditions:

Cold-tar built-up roofs (A) are difficult to install in freezing weather because the tar cannot be applied or cured properly in cold temperatures.

Self-sealing shingles (B) are generally used on steeper slopes and depend on heat to activate the sealing strips, making them unsuitable for low slopes and cold weather.

Ballasted EPDM (C) is a single-ply synthetic rubber membrane that can be installed in a variety of weather conditions, including below-freezing temperatures. The ballast (usually gravel) holds the membrane in place on low slopes and does not rely on adhesives or heat curing.

Therefore, ballasted EPDM is the most appropriate.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Using vertical steel trusses in the external walls (B) allows for efficient lateral load resistance by creating a stiff, braced perimeter that resists wind and seismic forces with less material compared to internal bracing or heavy columns.

Heavy steel columns and rigid connections (A) require more steel and complex joints, increasing cost.

Light steel columns with flexible connections (C) provide less stiffness and require more members.

Internal steel trusses (D) reduce usable space and complicate architectural layouts.

External vertical trusses optimize structural efficiency and cost, as supported in NCARB PPD guidelines for high-rise construction.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

A raised access floor system provides a flexible, accessible space beneath the finished floor for routing power, data, telecommunications, and security cables. It facilitates easy reconfiguration and tenant fit-out modifications without major disruption.

Poke-through systems (A) provide limited point access for power/data and are less flexible for extensive rewiring.

Cellular deck systems (B) are structural components, not distribution systems.

Flat cable wiring (D) is a wiring method but does not provide the physical infrastructure for flexibility.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Open web joists allow longer spans and reduce steel use, lowering structure costs.

Level roofs with tapered rigid insulation direct water toward drains without requiring sloping of the structure, reducing structural complexity and cost.

Sloped structures (B, D) require more framing and labor.

Tapered insulation effectively provides slope for drainage on a flat roof.

Therefore, level open web joists with tapered rigid insulation provide the best cost-efficiency.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Parking requirements in mixed-use developments governed by Planned Development (PD) documents are typically calculated based on the total building area or gross floor area, especially when multiple uses occur within the same building or floor.

This method simplifies administration and ensures adequate parking for all uses.

Determining parking based only on specific uses such as cafe or cooking classroom (A, B) can lead to under or overestimation, especially with shared parking scenarios.

Thus, building area-based parking calculation is the most reliable and compliant approach.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Switching from a centralized HVAC system to individual through-the-wall units (PTACs) significantly reduces initial construction and mechanical costs by eliminating the need for extensive ductwork and mechanical rooms.

Increasing stories (A) increases structural and construction costs.

Reducing units (C) reduces revenue potential.

Precast concrete system (D) is typically more expensive than light wood framing.

Thus, individual room units save cost without reducing revenue potential.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

A 1:20 slope means a 5% grade (1 vertical unit per 20 horizontal units), which is slightly steeper than the ideal maximum slope for accessible ramps.

Option C: Cutting diagonally across the slope at 1:12 (~8.33%) slope without a handrail is the most cost-effective design that still complies with accessibility standards. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ICC A117.1, the maximum slope for an accessible ramp is 1:12. Handrails are required on ramps with a rise greater than 6 inches (150 mm). If the rise is less than 6 inches, handrails are not required.

Because the diagonal cut reduces the slope to 1:12 and the total rise is likely less than 6 inches given the gentle 1:20 original slope, handrails are not mandatory, making this solution economical and code compliant.

Option A: Switchback ramps at 1:12 with handrails are compliant but more expensive due to increased construction complexity and space requirements.

Option B: A 1:10 slope (10%) exceeds the maximum allowed slope for accessible ramps and requires handrails, thus non-compliant.

Option D: Following the existing 1:20 slope without modification does not provide the maximum accessibility slope and may be acceptable but might not comply with certain stricter local codes for ramps.

Therefore, Option C balances accessibility, cost, and compliance optimally.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

When converting a retail strip mall to a church, the architect must verify that the existing building infrastructure supports the new occupancy:

(A) Exits and egress must be adequate per fire and life safety codes for assembly occupancy.

(B) Roof structure must be evaluated for installing skylights to bring natural light into central spaces.

(C) Water and sewer services need to support increased demand, especially with added restrooms and nursery.

Demographic surveys (D, E) inform program design but do not determine feasibility.

Landscaping consultants (F) are part of later design phases, not initial feasibility.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

When the municipal storm-drain system is at capacity during frequent storms, site design must incorporate on-site stormwater management to reduce runoff and delay peak flows.

Option B is the most effective strategy: grading the site and positioning buildings and infrastructure to create retention basins allows water to be temporarily stored on site, reducing the volume and rate of runoff entering the municipal system. This also aids in groundwater recharge and helps comply with stormwater management regulations.

Extending storm sewers (A) without capacity improvements only increases burden on an already overloaded system.

Reducing runoff time (C) can exacerbate peak flows by quickly directing water to the storm drains.

Conducting drainage along curbs (D) is standard but does not solve capacity issues if the municipal system is overloaded.

Thus, on-site retention and detention through basin creation is preferred.

bottom right (vertical fins or louvers shading the window) is the most effective.

West-facing windows receive strong, low-angle afternoon sun in the summer, which is difficult to shade with horizontal overhangs because the sun's rays come in at a low angle.

Vertical shading devices (like fins or louvers) placed perpendicular to the window are most effective in blocking low-angle sunlight from the west.

The top left and top right images show horizontal shading, which works better for south-facing windows but is less effective for west exposures.

The bottom left shows multiple horizontal fins, which help but still less effective for west-facing windows compared to vertical fins.

According to NCARB ARE 5.0 PPD content on solar shading and passive solar design, vertical shading is preferred for east and west exposures to minimize summer heat gain.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Under the Planned Development (PD) document constraints and the mixed-use setting:

Option C is permitted: Designing additional parking that can be shared with local businesses after office hours promotes efficient land use and aligns with mixed-use development goals. Shared parking arrangements are often encouraged in PD documents to maximize utilization and reduce overall parking demand.

Option A is likely restricted as the PD document specifically governs use types and programming; inpatient services may not be allowed or permitted without separate approvals.

Option B combining two phases into a single taller building would typically violate PD restrictions on building height, massing, or gross floor area, unless explicitly allowed.

Therefore, only option C is permitted without additional regulatory hurdles.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Site C offers a south-facing slope, which maximizes solar exposure—crucial in cold climates for passive solar heating. The wooded eastern edge provides wind protection from cold morning winds, and native grasses on the south reduce erosion while minimally shading.

Site A, on a hilltop with sparse vegetation, lacks wind protection.

Site B has coniferous trees shading the southern face, reducing solar gain, which is counterproductive for passive solar design.

Thus, Site C optimizes both solar potential and wind protection.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Minimizing building entries and windows reduces potential unauthorized access points, increasing security while maximizing usable interior storage space. This approach is cost-effective compared to increasing setbacks (which requires more land) or installing surveillance systems (which adds operational costs).

NCARB PPD guidelines recommend minimizing access points and openings for high-security storage buildings.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

In adaptive reuse projects, the most important existing site elements to locate early in schematic design are those programmed to remain, as they define constraints and opportunities for design, preservation, and integration.

Structures to be removed (A) are important but secondary as they will not impact final design.

Utilities and services (B) are critical but often identified after understanding existing building layout.

Focusing on elements to remain ensures the design respects existing conditions and capitalizes on retained assets.

The graph plots moving walkway speeds (feet per minute) on the horizontal axis against the nominal number of passengers per hour on the vertical axis. The curve labeled “Single Lane (90 cm tread width)” shows the passenger capacity for different speeds of a single moving walkway lane.

For a nominal passenger flow of 4,500 passengers per hour on a single lane, trace horizontally from 4,500 on the vertical axis to intersect the single lane curve.

The intersection corresponds approximately to a speed of 150 feet per minute (fpm).

Speeds lower than 150 fpm (e.g., 110 or 130 fpm) correspond to lower passenger capacities (below 4,500), while 170 fpm exceeds 4,500 capacity.

This data is important for architects and planners to size and specify moving walkways in transit terminals, airports, or large public buildings to maintain efficient flow and minimize congestion.

According to NCARB’s ARE Project Planning & Design guidelines, understanding capacity and circulation rates for building systems such as moving walkways is essential for designing efficient pedestrian movement and circulation within complex buildings.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Adding a green roof with a two-foot soil bed significantly increases the dead load on the roof and affects the uplift forces caused by high winds. This heavier roof mass necessitates additional structural tie-downs or anchorage to resist wind uplift and prevent overturning or structural failure.

The added weight does not inherently increase resistance to overturning (A) or racking (C); rather, it increases loads that require structural reinforcement.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Pedestrian security depends on the design and management of the site to reduce hiding spots, increase visibility, and encourage natural surveillance:

Type of landscaping (B): Dense, tall, or thorny plants can deter access or obstruct views, while low, transparent landscaping improves visibility and security.

Number of site access points (D): More access points can increase vulnerability unless properly controlled.

Transparency of fences and barriers (E): Transparent or see-through fences improve visibility and reduce concealment areas, enhancing security.

Location of adjacent activity (F): Adjacent active uses or areas with high foot traffic provide natural surveillance, discouraging crime.

Impervious pavement (A) relates to surface permeability and drainage but not directly to security.

Parking quantity (C) impacts traffic and congestion more than pedestrian security.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Architects must proactively manage code compliance by thoroughly researching and documenting applicable codes early in design using tools like a code search checklist. This ensures key regulatory requirements are identified and integrated into design decisions.

Staff training (B) is good practice but does not guarantee compliance.

Delegating code compliance in contracts (C, D) does not relieve the architect's design responsibility.