Flashcards
Gang Chen SPD Mock Exam

Cards in this deck (65)
- 1The purpose of a percolation test is to determine the: a. Absorption Rate b. soil alkalinity c. soil density d. gravel sizes e. evaporation rate f. absorption rate of soilspercolate:
ABSORPTION RATE (OF SOILS) - 2Which of the following loads defines the force of rainwater exerted on roof structures? a. Hydrostatic b. Dynamic c. Water d. Wedge e. LiveLIVE.
Live loads define the force of water, snow or people exerted on roofs and floors. - 3Refer to Figure 3.1. Which of the following is the direction of water flow? A B C DD

- 4An architect needs to set the spot elevations at the perimeter of a one-story supermarket building. If the finish floor elevation is 112.00', what is a proper spot elevation at the front entrance if the front door has a threshold? a. 111.75' b. 111.96' c. 112.00 d. 112.25'c. 112'
Because the door has a threshold, the proper spot elevation at the front entrance has to be 112. Otherwise, the front entrance will exceed the max 1/4" vertical change and will not comply with ADA codes. (see references listed in book.) - 5For the same one-story supermarket building in previous question, what is a proper spot elevation at the front entrance if the front door has no threshold? a. 111.75' b. 111.96' c. 112.00 d. 112.25'b. 111.96'
We set the spot elevation as low as possible per the handicap codes to prevent water from getting into the building. the site walk near the front entrance also needs to slope away from the bldg at 1-2% (1.5% suggested). - 6Which of the following is A, as shown on Figure 3.2? a. Sand b. Soil c. Sand & gravels d. Graveld. Gravel
To release the hydrostatic pressure behind the retaining wall, neither sand nor soils are the proper materials around perforated pipe. They are too fine and will leak into the pipe.
- 7Which of the following is B as shown in figure 3.2? a. sewer line b. storm drain c. perforated pipe d. water linec. Perforated Pipe

- 8Assuming a constant slope between the two contour lines shown in Fig 3.3, what is the elevation of point A? a. 112' b. 112.5' c. 113' d. 113.5' e. 114'c. 113'
115' - 5' x (10'/25') = 115'-2' = 113'
- 9Refer to figure 3.4. Which of the following shows a convex slope? CHECK THE TWO THAT APPLY. a. A b. B. c. C d. DA & D.
Convex slopes (outward)
Concave slopes (CAVE inward).
- 10Refer to Figure 3.4. Which of the following shows a concave slope? CHECK THE TWO THAT APPLY. a. A b. B. c. C d. DB & C.
Convex slopes (outward)
Concave slopes (CAVE inward).
- 11Which of the following is true? Check the two that apply. a. Southern Hemisphere: solar altitude angle is lowest in Dec & highest in June. b. Southern Hemisphere: solar altitude angle is highest in Dec & lowest in June. C. Northern Hemisphere: solar altitude angle is lowest in Dec & highest in June. d. Northern Hemisphere: solar altitude angle is highest in Dec & lowest in June.b. Southern Hemisphere: solar altitude angle is highest in Dec & lowest in June.
c. Northern Hemisphere: solar altitude angle is lowest in Dec & highest in June.
(no further explanation) - 12Which of the following is the most energy efficient orientation of a rectangular building in LA? a. Locate the building with the long direction oriented along the N-S axis & face the bldg slightly to the east. b. Locate the building with the long direction oriented along the N-S axis & face the bldg slightly to the west. c. Locate the building with the long direction oriented along the E-W axis & face the bldg slightly to the east. d. Locate the building with the long direction oriented along the E-W axis & face the bldg slightly to the west.d. Locate the building with the long direction oriented along the E-W axis & face the bldg slightly to the west.
LA is located in the subtropical area of the Northern Hemisphere. The dominate wind in summer is from the southwest. Located the bldg with the long direction oriented along the E-W axis will minimize excess heat gain & maximize the use of the cool ocean breeze and dominant wind from the southwest in the summer. - 13An architect is working on a room addition project. The existing single family home has 1,600sf and 2 existing toilets. The owner wants to add 1,000 sf of new area, including 3 new bedrooms & 2 new toilets. The existing 3" interior sewer line connects to the 4" main sewer line at about 6' deep & 3' in front of the house. Which of the following is correct? CHECK THE TWO THAT APPLY. a. The architect can connect the new toilets to the existing 4" sewer line. b. The architect can connect the new toilets to the existing 3" interior sewer line. c. It is better to oversize a sewer line when designing buildings. d. The architect can ask his plumbing engineer for advice.a. The architect can connect the new toilets to the existing 4" sewer line.
d. The architect can ask his plumbing engineer for advice.
Not only can you connect to the new 4", you HAVE to connect the new toilets to the existing 4" sewer line. Another 3" lateral sewer line ca be added to connect the new toilets to the existing 4" line, or upgrade the existing 3" to a 4".
Newer single-family homes typically have 4" sewer lines, and older ones still have 3". A 3" line is NOT ADEQUATE for a load of 4 toilets.
Asking the plumber is not ideal but is correct. Of course you can ask. Fora residential remodel of a room addition, MEP is typically designed/built by the contractor.
Never oversize a line. There won't be enough water to carry the waste and it will get clogged. - 14If the landing depth at the top of a curb ramp is less than 48", then the slope of the flared side shall not exceed a. 1:20 b. 1:12 c. 1:10 d. 1:8b. 1:12
A typical slope of the flared side shall not exceed 1:10. However, if the landing depth at the top of a curb ramp is less than 48", the slope of the flared side shall not exceed 1:12. (insert ramp dwg) - 15Per the IBC section 1010.6, the minimum width of a means of egress ramp between handrails, if provided, or other permissible projections shall be: a. 32" b. 36" c. 48" d. 60"36"
Refer to IBC Section 1010.6
SPD is a very broad ARE division. You may also get a few questions from others. - 16Which of the following is unlikely to show up on an ALTA survey plan a. Metes & Bounds b. Fire hydrants c. Trees d. Footings e. Retaining wallsTrees.
ALTA = American Land Title Association. it is the national trade association of the abstract and title insurance company founded in 1907. See www.alta.org. - 17Which of the following is the correct order of arranging the units used in the Public Land Survey System (PLLS) in the US, from large to small? a. Check, section, township b. Section, township, check c. Check, township, section d. Section, check, townshipc. Check, township, section
check 24x24 miles
Township 6x6 miles
Section 1X1 miles - 18The developer wants to build an elementary school in an area zone for residential use. Which of the following applications should she submit to the city? a. Conditional Use Permit b. Non-conforming Use Permit c. Incentive Zoning Permit d. Ordinance Variance PermitConditional Use.
Non-conforming: use that does not conform to current zoning but allowed to be grandfathered in.
Incentive zoning: Bldg larger/taller as an incentive for a private developer to provide public amenities such as a park.
Ordinance: (fill this in) - 19Which of the following statements are correct? CHECK THE TWO THAT APPLY. a. in a cold climate, an architect should use products with low albedo/high conductivity for ground surfaces. b. in a cold climate, an architect should use materials with high albedo/low conductivity for ground surfaces. c. In a tropical climate, an architect should use materials with low albedo/high conductivity for ground surfaces. d. In a tropical climate, an architect should use materials with high albedo/high conductivity for ground surfaces.a. in a cold climate, an architect should use products with low albedo/high conductivity for ground surfaces. (these surfaces will absorb more sunlight and retain the heat as close to the surface as possible)
d. In a tropical climate, an architect should use materials with high albedo/high conductivity for ground surfaces. (These surfaces will absorb less sunlight & quickly absorb/store the heat, and release when temp drops).
Albedo = whiteness (reflected sunlight). Albedo of perfectly white surface = 1, and black = 0.
In cold climates, an architect should NOT use materials with lowA/HiC.
Tropical: do NOT use lowA, LowC. - 20Per the US Environmental Protection Agency, using a ______-based approach to wetland protection ensures that the whole system, including land, air, and water resources, is protected.Watershed-based approach.
See water.epa.gov/type/wetlands/upload/2005_01_12_wetlands_overview.pdf - 21Per EPA, which of the following are general categories of wetlands found in the US? CHECK FOUR THAT APPLY. a. Bos b. Fens c. Lakes d. Marshes e. Reservoirs f. Swampsa. Bos b. Fens d. Marshes f. Swamps
Per the EPA: Marshes are wetlands dominated by soft-stemmed vegetation, while SWAMPS have mostly wooded plants. BOGS are freshwater wetlands, often formed in old glacial lakes, characterized by spongy peat deposits, evergreen trees & shrubs, and floor covered by a thick carpet of moss. FENS are freshwater peat-forming wetlands covered by grasses, sedges, reeds, and wildflowers. - 22Per EPA, which of the following is the leading cause of species extinction? a. Human activities b. Pollution c. Habitat degradation d. Excessive huntingc. Habitat degradation per the EPA.
The others are not the leading cause although they play a big part. - 23What is SWPPP? a. Solid Waste Pollution Prevention Plan b. Sewer Waste Pollution Prevention Plan c. Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan d. Soiled Water Pollution Prevention Planc. Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan
(the others are distracters) - 24Which of the following is not the purpose of SWPPP? a. To prevent stormwater contamination b. To prevent airborne dust from getting into rivers c. To control sedimentation and erosion d. To comply with the requirements of the Clean Water Act e. To comply with the requirements of CGP f. None of the abovef. None of the above
The other are the actual purposes of SWPPP (PAY ATTENTION TO THE WORD *NOT IN THE ORIGINAL QUESTION): To prevent stormwater contamination. To prevent airborne dust from getting into rivers. To control sedimentation & erosion. To comply with the requirements of the Clean Water Act, AND To comply with the requirements of CGP. - 25What is NPDES? a. National Pollutant Discharge Eliminating System b. National Pollutant Discharge and Exchange System c. Natural Pollutant Discharge Elimination System d. Natural Pollutant Discharge and Exchange Systema. National Pollutant Discharge Eliminating System
(the others are distractors) - 26Who is typically in charge of preparing a Best Management Practices (BMP) plan? a. Owner b. Architect c. Civil Engineer d. ContractorC. Civil Engineer
The owner or architect may request a BMP plan, and the contractor will execute it. But is prepared by the Civil Engineer. - 27Which of the following are structural BMPs? CHECK THE FOUR THAT APPLY. a. Fences b. Maintaining Equipment c. Sedimentation Ponds d. Erosion Control blankets e. Temporary or permanent seeding f. Training site staff on erosion & sediment control practicesa) Fences c) Sedimentation ponds
d) Erosion control blankets
e) Temp/permanent seeding
Per "Developing your Stormwater pollution Prevention Plan: A guide for construction sites:" Non-structural BMPs also include picking up trash/debris, sweeping streets/sidewalks, maintaining eqmnt and training staff on E&SC practices. - 28Which of the following is INCORRECT? CHECK THE TWO THAT APPLY. a. It is usually easier and less expensive to prevent erosion than it is to control sedimentation. b. It is usually easier and less expensive to control sedimentation than it is to prevent erosion. c. A good SWPPP will use both kinds of BMPs in combination for the best results. d. A good SWPP will use one kind of BMPs for the best results.(again looking for INCORRECT answers)
b. It is usually easier and less expensive to control sedimentation than it is to prevent erosion.
d. A good SWPP will use one kind of BMPs for the best results. - 29Which of the following is typically NOT included in a SWPPP? CHECK TWO THAT APPLY. a. Site Plans b. Maintenance/inspection procedures c. Description of controls to reduce pollutants d. Plumbing plansd. Plumbing plans.
SWPPP includes site plans, maintenance & inspection reports, and a description of controls to reduce pollutants. - 30Which of the following are objectives of SWPPP? CHECK TWO THAT APPLY. a. reduce impervious surfaces & promote infiltration b. Increase impervious surfaces & promote infiltration c. Protect surface waters from erosion and sediment d. Protect groundwater from erosion and sedimenta) reduce impervious surfaces & promote infiltration
c) Protect surface waters from erosion and sediment
Groundwater is located beneath the earth's surface. SWPPP can recharge groundwater but does not directly impact it. (SWPPP=STORMWATER pollution protection plan.) - 31What does fingerprinting your site mean? a. Obtaining the fingerprint of everyone at your site b. Obtaining the fingerprint of visitors at your site c. Identifying the trees in your site d. Inventorying a site's natural featuresd. Inventorying a site's natural features
- 32Which of the following is true regarding Stormwater PPP? CHECK THE TWO THAT APPLY. a. Silt fencing is more effective than inlet protection. b. Silt fencing is less effective than inlet protection c. Hydromulching is more effective than inlet protection d. Hydromulching is less effective than inlet protectiona. Silt fencing is more effective than inlet protection.
c. Hydromulching is more effective than inlet protection.
Refer to the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan - 33Who signs the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans & Inspection Reports? a. Owner b. Architect c. Civil Engineer d. Concrete Contractor e. Construction Site Operatore. Construction Site Operator.
The site operator can be the GC, or a duly authorized rep, but not the concrete contractor. The other answers are also wrong. - 34Which of the following is true regarding Runoff Coefficient? CHECK TWO THAT APPLY. a. Downtown areas tend to have a higher Runoff Coefficient than residential areas. b. Downtown areas tend to have a lower Runoff Coefficient than residential areas. c. Drives and walks tend to have a higher Runoff Coefficient than lawns. d. Drives and walks tend to have a lower Runof Coefficient than lawns.a. Downtown areas tend to have a higher Runoff Coefficient than residential areas.
c. Drives and walks tend to have a higher Runoff Coefficient than lawns.
See table C-1 in SWPPP Guide for Constr. Sites. - 35Which of the following is not a groundwater remediation technology? a. Bioventing b. Biocontrol c. Pump and Treat d. Air spargingb. Biocontrol.
Bioventing uses situ (on-site) microorganisms to biodegrade constituents in the groundwater.
Pump and Treat is a process of pumping water to the surface and mixing it with either biological or chemical treatments to remove the impurities.
Air sparging blows air directly into the ground water and creates bubbles to remove contaminants from the groundwater. The bubbles carry the contaminants up into the unsaturated zone (ie, soil). As the contaminants move into the soil, a soil vapor extraction system removes the vapors. - 36Which of the following is the correct order of senses in conveying information about a site, arranged from most important to least important? a. sight, touch, hearing, smell, taste b. sight, hearing, touch, smell, taste c. sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste d. sight, touch, smell, hearing, tastec. sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste
shstt - 37Which of the following is generally NOT given in a soils report? Check the TWO that apply. a. Recommended foundation types b. Slump test results c. Structural calcs d. Soil bearing capacity e. Types of concrete to useb. Slump test results
c. Structural calcs - 38Which of the following is likely to cause differential settlement of building foundations? a. Moisture level b. Temperature c. Soils types d. Local climate condition e. All of the abovee. All of the above.
- 39Which of the following soils types is likely to cause differential settlement of a building foundation? a. clay b. sand c. loam d. silt-loama. Clay
Clay is most likely to cause differential settlement of a building because it's the most expansive soil. Loam is roughly 40% sand, 40% silt, and 20% clay. The other answers are also incorrect. - 40The net movement of solvent molecules through a partially permeable membrane into a region of higher solute concentration to equalize the solute concentration on the two sides is called? a. Permeability b. Compressability c. Osmosis d. CohesionC. Osmosis
Permeability = measurement of ease with which a particular fluid flows through the voids of pressure change.
Compressability: measures the relative volume change of a solid or fluid response to a pressure change.
Cohesion: the intermolecular attraction between like-molecules. - 41A project has 60,000 square feet of land area and 12,000 sf of building floor area. At a ratio of 2 sf of parking area to 1 sf of gross building area, how many parking spaces are required at 400 sf per car?60 parking spaces.
12,000sf of gross area x 2 = 24,000sf of parking area.
24,000 sf of parking area/400sf per car = 60 parking spaces.
(the 60,000 sf of land area in the original question is a distractor to confuse you.) - 42Which of the following characteristic of an existing structure will directly affect the thermal environment of adjacent new construction? CHECK TWO THAT APPLY. a. albedo b. texture c. mechanical systems d. shadow patterna) albedo & d) shadow pattern.
Albedo will affect the amount of sunlight reflected onto the new bldg. Shadow patter also directly affects thermal environment of the other bldg. - 43Which of the following is a common unit used for site area? a. square yards (meters) b. cubic yards (meters) c. Acres (hectares) d. Tonnagec. Acres
- 44An architect is working on a residential project. Which of the following are correct statements? CHECK THE TWO THAT APPLY. a. The architect should review the building codes for FAR information. b. The architect should contact the Plumbing Dept to obtain info on the existing easement & set back requirements for the front, side, and back yard. c. The architect should contact the Planning Dept to obtain site coverage ratio. d. The architect should contact the Planning Dept to obtain zoning information for the site.c. The architect should contact the Planning Dept to obtain site coverage ratio.
d. The architect should contact the Planning Dept to obtain zoning information for the site.
Contact PLANNING for FAR info & Owner should have easement info. - 45The most important factor for locating a supermarket is a. its proximity to potential clients b. the availability of utilities c. a downtown location c. its proximity to high income households.a. its proximity to potential clients
- 46A practice or device designed to keep eroded soil on a construction site, so that it does not wash off and cause water to nearby water body is called e. erosion control b. sedimentation control c. pollution control d. defoliation controlb. sedimentation control
(erosion control is the practice of controlling wind or water erosion in land development agriculture, & construction. it is HOLDING the soils IN PLACE. usually involves a physical barrier. - 47Land use restrictions imposed by the Planning Dept typically include all of the following EXCEPT (CHECK TWO THAT APPLY) a. setbacks b. CC&R c. height and area limitations d. zoning e. exit widthsb) CC&R & e)Exit widths
CC&R = Covenant Conditions & Restrictions is imposed by HOA (Homeowners Assoc).
Exit widths are imposed by Bldg Codes. - 48All of the following are considered land use restrictions EXCEPT a. setbacks regulations b. slenderness ratio c. height and area limitations d. zoning ordinances e. site coverage ratiob. Slenderness ration
slenderness ratio is a structural requirement for columns or high-rise bldgs. - 49In a cold climate, which of the following is the minimum requirement for a building footing? a. the footing should be above the frost line. b. the top of a footing should align with the frost line. c. the bottom of a footing should align with the frost line d. the center line of a building footing should align with the frost line.c. the bottom of a footing should align with the frost line
pay attention to the word "minimum." Above is incorrect (will cause heaving) top is incorrect (works but is not minimum), and centerline (works but is not minimum). - 50A roof overhang on which of the following facades of a building built in the southern hemisphere will provide seasonal adjustment for radiation? a. North b. South c. East d. Westa. North
If the question asked bout the northern hemisphere, the answer would be south elevation/facade. - 51Which of the following are the most important factors in the design of residential units? CHECK TWO THAT APPLY. a. orientation b. The heights & locations of adjacent buildings c. Bedrooms facing the dominant wind d. Avoiding west facing unitsa. orientation
b. The heights & locations of adjacent buildings - 52If the slope for the lateral sewer line is 1% and the slope for the main sewer line is 1.5%, what is the invert elevation at point A as shown in Figure 3.5? a. 95.1 b. 95.3 c. 95.4 d. 96.7c. 95.4
60' x 1% = 0.6
96.0 - 0.6 = 95.4"
- 53Which of the following are correct? Check the two that apply. a. Detention Ponds are also "dry ponds." b. Retention ponds are also "dry ponds." c. Detention ponds are used to hold stormwater for a short period of time. d. Retention ponds are used to hold water for a short period of time.a. Detention Ponds are also "dry ponds."
c. Detention ponds are used to hold stormwater for a short period of time.
(Detention ponds drain, retention ponds retain.) - 54High moisture in soils can have which of the following effects? Check the TWO that apply. a. Uneven settlement b. Increased bearing capacity c. Heaving d. Decreased compatibilitya. Uneven settlement
c. Heaving - 55Methods to prevent a retaining wall failure would include which of the folliowing? Check the FOUR that apply. a. Over-excavate below footing grade and fill with compacted gravel b. Drain surface water away from a retaining wall c. Waterproof the foundation to reduce filtration d. Use perforated pipe to release hydropressure e. Weep holes f. Proper footing design to overcome the turning moment g. Extend footings and foundations to a depth of consistent ground moistureb) Drain surface water away from a retaining wall d) Use perforated pipe to release hydropressure
e) Weep holes f) Proper footing design to overcome the turning moment
(waterproofing keeps out moisture but not effective in preventing retaining wall failure. Over-excavating and extended footings prevents uneven settlement.) - 56The following are considered environmental impact issues for site analysis EXCEPT (check THREE that apply): a. reflections b. dominant wind direction c. recommended footing design d. archaeological discoveries e. sun and shadow patterns f. demography g. traffic condition(Pay attention to the word EXCEPT)
c. recommended footing design
d. archaeological discoveries
f. demography - 57Which of the follwing needs a grease interceptor? CHECK THE TWO THAT APPLY. a. A single family residence b. A restaurant c. An office building d. A supermarketb. A restaurant
c. An office building
(a grease interceptor can intercept grease and prevent it from entering main sewer line.) - 58Restrictive covenants are typically controlled by a. city b. contractor c. HOA d. EPAc. HOA
Home Owners Association - 59Biophilia means a. nearsightedness b. farsightednes c. love at first sight d. humans beings' latent desire of being loved e. an instinctive bond between human beings and other living systemsBiophilia is e) an instinctive bond between human beings and other living systems
- 60Looking at the cost of purchasing and operating a building or product, and the relative savings is called a. life cycle approach b. life cycle assessment (LCA) c. Life cycle analysis d. life cycle costing e. Life cycle cost & savings analysis f. Low impact development (LID)d. life cycle costing
Life cycle approach: looking at a product or building through its entire life cycle.
LCA: Use life cycle thinking in environmental issues.
LID: a land development approach mimicking natural systems and managing storm water as close to the source as possible
(Life cycle cost and savings analysis is distractor). - 61Sheepsfoot is often used in a. excavation b. shoring c. cribbing d. soil compactiond. soil compacting
a sheepsfoot is a tamper roller often used in soil compacting. - 62A water district is building a new water processing plant. Which of the following is an ideal location? a. A location close to the lowest elevations of the city b. A location close to power plant c. A location close to residential properties d. A location close to commercial propertiesa. A location close to the lowest elevations of the city.
This location makes it possible to use gravity, the most dependable natural force, for sewer systems, and substantially reduce or even eliminate the use of power. - 63An architect is reviewing a set of civil plans. If the finish floor elevation of an office building is 103', and the building has 24" wide spread footings at 5'-0" deep, then has a 6" thick slab over 2" sand over moisture barrier over 2" sand, what should the building pad elevation on the grading plan be? a. 97.17' b. 98.0' c. 102.17' d. 102.6'c. 102.17'
the building pad = FF-slab thickness-thickneness of both layers of sand =
103--6-2-2-2 = 102.17' - 64An architect is working on a retail building with a 25' wide sidewalk in front of the building. If the FF elevation of the building is 106', the sidewalk has a 6" high curb, and the cross slope for the sidewalk is 1.5%, what should the bottom of the curb elevation at the outside edge of the sidewalk next to the driving aisle be? a. 105.02 b. 105.12 c. 105.22 d. 105.32b. 105.2'
the bottom of the curb elevation at the outside edge of the sidewalk next to the driving aisle = FF-elevation change because of the cross slope, minus height of the curb:
106' - (25'x1.5%) - 6" =
106'-.38'-0.5' =
105.12'
(1.5% >.015>.0375>.38) - 65An architect is planning a single family residential project near a freeway. Which of the following is the most effective way to alleviate noise from the freeway? check the TWO that apply. a. Use insulated glazing for windows b. Plant a row of 25'-high cypress trees between the freeway and homes c. Plant a row of 25' high sycamore trees between the freeway and homes d. Building a 12' high CMUwall with an additional 6' high glass screen on topa. Use insulated glazing for windows
d. Building a 12' high cmu wall with an additional 6' high glass screen on top
Dense plants (Cypress and Sycamore) are not an effective sound barrier.
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- Flashcards on Gang Chen SPD Mock Exam, created by Tiffany Brown on 03/11/2016.
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