PDD ARE 5.0 Project Development and Documentation Exam Questions and Answers

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.

Glycol-cooled air conditioning systems use a glycol-water mixture as a secondary coolant instead of plain water. Glycol has lower freezing point and better heat transfer properties in certain conditions.

Advantages include:

Longer piping runs without freezing risk, allowing the chiller or cooling unit to be located further away from the computer room, useful for flexible building layouts.

Glycol prevents freezing in cold climates or exposed pipes.

It does not inherently reduce heat exhausted or is necessarily more sustainable than water cooling.

Glycol is generally more expensive than water.

Therefore, the primary advantage is the ability to locate the cooling unit farther from the space being cooled.

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

Understanding the Problem

The question addresses parapet coping design in a wet climate with a focus on:

Minimizing maintenance

Preventing water from running down the face of the wall

Parapet copings protect the top of the parapet wall from water penetration and are designed to shed water away from the wall below.

Analysis of the Options

A. Flat Coping

A flat coping (Option A) has no slope and allows water to pool on the surface.

This pooling increases the likelihood of infiltration and material deterioration over time.

In wet climates, this is poor practice because standing water leads to freeze-thaw damage, staining, and faster degradation.

Maintenance needs are higher.

B. Single-Slope Coping

This coping (Option B) has a slope toward one side, which improves drainage.

However, if sloped toward the inside of the parapet, it increases roof drainage load and risk of water penetration at roof/wall junction.

If sloped toward the outside, water can run down the wall face, which the client specifically wants to avoid.

This design might also stain exterior wall finishes over time.

C. Double-Slope (Pitched) Coping with Drip Edges

This coping (Option C) is pitched toward both sides, with drip edges to break water runoff before it reaches the wall face.

Water is shed away efficiently, and drip grooves prevent capillary action that would pull water back toward the wall.

This is best practice in wet climates and greatly reduces maintenance by preventing staining and wall saturation.

Recommended by NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association) and referenced in Architectural Graphic Standards for parapet detailing.

NCARB ARE 5.0 PDD Reference:

Content Area: Integration of Building Materials & Systems — Building Envelope Detailing

Source Materials:

Architectural Graphic Standards — Parapet Cap/Coping Details

Building Construction Illustrated by Francis D.K. Ching — Water Management & Flashing

NRCA Roofing Manual — Best Practices for Roof Edge & Parapet Design

Key Principle: Parapet copings in wet climates should always slope to shed water away, incorporate overhangs with drips, and prevent water from cascading down the building face.

To prepare project specifications, the architect requires documents that inform about site conditions, building construction, and interior finishes:

Geotechnical report provides soil conditions, foundation recommendations, and site constraints.

Building sections provide detailed information on assemblies, materials, and vertical relationships.

Room finish schedule identifies finishes, materials, and related specifications for interior spaces.

Legal surveys, traffic management plans, and door schedules are important for planning and design coordination but less directly informative for writing specifications.

Mortar joint finishes impact water resistance and weatherability:

Concave joint is the most weather-resistant. The joint is compressed and curved inward, forming a dense, compact surface that sheds water effectively.

Weathered joint slopes outward but is less compact than concave.

Raked joint is recessed and can hold water, less weather-resistant.

Extruded joint protrudes and tends to trap water and dirt.

Therefore, concave joints provide the best weather protection.

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

Understanding the Diagram

The image shows a pump installation detail with various vibration and alignment control devices:

A — Typically a pipe hanger or suspension support to reduce strain on piping.

B — Likely a flexible electrical conduit (for pump motor connection).

C — Spring vibration isolators under the pump base to prevent vibration transmission into the building structure.

D — A flexible pipe connector (also called a flex connector or braided flexible coupling).

Purpose of Flexible Pipe Connectors

Flexible pipe connectors (D in the diagram) are designed to:

Absorb minor misalignment between connected piping systems.

Reduce stress on pump flanges due to thermal expansion, settlement, or installation tolerances.

Isolate vibration from the pump so that it is not transmitted along rigid piping to the building structure.

This makes them essential in mechanical systems where pumps, chillers, or other vibrating equipment connect to rigid building piping.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Pipe hangers/supports — Maintain alignment and support vertical loads but do not allow for misalignment or vibration isolation in the same way as flexible connectors.

B. Electrical conduit/flexible connection — Relates to electrical supply flexibility, not piping alignment.

C. Spring vibration isolators — Isolate vibration from equipment to the floor but do not address piping misalignment.

NCARB ARE 5.0 PDD Study Guide References:

Content Area: Integration of Building Materials & Systems — Mechanical Systems Coordination

Source References:

Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings (MEEB) — Chapter on Vibration Isolation & Pump Installation

Architectural Graphic Standards — Flexible Connector & Piping Details

Key Point: Flexible connectors at pumps and equipment protect against misalignment, vibration, and stress transfer to the piping system.

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.

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.

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.

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 water heater (WH) with labeled connections and valves.

Item 2 is the ASME pressure relief valve, piped to 6 inches above the finished floor.

Purpose of the Pressure Relief Valve in a Water Heater

When water is heated, it expands.

In a closed plumbing system, this expansion increases pressure inside the water heater tank.

If the pressure rises above a safe limit, it can damage the heater, piping, or even cause an explosion.

The temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve) automatically opens to discharge water when pressure or temperature exceeds safe limits, relieving the pressure caused by thermal expansion.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Regulate water pressure fluctuation — Pressure regulation is done by a pressure-reducing valve, not a relief valve.

B. Vent the tank of accumulated air — Air elimination is done with air vents or bleeders, not the T&P valve.

D. Relieve negative pressure when draining the tank — Negative pressure prevention uses vacuum relief valves, not T&P valves.

NCARB ARE 5.0 PDD Study Guide References:

Content Area: Plumbing Systems — Equipment and Safety Components

Source References:

Plumbing Engineering Design Handbook — Water Heater Safety Devices

Architectural Graphic Standards — Water Heater Installation Details

MEEB (Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings) — Plumbing Chapter: Safety valves in hot water systems

Code Reference:

International Plumbing Code (IPC) Section 504.6 — T&P relief valve requirements for water heaters

Key Point:

The ASME-rated relief valve’s main role is to protect the water heater and piping by relieving excessive pressure due to water expansion from heating.

For a 15-story high-rise where speed and noise matter, gearless traction elevators are the standard choice: highest speeds, smoother/quiet operation, and efficiency for taller buildings. Hydraulic (holed or hole-less) are limited to low-rise (≈2–6 stories) and are slower/noisier; geared traction is mid-rise with lower speeds and more noise than gearless.

PDD references: Vertical transportation selection criteria—rise vs. technology; ARE 5.0 PDD “Building Systems—Elevators.”

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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.

Purpose of the Air Space in Brick Veneer Walls

In a typical brick veneer cavity wall assembly, there is an air space between the back side of the brick and the sheathing (or water-resistive barrier) of the structural wall. This space is typically 1 to 2 inches wide and serves several critical functions:

Moisture Drainage and Ventilation

Rainwater can penetrate brick veneer through joints and cracks.

The air cavity allows water to drain down the back of the veneer to flashing and out through weep holes.

It also provides ventilation to help dry out the wall assembly.

Minimizing Mortar Bridging

During construction, mortar can drop down into the cavity from bricklaying.

If mortar bridges across to the sheathing, it can create a path for moisture to move into the structure.

The 2-inch cavity helps reduce the chance that mortar droppings will fully bridge the gap, ensuring the drainage plane stays functional.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. To meet the minimum R-value — The air space in brick veneer is not designed as insulation; its thermal benefit is minimal compared to continuous insulation layers.

B. Allow for differential movement — Brick veneer differential movement is accommodated by wall ties and control joints, not by the air cavity.

C. Provide space for roof drain piping — Roof drainage piping is routed separately and is not part of the brick veneer cavity design.

NCARB ARE 5.0 PDD Study Guide References:

Content Area: Building Envelope Systems — Masonry Wall Assemblies

Source References:

Building Construction Illustrated (Ching) — Brick Veneer Wall Sections and Cavity Function

Architectural Graphic Standards — Masonry Veneer Construction Details

BIA (Brick Industry Association) Technical Notes 21 & 21A — Cavity Wall Design and Construction

Key Principle:

A 2-inch air cavity behind brick veneer is primarily to ensure proper drainage and to minimize mortar bridging, which would otherwise allow moisture intrusion into the building.

Understanding the Context

When preparing the Project Manual in the Project Development & Documentation (PDD) section of the ARE 5.0 exam, you need to determine which specification sections are essential based on project requirements and conditions. The Project Manual organizes administrative and technical specifications into divisions, each serving a specific purpose.

In this case, because construction will occur while farming operations continue uninterrupted—and public water and sewer services are unavailable on site—temporary utilities (such as water, power, and possibly sanitation) are a critical component that must be clearly addressed in the Project Manual. These provisions ensure the contractor understands how to support construction without disrupting farm operations and without relying on permanent utilities.

Why “015000 Temporary Utilities” is Required

Section 01 50 00 – Temporary Utilities (often numbered 015000) is part of Division 01: General Requirements in the Project Manual. It specifies requirements for establishing and maintaining temporary utility services (like water, electric, lighting, heating, cooling, toilets) during construction. It helps ensure the design and construction team address logistical needs amid the distinctive site conditions—namely the absence of public utilities and the necessity of continuous farm operations.

As noted in a design and construction manual resource:

“Section 01 51 00 – Temporary Utilities. This section is generally included in all projects; however, it must be carefully written so as to be applicable to the specific project conditions.”

This directly supports inclusion of Temporary Utilities in the Project Manual for this project scenario.

Why Other Options Are Not Appropriate

A. 006113 Performance and Payment BondThese forms pertain to contract security and bonding requirements, which would be located in Division 00 (Procurement and Contracting Requirements), not Division 01. The question focuses on which section should be included in the Project Manual being prepared at this phase; the key imperative here is the temporary utility needs, not bonds.

B. 012300 AlternatesAlternates allow multiple pricing options for different project scopes, but there is no indication that alternate options (e.g., alternate spaces or functions) are being used in this design. There’s no mention of bidding alternates.

D. 019113 General Commissioning RequirementsCommissioning provisions (often related to MEP system verification and performance) would only be required if commissioning is part of the project deliverables. The project brief doesn’t indicate commissioning deliverables—only that mechanical and electrical systems are supported by the PEMB, and the focus here is continuity of operations and utilities during construction, not commissioning.

Understanding the Diagram

The detail shows a fan coil unit suspended from the structure, with:

Vibration isolators at the hanging rods to limit mechanical vibration transfer to the structure.

Flexible duct connections between the fan coil unit and the rigid ductwork.

Purpose of Flexible Duct Connections

Flexible connections in HVAC duct systems are designed to:

Prevent transmission of vibration and sound from the mechanical equipment (fan coil unit) into the rigid ductwork and building.

Compensate for small misalignments between the ductwork and equipment.

Accommodate minor thermal expansion/contraction movements.

Key Function in This Context:

Fan coil units contain fans that create vibration and noise. Without a flexible connection, this vibration would travel directly through the rigid ductwork into occupied spaces, increasing noise levels.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. To provide a field point of connection — While the flexible connector does connect ducts, its purpose is not just convenience; it is specifically for vibration/sound isolation.

B. To insulate against heat transfer — This is done with thermal duct insulation, not flexible connectors.

D. To transition from flange to desired duct size — Transitions are made using sheet metal fittings, not flexible connectors.

NCARB ARE 5.0 PDD Study Guide References:

Content Area: Integration of Building Materials & Systems — Mechanical Systems and Acoustics

Sources:

Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings (MEEB) — Vibration Control in Mechanical Systems

Architectural Graphic Standards — Flexible Duct Connections for Noise and Vibration Isolation

ASHRAE Handbook — HVAC Applications, Chapter on Sound and Vibration Control

Key Point:

Flexible connectors in ductwork break the direct mechanical path for vibration and sound, reducing noise transfer from fans to occupied areas.

Given:

The theater doubles its second-floor movie screens, increasing patron traffic.

Existing escalators are two 24-inch wide units, one up and one down, with simultaneous movie start times every 3 hours.

To handle increased traffic:

Increasing existing escalator speed to 130 fpm (option A) is limited by safety and code limits (typically max around 100 fpm); also increases wear.

Installing a new elevator (option B) is helpful for accessibility but does not efficiently handle high flow of large crowds during peak.

Installing a new escalator that reverses direction (option C) (also called a "dance" or "two-way" escalator) allows flexibility to accommodate peak traffic flow—e.g., two escalators up during rush times and one down, or vice versa.

Extending balustrades (option D) improves safety but does not increase capacity.

Therefore, option C is the best solution to manage increased passenger flow.

(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.

Division 01 governs administrative procedures across all trades—submittals, project meetings, temporary utilities, etc. It sets the framework for other divisions. Objective 2.1 addresses the structure and function of specifications.

In a tropical climate, the interior is cooler and drier than the hot, humid exterior. The vapor drive is from outside → inside, so the vapor retarder must be installed on the warm/moist side of the assembly, which is below the insulation when the insulation is above the roof deck. This prevents moist exterior air from reaching cooler surfaces inside the insulation where condensation could occur.

PDD Reference: Psychrometrics & vapor drive principles, PDD “Thermal & Moisture Protection—Placement of vapor barriers,” ASHRAE Handbook recommendations.

Division 06 (Wood, Plastics, and Composites) of the Project Manual contains detailed specifications for finish carpentry and casework materials. This aligns with ARE Objective 2.1: Evaluate project manual sections for technical accuracy.

When a GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price) is established before the design is 100% complete and specific materials are not yet chosen, the correct approach is to specify allowances in the project manual.

An allowance is a fixed monetary amount for a specific scope item (e.g., flooring finishes) that allows the contractor to carry a cost in the bid/GMP until the actual product is selected. This ensures the GMP covers the item without delaying pricing.

A. Contingency — Is for unforeseen conditions, not specific unselected finishes.

B. Schedule of unit prices — Typically used for variable-quantity work, not for unknown product selection.

D. Alternate — Provides an option for substitution, but does not guarantee a base cost in the GMP.

PDD Reference: ARE 5.0 PDD “Project Manual and Specifications—Allowances, Alternates, and Unit Prices,” AIA A201 §3.8, CSI Division 01—General Requirements.

The energy code requirement R-13 + R-10 c.i. (continuous insulation) for above-grade walls necessitates adding/confirming a thermal insulation section that covers both cavity insulation (R-13) and continuous exterior insulation (R-10) (e.g., rigid boards, mineral wool boards). Section 072100—Thermal Insulation is the correct overarching specification.

072119 Foamed-In-Place is a product-specific section and not required unless using SPF as the c.i.

075419 PVC is roofing.

PDD Reference: IECC/ASHRAE 90.1 envelope compliance; CSI Div. 07—Thermal Insulation (072100) including rigid continuous insulation requirements

Elevations (A-03): material callouts, notes, and textures for every façade.

Wall sections (A-06): assembly build-ups change (continuous insulation, drainage plane, WRB, attachment to PEMB girts, control joints, weeps, and terminations).

Details (A-07): heads/sills/jambs, base of wall/grade, parapet, expansion and control joints, and transition flashing details must be revised for EIFS.

Sheets like A-00 (cover) or A-02 (plans) generally don’t carry the envelope system specifics and would not need detail changes for a cladding swap.

PDD refs: Drawings coordination—plans vs. elevations vs. sections/details; Division 07 EIFS system requirements; PEMB cladding interfaces.

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