NCARB PDD Exam Dumps Questions and Answers

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.

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.

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.