PDD ARE 5.0 Project Development and Documentation Exam Questions and Answers

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.

Interpreting the Scenario

The owner is requesting rooftop access for residents, featuring a vegetated (green) roof, an elevated paver patio, and occupancy limited to 50 people. These revisions introduce new design requirements triggered by building codes (means of egress, structural loads, architectural representation) and coordination challenges across disciplines.

Why Each Selected Option is Required

Revise Exterior Elevations

The addition of a rooftop terrace and vegetated roof changes the building’s exterior appearance—its massing, parapets, materials, and possibly guardrail heights. These design changes must be reflected in the architectural drawings used for permit issuance and construction.

Provide an Exterior Exit Stair

Under the International Building Code (IBC) and general egress requirements, an occupied rooftop (used by people for recreation or amenities) must be safely accessible and egressed. Occupied roofs require a stairway—an exterior exit stair—rather than just a hatch or ladder ICC+6NYC+6The Building Code Forum+6NYC+4lapeyrestair.com+4NYC+4. This ensures the rooftop can serve as a legal means of egress.

Provide Additional Roof Details

Adding a vegetated roof system and a paver patio involves multiple layers (waterproofing, root barrier, drainage, structural substrate, pavers, possibly amenity loading, edge details, guardrails). The project manual and construction documents must include these specific details to ensure proper assembly and water protection.

Consult Structural Engineer

Vegetated roofs and paver patios introduce significant dead loads (soil, plants, saturated weight) and live loads (maintenance personnel, occupants). The structure must be verified to support these loads. Per green roof design standards, structural capacity must be evaluated early in the design process NYC. Consulting the structural engineer ensures safety and code compliance.

Why Other Options Do Not Apply

E. Consult elevator manufacturer

There's no indication that elevator access is required or available. Current code triggers elevator access only in specific scenarios (e.g., occupant loads exceeding certain thresholds combined with accessibility requirements). This project doesn’t suggest such a need.

F. Contact civil engineer

The rooftop change pertains to architectural detailing, structural capacity, and life safety—not site-wide civil issues like grading, stormwater, or utilities. While the vegetated roof may affect overall stormwater management, primary concerns still fall under architectural and structural domains. Typical ARE scope categories engage the geotech/environmental or landscape professional—not necessarily the civil engineer—unless broader site infrastructure is impacted.

From the exhibit, the existing wall has a total thermal resistance R = 4.12.

Overall heat transmission (U-value) is U = 1/R = 1/4.12 ≈ 0.24, which matches the figure.

If unfaced R‑19 batt insulation is added in the stud cavity, the total resistance increases by 19:

A math equations and numbers AI-generated content may be incorrect.

References (ARE PDD Study):

Architectural Graphic Standards—Thermal properties of envelope assemblies; R and U relationships.

Building Construction Illustrated (Ching)—Heat flow through walls and calculating U-values.

NCARB ARE 5.0 Handbook—PDD: Building Envelope performance and energy calculations.

The upper nut at the top connection in Option 2 (the nut above the upper tube beam, highlighted at left).

By moving the threaded rod off the member’s centroid in Option 2, the connection becomes eccentric. That eccentricity introduces a prying/bending moment at the rod/beam interface in addition to the vertical load from the banner and beam. In a through‑rod with a nut above and below the member, the bottom nut primarily resists the direct gravity load in the concentric case (Option 1). When eccentricity is added (Option 2), rotation of the member about the rod induces additional uplift on the top nut (prying action), thereby increasing the force in the top nut relative to the concentric case.

Hence, the nut that will realize the greater load due to the proposed change is the upper nut at the top connection.

References

NCARB ARE 5.0 PDD Handbook – Structural Systems & Detailing: Connections and eccentric loading.

AISC Steel Design Guide: Prying Action in Bolted Connections (eccentric connections increase tensile force on the “prying” fastener).

Ching, Building Construction Illustrated – Steel connections and load paths.

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.

Sheet piling is a type of earth retention system used in excavations to prevent soil collapse. Reasons include:

D. When the natural soil slope is too steep to remain stable, sheet piling acts as a vertical barrier.

E. When soil cannot support itself during excavation, sheet piles provide lateral support.

F. When excavation is adjacent to a property line or existing structure and adjacent soil must not be disturbed.

Options A (grade beam support), B (raked shoring), and C (pile cap support) are not typical or primary uses of sheet piling.

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

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.

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.

Where no public sewer is available, on-site wastewater treatment (septic tank + leach field) is required. This supports Objective 3.2, considering utility systems and site limitations.

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

In concrete technology, admixtures are used to modify properties of fresh or hardened concrete:

Air-entraining agents: Introduce microscopic air bubbles to improve freeze-thaw resistance; they do not increase slump.

Water-reducing agents: Reduce water content while maintaining slump; increase workability but only moderately.

Calcium chloride: An accelerator, speeds up setting time; does not increase slump.

Superplasticizers (also called high-range water reducers): Significantly increase the slump (workability) of concrete without adding extra water, making the mix more flowable and easier to place.

Thus, to greatly increase slump while maintaining water-cement ratio, the superplasticizer is the correct choice.

Supporting References:

NCARB ARE 5.0 Review Manual, Materials and Assemblies section

Portland Cement Association publications on admixtures

ACI (American Concrete Institute) guidelines on admixtures

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.

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.

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

(Interior climate of the space, Exterior climate of the building location, Thermal resistance properties of the materials, Orientation of the building, Compatibility of the materials with adjacent materials)

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

Selecting thermal insulation and moisture control assemblies requires a holistic approach considering multiple factors:

A. Interior climate of the space: Critical to determine required insulation levels and vapor barrier placement.

B. Exterior climate: Determines heating or cooling loads, moisture conditions, freeze-thaw cycles.

D. Thermal resistance properties: R-value of materials is fundamental in controlling heat flow.

E. Orientation of the building: Affects solar heat gain, exposure to wind-driven rain, and thus moisture control strategy.

F. Compatibility of materials: Important to avoid chemical or physical degradation, ensure proper adhesion, and maintain performance over time.

C. Type of HVAC system is important for overall building performance but not a primary factor in selecting insulation and moisture control assemblies themselves, which are more dependent on physical and climatic factors.

Supporting References:

NCARB ARE 5.0 Review Manual, Environmental Systems and Materials chapters

ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook (thermal insulation design)

Building Science Corporation’s guides on moisture control and thermal envelopes

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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Board‑and‑batten is a vertical siding system: wide vertical boards with narrow battens covering the joints; its detailing, drainage, and expansion behavior are intended for vertical application only.

By contrast, plain bevel (lap) siding is typically horizontal; V‑shiplap and V‑groove T&G can be detailed either direction depending on manufacturer, but are commonly horizontal on walls.

PDD References: Exterior wall cladding and detailing under “Materials & Assemblies—Exterior enclosure,” CSI Div. 06 & 07 application details.

In subsurface drainage system design:

The shape, size, and slope of drainage lines are selected primarily to achieve a desired flow velocity that prevents sedimentation and clogging but does not cause erosion.

Minimizing or maximizing flow is not the goal; the system must convey the design flow efficiently.

Velocity must be balanced — too low leads to sediment build-up; too high causes pipe damage.

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.

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.

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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).

IBC governs occupancy classification, occupant loads, and required means of egress. A 300-person taproom triggers egress path requirements under IBC Chapter 10. Objective 1.3 addresses code compliance.

Understanding the Context

The addition of a 4'-0" x 4'-0" storage closet accessible from the corridor is a design scope modification. Even though this might appear minor, in the context of a Design-Build project delivery method, any change in the scope or spatial layout directly impacts the contract documents. Since the delivery model combines design and construction responsibilities under a single entity, accuracy and clarity in the Owner-Contractor Agreements (AIA A101, A102, or A103) is critical.

Why A101, A102, and A103 Require Revisions

A101 – Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Contractor (Stipulated Sum):This document defines the scope, cost, and responsibilities of the contractor. Adding a storage closet may alter construction cost, schedule, or scope, which must be formally revised and incorporated via an amendment or change order.

A102 – Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Contractor (Cost of the Work Plus a Fee with GMP):Similar to A101, but applies to projects with a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP). The addition of new work, even small, may affect the GMP or contingency usage. Therefore, it also requires formal documentation of the scope change.

A103 – Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Contractor (Cost of the Work Plus a Fee without a GMP):Again, even though no GMP is involved, changes to project scope must be documented for cost tracking and accountability.

According to NCARB ARE 5.0 PDD Handbook – Section: Project Manual and Contract Documents:

“The architect must evaluate how any proposed revisions to the work affect the project’s scope, schedule, and budget. These revisions must be incorporated into the contract documents and may require issuing an amendment or modification to the contract.”

Furthermore, under Objective 4.2 – Evaluate and address changes in scope of work and scope creep, ARE candidates are expected to know when and how revisions impact contract documents.

In design-build delivery, all these contract forms must reflect any changes, even minor ones, because the contractor holds responsibility for both design and construction execution. Failure to reflect the change may lead to contractual disputes or unaccounted costs.

Why Other Options Do Not Apply

D. Building Systems Narrative:This narrative typically outlines the design intent and basis for HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems. A minor storage closet accessed from a corridor would not alter system layout or equipment sizing, and thus doesn't necessitate a revision to this document.

E. Initial Cost Estimate:While the estimate may eventually need updating during cost reconciliation, the question specifically asks which documents require revision. The initial estimate is a schematic-level document that doesn’t necessarily need to be revised for such a minor addition.

F. Specification Excerpts:Unless the closet introduces new materials (e.g., special finishes, fire-resistive construction, unique fixtures), the specifications remain unchanged. The closet is likely using standard finishes already defined elsewhere in the spec.

Key PDD Content Areas Referenced

Section: Construction Documentation – Identifying how changes affect working drawings and specifications.

Section: Contracts and Project Manual – Understanding the impact of scope changes on contract documents.

Objective 4.2 – Evaluate and address changes in scope of work and scope creep.

Objective 1.2 – Interpret contract documents to determine if revisions affect project scope, schedule, or budget.

Glass-fiber-reinforced concrete (GFRC) panels offer several advantages compared to architectural precast concrete panels:

GFRC panels are lighter due to their thin profile and use of fiber reinforcement, reducing structural load and facilitating installation.

Precast concrete panels are heavier and thicker.

Strength of GFRC is adequate but typically not higher than traditional precast.

Quality control and fabrication time are comparable or vary depending on the project and fabrication process.

Therefore, the significant advantage is decreased weight.

Understanding the Problem

This question is about historic masonry restoration — specifically, repointing deteriorated mortar joints in soft-brick buildings.

Historic bricks, especially those made before the early 20th century, are often much softer and more porous than modern high-fired bricks. The mortar originally used was also softer, usually lime-based, which allowed for thermal movement, moisture permeability, and protection of the brick units.

Why the Correct Answer is “Duplication of Original Mortar Strength”

Best practice in preservation (as outlined in the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties) is to match the original mortar in strength, composition, permeability, and appearance.

A mortar stronger than the original can cause the softer brick to crack or spall under thermal or moisture stresses, because the brick will end up being the weaker link and take the damage.

Duplication ensures that the new mortar works compatibly with the old masonry system — allowing for similar vapor transmission and structural flexibility.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

B. Increased mortar strength over the original mortar — This is harmful in historic soft-brick construction. Stronger cement-based mortars can trap moisture in the brick, leading to freeze-thaw damage and spalling.

C. A bond stronger than the brick — This would cause the brick to fail first when stress occurs, which is undesirable in preservation work.

D. Deeper joint profiles — Deeply raking out joints unnecessarily can damage surrounding brick edges and change the visual proportions; repointing depth should only be enough to remove deteriorated mortar (typically 2–2.5 times the joint width).

NCARB ARE 5.0 PDD Study Guide References:

Content Area: Integration of Building Materials & Systems — Historic Preservation Techniques

Key Resources:

The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation & Illustrated Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings

National Park Service Preservation Brief 2: “Repointing Mortar Joints in Historic Masonry Buildings”

Building Construction Illustrated — Masonry Restoration

Key Preservation Principle: “New mortar should match the historic mortar in composition, strength, and vapor permeability.”