Pass the NCARB Architect Registration Examination PDD Questions and answers with CertsForce

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.

Tripling the distillery and converting adjacent Tap Room areas to production introduces additional hazard (flammable liquids), changes occupancies/occupant loads, and requires updated fire separations and egress.

A-01 Life Safety Plan must be revised for occupancy classification, fire‐resistance ratings between uses, travel distances, exit widths/number, and signage.

A-03 Floor Plan must change to show new room uses, rated partitions/doors, openings, and equipment footprints.

A-04 Reflected Ceiling Plan must change for new/relocated rated assemblies at ceilings (e.g., continuity of fire/smoke barriers), sprinkler/exit sign/FA device locations, and any duct-damper/access changes.

Site (B), Roof (E), and Elevations (F) are not directly driven by the interior use change.

PDD refs: IBC Chs. 3, 5–10 (occupancy, separation, egress), coordination of architectural, fire protection, and MEP on drawings (Division 01).

Step-by-Step Reasoning

1. Identify the occupancies from the question:

Day care services → Occupant load factor = 35 net (from table in the exhibit)

Exercise classes → Occupant load factor = 50 gross (also from table in the exhibit, under "Exercise room")

2. Determine how to calculate the occupant load for multiple occupancies:

According to IBC 2018, Section 1004.1.2 (Areas without fixed seating) and NCARB PDD study materials:

When multiple occupancies share the same means of egress system, the occupant load for the whole space shall be the sum of the occupant loads of the various occupancies.

However, if the space is not divided and is used interchangeably (multipurpose), the most stringent occupant load factor is applied to the entire area.

3. Applying the code:

The multipurpose room is used for both daycare and exercise.

Since the same space is used for different functions at different times (not divided), the most restrictive occupant load factor (the smaller number) should be used.

Smaller occupant load factor = 35 net (Day care) vs. 50 gross (Exercise room).

4. Why “net” vs. “gross” matters here:

Net floor area excludes certain spaces like walls, corridors, mechanical rooms.

Gross floor area includes the entire footprint.

Even though “net” typically results in a smaller area, when calculating load factors, the smaller occupant load factor number results in a larger occupant load — making it more restrictive for egress.

5. Conclusion:

The correct occupant load factor to use for this multipurpose space = 35 net (Day care), as it results in the largest occupant load and is the most restrictive for egress design.

NCARB ARE 5.0 PDD Study Guide References:

Content Area: Code Analysis — Occupant Load & Egress Sizing

IBC 2018, Section 1004.1.2 — Areas without fixed seating, determining occupant load for multiple functions

Architectural Graphic Standards — Occupant Load Calculation examples

Building Codes Illustrated by Ching & Winkel — Chapter on Occupancy Load Factors and Egress Requirements

Designing a barrier-free (accessible) building entrance requires coordination among:

Door schedule: Door sizes, types, clearances, and thresholds

Hardware schedule: Handles, closers, locks, and accessibility hardware (e.g., lever handles, automatic operators)

Alarm system design: To ensure audible and visual alarms meet ADA requirements for people with disabilities, particularly for emergency egress

Other documents like electrical and structural plans are important but less directly related to barrier-free entrance compliance.

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.

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

Selecting trees for residential streets near a new development should prioritize:

Adaptability to local climate and soil conditions to ensure healthy growth and longevity.

While seasonal foliage, color, scale, and wildlife habitat are important, they are secondary to ensuring the tree can survive and thrive in the environment.

Dense root systems and wind resistance are considerations but often come after adaptability is confirmed.

The diagram shows a basement foundation wall below the water table. During heavy rains, the water table can rise, increasing hydrostatic pressure against foundation walls and under the slab.

Key concern:

While lateral water pressure against the walls is a factor, the question specifies "also a major concern". In this scenario, the water pressure beneath the slab can cause buoyant uplift — vertical upward pressure — known as hydrostatic uplift or floatation.

If this upward force exceeds the weight of the slab and the structure above, it can cause the slab to crack, lift, or fail — especially if there is no adequate under-slab drainage or tiedown anchors.

Why not the other options:

A. Moisture absorption of the concrete foundation wall — Concrete is porous, but waterproofing and drainage address this; not as critical in terms of structural threat as uplift.

B. Increased weight on the footings — Hydrostatic pressure acts laterally and upward; it does not significantly increase vertical load on footings in the same way dead load does.

D. Differential lateral pressure on total building structure — Lateral pressure affects the foundation walls, but "total building structure" is less directly impacted than the immediate risk to the slab from uplift.

NCARB PDD References:

ARE 5.0 Handbook — PDD Section: Site conditions and foundation systems

IBC 2018 Section 1805.4 — Waterproofing and drainage

Foundation Engineering principles — Hydrostatic uplift and buoyancy

NCARB PDD Study Guide Topic: Subsurface water control (sumps, drain tiles, hydrostatic relief)

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 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.