PDD ARE 5.0 Project Development and Documentation Exam Questions and Answers

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.

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.

The owner’s request for review of ASIs (Architect's Supplemental Instructions), RFIs (Requests for Information), RFPs (Requests for Proposals), and change orders relates to contract modifications.

Section 01 26 00 in the project manual typically covers Contract Modification Procedures, including timelines and processes for handling these changes.

AIA Document A201 is the general conditions but does not detail specific timelines.

Supplementary Conditions modify A201 but usually don't detail these timelines.

Section 01 35 16 is specific to alteration projects, not general contract mod procedures.

In NCARB ARE 5.0 PDD, balconies are considered part of the building envelope and exterior assembly, requiring coordination between structural, architectural, and sometimes MEP elements. The project manual's specification sections for balconies should include all components integral to the balcony's construction and performance — not unrelated furnishings or general door types unless they are directly part of the balcony system.

Reasoning for each selection:

A. Drainage — REQUIRED:

Balconies must include drainage provisions to prevent standing water, freeze-thaw damage, and leakage into units. This is part of Division 07 (Thermal and Moisture Protection) in the CSI MasterFormat and directly tied to durability and code requirements.

B. Floor finish coating — REQUIRED:

The balcony surface finish must be specified for slip resistance, durability, weather resistance, and integration with waterproofing membranes. This is usually in Division 09 (Finishes) but referenced in Division 07 for waterproof coatings.

E. Guardrail anchoring — REQUIRED:

Structural anchorage details for the glass guardrail parapets must be specified to meet IBC load requirements (200 lb concentrated load per IBC 1607.8) and to ensure safety. This falls under Division 05 (Metals) or Division 05/08 integration.

F. Glazing system — REQUIRED:

Glass guardrails involve tempered or laminated safety glazing per IBC Chapter 24 and must be specified, including thickness, type, finish, and installation method.

Why the others are excluded:

C. Furnishings — NOT REQUIRED: Balconies may have furniture, but these are FF&E, not part of the construction scope in the balcony specification.

D. Door types — NOT REQUIRED: Doors leading to balconies are part of the exterior wall fenestration package, not the balcony construction section.

NCARB PDD References:

ARE 5.0 Handbook — PDD Section: Integration of building systems and detailing of assemblies

CSI MasterFormat Divisions 05, 07, 08, 09 for balcony scope items

IBC 2018 Sections 1607.8, 1015 for guardrail design

In PDD, the architect must coordinate consultant drawings. When a conflict exists (here, duct vs. beam), the best course is to ask the responsible engineer (mechanical) to reroute the ductwork to clear the beam. As per ARE 5.0 Handbook Objective 3.1, the architect is expected to "coordinate building systems and their integration."

(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

In the provided pressure-plate curtain wall mullion detail, the thermal break is typically located between the interior and exterior aluminum components of the mullion to prevent conductive heat transfer.

✅ Thermal Break Location:

Look for the black or dark shaded strip in the middle of the mullion where the two separate metal parts meet — this strip is a non-metallic insulating material (usually polyamide or other plastic) that interrupts the metal-to-metal connection between interior and exterior.

In this image, the thermal break is located:

➡️ In the vertical center of the mullion, between the inner and outer aluminum extrusions, where a black isolator or separator is shown (just above and below the screw/fastener).

Clicking on this narrow dark band (thermal isolator) between the inner and outer components of the curtain wall mullion would be the correct hotspot answer.

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

Reflected ceiling plans (RCPs) show locations of diffusers, lighting, ceiling grids, etc. Critical for coordinating mechanical with electrical and architectural elements. Related to Objective 3.1: Coordination of disciplines.

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.

When the mechanical unit on a utility mezzanine increases in size:

The structural engineer must confirm the mezzanine can support the increased weight and dynamic loads of the larger unit.

The architect coordinates with the structural engineer to ensure structural integrity.

The building owner is informed but not responsible for technical assessment.

The authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) oversees code compliance but not structural verification.

Accessibility consultant deals with accessibility issues, not mechanical equipment sizing.

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.

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 the Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling, the critical path is the longest sequence of dependent activities that determines the project duration.

Site work typically involves grading, excavation, underground utilities, and foundation preparation.

Site work must proceed in a linear, sequential manner: earthwork must finish before foundation pours; utilities are installed before slabs.

These activities are dependent on each other and cannot be done in parallel or out of order.

Therefore, site work forms a continuous chain of dependent activities on the critical path.

Other options are less relevant to CPM critical path logic:

Site work costs or retainage do not influence CPM scheduling.

Short interval scheduling is a project control technique, not a CPM determinant.

The scope involves interior renovation of an existing school reception office, limited to the footprint and protecting existing ceiling and fixtures. Additional staff is not proposed, and construction is during a defined 10-week summer break.

Plumbing is unlikely to require new or modified systems unless specified; not mentioned here.

Structural changes are not indicated since footprint remains same and no structural modifications are noted.

Mechanical changes would typically be required if HVAC or ventilation systems are altered, but the ceiling and fixtures (likely including diffusers) must be protected and are presumably left unchanged.

Electrical modifications are common in interior renovations to accommodate lighting, power outlets, communication systems, and potentially security or reception technology updates.

Thus, electrical drawings should be included to cover these updates.

With outdoor below freezing and indoor RH ~40% continuously, interior vapor will migrate outward. If a proper interior-side vapor barrier/retarder is missing, moisture moves through the wall and can condense and freeze at the cold exterior stone, forming visible ice. Insulation, air spaces, or rain screens help heat/moisture management, but the symptom (ice due to vapor diffusion) points specifically to the lack of an interior vapor barrier in a cold-climate assembly.

PDD references: Moisture control & vapor retarder strategy in cold climates; condensation diagnostics (ASHRAE Fundamentals; ARE 5.0 PDD—Envelope moisture control).

For barrier-free (ADA) accessible routes, operable parts such as door hardware must be usable with one hand and not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist (2010 ADA Standards §404.2.7). Lever handles meet this requirement because they can be operated by users with limited grip strength or dexterity.

A. Grip handles with thumbpieces — Often require pinching or twisting; not compliant for barrier-free.

B. Knurled knobs — Non-compliant because they require twisting and strong grip; also typically used for hazardous rooms as a tactile warning.

D. Panic devices — Allowed in certain egress conditions but not the universal ADA hardware requirement for standard accessible doors.

PDD Reference: ARE 5.0 Handbook, PDD “Codes and Regulations—Accessibility,” 2010 ADA Standards §404.2.7, ICC A117.1 Accessibility Standard.

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.

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

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.

Green roofing adds significant dead loads due to soil and water retention layers. Structural engineers must verify load-bearing capacity. This is tied to ARE Objective 3.2 on evaluating integration of building systems.

Converting two existing 2-bedroom units into two 1-bedroom units each yields two additional dwelling units total, while keeping every unit on an exterior wall for light/vent and maintaining typical plumbing stacks/egress.

A introduces two studios (size/layout risk) and alters a lower-floor stack; more coordination risk.

C converts a Laundry (likely interior and serving the building) into a unit—problematic for light/ventilation and building services.

PDD refs: IBC R-2 unit planning, light/ventilation, egress; planning & stacking strategies to minimize rework.

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.”

When new plan‐review rules require 1-hour fire-resistance for storage rooms >150 sf, the least cost/time/program impact is typically a 1-hour gypsum board assembly (metal studs with Type X on each side per UL/GA listings).

A. CMU: durable but higher material and labor cost; heavier, slower to install.

C/D. Splitting rooms: Avoids the rating but disrupts program, adds doors/partitions, circulation, and can increase costs and complexity.

PDD References: IBC Ch. 7 Fire & Smoke Protection Features; GA/UL fire‐rated wall assemblies; ARE 5.0 PDD—Code compliance strategies and cost/time implications of alternative assemblies.

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

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.