bs exam guide

23
RE Building Systems Overview a Knowledge / Skills 1 Sample Multiple-Choice Questions 6 Sample Multiple-Choice Answers 16 Mechanical & Electrical Plan Vignette 17 Sample Passing Solution 19 Sample Failing Solution 20 References 21 This document, effective July 2011 supersedes all previous editions of the ARE® 4.0 Exam Guide: Building Systems. Please check NCARB’s web site, www.ncarb.org, regularly for updates to the ARE 4.0 Exam Guides and for the most current information regarding the ARE. Copyright © 2011 EXAM GUIDE

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Page 1: Bs Exam Guide

REBuilding Systems

Overview aKnowledge / Skills 1

Sample Multiple-Choice Questions 6Sample Multiple-Choice Answers 16

Mechanical & Electrical Plan Vignette 17Sample Passing Solution 19Sample Failing Solution 20

References 21

This document, effective July 2011 supersedes allprevious editions of the ARE® 4.0 Exam Guide: Building Systems.

Please check NCARB’s web site, www.ncarb.org, regularlyfor updates to the ARE 4.0 Exam Guides and for the

most current information regarding the ARE.Copyright © 2011

EXAM GUIDE

Page 2: Bs Exam Guide

BuildingSystems

95 MC Questions+

1Vignette

Overview

Sample Multiple-Choice Questions

Mechanical &ElectricalPlanVignette

References

aJuly 2011 ARE® 4.0

Knowledge/Skills

REBuildingSystems

95 MC Questions+

1Vignette

Overview

Building Systems

a

Content Areas

1. CODES & REGULATIONS(5-8 percent of scored items)

2. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES(10-15 percent of scored items)

3. PLUMBING(10-15 percent of scored items))

4. HVAC(18-23 percent of scored items)

5. ELECTRICAL(10-15 percent of scored items)

6. LIGHTING(18-23 percent of scored items)

7. SPECIALTIES(14-19 percent of scored items)

Vignettes

MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL PLANDevelop a reflected ceiling plan that integrates ceiling, light-ing, mechanical, and structural systems andincorporates life safety considerations.

DIVISION STATEMENTEvaluate, select, and integrate mechanical, electrical, and specialty systems in building design and construction.

OVERVIEW

Page 3: Bs Exam Guide

BuildingSystems

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1Vignette

Overview

Sample Multiple-Choice Questions

Mechanical &ElectricalPlanVignette

References

1July 2011 ARE® 4.0

Knowledge/Skills

Building Systems

RE

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS

1. CODES & REGULATIONS(5-8 percent of scored items)

A. Incorporate building codes, specialty codes, andother regulatory requirements in the design of me-chanical, electrical, plumbing, conveying, and otherspecialty systems.

1. Government and Regulatory Requirements andPermit ProcessesBuilding and life-safety codes affecting mechanical, elec-trical, acoustic, and lighting systems including thermaland moisture protection and adaptive reuse.

2. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES(10-15 percent of scored items)

A. Apply sustainable design principles to the selection,design, and construction of building systems.

1. Building DesignExamine environmental and sustainable principlesand theories affecting the design of buildingengineering systems.

2. Building Systems and their IntegrationConsider relative environmental and sustainabledesign principles and details for integration intobuilding engineering systems.

3. Implications of Design DecisionsAssess the impact of design decisions on aspects suchas universal design, construction cost, operating costs,construction schedules, and flexibility.

4. Construction DetailsExamine construction details for buildingengineering systems pertaining to environmentaland sustainable design.

5. Indoor Air QualityExamine the effects of building engineering systemsand design on the quality of indoor air and relatedhealth issues.

6. Sustainable DesignManage adaptive reuse, recycling, and renewable re-sources related to engineering building system selectionand design. Analyze environmental design and princi-ples of building engineering systems related to life cycle,operations and maintenance analysis. Review resourcemanagement and conservation principles affecting theuse of materials and energy consumption in buildingdesign, including the selection and use of energy, en-ergy conservation, and waste management.

7. Natural and Artificial LightingUtilize environmental design principles, theories, anddetails to determine the appropriate form of lightingsuch as daylight, solar control, energy consumption, andartificial lighting.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLSThe division has been broken down into a listing of knowledge and skills directly related to each major content area.

Page 4: Bs Exam Guide

BuildingSystems

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Overview

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Mechanical &ElectricalPlanVignette

References

2July 2011 ARE® 4.0

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Building Systems

RE

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS

8. Alternative Energy Systems and NewTechnologiesInvestigate the environmental effects of the use of newenergy systems, technological advances and innovativebuilding products in building engineering systems design.

9. Adaptive Reuse of Buildings and/or MaterialsIdentify environmental issues related to the reuse ofexisting building engineering systems and the integra-tion of new building engineering systems into existingor heritage buildings.

3. PLUMBING(10-15 percent of scored items)

A. PRINCIPLESAnalyze and design plumbing systems.

1. Building DesignApply theory and principles of plumbing systems as acomponent of building design.

2. Implications of Design DecisionsDetermine the effects of plumbing systems design deci-sions and selection on issues such as construction cost,operating costs, construction schedules, and flexibility.

B. MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGYAnalyze and design plumbing systems.

1. Building Systems and their IntegrationConsider integration and effects of plumbing designprinciples, systems, and details on the overall design of abuilding with consideration to technological advancesand innovative building products.

2. Construction Details and ConstructabilityExamine plumbing system details, including the aspectsof constructability and thermal and moisture protection.

4. HVAC(18-23 percent of scored items)

A. PRINCIPLESAnalyze and design heating, ventilating, and airconditioning systems.

1. Building DesignApply theory and principles of HVAC systems as acomponent of building design.

2. Implications of Design DecisionsDetermine the effects of HVAC systems design decisionsand selection on issues such as construction cost,operating costs, construction schedules, and flexibility.

3. Indoor Air QualityApply principles and theory of HVAC systems and designeffects to determine impact on the quality of indoor airand related health issues.

B. MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGYEvaluate and select materials and constructiondetails related to heating, ventilating, and airconditioning systems.

1. Building Systems and their IntegrationExamine integration and effects of HVAC design princi-ples, systems, and details on the overall design of abuilding considering technological advances and inno-vative building products.

Page 5: Bs Exam Guide

BuildingSystems

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Overview

Sample Multiple-Choice Questions

Mechanical &ElectricalPlanVignette

References

3July 2011 ARE® 4.0

Knowledge/Skills

Building Systems

RE

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS

2. Construction Details and ConstructabilityIdentify and analyze HVAC system details includingthe aspects of constructability.

3. Thermal and Moisture ProtectionApply detailed principles and analysis of thermaland moisture protection of HVAC systems.

5. ELECTRICAL(10-15 percent of scored items)

A. PRINCIPLESAnalyze and design electrical systems.

1. Building DesignApply theory and principles of electrical systems asa component of building design.

2. Implications of Design DecisionsDetermine the effects of electrical systems designdecisions and selection on issues such as construc-tion cost, operating costs, construction schedules,and flexibility.

B. MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGYEvaluate and select materials and constructiondetails related to electrical systems.

1. Building Systems and their IntegrationExamine electrical design principles, systems, and detailsand determine the effects of integrating into the overalldesign of a building considering technological advancesand innovative building products.

2. Construction Details and ConstructabilityIdentify and analyze electrical system detailsincluding the aspects of constructability.

6. LIGHTING(18-23 percent of scored items)

A. PRINCIPLESAnalyze and design natural and artificiallighting systems.

1. Building DesignApply theory and principles of electrical systems asa component of building design.

2. Implications of Design DecisionsDetermine the effects of lighting systems designdecisions and selection on issues such as construc-tion cost, operating costs, construction schedules,and flexibility.

3. Natural and Artificial LightingDesign principles and theories related todaylight, solar control, energy consumption, andartificial lighting.

B. MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGYEvaluate and select materials and constructiondetails related to natural and artificial lightingsystems.

1. Building Systems and their IntegrationExamine integration and effects of lighting designprinciples, systems, and details on the overall designof a building considering technological advances andinnovative building products.

2. Construction Details and ConstructabilityIdentify and analyze lighting system details includingthe aspects of constructability.

Page 6: Bs Exam Guide

BuildingSystems

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4July 2011 ARE® 4.0

Knowledge/Skills

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KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS

3. Natural and Artificial LightingDesign components and details related to daylight, solarcontrol, energy consumption, and artificial lighting.

7. SPECIALTIES(14-19 percent of scored items)

A. ACOUSTICSEvaluate, select, and design acoustical systems.

1. Building DesignApply theory and principles of acoustic systems as acomponent of building design.

2. Building Systems and their IntegrationExamine integration and effects of acoustic designprinciples, systems, and details on the overall design ofa building considering technological advances andinnovative building products.

3. Implications of Design DecisionsDetermine the effects of acoustic systems designdecisions and selection on issues such as construc-tion cost, operating costs, construction schedules,and flexibility.

4. Construction Details and ConstructabilityIdentify and analyze acoustic system detailsincluding the aspects of constructability.

B. COMMUNICATIONS & SECURITYEvaluate, select, and design communicationsand security systems.

1. Building DesignApply theory and principles of acoustic systems asa component of building design.

2. Building Systems and their IntegrationExamine integration and effects of communications andsecurity design principles, systems, and details on theoverall design of a building considering technologicaladvances and innovative building products.

3. Implications of Design DecisionsDetermine the effects of communications andsecurity systems design decisions and selection onissues such as construction cost, operating costs,construction schedules, and flexibility.

4. Construction Details and ConstructabilityIdentify and analyze communications andsecurity system details including the aspects ofconstructability.

C. CONVEYING SYSTEMSEvaluate, select, and design elevators, escalators,moving walkways, and other conveying systems.

1. Building DesignApply theory and principles of conveying systems asa component of building design.

2. Building Systems and their IntegrationExamine integration and effects of conveying systemsdesign principles and details on the overall design of abuilding considering technological advances and inno-vative building products.

Page 7: Bs Exam Guide

BuildingSystems

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Mechanical &ElectricalPlanVignette

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Knowledge/Skills

Building Systems

RE

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS

3. Implications of Design DecisionsDetermine the effects of conveying systems designdecisions and selection on issues, such as construc-tion cost, operating costs, construction schedules,and flexibility.

4. Construction Details and ConstructabilityIdentify and analyze conveying system details includingthe aspects of constructability.

D. FIRE DETECTION AND SUPPRESSIONEvaluate, select, and design fire detection andsuppression systems.

1. Building DesignApply theory and principles of fire detection and sup-pression systems as a component of building design.

2. Building Systems and their IntegrationExamine integration and the effects of fire detection andsuppression design principles, systems, and details onthe overall design of a building considering technologi-cal advances and innovative building products.

3. Implications of Design DecisionsDetermine the effects of fire detection and suppressionsystems design decisions and selection on issues such asconstruction cost, operating costs, construction sched-ules, and flexibility.

4. Construction Details and ConstructabilityIdentify and analyze fire detection and suppression sys-tem details including the aspects of constructability.

Page 8: Bs Exam Guide

1. If, for one 12-hour day, an office area uses 1,000 watts perhour of lighting, what is the energy cost of providing thelighting, based on a unit cost of 8 cents per kilowatt-hour?

2. If the unit price of a central air-conditioning system is$1,000 per ton, what would be the total cost of a systemable to provide cooling (refrigeration) for 96,000Btu/h [28.2 kW]?

dollars

3. A waste line on a sloping lot must be run a horizontal dis-tance of 75 feet [22.86 m]. The vertical rise has been calcu-lated to be 9.75 feet [2.97 m]. The percent grade of thewaste line will be

percent

4. In the single-line diagram of a typical electricaldistribution system (below), which is the branch circuit?� A� B� C� D

5. Which of the following terms is defined as "water testedto be suitable for bathing, cooking, and consumptionby humans"?�Well water� Groundwater� Potable water� Grey water

6. Electrical receptacles in a residential bathroom arerequired to be installed:� no lower than 4 ft [1 200 mm] above the floor� below the level of toilet or lavatory fixtures� with ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection� at a minimum of 6 ft [1 800 mm] from a tub or shower

BuildingSystems

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SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS

6July 2011 ARE® 4.0

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Building SystemsOverview

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Mechanical &ElectricalPlanVignette

References

Knowledge/Skills

Updated August 2009

Page 9: Bs Exam Guide

7. Which of the following can be used most effectively to limitlow-frequency sounds in an HVAC system?� Turning vanes� Duct lining�Mufflers� Dampers

8. Which of the following plumbing fixture types is NOTpermitted to connect to a waste stack vent?� Bidets� Utility sink� Lavatories�Water closets

9. The flush control for a handicapped accessible urinal is amaximum of how many inches above the floor?� 36 in� 40 in� 44 in� 48 in

10. The following graphs show monthly energy consump-tion in kWh for four "all-electric" buildings located at36° north latitude. If all four buildings have the same floorarea, which graph shows the building that will probablybenefit most from an energy-conserving retrofit thatemphasizes reduction of lighting energy?

11. Which piping material has the highest coefficient ofthermal expansion?� Plastic� Steel� Cast iron� Glass

BuildingSystems

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SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS

7July 2011 ARE® 4.0

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Building SystemsOverview

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Mechanical &ElectricalPlanVignette

References

Knowledge/Skills

� � � �

Page 10: Bs Exam Guide

12. When found in a building's indoor air, carbon monoxide,radon, formaldehyde, and nicotine are all classified as� ventilation components� hydrocarbon-fuel emissions� building-materials emissions� indoor-air contaminants

13. Lightning protection can be provided to a building bywhich of the following?I. A system of lightning rods and conductors extended

to the groundII. An overhead grid of wire conductors extended to the

groundIII. A system of lightning rods connected to the build-

ing's steel frame and then to the ground

� I and II only� I and III only� II and III only� I, II, and III

14. In the diagram above, which valve type should be used atposition 3?

� �

� �

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Building SystemsOverview

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Mechanical &ElectricalPlanVignette

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Knowledge/Skills

Page 11: Bs Exam Guide

15. The diagram above schematically illustrates a typicalchiller and cooling tower cycle. At which point is the com-pressor located?� A� B� C� D

16. The U-value of a wall assembly includes resistanceallowances for each of the following factors EXCEPT� air spaces� orientation� interior air film� exterior air film

17. A developer wants to construct a 15-story office buildingwith approximately 10,000 square feet [930 m2] of grossfloor area per floor. Which of the following electricaldistribution systems would best meet the developer's re-quirement and be most economical in terms of initial costas well as later operational costs?� 120/208-volt, three-phase, 4-wire� 120/240-volt, single-phase, 3-wire� 120/240-volt, three-phase, 3-wire� 277/480 -volt, three-phase, 4-wire

BuildingSystems

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Building SystemsOverview

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Mechanical &ElectricalPlanVignette

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Knowledge/Skills

Page 12: Bs Exam Guide

18. In the diagram above of a house in the Northern Hemi-sphere, the windows are positioned to achieve the bestsolar gain as well as sun protection. In what direction arethe windows facing?� North� South� East�West

19. Which of the following is the term for the persistence ofsound reflected from surfaces of enclosed spaces?� Creep� Dampening� Frequency� Reverberation

20. In the drawing above of a refrigeration system for a largebuilding, what is the term for E ?� Cooling coil� Cooling tower� Dehumidifier� Heat pump

BuildingSystems

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Page 13: Bs Exam Guide

21. When a jurisdiction is governed by national, state[provincial], and local building codes, and provisions inat least two of these codes conflict, which code takesprecedence?� The local code� The state [provincial] code� The national code� The most stringent or restrictive code

22. The diagrams below represent outlet connectionsfrom blowers to ductwork in a forced-air system.Which one illustrates the connection with the leastdischarge resistance?

� �

� �

23. Which of the following HVAC systems would have thehighest operating cost for a large office building?� Single-zone, constant volume� Variable air volume� Double-duct, constant volume� Constant volume reheat

24. In calculations of lighting levels, the coefficient ofutilization is defined as the percentage of total lamplumens that� leave the luminaire� reach the work plane� are lost because of lamp age� are lost because of environmental dust

25. Single-duct, variable air volume systems are more energy-efficient than constant air volume systems because invariable air volume systems� the use of variable-pitch blades or variable-speed fansallows air volume to be modulated from zero to therequired demand

� fans run at their most efficient speed at all times and airvolume is controlled by manual dampers

� duct sizes can be reduced, thus saving initial andfinance costs

� lower-voltage equipment is needed

BuildingSystems

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Page 14: Bs Exam Guide

26. The diagram above indicates the use of which of thefollowing devices to control lighting from two locations?� Two single-pole, single-throw switches� Two single-pole, double-throw switches� Two double-pole, double-throw switches� Two three-pole, double-throw switches

27. The name given to units of sound absorption is� decibels� degrees� sabins� watts

28. Noise generated within a space can be most effectivelycontrolled by� absorption� reflection� focusing� diffusion

29. On a given site, which of the following would NOT berelevant to life-cycle costing?� Design fees� Land costs� Salvage value� Repair costs

30. Which of the following items is NOT required for plumbingwaste-drainage systems?� Trap� Vacuum breaker� Vent� Cleanout

31. Which of the following may be a source of a building'sheat loss?� Air infiltration� Occupants� Insolation� Electric lighting

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Building SystemsOverview

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Knowledge/Skills

Page 15: Bs Exam Guide

32. The sun is lowest in the sky in the northern hemisphere onthe day of the� vernal equinox� summer solstice� autumnal equinox� winter solstice

33. What is the term for Z in the drawing above?� Resilient hanger� Flexible coupling� Paver pedestal� Vibration isolator

34. The diagram above shows a typical overhead electricservice to a multiple residence. What is the nameof item C?� Ground rod� Breaker� Disconnect switch� Switch box

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Page 16: Bs Exam Guide

35. What is the name for X in the riser diagram above?� Cleanout� Vent� Drain� Trap

36. A four-pipe fan-coil system functions as which ofthe following?� A heating and cooling system� An evaporative cooling system� A domestic hot-water recirculation system� A high-rise fire-safety system

37. Which component in the diagram above represents thepressure relief valve?� A� B� C� D

38. In contrast to wet-pipe sprinkler systems, dry-pipesprinkler systems are used because they� are lighter and less expensive to install� have fewer valves and fittings to maintain� will not freeze in unheated spaces� contain water and will not corrode as fast

BuildingSystems

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Sample Multiple-Choice Questions

Mechanical &ElectricalPlanVignette

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Knowledge/Skills

ROOF

TUB

LAV.LAV.

W.C.W.C.

LAV.

LAV.W.C.TUB

BARSINK

GRADE

WALL

FLOOR

Page 17: Bs Exam Guide

39. The psychrometric chart plots which of the followingfactors? Check the two that apply.� A. Relative humidity� B. Air motion� C. Mean radiant temperature� D. Air temperature� E. Convection current� F. Surface temperature

40. The equation (U) x (area) x (temperature difference) =heat gain often underestimates summer heat gainthrough a building roof because heat flow through theroof is also affected by (Check the three that apply):� A. Entropy� B. Roof color� C. Roof mass� D. Roof texture� E. Time of day� F. Relative humidity

41. Which of the following fixtures or types of equipmentmust have their waste outlets equipped with air gapsadequate to prevent contamination due to any possiblebackup of sewage through the waste piping? Check thetwo that apply.� A. Refrigerators� B. Heat recovery units� C. Water closets� D. Bathtubs� E. Sterilizers� F. Waste interceptors

42. Which of the following terms are used in describing heatflow? Check the four that apply.� A. Convection� B. Conduction� C. Suction� D. Radiation� E. Enthalpy� F. Conveyance

BuildingSystems

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Page 18: Bs Exam Guide

1. $0.962. 8,000 dollars3. 13.00 percent4. D5. Potable water6. with ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection7. Duct lining8. Water closets9. 44 in10.

11. Plastic12. indoor-air contaminants13. I, II, and III14.

15. B16. orientation17. 277/480 -volt, three-phase, 4-wire18. South19. Reverberation20. Cooling tower21. The most stringent or restrictive code

22.

23. Constant volume reheat24. reach the work plane25. the use of variable-pitch blades or variable-speed fans

allows air volume to be modulated from zero to therequired demand

26. Two single-pole, double-throw switches27. sabins28. absorption29. Land costs30. Vacuum breaker31. Air infiltration32. winter solstice33. Vibration isolator34. Ground rod35. Cleanout36. A heating and cooling system37. C38. will not freeze in unheated spaces39. A, D40. B, C, E41. A, E42. A, B, D, E

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SAMPLE QUESTIONS ANSWERS

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Updated August 2009

Page 19: Bs Exam Guide

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MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL PLAN VIGNETTE

General Tips for Taking Mechanical & Electrical Plan DirectionsComplete the partially completed reflected ceiling plan on thework screen by (1) providing a grid for acoustical tile, (2) locat-ing lighting fixtures to achieve specified light intensity, and (3)developing a schematic HVAC plan complete with fire dampersand air diffusers, ductwork, and return-air grilles to meetspecified air distribution requirements. It is recommended thatthe ceiling layout be completed before ducts are added. Yoursolution must be contained within the perimeter walls of theoverall space.

The completed plan should reflect effective coordination andintegration of structural, mechanical, and electrical units withinthe ceiling grid and should provide for maximum flexibility forfurniture layouts at the most economical cost.

Before beginning your solution, you should review theprogram information and lighting diagrams that can beaccessed through the Vignette Index screen and familiarizeyourself with the partially completed plan on the work screen.

ProgramA reflected ceiling plan for an architect’s office is to beprepared. The space is in a multistory building and isenclosed by leaseable office space on one side, a corridoron another, and two exterior walls. The client wants flexibilityfor furniture placement, efficient lighting levels, and acomfortable environment.

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Overview

Sample Multiple-Choice Questions

Mechanical &ElectricalPlanVignette

References

Knowledge/Skills

Use the “Rotate” toolto properly orient allfire dampers.

Draw flex ductto all diffusers,even if theytouch or overlaprigid ducts.

Page 20: Bs Exam Guide

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MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL PLAN VIGNETTE

Comply with the following requirements to develop thereflected ceiling plan:

Suspended Ceiling System1. Provide a 2 ft X 4 ft grid with lay-in acoustical tiles

in all spaces.2. All ceiling heights are 9 ft above the finished floor.3. Typical walls terminate 6 inches above the finished ceiling;

bearing walls and fire-rated walls extend to the bottom ofthe floor deck above.

Lighting SystemLighting layouts should be efficient and should minimizeoverlighting and underlighting.1. For all spaces, use only recessed fluorescent fixtures to

provide uniform light distribution with a light level ofapproximately 50 footcandles measured at desk level(3 ft above the finished floor).

2. In addition to the fluorescent fixtures required above,provide recessed accent light fixtures.� Locate the accent light fixtures along the west wallof the Architect’s Office so that the direct light levelon the wall at a height of 5 ft above the floor is 80footcandles.

� Space the accent light fixtures so that the lightlevel between the fixtures at 5 ft above the floor is80 footcandles.

� The accent light fixtures should not be considered indetermining the uniform light distribution levels.

� The recessed fluorescent fixtures should not beconsidered in determining the accent light levels.

HVAC SystemThe space is served by the supply andreturn risers within the shaft indicated onthe floor plan. The HVAC system shouldprovide for uniform air distribution withan economical duct layout conforming tothe following restrictions:1. Provide a minimum of one supply

diffuser and one return-air grille ineach space. An acceptable airdistribution pattern includes onesupply diffuser and one return-airgrille for every 144 ft2 of floor area(or portion thereof ) in each space.

2. Connect each supply diffuser tothe rigid supply duct system withflexible duct.� Do not exceed 10 ft forflexible duct lengths.

3. Return-air grilles are open to theceiling space, which serves as areturn-air plenum.� Connect the plenum to thereturn riser with rigid duct.

4. Protect duct openings in fire-ratedwalls with fire dampers.

5. Flexible ducts fit through joist webs.6. Rigid ducts fit under beams, in

spaces between joists, and in azone that extends 2 ft on eitherside of beams and bearing wallsin plan view.� Rigid ducts do not fit through joists orbetween the bottom of joists and the ceiling.

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Lighting Diagrams

Overview

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Knowledge/Skills

RECESSED FLUORESCENTFIXTURE (2’X4’) END(Grid Units in Feet)

RECESSED FLUORESCENTFIXTURE (2’X4’) SIDE(Grid Units in Feet)

RECESSED FLUORESCENTFIXTURE (2’X2’)(Grid Units in Feet)

Distribution is the same for sidesand ends of fixture

RECESSED ACCENT FIXTURE(Grid Units in Feet)

Distribution is the same allaround fixture

Page 21: Bs Exam Guide

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MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL PLAN VIGNETTE - Sample Passing Solution

The best way to solve this vignette is to start with the ceilinggrid, keeping the possible light spacing in mind. This solutionhas the correct number of supply diffusers and return-air grillesin each room and the lighting is spaced correctly throughout.All supply diffusers are connected to the rigid supply duct withflexible duct. All flexible duct runs are shorter than the 10-footmaximum allowed and serve a single diffuser. While the rigid

ducts may run anywhere parallel (and between) the joists, theymay not run perpendicular to the joists except within two feetof bearing walls or beams. This solution resolves that correctly.Fire dampers provided at the chase penetrations are orientedcorrectly, and the return duct properly extends into theplenum area.

19July 2011 ARE® 4.0

Building Systems

Rigid return ductonly needs to pene-trate wall as shown.

Recessed accentlighting is usedwhere requiredby program.

Correct separation ofsupply diffusers andreturn-air grillesshown throughout.

Correct use of firedampers in ratedwall.

Rigid ducts thatrun perpendicu-lar to joists mustbe within 2'-0" ofbeam or bearingwall.

Procedural Tips� Familiarize yourself with thecontents of each layer by turningthe layers on and off.

� There are three ways to realign aceiling grid.� Use themove,adjust tool andclick anywhere within thegrid to shift the cells withinthe perimeter of the gridrectangle.

� Use themove,adjust tool andclick on an edge of the gridrectangle to increase ordecrease the length or widthof the entire grid rectangle.

� Use themove group tool andclick on any part of the grid tomove the entire grid rectangleelsewhere.

� The rotate tool in this vignetteworks without the wand. To rotatean element:� Click on the rotate icon.� Click on the element you wantto rotate. If it is rotatable, it willrotate 90 degrees every timeyou click on it.

� The rotate tool will change theorientation of the ceiling grid.

� When elements overlap, you mayhave trouble selecting a particularelement. If this happens, keepclicking (without moving themouse) until the desired elementhighlights.

Overview

Sample Multiple-Choice Questions

Mechanical &ElectricalPlanVignette

References

Knowledge/Skills

Page 22: Bs Exam Guide

BuildingSystems

95 MC Questions+

1Vignette

MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL PLAN VIGNETTE - Sample Failing Solution

The rigid duct runs perpendicular to the joists farther than twofeet from the beam along the north wall. The ConferenceRoom only has one supply diffuser and one return-air grillewhen two of each are required by the area calculation givenin the program. The one supply diffuser provided in theReception/Secretary area sits directly under the rigid duct but

is not connected by flex duct as required. In the DraftingStudio, the flex duct is also used to connect two supplydiffusers in a series which is prohibited by the program. Thelights are spaced too far apart in some locations to achievethe required lighting levels.

20July 2011 ARE® 4.0

Building Systems Tools You MightFind Useful� Zoom to help you lay out theceiling grid

� Full-screen cursor to help youline up elements

Overview

Sample Multiple-Choice Questions

Mechanical &ElectricalPlanVignette

References

Knowledge/Skills

Rigid duct isshown greaterthan 2'-0" fromsteel beam.

Missing one supplydiffuser and onereturn-air grille.

Flex ductconnectionmissing.

Inadequatelighting level inDrafting Studio.

Lighting is spacedtoo far apart.

Single flex ductcannot supply twodiffusers.

Fire damperused incorrectly.

Page 23: Bs Exam Guide

Architectural Acoustics, Principals & PracticeCavanaugh, WilkesJohnWiley & Sons, 1999

Architectural Graphic StandardsCharles G. Ramsey and Harold R. SleeperThe American Institute of ArchitectsJohnWiley & Sons, latest edition

ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbookwww.ashrae.org2002-2005

Green Building Materials: A Guide to Product Selectionand SpecificationSecond EditionRoss Spiegel and Dru MeadowsJohnWiley & Sons, 2006

Handbook of Utilities and Services for Buildings: Planning, Design,and InstallationCyril M. HarrisMcGraw-Hill, 1990

Handbook on Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators (A17.1)CSA 844American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2004www.asme.org

Heating, Cooling, and Lighting: Design Methods for ArchitectsNorbert LechnerJohnWiley & Sons, latest edition

Inside Out: Design Procedures for Passive Environmental DesignG. Z. Brown et al.JohnWiley & Sons, 1982

Mechanical & Electrical Equipment for BuildingsTenth EditionBenjamin Stein and John S. ReynoldsJohnWiley & Sons, latest edition

Mechanical & Electrical Systems for Historic BuildingsGersil Newmark KayMcGraw-Hill, 1992

Passive Solar Design and Construction HandbookStevenWinter Associates and Michael J. Crosbie, EditorsJohnWiley & Sons, 1997

Simplified Design for Building Fire SafetyJames PattersonJohnWiley & Sons, 1993

Sun, Wind, and Light: Architectural Design Strategies,Second EditionG. Z. Brown and Mark DeKayJohnWiley & Sons, 2000

Understanding Infrastructure: A Guide for Architects and PlannersGeorge RainerJohnWiley & Sons, 1990

BuildingSystems

95 MC Questions+

1Vignette

REFERENCES

The following references are presented to assist candidates in preparation for the examination. This list represents textsthat have content covered in this division of the examination. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possiblereference materials for the subject area. NCARBmakes no guarantee that the various references are currently in print.

Overview

Sample Multiple-Choice Questions

Mechanical &ElectricalPlanVignette

References

Building SystemsOverview

Sample Multiple-Choice Questions

Mechanical &ElectricalPlanVignette

References

Knowledge/Skills

21July 2011 ARE® 4.0