delays delays delays!

working way too much overtime, will be stepping back in line soon, no progress on building Technology study or test date set . . .

Second Pass Letter!

Yes! Took MM on 7/21 and received my letter today (8/9). I passed! I knew I passed when I took the test but it's still hard to open once you receive it.

I'm studying for Building Technology now, gonna take it probably a week from Monday.

Material and Methods - Time spent

Saturday 7/12 - 5pm - 1:30pm 5.5 hrs : review summary list, type definitions on blog.

Sunday 7/13 - 7:15pm - 8:15pm 1hr : lookup albedo, review fireplace requirements and type on blog.

Material and Methods - Fireplace

Footing: min. 12" thick; extend 6" min. beyond firebox or chimney masonry.
Fireplace size: 20"dx30"h (typically)
Hearth: min. 4" thick
Back wall: 2" min. firebrick lining & 8" min. solid masonry with lining.
Side walls: 10" min. solid masonry without lining.
Flue damper: 4" min. opening at 8" above top of fireplace opening.
Clearance from combustibles: 2" min. at interior, 4" min. at exterior
Opening clearance: no combustible material within 6" of opening, max 1/8" projection for each 1" away from opening.
Side clearance: Combustible material at side can project 1 1/2"
Chimney termination: above nearest roof surface within 10', or 2' above ridge.

Material and Methods - Roofing

Materials used to weatherproof the exterior top surface of a structure.

IBC has requirements of fire resistance by occupancy.
Class A = Severe
Class B = Moderate
Class C = Light

Inverted Roof Membrane Assembly (IRMA): A flat roof in which the thermal insulation is placed above the waterproofing membrane. Insulation protects the membrane from the UV radiation, Also eliminates risk of interstitial condensation.

Albedo: Extent to which an object diffusely reflects light from the sun. Defined as the ratio of diffusely reflected to incident electromagnetic radiation.

Material and Methods terms to know

Acoustic controlling trees: coniferous provide better, leaves are denser and thicker than deciduous(broad leafed).

Construction Type: Classification of a building's construction according to the fire resistance of its major components. Limits the area and height of a building according to construction type and intended occupancy.

Critical radiant flux: Amount of radiant energy needed to sustain flame. Test used on flooring. Watts per square centimeter. Two classes, Class I and Class II. Corridors and exitways in Hospitals and Nursing homes must be Class I. Corridors and exitways in commercial and hotels must be Clss II. Only applies to carpet in corridors.

Dead end corridor: Corridor that continues beyond an exit but does not continue to another exit. Maximum distance allowed is 20' per code.

Egress: Consists of three specifically defined parts: exit access, exit and exit discharge.

Fencing materials: most cost efficient - wood or chain link, wood is most common in residential applications, chain link is common in commercial applications.

Fire door: The fire rating classification of the wall into which the door is installed dictates the required fire rating of the door.

Fire door requirements: 4 hr wall = 3 hr door, 2hr wall = 1.5 hr door, 1 hr wall = 1 hr door(occupancy separation), 1 hr wall = .75 hr door(corridor wall), 2 hr wall = 1.5 hr door (exterior wall), 1 hr wall = .75 hr door (exterior wall w/ light fire risk), 1 hr wall = 1/3 hr door(corridor requires smoke and draft control)

Fire Stop(block): A material or member built into a building frame to block a concealed hollow space (or penetration of a rated wall) through which a fire might spread from one part of the building to another.

Means of Egress: A continuous and unobstructed path of travel from any occupied portion of a facility to a public way.

Percolation test: test for determining the rate at which a soil will absorb effluent, made by measuring the rate at which the water level drops after a hole is dug in the soil and filled with water.

Retention pond(basin): Used to manage stormwater runoff, preventing flooding and downstream erosion, improve water quality of adjacent river, stream lake or bay. Provides permenant retension as opposed to a Detention basin which releases collected water at a controlled rate.

Riprap: A layer of broken stones thrown together irregularly on an embankment slope to prevent erosion.

Roofing: Materials and methods used to weatherproof the exterior top surface of a structure.
Sheepsfoot roller: Heavy machinery used to compact soil. looks like a steam roller with knobby looking sheeps feet all over.

Smoke detector: An electronic fire alarm that is activated by the presence of smoke. Governed by NFPA 72. Residential requirements: locate on each floor in each bedroom, each hallway and public space like family room, also in basement and attic.

STC: Sound Transmission Class - Number rating of the performance of a building material or construction assembly in preventing the transmission of airborne sound.

Toilet partition: A panel forming an enclosure around a water closet for privacy in a public lavatory. Cost in order of most to least expensive: Floor to ceiling, Ceiling hung, Floor mounted & overhead braced.

Water table: Underground surface beneath which the earth is saturated with water.

Well points: Used to dewater a site. Perforated tube driven into the ground to collect water from the surrounding area so it can be pumped away in order to lower a water table or prevent an excavation from filling with groundwater.

Moved Test Date (again)

Mat and Meth now set for 7/18. study has been lax. started back up the other day.

Monday 7/9/08 - read summary material for 1.25 hours.

ARE TEST ORDER

I am taking in this order.

1. CD – 5/28 - PASSED

2. MM – 7/18 - PASSED

3. BT (little/no study material on the FTP, I’m purchasing used study guides from a user on the forum)

4. SP

5. BP (to keep graphics together since I’ll be used to the software)

6. ME

7. PD (since it’s easier and should provide a break between ME and GS)

8. GS

9. LF

Flash Cards Study - Materials and Methods

Four basic types of mortar in order of strength: M is strongest, followed by S, N & O.
M or S: Used at or below grade for foundation walls, retaining walls, pavements and walks.
N: Used on exterior and interior, above grade load-bearing walls.
O: Used on exterior and interior non-load bearing walls.

Identify hinge types:
Full Mortise: Most common. Fully Mortised (think hidden) into the door edge and jamb
Half Mortise: Surface applied to door frame. Mortised (hidden) into edge of door.
Half Surface:One leaf is mounted on the face of the door and the other half is mortised into the frame.
Full Surface: Applied to the face fo the door and frame. (fully visible)

Vehicle:
The liquid portion of any paint mixture consisting of binders, dryers and solvents. Binder forms the film of the coating. Solvent dissolves the binder to allow for application and then evaporates.

Types of Terrazzo:
Standard: Most common, Made with small chips less than 3/8" in size.
Venetian: Has larger than 3/8" chips. A thicker topping is required to carry the larger sized chips.
Palladiana: 1/2" or larger, random, fractured chips, set in an underbed and then filled with standard terrazo
Rustic: A textured surface created by washing the fill prior to setting.

Wrought Iron:
Almost pure iron with a very low carbon content. Soft, but strong. Extremely ductile (pliable), easily worked and relatively resistant to corrosion. Cannot be cast, tempered or easily welded. Used for plumbing pipes, ornamental iron work, grilles and outdoor furniture.

Cast Iron:
Steel having a high carbon content, 1-1/2 to 4 percent. High compressif and tensile strength, although it is hard and brittle. Used for pipes, plumbing fixtures and ornamental iron work.

Terne-Plate:
Often used in roofing, an alloy of lead and tin. Usually applied over a sheet of steel.

Identify stair components:
Stringer: the support on which the stair treads rest. Placed ouside of the carriage to provide a finish. (exposed)
Riser: The vertical face of a step
Kicker: A plate (commonly a 2x sleeper nailed to floor) used to anchor the lower end of a carriage.
Carriage: Rough timber supporting the steps of wood stairs. (concealed)
Ledger: A plate (typically a 2x) used to support the upper end of a carriage.
Tread: the part of a stair onto which one steps. Horizontal member of the surface.
Nosing: the portion of a tread that projects beyond the riser below.
Baluster: Small pillar or column used to support the railing. (vertical supports that railing attaches to.)
Handrail: Finish material that serves as a hand rest, guide and support. Runs parallel to the stringer and stair nosings.

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguisher types and selection is known required knowledge for the materials and method test. They are not discussed in the Kaplan books. I'm using a link I found on the AREForum website FTP. http://www.areforum.org/guest/Materials%20and%20Methods/ (pdf = extinguisher use...)

Chemistry of fire:
Oxygen + Fuel + Heat = Fire

Extinguishment theory, inhibit chemical chain reaction:
Remove heat, remove fuel, remove oxygen.

Eliminating any one of the above will extinguish the fire.
Fire Classifications
Class A = Wood, Paper, Plastic, Cloth

Class B = Flammable Liquids, Grease, Gas

Class C = Electrical

Class D = Combustible Metals

Four types of extinguishers, what each works for:

• Water Extinguisher: Only Class A
• CO2 Extinguisher: Only Class B, C, D
• ABC Extinguisher: Only Class A, B, C, D
• K Extinguisher: Only Class A, B

Typical Use for each Fire Extinguisher

Water =

• Class A(wood, paper, cloth)
• 30 - 40 foot range
• Lasts 60 seconds

Co2 =

• Class B (grease, oil, gas)
• 3 - 8 foot range
• Lasts 1 - 30 seconds
• Cools or removes heat from the fire

ABC =

• Class A, B, C (dry chemical
• 5 - 20 foot range
• Lasts 10 - 20 seconds
• Smothering effect on fire by removing oxygen

K =

• Class B (cooking oils)
• 8 - 15 foot range
• Lasts 30 - 45 seconds
• Cooling and smothering effect on fire.
• think "K" for Kitchen

Typical fire extinguisher operation (P.A.S.S. Method):

1. Pull the pin (unlocks the handle)
2. Aim at base of the fire (aiming at top or middle will do no good)
3. Squeeze the handle (releases pressurized extinguishing agent)
4. Sweep side to side (covers entire area of fire)

Times not to use extinguisher

• have wrong type of extinguisher for fire
• too much smoke
• fire more than 2 feet high or moving rapidly
• be near an exit, never use without an available escape route

Water = Class A (wood, paper, Plastic, cloth)

Co2 = Class B, C & D (Flammable liquids, grease, gas, Electrical, Combustible Metals)

ABC = Class A, B, C & D (Wood, Paper, Plastic, Cloth, Flammable liquids, grease, gas, Electrical, Combustible Metals)

K = Class A, B (Wood, Paper, Plastic, Cloth, Flammable Liquids, Grease, Cooking oil, Gas)

6/25 12am-12:45am

Material & Methods Notes

6/30 - This will eventually be a list of notes for all subjects in this test subject starting with the sequence in the order of the Kaplan Study Material and Miscellaneous items to follow.

Lesson 1 - Site Work (ref: CSI Division 1)

Site Selection Factors (Controllable)

1. Meets program requirements (aka client needs)
2. Size
3. topography: Land forms & slopes of the ground (grading) - effects foundation, drainage and microclimate.
4. orientation: sun (solar radiation), wind(natural ventilation), views, ease of access. Prevailing exterior sounds effect orientation of building, material choice and sound control methods used.
5. Vegetation: effects microclimate, views, solar radiation, sound travel.
6. access: ease or difficulty getting to and accessing structures
7. utility availability: determine what services are available (water, electricity, gas, sewer, storm water, garbage)
8. regulations / restrictions: city, state and federal (ie. zoning, easements, subsurface rights, etc.)
9. Soil Composition: most importantly, bearing capacity of the soil. See SOIL section below.

Site Selection Factors (Un-controllable)

1. Geographic location: often controlled by the client
2. Climate
3. Sun
4. wind
5. precipitation

SOIL

Soil Composition

1. composition determines a soils bearing capacity
2. Soil: formed by chemical decomposition of rock; water, air and temerature action on rock; and the decay of vegetable and animal matter (organic material)
3. Makes up the top layer of the earth's surface.
4. Types are essentially similar throughout the world.
5. Classification Types:
6. Rock / Bedrock: solid, strongest support for foundation. Slate and shale are fine textured soft rock. Boulders are rock detached from the bedrock. Decomposed rock is disintegrated rock mass (ie. decomposed granite)
7. Hardpan: consolidated mixture of gravel, clay and sand. Good base for foundations.
8. Gravel: granular rock particles ranging in size from 1/4" to 3-1/2". Larger rock peices are called cobblestones, still larger = boulders.
9. Sand: loose granular rock particles about .002" to 1/4" in size. Not plastic or cohesive. Sand and Gravel provide excellent base for foundations. Also have excellent drainage properties with good permeability.
10. Silt: fin grained sediment deposited from running water. is .002" or less in size. Mixed with water it forms soft, plastic, stick material known as mud.
11. Clay: Fine grained, firm cohesive material. formed from decomposition and hydration of certain rock. Plastic when wet, hard when dry. Relatively imperveous. Swells when it absorbs water, shrinks when it dries, least stable and predictable soil. Can proivide satisfactory support for foundations based on carful investigation. Also used by firing to make brick, pottery and tile.
12. Quicksand: mixture of sand and moving water. completely unsuitable and a danger.

Soil is classified by the US Dept. of Agriculture as the following

1. Class 1 = Gravel
2. Class 2 = Sand
3. Class 3 = Clay
4. Class 4 = loam
5. Class 5 = loam with some sand
6. Class 6 = silt-loam and clay-loam
7. Class 7 = clay-loam

Allowable soil pressures = Table of allowable is contained in Uniform Building Code

Soil exploration and Testing (to determine soil composition)

1. Architect requests a subsurface exploration of the site.
2. Geotechnical engineer executes sample extraction and testing. Publish report of findings and suggestions for sub-soil, grading and foundation methods.
3. note: contracted to client, not liability or consultant of architect.

Testing Methods (type used depends on location, topography, depth of water table and structural load anticipated)

1. Test Pits: excavation which permits direct visual inspection. close-up of layers, access to undisturbed samples for laboratory testing. Costly. generally not dug below water table.
2. Soil Load Tests: loading platform erected on the site, incremental loads are applied, each load increment maintained until settlement becomes negligible for period of several hours. Test continues until settlement meadured becomes regular for each new loading. Total test load is usually double the contemplated design load.
3. Auger borings: extract soil samples via 2" or 2-1/2" auger fastened to a long pipe or rod. Stops at first obstruction (rock, hardpan or tree stump). Effective for sand or clay. Depths not exceeding 50'.
4. Wash borings: good for locating bedrock. For soil too compact for auger boring. Uses 2" to 4" auger driven into soil and contains a small jet pipe which water is forced through. material washes up thouroughly mixed which reduces dependability of samples. problem = boulders may be mistaken for bedrock. Can penetrate all materials. Can extend 100' or more.
5. Core borings: Brings up complete cores of material through which it passes. more costly and most reliable. penetrates all materials. Uses diamond drill, can cut through rock. Results are recorded in a test boring log book. Extends to great depths.
6. Dry sample borings: Uses a drive pipe with a split sampling pipe at the tip instead of a drill. Driven down and every 5 inches the sample is lifted and the sample is removed and stored. testing takes place in laboratory.
7. Notes: test in sufficient locations at each site over building area.

Soil properties (what samples are tested for)

1. Specific Gravity: determines void ratio (ratio of the volume of void spaces to the volume of solid particles in a soil mass.)
2. Grain Size (granular soils): estimates permeability, frost action, compaction and shear strength.
3. Grain shape: estimates shear strength (the property of a soil that enables its particles to resist displacement with respect to one another when an external force is applied.)
4. Liquid and Plastic limits (cohesive soils (soil that has considerable strength when unconfined and air-dried, and significant cohesion when submerged.)): to obtain compressibility and compaction values.
5. Water content (cohesive soils): to obtain compressibility and compaction values.
6. Void Ratio: to determine compressibility
7. Unconfined compression(cohesive soils): to estimate shear strength
8. notes: Geotechnical engineer publishes a written soil report of findings and recommends type of foundation to use and the allowable soil bearing pressure.

Soil and Site Problems

1. Inadequate bearing capacity.
2. Subsurface water
3. Shrinkage
4. Slippage
5. Seismic forces (some areas)
6. Settlement: deadload added to structure, soil beneath footings compresses reducing void volume and causes settlement. Slight amount of uniform settlement is of little concern. Eneven or differential settlement may cause SERIOUS cracks or failure. During construction constant checking should be made with surveying instruments to note of any settlement. Settlement may continue for number of years due to extended soil consolidation, moisture content changes or movement of earth itself.
7. Frost Action: cold climate freezing and thawing of soil. may cause ground to heave which stresses building foundations leading to serious damage. Depends on soil type and geographic location. Footings should be placed at least one foot below frost line (depth below which soild does NOT freeze).
8. Earth Movement: Prevalent with clay soils that swell when wet and shrink when drying. Considerable movement near surface. about five feet movement will be slight. Adjacent excavation could affect the clay. Sloped layers of earth can cause problems.

SOIL DRAINAGE

1. Moisture is a problem at and below grade. can reduce the soils load bearing capacity. leaking water into building.
2. Solutions: 1. location of subsurface water 2. Control of surface water.
3. Water Table: level below which all soil is saturated with ground water. foundations should be located well above the water table to avoid hydrostatic pressure damage.
4. Divert water away from foundation with drain tile system. At least six inches below lowest floor slab. Gravel over filter fabric and perforated piping.
5. Gravel fill below slabs not subject to hydrostatic pressure prevents water being drawn into slab via capillary action.
6. Continuous preformed waterstop between concrete cold joints poured separately (ie. floor slab and wall footing intersection)
7. Drainage of surface water: directing all surface water away from structures. shaping contours (grading) to provide gradual transition from high to low elevations, gutters, flumes, berms and gentle warp of paved surfaces collect and conduct water to yard drains, catch basins and underground storm drainage lines.

SOIL MODIFICATION: Soil can be altered in a variety of ways in order to improve its consistency, dependability and bearing capacity.

1. Alternate to soil modification, a. increase footing depth and area increases bearing capacity. b. Dranage improves physical charactaristics of soil, expecially where soil is affected by subterranean water flow.
2. Unusually soft Subsoil or containing organic fill = remove undesirable material and replace with compacted granular materials(costly). Also can cover with layer of sand, gravel or crushed rock and blend materials together producing an artificial hardpan material.
3. soil improvement = reduction of void volume.
4. Compaction by heavy machinery (sheepsfoot roller, think steam roller with knobbies all over, they look like sheep feet.)
5. Overcompaction can be an issue.

SITE PREPARATION

1. Demo existing structures
2. Remove and cap existing utilities.
3. Plants / Trees to remain must be protected
4. Vegetation to be removed, tree roots completely removed or grubbed, over time the roots will rot and leave an undesirable void.
5. Batter boards are used to locate building corners which are offset from the building line/edge with string line tied off to strike building edges. this makes room for excavation without knocking over the stakes.
6. Before grading, top six inches of soil (topsoil) is removed and stored on site for use at end of project to spread over area of final landscaping which forms the finish grade. On occasion, soil not worth saving and good top soil will have to be imported.

EARTHWORK: Consists of all grading work, excavation, rough grading and finish grading.

1. Excavation: removal of existing soil for construction of foundation and substructure.
2. Permanent CUT slopes max 1-1/2 to 1 slope.
3. Permanent FILL slopes max 2 to 1 slope. (could be an exception in geotech report)
4. Cubic yard of earth weighs more than a ton = unstable slopes pose a serious danger.

1. Grading: alteration of a site's contours, usually by power equipment.
2. Rough grading: additional removal of earth prior to start of construction.
3. Finish grading: final distribution of earth at conclusion fo construction. Accurate within one inch.

1. Backfill: earth replaced around a foundation or retaining wall after concrete forms are removed.
2. should be deposited in 6 to 12 inch layers and fully tamped and compacted to avoid settlement.

FOUNDATIONS: Part of building structure that transmits the building loads to the soil.

1. Footings: parts of the foundation system that are widened to spread the load over a large area of soil.
2. Building load must not exceed safe bearing capacity of underlying soil. Avoid settlement cracks, uneven structural movement or even failure of structure.

SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS

1. Requires soil close close to ground to be of adequate strength.
2. Most economical foundation system consisting of shallow spread footings.
3. Column footing = square or rectangular pad
4. Wall footing = continuous spread footing under a wall
5. Combined or cantilever footing = connects the exterior column footing with the first interior column footing.
6. Mat footing = one large footing under entire building area (distributes load)
7. raft foundation = for poor soil conditions
8. Boat footing = similar to mat footing, except it is placed deeper so that weight of soil removed for excavation is equal to the load of the building. (displacement) causing little or no new load to underlying soil.

DEEP FOUNDATIONS: Piles which are required when upper soil has insufficient bearing capacity to support spread footings.

1. Pile: A long slender column of wood, steel, reinforced concrete or a composite, pre-drilled, driven or hammered vertically into the earth to form part of a foundation system.
2. Transfer of load by skin friction between pile
3. and surrounding soil or end bearing which is supported by rock or firm subsoil under the pile tip.
4. Type of pile depends on size of load and presence of moisture with potential for deterioration. Concrete piles are generally most suitable and more permanent.
5. Driven piles are driven by steam air or diesel hammers that drop from one to four feet.
6. Water jetting piles is an option but not recommended due to ease of overexcavation.
7. Safe carrying capacity is determined by: pile-driving formulas, static pile formulas or static pile load tests which are most dependable.
8. Drilled piles are drilled then filled with concrete, common load transfer is skin friction. If transfered by end bearing then it's called a drilled caisson. bottom of shaft can be enlarged or belled.
9. Drilled piles / Caissons sometimes require a steel casing which is removed as concrete is poured.
10. Also called Caissons are box-like structures used where very wet or soft (or in water) soils are encountered. Ability construct below water level. Sides are of steel sheet piling, timber or concrete. Excavation is performed within caisson.
11. For bridge piers or sim located in water, entire area is water tight, water pumped out and then foundations are constructed = known as cofferdam.

Types of Piles:

1. Wood: Must be below permanent ground water level
2. Precast concrete: Round, square or octagonal, often prestressed
3. Cast-in-place concrete: Driven with mandrel core(heavy tube steel that's inserted into a thin walled casing to prevent from collapsing, removed before pouring), removed before pouring
4. Concrete filled steel pipe: Driven with sealed tip, then filled with conrete.
5. Structural steel: For dense earth and heavy loads - H section (W steel)
6. Seet piling: May be used as water dam (cassions and cofferdam construction)

TEMPORARY SUPPORTS

1. for temp support of excavated earth or existing structures.
2. Sheeting: temporary wall of wood, steel or precast conc. to retain soil around an excavation.
3. Slurry wall: type of sheeting, narrow trench filled with a slurry mixture of bentonite clay and water, (temporarily shores earth) rebar is dropped down, concrete is placed by tremie which displaces the slurry. tremie = a funnel like device with a pipe or tube for depositing concrete underwater.
4. Bracing is used to brace the sheeting to resist soil pressure. diagonal bracase aka rakers.
5. in lieu of rakers which interfere with construction clearances, tie-backs are used into surrounding soil.
6. Tie-back = Steel rod or tendon attached to a deadman or a rock or soil anchor to prevent lateral movement of a retaining wall or formwork.
7. Underpinning = Used to support existing foundations or walls being extended downward (excavated beneath). Two common methods are needle beams or pipe cylinders with hydraulic jacks.
8. Needle beam = a short beam passed through a wall as a temporary support while the foundation or part beneath is repaired, altered or strengthened.

SITE IMPROVEMENTS: not part of the strucure, ie. roads, walks, fences, walls, lighting and other landscape features.

1. Asphalt paving: derived from asphalt petroleum, applied either hot or cold in a single layer over a prepared foundation sub-base of course crushed stone or gravel covered by a base of course finer aggregate (sand).
2. Asphaltic concrete: Asphalt cement and graded aggregates proportioned and mixed in a plat, brought to site, spread over foundation and rolled while still hot.
3. Cold laid asphalt: same as asphaltic except cold liquid and aggregates are used.
4. Asphalt macadam: begins with base of crushed stone, gravel or slab compacted to a smooth surface, then sprayed with asphalt emulsion or hot asphalt cement in controlled quantities, coverd with fine aggregate and finally rolled until smaller aggregate fills the voids in the course aggregate.

OTHER PAVING MATERIALS

1. Brick paving: popular and durable, laid over bed of sand or cement/sand. more permanent laid over concrete slab foundation. May be slippery when wet, provide proper drainage.
2. Stone cobbles: mainly decorative, best = rounded river stones 2" to 4" in diameter, closely set in cement mortar.
3. Granite Setts: small, rectangular or square blocks of granite, set in cment mortar. very durable paved surface. high cost.
4. Flagstones: thin slabs of slate, bluestone or soapstone. various textures and colors. installed over sand bed or with mortar on concrete slab.

GRADE CHANGING DEVICES

1. Concrete or masonry retaining wall.
2. Concretee or stone battered wall
3. Cribbing
4. Stone riprap
5. Stepped living wall

(END SECTION)

Moved test Date

Ok, so I moved the Materials and Methods test date to 6/30. This is the last time I can let it slide. let's see how it goes.

busy

Been a while, I've been studying for Materials and Methods next. (9 days from now). I haven't had much time to update the blog obviously. Got my pass letter for CD's a week ago...

Study Update - Sunday 5/11

Last day before the test. Cram time!
So, read the A201 commentary for the second time. It only took 4 hours.
Speed read B141 in two hours (second read). Read C141 consultant contract.
Sat down with Kaplan quizzes and studied material from all quiz questions I ever missed.

Up till 2am studying, good thing my test was scheduled for 11:30 am.

Study Update - Saturday 5/10

Saturday study for approximately 3 hours, restudied chapter 8 of Kaplan books, focus on bidding.
The night before I went through all of the missed questions to find my weak points and that was bidding.
I highly suggest this method for quick study, especially when you feel like you are not sure what to study next.
Also:
- Wrote list of CSI 16 divisions, wrote general contents of each division.
(Throughout the week, commited CSI 16 divisions to memory.)
- Focused on difference of what is included in construction documents, contract documents, bid documents, etc.
- Memorized what LEED stands for and six areas and founding group USGBC.
- learned conversions of yards to feet, square, cube, 1 acre = 4840 cu yd = 43560 cu ft
- architect liability proof = breach, cause, duty, damage
- Construction drawings sheet / consultant order

Study Update - Chpt. 8 re-read

Took the 101 question final exam, scored an 81%, it was a good way to guage my weak areas.
I suggest using this method when not sure what to read / study next.
I missed a lot of the Bidding questions so I went back and studied chapter 8.
"THE BIDDING PROCESS"
2 hours reading and .5 taking and grading quiz.

Study Update - Lesson 1 summary

9-12 last night (5/7) 3hrs
finished summary of lesson 1 of Construction Documents book. Felt more like i was rewriting the whole thing. That's ok though, I intended it to be part of my re-reading exercise.

Kaplan Construction Documents - Lesson 1 Summary

Kaplan Construction Documents - Lesson 1 Summary
"Documentation "
1. Construction documents = drawings and specifications
a. Convey design intent to contractor
b. for bidding and constructing
c. must be complete concise, correct, clear and coordinated.
d. negligence in drawings that results in over budget or change orders is liability of Architect
e. Drawings and spec's consistent with eachother
f. drawings = physical relationships, dimension and location of building elements
g. specifications = requirements of quality, methods and techniques of installation & desired performence.
2. Construction Drawing Organization
a. sheet order consistent with standard conventions
Architectural - General & Site Plan
Civil / Landscape Plans
Architectural - Remaining
Structural
Plumbing
HVAC
Electrical
Information Technology, Telecomm, Kitchen or other
b. use standard abbreviations, material designations, graphic symbols and schedul formats.
c. Clarity = present information accurately and at appropriate scales to avoid confusion, extra costs and delays.
d. Avoid redundancy(put a repetative note in one location and refer back to it for other locations), ambiguity(be specific) and omissions (dot your i's).
e. Some items need to be shown but are not part of the contract, clearly designate as such, (NIC) not in contract, these are items to be furnished by the owner.

3. Shop drawings, Product Data and Samples are submitted by the contractor for verification of intended product use for approval of the Architect.
a. shop drawings = graphic indication of fabrication and installation of an intended product.
b. Product Data = Cut sheets from Mfr. about product performance, standard form charts, brochures, diagrams of instructions.
c. Samples = For approval of use on project for materials color, texture, finish, workmanship, etc.
d. Architect to review all items for compliance with design intent.
e. see lesson 10 for further details of the above items

4. Project Manual
a. Cotains technical information (specifications) and general requirements including procedures, legal, bidding, contract forms, etc.
b. Specifications (Div. 1-16) prepared by architect and consultants.
c. most other documents prepared by owner(s) rep's, attorneys, insurance agents and consultants.
d. Architect typically assembles project manual
e. Use of standard AIA documents is recommended which are incorporated into project manual.

5. CSI MasterFormat
a. published by Construction Specifications Institute
b. industry standard, 16 division (1995 version) is for typical use, new format (2004 version) can be used if required by client.
c. provides number organization of any/all products used on project and included in specification project manual.
d. 16 divisions
Div 1 General Requirements
Div 2 Site Work
Div 3 Concrete
Div 4 Masonry
Div 5 Metals
Div 6 Wood and Plastics
Div 7 Thermal and Moisture Protection
Div 8 Doors and Windows
Div 9 Finishes
Div 10 Specialties
Div 11 Equipment
Div 12 Furnishings
Div 13 Special Construction
Div 14 Conveying Systems
Div 15 Mechanical
Div 16 Electrical
(see separate blog post for explanation of each division and subdivisions)
e. Each section(sub-division) is further divided into three parts: General, Materials and Execution
f. many proprietary Master Specification systems are available to subscribe to.
d. all product selections must be made on research and indepedent analysis by architect and not selected because it shows up in the master spec list.

6. Division 1 - General Requirements
a. procedural instructions specific to project execution

7. Three types of technical specifications, any of which can be used in any manual

8.Proprietary spec's = call for desired materials, products, systems and equipment by trade names and model numbers.
a. Two kinds, closed(sole source) and open(equal)
b. closed = one product called for no alternates, not usually allowed on public projects
c. open = name several acceptable products or provide info on only one and allow a proposed equal. this allows for competetive bidding and likely to decrease costs due to competition.
d. div 1 should have instructions for contractor to submit an altarnate for approval by architect
e. for alternates, architect must consider compliance with aesthetic instent, value, quality, warranties, mfr's reputation, code compliance, operating & maintenance cost, size and weight, ease of construction and operational characteristics.

9. Performance Spec's = describe desired end results that are performance oriented.
a. composition of components or systems are not described
b. allows for broad competition & creative input.
c. Must explicitly define required testing methods and procedures of evaluating performance.

10. Reference specifications = Set quality standards established by recognized testing authorities or by fed government. (ie. astm 8856e, reference # to an agencies spec #, therefore reference specification)
a. used in conjuction(within) with another type of specification, usually performance
b. commonly are only minimum requirements and may not apply to project specific application.
c. research before cited as they are dated and are constantly changed and revised

11. Descriptive specifications = most detailed, they are what they sound like
a. describe all components
b. architect assumes total responsibility of function and performance of product

12. Cash allowance specifications
a. in lieu of specifying an actual product or description of work
b. bidders are required to set aside a specific amount of money
c. quality level unknown at time of bid
d. allowance for purchase and/or installation of item
e. details are determined at a later date

13. Multiple Prime Contracts
a. specifications prepared for each contract separately
b. increased effort by architect
c. architect can be liable for gaps in asignment of construction work.

14. Interpretation - When inconsistencies or ambiguity occurs
a. conflicting specifications - most specific clause will govern
b. handwritten provisions prevail over typed
c. typed precedes pre-printed provisions

15. Interpretation - Conflict in drawings
a. Most recent drawing prevails
b. Dates of all revisions on each drawing clearly indicated
c. Large scale details prevail over small scale general drawing, ie. floor plan or elevation
d. heirarchy and precedence can be descirbed in the supplementary conditions.

16. Conflict between specification and drawing
a. must notify architect in writing
b. Architect will determine requirement

17. Code compliance is essential - effects project design
a. Energy requirements
b. Fire protection
c. mechanical, plumbing and electrical codes
d. Architect has prime responsibility for compliance
e. consultants / engineers share responsibility equally

18. Aesthetics
a. All engineering / code requirements effect design
b. from structural system to electrical, mechanical etc.
c. Architect must be familiar with all to properly coordinate

19. Quality Control
a. engineers must meet calculation requirements
b. architect must inform engineer of All relative design criteria
c. can request consultant to perform periodic in-house peer reviews.

20. Cost Control
a. initial estimating is essential
b. Architect coordinates budget with consultants
c. assigns percentage of budget to consultant work
d. design within in limits
e. Low initial cost usually means high maintenance (life cycle) costs
f. Balance must be struck

21. Operational costs - complex to calculate
a. includes equipment as well as organization (client) charecteristics

22. Maintenance -
a. complex systems require more maintenance
b. maintenance staff experience varies

23. Compatibility of elements
a. Size and Weight of equipment effects layouts, room sizes, structural support, etx.
b. analyze piping / structure conflicts
c. special equipment may require special consultant, architect advises and owner pays

24. Ease of construction - labor and equipment requirements
a. designers must consider constructability of all building components
b. room for required equipment to execute the work
c. types of skilled labor available in an area

25. Sequencing
a. construction sequence should be taken into consideration.

26. Scheduling -
a. Long lead items require designers to select certain components ahead of time
b. owner may purchase equipment directly on advice of architect & consultants
c. contractor installs

27. Fast Track project delivery (multiple prime contracts)
a. separate prime contract for each stage of work.
b. ensures availability of products when needed
c. helps control cost from inflation
d. focus on critical path items
e. season and weather affects equipment ordering and material selection
ie. install heating befor winter comes, climate affects structural integrity of different systems and therefore may be avoided by the structural engineer.

28. Construction Management
a. client can hire construction manager (usually for complex projects)
b. contribute to the control of time and cost
c. involved as early as design phases

29. Consultant internal coordination
a. they are responsible for their own internal coordination

30. Consultant overall coordination
a. architect sets specification format for consultants to follow
b. consultants must participate in division one preparation
c. architect to review consultant drawings for conflicts

end

Kaplan Chapter 12 (last one)

Read (skimmed) Chapter 12 late last night. .75 hrs
"Project Files, Project Completion and Problem Areas"
This is pretty much an overview of the previous chapters about project closeout and responsibilities and some new detail on miscellaneous documents during closeout which is all very familiar information as I am in the middle of project closeout at my job right now.
I will come back to this to update a full summary. First I am going to go back and type summaries of the other chapters.

Study Update - Chpt. 9, 10 & 11

Read the following chapters today (Sunday)
Kaplan Construction Documents
9 - Construction Contract Admin (1.5 hours in morning)
quiz result = 87%
10 - Submittals, Site Visits, Testing and Inspection (1.5 hours mid afternoon)
quiz result = 100%
11 - Change Orders and Payments (2 hours in evening)
quiz result = 73% (this was heavy reading & boring will have to review)

FYI, Quizzes for each chapter were taken after reading the next chapter or having at least an hour break, I feel this gives me a good method to test my retention.

Summaries to follow, i think i will finish chapter 12 (final chapter!) tomorrow night and write summary outlines for all chapters after that, on Tuesday. Still need to review Graphic Standards and brush up on ADA compliance. The test is a week from tomorrow.

Study Update - Chpt. 6, 7 & 8

5/3 10:30pm-1:15am 2.75 hrs
Read chapters 6-8 & took quizes. Will post chapter summary later.
6 = Time and scheduling
7 = Delivery Methods
8 = Bidding Process.

Construction Docs - Chpt. 5 Cost Estimates

Just finished reading chapter 5 in my study for construction documents. 11:15am - 1:45pm 2.5hrs
Cost estimates
Architect often provide cost estimates of construction costs as part of their services. They are done at each phase of the project and there are different types depending on the phase. Estimate provided is not a quarantee or warranty that actual final estimates will NOT be higher. "reasonable care" in preparation and obvious negligence can prove liability for owner damages.
Owner must be advised about the unpredictability of construction costs and fluxuating markets.

Different cost considerations
1. Initial cost of materials and equipment
2. installation cost (labor)
3. long term cost (maintenance / longevity), operational costs, more you spend initially = less long term cost, efficiency = savings, weight client requirements, give opportunity to invest in quality. Design for energy use of building, elec/gas/solar/h2o, etc and cost variances/stability.
Maintenance costs, specify lower maintenance products, also design configurations for easier access, cleaning, etc.
4. Labor costs: often more than 50% of total construction cost., design to minimize labor, field labor costs more than shop labor, union vs non union (union required in many projects)

Architect responsibilities (per AIA docs)
Prelim and updated cost estimates provide general estimates, contract states that neither architect or owner can control the real(final) cost of labor, materials or equipment.
1. Study owner's program and budget.
2. Compare feasable relation of the two.
3. Inform client if any changes required, reduce program or increase budget or both (balance)
4. Develop Schematic design
5. Execute preliminary estimate of construction cost (Area/Volume x cost per sq. ft. is most typically used, others are Subsystem estimates & detailed), does not include architect fees.)
6. Advise, Advise, Advise! Always keep client informed of major discoveries of required changes and cost discrepancies, unpredictability of construction costs.

Bids over Budget
4 options
1. increase budget
2. rebid or renegotiate within a reasonable time.
3. Abandon project
4. Reduce scope, quality, or both & rebid. (no additional charge to modify drawings by architect)

Consultants have same cost estimating responsibilities as Architect.
give consultant scope a set percentage of budget.

Factors Affecting Cost
1. Legal and admin requirements in general conditions.
a. liquidated damages & no damages for delay may increase contractors bid amount due to more risk involved for their party.
b. Required insurance
c. field offices
d. submittals, samples, shop drawings & mock-ups
2. Project complexity, building size, shape and extent.
3. Complexity or lack of clarity of construciton documents
4. Materials and Methods
a. required quality and workmanship
b. certian building types require higher quality materials.
c. typical details and repetative layouts can reduce cost
5. Project Location
a. Labor and material availability, local union strengths
6. Construction Schedule
a. Shorter schedule will increase cost, more contractor risk is involved
i. requires increased crews, equipment and overtime.
b. Extended schedule causes additional overhead
7. Bidding environment
a. contractors bids sometimes depend on
i. number of projects available fo bidding
ii. amount of competition
b. Architect must assess these factors.

Other Elements of Project Cost
Direct cost of construction is covered by architect's cost estimates.
There are other costs involved that are included in the budget together with the direct cost.
It's important to note the difference. Direct cost does not equal the project budget, it is only about 50% of the costs. Additional costs are:
1. Owners staff costs, legal fees and outside consultant fees.
2. Land acquisition, including rezoning if required.
3. Demolition of existing structures or other improvements.
4. Site Work
5. Landscaping
6. FF&E = Furniture, furnishings and equipment
7. Special equipment
8. Professional fees for architects, engineers & special consultants.
9. Insurance
10. Financing
11. Taxes during construction
12. Contingencies for unforseen conditions

Items 3-7 are sometimes included in the direct cost for construction.

2:45-3:30 to write this summary

Study Update - Chpt. 4

Read chapter four (4), "Conditions of the contract for construction", for 1-1/2 hours and took chapter quiz only missed one of 15.

Study Update

Last Sunday (4/27) finished reading the B101-2007 commentary. Researched and realised that the 3.1 test (which phases out over the next year) is based on the 1997 contracts. That means I read both the B101 and A201 in the wrong format. I have to let it go and move on. I look forward to reading the '97 versions (of course, they are much longer! haha).
Tonight(4/29), Finished last half of Kaplan CD's chapter 2 & 3, took chapter quiz'z for both, scored 61% & 81% respectively. Printed chapter 4 and will start with that tomorrow.

Study Update

This is my first study post.
Last weekend I completed the Supplementary A201-2007 Owner Contractor genearal conditions. Also, completed the first chapter of Kaplan's 2007 Const. Doc's book. (13 chapters total.)
Tonight:
Studied 2 hours, read 18 pages of B101-2007 Owner Architect agreement. Read part of Second chapter of Kaplan Construction book.

California Architect Registration Exam

In order to become a licensed architect most states require a minimum 4-5 year degree and verified apprentice / work experience totaling 8 years combined. California has an equivilancy allowance that all of the 8 years can be through verified apprenticeship / work experience. That is under supervision of a licensed architect.
There are 9 separate tests + a final Oral exam (California Supplemantal Exam (CSE), aka "The Oral"). I have completed all of the 8 years required work experience. I've had my qualification to test letter since 2005. June first, the test format is being changed (to 4.0) and I have yet to
complete one test.
I have scheduled to take the Construction Documents test on May 12th. If you have passed any test for version 3.1 you are allowed one year (until June '09) to complete in that format and passing one test by May 15th is the cutoff. The test format is one of the biggest learning curves and it proves beneficial to not be the gueinea pig for the new 4.0 test. So we'll see how it goes.