Site Planning & Design

Question 1

What type of circulation system responds most sympathetically to the existing natural environment?

a. Grid System
b. Linear System
c. Curvilinear System
d. Radial System

Answer 1

c. Curvilinear System

Question 2

To move large volumes of traffic at high speed, the most effective type of circulation system is:

a. highways
b. expressways
c. arterials
d. distributors

Answer 2

b. expressways

Question 3

Land development patterns are most frequently determined by

a. topographic features
b. climatic factors
c. utility systems
d. street systems

Answer 3

d. street systems

Question 4

The primary advantage of 60-degree parking is that:

a. saves space
b. is easier to use
c. is safer to use
d. cost less to construct

Answer 4

b. is easier to use

Question 5

A neighborhood shopping center is best located at:

a. the intersection of an arterial and collector street
b. the intersection of two local streets
c. the foot of an expressway ramp
d. the interchange of an expressway

Answer 5

a. the intersection of an arterial and collector street

Question 6

From among the following street design criteria, select those that are correct:
I. Curb radii should be 12’ min
II. Compound curves are preferred over simple curves
III. Traffic lanes should be 12’ wide
IV. Parking lanes should generally be avoided
V. Intersections should be at right angles wherever possible.
a. I and IV
b. I, III, and V
c. II, III, and IV
d. I, III, IV, and V

Answer 6

b. I, III, and V

Question 7

Power lines are generally located above, rather than below, ground because they are:

a. easier to repair
b. faster to install
c. less costly
d. less dangerous

Answer 7

c. less costly. Power lines below ground are better than above ground lines in almost every way, except cost.

Question 8

From among the following handicapped design criteria, select the incorrect statement:

a. Wheelchair paths should not exceed a 1:20 grade
b. Wheelchair ramps should not exceed a 1:12 grade
c. Wheelchair ramps should not exceed 30’ in length
d. Wheelchair turning spaces should not be less than three ft. sq.

Answer 8

d. The minimum space required to turn a wheelchair is a circle 5’ in diameter

Question 9

Which of the following should be avoided in the design of a large parking lot?
I. Acute angle parking
II. Ramped exit driveway
III. Dead level paved areas
IV. Dead end aisles
V. Pedestrian circulation
a.  III and IV
b. III and V
c. I, II, and V
d. II, III, IV

Answer 9

a. Level paved areas cause ponding of water, and dead end aisles create unnecessary traffic congestion.

Question 10

The primary objective of good pedestrian circulation is:

a. economy
b. permanence
c. safety
d. speed

Answer 10

c. safety

Question 11

Which of the following will most effectively divert subsurface water away from a building’s foundation?

a. Place the foundation below the water table
b. Modify the contours of the site during finish grading.
c. Install drainage tiles adjacent to the bottom of footings.
d. Provide a bed of coarse gravel at the perimeter of the foundation.

Answer 11

c. Install drainage tiles adjacent to the bottom of footings.

Question 12

If the loads of a proposed structure are high relative to the bearing capacity of the soil, one would likely provide:

a. A mat footing
b. Continuous wall footings
c. Combined footings
d. Shallow spread footings

Answer 12

a. A mat footing distributes vertical loads over the entire building area and is used when soil conditions are poor.

Question 13

A system of piles may be appropriate for supporting a structure when:

a. Moisture in the soil is detected
b. The piles can be placed below groundwater level
c. Dense earth makes conventional excavation difficult
d. The surface soil has low bearing capacity

Answer 13

d. When upper soils have low bearing capacity, piles may be used to transmit a building’s load to deeper, firmer soils.

Question 14

Frost line refers to the level of earth:

a. at which the soil bearing value is affected by weather
b. at which the building foundation should be located
c. Below which the footings will not freeze
d. below which the soil does not freeze

Answer 14

d. below which the soil does not freeze

Question 15

For a structure with very heavy loads resting on dense earth, which of the following would be most appropriate?

a. Boat footings
b. Jetted piles
c. Wood piles
d. Structural steel piers

Answer 15

d. Structural steel piers. Boat footings are used where the underlying soil has a low bearing capacity, jetted piles are rarely used, and wood piles are used for light to moderate loads.

Question 16

Placing load on a footing results in :

a. reduced soil bearing capacity
b. differential settlement
c. a reduction of the soil’s void volume
d. shrinkage of the soil

Answer 16

c. a reduction of the soil’s void volume. As load is placed on a footing, it compresses the soil and reduces the soil’s void volume. Although this results in settlement, it is not necessarily differential settlement.

Question 17

The principle purpose of all soil exploration and testing is to determine the:

a. bearing capacity of the soil
b. intrinsic character of the soil
c. depth of the water table
d. depth of the bedrock

Answer 17

b. intrinsic character of the soil

Question 18

The design of a surface drainage system for residential development is based on a five year storm. During the review, the drainage system is found to be incapable of handling the expected runoff. Therefore, it should be:

a. changed to a subsurface system
b. changed to employ non-erosive materials
c. designed for a 10 year storm
d. designed for a 100 year storm

Answer 18

c. designed for a 10 year storm. If design for a 5 year storm in found to be inadequate, one must design for a more severe storm, such as the one that would likely occur every 10 years

Question 19

In the residential development of the previous question, runoff might be reduced by using:

a. flat roofs, rather than sloped roofs, on the residential units
b. wider roof eaves on the residential units
c. more paved areas
d. greater areas of vegetation

Answer 19

d. greater areas of vegetation

Question 20

All of the following describe the general climactic characteristics of an area except:

a. temperature
b. topography
c. humidity
d. wind velocity

Answer 20

b. topography is the shape of the ground surface, not an element of climate.

Question 21

Sustainable Design is primarily concerned with which of the following issues?
I. Economics
II. Aesthetics
III. Environment
IV. Mechanical Systems
a. III
b. I, II, III
c. I, III
d. all of the above

Answer 21

d. all of the above. The holistic approach to sustainably designed projects encourages the design team to examine the impact of environmental, economic, mechanical, and aesthetic architectural decisions.

Question 22

The Natural Step is an approach to the environment that follows which of the following principles?
I. The biosphere affecting humans in a relatively stable and resilient zone that includes five miles into the earth’s crust and five miles into the troposhpere
II. Improved technologies have dramatically increased the number and quantity of available natural resources
III. Toxic substances released into either the sea or atmosphere will only influence areas adjacent to the toxic source
IV. Using building materials that are recycled is an adequate sustainable design approach
a. I
b. II
c. II and IV
d. None of the above

Answer 22

d. None of the above

Question 23

The planning phase of a sustainably designed architectural project should include which of the following elements?
I. native landscaping that is aesthetically pleasing and functional
II. Designing structures in the floodplain that can resist the forces of flood water
III. consideration of sun orientation, topographic relief, and the scale of adjacent buildings
IV. Locating projects within existing neighborhoods that are adjacent to public transportation
a. I and II
b. I and III
c. I, III, and IV
d. All of the above

Answer 23

c. I, III, and IV

Question 24

The Ahwahnee principles include which of the following ideas?
I. communities with only residential use should be relegated to areas outside the central business district
II. Preserved open spaces should be either wildlife habitats or recreational areas.
III. transportation planning should include roads, pedestrian paths, bike paths, and mass transit systems
IV. job creation and economic diversity is a desired goal
a. I
b. II, III, and IV
c. III and IV
d. none of the above

Answer 24

c. III and IV

Question 25

``` Life cycle costing is and economic evaluation of architectural elements that includes which of the following factors? I. first cost II. maintenance and operation cost III. repair cost IV. replacement cost a. I b. II, III, and IV c. II and IV d. All of the above ```

Answer 25

d. All of the above

Question 26

``` Which of the following is a consultant who might be employed in a sustainable design project? I. wetlands engineer II. energy commissioner III. landscape architect IV. energy modeling engineer a. I b. I and II c. II, III, and IV d. all of the above ```

Answer 26

d. all of the above

Question 27

``` Sustainable design may require research and education that is beyond a normal architectural project. Which of the following is part of this process? I. energy modeling II. education of the client III. art selection IV. selection of energy efficient appliances a. I and IV b. I and II c. I, II, and IV d. all of the above ```

Answer 27

c. I, II, and IV

Question 28

``` Sensitivity to the nuances of site conditions is key to sustainable design. Which of the following are site conditions the architect should examine in the design process? I. solar orientation II. decorative landscaping III. scale and style of adjacent buildings IV. groundwater conditions a. I and II b. I, III, and IV c. I and III d. all of the above ```

Answer 28

b. I, III, and IV

Question 29

``` Sustainably designed architecture requires attention to which of the following building elements? I. solar shading devices II. urban heat island effect III. increased parking IV. fenestration and glazing a. I, II, and IV b. I and IV c. I and II d. all of the above ```

Answer 29

a. I, II, and IV

Question 30

The number of test borings that should be drilled on a particular site is determined by all of the following except: a. the uniformity of the subsurface conditions b. the complexity of the building footprint c. the ground floor area of the proposed building d. the depth at which firm strata are encountered

Answer 30

d. the depth at which firm strata are encountered

Question 31

If an open entrance plaza is on the windward side of a highrise building, the plaza may be sheltered from the wind by: a. planting a row of closely spaced deciduous trees adjacent to the plaza b. planting a row of closely spaced evergreen trees adjacent to the plaza c. building a six foot high masonry wall adjacent to the plaza d. relocating the entrance plaza to the leeward side of the building

Answer 31

d. relocating the entrance plaza to the leeward side of the building

Question 32

The most effective way to reduce the consequences of vandalism would be to employ: a. exterior floodlighting b. trained guard dogs c. impact resistant materials d. burglar alarm systems

Answer 32

c. impact resistant materials

Question 33

An aquifer is: a. a surface soil that experiences heavy runoff b. an underground permeable material through that water flows c. the boundary between the zone of aeration and the zone of saturation d. the boundary between soil layers, along which sliding may occur

Answer 33

b. an underground permeable material through that water flows

Question 34

Materials with high heat-storage values would be most appropriate to use in: a. Phoenix, AZ b. Honolulu, HI c. Miami, FL d. Houston, TX

Answer 34

a. Phoenix, AZ

Question 35

``` Compared to conventional foundations, pile foundations: I. are more costly II. are more permanent III. employ a wider range of materials IV. support greater building loads V. can be constructed more quickly a. I and IV b. I and III c. II, III, and V d. I, III, and IV ```

Answer 35

b. I and III

Question 36

Legal restrictions that are imposed on land by private parties are known as: a. ordinances b. conditional uses c. variances d. deed restrictions

Answer 36

d. deed restrictions.

Question 37

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of zoning ordinances? a. limited population density b. segregated permitted uses c. restricted lot coverage d. diminished fire danger

Answer 37

d. diminished fire danger

Question 38

The type and size of a shopping center is primarily determined by its catchment area, which is defined as the area: a. from which it derives its user population b. within a 30-minute driving radius of the shopping center c. housing sufficient user population to make the facility viable d. necessary to situate a major department store and its required parking

Answer 38

a. from which it derives its user population.

Question 39

``` The sun chart for a specific latitude reveals which of the following? I. the sun's altitude II. The sun's azimuth III. the amount of sunshine IV. the number of degree days V. The time of sunrise a. I and III b. II and V c. I, II, and V d. I, IV, V ```

Answer 39

c. I, II, and V

Question 40

On a moderate hillside that rises behind a housing development, one could reduce the need for a complex drainage system by: a. paving the hillside area with an impervious material b. grading level areas into the hillside c. providing a thick ground cover of plant material d. creating earth berms at the foot of the slope

Answer 40

c. providing a thick ground cover of plant material

Question 41

Which of the following organizational forms would be BEST suited to a large, low-cost housing development if the primary concern were cost? a. Linear b. Radial c. Compact d. Decentralized

Answer 41

c. Compact

Question 42

Which organizational pattern formed the basis of development in ancient, classical Rome? a. linear b. Precinctual c. Grid d. Ring

Answer 42

b. Precinctual

Question 43

Which of the following does NOT directly impose legal constraints on the proposed development of land? a. deed restrictions b. zoning ordinances c. easements d. environmental impact statements

Answer 43

d. environmental impact statements

Question 44

``` The amount of solar radiation received by a site influenced by the site's: I. slope II. latitude III. wind patterns IV. longitude a. I and II b. II and IV c. I and III d. II and III ```

Answer 44

a. I and II

Question 45

Which of the following facts is NOT relevant for analyzing the orientation of a new building on a particular site? a. neighboring buildings to the west are supported on piers drilled into bedrock b. prevailing winds are from the southwest c. the greatest source of noise is an expressway to the east d. the new building is to be heated partially by solar energy

Answer 45

a. neighboring buildings to the west are supported on piers drilled into bedrock

Question 46

A site slopes up from the street five feet for every 20 feet of horizontal distance. In order to use this site for parking cars, the site: a. may be used as is b. must be regraded to 1.5 in 10 c. must be regraded to 1 in 10 d. must be regraded to 0.5 in 10

Answer 46

d. must be regraded to 0.5 in 10 the existing slope of 5 in 20 translates to a 25% grade (5/20 x 100 = 25%), which is far too steep for parking cars. Regrading the site is necessary, and the finish grade should not exceed 0.5 in 10, which represents a 5% grade. Paved driveways, however, may be as steep as 10%.

Question 47

Compared to a site containing a large amount of loose silt, a site with similar amount of organic soil would be: a. more costly to develop b. less costly to develop c. similar in cost to develop d. too costly to develop

Answer 47

a. more costly to develop

Question 48

If an architect is presented with a sloping site with large areas of loose fill, and the client wishes to develop this site for an elementary school, the architect should: a. reject the site because schools require level land b. reject the site because of inadequate soil bearing value c. reject the site because development cost will be too expensive d. attempt to find a solution using the site's unique properties

Answer 48

d. attempt to find a solution using the site's unique properties

Question 49

Which of the following measures would help reduce automobile usage, and hence congestion, in the development of an office building in a central city area? I. provide low rate parking in the building, with free parking for all tenants and their staffs II. provide only market rate monthly parking III. provide no parking (or limited parking) with a tax system in which a portion of the real estate tax on the building is earmarked for public transit IV. provide incentive rates for tenants and their staff who carpool a. I and II b. II, III, and IV c. I and IV d. II and IV

Answer 49

b. II, III, and IV

Question 50

``` In analyzing a building site, which of the following conditions would indicate the probability of poor drainage? I. existing dense ground cover II. existing flowing stream III. existing high water table IV. relatively flat site V. no storm drainage system a. I and II b. III, IV, and V c. II, III, and IV d. I, III, and V ```

Answer 50

b. III, IV, and V

Question 51

Compared to a town located at the base of a mountain, the summer temperature of a mountain resort 3,000 ft above the town would be: a. cooler at all times b. cooler in the higher latitudes c. warmer by day and cooler by night d. generally the same

Answer 51

a. cooler at all times

Question 52

``` Under normal conditions, a steady slope of 10% is a desirable limit for which of the following? I. Storm Drainage flow II. Pedestrian walks III. Planted banks IV. Unretained earth cuts V. Drainage ditches a. II and V b. II and III c. I, II, and V d. I, III, and IV ```

Answer 52

a. II and V

Question 53

Compared to a developed urban area, a planted rural area will: a. reduce the normal amount of rainfall b. reduce wind velocities c. purify the air of harmful pollutants d. stabilize the microclimate

Answer 53

d. stabilize the microclimate

Question 54

The space required for a parking lot to accommodate 325 cars, parked at 90 degrees, is approximately: a. 1.5 acres b. 2.5 acres c. 3.0 acres d. 6.0 acres

Answer 54

c. 3.0 acres Using the usual estimate of 400 sq. ft. per car, the total area requred is 400 x 325 = 130,000 sq. ft. If this total is divided by the number of sq. ft. in and acre (43,560), the result is 130,000/43,560 = 2.98, which is closest to the correct answer of 3.0 cars

Question 55

The MOST effective way to diminish the effects of urban noise is by: a. increasing the distance between the noise source and the receiver b. providing a physical barrier of plant material c. creating water movement, such as a fountain d. eliminating private vehicular traffic

Answer 55

a. increasing the distance between the noise source and the receiver

Question 56

Air which is moving at a speed of 100 ft per minute may be described as: a. pleasant b. drafty c. unnoticeable d. unbearable

Answer 56

a. pleasant less than 50 fpm is generally unnoticeable 250 fpm or more is drafty

Question 57

Bulb tees are generally used: a. in foundation work involving caissons b. in underpinning as a form of temporary support c. in gypsum concrete roof deck construction d. as water stops in below-grade concreting

Answer 57

c. in gypsum concrete roof deck construction Bulb tees are used in gypsum concrete construction as structural sub-purlins. The bulb tees are fastened to the primary framing and provide support for the form boards that receive the gypsum concrete. They also anchor the deck against uplift forces, restrict deck movement due to temperature changes, and provide lateral bracing for the roof structure. Gypsum concrete roof decks are lightweight, they set rapidly (30 min), and when used over gypsum or mineral fiber form boards, they are classified as noncombustible.

Question 58

The planning phase of a sustainably designed architectural project should include which of the following elements? I. native landscaping that is aesthetically pleasing and functional II. designing structures in the floodplain that can resist the forces of flood waters III. consideration of sun orientation, topographic relief, and the scale of adjacent buildings IV. locating projects within existing neighborhoods that are adjacent to public transportation a. I and II b. I and III c. I, III, and IV d. all of the above

Answer 58

c. I, III, and IV

Question 59

``` Sustainably designed architecture requires attention to which of the following building elements? I. solar shading devices II. urban heat island effect III. increased parking IV. fenestration and glazing a. I, II, and IV b. I and IV c. I and II d. all of the above ```

Answer 59

a. I, II, and IV

Question 60

A new building is being constructed adjacent to and existing building whose footings are shallower than those planned for the new structure. the foundation for the new building should be constructed: a. in the usual way, as the existing building's footings will be minimally disrupted b. to the same depth as the footings in the existing building c. after the footings of the existing building have been extended down to the depth of the footings of the proposed building d. in two steps: first on the three non-adjacent sides and then on the remaining side

Answer 60

c. after the footings of the existing building have been extended down to the depth of the footings of the proposed building

Question 61

Access right

Answer 61

right of an owner to have ingress and egress to and from a property

Question 62

Accessory building

Answer 62

a building or structure on the same lot as the main or principle building

Question 63

air rights

Answer 63

the right to the use or control of space above a property

Question 64

altitude

Answer 64

the angle that the sun makes with the horizon

Question 65

aquifer

Answer 65

an underground permeable material through with water flows

Question 66

azimuth

Answer 66

a horizontal angle measured clockwise from north or south

Question 67

barrier-free

Answer 67

the absence of environmental barriers, permitting free access and circulation by the handicapped

Question 68

bearing

Answer 68

in surveying, a direction stated in degrees, minutes, and seconds as an angular deviation east or west from due north or south

Question 69

bearing capacity

Answer 69

the ability of a soil to support load

Question 70

bench mark

Answer 70

a relatively permanent point of known location and elevation

Question 71

berm

Answer 71

a convex-shaped bank of earth

Question 72

boundary

Answer 72

the legal recorded property line between two parcels of land

Question 73

buffer zone

Answer 73

an area separating two different elements or functions

Question 74

buildable area

Answer 74

the net ground area of a lot that can be covered by a building after required setbacks and other zoning limitations have been accounted for

Question 75

building line

Answer 75

a defined limit within a property line beyond which a structure may not protrude

Question 76

building envelope

Answer 76

the enclosure that contains a building's maximum volume

Question 77

catch basin

Answer 77

a drainage device used to collect water, with a deep pit to catch sediment

Question 78

circulation

Answer 78

the flow or movement of people, goods, vehicles, etc., from place to place

Question 79

climate

Answer 79

the generally prevailing weather conditions of a region throughout the year, averaged over a series of years

Question 80

coefficient of runoff

Answer 80

a fixed ratio of total rainfall that runs off a surface

Question 81

collector street

Answer 81

a street into which minor streets empty and which leads to a major arterial

Question 82

combined sewer

Answer 82

sewer that carries both storm water and sanitary of industrial waste

Question 83

comfort zone

Answer 83

any combination of temperature and humidity in which the average person feels comfortable

Question 84

compaction

Answer 84

the reduction of soil volume by pressure from grading machinery

Question 85

condemnation

Answer 85

taking private property for public use, with compensation to the owner, under the right of eminent domain

Question 86

conduction

Answer 86

the transfer of heat by direct molecular action

Question 87

conforming use

Answer 87

lawful use of a building or lot that complies with the provisions of the applicable zoning ordinance

Question 88

coniferous

Answer 88

describing a cone-bearing tree or shrub. see evergreen

Question 89

contour

Answer 89

a line on a plan that connects all points of equal elevation

Question 90

contour interval

Answer 90

the vertical distance between adjacent contour lines

Question 91

convection

Answer 91

the transfer f heat by the movement of a liquid or gas, such as air

Question 92

covenant

Answer 92

a restriction of the deed which regulates land use, aesthetic qualities, etc., of an area

Question 93

crown

Answer 93

the central area of a convex surface, such as a road

Question 94

culvert

Answer 94

a length of pipe under a road or other barrier used to coney water

Question 95

deciduous

Answer 95

describing trees that shed their leaves annually, as opposed to evergreen

Question 96

deed

Answer 96

a written instrument that is used to transfer real property from one party to another

Question 97

degree days

Answer 97

the number of days that the mean temperature for and day at a particular location is below 65 degrees F

Question 98

density

Answer 98

a measure of the number of people, families, etc., that occupy a specific area

Question 99

disposal field

Answer 99

a system of trenches with gravel and loose pipes through which septic tank effluent may seep into the surrounding soil. Also called drainage field or absorption field

Question 100

district

Answer 100

any section of a city in which the zoning regulations are uniform

Question 101

drainage

Answer 101

1. he capacity of a soil to receive and transmit water | 2. the system by which excess water is collected, conducted, and dispersed.

Question 102

drip line

Answer 102

an imaginary line on the ground described by the outmost branches of a tree

Question 103

easement

Answer 103

a limited right, whether temporary or permanent, to use the property of another in certain way. this may include the right of access to water, light and air, right-of-way, etc.

Question 104

effective temperature

Answer 104

the sensation produced by the combined effects of temperature, relative humidity, and air movement

Question 105

effluent

Answer 105

partially treated liquid sewage flowing from any part of a disposal system to a place of final disposition

Question 106

encroachment

Answer 106

part of a building or an obstruction that extends into the property of another

Question 107

expansive soil

Answer 107

clay that swells when wet and shrinks when dry

Question 108

Floor Area Ratio (FAR)

Answer 108

the ratio of the floor area of a building to the area of the lot

Question 109

gradient

Answer 109

the rate of slope between two points on a surface, determined by dividing their difference in elevation by their distance apart

Question 110

groundwater level

Answer 110

The plane below which the soil is saturated with water. Also called groundwater table

Question 111

Infiltration

Answer 111

The process by which water soaks into the ground. Also called percolation

Question 112

insolation

Answer 112

the amount of solar radiation on a given plane

Question 113

interpolation

Answer 113

determining an unknown value between known values

Question 114

invert elevation

Answer 114

the elevation of the bottom (flow line) of a pipe

Question 115

land coverage

Answer 115

the ratio of the area covered by buildings to the total lot area, expressed as a percentage

Question 116

latitude

Answer 116

the number of degrees north or south of the equator of a particular point on the earth's surface.

Question 117

legal description

Answer 117

designation of boundaries of real estate in accordance with one of the systems prescribed by law

Question 118

limit line

Answer 118

any line beyond which development is prohibited

Question 119

metes and bounds

Answer 119

a formal description of the boundary lines of a parcel of real property in terms of the length and direction of those lines

Question 120

non-conforming use

Answer 120

A particular use of land or a structure which is in violation of the applicable zoning code. Generally, if the use was established prior to the code rule which it contravenes, it may continue to exist

Question 121

open drainage

Answer 121

the removal of unwanted water by means of surface devices

Question 122

pad

Answer 122

an approximately level building area

Question 123

plane surface

Answer 123

a topographic configuration created by straight, evenly spaced contours

Question 124

PUD

Answer 124

A planned unit development, similar to a cluster development but larger in scale including, in addition to housing, commercial and industrial developments.

Question 125

Radiation

Answer 125

the process by which heat of other energy is emitted by a body, transmitted through space, and absorbed by another body

Question 126

relative humidity

Answer 126

the ratio of the actual amount of moisture in the air to the maximum amount of moisture the air could hold at a given temperature

Question 127

restrictions

Answer 127

limitations on the use of a property defined by covenant in deeds, by private agreement, or by public legislation action

Question 128

retention pond

Answer 128

An area used to retain and hold runoff water during a storm. The water is held until it is able to drain naturally

Question 129

ridge

Answer 129

a narrow convex land configuration represented by contours pointing downhill

Question 130

right of way

Answer 130

a strip of land granted by deed or easement for a circulation path

Question 131

runoff

Answer 131

the surface flow of water from an area

Question 132

setback

Answer 132

the minimum legal distance between a property line and structure

Question 133

sheeting

Answer 133

a thin layer of water moving across a surface, also called a sheet flow

Question 134

silt

Answer 134

a fine grained soil whose particles are .05 to .002 millimeters in diameter

Question 135

soil

Answer 135

a natural material, formed of decomposed and disintegrated parent rock, that supports plant life

Question 136

soil boring log

Answer 136

a graphic representation of the soils encountered in a test boring

Question 137

solar zoning

Answer 137

an ordinance controlling the mass and shape of buildings, which permits the penetration of sunlight between buildings

Question 138

split lot

Answer 138

a lot that comprises more than one zone

Question 139

spot elevation

Answer 139

the exact elevation at a key point on the ground or on a structure

Question 140

spot zoning

Answer 140

zoning that differs from the pattern of the surrounding area

Question 141

subsidence

Answer 141

the sinking of land

Question 142

surcharge

Answer 142

earth which is above the top of a retaining wall

Question 143

swale

Answer 143

a graded flow path used in open drainage systems

Question 144

transpiration

Answer 144

the process by which water vapor escapes into the atmosphere from plants

Question 145

trench drain

Answer 145

a linear drainage device used to collect and conduct water

Question 146

variance

Answer 146

the special permission granted to the owner of a parcel of land waiving certain specific restrictions when the enforcement of these would impose an unusual or unreasonable hardship on the owner

Question 147

water cycle

Answer 147

the general pattern or movement of the water on, under, and above the earth. also called hydrologic cycle

Question 148

wind shadow

Answer 148

the area near the bottom of the leeward side of a hill, where the wind velocity decreases to almost zero

Question 149

zone

Answer 149

area established by a governing body for specific use, such as residential, commercial, or industrial use

Question 150

zone of aeration

Answer 150

the zone below the ground in which spaces between soil grains contain both water and air

Question 151

zone of saturation

Answer 151

the zone below the ground in which all of the spaces between soil grains are filled completely with water

Question 152

zoning

Answer 152

the legal means whereby land use is regulated and controlled for the general welfare

Question 153

zoning ordinance

Answer 153

exercise of police power by a government in regulating and controlling the character and use of property

Question 154

Slope for: Storm Drains

Answer 154

0.3% min

Question 155

Slope for: Sanitary Sewer

Answer 155

0.4% - 1.4% depending on pipe size

Question 156

Slope for: Street drainage (surface)

Answer 156

0.5% minimum - rarely 0.25%

Question 157

Slope for: Open land drainage (some ponding)

Answer 157

0.5% minimum

Question 158

Slope for: Planted areas, large paved areas

Answer 158

1% minimum

Question 159

Slope for: Drainage ditches, canals

Answer 159

2% minimum, 10% maximum

Question 160

Slope for: Parking areas

Answer 160

5% maximum

Question 161

Slope for: Automobile ramps - down (grade separations)

Answer 161

8% maximum

Question 162

Slope for: paved walkways, sidewalks

Answer 162

10% maximum, 15% for short ramps

Question 163

Slope for: Streets, paved drives

Answer 163

10% maximum, 17% for trucks in low gear

Question 164

Slope for: lawns

Answer 164

25% maximum

Question 165

Slope for: planted banks (unmowed)

Answer 165

50% maximum, depending on stability of soil

Question 166

Grade Formula

Answer 166

g = v/h x 100

Question 167

Hardpan

Answer 167

consolidated mixture of gravel, clay, and sand and a good foundation base for buildings

Question 168

Gravel

Answer 168

granular rock pebbles from 1/4" to 3 1/2" good building foundation - permeable, good drainage

Question 169

Sand

Answer 169

loose granular rock particles .002" to 1/4" good building foundation - permeable, good drainage

Question 170

clay

Answer 170

fine grained, firm cohesive material formed from decomposition and hydration of certain rock. clay is plastic when wet and relatively hard when dry. relatively impervious, may swell when it absorbs water and shrink when it dries - least stable and predictable soil for buildings, requires careful investigations