Archive for category Flash Cards

You notice that concrete on a job site seems to be cracking excessively. Should you order testing if none was noted in the contract documents? Who pays for this testing?

According to AIA B201 the architect my order testing or inspections of work if they believe it to be in the best interest of the owner. If I had concerns of this nature I would first inform the owner, then consult with the structural engineer if the problem were structural (or not consult the [...]

What should an architect do if a contractor refuses to correct non-compliant work?

As the architect in this situation I would report my concern to the contractor, and if they are still unresponsive I would issue written notice of the situation to the owner. Under AIA A101 Owner-Contractor Agreement the owner is entitled to either perform the required work themselves and remove the costs from the contract [...]

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Periodic Construction observation

1. Visit site at intervals appropriate to the stage of construction or otherwise agreed in writing
2. Conduct deliberately and thoroughly
3. Review status of work
4. Don’t dictate construction means, methods, techniques, safety, etc.
5. Don’t instruct employees of contractor
6. Write field reports, provide copies to Owner, Contractor, consultants to keep them informed of progress

Submittal review

1. Spelled out in general conditions of contract
2. Must be approved by contractor before sent to architect
3. Architect’s approval does not relieve contractor of responsibility for deviation from CDs unless expressly noted in writing and architect has expressly approved in writing
4. Review is for conformance with design concept of construction documents
5. Only review those submittals required by the contract documents
6. No [...]

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State and local codes protecting the natural and built environments

1. CEQA
2. Coastal Act
3. Historical

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Types of foundations

1. Spread footing
2. Pier or Cassion and grade beam
3. Piles
4. mat foundation

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Seismic activity

1. Importance Factors
• Essential Facilities (seismic)
• 1.25-1.5 Hazardous Facilities (seismic)
• 1.15 Wind (Essential & Hazardous)
• 1 Standard Facilities
2. Liquefaction
3. Near-source maps add additional factors into design
4. Seismic Zones 3 & 4 cover California

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Building Lighting

Electrical engineer
Mandatory Measures – must be complied with
1. Automatic time switch on lights
2. Exterior lighting controlled by photocell, etc
3. Bi-level switching.
Prescriptive Requirements – minimum requirements that vary based on method of compliance
4. complete building method
5. area category method
6. tailored method
Performance approach
7. energy budget

Fire Risks are managed by the following methods

1. Occupancy separations (compartmentalization)
2. Sprinkler systems
3. Egress considerations
4. UL ratings

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Hazardous Materials

1. Architect is not responsible or qualified to handle existing hazardous materials. Owner to hire qualified services to verify and remove hazardous materials, and indemnify contractor, architect, architect’s consultants, etc. from any claims or damages having to do with the presence of hazardous materials
2. Must be removed from site or mitigated using the services of a qualified [...]

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