Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the actual size of a piece of wood that is nominally 1 inch or less?
What is the actual size of a piece of wood that is nominally 1 inch or less?
Which of the following preservatives should be avoided in areas in contact with people?
Which of the following preservatives should be avoided in areas in contact with people?
What does KD stand for in standard wood terminology?
What does KD stand for in standard wood terminology?
Which type of lumber typically measures 1 to 5 inches thick?
Which type of lumber typically measures 1 to 5 inches thick?
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What is one of the pros associated with using TREX in construction?
What is one of the pros associated with using TREX in construction?
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Which of the following methods for reusing wood does not involve its structural integrity?
Which of the following methods for reusing wood does not involve its structural integrity?
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What is a key recommendation for designing with wood to enhance sustainability?
What is a key recommendation for designing with wood to enhance sustainability?
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What are the actual size reductions for wood that is nominally over 1 inch and up to 7 inches?
What are the actual size reductions for wood that is nominally over 1 inch and up to 7 inches?
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What is the primary strategy in sustainable design for resource management?
What is the primary strategy in sustainable design for resource management?
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Which of the following strategies is the correct order for sustainable design?
Which of the following strategies is the correct order for sustainable design?
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What does the term 'Albedo' refer to in environmental design?
What does the term 'Albedo' refer to in environmental design?
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What is a major contributor to low Albedo in landscape materials?
What is a major contributor to low Albedo in landscape materials?
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What is the maximum longitudinal slope for an accessible route?
What is the maximum longitudinal slope for an accessible route?
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What distinguishes a ramp in terms of slope requirements?
What distinguishes a ramp in terms of slope requirements?
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What does ADA stand for in landscape design?
What does ADA stand for in landscape design?
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What does Universal Design aim to achieve?
What does Universal Design aim to achieve?
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What is a main problem with plastic edge restraints in high-traffic areas?
What is a main problem with plastic edge restraints in high-traffic areas?
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What distinguishes design development from construction documents?
What distinguishes design development from construction documents?
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Which component is essential in a materials plan and schedule?
Which component is essential in a materials plan and schedule?
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What purpose do paving joints serve in pavement installation?
What purpose do paving joints serve in pavement installation?
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What is the recommended spacing rule for paving control joints?
What is the recommended spacing rule for paving control joints?
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What is a defining characteristic of isolation/expansion joints?
What is a defining characteristic of isolation/expansion joints?
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Which type of wood is commonly recommended for substructure construction due to its lower cost?
Which type of wood is commonly recommended for substructure construction due to its lower cost?
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What are the environmental concerns associated with using wood products?
What are the environmental concerns associated with using wood products?
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What is the primary reason for the occurrence of differential shifting in paving failures?
What is the primary reason for the occurrence of differential shifting in paving failures?
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Which of the following types of concrete joints is primarily decorative?
Which of the following types of concrete joints is primarily decorative?
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Which type of paving joint does not have a defined maximum width?
Which type of paving joint does not have a defined maximum width?
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What is a disadvantage of using materials like concrete compared to wood?
What is a disadvantage of using materials like concrete compared to wood?
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What is the typical life expectancy comparison between plastic and metal edging?
What is the typical life expectancy comparison between plastic and metal edging?
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What is the maximum height a riser can be constructed in stairways according to building codes?
What is the maximum height a riser can be constructed in stairways according to building codes?
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What is the preferred minimum depth for each tread in staircase construction?
What is the preferred minimum depth for each tread in staircase construction?
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How many risers must stairs have before handrails are mandated on both sides according to building codes?
How many risers must stairs have before handrails are mandated on both sides according to building codes?
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Which type of stairs is prohibited under exterior conditions?
Which type of stairs is prohibited under exterior conditions?
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What is the standard ratio recommended for treads to risers in steps?
What is the standard ratio recommended for treads to risers in steps?
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What is the maximum allowable angle for the slope of stairs according to regulations?
What is the maximum allowable angle for the slope of stairs according to regulations?
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What characterizes sedimentary rocks in terms of formation?
What characterizes sedimentary rocks in terms of formation?
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How far must infiltration systems be located away from a building's foundation according to standards?
How far must infiltration systems be located away from a building's foundation according to standards?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of open graded aggregates?
Which of the following is a characteristic of open graded aggregates?
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Which type of geotextile fabric is most effective for erosion control?
Which type of geotextile fabric is most effective for erosion control?
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What type of paving is typically used in locations requiring load distribution across multiple layers?
What type of paving is typically used in locations requiring load distribution across multiple layers?
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Which material is commonly preferred for setting beds in precast concrete pavers due to its drainage properties?
Which material is commonly preferred for setting beds in precast concrete pavers due to its drainage properties?
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What is the role of edge restraints in paving applications?
What is the role of edge restraints in paving applications?
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What is a primary characteristic of nonwoven geotextile fabrics?
What is a primary characteristic of nonwoven geotextile fabrics?
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Study Notes
Sustainable Design Principles
- Sustainable design meets current needs without harming future generations' ability to meet theirs.
- Three key factors for successful sustainable design: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle; Reuse is the preferred choice.
- Three primary strategies to reduce resource use and protect the environment: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle; with Reuse being the first choice.
Reducing Resource Use
- Reduce, reuse, and recycle landscape construction materials.
- Use existing site materials.
- Use bio-based materials for reuse or recycling.
- Reprocess materials like concrete and asphalt into aggregates or slag.
Albedo
- Albedo is the reflectivity of a surface, measuring the amount of solar radiation it reflects.
- High albedo surfaces reflect more solar energy, potentially mitigating the urban heat island effect, but can cause glare.
- Dark colors have low albedo; using lighter colors or altering surface composition can increase albedo.
Accessibility and Universal Design
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) focuses on disability accessibility; Universal Design aims for all-ability usability.
- Accessible paths have a longitudinal slope of 5% or less (1:20) and a cross slope of 2% or less (1:48).
- Ramps require a slope between 8.33% (1:12) and greater than 5% (max run length is 30 feet between each landing).
Steps and Handrails
- Minimum and maximum step sizes are regulated: risers between 4 and 7 inches, treads at least 11 inches; a recommended tread-to-riser ratio is 2:1.
- Exterior steps typically have treads between 10 and 12 inches deep and risers between 6 and 8 inches high.
- Handrails are required on stairs with 5 or more risers and on both sides of ramps with a rise greater than 6 inches.
- Handrails extend 12 inches beyond step treads at top and bottom.
- Open risers, spiral stairs, and uneven steps/treads are not allowed for exterior use.
Infrastructure
- Grey infrastructure collects, conveys, and disposes of water; Green infrastructure collects, infiltrates, and treats it.
- Common green infrastructure systems include flow-through planters, bioswales, detention/retention areas, rain gardens, and green roofs.
- Infiltration systems should never be installed directly against buildings; typically, a 10-foot setback is required.
Materials
- Igneous rocks (e.g., granite) are formed by cooling magma; Sedimentary rocks form from sediment; Metamorphic rocks result from heat and pressure.
- Flexible pavements distribute loads via multiple layers; Rigid pavements rely primarily on the bottom layer.
- Flexible pavements are used for parking lots and driveways; rigid pavements are used in areas with heavy loads.
- Aggregate paving layers include (from top down) the paver layer, bedding course, base course, subbase, and sub-subbase.
- Masonry sand is for mortar or setting beds (not joint fillers); Concrete sand is preferred for joint filler and setting beds, especially for precast concrete pavers.
- Open-graded aggregates have less than 15% fines, clear/washed aggregates have no fines or contaminants.
- Sustainable non-stone aggregates include recycled glass, slag, wood chips, pine needles, coconut coir, and seashells.
- Woven geotextiles (polypropylene/polyester filaments) are used for erosion control/separation; nonwoven geotextiles are highly permeable and used for separation/filtration.
- Edge restraints prevent flexible paver materials from shifting and failing.
- Edge restraints are not needed where pavers butt against concrete walls, steps, or fixed curbs.
Design & Construction
- The site analysis phase gathers information about the site's opportunities and constraints.
- Design development allocates the majority of time and fees.
- Site inventory and analysis involves collecting data and identifying opportunities and constraints.
- Schematic and conceptual design involves exploring design concepts and material choices.
- Design development refines specifications and planting plans.
- Construction documents represent the final design details.
- Materials plans and schedules include materials pertinent to design intent.
- Site layout methods include baseline, running, angular, offset, and coordinate methods.
- Paving joints force cracking out of sight and maintain structural integrity.
- Improper joints can lead to cracking, shifting, and overloading.
- Paving joints include isolation/expansion, score, control/contraction, and construction joints.
- Control joints are spaced approximately 2-3 times the slab thickness apart.
- Paving reinforcement materials include WWF/WWM (placed in the upper 1/3-1/2 of slab thickness) and rebar.
- Isolation joints are required at vertical structures, different paving materials, unsymmetrical intersections, ramps/steps (usually at top and bottom), footings, and other locations where differential movement might occur; and NOT where abutting a plant bed, aggregate paving, or permeable paving.
Wood Products
- Softwoods (e.g., Douglas fir) are frequently used for exterior construction; hardwoods are mostly used for interior.
- Concerns about wood include deforestation impacting carbon emissions and the slow replacement of some species.
- Some woods (e.g., cedar) are naturally resistant to insects and rot.
- Standard wood dimensions vary; measurements for 1" or less are ¼" smaller than nominal; over 1" to 7" are ½" smaller; over 8" are ¾" smaller than nominal.
- Wood preservatives (e.g., waterborne or oil-type) offer rot and insect resistance; creosote should be avoided in human contact areas.
- Wood terminology includes KD (kiln-dried), CCA (chromated copper arsenate), boards, lumber, timbers, various finishes, and replacement products like thermally modified wood or composite materials.
- Wood can be reused for paths, railings, or mulch and recycled (e.g., TREX). Sustainable wood design prioritizes deconstruction and reuse where applicable.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the principles of sustainable design and their impact on resource use and the environment. This quiz covers key concepts such as reducing, reusing, recycling, and the significance of albedo in design. Challenge yourself to understand how sustainable practices can benefit future generations.
