BLArch Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Site Planning 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which soil characteristic most directly determines whether a site requires imported structural fill beneath a paved surface?
- Soil pH and nutrient content
- California Bearing Ratio (CBR) or bearing capacity (Correct answer)
- Organic matter percentage for plant growth
- Cation exchange capacity
Correct answer: California Bearing Ratio (CBR) or bearing capacity
CBR measures a soil's resistance to penetration, directly informing pavement base thickness and whether native subgrade needs replacement with structural fill.
Question 2: A 'view shed analysis' in site planning is primarily used to:
- Determine the 100-year floodplain elevation
- Map areas from which a proposed structure would be visible or invisible (Correct answer)
- Calculate impervious surface runoff coefficients
- Identify locations of underground utilities
Correct answer: Map areas from which a proposed structure would be visible or invisible
Viewshed analysis uses topographic data to determine the geographic extent from which a proposed structure or feature can be seen.
Question 3: Which type of easement allows a utility company to install and maintain infrastructure across a private property?
- Conservation easement
- Access easement
- Utility easement (Correct answer)
- Scenic easement
Correct answer: Utility easement
A utility easement grants a utility provider the right to cross, install, and maintain infrastructure on privately owned land.
Question 4: In landscape architecture site planning, 'daylighting a stream' means:
- Installing solar-powered lighting along a streamside trail
- Removing a culvert or underground pipe to restore a stream to an open-channel condition (Correct answer)
- Mapping a stream's 100-year floodplain boundary
- Widening a stream channel to increase hydraulic capacity
Correct answer: Removing a culvert or underground pipe to restore a stream to an open-channel condition
Daylighting restores a buried or culverted stream to a surface channel, improving ecological function, water quality, and habitat.
Question 5: A 'bubble diagram' is used early in the site planning process primarily to:
- Calculate stormwater runoff volumes from each drainage zone
- Represent approximate spatial relationships and adjacencies between program elements (Correct answer)
- Show finished floor elevations and grading slopes
- Document existing utilities and easements
Correct answer: Represent approximate spatial relationships and adjacencies between program elements
Bubble diagrams are schematic sketches that communicate relative size, location, and relationships of program areas before detailed design begins.
Question 6: The primary purpose of a sediment basin installed during land disturbance is to:
- Provide permanent stormwater detention for post-construction runoff
- Trap eroded sediment from construction runoff before it leaves the site (Correct answer)
- Recharge groundwater beneath disturbed areas
- Reduce wind erosion across graded slopes
Correct answer: Trap eroded sediment from construction runoff before it leaves the site
Sediment basins are temporary erosion and sediment control structures that allow runoff velocity to decrease so suspended particles settle before water exits the site.
Question 7: Which concept describes the minimum distance a building must be set back from a property line or street right-of-way?
- Building envelope
- Yard setback (Correct answer)
- Floor area ratio
- Impervious cover limit
Correct answer: Yard setback
Yard setbacks are zoning-mandated minimum distances between a structure and a property line, right-of-way, or other feature.
BLArch Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Site Planning 4
Which soil characteristic most directly determines whether a site requires imported structural fill beneath a paved surface?