CLARB - Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards Materials and Construction Methods Questions and Answers

Question 1

A landscape architect is specifying materials for a public plaza where slip resistance is a primary safety concern, especially in a climate with frequent rainfall.
Which of the following concrete finishes is MOST suitable for this application?

Accepted Answer

An exposed aggregate finish, revealing the texture of the coarse aggregate.

Answer

A hard trowel finish, creating a smooth, dense surface.

Answer

A polished finish, ground to a high-gloss sheen.

Answer

A salt finish, which creates small, subtle indentations on the surface.

Question 2

When designing a freestanding seat wall using brick, which type of mortar joint is recommended for the greatest durability and resistance to water penetration?

Accepted Answer

Concave joint

Answer

Raked joint

Answer

Flush joint

Answer

Extruded (squeezed) joint

Question 3

A landscape architect is specifying wood for a series of benches and a pergola in a park. The client wants to avoid chemical treatments and desires a material with high natural resistance to rot and insects. Which of the following wood species is the best choice?

Accepted Answer

Black Locust

Answer

Douglas Fir

Answer

White Pine

Answer

Red Oak

Question 4

In the construction of a flexible pavement system, such as for an interlocking concrete paver walkway, what is the primary function of the aggregate base course?

Accepted Answer

To distribute structural loads from the surface to the subgrade.

Answer

To provide a perfectly smooth surface for laying the pavers.

Answer

To act as a waterproof barrier to prevent moisture from reaching the subgrade.

Answer

To prevent weed growth between the paver joints.

Question 5

A detail for a custom steel railing specifies a 'hot-dip galvanized' finish. What is the primary purpose of this specification?

Accepted Answer

To apply a sacrificial zinc coating for corrosion protection.

Answer

To provide a smooth, paint-ready surface.

Answer

To increase the tensile strength of the steel.

Answer

To create a dark, weathered appearance similar to Corten steel.

Question 6

During the construction of a segmental retaining wall, a non-woven geotextile filter fabric is specified for placement behind the drainage aggregate. What is the main function of this fabric?

Accepted Answer

To prevent the migration of fine soil particles into the drainage aggregate.

Answer

To add structural strength to the retaining wall blocks.

Answer

To act as a waterproof liner to keep the backfill dry.

Answer

To create a root barrier preventing landscape plants from damaging the wall.

A landscape architect is specifying materials for a public plaza where slip resistance is a primary safety concern, especially in a climate with frequent rainfall.Which of the following concrete finishes is MOST suitable for this application?

A landscape architect is specifying materials for a public plaza where slip resistance is a primary safety concern, especially in a climate with frequent rainfall.
Which of the following concrete finishes is MOST suitable for this application?