LARE LARE Section 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A landscape architect is designing a pedestrian plaza using unit pavers. Which specification requirement is MOST important for preventing pavement failure in a cold climate with freeze-thaw cycles?
- Paver color and surface texture
- Paver absorption rate and compressive strength (Correct answer)
- Paver dimensions and joint width
- Paver manufacturer and country of origin
Correct answer: Paver absorption rate and compressive strength
In freeze-thaw climates, pavers must have low absorption rates to resist water infiltration and high compressive strength to withstand the pressures of ice expansion cycles.
Question 2: Which document establishes the professional standards of care and ethical obligations for licensed landscape architects in the United States?
- The AIA Code of Ethics
- The ASLA Code of Professional Ethics (Correct answer)
- The CLARB Model Law
- The ADA Accessibility Standards
Correct answer: The ASLA Code of Professional Ethics
The ASLA (American Society of Landscape Architects) Code of Professional Ethics establishes ethical principles and professional conduct standards for landscape architects.
Question 3: On a site with a 15% average slope, which land use is MOST appropriate based on slope suitability analysis?
- Large surface parking lot
- Passive recreational trails and open space (Correct answer)
- High-density residential development with basements
- Agricultural row crop farming
Correct answer: Passive recreational trails and open space
Slopes of 12–25% are well-suited for passive recreation and trails, as they are too steep for most intensive development but manageable for pedestrian pathways.
Question 4: What is the purpose of specifying 'compaction to 95% Modified Proctor density' in earthwork specifications?
- To ensure soil fertility for planting
- To achieve soil strength adequate to support loads without settling (Correct answer)
- To maximize drainage through the fill layer
- To reduce the volume of imported material needed
Correct answer: To achieve soil strength adequate to support loads without settling
Compaction to 95% Modified Proctor density provides the structural integrity needed for fill soils to support pavements and structures without differential settlement.
Question 5: A landscape architect is evaluating a brownfield site for redevelopment. Which assessment document summarizes the findings of environmental contamination investigation and cleanup requirements?
- Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
- Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) (Correct answer)
- Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review
Correct answer: Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)
A Phase II ESA involves soil and groundwater sampling to confirm contamination identified in Phase I, documenting findings and cleanup requirements for brownfield redevelopment.
Question 6: In a planting specification, what does the term 'guarantee period' refer to?
- The length of time plants are warranted to survive after installation (Correct answer)
- The manufacturer's warranty on irrigation components
- The period during which the contractor may substitute plant species
- The time allowed to complete all planting installation
Correct answer: The length of time plants are warranted to survive after installation
The guarantee period is the duration (typically 1–2 years after acceptance) during which the contractor is responsible for replacing plants that die due to installation failure.
Question 7: Which type of structural soil is specifically engineered to support urban tree root growth beneath paved surfaces?
- Compacted subbase aggregate
- CU-Structural Soil (Cornell University mix) (Correct answer)
- Sand-set paver base
- Recycled concrete aggregate
Correct answer: CU-Structural Soil (Cornell University mix)
CU-Structural Soil (developed at Cornell University) combines crushed stone and clay-loam soil to support pavement loads while providing adequate pore space for tree root expansion.
LARE LARE Section 5
A landscape architect is designing a pedestrian plaza using unit pavers.
Which specification requirement is MOST important for preventing pavement failure in a cold climate with freeze-thaw cycles?