MArch Master of Architecture Master of Architecture: Building Technology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which glazing system type uses structural silicone bonding to eliminate visible aluminum framing on the exterior face?
- Spider glazing
- Structural sealant glazing (SSG) (Correct answer)
- Insulated glass unit (IGU)
- Laminated safety glass
Correct answer: Structural sealant glazing (SSG)
Structural sealant glazing bonds glass panels to a frame using high-strength silicone, hiding all framing from the exterior.
Question 2: The R-value of a building assembly measures its resistance to which physical phenomenon?
- Air infiltration
- Moisture diffusion
- Heat flow (Correct answer)
- Sound transmission
Correct answer: Heat flow
R-value quantifies thermal resistance — the higher the R-value, the slower heat flows through the assembly.
Question 3: A two-way flat plate slab differs from a two-way flat slab primarily in that the flat plate lacks which element?
- Reinforcing steel
- Drop panels and column capitals (Correct answer)
- A concrete topping
- Shear walls
Correct answer: Drop panels and column capitals
Flat slabs have drop panels or column capitals to resist punching shear, while flat plates rely on slab thickness alone.
Question 4: Which HVAC system delivers conditioned air at variable flow rates while maintaining a constant supply air temperature?
- Constant air volume (CAV)
- Variable air volume (VAV) (Correct answer)
- Fan coil unit (FCU)
- Chilled beam system
Correct answer: Variable air volume (VAV)
VAV systems modulate airflow to each zone to match the load while keeping supply air temperature fixed.
Question 5: In passive solar design, a Trombe wall functions primarily as a:
- Ventilation duct for fresh air intake
- Thermal mass that absorbs solar heat and releases it slowly indoors (Correct answer)
- Shading device to block summer sun
- Reflective surface to redirect daylight deeper into a space
Correct answer: Thermal mass that absorbs solar heat and releases it slowly indoors
A Trombe wall is a dark, south-facing thermal mass wall that stores daytime solar heat and radiates it into the building overnight.
Question 6: According to ASTM E119, the fire resistance of a wall assembly is determined by the assembly's ability to maintain structural integrity, limit heat transmission, and:
- Prevent toxic gas emission
- Resist hose stream impact after the furnace test (Correct answer)
- Achieve a minimum surface flame spread index
- Withstand negative wind pressure
Correct answer: Resist hose stream impact after the furnace test
ASTM E119 includes a hose stream test after the furnace exposure to assess the assembly's integrity under firefighting conditions.
Question 7: Electrochromic glazing changes its tint in response to which stimulus?
- Heat (thermochromic response)
- Applied low-voltage electrical current (Correct answer)
- UV radiation intensity
- Changes in interior relative humidity
Correct answer: Applied low-voltage electrical current
Electrochromic glass uses a small electric current to trigger an ion movement that changes the glass's opacity and solar heat gain.
MArch Master of Architecture Master of Architecture: Building Technology 2
Which glazing system type uses structural silicone bonding to eliminate visible aluminum framing on the exterior face?