MArch Master of Architecture Master of Architecture: Building Technology 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which structural system uses a series of cables suspended from tall pylons to support a bridge or roof deck?
- Space frame
- Cable-stayed structure (Correct answer)
- Diagrid system
- Tensegrity structure
Correct answer: Cable-stayed structure
Cable-stayed structures transfer deck loads directly to pylons via taut cables, allowing long spans with minimal material.
Question 2: The dew point temperature in a building assembly is the temperature at which:
- Condensation forms on the exterior cladding
- Water vapor in the air begins to condense into liquid (Correct answer)
- Ice crystals form in insulation cavities
- Vapor retarder permeance is exceeded
Correct answer: Water vapor in the air begins to condense into liquid
Dew point is the temperature at which air becomes saturated (100% RH) and water vapor condenses into liquid water.
Question 3: In acoustics, the Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating measures a partition's ability to attenuate:
- Impact noise from above
- Airborne sound transmission (Correct answer)
- Low-frequency vibration below 125 Hz
- Flanking sound paths around a wall
Correct answer: Airborne sound transmission
STC ratings measure how well a building partition reduces airborne sound transmission across a range of frequencies.
Question 4: A moment frame resists lateral loads primarily through:
- Diagonal bracing between columns
- Rigid beam-column connections that develop bending moments (Correct answer)
- Shear walls acting as vertical cantilevers
- Pre-tensioned cables at building perimeters
Correct answer: Rigid beam-column connections that develop bending moments
Moment frames achieve lateral resistance through stiff, moment-resisting connections between beams and columns that resist rotation.
Question 5: Thermal bridging in a wall assembly most commonly occurs at:
- The center of continuous insulation panels
- Structural studs, shelf angles, and fasteners that penetrate the insulation layer (Correct answer)
- Air gaps between insulation batts
- Vapor-permeable weather-resistive barriers
Correct answer: Structural studs, shelf angles, and fasteners that penetrate the insulation layer
Metal studs and shelf angles are highly conductive and bypass the insulation layer, creating pathways for heat loss.
Question 6: Which plumbing fixture venting method allows a trap to be vented through the drain pipe itself, eliminating the need for a separate vent pipe?
- Wet venting
- Air admittance valve (AAV) (Correct answer)
- Loop venting
- Circuit venting
Correct answer: Air admittance valve (AAV)
An air admittance valve is a one-way mechanical vent that opens to admit air when negative pressure develops, preventing siphoning of the trap seal.
Question 7: A building's embodied carbon refers to greenhouse gas emissions associated with:
- HVAC energy use during building operation
- Material extraction, manufacturing, transport, construction, and end-of-life (Correct answer)
- Occupant commuting patterns
- Cooling tower water consumption
Correct answer: Material extraction, manufacturing, transport, construction, and end-of-life
Embodied carbon covers all lifecycle emissions of building materials and construction processes, excluding operational energy use.
MArch Master of Architecture Master of Architecture: Building Technology 3
Which structural system uses a series of cables suspended from tall pylons to support a bridge or roof deck?