Master NCARB Project-Management Exam with Reliable Practice Questions
Upgrade to PremiumRefer to the exhibit.
Refer to the exhibit
Twenty-five acres of undeveloped rural property was purchased for the site of a new elementary school. During the DD phase, the civil engineer and structural engineers make design proposals based on the information provided in the geotechnical report. The civil engineer indicates that several cubic yards of fill material should be installed within the proposed building footprint to make up for the change in topography (was uniformly). The structural engineer indicates a footing depth of 24 inches for the entire facility. During the CD phase, the owner asks the architect to add classrooms to one wing. The civil engineer proposes that extra fill should not be installed beneath the additional classrooms.
Which of the following should the architect do before completion of CDs? Check the three that apply.
Correct : A, C, D
A . Update the estimate of the cost of work
Adding classrooms affects scope and site preparation (e.g., fill material, grading, foundations), which affects cost. Per AIA B101 6.3, architects must update the estimate of the cost of the work as the design evolves.
C . Request an updated geotechnical evaluation
The original geotech report didn't account for this building extension. Without fill under the new addition, soil bearing capacity must be reassessed to avoid differential settlement or structural failure. This is a standard risk mitigation strategy.
D . Notify the structural engineer of the civil engineer's recommendation
The structural engineer must know that the site prep differs under the added classrooms, as this could affect foundation design. Coordination among consultants is a core architectural responsibility (per B101 3.1.2).
Incorrect Options:
B . Schedule a quality assurance meeting with the project team
While helpful, it's not critical or required specifically in this context before CDs are completed.
E . Increase the footing depth beneath the new classrooms
The architect should not unilaterally change structural design decisions. That's the structural engineer's responsibility, and any change should be based on engineering analysis and revised soil data.
F . Add general notes about structural bearing to the drawings
Premature. The structural engineer should first review the new geotechnical findings before any notes are added.
AIA B101 -- Article 3.1 & 3.2 (Architect's coordination & design responsibilities)
NCARB ARE 5.0 Handbook -- PjM Content Area 1: Project Coordination
Geotechnical coordination practices, CSI Spec Guidelines
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Who is responsible for verifying the accuracy of the contractor's payment application?
Correct : A
The architect reviews the contractor's payment applications to verify work progress aligns with the schedule of values and contract documents. The architect recommends payment amounts to the owner but does not release funds. This function protects owner interests and ensures proper contract administration, as emphasized in ARE 5.0 PjM.
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A construction project is one week away from the date of substantial completion as defined by an AIA A201 agreement. The owner comes forward with a major change to the work. The contractor and owner disagree on how much to extend the contract time. The project needs to proceed without delay while the contractor and owner work out the difference.
Which one of the following steps should the architect take?
Correct : A
When there is a disagreement over cost or time but the work must proceed, the architect can issue a Construction Change Directive (CCD). This allows the work to move forward while the owner and contractor negotiate terms. A Minor Change (B) is only for non-cost/time changes. Waiver of Subrogation (C) pertains to insurance.
CCDs are used under AIA A201 7.3 when immediate work is needed but consensus hasn't been reached.
This is the formal process to avoid delay in project delivery.
NCARB ARE 5.0 Handbook -- PjM Content Area 5
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Refer to the exhibit.
Prior to the project kick-off, the architect requests to add an additional week of review time to the schedule for each design submission for coordination with their consultants. Based on the schedule provided, what is the earliest start date for construction with the additional review periods?
Correct : C
There are three phases with design submissions:
SD 30%
DD 60%
CD 90%
Adding 1 extra week for review to each of those phases results in 3 additional weeks total.
Original end of Bidding/Negotiation = October 4 Add 3 weeks = October 25
Coordinating review time with consultants is a best practice and should be reflected in planning deliverables.
AIA Best Practices on project scheduling
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What type of contract involves payment based on actual costs plus a fee?
Correct : B
Cost-Plus Contracts reimburse the contractor for actual costs plus an agreed fee or percentage. This contract type shifts some risk to the owner but allows flexibility for uncertain scopes. Lump sum contracts are fixed price; unit price contracts pay per unit; time and materials pay based on labor and material costs but usually with a cap. ARE 5.0 PjM covers contract types and their implications.
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