Project Planning & Design

Project Development & Documentation (PDD) focuses on the integration and documentation of building systems, material selection, and material assemblies into a project. You should be able to demonstrate an understanding of and abilities in integration of civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and specialty systems into overall project design and documentation.

Passed 10/31/22

Study Recommendations

  • The exam is 4 hours 5 minutes, and 100 questions.

  • The exam is mostly multiple choices, and about 20% drag and place, hotspot, and calculation questions.

  • Spend 2 hours on the first 80 standalone questions, take a break, then spend the next 2 hours on the two case studies.

  • Study building details, MEP systems, and structural systems.

Suggested Readings

PPI ARE 5 Review Manual link

Chapters 31-48

International Building Code 2018 link

Ch 3 occupancy, Ch 5 heights and areas, Ch 4 special uses and occupancies, Ch 6 types of construction, Ch8 fire protection and life safety systems, Ch 10 means of egress
2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design linkTechnical diagrams
Karin Bell's Notes linkCondensed notes and diagrams

Exam Contents

SECTION 1: Integration of Building Materials & Systems

  • Mechanical System

      • All air: Variable Air Volume, Constant Air Volume

      • All water: Fan coil terminal, Hydronic convector

      • Know supply and exhaust symbols on ceiling plans

  • Plumbing System

      • Soil stack=blackwater; Waste stack=grey water

      • Vent stack connects to stack vent; Stack vent exhausts sewage gas

      • Pipe insulation needed for hot water=save energy, cold water=avoid freezing

  • Electrical System

      • Single Phase: 120/240V, 3 wires, residential

      • 3 Phrase: 208/400V, 277/480V, 4 wires, commercial and industrial

  • Lighting System

      • Direct, Semi-Direct, Direct-Indirect, Semi-Indirect, Indirect, Diffuse

      • Know Color Rendering Index, Color Temperature, Light Distribution Curve, Spectral Distribution Chart

  • Structural System

      • Know steel Angle, Channel, Plate, Tee, Wide flange, Hollow section

      • Know Tension, Compression, Shear, Movement

      • Concrete usually needs to be reinforced on the tension side with rebar

  • Conveying System

      • Hydraulic vs Traction Elevator, Geared vs Gearless

SECTION 2: Construction Documentation

  • Masonry Details

      • At parapet, opening, base conditions

      • Know weep hole, mortar net, drip, lintel, bond beam, air space

  • Flashing Details

      • Often required at ridges, valleys, openings, intersections, joints

  • Fire Rated Wall Assemblies

      • 1 hour, 2 hour, & Shaft wall assemblies with gypsum boards/panels

  • Door Swing

      • Right Hand (RH), Right Hand Reverse (RHR), Left Hand (LH), Left Hand Reverse (LHR)

  • Moisture Protection

      • Air Barrier vs Vapor Retarder; usually placed on the warmer side

      • Damp Proofing controls moisture only; Water Proofing control moisture and water subject to hydrostatic pression

  • Galvanic Corrosion

      • Place similar metals together

      • Anodic(-) Zinc, Aluminum, Steel, Lead, Copper, Bronze, Stainless Steel, Silver, Gold (+)Cathodic

  • Design Changes

      • Understand the impact of changes to different building systems. i.e. using a deeper duct will lower the ceiling height

SECTION 3: Project Manual & Specifications

  • Project Manual

      • Includes Bidding Requirements, Contract Forms, Conditions of Contract, & Specifications

  • Bidding Documents

      • Includes Project Manual, Contract Drawings, Addenda, & Modifications

  • Specifications

      • Know the divisions required given a particular scope, read MasterFormat divisions

      • 4 methods of specifying: Proprietary, Descriptive, Performance, Reference Standards

SECTION 4: Codes & Regulations

  • Types of Construction

      • Non-combustible: I, II

      • Combustible: III, IV (heavy timber), V

  • Separation of Occupancies

      • IBC table 508.4

  • Egress

      • Dead end: 20' max for business occupancy

      • Max Common Path of Travel vs Max Travel Distance

      • Separation of Exits: 1/2 or 1/3 diagonal

  • Accessibility

      • Ramp: Max rise 30"; Max Slope 1:12; Landing min 60" long

      • Transition: 1/4" H max, 1/2" H allowed with bevel

      • Wheel chair turning space: min 60" diameter circle

      • Door maneuvering clearances: front approach, 12" min push side, 18" min pull side

SECTION 5: Construction Cost Estimates

  • Cost Estimating

      • Calculate cost savings on alternative materials, given unit price

      • Select the most cost-effective material to meet design standard

PDD.pdf