PPD ARE 5.0 EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 100% PASS 2026/2027
What occupancy groups require separation of occuanpancies between accessory occupancies
and the main occupancy? - ANS ICC 508.2.4
Exceptions:
1. Group H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5 occupancies shall be separated from all other occupancies in
accordance
with Section 508.4.
2. Group I-1, R-1, R-2 and R-3 dwelling units and sleeping units shall be separated from other
dwelling or sleeping units and from accessory occupancies contiguous to them in
Name the two primary types of concrete structural systems. - ANS one way systems & two
way systems
Identify the primary one-way concrete structural systems? Describe them. (i.e. typical spans,
spacing) - ANS One of the common types of one-way systems is the beam-and-girder system.
This functions in a manner similar to a steel system in which the slab is supported by
intermediate beams that are carried by larger girders. Typical spans are in the range of 15 ft to
30 ft. This system is economical for most applications, relatively easy to form, and allows
penetrations and openings to be made in the slab.
2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED
1
,A concrete joist system, Fig. 11.3(b), is comprised of concrete members usually spaced 24 in or
36 in apart, running in one direction, that frame into larger beams. Most spans range from 20 ft
to 30 ft with joist depths ranging from 12 in to 24 in. A concrete joist system is easy to form
since prefabricated metal pan forms are used. This system is good for light or medium loads
where moderate distances must be spanned.
Name and describe the three primary types of concrete structural systems. - ANS Beam &
Girder system, Concrete Joist System, and Flat plate / Flat slab / waffle slab
The flat plate is the simplest. The slab is designed and reinforced to span in both directions
directly into the columns. This system is limited to light loads and short spans, up to about 25 ft
with slabs ranging from 6 in to 12 in. It is very useful in situations where the floor-to-floor height
must be kept to a minimum or an uncluttered underfloor appearance is desired.
When the span of flat plates is large or the live loads are heavier, flat plates require drop panels
(increased slab thickness around the columns) to provide greater resistance against punching
shear failures. This system can accommodate fairly heavy loads with economical
spans up to 30 ft.
The waffle slab system, Fig. 11.3(e), can provide support for heavier loads at slightly longer
spans than the flat slab system. Spans up to 40 ft can be accomplished economically.
Name typical pre-cast concrete shapes. - ANS rectangular beam, inverted tee beam, L-shaped
beam, single tee, double tee, hollow core slab, pre-cast column
Define camber - ANS upward deflection in pre-cast concrete structural member. Camber
designed to match the intended loads.
Describe post-tensioned concrete - ANS In this system, the post-tensioning steel (sometimes
called tendons) is stressed after the concrete has been poured and cured. Post-tensioning
tendons can be small high-strength wires, seven-wire strands, or solid bars. They are stressed
with hydraulic jacks pulling on one or both ends of the tendon with pressures of about 100 psi
to 250 psi of concrete area for slabs and 200 psi to 500 psi for beams.
2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED
2
,What is the typical grade of steel used in reinforced concrete? - ANS Current typical
reinforcing steel specifications need Grade 40 (40 ksi) or Grade 60 (60 ksi) epoxy-coated steel.
The selection of the material is primarily based on first cost analysis of pavement construction.
Although, several higher grade steels have shown equal or superior corrosion resistance
performance, they are not able to meet the cost criterion.
Name the three basic types of masonry wall construction. - ANS There are three basic types
of masonry bearing wall construction: single wythe, double wythe, and cavity
Name the advantages of using unit masonry bearing walls. - ANS Unit masonry bearing walls
offer the advantages of strength, design flexibility, attractive appearance, resistance to
weathering, fire resistance, and sound insulation. In addition, their mass makes them ideal for
many passive solar energy applications.
Describe purpose of horizontal joint reinforcement - ANS This not only strengthens the wall
but also controls shrinkage cracks, ties multi-wythe walls together, and provides a way to anchor
veneer facing to a structural backup wall. Horizontal joint reinforcement comes in a variety of
forms and is generally placed 16 in on center.
Minimum and Maximum width of cavity in masonry wall construction - ANS No less than 2"
no more than 4 1/2"
Flexural strength - ANS Flexural strength is basically bending strength . It is the term mainly
used in beams,girders. It comprises of compression and tension both . Tension at bottom fibers
and compression at top fibers ( in a normaly loading case)
Sheet flow - ANS Sheet flow is water that drains across a sloping surface, whether that
surface is paved, grassy, or otherwise
landscaped. In most cases, sheet flow is directed to gutters or channels, which empty into a
natural
watercourse or storm sewer.
What is the minimum underground storm drain slope? - ANS .3%
2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED
3
, Catch basin - ANS A catch basin is an underground reservoir
that has a sump built into it; debris settles into the sump instead of flowing down the sewer and
potentially clogging the pipes.
n-year storm; How is the n defined? - ANS the value of n is based on the probability
that a storm of this magnitude or greater will
occur at this location in any given year. For
example, a 100-year storm for a given location is
a storm of such magnitude that there is only a
1% probability that a storm at least as large will
occur in any given year. A 25-year storm has a
4% probability, and a 10-year storm has a 10%
probability.
Describe slopes for different pipe sizes. - ANS The minimum slope of the building sewer is
0.5% to 2.0% depending on the size of the pipe. A greater slope is required for smaller pipes. A
pipe with a diameter of 2-1/2 in or less must be placed at a slope of 1/4 in/ft, a pipe with a
diameter of 3 in to 6 in must be placed at a slope of 1/8 in/ft, and a pipe with a diameter of 8 in
or more must be placed at a slope of 1/16 in/ft.
What is the minimum glazing U-factor used for passive solar heating? - ANS U-factor = .35
Btu/ft^2-hr-oF
Thermal Storage wall - ANS A thermal storage wall is a high-mass wall placed directly behind
a south-facing glass wall. The highmass
wall collects solar energy during the day for release at night, as a form of direct gain system.
Most thermal storage walls are vented, which allows cool air to circulate in the space between
the
glass and wall, become heated, and travel by convection up and over the wall and back into the
2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED
4
ANSWERS 100% PASS 2026/2027
What occupancy groups require separation of occuanpancies between accessory occupancies
and the main occupancy? - ANS ICC 508.2.4
Exceptions:
1. Group H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5 occupancies shall be separated from all other occupancies in
accordance
with Section 508.4.
2. Group I-1, R-1, R-2 and R-3 dwelling units and sleeping units shall be separated from other
dwelling or sleeping units and from accessory occupancies contiguous to them in
Name the two primary types of concrete structural systems. - ANS one way systems & two
way systems
Identify the primary one-way concrete structural systems? Describe them. (i.e. typical spans,
spacing) - ANS One of the common types of one-way systems is the beam-and-girder system.
This functions in a manner similar to a steel system in which the slab is supported by
intermediate beams that are carried by larger girders. Typical spans are in the range of 15 ft to
30 ft. This system is economical for most applications, relatively easy to form, and allows
penetrations and openings to be made in the slab.
2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED
1
,A concrete joist system, Fig. 11.3(b), is comprised of concrete members usually spaced 24 in or
36 in apart, running in one direction, that frame into larger beams. Most spans range from 20 ft
to 30 ft with joist depths ranging from 12 in to 24 in. A concrete joist system is easy to form
since prefabricated metal pan forms are used. This system is good for light or medium loads
where moderate distances must be spanned.
Name and describe the three primary types of concrete structural systems. - ANS Beam &
Girder system, Concrete Joist System, and Flat plate / Flat slab / waffle slab
The flat plate is the simplest. The slab is designed and reinforced to span in both directions
directly into the columns. This system is limited to light loads and short spans, up to about 25 ft
with slabs ranging from 6 in to 12 in. It is very useful in situations where the floor-to-floor height
must be kept to a minimum or an uncluttered underfloor appearance is desired.
When the span of flat plates is large or the live loads are heavier, flat plates require drop panels
(increased slab thickness around the columns) to provide greater resistance against punching
shear failures. This system can accommodate fairly heavy loads with economical
spans up to 30 ft.
The waffle slab system, Fig. 11.3(e), can provide support for heavier loads at slightly longer
spans than the flat slab system. Spans up to 40 ft can be accomplished economically.
Name typical pre-cast concrete shapes. - ANS rectangular beam, inverted tee beam, L-shaped
beam, single tee, double tee, hollow core slab, pre-cast column
Define camber - ANS upward deflection in pre-cast concrete structural member. Camber
designed to match the intended loads.
Describe post-tensioned concrete - ANS In this system, the post-tensioning steel (sometimes
called tendons) is stressed after the concrete has been poured and cured. Post-tensioning
tendons can be small high-strength wires, seven-wire strands, or solid bars. They are stressed
with hydraulic jacks pulling on one or both ends of the tendon with pressures of about 100 psi
to 250 psi of concrete area for slabs and 200 psi to 500 psi for beams.
2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED
2
,What is the typical grade of steel used in reinforced concrete? - ANS Current typical
reinforcing steel specifications need Grade 40 (40 ksi) or Grade 60 (60 ksi) epoxy-coated steel.
The selection of the material is primarily based on first cost analysis of pavement construction.
Although, several higher grade steels have shown equal or superior corrosion resistance
performance, they are not able to meet the cost criterion.
Name the three basic types of masonry wall construction. - ANS There are three basic types
of masonry bearing wall construction: single wythe, double wythe, and cavity
Name the advantages of using unit masonry bearing walls. - ANS Unit masonry bearing walls
offer the advantages of strength, design flexibility, attractive appearance, resistance to
weathering, fire resistance, and sound insulation. In addition, their mass makes them ideal for
many passive solar energy applications.
Describe purpose of horizontal joint reinforcement - ANS This not only strengthens the wall
but also controls shrinkage cracks, ties multi-wythe walls together, and provides a way to anchor
veneer facing to a structural backup wall. Horizontal joint reinforcement comes in a variety of
forms and is generally placed 16 in on center.
Minimum and Maximum width of cavity in masonry wall construction - ANS No less than 2"
no more than 4 1/2"
Flexural strength - ANS Flexural strength is basically bending strength . It is the term mainly
used in beams,girders. It comprises of compression and tension both . Tension at bottom fibers
and compression at top fibers ( in a normaly loading case)
Sheet flow - ANS Sheet flow is water that drains across a sloping surface, whether that
surface is paved, grassy, or otherwise
landscaped. In most cases, sheet flow is directed to gutters or channels, which empty into a
natural
watercourse or storm sewer.
What is the minimum underground storm drain slope? - ANS .3%
2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED
3
, Catch basin - ANS A catch basin is an underground reservoir
that has a sump built into it; debris settles into the sump instead of flowing down the sewer and
potentially clogging the pipes.
n-year storm; How is the n defined? - ANS the value of n is based on the probability
that a storm of this magnitude or greater will
occur at this location in any given year. For
example, a 100-year storm for a given location is
a storm of such magnitude that there is only a
1% probability that a storm at least as large will
occur in any given year. A 25-year storm has a
4% probability, and a 10-year storm has a 10%
probability.
Describe slopes for different pipe sizes. - ANS The minimum slope of the building sewer is
0.5% to 2.0% depending on the size of the pipe. A greater slope is required for smaller pipes. A
pipe with a diameter of 2-1/2 in or less must be placed at a slope of 1/4 in/ft, a pipe with a
diameter of 3 in to 6 in must be placed at a slope of 1/8 in/ft, and a pipe with a diameter of 8 in
or more must be placed at a slope of 1/16 in/ft.
What is the minimum glazing U-factor used for passive solar heating? - ANS U-factor = .35
Btu/ft^2-hr-oF
Thermal Storage wall - ANS A thermal storage wall is a high-mass wall placed directly behind
a south-facing glass wall. The highmass
wall collects solar energy during the day for release at night, as a form of direct gain system.
Most thermal storage walls are vented, which allows cool air to circulate in the space between
the
glass and wall, become heated, and travel by convection up and over the wall and back into the
2026/2027 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED
4
