# Project Development & Documentation **URL:** https://community.blackspectacles.com/c/project-development-documentation/10.md?page=2 [Latest](https://community.blackspectacles.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.blackspectacles.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.blackspectacles.com/tags.md) **Page:** 3 --- ## [Plumbing Fixture Counts](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/plumbing-fixture-counts/4780)
**Author:** [@Feyi.Aduroja](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/Feyi.Aduroja)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2023, 6:53pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/plumbing-fixture-counts/4780 "2023-01-30T18:53:01Z")
How can one determine the fixture count for a mixed use separated occupancy. eg business occupancy and an assembly occupancy like an art gallery. --- ## [Four-way switches](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/four-way-switches/4770)
**Author:** [@clent](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/clent)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2022, 8:27pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/four-way-switches/4770 "2022-12-06T20:27:16Z")
Hi All, One of the practice exams mentions using 3 four-way switches to control the same group of lights. However, my understanding is that a four-way switch can be used to connect 2 three-way switches but I can’t under… --- ## [Exam and practice quiz phase percentage discrepancy](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/exam-and-practice-quiz-phase-percentage-discrepancy/4630)
**Author:** [@relempago](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/relempago)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2022, 11:16pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/exam-and-practice-quiz-phase-percentage-discrepancy/4630 "2022-10-20T23:16:35Z")
In the practice exam a question (PDD test 2 #79) states that a project using BIM is broken down as follows: SD 20% DD 40% CD 25% CA 15% Then in a practice quiz a question asks: An architect is developing a new assis… --- ## [EXAM1 question21&70](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/exam1-question21-70/4617)
**Author:** [@wchen](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/wchen)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2022, 10:27pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/exam1-question21-70/4617 "2022-10-20T22:27:44Z")
@coachadamcoers I run into two acoustical questions in PDD exam1. both were asking how much decibel change would be perceived half as loud/reduce intensity by half. I got confused because a 3db change means sounds inte… --- ## [Wavelength or Frequency determines the color of light](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/wavelength-or-frequency-determines-the-color-of-light/4560)
**Author:** [@jiacheng](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/jiacheng)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2022, 2:47pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/wavelength-or-frequency-determines-the-color-of-light/4560 "2022-09-22T14:47:02Z")
There is a question in test 2 below, An architect is specifying the light fixtures for a small retail shop. The client is concerned about the color of the light sources. Which of the following determines the color of l… --- ## [PDD 4th failure: passed all others (4test- 1 try) (1 -2 tries)](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pdd-4th-failure-passed-all-others-4test-1-try-1-2-tries/4461)
**Author:** [@rpresto3](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/rpresto3)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2022, 11:45pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pdd-4th-failure-passed-all-others-4test-1-try-1-2-tries/4461 "2022-07-31T23:45:51Z")
The only thing keeping me going is that I am near the end of this nightmare and I passed the other test fairly easily, but I cant get past the PDD exam. I keep failing the construction documentation portion every time.… --- ## [Quizzes?](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/quizzes/4379)
**Author:** [@brittany.desrocher](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/brittany.desrocher)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2022, 4:06pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/quizzes/4379 "2022-06-16T16:06:56Z")
I just took a quiz for the first time and they don’t make any sense. There aren’t actual questions. Just statements with a list of answers that sometimes don’t even seem to relate. Also it said I got zero correct but whe… --- ## [Vapor Barrier where multiple types of insulation are used?](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/vapor-barrier-where-multiple-types-of-insulation-are-used/4300)
**Author:** [@karen.wenschhof](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/karen.wenschhof)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2022, 5:21pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/vapor-barrier-where-multiple-types-of-insulation-are-used/4300 "2022-06-10T17:21:04Z")
Based on Ashrea standards it is now common practice in many areas to have multiple types of insulation. In these settings where does the Vapor Barrier go? I ask this because many rigid insulations have a vapor barrier … --- ## [Form 2, Q76](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/form-2-q76/4190)
**Author:** [@gerald](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/gerald)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2022, 3:48pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/form-2-q76/4190 "2022-05-31T15:48:27Z")
While Option A would allow the brick mason to complete their work with the fewest delays, it would also jeopardize the safety of the occupants as it is structurally unsound. "2012 IRC Section 507.9.1.1: “Deck ledgers sh… --- ## [Here's a Mnemonic for CSI Divisions!](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/heres-a-mnemonic-for-csi-divisions/3911)
**Author:** [@kristin.russell724](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kristin.russell724)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 12, 2022, 1:43am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/heres-a-mnemonic-for-csi-divisions/3911 "2022-05-12T01:43:53Z")
Someone in a recent virtual workshop asked if there was a way others remember the CSI divisions. I came across this mnemonic in a forum somewhere, so I figured I’d share! (Sorry if anyone takes offense :sweat\_smile: lol … --- ## [Utilizing IBC As a Reference Virtual Workshop -](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/utilizing-ibc-as-a-reference-virtual-workshop/4259)
**Author:** [@dronearchitect86](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/dronearchitect86)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 12, 2022, 1:42am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/utilizing-ibc-as-a-reference-virtual-workshop/4259 "2022-05-12T01:42:32Z")
@MarissaYee While I was in the Virtual Workshop, something came up about the fire areas in the 5 story portion. You had illustrated that those stories needed to be broken into 3 fire areas due to the 72,000 SF limitatio… --- ## [Stiffest structure in seismic design?](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/stiffest-structure-in-seismic-design/4142)
**Author:** [@sergioclaure93](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/sergioclaure93)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2022, 2:20am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/stiffest-structure-in-seismic-design/4142 "2022-04-19T02:20:37Z")
Hi @coachmarissayee what is the most stiff structure in seismic design? I thought it was braced but I found that it’s shear is that correct? Is there a difference between stiffness and strength? Like comparing moment fr… --- ## [Precast concrete connections?](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/precast-concrete-connections/4218)
**Author:** [@sergioclaure93](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/sergioclaure93)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2022, 11:27pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/precast-concrete-connections/4218 "2022-04-17T23:27:57Z")
Hi @coachadamcoers can you explain how detail connections for precast concrete typically work? I’m checking details, but it seems they typically get welded using metal plates in each piece? or they use gravity by have s… --- ## [Exam 3 question 82](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/exam-3-question-82/4178)
**Author:** [@sergioclaure93](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/sergioclaure93)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2022, 1:44am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/exam-3-question-82/4178 "2022-04-06T01:44:25Z")
Hi @coachadamcoers can you explain what do they mean by the extent of building materials? I thought it meant what you will use the material for the project in the specs. The authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) has reje… --- ## [Difference between performance specification and descriptive specification](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/difference-between-performance-specification-and-descriptive-specification/4172)
**Author:** [@nmao](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/nmao)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2022, 2:27am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/difference-between-performance-specification-and-descriptive-specification/4172 "2022-04-05T02:27:12Z")
I am confused about performance specification and descriptive specification. In Ballast review manual, it says descriptive specification is a type of performance (open) specification. But there have been multiple questio… --- ## [ADA Hallway Width Requirements](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ada-hallway-width-requirements/4169)
**Author:** [@tamara.z.jamil](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/tamara.z.jamil)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2022, 10:22pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ada-hallway-width-requirements/4169 "2022-04-03T22:22:09Z")
Hi @coachadamcoers, I have a quick question on ADA Requirements. If we were to say what an ADA approved hallway width requirements are, would it be 36" min or 44"? I’ve seen both of these numbers repeatedly and would be … --- ## [Exam 2 case study question](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/exam-2-case-study-question/4158)
**Author:** [@sergioclaure93](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/sergioclaure93)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2022, 1:21pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/exam-2-case-study-question/4158 "2022-03-29T13:21:21Z")
Hi @coachadamcoers can you explain more in depth the difference between types of plants desired being a feasibility issue rather than sq/ft of the roof in this question? I sort of get that it’s a better answer, but doe… --- ## [Exam 1 question 19](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/exam-1-question-19/4135)
**Author:** [@sergioclaure93](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/sergioclaure93)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2022, 1:23pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/exam-1-question-19/4135 "2022-03-21T13:23:07Z")
Hi @coachadamcoers can you explain the answer to this question? I thought HID’s like metal halide lighting are used for outdoor use, stadiums or gyms, because they take a while to turn on, is that correct? I guess that’… --- ## [Sizing of ducts, pipes, structure?](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/sizing-of-ducts-pipes-structure/4102)
**Author:** [@sergioclaure93](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/sergioclaure93)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2022, 10:23pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/sizing-of-ducts-pipes-structure/4102 "2022-03-20T22:23:16Z")
@coachadamcoers Hi coach adam have you studied and if so how in depth should I study and know sizing of ducts, pipes, structures using those tables for the ARE exam? Like using the AISC chart or sizing lumber for exampl… --- ## [Sealant Types](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/sealant-types/4032)
**Author:** [@tamara.z.jamil](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/tamara.z.jamil)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2022, 3:49pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/sealant-types/4032 "2022-02-28T15:49:46Z")
How would you decide which sealant type is best for different uses. For example, what sealant type would work best in a place where is a lot of movement? Or where there is higher chance of water getting in? Tagging @coac… --- ## [Structural Calculations](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/structural-calculations/4022)
**Author:** [@eric](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/eric)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2022, 4:52am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/structural-calculations/4022 "2022-02-24T04:52:47Z")
Hello! I am cruising through the videos/flashcards on my way to my 4th PDD attempt (yippee) and am wondering why there isn’t much info on Black Spectacles on the actual structural calculations? I definitely have been tri… --- ## [3rd FAIL!](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/3rd-fail/3919)
**Author:** [@kristin.russell724](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kristin.russell724)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2022, 8:34pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/3rd-fail/3919 "2022-02-04T20:34:11Z")
I’ve just failed PDD for the 3RD TIME! I met all the requirements for the guarantee, but I technically don’t fall under an individual membership, so no benefit there. I spend countless hours studying different resources … --- ## [Calculating temp change through wall assembly](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/calculating-temp-change-through-wall-assembly/3937)
**Author:** [@rinair85](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/rinair85)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2022, 5:11pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/calculating-temp-change-through-wall-assembly/3937 "2022-01-31T17:11:12Z")
How do you calculate the change in temperature going through a wall assembly if you are only given the R values of the materials that the air is passing through? --- ## [HVAC systems](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/hvac-systems/3872)
**Author:** [@kristin.russell724](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kristin.russell724)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2022, 8:50am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/hvac-systems/3872 "2022-01-23T08:50:06Z")
I feel like I go through the HVAC videos and resources a million times and nothing seems to stick. I’m feeling a little overwhelmed! Anyone have a singular source that breaks it down Barney style? I also feel like there… --- ## [Seismic structure and wind loads](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/seismic-structure-and-wind-loads/3645)
**Author:** [@sergioclaure93](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/sergioclaure93)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2022, 4:02pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/seismic-structure-and-wind-loads/3645 "2022-01-12T16:02:11Z")
On seismic structures, what is the ideal structure for to avoid the building failing laterally? I read some of Fema 454 and I understand there are moment connection, braced, and shear walls can be used, is there one tha… --- ## [Sound Intensity](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/sound-intensity/3738)
**Author:** [@rhernandez](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/rhernandez)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2021, 1:51am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/sound-intensity/3738 "2021-11-29T01:51:42Z")
In Practice Exam Form 1 question #14 in regards to sound intensity level when a fan is removed, can some one elaborate on the solution? Although I got it correct I used my best estimate as to what the resulting dB would … --- ## [PDD Practice Exam Form-1 Permit Fee Question correct answer explanation](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pdd-practice-exam-form-1-permit-fee-question-correct-answer-explanation/3199)
**Author:** [@tdebarros](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/tdebarros)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2021, 11:01pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pdd-practice-exam-form-1-permit-fee-question-correct-answer-explanation/3199 "2021-11-26T23:01:09Z")
On PDD Practice Exam Form-1 Case Study-2 Question-2 I don’t understand why the correct answer explanation used Business Mercantile for the fee cost…? The scenario states that that the building is a factory and the occupa… --- ## [Question about slip joint in wall](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/question-about-slip-joint-in-wall/3701)
**Author:** [@whuang](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/whuang)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2021, 8:34pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/question-about-slip-joint-in-wall/3701 "2021-11-16T20:34:01Z")
Hi All, Can anyone help me clarify in which conditions do we need slip joint in the wall? Also what’s the difference between the top slip and bottom slip? Thanks! --- ## [Masterformat and uniformat specs](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/masterformat-and-uniformat-specs/3696)
**Author:** [@sergioclaure93](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/sergioclaure93)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2021, 12:13am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/masterformat-and-uniformat-specs/3696 "2021-11-16T00:13:09Z")
Hi when would you use master specification format? And when would you use uniformat specs? I know masterspec follows the format of bidding/contracts, existing building, concrete, masonry, etc. Uniformat is generally or… --- ## [Acoustic solution - in terms of different frequencies](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/acoustic-solution-in-terms-of-different-frequencies/3637)
**Author:** [@whuang](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/whuang)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2021, 2:54am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/acoustic-solution-in-terms-of-different-frequencies/3637 "2021-11-15T02:54:27Z")
Hi All, One thing I want to ask after reading book Architectural Acoustic Illustrated. I am not sure the right approach to deal with the acoustic issue in terms of different frequencies. (For example, is a resilient lay… [Previous page](https://community.blackspectacles.com/c/project-development-documentation/10.md?page=1) [Next page](https://community.blackspectacles.com/c/project-development-documentation/10.md?page=3)