ARCH 331- Mid Term Exam Questions with Correct Answers Latest Update 2025/2026
The requirements for the building foundation will most likely be found on which sheet in a
drawing set? - Answers S101
Construction Documents = Drawings + Construction Contract + ....... - Answers Specifications
In regards to the entity which has authority over enforcing building codes, the acronym AHJ
most nearly stands for... - Answers Authority Having Jurisdiction
The recorded wind speed during Hurricane Michael exceeded the design wind speed as
specified by the AHJ. - Answers True
All of the following are considered a dead load except...
Weight of structural members,
Weight of permanent non-structural components,
Occupants - Answers Occupants
All of the following effect the magnitude of wind loads on buildings except.
Topography surrounding site
Height of building
Size of building
Location of building
Weight of the building - Answers Weight of the building
Load factors are applied to loads acting on building to account for which of the following -
Answers Approximations in design methodology
Differences in material strength
Uncertainty in the magnitude and location of applied loads.
Earthquake induced forces is an example of lateral loading on a structure. - Answers True
Per the International Building Code, a fire station is required to be designed as what Risk
Category? - Answers IV
The exposure category (wind design) for Francis Hall is most nearly.... - Answers Exposure B
A structure design to the minimum requirements of the building code should not collapse when
subjected to a minimum design earthquake or wind event. - Answers True
, A structure designed and constructed to the minimum requirements of the building should
should not sustain structural damage during a design earthquake or wind event. - Answers
False
Earthquake forces are a function of the building mass (weight) and stiffness, which means that
if a building is located in a high seismic region it is preferable for the building to be heavy and
stiff in order reduce earthquake loads on the structure. - Answers False (we like flexible
structures when there will be lateral movement)
Wind loads increase the higher up from ground surface they are, since their is a reduction is
friction with the ground. - Answers True
In general, the shorter a building gets, the the larger it's natural period will be. (Higher natural
period = more flexible). - Answers False (Higher natural period = more stiff)
Most AHJ's today, have adopted versions of which model building code? - Answers International
Building Code (IBC)
Updated versions of the International Building Code are released on what yearly cycle? -
Answers 3 Years
An AHJ cannot implement requirements in their adopted building code that are less restrictive
than the International Building Code. - Answers False
Which of the Types of Construction listed below has the highest resistance to fire? - Answers
Type 1
A fire resistance rating indicates the amount of time that a material can withstand a fire while
maintaining a minimum level of structural integrity. - Answers True
You are the design-build contractor for a new aviation control tower at Easterwood Airport.
Which Risk Category should this structure be classified as? - Answers IV
A special inspection agency is one that is hired by the contractor to assure that construction is
being done in accordance with the construction documents. - Answers False
Special Inspector - Answers a qualified individuals that provide continuous on-the-job inspection
to ensure public safety by ensuring buildings are constructed in accordance with approved
plans and specifications.
The Registered Design Professional in Responsible Charge (RDPiRC) on a typical building
project is which party? - Answers Architect
An architect required on a 6,000 SF office building for the City of Bryan - Answers True
An architect is required on a 6,000 SF office building for Dudley Engineering. - Answers False
The requirements for the building foundation will most likely be found on which sheet in a
drawing set? - Answers S101
Construction Documents = Drawings + Construction Contract + ....... - Answers Specifications
In regards to the entity which has authority over enforcing building codes, the acronym AHJ
most nearly stands for... - Answers Authority Having Jurisdiction
The recorded wind speed during Hurricane Michael exceeded the design wind speed as
specified by the AHJ. - Answers True
All of the following are considered a dead load except...
Weight of structural members,
Weight of permanent non-structural components,
Occupants - Answers Occupants
All of the following effect the magnitude of wind loads on buildings except.
Topography surrounding site
Height of building
Size of building
Location of building
Weight of the building - Answers Weight of the building
Load factors are applied to loads acting on building to account for which of the following -
Answers Approximations in design methodology
Differences in material strength
Uncertainty in the magnitude and location of applied loads.
Earthquake induced forces is an example of lateral loading on a structure. - Answers True
Per the International Building Code, a fire station is required to be designed as what Risk
Category? - Answers IV
The exposure category (wind design) for Francis Hall is most nearly.... - Answers Exposure B
A structure design to the minimum requirements of the building code should not collapse when
subjected to a minimum design earthquake or wind event. - Answers True
, A structure designed and constructed to the minimum requirements of the building should
should not sustain structural damage during a design earthquake or wind event. - Answers
False
Earthquake forces are a function of the building mass (weight) and stiffness, which means that
if a building is located in a high seismic region it is preferable for the building to be heavy and
stiff in order reduce earthquake loads on the structure. - Answers False (we like flexible
structures when there will be lateral movement)
Wind loads increase the higher up from ground surface they are, since their is a reduction is
friction with the ground. - Answers True
In general, the shorter a building gets, the the larger it's natural period will be. (Higher natural
period = more flexible). - Answers False (Higher natural period = more stiff)
Most AHJ's today, have adopted versions of which model building code? - Answers International
Building Code (IBC)
Updated versions of the International Building Code are released on what yearly cycle? -
Answers 3 Years
An AHJ cannot implement requirements in their adopted building code that are less restrictive
than the International Building Code. - Answers False
Which of the Types of Construction listed below has the highest resistance to fire? - Answers
Type 1
A fire resistance rating indicates the amount of time that a material can withstand a fire while
maintaining a minimum level of structural integrity. - Answers True
You are the design-build contractor for a new aviation control tower at Easterwood Airport.
Which Risk Category should this structure be classified as? - Answers IV
A special inspection agency is one that is hired by the contractor to assure that construction is
being done in accordance with the construction documents. - Answers False
Special Inspector - Answers a qualified individuals that provide continuous on-the-job inspection
to ensure public safety by ensuring buildings are constructed in accordance with approved
plans and specifications.
The Registered Design Professional in Responsible Charge (RDPiRC) on a typical building
project is which party? - Answers Architect
An architect required on a 6,000 SF office building for the City of Bryan - Answers True
An architect is required on a 6,000 SF office building for Dudley Engineering. - Answers False
