OAA Admission Exam case studies
OAA Admission Exam · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The OAA Admission Course and Examination is the examination step that the Ontario Association of Architects lists within its Intern Architect pathway toward architect licensure in Ontario. It is intended for intern architects who are completing the supervised experience and examination requirements that lead to registration. The OAA Admission Exam case studies are 5 cases and about 3,147 words.
1The Substitution That Wasn't Approved
A 12-storey residential tower is under construction under a stipulated-sum contract with a detailed specification naming a specific curtain-wall sealant system. Eleven months into construction the contractor submits a substitution request for a cheaper sealant with a stated service life of 12 years versus the specified 20 years.
692 words, about 3 min2The Corroded Balcony Fixings
During a condition survey of a 1970s eight-storey concrete apartment block, the engineer reports that the cantilevered balcony slabs are supported by steel brackets cast into the slab edges. On three balconies, exploratory opening reveals section loss of 25–30% on the bracket webs, with visible rust staining on the soffits.
615 words, about 3 min3The Fire Door That Was Value-Engineered Out
A four-storey office refurbishment is nearing completion. The design provides a protected escape stair with fire doors at each floor.
609 words, about 3 min4The Progress Claim With No Measured Work
A 6.2 million school extension is let on a lump-sum contract with monthly interim payments based on measured work. The contractor's month-4 claim is 980,000, against the architect's assessment of 610,000.
616 words, about 3 min5The Heritage Facade and the Energy Upgrade
A developer is converting a listed 1890s warehouse into apartments. The scheme retains the stone facade and timber floors but requires a new insulated lining to the inside face of the external walls to meet the energy standard.
615 words, about 3 min