ARC PPE flashcards
ARC PPE · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Break-even rate
- Annual overhead divided by annual direct labor; the billing rate at which revenue covers overhead and direct labor with zero profit.
- Utilization rate
- Direct billable hours divided by total paid hours; measures staff efficiency and is typically 65–75% for architectural firms.
- Critical path
- The longest sequence of dependent activities in a project network; it has zero float and determines the minimum project duration.
- Earned value CPI
- Cost Performance Index = Earned Value divided by Actual Cost; a value below 1.0 indicates the project is over budget.
- Net assignable area
- Usable floor area assigned to specific functions, excluding circulation, mechanical, and structural spaces; used to compute building efficiency.
- Adjacency matrix
- A grid that weights the required proximity between pairs of spaces; used to test bubble diagrams and optimize floor plan layout.
- Floor area ratio
- Gross floor area divided by lot area; a zoning metric that limits building bulk relative to the site.
- Occupancy classification
- Building code grouping by use-such as A assembly, B business, E educational, R residential-that determines allowable height, area, and egress requirements.
- CSI MasterFormat
- A 50-division specification organization system; Division 01 covers general requirements, and later divisions address specific trades and materials.
- Substantial completion
- The stage when work is sufficiently complete for the owner's intended use; it starts warranties and the punch list period.
- Rational method
- Stormwater runoff formula Q = CiA, where C is the runoff coefficient, i is rainfall intensity, and A is drainage area.
- Contour interval
- The vertical elevation difference between adjacent contour lines; closer spacing indicates steeper terrain.
- Cooling ton
- A unit of cooling capacity equal to 12,000 BTU per hour; office spaces typically require 400–500 square feet per ton.
- Fixture unit
- A plumbing load metric where 1 fixture unit equals 1 gallon per minute; a water closet is 2.5 units and a lavatory is 1 unit.
- Standard of care
- The legal benchmark requiring an architect to perform with the reasonable skill and care of similar professionals under similar circumstances.
- Mechanic's lien
- A statutory claim allowing contractors or suppliers to file against a property for unpaid work or materials, potentially clouding title.
- Overhead multiplier
- A factor applied to direct labor to cover overhead and profit; typically ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 in architectural fee proposals.
- Float
- The amount of time an activity can be delayed without affecting the project completion date; calculated as late start minus early start.
- Occupant load factor
- The floor area per occupant used to calculate egress requirements; for example, 150 gross square feet per occupant for offices.
- Egress width factor
- The required exit width per occupant: 0.2 inches for stairs and 0.15 inches for other egress components such as corridors and doors.
- Allowable area increase
- A building code provision permitting larger floor area when the building has open frontage or is equipped with automatic sprinklers.
- Accessible route width
- The minimum clear width for an accessible path, typically 36 inches, with 60-inch turning spaces and a maximum slope of 1:12.
- Door schedule
- A construction document table listing each door's type, size, material, fire rating, and hardware group for coordination and procurement.
- Stair riser and tread
- Code limits for stairs: risers 4–7 inches high and treads at least 11 inches deep, with handrails 34–38 inches above the nosing.
- Application for payment
- A contractor's monthly request for payment based on completed work; the architect reviews and certifies the amount due.
- Punch list
- A documented list of incomplete or defective work items that the contractor must correct before final completion and final payment.
- Cut and fill
- Site grading process of removing soil from high areas and depositing it in low areas to achieve a balanced site with minimal hauling.
- Setback
- The required distance from a property line to a building, established by zoning to control light, air, and privacy.
- Duct velocity method
- HVAC duct sizing approach using target air velocities: supply trunks at 1000–1500 feet per minute and branches at 600–900 feet per minute.
- Live load
- The non-permanent load on a structure from occupants and movable objects; office floors typically require 50 pounds per square foot.
- Architect's seal
- The licensed architect's stamp on construction documents, certifying professional responsibility and compliance with state licensing laws.
- Conflict of interest
- A situation where an architect's financial or personal interest could compromise professional judgment; must be disclosed to the client.