[Feb-2026] PDD Questions – Truly Beneficial For Your NCARB Exam [Q60-Q81]

4.2/5 - (4 votes)

[Feb-2026] PDD Questions – Truly Beneficial For Your NCARB Exam

Download NCARB PDD Sample Questions

NCARB PDD Exam Syllabus Topics:

Topic	Details
Topic 1	Codes & Regulations: This section of the exam measures skills of Building Code Specialists and examines how codes and regulations apply at a detailed level during documentation. Candidates are expected to demonstrate knowledge of compliance with the International Building Code (IBC) as well as other specialty regulations, as well as how to interpret and apply these standards to ensure design and documentation meet legal and safety requirements.
Topic 2	Project Manual & Specifications: This section of the exam measures the skills of Specifications Writers and emphasizes the importance of developing documentation that goes beyond drawings. Candidates must understand how to identify and prioritize elements needed to prepare, maintain, and refine both the project manual and project specifications. It also assesses the ability to align and coordinate these specifications with the construction documents to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Topic 3	Construction Documentation: This section of the exam measures skills of Project Architects and addresses the creation and management of project documentation. Candidates are expected to demonstrate knowledge of documenting building design and site features, preparing detailed architectural drawings, and applying industry standards to produce a coordinated set of construction documents. The section also includes understanding how project changes impact documentation and how to communicate these updates effectively to both the design team and the client.:
Topic 4	Integration of Building Materials & Systems: This section of the exam measures the skills of Architectural Designers and focuses on the ability to resolve and integrate various building systems into cohesive project goals. It covers analyzing architectural systems and technologies, determining the size of structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, and incorporating specialty systems such as acoustics, lighting, security, and communications. It also evaluates the ability to detail how multiple building systems work together and to coordinate across disciplines to achieve a unified design.
Topic 5	Construction Cost: This section of the exam measures the skills of Construction Managers and focuses on the financial side of project execution. It evaluates the ability to analyze construction cost estimates to confirm that they align with project design intent and budgetary constraints. Although this is the smallest section, it is critical for ensuring projects remain feasible and economically viable.

NEW QUESTION 60
Specifications and details for repointing deteriorated masonry joints in historic soft-brick buildings should result in which one of the following?

The duplication of original mortar strength

An increased mortar strength over the original mortar

A bond between the existing masonry and the new mortar that is stronger than the brick

Deeper joint profiles

Understanding the Problem
This question is about historic masonry restoration – specifically, repointing deteriorated mortar joints in soft-brick buildings.
Historic bricks, especially those made before the early 20th century, are often much softer and more porous than modern high-fired bricks. The mortar originally used was also softer, usually lime-based, which allowed for thermal movement, moisture permeability, and protection of the brick units.
Why the Correct Answer is “Duplication of Original Mortar Strength”
* Best practice in preservation (as outlined in the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties) is to match the original mortar in strength, composition, permeability, and appearance.
* A mortar stronger than the original can cause the softer brick to crack or spall under thermal or moisture stresses, because the brick will end up being the weaker link and take the damage.
* Duplication ensures that the new mortar works compatibly with the old masonry system – allowing for similar vapor transmission and structural flexibility.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
* B. Increased mortar strength over the original mortar – This is harmful in historic soft-brick construction. Stronger cement-based mortars can trap moisture in the brick, leading to freeze-thaw damage and spalling.
* C. A bond stronger than the brick – This would cause the brick to fail first when stress occurs, which is undesirable in preservation work.
* D. Deeper joint profiles – Deeply raking out joints unnecessarily can damage surrounding brick edges and change the visual proportions; repointing depth should only be enough to remove deteriorated mortar (typically 2-2.5 times the joint width).
NCARB ARE 5.0 PDD Study Guide References:
* Content Area: Integration of Building Materials & Systems – Historic Preservation Techniques
* Key Resources:
* The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation & Illustrated Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings
* National Park Service Preservation Brief 2: “Repointing Mortar Joints in Historic Masonry Buildings”
* Building Construction Illustrated – Masonry Restoration
* Key Preservation Principle: “New mortar should match the historic mortar in composition, strength, and vapor permeability.”

NEW QUESTION 61
The single-line diagram for the electrical distribution system shown is for a multi-family project.
Click in the box on the single-line diagram where the transformer is located.

NEW QUESTION 62
In which of the following locations in concrete masonry should a control joint be placed?

At the first course of masonry walls

At each corner of the foundation wall

At changes in wall height

In the center of window openings

NEW QUESTION 63
Which elevator type is the most appropriate choice for a 15-story high-rise residential condominium where speed and noise are considerations?

Holed hydraulic

Hole-less hydraulic

Geared traction

Gearless traction

NEW QUESTION 64

Refer to the exhibit.
What is the horizontal member indicated by the arrow in the wall-floor assembly?

Fire block

Girt

Lateral shear plate

Ledger

NEW QUESTION 65

Refer to the exhibit.
What is the primary function of the 2 x 4 blocking shown at X in the drawing?

Transfer the lateral loads from the ceiling joists

Support the top of the partition

Brace the ceiling joists

Transfer the lateral load to the 1 x 8

NEW QUESTION 66
A wall separating a distillery and a taproom must meet which of the following requirements based on a flammable liquid presence?

1-hour fire barrier

2-hour fire wall

1-hour smoke partition

3-hour fire barrier

NEW QUESTION 67
A significant advantage of glass-fiber-reinforced concrete panels over architectural precast concrete panels is which one of the following?

Increased strength

Increased quality control

Decreased weight

Decreased fabrication time

NEW QUESTION 68
Why is the vertical surface of a dry-stacked stone wall often battered into the retained material?

Increased resistance to soil thrust

Increased resistance to surface erosion of the wall

Increased impermeability that reduces equivalent fluid pressure

Increased cohesion between individual stones that make up the wall

NEW QUESTION 69

Refer to the exhibit.
Construction document drawings are in the final review stages. The architect needs to coordinate the casework detail with the probable cost estimate.
Click on the drawing note in the casework section that does not align with the cost estimate.

NEW QUESTION 70
A family-owned apple farm in the Upper Midwest is taking advantage of a change in the local zoning code that added a new Agri-Tourism class in the existing farm zone. This allows the Owner to build a new facility on their existing site. The building will be open to the public and include a brewery, distillery, tap room, and market. The architect is ready to submit the drawings to the Owner for the 50% construction documents review.
To accommodate a compressed construction schedule, the Owner will be utilizing a design-build process. The Contractor has submitted the Pre-Engineered Metal Building (PEMB) shop drawings to the Architect for review, due to the lead time on this critical path item. Once construction begins, farming operations must be able to continue uninterrupted.
Key project information includes:
* Brewing and distilling will operate year-round.
* Brewery will initially include four fermenting tanks. Owner has requested space for at least two additional tanks. Potential expansion will be based on future sales.
* Distillery will produce 16% alcohol, which is classified as a flammable liquid. Fire separations are required.
* Tap Room is designed with seating for 300 people, not including exterior patio seating. It will have views to the working orchards and the historic buildings on site.
* Tap Room is scheduled to be open from August through November. Owner would like options to extend operating dates based on popularity.
* The Market area will feature local farm products and is not conditioned.
* Entire building will be fully sprinklered.
* Selected building materials are low-maintenance, as requested by the Owner, for durability and to reflect the nature of a working farm.
* Mechanical and electrical systems will be hung from the building structure. These loads are included in PEMB shop drawings.
* Public water and sewer is not available at the Project Site.
* Occupancy sensors are included to reduce utility costs and achieve energy conservation requirements.
The following resources are available for your reference:
* Architectural Drawings, including plans, elevations, sections, and schedules
* Consultant Drawings, including structural, HVAC, power distribution, and plumbing
* PEMB Shop Drawings
* Design and Construction Schedule
* Specification Excerpts, showing relevant spec sections
* IBC and ADA Excerpts, showing relevant code and accessibility sections
* After reviewing the documents, the architect discovers a coordination issue in the corridor.
The owner decides to triple the size of the distillery component of the project to make hand sanitizer and wants to use the Tap Room spaces adjacent to the brewery and distillery for this purpose.
Which of the following must the architect reevaluate and change to accommodate this request? Check the three that apply.

A-01 LIFE SAFETY PLAN

A-02 SITE PLAN

A-03 FLOOR PLAN

A-04 REFLECTED CEILING PLAN

A-05 ROOF PLAN

A-06 EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

NEW QUESTION 71
Which of the following metals is best suited for embedments in concrete or masonry?

Stainless steel

Bronze

Aluminum

Cast iron

NEW QUESTION 72
What is the primary purpose of shop drawings?

Define design intent

Replace construction drawings

Document record drawings

Illustrate fabrication and installation methods

NEW QUESTION 73
The walls of typical light wood-frame buildings can most economically be made resistive to lateral shear forces, without major alteration to the existing structure, through the use of which one of the following?

Moment-resistive connections

Plywood sheathing

Exterior board sheathing run horizontally

Wood gusset plates

NEW QUESTION 74

Refer to the exhibit.
An architect is developing an electrical diagram to show equipment configuration and flow of electricity for a residential project. The project is integrating on-site wind generation where the utility company does not allow net metering.
Which diagram meets the project requirements?

Diagram A

Diagram B

Diagram C

NEW QUESTION 75
A revolving door is to be mounted in the facade of a building. Story drift is limited to 0.002 times story height in any direction. The door can tolerate a maximum departure from vertical of 1/4 inch.
What is the maximum height the door can be to accommodate the story drift?

8 ft

9 ft

10 ft

11 ft

NEW QUESTION 76
A family-owned apple farm in the Upper Midwest is taking advantage of a change in the local zoning code that added a new Agri-Tourism class in the existing farm zone. This allows the Owner to build a new facility on their existing site. The building will be open to the public and include a brewery, distillery, tap room, and market. The architect is ready to submit the drawings to the Owner for the 50% construction documents review.
To accommodate a compressed construction schedule, the Owner will be utilizing a design-build process. The Contractor has submitted the Pre-Engineered Metal Building (PEMB) shop drawings to the Architect for review, due to the lead time on this critical path item. Once construction begins, farming operations must be able to continue uninterrupted.
Key project information includes:
* Brewing and distilling will operate year-round.
* Brewery will initially include four fermenting tanks. Owner has requested space for at least two additional tanks. Potential expansion will be based on future sales.
* Distillery will produce 16% alcohol, which is classified as a flammable liquid. Fire separations are required.
* Tap Room is designed with seating for 300 people, not including exterior patio seating. It will have views to the working orchards and the historic buildings on site.
* Tap Room is scheduled to be open from August through November. Owner would like options to extend operating dates based on popularity.
* The Market area will feature local farm products and is not conditioned.
* Entire building will be fully sprinklered.
* Selected building materials are low-maintenance, as requested by the Owner, for durability and to reflect the nature of a working farm.
* Mechanical and electrical systems will be hung from the building structure. These loads are included in PEMB shop drawings.
* Public water and sewer is not available at the Project Site.
* Occupancy sensors are included to reduce utility costs and achieve energy conservation requirements.
The following resources are available for your reference:
* Architectural Drawings, including plans, elevations, sections, and schedules
* Consultant Drawings, including structural, HVAC, power distribution, and plumbing
* PEMB Shop Drawings
* Design and Construction Schedule
* Specification Excerpts, showing relevant spec sections
* IBC and ADA Excerpts, showing relevant code and accessibility sections
* After reviewing the documents, the architect discovers a coordination issue in the corridor.

Refer to the exhibit.
Which hardware set should be specified for door number 27?

Hardware set 1.0

Hardware set 2.0

Hardware set 3.0

Hardware set 4.0

NEW QUESTION 77
A project located in a rural area without municipal sewer access will most likely require:

Grease interceptor

Septic tank and leach field

Ejector pump

Oil-water separator

NEW QUESTION 78
Which of the following have natural resins that resist termite attack? (Check the two that apply)

Douglas fir

Red cedar

Cypress

Hemlock

Southern yellow pine

Oak

NEW QUESTION 79
A construction detail for a window sill shows metal flashing terminating behind the exterior cladding. Which principle is being demonstrated?

Air barrier continuity

Structural redundancy

Thermal bridging

Water management

NEW QUESTION 80

Refer to the exhibit.
The metal connector shown is primarily designed to resist which one of the following?