PjM practice exam - Errors & typos?
Can someone please explain what beam is the bottom right 14" duct supposedly going under?
Also clearly a typo on 'CALCULATIONS' item 2. NCARB please fix.
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It's not about the beams... it's about the math. This is one of those questions that NCARB wants you to answer the question that is asked and not rely on the reality in the field.
Once you perform the calculation, you are only left with 13.25" of clear space for all ductwork to pass through. 14" ducts are .75" too large and thus will not work anywhere above the finished ceiling.
In reality, that 14" duct is not in conflict with anything, so it would work just fine. -
Thanks Darryl! That clears it up for me a little bit.
Taking a closer look and I notice no beam was actually drawn in this particular HAVC diagram... It was my mistake to assume the largest beams would only be placed on the gridlines, and to neglect there could be intermediate beams spanning in between, potentially conflicting with the 14" ducts.
It seemed too easy when the only 'challenges' presented in this question were basic diagrammatic understanding of a frame structure and straight forward simple subtractions. But probably also testing attention to detail, which cost me this question.
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Thank you Chengjie and Darryl,
We've revised the error in the calculation rationale and will include it on a future update of the practice exam.
Also, you're argument that the bottom right duct would not cross under where a beam would be located is valid. We will have our item writing volunteer architects review this question and make revisions for clarity as they deem necessary.
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