This is my second attempt at this exam, in which I passed successfully with the exception of the vignette. I practiced using sbyriktct’s vignette tips and studying NCARB’s passing solution. I’ve practiced many vignettes, produced working drawings, yet I need to clarify how to correctly work out some details to pass this vignette.
1. Interior Footing: we are provided with a frost depth, and initially I suspected that this applied to all of them. The exterior footings are required to meet this depth, yet it is not clear where the interior footing should be (i.e. directly below the slab, 6”, etc.). What is the general rule of thumb for the purpose of this exam? (image 1, interior footing condition)
2. Footings, Slab on Grade, Bearing wall (exterior and interior): NCARB’s passing solution shows the exterior bearing walls directly on the footing at grade, whereas the interior bearing wall is directly on the slab. I’ve read forums stating to have all of the bearing walls on the footing. What is the consensus for a passing solution? (image 1, footing conditions)
3. Second floor joist condition: NCARB’s passing solution shows the bearing walls extending from the footing to the parapet, yet I have read forums stating to show the joist extending to the exterior of the bearing wall? (image 2, joist extending to exterior side of bearing walls).
4. Joists and Ductwork: at the section cut line we have ductwork running through the interstitial space. Previous or after this duct (depending on the practice vignette), there are larger ducts that we have to account for. For sizing purposes (and what we would do for an actual building), I have accounted for the largest duct within the run that exists at the section cut line. Is this appropriate? The other options would seem to be to use the duct size at the section cut line, or to use the largest duct that exists on that floor.
I’m hoping to solicit some positive feedback and direction from this post, and that it may be helpful to other test takers as well. Thank you for your help and time!