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Ballast Practice Exam Question(s) Explained

PostPosted: Mon May 07, 2018 12:30 pm
by drfmpower
#28 Which of the following does not contribute to the size of a building's footprint?
Answer: A. Use Group

Why is it use Group? In IBC, the Occupancy Classification does matter for the size of a building's footprint (see IBC 2015 Table 506.2, Allowable Area Factor). Please someone explain why this seems contradictory to me.

#65 Which of the following determines the allowable height of a building? (Choose the four that apply.)
Answer: A (use group), B (type of construction), C (fire-suppression system), F (zoning ordinances)

I got this answer correct but, I second guessed myself because of question #28. The answer includes Use Group, which makes sense. Shouldn't Use Group contribute to the building's footprint and height?

Re: Ballast Practice Exam Question(s) Explained

PostPosted: Tue May 08, 2018 3:33 am
by Coach
drfmpower wrote:#28 Which of the following does not contribute to the size of a building's footprint?
Answer: A. Use Group

Why is it use Group? In IBC, the Occupancy Classification does matter for the size of a building's footprint (see IBC 2015 Table 506.2, Allowable Area Factor). Please someone explain why this seems contradictory to me.

What are the other options? Use group area limitations don't really impact footprint because you can have multiple floors and area separation walls.

Re: Ballast Practice Exam Question(s) Explained

PostPosted: Wed May 16, 2018 5:09 am
by drfmpower
The other options were:
B. total gross area
C. number of floors
D. configuration

It just seems like the "Use group" would play a part in the building's footprint because of the table in IBC.

Re: Ballast Practice Exam Question(s) Explained

PostPosted: Wed May 16, 2018 3:06 pm
by Coach
drfmpower wrote:The other options were:
B. total gross area
C. number of floors
D. configuration

It just seems like the "Use group" would play a part in the building's footprint because of the table in IBC.

No. This question is looking for your understanding of the difference between design and law, internal vs external impacts. It's really a design 101 issue.
As I mentioned before, allowable area based on use can be mitigated by other code provisions and the ultimate footprint is determined by the desired area and how you choose to manipulate it.

Re: Ballast Practice Exam Question(s) Explained

PostPosted: Wed May 16, 2018 4:32 pm
by drfmpower
Ok, thanks Coach.

Re: Ballast Practice Exam Question(s) Explained

PostPosted: Thu May 24, 2018 10:57 am
by hllARE
May I know what the Configuration means? examples?