architect54

Here is an important code point to consider about the ramp vignette on the Building Design and Construction Systems exam. The code quoted here is from the free NCARB 4.0 study aid for Building Design and Construction Systems.

Ramp Vignette

The code on the practice question states

“Doors

1. Width: Door openings shall have a minimum clear width of not less than 32 inches, measured between the face of the door and the opposite stop with the door open 90 degrees.”

Meet the code’s “clear opening”! Remember protuding from the door frame into the opening is the door stop. Door widths are measured from edge to edge (or jamb to jamb). (Let’s Party! )  Door stops on the jamb would reduce the opening of a 32″ door. In addition the code says the opening is measured when the door is 90 degrees open. This means the opening would be further reduced because of the thickness of the door! This means a 32″ door does not provide a 32″ clear opening.

For further clarification of clear opening see page four of this commercial door specification from Marvin: http://www.marvin.com/download.aspx?DocumentID=895. On this same page take note of the description of door swings, left hand reverse and right hand reverse.

I freaked out about my exam. This has happened with other exams. Because of a roof leak, my Mom mentioned something about flashing. In my mind, clear as day I could visually remember not putting flashing at the major roof intersection of my roof vignette. When she said, “I wonder if it’s the flashing.” It triggered something in my mind like deja vu in reverse.

That was yesterday. Time has transpired since I took the test. I no longer remember what I did right, wrong or at all. My subconscious mind is holding on to this exam much stronger than the rest. Hopefully a results letter pass or fail will help me release this from the dark inner recesses of my mind.