CLA Construction Documentation & Implementation in Certified Landscape Architect (CLA Practice Test Exam) 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sheet in a construction document set typically contains the legend, abbreviations, and general project notes?
- Grading plan sheet
- Cover sheet or general notes sheet (Correct answer)
- Planting plan sheet
- Detail sheet
Correct answer: Cover sheet or general notes sheet
The cover or general notes sheet consolidates project-wide legends, abbreviations, and general construction notes for easy contractor reference.
Question 2: A landscape architect specifies Class B topsoil to a depth of 12 inches in planting beds. Which characteristic best defines Class B topsoil per most state and ASLA standards?
- Sandy loam with organic matter above 10%
- Loam or sandy loam with 2–5% organic matter and pH 5.5–7.0 (Correct answer)
- Clay soil amended with perlite
- Recycled compost blended with native subsoil
Correct answer: Loam or sandy loam with 2–5% organic matter and pH 5.5–7.0
Class B topsoil is commonly defined as loam or sandy loam with 2–5% organic matter and a pH range of 5.5–7.0, suitable for most planting applications.
Question 3: On a grading plan, a dashed contour line typically represents:
- Existing grade (Correct answer)
- Proposed grade
- Property boundary
- Easement line
Correct answer: Existing grade
Dashed contour lines conventionally represent existing (pre-construction) grade, while solid lines show proposed finished grade.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a geotechnical report in landscape construction documentation?
- To determine plant species suitability
- To assess soil bearing capacity, drainage, and subsurface conditions (Correct answer)
- To calculate irrigation demand
- To establish stormwater detention volumes
Correct answer: To assess soil bearing capacity, drainage, and subsurface conditions
A geotechnical report evaluates subsurface soil and groundwater conditions to inform structural, drainage, and foundation decisions in the design.
Question 5: Which retaining wall design consideration is most critical when wall height exceeds 4 feet?
- Cap stone material selection
- Engineered structural design and building permit (Correct answer)
- Decorative facing pattern
- Plant material at the wall base
Correct answer: Engineered structural design and building permit
Most jurisdictions require engineered structural drawings and a building permit for retaining walls exceeding 4 feet in height due to lateral load concerns.
Question 6: A construction specification section written in CSI MasterFormat Division 32 pertains to:
- Mechanical systems
- Exterior improvements (Correct answer)
- Structural concrete
- Electrical site lighting
Correct answer: Exterior improvements
CSI MasterFormat Division 32 covers Exterior Improvements, including site paving, fencing, planting, and landscape irrigation.
Question 7: Which document legally binds the contractor to perform the work described in the construction drawings and specifications?
- Request for Proposal (RFP)
- Addendum
- Agreement/Contract (Correct answer)
- Shop drawing submittal
Correct answer: Agreement/Contract
The agreement or contract is the legally binding document that obligates the contractor to perform the work per the drawings and specifications for the agreed price.
CLA Construction Documentation & Implementation in Certified Landscape Architect (CLA Practice Test Exam) 2
Which sheet in a construction document set typically contains the legend, abbreviations, and general project notes?