CLA Construction Documentation & Implementation in Certified Landscape Architect (CLA Practice Test Exam) 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During construction administration, a Contractor submits a Request for Information (RFI). The landscape architect's primary obligation is to:
- Immediately issue a change order
- Respond with clarification within a reasonable time without changing the contract scope (Correct answer)
- Direct the contractor to proceed without clarification
- Refer all RFIs to the civil engineer
Correct answer: Respond with clarification within a reasonable time without changing the contract scope
RFIs are requests for clarification; the landscape architect must respond promptly to keep construction on schedule without unilaterally modifying contract scope.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a 'punch list' in the construction administration phase?
- A list of approved subcontractors
- A record of incomplete or deficient work items that must be corrected before final acceptance (Correct answer)
- A schedule of payment milestones
- A log of approved submittals
Correct answer: A record of incomplete or deficient work items that must be corrected before final acceptance
The punch list documents deficiencies or incomplete items identified during a final walk-through that the contractor must correct before substantial or final completion is certified.
Question 3: Which drainage slope is the minimum typically recommended for paved pedestrian surfaces to ensure positive drainage away from structures?
- 0.5%
- 1.0% (Correct answer)
- 2.0%
- 5.0%
Correct answer: 1.0%
A minimum 1.0% slope is generally recommended for paved pedestrian surfaces to achieve positive drainage, though 2% is preferred on asphalt.
Question 4: A 'submittals log' maintained by the landscape architect during construction administration tracks:
- Daily weather conditions on site
- Shop drawings, product data, and samples sent by the contractor for review (Correct answer)
- Contractor payroll records
- Utility locates and as-built surveys
Correct answer: Shop drawings, product data, and samples sent by the contractor for review
The submittals log records every shop drawing, product data sheet, and sample submitted by the contractor, along with review status and return dates.
Question 5: In landscape irrigation design, 'precipitation rate' refers to:
- Annual rainfall at the project site
- The rate at which a sprinkler system applies water, expressed in inches per hour (Correct answer)
- The percentage of water lost to evaporation
- The system operating pressure in PSI
Correct answer: The rate at which a sprinkler system applies water, expressed in inches per hour
Precipitation rate (inches/hour) describes how quickly an irrigation system delivers water to the landscape, critical for matching soil infiltration rates.
Question 6: Which standard governs accessibility requirements for exterior routes, ramps, and site furniture in U.S. landscape construction documents?
- OSHA 1926
- ADA Standards for Accessible Design / ABA Accessibility Standards (Correct answer)
- ANSI A117.1 for interior only
- IBC Chapter 10
Correct answer: ADA Standards for Accessible Design / ABA Accessibility Standards
The ADA Standards for Accessible Design and ABA Accessibility Standards govern accessible routes, ramps, parking, and site elements in federally covered construction.
Question 7: A 'construction contingency' included in a project budget is best described as:
- Profit margin for the contractor
- A reserve fund for unforeseen conditions or scope changes during construction (Correct answer)
- The landscape architect's design fee
- Material cost inflation allowance only
Correct answer: A reserve fund for unforeseen conditions or scope changes during construction
A construction contingency is a budgetary reserve—typically 5–15% of construction cost—set aside to cover unforeseen field conditions, design changes, or scope adjustments.
CLA Construction Documentation & Implementation in Certified Landscape Architect (CLA Practice Test Exam) 3
During construction administration, a Contractor submits a Request for Information (RFI).
The landscape architect's primary obligation is to: