Section 3 and 4 Tips

[Lindsay]

I just passed the LARE after the April administration and after failing section 4 I have some recommendations: 

The resources CLARB cites are incomplete. They made an arbitrary decision to only list 5 resources per section but draw questions from other sources. Yes, it is not exactly ethical but just move past it - the LARE is a hoop we have to jump through and it doesn't help to get emotionally involved with it - this is NOT the professional hill you want to die on. 

So for section 3:

- I found the old LARE prep manual to be very helpful. A lot of the posts I have read from people that didn't pass were related to best practices, the old manual not only focuses on this but it is written in 'LARE speak'. 

- They took Booth's book off the reading list but I had at least 2 questions that came directly from his book - it focuses on overarching principles and is an easy read, the principles stick without memorization. 

- Urban Design Standards (not on the reading list): if you are unfamiliar with municipal practices this is a must. There are also sections on transit oriented design which showed up on the exam. There were also a number of questions on traffic calming that are covered in this resource.  

Section 4:

- Construction Specification Standards (not on the reading list): you need to understand bidding docs inside and out

- For some reason you will need to know how to set up a temporary traffic control plan and this is not covered in any of the listed resources - you will need to google it. 

- Yes, know all the diagrams from Strom (detention/retention ponds, horizontal/vertical curves, etc). 

- You WILL need to do some kind of road grading, know the tricks and be able to identify the signatures quickly 

- the information on irrigation and lighting is not sufficient in the resources and you will need to supplement it. 

Do yourself a favour and make a spreadsheet with each of the topic areas and subtopics and make sure you are hitting them all. 

During the test:

- As others mentioned it helps to leave all the graphics questions for the end. My strategy was to just skip it (not flag it) then on the review screen it will show up as incomplete. I used the flag only to mark questions I wasn't sure about (so this way you can tell the difference between graphics questions and the questions you were unsure of). 

- Don't get hung up on a 1 point question BUT you will need to pass the grading section of the exam to receive an overall pass. The grading questions are not difficult you just need to be able to move through them relatively quickly. 

- Keep your perspective during the exam - this is a standardized test not a assessment of your talent as a designer. 

I hope this helps, best of luck to you all!

[Lindsay]

*Edit*

A couple people have asked about the LARE Prep - it is the document called LARE Review Mastering Section C (Glenn A. Acomb). 

[Lindsay]

*Planning* and Urban Design Standards

[DH]

Shake-N-Bake for 1 and 2 were not the best (but did use them), LAREprep was MUCH better (info/questions and particularly the format *JUST LIKE THE REAL LARE EXAM- or damn close* 

is section 3 SnB an improvement over S1 and S2?  thoughts? worth the ~$35.00?

[B]

No. Section 3 was the only one I did buy and it wasn’t worth the money. The way it’s worded is like the old tests and not like the current LARE. Try’s to trick you with semantics and not real quality questions. I’d probably skip S&B all around. Just my 2 cents.

[Ray Freeman]

Some Section 4 topics: In addition to basic Grading and Drainage....

From my book on Section 4

INTRODUCTION................................................................................... 5

42      RESOURCE PROTECTION.......................................................... 6

42.1      Conservation of Natural Resources                             6

42.2     Wetlands Protection and Mitigation                           7

42.3      Stormwater Quantity and Quality Management           9

42.4  Storm Water Management                                          12

42.5  Stormwater Management Control Measures                 14

42.6  Low Impact Development (LID)                                 25

42.7  Vegetation Protection Techniques                              27

42.8  Soils and Existing Features Protection                       28

42.9  Sedimentation and Erosion Control                            29

PRACTICE EXAM I:  Resource Protection                            38

43     CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION................................... 43

43.1       Legends, Notes and Graphic Conventions                  43

43.2      Construction Documentation Techniques                  45

43.3  Construction Processes                                              49

43.4  Specifications                                                           53

43.5  Surveying                                                                 59

43.6     Layout and Dimensioning Techniques                        65

43.7     Utility Systems                                                        73

43.8  Irrigation Systems                                                    78

43.9      Specialty Plans                                                       88

43.10  Lighting Systems                                                     94

PRACTICE EXAM II:  Construction Documentation              99

MATERIALS AND METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION I................ 105

44    SOILS AND AGGREGATES....................................................... 105

44.1  Soils                                                                        105

44.2  Aggregates                                                              107

45    PAVING....................................................................................... 109

45.1  Paving Categories: Rigid or Flexible                          109

45.2  Cast-in-Place Concrete Pavement                               110

45.3  Unit Pavers on Rigid Base                                         112

45.4  Flexible Pavements                                                   114

45.5  Flexible Pavement: Aggregate Pavements                   117

45.6  Flexible Pavement: Asphalt Concrete                         119

45.7  Permeable Pavements                                               120

45.8  Rip Rap                                                                    121

 

 

46     STAIRS AND RAMPS............................................................... 122

46.1  Stairs                                                                       122

46.2  Ramps                                                                     126

47    PLANTING.................................................................................. 127

47.1  Planting Detail Considerations                                   127

47.2  Planting Detail Considerations Part 2                        128

47.3  Planting Considerations Part 3                                  129

47.4   Planting Terms                                                       130

47.5   General Advice for Planting: Section 4                     130

48    STRUCTURAL CONSIDERATIONS AND CONCRETE........ 131

48.1      General Structural Considerations and Terms            131

48.2  Fastener Forces                                                       132

48.3      Concrete                                                                133

48.4     Concrete & Masonry Fasteners                                139

PRACTICE EXAM III: Materials & Methods of Construction I 141

MATERIALS AND METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION II............... 149

49  METAL FASTENERS FOR WOOD CONSTRUCTION........... 149

49.1  Hangers and Miscellaneous Structural Connectors      149

49.2  Bolts                                                                       150

49.3  Screws                                                                    150

49.4  Nails                                                                       152

49.5  Common Materials and Finishes                                155

50  WOOD STRUCTURES................................................................ 156

50.1  Principles of Design                                                  156

50.2  Deck Design Procedures                                           157

50.3  Typical Platform Framing                                         158

50.4  Wood Member Sizing Chart                                      160

50.5   Load Transfer From Deck To Ground                        161

50.6  Types of Beams                                                        162

50.7  Footings                                                                  163

50.8  Connection of Structural Components                       165

50.9  Wood Stairs                                                            169

50.10  Pergolas and Arbors                                               170

51  WALLS AND POOLS.................................................................. 172

51.1        Free-Standing Walls                                                172

52    FENCES, GATES AND GUARDRAILS..................................... 186

52.1  Fences                                                                     186

52.2  Gates                                                                      190

52.3  Guard Rails                                                              192

52.4  Typical Finishes for Metal Fences and Guardrails       192

53   GREEN ROOFS............................................................................ 193

53.1  Advantages                                                              193

53.2  Disadvantages and Limitations                                  193

53.3  Types                                                                      193

53.4  Elements and Assembly                                            194

54  LANDSCAPE FURNISHINGS.................................................... 195

54.1  Details to Know                                                        195

55  PLAYGROUND AND EXERCISE AREAS................................. 204

55.1       Playground Design Standards                                 204

55.2      Exercise Area Design Standards                              206

56  CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY......... 207

56.1 Earthmoving Equipment                                            207

56.2  Compactors and Soil Stabilizers                                 212

56.3  Paving Equipment                                                    215

56.4  Miscellaneous Equipment                                         216

56.5  Handheld Equipment                                                218

PRACTICE EXAM IV:  Materials and Methods of Construction II      219

[Ray Freeman]

Section 3 Topics (from my book on Section3)

30     INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................... 5

31     DESIGN PRINCIPLES............................................................................................................... 5

31.1    Aesthetic Traditions............................................................................................................................................................... 5

31.1.1    Principles of Design........................................................................................................................................................ 6

31.1.2    Elements of Design.......................................................................................................................................................... 6

31.1.3    Creative Process, Design Theory and Problem Solving.......................................................................... 7

31.2    Design Processes in Landscape Architecture........................................................................................................ 8

31.2.1    Design Guidelines  (Legal and Otherwise)........................................................................................................ 8

31.2.2    Design Sequence................................................................................................................................................................ 8

31.2.3    Common Landscape Design Principles.............................................................................................................. 8

31.2.4    Grading Design Considerations.............................................................................................................................. 9

31.2.6    Microclimate and Topographic Influences on Design........................................................................... 12

31.3    Regional and Site Planning Principles.................................................................................................................... 14

31.3.1    Patterns of Community Planning........................................................................................................................ 14

31.3.2    Patterns of Urban Form............................................................................................................................................ 16

31.3.3    Opportunities and Constraints: Impacts on Site Design..................................................................... 18

31.3.4    Regional Climates: Impacts on Community Design............................................................................... 20

31.4       Design for Safety, Security and Crime Prevention...................................................................................... 25

31.4.1    General Principles........................................................................................................................................................ 25

31.4.2    Design Strategies........................................................................................................................................................... 25

31.4.3    Design Tactics................................................................................................................................................................. 25

31.5       Social Responsibility in Design.................................................................................................................................. 26

31.6       Therapeutic Aspects of Design................................................................................................................................... 27

31.6.1    Healing Gardens............................................................................................................................................................. 27

31.6.2    Types of Therapeutic Gardens............................................................................................................................. 27

31.7       Design for Special Populations.................................................................................................................................. 29

31.7.1    Visually Impaired:........................................................................................................................................................ 29

31.7.2    Elderly or Impaired Mobility:.............................................................................................................................. 29

31.7.3    Children............................................................................................................................................................................... 29

31.7.4    Other Social Groups.................................................................................................................................................... 31

31.7.5    Safety Audits.................................................................................................................................................................... 31

Practice Exam I: Design Principles............................................................................................................................................ 32

32     RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT................................................................ 38

32.1      Conservation of Natural Resources........................................................................................................................ 38

32.1.1    What Is A Natural Resource?................................................................................................................................ 38

32.1.2    Protection of Natural Resources........................................................................................................................ 38

32.1.3    Habitat Restoration And Creation..................................................................................................................... 38

32.1.4    Urban Forest Management..................................................................................................................................... 39

32.1.5    Sustainable Design........................................................................................................................................................ 39

32.2      Ecological Planning Principles................................................................................................................................... 39

32.2.1    Reducing Energy Use.................................................................................................................................................. 39

32.2.2    Reducing The Amount Of Land Used................................................................................................................ 40

32.2.3    Environmental Impact Statements   (EIS)..................................................................................................... 41

32.3       Land Reclamation............................................................................................................................................................... 42

32.4      Water Resources Management.................................................................................................................................. 43

32.4.1       Introduction to Storm Drainage and Stormwater Management................................................. 43

32.4.2    Storm Water Management (Historical).......................................................................................................... 44

32.4.3    Storm Water Management (Post 1970).......................................................................................................... 44

32.4.4    Stormwater Management Laws and Ordinances..................................................................................... 44

32.4.5    Technological Measures........................................................................................................................................... 45

32.4.6    Low Impact Development (LID)......................................................................................................................... 45

32.5      Wetlands Protection and Mitigation...................................................................................................................... 48

32.5.1    What is a Wetland?....................................................................................................................................................... 48

32.5.2    US Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Classification............................................................................. 48

32.5.3    US Fish & Wildlife Service Wetland Classification................................................................................... 49

32.5.4    Federal Laws Regulating Wetlands................................................................................................................... 50

32.5.5    State Regulations Affecting Wetlands.............................................................................................................. 51

32.5.6    Wetland Mitigation Strategies.............................................................................................................................. 51

32.5.7    Components of a Mitigation Plan........................................................................................................................ 52

32.6 Floodplain Management........................................................................................................................................................ 53

32.7      Glossary of Terms............................................................................................................................................................... 57

32.8      ASLA Code of Environmental Ethics....................................................................................................................... 60

Practice Exam II: Resource Conservation & Management....................................................................................... 62

33    GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION................................................................................................. 70

33.1      Visual Communication..................................................................................................................................................... 70

33.1.1       Graphic Symbols......................................................................................................................................................... 70

Reference Symbols........................................................................................................................................................................... 71

33.1.2    Common Drawing Types......................................................................................................................................... 72

33.2      Geographic Information Systems........................................................................................................................... 74

33.2.1    Advantages/Disadvantages/Characteristics of GIS............................................................................... 74

33.3      Computer Aided Design and Drafting.................................................................................................................... 75

33.4       Digital Elevation Models................................................................................................................................................. 75

33.5       Other Maps and Drawings............................................................................................................................................ 75

34    PLANNING SCALE AND COST ESTIMATING.......................................................................... 77

34.1      Site vs. Master Planning.................................................................................................................................................. 77

34.2       Construction Cost Estimating.................................................................................................................................... 78

34.2.2    General terms for estimating:............................................................................................................................... 78

34.2.3    Lump Sums and Allowances.................................................................................................................................. 78

34.2.4    Unit Costs........................................................................................................................................................................... 78

34.2.5    Percentages....................................................................................................................................................................... 79

35    CONSTRUCTION METHODS.................................................................................................. 80

35.1       Vegetation Protection Techniques.......................................................................................................................... 80

35.1.1    During Design Process:............................................................................................................................................ 80

35.1.2    During Construction:................................................................................................................................................. 80

35.1.3    Pruning of Tree Branches and Roots............................................................................................................... 80

35.2       Grading Conventions........................................................................................................................................................ 81

35.2.1    Introduction to Grading and Earthwork...................................................................................................... 81

35.2.2    Contours............................................................................................................................................................................. 81

35.2.3    Watersheds....................................................................................................................................................................... 81

35.3       Earthwork and Cut and Fill Calculations............................................................................................................ 82

35.3.1    General................................................................................................................................................................................. 82

35.3.2    Earthmoving Phases................................................................................................................................................... 82

35.3.3    Estimating Cut and Fill............................................................................................................................................... 83

35.3.4    Adjustments to Quantities...................................................................................................................................... 86

36  CIRCULATION SYSTEMS, LIGHTING & NOISE CONTROL........................................................ 88

36.1    Circulation Systems............................................................................................................................................................. 88

36.1.4    Intersection Standards............................................................................................................................................. 90

36.2       Noise Attenuation and Mitigation............................................................................................................................ 92

36.2.1    Noise Control Techniques....................................................................................................................................... 92

36.2.2    Noise Control Principles.......................................................................................................................................... 93

36.3    Lighting Systems................................................................................................................................................................... 94

36.3.1    Definitions......................................................................................................................................................................... 94

Practice Exam III:.................................................................................................................................................................................. 98

37     SELECTION OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS.................................................................... 106

37.1    Planting..................................................................................................................................................................................... 106

37.1.1    Terminology................................................................................................................................................................. 106

37.1.2    Plant Selection Considerations......................................................................................................................... 107

37.2      Wood.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 109

37.2.1    Properties....................................................................................................................................................................... 109

37.2.2    Definitions...................................................................................................................................................................... 109

37.2.3    Wood Treatments..................................................................................................................................................... 111

37.2.5    Lumber Order Measurement............................................................................................................................. 114

37.3    Metal............................................................................................................................................................................................ 115

37.3.1    Structural Properties.............................................................................................................................................. 115

37.3.2    Alloys................................................................................................................................................................................. 115

37.3.4    Stock Sizes and Shapes............................................................................................................................................ 117

37.3.5    Metal Definitions & Terms................................................................................................................................... 118

37.4       Concrete.................................................................................................................................................................................. 119

37.4.1    Properties....................................................................................................................................................................... 119

37.4.3    Finishes............................................................................................................................................................................ 121

37.4.4    Cement Types............................................................................................................................................................... 121

37.5    Masonry.................................................................................................................................................................................... 123

37.5.1    Masonry Units............................................................................................................................................................. 123

37.5.2    Natural Stone................................................................................................................................................................ 124

37.5.3    Masonry Construction........................................................................................................................................... 127

37.6    Adhesives and Sealants.................................................................................................................................................. 129

37.7    Asphalt....................................................................................................................................................................................... 130

37.7.1    Terms to know............................................................................................................................................................ 130

37.7.2     Principles of Design................................................................................................................................................. 130

38    MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES FOR SPECIAL CONDITIONS............................................. 132

Practice Exam IV:................................................................................................................................................................................ 135

39    NEW SPECIFICATION ITEMS FOR 2017............................................................................ 144

39.1      Communication Strategies........................................................................................................................................ 144

39.2    The Problem Definition Process.............................................................................................................................. 145

39.3    Determine Stakeholder Goals and Prioritize.................................................................................................. 147

39.4    Synthesize Stakeholder Feedback........................................................................................................................... 148

39.5    Vision or Framework Plans........................................................................................................................................ 150

39.6    Urban Planning.................................................................................................................................................................... 151

39.7    Strategic Implementation Plan................................................................................................................................ 153

39.8    View Corridor Plans......................................................................................................................................................... 156

39.9    Historic /Cultural Restoration and Preservation....................................................................................... 158

39.10     Performance Metrics................................................................................................................................................... 159

Practice Exam V:.................................................................................................................................................................................. 161

[PC]

Hi Ray, could you please give me a link / guide for how to buy your book or join your class? Thanks!

[Ben Berkman]

Ray Freeman, et al. , I am studying for section 2 and 3 and keep coming up against "framework" plans, what is a framework plan and what text is it in ..... Thanks