NCARB PDD Exam - Topic 3 Question 6 Discussion

Actual exam question for NCARB's PDD exam

Question #: 6
Topic #: 3

Refer to the exhibit.

For which of the following connections could diagonal bracing be eliminated?

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: A

The diagrams depict metal stud or curtain wall connections to structural frames under wind loading. Diagonal bracing can be eliminated when the connection itself provides lateral restraint in both directions.

A: Shows a connection with angles or plates attached to resist both in-plane and out-of-plane forces, creating a moment-resisting connection that can handle wind loads without diagonal bracing.

B, C, D: These connections allow slip or have limited fixity---requiring separate bracing to resist lateral loads.

PDD Reference: ARE 5.0 PDD ''Structural Systems---Lateral load resistance in curtain wall and stud framing connections''; AISC Steel Design Guide for cladding attachment; Curtain wall engineering details.

by Lorrie at Nov 20, 2025, 04:24 AM

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Mica

2 months ago

I feel A is the safest bet overall.

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Chun

2 months ago

C is the best choice. Less bracing needed.

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Alishia

2 months ago

No way, it's B. Stronger connection.

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Leah

2 months ago

I agree, A seems right.

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Novella

2 months ago

I think it's A. Looks stable.

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Chantell

2 months ago

Wait, are we sure about A? That seems too easy!

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Yun

3 months ago

B is definitely the right choice, A seems risky.

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Chara

3 months ago

Not so sure about that, what if there's more load?

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Jame

3 months ago

Totally agree, A looks solid without it!

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Jordan

4 months ago

Hmm, this is a tough one. I'm going to have to go with C. The diagonal bracing just seems unnecessary there.

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Rusty

4 months ago

Definitely A. That connection looks the most stable and doesn't need any extra bracing.

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Devora

4 months ago

Haha, this question is a real head-scratcher! I'm going to go with B just to be different.

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Arleen

4 months ago

D seems like the correct answer to me. The diagonal bracing is necessary to provide lateral stability for the tension members in that connection.

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Deja

4 months ago

I recall that connection D might allow for bracing elimination, but I need to double-check the criteria for stability.

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Erasmo

4 months ago

I practiced a similar question last week, and I feel like it was about connection C. Maybe that’s the right answer?

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Werner

5 months ago

I think diagonal bracing can be eliminated for connection A, but I'm not entirely sure. I remember something about load paths.

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Virgilio

5 months ago

This is a tricky one. I'm going to sketch out some quick diagrams to visualize the forces and see if that helps me identify the right answer.

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Roxane

5 months ago

Okay, I've got a strategy here. I'll methodically analyze each connection option and consider the forces acting on that part of the structure to decide where diagonal bracing is truly necessary.

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Roselle

5 months ago

I think diagonal bracing can be eliminated for connection A.

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Beth

5 months ago

I think I know the answer, but I want to double-check my reasoning. Let me re-read the question and review the exhibit one more time to be certain.

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Audra

5 months ago

I think the answer is C. The diagonal bracing could be eliminated for connection C since it appears to be a simple compression member.

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Shelton

6 months ago

I’m confused about this one. I thought diagonal bracing was always needed unless there’s a specific condition met.

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Maurine

6 months ago

D has too many forces. Not a good option.

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Jenelle

6 months ago

Hmm, this looks like it's testing our understanding of structural engineering principles. I'll need to think through the load-bearing requirements for each connection to determine where diagonal bracing could be safely eliminated.

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Helaine

6 months ago

I'm not sure, I'll need to carefully examine the exhibit to see where the diagonal bracing is located and consider the structural implications of removing it.

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