13 - Construction Tech Flashcards
1
Q
Q. Explain your understanding of the RIBA Plan of Work?
A
A. The RIBA Plan of Work organises the process of briefing, designing, constructing and operating building projects into 8 stages and explains the stage outcomes, core tasks and information exchanges required at each stage. Stages 0-7.
2
Q
Q. What stages have you been involved with?
A
A. Stage 1 – preparation and brief – Elizabethan Gallery – produced a RIBA report outlining the requirements for the next stage such as surveys outputs, statutory requirements (pre-planning application) etc.
Stage 2 - Concept Design - Planning Application
Stage 4 - Technical Design - Building Regs Application
3
Q
Q. what are the different types of wall and roof construction methods you are aware of in residential and commercial?
A
A. wall – solid wall, cavity wall, stud wall (non-load bearing), load-bearing wall, pile wall (below ground),
Roof construction – flat roof (warm and cold), pitched roof (timber pitched roof structure) or steel frame portal roof (warehouse application).
4
Q
Q. What foundation types are you aware of?
A
A. broadly speaking, deep and shallow foundations, piled, strip, pad and raft foundations.
5
Q
Q. When might piled foundations be used?
A
A. piled foundations are principally used to transfer the loads from the superstructure through weak, compressible strata onto stronger, more compact, less compressible and stiffer soil or rock at depth, increasing the effective size of a foundation and resisting horizontal loads.
6
Q
Q. What are the advantages of a concrete framed structure over a steel framed structure?
A
A. concrete has its own inherent fire protection
its low maintenance
can be cast into any shape
provides a good sound insulation
7
Q
Q. What building elements are classed as the super structure?
A
A. anything above ground above the foundations, walls and roof, upper floors, windows, doors etc.
8
Q
Q. How might you tank a basement?
A
A. tanking an existing basement I would refer to the relevant BS standard for information but essentially there are 3 methods which are Type A – barrier protection, Type B - structurally integral system and Type C – drained system.
9
Q
Q. What are the components of a traditional pitched timber roof structure?
A
A. ridge, rafters, purlins, trusses, eaves, wall plate sat on the wall.
10
Q
Q. How might an internal partition be altered to provide better acoustic performance?
A
A. sound proofing via insulation, additional plasterboard and sound dampening.
11
Q
Q. Give me some examples of the different heating systems present in the properties you maintain/inspect.
A
A. gas boilers – wet system
Air condition system – provides heating and cooling
12
Q
Q. What form of floor construction would you expect to find in a block of low-rise purpose-built flats (built circa 1970), to ensure sufficient fire protection?
A
A. would expect concrete frame and floor construction
13
Q
Q. Explain the principles of compartmentation in relation to purpose-built blocks of flats
A
A. to stop the spread of fire and smoke,
14
Q
Q. Give me some examples of non-traditional forms of domestic dwellings found in the area where you practice
A
TBC
15
Q
Q. Selecting one of the above forms of construction, explain the key identification features of this type of construction.
A
TBC
16
Q
What is the RIBA plan of works ?
A
The RIBA Plan of Work organises the process of briefing, designing, constructing and operating building projects into eight stages and explains the stage outcomes, core tasks and information exchanges required at each stage.
17
Q
Can you expand on the stages please ?
A
0: Strategic Definition. …
1: Preparation and Briefing. …
2: Concept Design. …
3: Spatial Coordination. …
4: Technical Design. …
5: Manufacturing & Construction. …
6: Handover and Close Out. …
7: In Use.
18
Q
At what stage would you go to tender ?
A
Stage 4 - Technical Design
19
Q
At what ribs stage would you go for a planning application ?
A
Stage 3 - Spatial coordination
20
Q
At what stage would you go to for buuling regulation application ?
A
Stage 4 - Technical Design
21
Q
What are the amin changes from RIBA 2015/13 ?
A
Renaming of stages
introduction of BIM
22
Q
What are Building regulations ?
A
The Building Regulations set standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure the safety and health of people in or about those buildings
23
Q
What are approved documents ?
A
Practical guidance on ways to comply with the functional requirements in the Building Regulations is contained in a series of 14 Approved Documents.
24
Q
What are MMC ?
A
Although ‘modern methods of construction’ (MMC) is a 21st century term, it describes an approach to building properties more quickly, reliably and sustainably that has been developing over several decades.
25
What would the typical construction of a Victorian property be ?
Solid brick walls, shallow strip foundations, timber floor and roof joists, timber roof structure and slate covering, brick chimney stack, some bays windows, timber windows.
26
22 Glamis - What did you apply for approved doc L1b ? What is this doc ? What were the uu values applicably introduced to the agragabe ?
The proposed u value for the construction. Table 3 - proposed u value to be aimed for.
27
What information did you include in your sections ?(22 Glamis Av )
Floor, wall and roof construction.
28
Pinehuagh - what is a lawful development application ? When does this not apply ? What is the purpose of it ?
In summary, lawful development is development against which no enforcement action may be taken and where no enforcement notice is in force, or, for which planning permission is not required. Used to prove the development does not require a full planning application.
29
What is approved doc K ?
Approved D K - Protection from falling, collision and impact
30
What are the difference between c old and warm roof ?
Flat or pitched roof. Flat is where the insulation is placed.
31
What did you advise a warm roof was the best option ?
As there was a number of issue both financial and logistically regarding the installation of cross ventilation for a cold roof
32
How did you prepare costs for review ?
from BCIS
33
How would you review and extension of time ?
Consider is it a relevant event
Process and review the contractors claim
Formally issue confirmation and the revised completion date
34
What stage of riba is the planning application ?
Stage 2 - Concept Design
35
What stage of riba is the building regs ?
Stage 4 - Technical Design
36
Can you talk me through the construction of your building in general please ? What masonry bond ?
Cavity wall construction - stretcher bond, pitched roof, timber floors, concrete slab to garage
37
What size pads tones were specified for the steel work ?
TBC
38
What’s the different types of foundations ?
Strip, pad, pile, raft
39
What is the difference between a pad and a raft ?
pad for a steel member, raft across whole building to evenly distribute the load.
40
What was the roof specified for 22 Glamis Av ?
warm roof
41
At Lenore care home what did you reference for approved document m and l ?
L - insulation and u value. M - access to and use, door width and hallway widths
42
Approved document K for pinehuagh, what were they ?
Min riser = 150-220 Min going = 220-300 for residential dwelling
43
What is a BRE Doc ?
BRE delivers innovative and rigorous products, services, standards and qualifications which are used around the globe to make buildings better for people and for the environment.
44
What is a British standard ?
British Standards are the standards produced by the BSI Group which is incorporated under a royal charter and which is formally designated as the national standards body for the UK
45
What are the main types of construction ?
Brick, timber frame, steel frame, concrete formwork, SIPS, etc
46
What are the RIBA stages ?
0: Strategic Definition -During Stage 0, the project must be strategically appraised and defined, so that a detailed brief can be drafted. This is done to ensure that the client’s business case has been properly considered and addressed.
1: Preparation and Briefing - Stage 1 involves developing the project brief and conducting any necessary feasibility studies. Factors like site information, spatial requirements, budget restrictions, risk analysis and project outcomes must all be considered.
2: Concept Design - The initial concept design for the building will now be produced in line with the project brief. At Stage 2, the team will also develop several key project strategies, like security and sustainability.
3: Spatial Coordination - The concept design will be further developed, and the architectural, building services and structural engineering designs are coordinated and checked by the lead designer.
4: Technical Design - Stage 4 involves refining the architectural, building services and structural engineering designs in greater detail. Technical designs will be developed. Designs by any specialist subcontractors will be completed.
5: Manufacturing & Construction - This stage is when the actual process of building starts. This includes manufacturing building systems and erecting any components of the building that have been made off-site. During Stage 5, the designer should also carry out site inspections and compile quality reports.
6: Handover and Close Out - This phase focuses on the successful handover of the completed building, in line with the project programme and also includes completing initial aftercare tasks.
7: In Use - This involves a post-occupancy evaluation of the building to determine the project’s performance. It is also when facilities and asset management is implemented.
47
What are the types of foundations ?
Strip
Pad
Raft
Pile
48
What are some types of piled foundations ?
```
Bored Piling.
Driven Piling.
Screw Piling.
Mini Piling.
Sheet Piling.
```
49
What is a secant pile ?
A Secant Piled Wall is a retaining wall constructed for ground retention prior to excavation. The wall is formed by constructing alternating primary (female) and secondary (male) piles where the secondary piles partially cut into either side of the primary piles in order to form a continuous impervious structure.
50
What are the befits of a concrete construction ?
Reduction in Energy Use.
Sound Transfer and Vibration Reduction.
Reduction in Operational and initial Costs.
Increase in Flexibility.
Improved Cash Flow and Schedule Reduction.
Infection Control and Improvement in Indoors Environmental Quality.
51
What are the benefits of steel frame construction ?
1) Strength & Durability.
2) Easy Fabrication In Different Sizes.
3) Fire Resistance.
4) Pest & Insect Resistant.
5) Moisture & Weather Resistance.
1) Thermal Conductivity.
2) Reduced Flexibility On Site.
3) Supporting Structures.
52
You mention the walls were of cavity construction, were they insulated?
Yes
53
You have mentioned RIBA PoW, can you name me some stages?
0: Strategic Definition -During Stage 0, the project must be strategically appraised and defined, so that a detailed brief can be drafted. This is done to ensure that the client’s business case has been properly considered and addressed.
1: Preparation and Briefing - Stage 1 involves developing the project brief and conducting any necessary feasibility studies. Factors like site information, spatial requirements, budget restrictions, risk analysis and project outcomes must all be considered.
2: Concept Design - The initial concept design for the building will now be produced in line with the project brief. At Stage 2, the team will also develop several key project strategies, like security and sustainability.
3: Spatial Coordination - The concept design will be further developed, and the architectural, building services and structural engineering designs are coordinated and checked by the lead designer.
4: Technical Design - Stage 4 involves refining the architectural, building services and structural engineering designs in greater detail. Technical designs will be developed. Designs by any specialist subcontractors will be completed.
5: Manufacturing & Construction - This stage is when the actual process of building starts. This includes manufacturing building systems and erecting any components of the building that have been made off-site. During Stage 5, the designer should also carry out site inspections and compile quality reports.
6: Handover and Close Out - This phase focuses on the successful handover of the completed building, in line with the project programme and also includes completing initial aftercare tasks.
7: In Use - This involves a post-occupancy evaluation of the building to determine the project’s performance. It is also when facilities and asset management is implemented.
54
What was the thickness of the cavity ?
50mm
55
If the roof was already watertight, why did you advise the client to replace the roof?
As the installation of a cold roof was costly and would install ventilation every 450mm of the garage gable.
56
Sketch the internal wall insulation.
See photo ----->
57
Photograph 8 from your case study shows the new roof coverings, what was placed around the base of the chimney? What type of lead? Why?
Code 4 lead flashing
58
What kind of bond is shown in the brickwork of photograph 10?
Stretcher bond
59
Glamis ave: Where were the cons of the warm roof option?
Replacing the existing roof covering before end of its design life, increase external height
60
Explain your understanding of the RIBA Plan of Work?
The RIBA Plan of Work organises the process of briefing, designing, constructing and operating building projects into eight stages and explains the stage outcomes, core tasks and information exchanges required at each stage. Stages 0-7.
61
What stages have you been involved with?
Stage 2 - Concept Design - Planning Application
| Stage 4 - Technical Design - Building Regs Application
62
What foundation types are you aware of?
Strip
Pad
Raft
Pile
63
When might piled foundations be used?
Pile foundations are principally used to transfer the loads from superstructures, through weak, compressible strata or water onto stronger, more compact, less compressible and stiffer soil or rock at depth, increasing the effective size of a foundation and resisting horizontal loads
64
What are the advantages of a concrete framed structure over a steel framed structure?
Concrete is a conventionally used material for construction while steel is now gaining momentum for its flexibility and reduced construction time. Both concrete and steel framed structures have environmental issues associated with their use, including a high embodied energy in their manufacture.
Concrete has some advantages; waste materials can be included within the mix, such as GGBS (Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag) and PFA (Pulverised Fuel Ash). In addition, moves are being made to assess the potential of using recycled concrete, however, issues such as moisture content and material variability dictate that it is economically unviable.
Steel, while having a high lead time, is known for its fast erection on site. However, steel needs fire protection whereas within concrete this is inherent. Prefabrication of steel can allow thin film intumescent coatings to be applied offsite.
Efficiency within concrete construction is being improved by the adoption of hybrid solutions and innovations in formwork such as self-climbing forms. The use of precast concrete construction can also help to significantly reduce build time particularly where vertical elements are considered to be the main limitation.
Sacrificial probes can be integrated within concrete to provide strength determination at an early age and this is likely to help further improve construction methodologies.
Steel, being fast to erect, can allow the building to be occupied sooner. In addition, reduced labour costs are possible through dryness of form in comparison with concrete.
The construction of a steel framework is comparatively lightweight, as much as sixty percent lighter than a comparable reinforced concrete frame solution which might allow for a less expensive foundation system. In addition, modification to the building can sometimes be facilitated by simple removal of a structural steel member.
65
What building elements are classed as the super structure?
A superstructure (the bridge deck) is an upward extension of an existing structure above a baseline called ground level and it usually serves the purpose of the structure's intended use. Building parts located above ground such as the column, beam, floor, roof, etc.
66
How might you tank a basement?
Type A System: Barrier Protection
Type B System: Structural Integral Protection
Type C System: Cavity Drainage System
67
What are the components of a traditional pitched timber roof structure?
```
Wall Plate
Ceiling Joists
Rafter
Purlin
Ridge Board
Battens
```
68
How might an internal partition be altered to provide better acoustic performance?
Sound proofing via insulation additional plasterboard and sound dampening
69
Give me some examples of the different heating systems present in the properties you maintain/inspect.
Gas boiler and radiators - wet
| Electric system
70
What form of floor construction would you expect to find in a block of low-rise purpose-built flats (built circa 1970), to ensure sufficient fire protection?
Concrete cast - Woodwall slabs ?
71
Explain the principles of compartmentation in relation to purpose-built blocks of flats
“A building or part of a building comprising one or more rooms, spaces or storeys constructed to prevent the spread of fire to or from another part of the same building or an adjoining building.”
This is achieved through the provision of fire resisting walls and floors (commonly offering between 30 minutes and 120 minutes fire resistance). And will include special measures to address any openings in the compartment lines, such as doors, glazing, service penetrations and ductwork.
The wall or floor must remain functional for the duration of the designed fire resistance period. The compartment wall or floor should not crack or develop holes that allow flames, smoke or hot gases to pass through it, and if appropriate, it should maintain a suitable degree of insulation.
Two reasons - Life safety purpose or property protection
72
Give me some examples of non-traditional forms of domestic dwellings found in the area where you practice
Cussins house - 1945-1965. steel framed two storey house, semi detached with pre cast concrete oabeks tied into the frame which can be faced in brick. Internal timber stud walls. Common defects included damage and rusting to the frame, concrete damage etc,
73
Q. what type of roof structure was it as Snapethorpe School?
A. concrete, warm deck flat roof.
74
Q. what was your finding during your condition survey and what did you advise your client?
A. the insulation was saturated with water, carried out intrusive testing or core sampling.
75
Q. what was the proposed roof structure and what approved documents did you consider part of the new roof?
A. the roof remained as there were no defects with the roof, the water ingress was a result of defective seals and corners and hoppers. approved document Part L2B conservation of fuel and power to existing buildings other than dwellings.
76
Q. what were the intrusive works carried out to the roof?
A. core sampling
77
Q. what is a cut to fall system?
A. if the existing roof deck doesn’t provide the required fall, a cut to fall system can provide it. This is a more expensive option but if required is a suitable method.
78
Q. did the roof deck not provide the required fall?
A. yes it did.
79
Q. What type of foundation was the original building built off?
A. considering the age of the building (1970’s) and with it being a single storey building I would expect raft foundations with edge thickening.
80
Q. Describe the external wall construction of the building including how the wall was insulated.
TBC
81
Q. Describe how the wall to floor junction might be designed to avoid cold bridging.
TBC
82
Q. What are the advantages of a warm roof structure?
A. insulation on the entire roof structure keeps all components in the roof space the same temperature. Therefore, there is reduced thermal bridging which prevents heat loss from the living room. Properties with warm roofs are less expensive to keep warm than cold roofs.
83
Q. Explain why you might use a wall starter kit rather than toothing the new brickwork into the existing structure and bonding it through.
A. more cost effective to use wall starter kits and quicker than removing alternate bricks.
84
Q. Describe the specification of the expansion joint between the new and old brickwork.
A. NHBC recommends 10mm to be filled with a flexible mastic.
| National House Building Council
85
Q. Describe the new roof structure and how it was insulated and ventilated.
TBC
86
Q Why did you choose to use a warm roof structure rather than a cold roof structure?
TBC
87
Q. How was the new extension heated?
TBC
88
Q. Describe the main components of the new electrical installation.
TBC
89
Q. explain how the beam and block floor is constructed?
A. the trench foundations were installed, oversite concrete, blockwork built off the foundations, the beams span the shorter distance (less than 6m), blocks will be placed in between the beams, then screed, insulation, DPM, another layer of screed before the final floor covering.
90
Q. what are the requirements for number of air bricks in sub floor voids? And what approved document?
A. I would refer to approved document C site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture.
91
What type of foundation was the original building built off??
Shallow strip, approx. 600mm in depth
92
Describe the external wall construction of the new extension including how the wall was insulated.
External wall connection was black and facing brick with the cavity 100mmm insulated with
93
Describe how the wall to floor junction was designed to avoid cold bridging.
A 200mm section of insulation was placed o the facing wall between the floor and internal blockwork to avoid cold bridging
94
Explain why you might use a wall starter kit rather than toothing the new brickwork into the existing structure and bonding it through.
It is far more common to use a wall starter kit than to tooth brickwork these days. Wall starters are much quicker and easier, reducing construction time and therefore cost, and eliminate the difficulties of achieving adequate mortar bond at each 'toothed' connection.
95
Describe the specification of the expansion joint between the new and old brickwork.
NHBC recommend 10mm to be filled with a flexible mastic
96
Describe the new roof structure and how it was insulated and ventilated.
Warm roof - Plasterboard, ceiling joists, roof deck, vapour control layer, insulation TR26 Kingspan, single ply membrane
97
Why did you choose to use a warm roof structure rather than a cold roof structure?
As the installation of a cold roof was costly and would install ventilation every 450mm of the garage gable.
98
What are the advantages of a warm roof structure?
no requirement for ventilation, no potential for reduction in floor to ceiling height
99
How was the new extension heated?
Additions to the existing wet system, radiator and new boiler.
100
Describe the main components of the new electrical installation.
Additional circuit to cater for the garage, double sockets, new lights etc.
101
Explain how you approached the remodelling required by the client.
Recorded the client brief and proposed a number of options to be reviewed and confirmed in due course.
102
Explain which elements of the remodelling had to comply with part L/M of the building regulations and why
L regarding the required u value for the spaces, m access - regarding circulation spaces and internal doorways
103
Explain how you designed the work to comply with Part M of the building regulations.
M - circulation spaces and corridors to be 1050mm and doorways to be 800mm
104
Explain how you designed the work to comply with Part L of the building regulations.
L - Table 3 regarding upgrading retained thermal elements - u values to be achieved.
105
Q. what advice did you give to your client about the ramp and concrete options? Why did you choose one over the other?
A. from discussions with local steel ramp providers the lead time exceeded the programme expectations. Therefore I advised the client to go with the concrete option as the items required wont affect the programme.
106
Q. what were your recommendations in terms of approved document?
A. I considered part, M part K and part H. Part M to ensure the gradient of the ramp did not exceed 1:20. Part K was considered to ensure the handrail designs met the minimum standards in terms of diameter of the handrail, slip resistance, colour contrast and minimum width etc. And also part H to ensure adequate drainage was provided especially at the bottom of the ramp to avoid any pooling of water.
107
Q. did you consider slip resistance on your finished concrete floor? How?
A. yes, the concrete ramp was finished in concrete flags, the flags provided the required slip resistance as they manufactured for external use.
108
Q. what was the build-up of the ramp?
TBC
109
Q. explain the key components of the drainage installation to the ramp?
TBC
110
Q. what caused the water ingress? What did you see and note?
A. a combination of blocked underground pipes and over a period of time the mortar joints have washed away which has created openings in the mortar joints. The brick wall is a retaining wall and considering the age it would not have been built with any form of tanking between the brick and ground.
111
Q. what caused the water ingress?
TBC
112
Q. what intrusive investigations did you carry out?
A. once I had the clear from the asbestos survey the floor and wall coverings were stripped off. The removal of the floor covering confirmed the concrete slab floor and wall covering uncovered the dry rot and failed damp proofing. There was timber studs to behind the wall
113
Q. explain the key design features of the tanking works?
A. drainage channel, studded membrane, submersible pump, 100l capacity, 1000 l/ph pumping capacity, sump
114
Q. what types of basement construction are you aware of?
A. monolithic (raft foundation and retaining walls). the raft distributes the load of the building the basement walls are the retaining walls.
Box and cellular raft - similar to the above but the walls are used to transmit and spread loads over the raft – divides the basement into cells.
Piled foundations
115
Q. what basement waterproofing methods are you aware of?
A. barrier system
Structurally integral system
Drained system
116
Explain your reasoned advice in respect of the choice between a warm and cold roof
I discussed the options for both and advised to pgress with a warm roof due to the aesthetic considerations of the ventilation and the cost implications attached t this.
117
Explain the advice given in respect of the cost of the proposed conversion and the sources of information used to prepare the cost estimate.
costs were ough from BCIS ( Building cost information Service) regarding the area and the rate. This was ratified in part by recent tenders to confirm the rates. I advised the client do progress wit the upgrading of the existing structure at the costs was 56% of a demolition and re build option.
118
Explain how access to the loft conversion was detailed.
Via the existing ladders to the boarded loft, this was to be replaced with a purpose built staircase to comply with approved document K regarding riser, going in, handrail height, staircase angle etc.
119
Explain the key design features of staircase
Rise - 150-220mm
Going - 220-300 mm
Headroom 2m from pitch line
Handrail - 900 - 1000mm form pitch line, if stairs wider than 1000mm hand rail to both sides
120
Explain why the new structural steelwork was required and where it was positioned.
The structural steelwork was required to support the first floor and the ridge. This was instilled via goal post and a ridge beam.
121
Explain the ventilation requirements for the loft conversion.
Bathroom were fitted with vent axia extract vents and ventilation to the rooms treated by the openable windows
122
Explain how the existing roof structure was upgraded to comply with the insulation/thermal requirement’s of the building regulations
The existing roof structure was upgrades within insulation and ventilation between the rafters a vapour control layer and internal plasterboard.
123
Explain the key components of the new drainage installation.
Gullies, inspection chambers, rodding eyes min 22m in distance and rainwater adaptors
