14 - Construction Technology and Environmental Services Flashcards
Construction Technology and Environmental Services - Extract from Candidate Guide - Aug 2018 (updated Feb 2022)
What are the main types of curtain walling ?
spandrel panel
shopfront window
rain screen cladding
Cladding = Cladding is the application of one material over another to provide a skin or layer. In construction, cladding is used to provide a degree of thermal insulation and weather resistance, and to improve the appearance of buildings
What is the RIBA plan of works ? and what are the stages ?
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.
0 - Strategic Definition 1 - Preparation and briefing 2 - Concept design 3 - Spatial Coordination - PA 4 - Technical Design - BC & T 5 - Manufacturing and Construction 6 - Handover 7 - In Use
How does the RIBA plan of Works 2020 differ from 2013?
More sustainable feature, sustainability, title of some of the riba stages, spatial coordination
Can you name some non traditional construction in your local ?
Airey House - Concrete pre fab columns with concrete panels fitted to these. With steel stud created at regular intervals to allow for placement of windows and doors.
Cussin - Steel framed house with opre cast concrete panel infuils externally finished with clay slip tiles or render. Defects linked to the steel frame and corrosion.
Both a result of demand for housing post ww2.
Can you name some brick bonds ?
What bond is your case study ?
Stretcher
Header
English
Flemish
What are some building ages/eras ?
Georgian - 1714 - 1830 Victorian - 1837 - 1901 Edwardian -1901 - 1920 Post war etc
How would you identify Japanese knotweed ?
RICS have an information paper
- Red or green/purple tinge
- Bamboo like appearance
- Zig zag stem
- Cream flowers
- Shovel shaped green leaves
What are the types of mortar used ?
Type O
• Weak strength 350 PSI
• Used for repointing or some stone work
Type N
• Strength 750
• Common type with slow curing and good workability
Type S
• Strong 1800 PSI
• Used in exterior walls and foundations
Type M
• Strongest 2500 PSI
• Used in exterior walls, foundation and high load bearing walls
What is a green roof ?
A green roof or living roof is a roof of a building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. It may also include additional layers such as a root barrier and drainage and irrigation systems.
Can you name some British standards ?
BS 8300 - Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment
BS 9999 - Fire safety in the design management and use of buildings
BS 9991 - Fire safety in the design management and use of buildings Resi
BS 845 - Specification for ancillary components for masonry - Wall ties, tension straps, hangers and brackets
BS 8000 - 12 - Decoration and wall coverings
BS - EN 459 - Building Lime
BS EN 998-2 - Specification for mortar for masonry
What is the built up of a warm roof ?
- Roof covering
- Insulation
- Vapor barrier
- Roof deck
- Joists
- Plaster board and plaster
What are the benefits of a single ply membrane ?
Benefits include : • Easy to install so in turn cheaper installation costs • Resistant to UV damage • Durable • Cheap to repair • Hardwearing • Various colour choices • Low maintenance • Recyclable • Longer lifespan
What is the use or need for a vapour barrier in warm roof construction?
To stop the internal moist air moving into the insulation and roof covering section. (interstitial condensation)
How would you know if the proposed ventilation was suitable in terms of the requirements from approved documents?
I would references the required output in relation to the proposed ventilation looking at both approved document F - Ventilation and approved Doc C - Site preparation and resistance to contaminates and moisture.
What are some additional considerations in relation for a cold roof ?
- Floor to ceiling heights
- External roof heights
- Existing roof covering
- Ceiling joists location
- Cross ventilated cavity (to avoid interstitial condensation)
What potential material could you use for flashing’s ?
- Galvanized steel, which is inexpensive but lacks the durability of other metals.
- Lead-coated copper.
- Anodized aluminium.
- Terne-coated copper.
- Galvalume (aluminium-zinc alloy coated sheet steel).
- Polyvinylidene fluoride.
What is a flashing ?
Flashing is a sheet of thin, impervious material used to prevent water penetration or seepage into a building and to direct the flow of moisture in walls. Flashing is particularly important at junctions such as roof hips and valleys, joints between roofs and vertical walls, roof intersections or projections such as chimneys, dormers, vent pipes, window openings, and so on.
There are two categories of flashing, exposed and embedded. Exposed flashings are partially exposed to the outside and usually made of a sheet metal, while embedded (or concealed) flashing can be metal or non-metal and are typically used at the base of cavity walls, above openings, at sills and shelf angles (a structural steel member that supports and transfers the brick’s dead load back to the building frame), and under copings.
Can you name some items of the roof structure ?
Can you some parts of a typical residential dwelling (the construction) ?
What building regulation did you considering in your case study project ?
Candidate specific
Sketch a warm roof
Sketch a cold roof.
What options are available for houses that cannot be connected to the main drains/sewers?
- Septic tanks
- Rain water harvesting
- Grey water irrigation
What is the first fix stage in construction?
First fix (sometimes described as shell and first fix ) is a short-hand term used to describe the processes that are undertaken during construction works up to the point of applying internal surfaces – typically plaster. It is normally used in relation to the work of specific trades such as carpenters, plumbers and electricians.
Generally first fix will include constructing the structure, cladding, flooring, doorframes, stairs and so on and installing cables for electrical and ICT distribution, pipework for water and gas distribution and heating ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) distribution. First fix is not normally visible when looking at the finished building. Where possible first fix should be tested before second fix (for example, plumbing riser stacks).
- Electrically – Installation of conduits and back boxes and pulling through cables ready for final connection.
- Mechanical – pipe and duct work put down or run accordingly ready to be boxed in
What is the second fix stage in construction?
Second fix takes place after the internal surfaces have been applied. It comprises those items that are visible in a finished area and are held back to avoid damage, or sadly sometimes theft. This may include fitting internal doors, skirting, architraves, handrails, fixtures and fittings, including connection of appliances (such as electrical equipment, sanitaryware, radiators, and so on) testing and commissioning.
Typically there will be a change of trades operating on the site, and a break in activity for some trades between first and second fix.
- Electrically – Cable connections and closing of plugs and switches, installation of lights and sensors.
- Mechanical – Mounting radiators, extending pipework to fixtures and fittings. Installation of ventilation.
What are the elements of a domestic heating and hot water system?
- Cold water storage
- Expansion tank
- Boiler
- Hot water cylinder
- Radiators
What are the elements of a domestic electric system?
- DB Board
- Consumer unit
- RCD - Residual-current device
- MCB – Minatare circuit breaker
What are the typical distances between ceiling joists in a rafter and purlin roof?
400-450mm centres
What is the difference between a gable, hipped and mansard roof?
- Gable – Triangular end supporting the two slopes.
- Hipped – all roof pitches meet at multiple or single ridge and slope down to all the walls.
- Mansard Roof – Steep front face pitch with a shallow pitch/flat roof on top. Usually have dormer windows projecting through.
What is the difference between a jack rafter and a common rafter?
- A common rafter is any rafter extending between the exterior wall and the ridge.
- A Jack rafter is a shorter secondary rafter used in the construction of a hipped roof
What is a flitch beam?
A timber beam sandwich. A steel plate is bolted between two timber beams to add strength. Lighter system to steel beam.
What considerations should you take when slating/tiling a roof?
Pitch of the roof. What the existing roof load was and if the existing timbers are strong enough.
What issues should be considered when replacing a flat roof?
- Age
- Extent of repairs required
- Access
- Costs
- Planning requirements
- Use of the room
- Insulation
What building regulation implications are there when carrying out roof refurbishments ?
Part L – Conservation of fuel and power - Comes into effect when 50% or more of the roof is being refurbished. The thermal efficiency also needs to be upgraded or meet current regulations as close as possible.
What are weep holes ?
Small openings in the outer wall of masonry construction and are found around openings aboveBrick and stone are porous materials and can absorb and store water. The inclusion of weep holes in masonry walls is intended to serve two purposes:
Drainage: They provide an opening that allows the drainage of any moisture that may reach the back of a wall, or the inside leaf of a wall (such as a cavity in cavity wall construction) from the outside through penetration, capillary action, condensation, leakage or flooding.
Ventilation: They allow ventilating air to the back of a wall to help prevent mildew, dry rot and damp which might otherwise reduce the life or performance of building materials such as cavity wall-ties, cavity insulation and so on.
What is the spacing between weep holes?
Generally 600mm centres bust 450mm is better practice
Where are they typically found (Weep Holes) ?
Where there are penetrations in a wall for openings with a cavity barrier. Where flat roofs meet the wall, door or window openings, where the slab meets the walls etc
What material are cavity wall ties made from ?
- Fishtail, wire butterfly, modern stainless steel
- Originally used to be galvanised steel. This used to corrode and crack the wall. Plastic was then introduced but this was not adequate so the use of stainless steel ties was introduced.
What is the typical width of a cavity?
- Traditional cavity would be 50mm
* Modern cavities are 100mm but can be greater for better thermal efficiency.
What is the spacing between wall ties?
- 450mm vertically
- 900mm horizontally
- 300mm vertically from the vertical edges of all openings, movement joints and roof verges
- 225mm horizontally from the vertical edges of all openings, movement joints and roof verges
- Ref Approved Doc A – Structure – 2C8
- BS EN 845-1
How would you identify cavity wall tie failure? Why does it occur and what are the remedies?
- Bowing walls
- Horizontal cracking every 4 or 5 courses
- Potential staining to the mortar
- Failed ties are due to corrosion
- BRE Digest 239
What is a movement joint and why are they used?
An expansion joint or movement joint is an assembly designed to safely absorb the heat induced expansion and contraction of construction materials. Allows some movement from settlement or differential settlement.
How critical is the type of mortar used on the construction of a building?
The type of mortar used is dependent on the type of wall and materials used. Older walls will typically use lime mortar to allow moisture to travel. This is often replaced with cement mortar which can effect the brickwork if moisture cannot escape.
What is the general principle for choosing a mortar type?
Mortar needs to be sacrificial. It needs to allow moisture to travel out of the wall which prevents damage to the masonry.
What are typical mortar mix ratios?
- Typical mix – 1:1:6 (cement, lime, sand)
- Lime – 1:3 (lime, sand)
- High compression – 3:1:1 (cement, lime sand)
What type of brick bonds are there and what can they show?
- Garden wall – two stretcher courses with a header course on top
- Flemish – stretcher course with a stretcher and header course on top
- English Bond – Alternating stretcher and header courses.
- Stretcher – alternating stretcher faces
- Stacker – stretcher face stacked directly above each other.
What is OSB? How is it different to plywood?
- Orientated Strand Board is formed by layering strands or flakes in specific directions and compressing the strands with resin.
- Plywood is laminated layers of wood.
- OSB is cheaper and can warp if exposed to moisture. Ply tends to hold nails better.
What is the difference between windows and glazed curtain walling?
- Curtain walling does not take any structural load but can withstand wind.
- Windows have a lintel detail above to ensure the structural integrity.
Describe two methods available to prevent penetration of water and moisture into basements ?
- Type A – Barrier Protection
- Type B – Structurally Integral Protection
- Type C – Drained Protection (Cavity Drain System)
- BS 8102:2009
What typical issues are faced with steel framed houses?
Structural metal frame and a roof truss constructed of tubular metal with a shallow pitched asbestos roof and profile metal sheets. Usually bricked or rendered at ground floor. Mortgage providers tend not to prefer them. The steel frame can corrode. The ground floor slabs can crack. Metal lathing corrodes. Asbestos roof starts to deteriorate. The only way to confirm if the structure is sound is by opening it up. They are generally less energy efficient that timber and brick.
What are the comparatives between steel and concrete framed construction?
- Programme – Steel is quicker to erect and the reduced time on site reduces overheads.
- Quality Control – Pre-fab of steel means better quality control to pouring concrete frames in situ. Offsite pre-fab increases the overall speed and improves safety.
- Design Flexibility – Both can create large open column free spaces. Concrete can form any shape whereas steel is limited to how you can shape it.
- Sustainability – steel is recyclable but concrete buildings are generally more energy efficient.
- Cost – Steel is more expensive but programme savings may make up for this.
What is glulam?
Structural timber constructed by laminating sections of wood. Prior to bonding, sections are placed together with the grain of each piece running parallel to the grain of the next piece.
What is an RSJ and how is this different to a UB?
- Rolled steel joist include tapered flanges which required tapered washers.
- Universal beams had parallel flanges and are easier to work with as the web has uniform thickness.
Outline the different types of foundations and when they would be used.
- Strip Foundation – shallow foundations for lightweight structures, typically houses.
- Raft Foundation – Used to spread the load from a structure over a large area. Normally the entire area of the structure.
- Pad Foundation – Used to support individual point loads for example, from columns in an industrial unit.
- Displacement Piled – Pile shaft is driven into the ground resulting in the soil being displaced. Pile transfers load down to sound ground conditions.
- Non Displacement Piled – Soil is removed and the hole is filled with concrete or a pre-cast concrete pile is dropped into the hole.
What is an underpinning sequence and why is it necessary ?
Underpinning requires removing the subsoil beneath the foundation and filling it with concrete. If it is done in one go over large spans, the structure will drop. Therefore, underpinning is carried out in sectional sequences so that the structure is still supported fully whilst the new concrete is poured and cures.
What are the different methods of construction between early 20th century house and modern house foundations, walls and roof.
- Foundations – 1900 house would have stepped brick. Modern house would have concrete strip.
- Walls – 1900 house would be solid brick or have an uninsulated cavity. Modern house will have a cavity with minimum 100mm insulation.
- Roof – 1900 house would have rafter and purlin roof or king/queen post with covering stone, slate or clay tiles. Modern house would probably have a trussed rafter pre-fab. Covered in a variety of materials depending on who owns the house.
Can you name some none traditional construction ?
- 13.1.1 Whimpey No Fines (1940’s – 1960’s)
- No-fines houses were built with a ten-inch (254mm) concrete shell cast in-situ
- The concrete for the entire outer structure was cast in one operation using reusable formwork.
- Ground floor was also concrete; the first floor was made with traditional timber joists and floorboards.
- Interior walls were a mixture of conventional brick and blockwork construction. To weatherproof the structure, the external facade was rendered.
What is a king post truss ?
A king post (or king-post or kingpost) is a central vertical post used in architectural or bridge designs, working in tension to support a beam below from a truss apex above (whereas a crown post, though visually similar, supports items above from the beam below).
In aircraft design a strut called a king post acts in compression, similarly to an architectural crown post.
What is a queen post truss ?
A timber roof truss is a structural framework of timbers designed to bridge the space above a room and to provide support for a roof. Trusses usually occur at regular intervals, linked by longitudinal timbers such as purlins. The space between each truss is known as a bay.
Rafters have a tendency to flatten under gravity, thrusting outwards on the walls. For larger spans and thinner walls, this can topple the walls. Pairs of opposing rafters were thus initially tied together by a horizontal tie beam, to form coupled rafters. But such roofs were structurally weak, and lacking any longitudinal support, they were prone to racking, a collapse resulting from horizontal movement. Timber roof trusses were a later, medieval development. A roof truss is cross-braced into a stable, rigid unit. Ideally, it balances all of the lateral forces against one another, and thrusts only directly downwards on the supporting walls. In practice, lateral forces may develop; for instance, due to wind, excessive flexibility of the truss, or constructions that do not accommodate small lateral movements of the ends of the truss.
What are strip foundations ?
A continuous strip of concrete supporting load-bearing walls. For a single storey building strip foundations will typically be 450mm wide and at least 200mm deep, and for two storey building 600mm wide and 200mm deep. Strip foundations are used to support a line of loads, either due to a load-bearing wall, or if a line of columns need supporting where column positions are so close that individual pad foundations would be inappropriate.
What is a raft foundation ?
A reinforced concrete raft or mat is used on very weak or expansive soils such as clays or peat. They allow the building to ‘float’ on or in the soil. A raft is used where the soil requires such a large bearing area that wide strip foundations are spread too far, making it more economical to pour one large reinforced concrete slab. A raft is an alternative to piles as it can be less expensive.
Raft foundations are used to spread the load from a structure over a large area, normally the entire area of the structure. They are used when column loads, or other structural loads are close together and individual pad foundations would interact.
What is a pad foundation ?
Used when isolated loads need to be supported, for instance to support the columns of a steel or post and beam frame house. The load is concentrated on a small area.
Pad foundations are used to support an individual point load such as that due to a structural column. They may be circular, square or rectangular. They usually consist of a block or slab of uniform thickness, but they may be stepped or hunched if they are required to spread the load from a heavy column. Pad foundations are usually shallow, but deep pad foundations can also be used.
What is a piled foundation ?
Pile foundations are deep foundations. They are formed by long, slender, columnar elements typically made from steel or reinforced concrete, or sometimes timber. A foundation is described as ‘piled’ when its depth is more than three times its breadth (ref. Atkinson, 2007).
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. They are typically used for large structures, and in situations where soil is not suitable to prevent excessive settlement.
What are the types of piled foundations ?
- Bored Piling.
- Driven Piling.
- Screw Piling.
- Mini Piling.
- Sheet Piling.
What are the options for basement waterproofing?
- Type A System: Barrier Protection
- Type B System: Structural Integral Protection
- Type C System: Cavity Drainage System
What is a Type A System?
A Type A system uses a barrier protection geo-synthetic method typically applied during construction. E.g Bonded sheet membrane, liquid applied system, cementitious systems and crystallization powders and slurries.
Three methods of application: External Applied, Sandwiched or Internal Applied.
What is a Type B System?
Type B systems rely on the structural integrity of the construction materials typically watertight concrete with a free water content at 0.45 or below.
Low permeability concrete with good joint detailing.
What is a Type C System?
A type C system is known as a cavity drainage protection. Type C doesn’t resist hydrostatic pressure like a type A & B but provides protection via water management using drainage channels and pumps.
What is substructure?
All structure below the superstructure i.e. all structure below the ground including the ground floor bed.
What is superstructure?
All internal and external structure above the substructure.
What is meant by primary superstructure?
External walls, stairs, structural walls, roofs
What is meant by Secondary superstructure?
Raised floors, suspended ceilings, balustrades, doors
What is meant by internal finishes?
- Paint
- Tiles
- Carpet
- Stair nosing
What is the difference between a warm and cold roof ?
A cold flat roof insulation requires more work, taking off old boards and replacing them and the roof surface. The thermal efficiency isn’t as good as with warm roof insulation.
A warm deck roof is much easier to install, offers great thermal performance but adds height to the flat roof. As a result of the height difference, warm roofs cannot be used on balconies and flat roofs extensions with doors leading onto the roof. In these cases, a cold roof is a preferable alternative to warm roof insulation.
What advice did you give in terms of contractor’s guarantees associated with the remedial work ?
As there was full replacement the works fell under a larger package of works at the property.
Explain your advice in respect of the structural movement ?
I advised the initial period of monitoring to determine of the movement was historic or continuing
Describe the cracking in terms of size, direction, and general appearance.
Vertical - approx. 1mm in width - Level 1 (BRE 251) consistent in width.
What was the ultimate cause of the structural movement ?
Historic
What was the purpose of monitoring the situation for 12 months ? Was this long enough to establish if the movement was historical and had ceased ?
To seek the seasonal changes, however consideration was given to a longer period of time if the winter was warm and the summer cool.
What is the RIBA plan of works ?
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.
Can you expand on the stages please (RIBA Plan of works) ?
- 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
At what stage would you go to tender ?
Stage 4 - Technical Design
At what RIBA stage would you go for a planning application ?
Stage 3 - Spatial coordination
At what stage would you go to for Building Regulation application ?
Stage 4 - Technical Design
What are the main changes from RIBA 2013 - 2020 ?
- Renaming of stages
- introduction of BIM
- Sustainability
What are MMC ?
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.
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
- Bays windows
- Timber windows
What information did you include in your sections details ?
- Floor construction
- Wall construction
- Roof construction
What are the difference between cold and warm roof ?
A cold flat roof insulation requires more work, taking off old boards and replacing them and the roof surface. The thermal efficiency isn’t as good as with warm roof insulation.
A warm deck roof is much easier to install, offers great thermal performance but adds height to the flat roof. As a result of the height difference, warm roofs cannot be used on balconies and flat roofs extensions with doors leading onto the roof. In these cases, a cold roof is a preferable alternative to warm roof insulation.
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
What stage of RIBA is the Building Regulation Application ?
Stage 4 - Technical Design
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
What size typical pad stones would be specified for the steel work ?
300 x 100 x 215 deep
What’s the different types of foundations ?
- Strip
- Pad
- Raft
- Pile
What is the difference between a pad and a raft ?
Pad for a steel member/point load, raft across whole building to evenly distribute the load.
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.
What are the types of foundations ?
- Strip
- Pad
- Raft
- Pile
What are some types of piled foundations ?
- Bored Piling.
- Driven Piling.
- Screw Piling.
- Mini Piling.
- Sheet Piling.
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.
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.
What is the thickness of a modern cavity ?
100mm
Sketch the internal wall insulation.
72.5MM = 0.26 U VALUE
What type of lead would you specify for a chimney flashing ?
Code 4 lead flashing
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.
What stages of the RIBA plan of works have you been involved with?
- Stage 3 - Spatial coordination - Planning Application
* Stage 4 - Technical Design - Building Regs Application
What foundation types are you aware of?
- Strip
- Pad
- Raft
- Pile
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
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.
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.
How might you tank a basement ?
- Type A System: Barrier Protection
- Type B System: Structural Integral Protection
- Type C System: Cavity Drainage System
What are the components of a traditional pitched timber roof structure?
- Wall Plate
- Ceiling Joists
- Rafter
- Purlin
- Ridge Board
- Battens
How might an internal partition be altered to provide better acoustic performance?
Sound proofing via insulation additional plasterboard and sound dampening
Give me some examples of the different heating systems present in the properties you maintain/inspect.
- Gas boiler and radiators - wet
* Electric system
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
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
What are the main types of construction ?
Brick, timber frame, steel frame, concrete formwork, SIPS, etc
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.
What are the benefits of steel frame construction ?
- Strength & Durability.
- Easy Fabrication In Different Sizes.
- Fire Resistance.
- Pest & Insect Resistant.
- Moisture & Weather Resistance.
- Thermal Conductivity.
- Reduced Flexibility On Site.
- Supporting Structures.
- Offsite quality
Why was the 6 month rectification suitable ?
It would be dependant on the nature, size and complexity of the works. JCT MW = 3 months by default.
Can you talk me through some of the inclusions from Approved Document K regarding stairs ?
Where were the cons of the warm roof option?
Replacing the existing roof covering before end of its design life, increase external height
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,
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
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.
What are the advantages of a warm roof structure ?
No requirement for ventilation, no potential for reduction in floor to ceiling height
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 to this.
What stage of RIBA is the Building Regulations ?
Stage 4 - Technical Design
Concrete rear extension onto a timber main floor. What design considerations did you make to sub floor ventilation?
Allow for supply and installation of uPVC pipe from ducted vents to new rear extension walls to the sub floor voids to existing house. Ensure any joints are taped.
Talk me through the obligations contained within part L of the BR? What pros and cons were presented to your client?
Approved document L1B – Conservation of fuel and power within existing dwellings. obligations include :
Upgrading the existing structure to ensure complaint to the u values set out within
Walls – 0.30 W/m2K
Floor – 0.25
Flat roof – 0.18
I can see you have referenced a couple of the approved documents, what are they?
They are document that provide guidance on how building regulation can be satisfied that fall under the Building Act 1984. (Just be aware of the differences between the Regs and Approved Documents )
When do you need to comply with building regs?
For any new dwelling or new construction work to the affected areas. Not required to comply for the whole building retrospectively.
How would you know if the proposed ventilation was suitable in terms of the requirements from approved documents ?
I would references the required output in relation to the proposed ventilation - Approved Document F - Ventilation
What are the different stages of the design process?
- 0 - Strategic definition.
- 1 - Preparation and briefing.
- 2 - Concept design.
- 3 - Spatial coordination.
- 4 - Technical design.
- 5 - Manufacturing and construction.
- 6 - Handover.
- 7 - Use.
Outline the key stages of the RIBA plan of work.
- 0 - Strategic definition.
- 1 - Preparation and briefing.
- 2 - Concept design.
- 3 - Spatial coordination.
- 4 - Technical design.
- 5 - Manufacturing and construction.
- 6 - Handover.
- 7 - Use.
At what stage would a building regulation application be made?
4 - Technical Design
What do you understand by the term, “modern methods of construction”?
Modern methods of construction is a process which focuses on off-site construction techniques, such as mass production and factory assembly, as alternatives to traditional building. Creating panelled units in factories, which can be quickly assembled onsite to create 3D structures.
Explain how might size replacement floor and ceiling joists.
I reviewed current Traata tables to conform the required timber size, depth grade and centres.
What other details were specified to ensure the floor joist were installed properly ?
The ends were wrapped in DPM, the timber was treated and acclimatised on site.
