Building 2 Flashcards
what are the different types of cement?
Type GP (general purpose Portland cement) Type GB (general Purpose Blended cement) Type HE (high early strength cement) Type LH (low heat cement) Type SR (sulphate Resisting Cement) Type SL (Shrinkage Limited Cement)
Most commonly used are Type GP and Type GB
• What is a concrete slump test and core test?
the concrete slump test measures the consistency of fresh concrete before it sets. It is performed to check the workability of freshly made concrete, and therefore the ease with which concrete flows.
Concrete core testing
is a method in obtaining and testing the strength of drilled cores and sawed beams of concrete. Cores are extracted from hardened in-place concrete primarily to measure in-place concrete strength.
tested for the quality of the concrete in the construction, known as actual strength
the ultimate capacity of the structure to carry the imposed loads; actual loads, design loads, and new additional loads.
the deterioration in a structure due to overloading, fatigue
• What is the difference between low slump concrete and high slump concrete?
slump is a measurement of the workability of consistency of concrete. In other words, it measures how easy the concrete is to push, mold and smooth out.
low slump concrete is a mixture of concrete with a low amount of water therefore the lower the slump
conversely, high slump concrete has a higher amount of water, therefore, has more flow
• Which slump is more suitable for high rise construction?
high slump because it is easier to flow up to the levels
• How does weather influence the placement and setting of concrete?
hot or windy weather may stiffen the concrete to quickly and may make it not workable
In cold weather – frozen or very cold water will also slow down the setting time which can cause delays
• How long does concrete take to cure in order to reach 100% strength and what is the 28 day myth?
the common belief is that concrete takes 28 days to cure and reach 100% of its strength
• What are the relevant Australian Standards for high rise reinforced concrete construction?
AS 2327.1:2003 – composite structures, part 1 simply supported Beams
AS 3600:2001 – concrete Structures
AS/NZS 4671:2001 – Steel Reinforcing Materials
AS 1554.3: 2002 Part 3 – welding of reinforcement
AS/NZS 1170 – Structural Design Actions : (Loading Code)
• Hint: To find the relevant Australian Standards, look in the WSU library website > resources tab > e-resources > click on S > Standards On-line Premium (SAI Global). This will take you to the complete digital library of the digitised Australian Standards.
• What is the difference between a hot rolled section and a cold formed section?
hot rolling is a mill process which involves rolling the steel at a high temperature. It is at a temperature where the steel can recrystallise, therefore , the steel can be shaped and formed easily, and the steel can be made in much larger sizes.
cold formed steel
Cold-formed steel (CFS) members are made from structural quality sheet steel that are formed into C-sections and other shapes by roll forming the steel through a series of dies. No heat is required to form the shapes (unlike hot-rolled steel), hence the name cold-formed steel. A variety of steel thicknesses are available to meet a wide range of structural and non-structural applications.
• What are the commonly used structural steel sections in beams and columns?
I-beam
to handle maximum bending load while using the least of material
• What are some common types of fire protection available for structural steel members in Australia?
intumescent paint
gypsum board
sprayed on board
water filled steel tubes
• What are the 6 key considerations when hiring a crane? (Week 7 folder on vUWS “Crane Hire Checklist Guide”)
site planning engineering of base installation and commissioning transport operator training maintenance & servicing Dismantling
• What are the benefits of a permanent onsite crane compared to a mobile crane for
high rise construction?
more efficient in work and financial
keeps the site more tidier, therefore, less hazards
reducing the timeframe of cranes reduce neighbourhood disruption
able to move materials more quickly
What are the licensing and RMS requirements for the operation and transportation of mobile cranes in NSW?
A self-erecting tower crane requires a licensed operator with a CS class certificate of competency. A tower crane requires a licensed operator with a CT class certificate of competency
• Which types of earthmoving machinery is required for the Albury project from start to finish?
Excavator, roller, bulldozer, grader, dump trucks
• What are the various types of tower cranes (for high rise projects) including their advantages and disadvantages?
strut boom – truck mounted, crawler mounted
- telescopic boom – rough terrain and track mounted
Electric luffing
Ram – luffing crane
Rope luffing crane
Self-erecting
top slewing
• What is a rise and fall clause in a construction contract and how does this influence the overall price?
Rise and fall clauses – an option is to include the price adjustment in a fixed price contract. Such a clause enables the contract prices to be adjusted when there is a shift in price for a particular material, such as steel or cement
Any price adjustment or rise and fall clause will have to be carefully drafted with the increase in contract price based on a formula, which will require disclosure of the contracted price of the material with the actual cost. Actual increases will need to be substantiated
• What is the Securities of Payment Act (SOPA), how does it work and what is the notification method/period? https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/trades-and-businesses/construction-and-trade-essentials/security-of-payment
securities of payment is a payment requirement within the building industry, that principals, head contractors, subcontractors and suppliers must follow. All contractors doing construction work or providing goods or services as part of construction work under a construction contract, have the right to receive ‘progress payments’ for work delivered
• What are the various types of insurance policies applicable to the Albury warehouse project from a client’s perspective?
public liability, workers compensation
• What are some innovative materials handling systems available in the construction industry?
conveyors, tower cranes
• What are the primary functions and requirements of a high rise cladding system?
The primary role is to control the infiltration of weather elements and the egress of water vapour whilst providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing appearance
the second role is to provide sound and thermal insulation, fire resistance and capacity for cleaning in dusty, polluted or vandal prone environments
• What are the design considerations of a high rise cladding system?
structural capacity (resistance to positive and negative pressures)
aesthetics
control of thermal transmission
control of leakage and infiltration
water vapour and condensation ( kinetic energy, gravity, air pressure differentials, surface tension, capillary, pressure assisted capillary)
• What are the key principles of passive solar building design?
structural capacity (resistance to positive and negative pressures)
aesthetics
control of thermal transmission
control of leakage and infiltration
water vapour and condensation ( kinetic energy, gravity, air pressure differentials, surface tension, capillary, pressure assisted capillary)
• What are the key principles of passive solar building design?
passive solar design is a combination of design elements that make an enormous difference to the comfort, energy efficiency, running costs and enjoyment of occupants over the life of a building.
orientation of the building
orientate the building to achieve maximum north-facing exposure, particularly for living and high use areas
welcome the winter sun
design the depth of the eaves to allow winter sin to shine directly into the rooms, while excluding the harsh summer sun
have that winter sin heating a material with high thermal mass such as concrete, water or solid brick so it can slowly radiate heat during the night
Shade walls and windows
shade walls and windows from the summer sun – particularly on the north and western sides
Insulate and seal
Have very good insulation and draught sealing in the roof, walls and the floor and between rooms
use thick curtains with pelmets to insulate windows. Some buildings use roof gardens or earth roofs to maximise insulation
Reflect and double glaze
design the windows to reflect or avoid summer sun, maximise winter light and heat. Double glazing can be cost effective for a new building or extension
Let heat escape (ventilation)
Shade and vegetation
• What is the impact of glazing on the thermal performance of a building?
cools the internal of the building as the gas between the windows restricts heat, but allows light to enter
• What are the potential benefits of installing a double skin facade in the context of passive solar design?
able to control the heat
light is still allowed into the building
allows natural ventilation
• What is the main difference between a “panel” and “stick” curtain wall system?
curtain walls are defined as non-load- bearing exterior wall or façade to the exterior of the building and enclosing it
Panel system
built off site, transported and erected as one unit
anchors
pre-assembled framed unit
often erected from floor above using specially adapted electric winch on a movable platform
stick system
stick systems are installed piece by piece on site, with the glazing inserted into the frame from the inside or the outside depending on access conditions
• What are the benefits of installing an “architectural precast panel” as a cladding system?
architectural precast panels are made off site in a controlled environment
can be made as load bearing or non-load bearing
higher controlled quality and lighter weight panels
necessity for “solid” facades as dictated by councils
better option as sometimes there is evidence in curtain wall systems
• What is the “sirowet” method of testing for all curtain walls? How does it work and what are the benefits?
Sirowet Façade test
AS4284 test method to determine water and air penetration in façade systems at maximum +ve and -ve stress design
A representatively size test sample is affixed to the test chamber
- width not less than 3 typical adjoining panels
- height no less than 1 1/2 storeys and containing at least one full height module
representative floor and column connections and sealing to be reproduced
transparent observation holes may be provided in structure
• What is the major difference between “Face” and “Common” brick?
face brick is uniform in colour, smooth cleaned finished and used on the outside of buildings for aesthetics
common brick is basic clay brick, vary in colour in texture. Not on the face of the building. Not aesthetic
• How does “Grinning” and “Crazing” occur in cement render finishes and how can they be prevented or rectified?
Grinning - the outline of the brickwork is showing through the render. Rectification is to apply two coats also add an additive.
crazing also known as render cracking. Not enough cement, curing time
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a steel stud and plasterboard for internal walls and partitions?
steel stud cannot be used more than once
wood can be used again
plasterboard is weak once water touches it. Can break off
• How does “Discontinuous Construction” prevent noise transmission?
Construction where there is no solid connection between the rooms of a building and the structure or between one section and another; used to prevent the transmission of sound along a solid path.
discontinuous construction stops noise vibrations travelling through.
• What is the general rule of ceramic tile “cuts”?
dont end on a small tile
• What is the meaning of dissimilar metals and how does it influence roof cladding systems?
dissimilar metals cause corrosion
galvanic corrosion is an electrochemical process in which one metal corrodes when it comes into contact with another metal that is a dissimilar type. The corrosion is caused by a self-induced current created when the two dissimilar metals are in contact in the presence of an electrolyte such as fresh potable water
three elements of galvanic corrosion
dissimilar metals
metal to metal contact
metals in the same conduction solution (rain, water, exacerbated by salt)
What is polycarbonate roofing and why is it suitable as a roof cladding system?
poly carbonate is a strong thermal plastic material that is light weight and can withstand extremely low and high temperatures. This durable and practical roofing material is perfect for conservatories, patios, and deck areas, but it’s not practical to cover the entire roof of a house.
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of polycarbonate roofing?
let’s light in, light and cheap
disadvantage
can become brittle, and easy to break once load is transmitted into it
• What types of skirting systems are installed in commercial buildings?
aluminium strip
Ducted skirting
• What are the four most common methods of applying paint finishes?
Brush
Roller
Pneumatic
Dipping
• Define the term “Services” and list 6 commonly found services in multi-story or high rise construction.
Energy – electricity, gas, solar (oil), communications – telephone, satellite, security, WIS, hydraulic – Water supply, mechanical, fire protection, vertical transportation
What is a water cooling tower and how does it work in a high rise building or structure?
For large multi-story buildings, using the type of central air condition system that works for your home isn’t feasible. Instead of using air to remove heat, larger multi-story building cooling systems will use piped water to transfer heat. This type of system typically pairs a chiller with a cooling tower. Like the condenser used in your home’s central AC system, the chiller is a machine that removes heat from the building. A piped water loop runs through the building, picking up heat along the way, which is circulated though the chiller to be cooled—in a continuous loop called the chilled water loop. The heat removed by the chiller is rejected to the outside through a different piped water loop (called the condenser loop). This condenser water loop runs through a cooling tower, which uses evaporative cooling to cool this piped water—typically by 10 degrees Fahrenheit—which is circulated back to the chiller in a continuous loop.
• What are the major health risks or issues associated with water cooling towers and how can we prevent them?
Legionella, legionnaires disease. Chemical treatment for prevention. consistent testing and maintenance
• Fire protection can be provided in a number of ways to high rise buildings and structures. What are they?
Smoke detection, fire isolation exits, more than one exit, fire sprinklers, non-combustible external walls, fire hydrants, intermittent coating. Occupancy warning systems (divide wet and dry)
• High rise buildings and structures often have “fire hose reels” and “fire hydrants”. What are the key differences?
Separate water supply, fire hose is directly linked, hydrant is not metred, 36m hose length, 4m water discharge, each reel has to be within 40m
• What are the two most common types of elevator traction systems used in high rise construction?
Electric. Electric are motor base and hydraulic have a motor to drive pistons to control the pressure in the hydraulic ram. Hydraulic is only limited to 10 floors
• Define and discuss a Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (H.V.A.C.) System.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Aims to provide thermal control and indoor comfort. Incorporates thermodynamics. Senses heat temperatures
