Building Pathology L1 Flashcards
What are some common causes of damp in buildings?
Condensation
Penetration damp
Leaks
Rising Damp
What framework would you suggest using for conducting damp investigations?
RICS Damp investigation framework. – Investigate- Determine- Eliminate
Can you elaborate on the different types of concrete defects?
Spalling – Common concrete defect when water/moisture gets into the moisture.
Carbonation – when carbon dioxide in the air reacts with calcium hydroxide and hydrated calcium silicate.
Delamination- when the layers of concrete are not bonded properly and crack.
Alkali silica reaction – reaction between the silica minerals in the aggregate and the alkaline of the concrete- causes cracking.
What factors can contribute to concrete defects such as cracks, spalling, honeycombing, and scaling?
Moisture
ASR- Alkaline silica Reaction
Honey combing – is inadequate shuttering or vibration/compaction.
Spalling – Failed/corroded reinforcement.
Carbonation – the reaction of Carbon dioxide in the air with Calcium hydroxide.
How do steel defects like cracks, inclusions, porosity, dimensional irregularities, and surface imperfections affect the performance of the material?
Cracks can cause steel to weaken and affect their structural integrity.
Inclusions are from the manufacturing process which may affect the steels ability to maintain stress.
Surface imperfections – Corrosion/scratches cn reduce the integrity of the steel and the scratches can affect the coatings causing rust or in adequate fire protection.
What are deleterious materials in the context of construction?
Asbestos
Lead based materials.
Silica dust
R22 refrigerant
Mercury – Fluorescent lighting.
How do deleterious materials impact the quality, durability, or performance of construction materials or structures?
Asbestos for example can impact the people around.
Bick slips are at risk of poor adhesion and can fail.
Chlorides
Hair Plaster
High ALUMINA CEMENT.
What techniques do you use to identify and address defects in construction materials such as damp, concrete, and steel?
Investigate –
Determine
Eliminate.
Damp meters can be used for relative readings.
Steel defects can be visually checked.
Concrete can be visually check and tested in a lab if required.
Have you used any specific legislation or framework for assessing and responding to building defects?
RICS Guidance note on Damp
RICS Professional standards.
RICS Mundic problem.
Approved document A – Structure.
Defective premises ACT 1972
Consumer Protection ACT 1987
What precautions or remedial measures would you suggest to prevent and handle building defects?
Carry out regular maintenance and inspections
Planned preventative maintenance.
Carrying out repairs in a timely Manner
CPD
Tell me about Licenced and Non Licenced asbestos
Licenced asbestos –
High risks activities and disposal of asbestos materials.
HSE licence required for companies who has undergone specific training.
Non – Licenced asbestos-
Non friable material like asbestos cement sheet
Tell me the asbestos H&S regs
Control of asbestos 2012
HSE – Managing working with asbestos (HSG248)
The licencdes contractors guide – (HSG2470
Asbestos in buildings (Duty to Manage) 2012
