Competency Questions Flashcards
What are the different types of basement waterproofing?
Type A - Barrier Protection
A casing is introduced inside or outside the building to stop water from entering the building material. This type is used when there is no primary protection against water.
Type B - Structurally Integral Protection
The building is constructed to resist water penetration from the ground. For example, water resistant concrete can be used.
Type C - Cavity Drainage.
An internal cavity is created to manage and depressurize water that enters the building. This is the most modern method of basement waterproofing.
The best type of waterproofing for a basement depends on the ground conditions and how the building will be used.
Names some common types of roof structures?
Pitched roofs: The most common roof type in the UK, pitched roofs are effective at shedding water. They slope downwards from a central beam, usually in two sections.
Gable to gable or duo pitch: A classic roof shape with two equal sides at an angle.
Lean-to or mono-pitch roof: A simple roof type often used for small extensions.
Purlin roof: A roof that uses a horizontal beam to support the rafters, common on terrace houses.
King post and struts roof: A roof that uses king posts and struts in addition to purlins for extra support.
Modern truss roofs: A common roof type in new house construction, these roofs are made up of prefabricated units that are easy to install.
Names some different types of glazing system
Curtain wall glazing
An external wall cladding system that uses a frame or grid fixed to the building’s face, with glass infill panels.
Rooflights and structural glazed rooves
Part of a roof’s construction, providing thermal and weather protection.
Spandrel panels
Can be made of opaque glass or coated aluminum, and are used to disguise the ceiling zone and floor slab edge.
Toughened glass
Used in single-pane glazing or in the outer pane of an insulated glass unit at height. It has superior tensile strength to laminated and monolithic annealed glass, making it resistant to thermal stress from heat build-up.
List 5 key parts of the Building Regulations.
SFSTA
Part A: Structure
Covers structural safety, ensuring buildings can support loads and withstand various forces.
Part B: Fire Safety
Addresses fire safety measures, including escape routes, fire detection, and prevention to protect occupants and property.
Part C: Site Preparation and Resistance to Contaminants and Moisture
Focuses on preparing the site for construction, addressing ground contamination, and preventing moisture issues.
Part D: Toxic Substances
Regulates the use of toxic materials in construction to minimize health risks to occupants and workers.
Part M: Access to and Use of Buildings
Ensures that buildings are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities, by setting standards for entrances, facilities, and circulation space.
Part L: Energy efficiency and emissions
Assesses buildings’ energy efficiency and carbon emissions to reduce the carbon footprint of new and existing buildings
Advantages of screw piles
- Not labour intensive
- Installation is not weather dependant
- Can be installed in a variety of conditions
- Instant load carry
Disadvantages of screw piles
- Only certain soil types
- Toque rating and installation equipment
What is a screw pile?
A screw pile is a steel shaft with a helical head that is screwed into the ground to create a foundation for a structure.
What is a strip footing?
A strip footing is a type of shallow concrete foundation, that spreads the weight of Supports load-bearing walls, interior walls, and slabs across the soil.
Advantages of strip footings?
- Cost effective
- Quick to install
- Can be used with other forms of foundation
Disadvantages of strip footings?
- Not suitable for all soil types
- Not suitable of large load bearing buildings
What is CLT?
Cross Laminated Timber
What are the advantages of CLT?
- Sustainable
- Prefab so fast to install
- Relatively cheap compared to steel / concrete
- Fire performance - despite being a natural product
What are the disadvantages of CLT?
- Maintenance costs
- Fire performance
- Longevity
- Moisture
What are the main changes to the 2024 JCT contracts?
Modernising and streamlining - Gender neutral / Electronic signatures
Extension of Time - New relevant events / EOT 12 to 8 week response
Loss and Expense - New relevant events & matters. Explosives, contamination, asbestos, epidemics
LDs - Levied up to termination even if works not complete
Payment due date after termination
Disputes - requirement for parties to notify potential disputes to senior executives to seek a negotiated settlement
Fluctuation - JCT fluctuation hub
Legislative changes - Building Safety Act, Termination accounting and payment provisions reflecting the Construction Act;
Future Proofing - Supplemental provisions relating to Collaborative Working, and Sustainable Development and Environmental
New Form of Contract - JCT Target Cost Contract (TCC)
Difference between a relevant matter and event?
A relevant event entitles the contractor to an extension of time and a relevant matter entitles the contractor to claim direct loss or expense.
What is the purpose of a Pay Less Notice?
To adjust requests for payments to reflect the actual value of work done or to account for any set-off or discount that the employer believes is warranted.
Can LDs be challenged?
Yes.
The contractor may challenge the recovery of liquidated damages if the notice requirements within the contract are not complied with.