Construction Science

Question 1

leisure company wants to construct an indoor heated swimming pool at a holiday
village.
Which is the key specification requirement for pool-lining materials?

A)Coefficient of thermal expansion
B) Thermal conductance
C) Resistance to moisture penetration
D) Resistance to degradation

Answer 1

C) resistance to moisture penetration

Question 2

The leisure company has specified that the building housing the swimming pool will be
illuminated internally by ceiling-mounted lighting.

State one suitable artificial light source.

Answer 2

LED lighting, sky lights, fluorescent lighting, halogen lamps

Question 3

A leisure company wants to construct an indoor heated swimming pool at a holiday
village.

A stainless steel ladder is used to get in and out of the pool. Explain two reasons why
stainless steel is a more suitable material than aluminium.

Answer 3

Does not corrode or rot - highly resistant to corrosion especially in a high moisture environment like a pool.
Strength and durability - stronger and more durable than aluminium which makes it better suited for the weight of people getting in and out of the pool.

Question 4

Which one of the following materials has the highest embedded energy, when measured in
MJ/kg?

A) Timber
B) Cement
C) Glass
D) Concrete

Answer 4

B) cement

Question 5

What is embedded energy?

Answer 5

Embedded energy is the total energy consumed in the production, transportation, and assembly of a material or product. It includes energy used for extracting raw materials and manufacturing, making it a key factor in determining the environmental impact of construction materials.

Question 6

State two causes of degradation that affect timber used for internal applications.

Answer 6

Mould in damp environments - which leads to rot and loss in structural integrity it can leading to swelling warping or decay.

Pests - termites or other insects that can eat the wood and damage the wood.

Question 7

uPVC plastic is used in the manufacture of window frames.
Explain two properties of uPVC plastic that make it suitable for the window frames.

Answer 7

Waterproof / impermeable to water which reduces dampness inside and improves the longevity of the product.

Customisable in design - increased aesthetic appeal which is desired in the design of houses

Durable - long lasting and resistant to weathering does not rot or corrode.

Good thermal insulation - reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency

Question 8

Explain one reason for the use of a hygrometer when surveying a building.

Answer 8

It’s used to measure humidity levels inside a building. High humidity causes condensation which can result in problems such as mould or rot.

Question 9

Explain one difference between sound and noise.

Answer 9

Sound is a neutral term which relates to any audible vibration whereas noise typically refers to an unwanted or disruptive sound.

Question 10

Explain two approaches the developer could take to provide adequate sound insulation for
the residents of the new flats.

Answer 10

Added insulation inside the walls and floors (cavity wall insulation?) - reduces sound transfer through walls and floors.

Double or triple glazed windows - reduce noise from outside as well as increasing the buildings energy efficiency.

Question 11

Explain three advantages of using natural light throughout the building.

Answer 11

Boost moral and moods - more uplifting effect in contrast to LED or manmade light this can also increase productivity in residents.

Energy efficiency - minimises the need for lights to be used therefore lowers electric bills and saves on energy.

Sustainability - reduces environmental footprint as it’s lowering energy consumption.

Question 12

How do you calculate a u value ?

Answer 12

To calculate the U-value, you take 1 and divide it by the sum of the thermal resistances of all the layers in the material. The thermal resistance for each layer is found by dividing the thickness of the material by its thermal conductivity.

Question 13

The walls of the houses built with brick are 265 mm thick and have a U-value of 2.0 W/m2k
Calculate the thermal conductivity of the walls.

Answer 13

Thermal conductivity (k) = U-
value × Thickness (in meters).
Given:
U-value = 2.0 W/m2K
Thickness = 265 mm = 0.265 m
Thermal conductivity (k) = 2.0 W/
m?K x 0.265 m = 0.53 W/mK

Question 14

Explain one method of controlling condensation in the dwellings.

Answer 14

Replacing windows with double or triple glazed

Ventilate the room - extractor fans or trickle vents can control moisture levels and prevent condensation build up.

Insulate the room to improve thermal efficiency

Question 15

The developer plans to convert one of the large houses into flats to sell to first-time buyers
of working age.
It is constructed of brick and has three floors.
Explain two reasons why the thermal comfort requirements for the intended homeowners would
be different to those for a retirement home for elderly people.

Answer 15

Activity and every levels differ from ages - working age home owners are generally more active and generate more heat - whilst elderly may prefer warmer temperatures due to reduced circulation.

Health considerations - may be more sensitive to cold resulting in requiring higher indoor temperatures.

Question 16

One of the two-storey houses to be converted into flats is built of stone. This house has an
attic and a cellar. There are open fireplaces throughout the house and attic. All existing window
and door frames are made from timber.
Discuss the potential ways to improve the thermal efficiency of this building

Answer 16

• Insulate open fireplaces or if not in use block off to prevent heat loss
• timber window and door frames are susceptible to heat loss therefore switched out for UPVC to control heat loss and increase durability.
• windows switched out for double or triple glazed windows to prevent heat loss
• stone walls to be converted to cavity walls with cavity wall insulation.
• adequate insulation in floor and roof along with attic and and cellar.
• draught proofing doors and windows

Question 17

Explain the benefits of using softwood for internal elements of a new development.

Answer 17

Easier to mould and make products out of/ work with as it’s lighter, more sustainable to grow, easier to source, more affordable

Question 18

List the differences between hard and softwood and then list elements where softwood
would be suitable within a new development.

Answer 18

Harwood has a tighter grain and is harder to source and grows slower. More attractive and aesthetically pleasing - often using in furniture

Softwood has a looser grain and a softer and lighter properties, easier to grow and is less expensive - easy to work with and more sustainable to replace.

Softwood is suitable for framing, internal furniture and window and door frames.

Question 19

The developer is using softwood fencing panels to mark out boundaries between plots,
specify the most appropriate treatments to preserve the wooden panels and posts. What are
the implications of not treating softwood?

Answer 19

Pressure treatment - with preservatives this can prevent rot and insect damage

Waterproofing treatment - stains and solutions / paints to prevent
mould and moisture damage

Implications - wood can degrade and rot away quickly and loose all structural integrity. Becomes vulnerable to insect damage and wreathing which can drastically shorten its lifespan.

Question 20

What does FSC stand for ?

Answer 20

Forestry stewardship council - indicated that the wood is sourced from a responsible source and managed forests

Question 21

What does the PEFC logo stand for ?

Answer 21

Programme for the endorsement of forest certification - similar to FSC it reveals that the wood has been responsibly sourced.

Question 22

State three forms of substances that are hazardous to health

Answer 22

Vapour , dust, chemicals , fumes/smoke, gases

Question 23

State two benefits of the heating and ventilation system meeting the current standards.

Answer 23

Optimise energy use and improve energy efficiency - hVAC systems are designed to be more energy efficient which can lead to reduced energy consumption and lower energy bills, enhance indoor air quality.

Question 24

Explain one reason why hardwood is a suitable material for cladding houses.

Answer 24

Durable and aesthetic, can be treated to be weather and water resistant, easily sourced material