Construction Tech

Question 1

• You correctly mention the RIBA Plan of work has been updated. What brought about this change, and what are the key changes.

Answer 1

Added in strategic definition (stage0) and in use (stage 7) – they were changed to permit more than just the traditional procurement route, and allows for more of a diverse team and roles

Question 2

• Please list out the RIBA stages

Answer 2

Strategic definition, Prep and brief, concept design, developed design, technical design, construction, handover, in use

Question 3

• You talk about future proofing within your submission. why is it important to your client

Answer 3

To maximise whole life value and to minimise costs with potential changes.

Question 4

Rights of light report. What is rights of light?

Answer 4

daylight and sunlight assessment is a assessment to look at the natural light within the rooms of a house/apartment/building and at different times of day and year.

Question 5

• What if I lived somewhere for 5 years and then someone built a big tower in front of my property could I challenge this?

Answer 5

No you need to be living there for 20 years

Question 6

• Provide 3 different forms of foundations

Answer 6

Piled foundations, strip and raft

Question 7

• What is a pile foundation and when would they be used.

Answer 7

It’s a column that extends deep into the ground. They would be used when the structure is heavy, when the soil is weak, where settlement issues are common

Question 8

• Can you name some types of pile foundations?

Answer 8

Bearing piles and batter piles

Question 9

• What are bearing piles?

Answer 9

Common type of pile – transfer the load directly from the top tip to the toe of the foundation

Question 10

• Given the changes to approved document part b. Can you give me an example on one of your projects where these changes have become an issue.

Answer 10

Yes on my Cattle market project we have now had to put sprinklers system throughout the building following the changes for building above 11m

Question 11

• You have worked in the residential sector - if your project is over 18m, what must they comply with in terms of fire safety

Answer 11

Sprinkler system throughout the building, non-combustible materials

Question 12

• Please provide pros and cons to concrete vs steel frame construction

Answer 12

Concrete needs curing, takes longer as its more of a skilled workman ship, it is non combustible and cheaper, but can be amended on site
Steel more expensive, quicker, not fire protected, can’t be amend easily

Question 13

• Please provide a form of sustainable construction you are aware of given the industry-wide push to net zero carbon.

Answer 13

Air source heat pumps – take the heat from the air and boost it using a compressor and then send that through to the heating system

Question 14

• What is the importance of a site investigation?

Answer 14

Saves money, provides background information, helps to reduce damage, identify characteristics of the soil

Question 15

• In terms of compliance with new building regs, do you know what is meant by a fabric first approach?

Answer 15

reducing a home’s heat loss, you can achieve a low carbon, sustainable house that’s affordable to heat.

Question 16

• Name some approved documents?

Answer 16

A – structures
B – fire
C- site prep
D- toxic substances

Question 17

• Are you aware of future homes standards

Answer 17

The Future Homes and Buildings Standard is a set of standards that will complement the Building Regulations to ensure new homes built from 2025 will produce 75-80% less carbon emissions than homes delivered under current regulations.

Question 18

• What are the implications to using an ASHP in terms of its deployment.

Answer 18

it deploys heat slow as it has a lower heat supply compared to boilers therefore its better for underfloor heating otherwise you need large radiators