Construction tech Flashcards
Esmond Road FeasibilityWhat were the alternatives you considered?
Due to the size of the plot available and the requirements of the nationally described space standards for new dwellings, which required 79m2 for a new dwelling, the only viable method for introdcing a new dwelling was to use a basement excavation. The unit was self contained and included a light well.
Esmond Road FeasibilityWhat were the national space standards you described?
The national space standards set minimum gross internal areas for new dwellings. Due to the size and layout of the site, I knew any orientation of the two bedroom dwelling would be over two storeys. Abiding by the national space standards meant the dwelling needed to have a gross internal area of 79m2.
Warley Hill, office refurbBefore reocmmending cavity wall insualation what British Standard did you consult?
I refered to PAS 2035, which is the publically availbel specification for retrofit of UK buildings. I consulted with a PAS 2035 retrofit assessor to determinet the most suitable method for improving the thermal perofrmance of the property.
Warley Hill, office refurbWhat inspection did you recommend before cavity wall insulation was adopted as the design solution?
I recommended that we complete an inspeciton of the cavity to understand the existing levels of insulaiton within the cavity and also to determine the cavity width. This would also allow for us to determine the peformance requirment of the newly installed caivty wall insulation.
Warley Hill, office refurbWhat were the grants and under what scheme?
The scheme was Eco3, which is a government scheme for energy suppliers to fund the installatino of energy improvement measures to households. The grant that was available was for the payment of cavity wall insulation to dwellings that had an energy performance E or lower.
Warley Hill, office refurbHow were the grants applied for?
During the project I applied for the grant through EDF. This involved meeting a surveyor on site, they completed a survey of all of the dwellings at the property and requested EPC surveys. Once the energy perofrmance of the dwellings had been confirmed, polysterene insulation was installed and for the dwellings that met requirements the cost was removed.
What are the characteristics of JCT MTC?
Used for regular programme of works with single contractorGenerally used for maintenace or minor worksDefined timer period and buildingsAgreed schedule of ratesClient issue orders for works to be done
What are the functions of trickle vents?
Allows fresh air to brought in propertyTakes polluted air outWithout loosing excessive heat
SBHGHow did you complete snagging inspections to ensure the quality of works to the windows?
I used a 6 point checking system to check for:1- Frame damage, 2- Function of windows3 - Prescense of trickle vents 4- Damage of panes5- Locks and keys 6 - Seals and junctions
Do you know of any BRE guidance on repairs?
The BRE good reapir guide provides infromation on good building works and apprpriate repairs for different elemetns undergoing different damage.
SBHGHow did you advise that the windows not having trickle vents meant they would not meet building regulations?
Building regulation part F gives minimum ventilation 3 bedroom flat of the size required 50000m2 Background ventilationOnly one window to the rear had trickle ventsInadequate ventilation
SBHGHow did you overcome the issue of windows not having trickle vents?
Asked the contractor to provide a detail for bottom rail trickle ventsReviewed detail and presented to plannersOnce approved instructed contractor to fit retrposectively
Emma HouseHow did you determine the constrction?
Requested as built drawings from the clientIntrusive inspections have been complted by FFTCompleted a site inspection of balconies and penthouse
Emma HouseWhat was the wall construction
Cavity masonry substrateTimber battens and cladding on top
What is Euroclass?
Euroclass is a classification system that groups materials based on how much it contributes to the development of a fire in its early stages.
What does Euroclass A2 mean?
Non-combustible material and no noticeable contribution to fire.
On Emma House, why did you use A2 materials?
ntrusive investigations were carried out to the property prior to my involvement to allow a fire engineer to complete the EWS form. He concluded that in order for the property to be classified as option A Euroclass A2 materials were requried.
What is an external wall system?
External/Outside wall of a residential building inc:CladdingInsulationFire break systems
What is an EWS1 process and form?
Process and resulting form to confirm status of EWSAssessed by a suitable expertConfirmed as safe or unsafeIn line with government guidanceProvides assurance to lenders/insurers/buyers
On Emma House, how did you ensure your proposed materials could be used with the existing substrate?
I contacted all of the manufacturers for the replacement cladding materials to understand the fixing systems and whether they could be used in conjunction with blockwork. For the timber strips, I attended site, took measurements and created detail drawings that I could send to manufacturers to ensure they would fit the existing steel frame.
On Emma Hosue, you mentioned you tried to reduce costs for the project by using existin substrate, how else did you try to value engineer the project?
Contacted a range of manufacturersRequested costs for each of the materialsPresented the costs for each of the materials to the client
Emma HouseHow did choosing a materials that resembled the existing cladding maximise the chances of planning being accepted?
By choosing materials that resembled the existing cladding timber strips it would minimise the impact of the works and increase chances of approval.
What were the materials that you chose for Emma House?
I chose a cement fibre board product for the cladding from Rockpanel woods. This presented a Eurolcass A2 material that would resemble existing, and also had a propreitary fixing system that could be used in line with the substrate of the building. For the balcony shading, I contacted various solar shading manufacturers for product that could be fixed to the existing steel frame. The product i chose was an aluminium box section as it had the correct classification and any RAL colour could be applied.
What should be included in a feasibility study?
Determine whether project is viableIdentify numerous feasible optionsIdentify any potential barriers and legislation to the project
What are the nationally described space standards?
Standard that deals with internal space of new dwellingsDefined at level of occupancyFloor areas of key parts of rooms i.e. bedoroom and storage
How did you use the nationally described space standards at Esmond Road?
The report required the reconfiguration of the property to include a new 2 bedroom apartments. 2 bedroom apartments a minimum of 79m2 gross internal floor areas including storage.In order to meet these regulations a basement excavation was required.
How did you advise the client on the potential budget costings of the feasibility options you provided?
Budget costings were developed through records of other simiar projects and the use of BCIS.
On Warley Hill what was the polypearl cavity insulation product used?
Insulation bead that is filled into the cavityBeads are uniform in size and coated with glue to prevent settlementForms a matrix to allow for any penetrating water to drain down in the cavity as intended.
What was the benefit of using the Polypearl system as opposed to dry lining each flat?
Allowed for a government grant to supplement costWorks would not be required in every flatRemoved the requirement for additional internal insualtion
Were there any negatives with the use of the polypearl cavity wall insulation?
In order for the government grant to be given each flat required an up to date EPC and for a survey to be completed for energy efficiency. This did present a risk of the project running past the completion date.
What was the relevant building regulation and how was it applied to the specfication and instruction of the polypearl product?
The relevant building regulation is Part L. It required the improvement in thermal performance of the existing elements to have an improved U-value of 0.55 W/m2.k. The polypearl system improved the U value to 0.23.
What was the government grant applied for int his project?
The Energy Company Obligation Scheme ECOEliglble properties to save enery through subsidised Improvements.
What was the process of acquiring the grant?
Make contact with EONPut in contact with relevant third party installerEPC’s were required to all dwellings within the flatInstallation was completedFlats with poor enough energy performance were removed from cost
Tell me about the impact of different design solutions and construction processes on cost and programme.
Typically more comprehensive and complicated method of construct may cause for increases in cost, for example the repair of timber window rather than its replacement. However, where a client finds value in a project should be determined, as a good quick fix may be of value to a client who is intending to address a more comprehensive repair in the near future.
Tell me about your advice on the selection and application of particular processes within your area of experience.
I have recently advised a client on the specification of fire door repair and replacement programme. I completed an inspection with prospective contractors to get an understanding on repairs to be specified. I advised the client that if they wanted to have better cost certaintity they should complete a survey sepeartely before tendering, which could delay the process, or they could procure the survey within the spec and use a shcedule of rates afteward
How have you liased with specialists and consultants to develop project specific design and constructino solutions,
I have consulted with specalist to develop design solutions outside of my expertise. In particular structural engineers and M&E consultants. Recently I consulted with a structural engineer to develop a working platform within a riser that spanned over 3 storeys.
Talk me throgh how you have reported on the impact of different design solutions on cost of a constrcution project.
Recently I was asked to provide cost alternatives to the replacement of a slate roof covering to a mansard roof construction. Due to the building being listed we I could not change materials. I advised that as the external slopes were not in bad condition we could reduce cost by only replacing the internal slopes, which would also help to reudce the cost of the scaffold.
talk me through how you have reported on the impact of different design solutions and construction processes on programme.
Recently I advised on repairs to timber cills to windows that were accessed via scaffold. I advised the client that the timebr cills could be repaired and would not have an affect on the programme but would likely need attention on the next mainteance programme. Or a more comprehensive repair would be to over cap them with aluminium cills, but would likely affect the programme.
Are you aware of the RIBA Plan of Work?
The RIBA plans of works was initiated in 1963Provides a framework for architects with their clientsGreater clarity to stages of a projectHas evolved over the years to reflect changesInductrustry wide tool
What stages of the RIBA plan of works have you been involved in?
Various different stages throughout my career I was usually involved 2 - 4 in my early career Now involved 1 - 6 usually On polygon 1-6 of 2013 version
What foundation types are you aware of?
Raft - Spread the load of superstructure over large base. Reduces the lead per M2Pad - Provide base for reinforced concrete or steel columns (RC)Piled - Seried of columns inserted into the ground to transmit loads to lower load bearing strata Strip- Suitable for most sub-soils (RC) Trench- RC trench fill .
When might piled foundations be used?
Screw,continuous flight auger, driven, cast in situ, secant, borePilefoundationsaremainly used where the soil is weak at the surface and there is a need to bypass this soil to reach a stronger lower base such as rock, or where a very heavy structure such as a high rise building is being constructed.
What are the advantages of a concrete framed structure over a steel framed structure?
Safety advantages mainly. Concrete can withstand higher temperatures for longer periods. Excellent protection over explosions Fast and time means money. Mean radient heat - expelling heat into the building at night
What building elements are classed as the super structure?
Everything above ground Walls RoofWindows and doorsFloors
What are the components of a timber pitched roof structure?
Ridge BoardRaftersBattensPurlinJoistWall plates
How might an internal partition be altered to provide better acoustic performance? (Wall Type 4)
Part E - Resistance of the passage of soundIndependant timber or steel framesMineral wool Double skin plaster board each sideJunctions well jointed and caulked
Give me some examples of the different heating systems present in the properties you maintain.
Combi gas boiler and radiator space heating
What form of floor construction would you expect to find in a 1970’s purpose-built block of flats (to ensure sufficient fire protection?
Reinforced Concrete slab
Explain the principles of compartmentation in relation to purpose-built blocks of flats
Designed to contain fire within originDampers within ventilation systems Inturnmicent closers within vertical ventilated cavitiesFire stopping around windows and dooors externallyIntermicent collars and closers around service penetrations30 min protecction walls, ceilings, floors and fire doors
What are British Standards?
Publications issued by the British Standards Institution- BSRecommended minimum standards for materials, components, design and construction projects.
Are flat roofs ever flat?
No, roofs less than 10◦are considered ‘flat’firrings or cut insulation aids fall and drainage
What is the difference between a FCU and an AHU?
Fan Coil Unit is a standalone system that circulates air in a small space whereas an Air Handling Unit circulates the air through a ducting system and is part of an HVAC system
Can you talk me through some changes to the building regulations recently?
The introduction of Part O - overheating - to reduce the solar heat gain from properties with large amounts of glazing.The introduction of part S - infrastrcuture for electric car heating - to future proof homes for the use of electric cars.
What is BIM?
Building information modelling is software used to allow different professional groups of a project to plan, design and construct buildings.
