Construction Tech Flashcards
You have mentioned concrete, steel, engineered timber and load bearing masonry buildings, do you know any other building structure matierals?
There are a number of variatants of the overarching types i have mentioned in my paperwork. Structurally insultaed panels are a composite structural matieral typically used for slabs and walls.
Can you explain what engineered timber building is?
Engineered timbers are timber composite materials produced in a factory and combined with other materials/binders such as adhesives. They allow for the many benefits of timber with a good strength to weight ratio and comparatively sustainable, but can also be shaped and formed into more uniform and usable shapes/sizes.
Can you name some residential forms of construction?
There are numerous residential forms of construction, traditional solid wall construction, cavity wall construction, as well as the concrete, and steel frame buildings.
What are the benefits of concrete frame buildings?
- Good compressive strength
- Good fire protection/resistance
- Can be installed in situ saving storage requirements on site
- Although has a fairly high embodied carbon, it can actually be recycled in most situations
- Cost of concrete remains stable
- Lower maintenace requirements
What are the benefits of steel framed buildings?
- Versatility and strength
- Good ductility so appropriate in seismic zones
- Not very fire resistant and will need intumescent coatings
- V. expensive
- Higher maintenance requirements
What are the benefits of timber framed buildings?
- Low CO2 costs/ enviromentally friendly
- Low durability if not maintained well. Poor inherent resistance to biologic degreadation (fungal decay and insect attacks)
What is a Post-Tensioned Concrete?
Post-tensioned concrete is where the concrete is cured with wires running through. Once the concrete has cured the wires are put under tension which then increases the tensile strength of the concrete.
What is a castellated steel frame?
A steel frame where the beams of the steels have castelations in, which are holes.
What are the benefits of post-tensioning?
- Thinner concrete slabs therefore use less concrete
- Increased structural capacity
- reduce shrinkage cracking
What is the benefit of a castellated steel beam?
Can hold comparatively similar loads than a beam of the same size, the castellation’s save on steel and allow space for services to run through.
Is there a minimum floor to ceiling height in the building regulations?
No, however the National Space Standards state a minimum of 2.3m across 75% off the floor plate in new dwellings.
What are the requirements for guarding and balustrades under Part K in areas that may be used by children under 5 during normal use?
The guarding should be designed to not allow a 100mm sphere to pass through.
What is the minimum balustrade height for offices and residential?
1100m.
Stair rails only need to be 900mm.
What other considerations from Part K did you consider?
As it was a glazed balustrade, I reviewed Section 5: Protection against impact with glazing to ensure it is safe within the critical areas.
What happened after the non-compliance was identified?
Notified my client that the non compliance appeared to be due to later addition of a composite timber decking which reduced the floor to balustrade height. I recommended the removal of the decking to ensure compliance.
What does medium term in the PPM imply and what other timeframes are there?
Medium term as defined in Professional Standard for PPMs on commercial buildings is three to five years.
Urgent - directly following survey
Immediate - within a year
Short - 1-2 years
Long - 6-10 years
What is asphalt?
Asphalt is a semi-solid petroleum by product that’s made from a mixture of crushed stone, gravel, sand and bitumen.
Talk me through typical services found in a building type you are familiar with?
Mechanical - Ventilation via AHU
Airconditioning - Four pipe fan coil system
Electrical Small power distribution
Data infrastructure
Lighting
BMS
Access Control
Security
