Construction Tech

Question 1

What was the build up of you partition ? - More detail

Answer 1

C stud centre, 2 layers of sound block plasterboard, i layer of acoustic insulation, - profiled metal deflection head = deep head channel fixed through the fire board layed across the profile to the fixing channel (suitably fixed to the soffit and flanges bent into shape. The gap at the top is filled insulation. The base. The base channel was shot fired into the concrete floor below. Cut out into the raised access floor.

Question 2

What the required dimensions of a staircase ?

Answer 2

Private stair:

Rise = 150 -220
Going = 220 - 300

Riser was not open so did not require an overhang (16mm).

Provide guarding when the drop is more then 600mm - handrail positioned at 900mm

Question 3

How do you constructed a staircase avoiding breaching the DPC - check with Jake

Answer 3

• ensure it is 150mm below the DPC - also put in a vertical DPC ?

Question 4

What are the dimensions of a brick?

Answer 4

215mm x 102.5mm x 65mm + 10mm mortar joint

Question 5

How do you identify RAAC

Answer 5

Chamfered edges and bubbly in nature with no aggregate

Question 6

What is the difference between PUR and PIR insulation products ?

Answer 6

PIR has a better fire resistance properties than PUR .

PIR @ 400 degreed / PUR 250degrees

Question 7

What is regulation 23 in Approved Document L?

Answer 7

Requirements for renovation or replacement of a thermal element . Major renovation (renovation of over 25% of the surface area of the building envelope) / over 50% of the the element is being replaced - must comply with current regs

Question 8

What are the different types of foundations and when would you use them ?

Answer 8

1 - Strip - good ground, gravel, sand sometimes soil clay - low weight bearing such as domestic

2 - Raft - used to spread the weight over moderate/poor ground conditions

3 - Pad stones - point loads such as structural columns for large framed buildings - transfer loads to strata that has better bearing capacity - usually shallow

4 - Pile Foundations - poor ground, pile to reach solid substate - Driven (prefabricated and driven into the ground) or bored ( pour into hole)

Question 9

What is the maximum height of a timber framed building?

Answer 9

6 storeys

Question 10

Can you tell me the main advantages and disadvantages or steel v concrete v timber frame?

Answer 10

Steel

adv:
- prefabricated which means less time on site
- larger spans for bigger rooms
- faster to erect

Dis:
- Expensive
- can corrode
- conducts heat well which can reduce insulation

Concrete =

Adv:
- precast/ insitu
- more columns
- fire retardant
- good acoustic properties

Dis:
-heavy
- expensive
- high environment impact

Timber

Adv:
- affordable
- sustainable
- aesthetic

Dis:
- Vulnerable to fire and pests
- shrinks/ swells

Cost - dependent on pre cast / insitu and size of development - check BCIS & Spons.

Question 11

What is Consequential improvement?

Answer 11

When a building over 1000m2 has ab extension/ fixed services installed or improved - the building must be made to comply with current regulations. Must be technically/functionally /economically feasible - less then 15 year payback

Question 12

WHen determining the require lux levels of areas of buildings, where would you consultant?

Answer 12

CIBSE (Charter Institution of Building Services Engineers). Documentation on required levels.

Question 13

When were the first Building Regulations?

Answer 13

1965 - first official BR
The Building Act 1984

Question 14

What are the required U values for non- domestic buildings ?

Answer 14

watts per meter squared kelvin

Flat roof - 0.18
pitched roof - 0.16
walls - 0.26
floor - 0.18

Question 15

What are the minimum and max falls of flat roofs?

Answer 15

BS 6229 - should be designed to have a minimum fall of 1:40 to ensure a finished fall of 1:80 can be achieved.

Question 16

What is cross wall construction?

Answer 16

Pre-cast structural concrete walls are transported to site creating structural internal walls that support the floor above. Ideal for same floor layout e.g. student accomodation.

Question 17

What are Robust Details?

Answer 17

Using RD provide an alternative to pre completion testing for showing compliance - E.g British Gypsum White Book

Question 18

What is your understanding of AC ?

Answer 18

HVAC - heating, ventilation & AC. Air handling units - condition and distribute air. Geothermal AC - avoids using fossil fuels, ground / water / air source.

Question 19

what are the changes to the RIBA 2020 Plan of work ?

Answer 19

• sustainability project strategy throughout phases - susitability principals mapped throughout the plan
• stage 3 - spatial co-ordination
• post occupancy evaluation

Question 20

Would you feel competent inspecting external cladding?

Answer 20

I would sub contract this as this is a specialist area and large PI risks.

Question 21

If you were dividing 1 large property into several smaller properties, what you you need to consider?

Answer 21

Access, fire seperatation, services, planning.

Question 22

what did you consider when instructing underpinning of the property

Answer 22

Compliance with CDM 2015

How close the building was to other properties - Party Wall Act 1996

Trail footings where execrated near the property inspection

Question 23

what is the required U-value of a pitched roof

Answer 23

0.16 W/(M2K) - Flat roof is 0.18