Construction Tech

Question 1

What are piles

Answer 1

A series of columns constructed or inserted into the ground to transmit a load of a structure to lower level subsoil

Question 2

Why are piles used?

Answer 2

Piles are used to get to more compact/stronger soil or rock

Question 3

What are sheet piles?

Answer 3

Sheet piles are interlocking steel sheeting driven into the ground to provide earth retention & excavation support.
Retaining walls/underground structures

Question 4

Name two different type of piles

Answer 4

Friction - pile transmits load to surrounding soil

End bearing - load-bearing capacity at the toe of the pile on hard layer of rock/dense soil/gravel

Question 5

What is a raft foundation

Answer 5

Spread loads of superstructure over a large base.
A large base reduces the load
Used for poor soils on lightly loaded buildings / domestic
Can be solid raft slab/beam
Heavy loads can cause raft to move sideways

Question 6

What is a strip foundation?

Answer 6

Suitable for most subsoils/light structural loadings/domestic dwellings

Question 7

What are pad foundations?

Answer 7

Suitable for most subsoils except loose sand & gravel
Support localized single-point loads such as structural columns, groups of columns or framed structure
Usually reinforced concrete & square where possible

Question 8

Steel frame advantages

Answer 8

High tensile strength to weight ratio
Not vulnerable to termites or organisms
Stable
Moisture/temp changes have no impact
Consistent design - strict national standards

Question 9

Steel frame disadvantages

Answer 9

Requires fire protection
Price of steel is variable
Additional cost for labour/due to experience required

Question 10

Concrete frame advantages

Answer 10

Already fire protected
Good sound and heat insulation
Can do complex geometry
Insitu allows for alteration at a late stage

Question 11

Concrete frame disadvantages

Answer 11

labour-intensive onsite - high initial costs

Slower to construct onsite than other methods

Question 12

Timber frame advantages

Answer 12

Thermally efficient
Prefabrication
Less of structural weight-produce savings on foundation design

Question 13

Timber frame disadvantages

Answer 13

Poor resistance to fire

Poor installation of DPC results in dampness penetrating the timber which can lead to decay

Question 14

What are the British Standards?

Answer 14

Recommended minimum standards for materials, components, design and construction

Question 15

What is a Party wall?

Answer 15

• A wall that stands on the lands of 2 or more owners and forms part of a building.
• A wall that stands on the lands of 2 or owners but does not form part of a building, e.g a Garden Wall.
• A wall that is in one owners land but is used by 2 or more owners to separate their buildings.

Question 16

What act governs Party Walls?

Answer 16

The Party Wall Act 1996.

Question 17

What are Rights of Light?

Answer 17

A form of easement that allows the existing buildings to maintain the same level of illumination.

Question 18

What is the construction of a warm flat roof?

Answer 18

Insulation is placed above the rafters which ensure the entire roof structure is insulated, more energy-efficient.
HIgher profile roof

Roof covering, insulation, membrane, decking, joists, ceiling

Question 19

What is the construction of a cold flat roof?

Answer 19

Insulation is placed in between the rafters.

Roof covering, decking, joists, ceiling

Cold conducts through rafters creating cold bridging.
However lower profile roof

Question 20

What are the different types of coverings for a flat roof?

Answer 20

• Single Ply membrane.
• Mastic Asphalt.
• Built-up felt.

Question 21

What is the difference between a warm and a cold roof?

Answer 21

• A warm roof will make the entire building structure warm, in an attempt to avoid any cold bridging.
• A cold roof is where the insulation is placed beneath the roof space, leaving the roof space cold. This will either need to be ventilated or have a breather

Question 22

What is cold bridging?

Answer 22

A weak spot in the insulation to a building

Question 23

What types of Piling methods do you know of?

Answer 23

• Driven Piles, also known as displacement piles.
• Bored Piles, also known as replacement piles.
• Secant Piles, used to create retaining walls.

Question 24

Name some legislation that impacts on design and construction

Answer 24

The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
The Building Act 1984
The Party Wall Act1996
The Disability Discrimination Act

Question 25

Name regulations that relate to the Health & Safety at work act in construction

Answer 25

• CDM Regulations 2015
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002
• Working at Height Regulations 2002

Question 26

CDM

When does notification have to be given to the HSE?

Answer 26

If a project lasts more than 30 days and involves more than 20 workers.

Question 27

What are the building regulations?

Answer 27

A set of standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure the safety and health of people that must be complied with.

Question 28

The Building Act

Name some Approved Documents

Answer 28

Part B - Fire Safety
Part L - Conservation of fuel and power
Part M - Access to and use of buildings

Question 29

What are the British Standards

Answer 29

technical specifications or practices that can be used as guidance for the production of a product, carrying out a process or providing a service

Question 30

What is Formwork?

Answer 30

• The process of placing temporary or permanent moulds into which concrete is poured.

Question 31

What is Falsework?

Answer 31

• Temporary support structures used to support formwork.