Construction Tech General Flashcards
What is substructure
All elements of work that are undertaken below the damp proof course that provides the basis for the superstructure.
What is the external envelope
The materials and components that for the external enclosure of a building.
Can be either load bearing or non load bearing.
What are the building regulations
Statutory instruments that set out the minimum performance standards for the design and construction of buildings
What are British standards
Publications issued by the British standards institution (BS).
They give the recommended minimum standard for materials, components, design and construction practices.
What are international standards
Publications issued by the international organisation for standardisation - ISO.
Compatible with and complement British standards.
What is superstructure
All internal and external works items above the damp proof course.
Include:
- external walls
- stairs
- roof
- structural walls
- suspended ceilings
- raised floors
What are the typical components of site investigations
Their objective is to collect and record data to help with the design and construction processes including info that relates to the site and impact the design.
- boundary boards & fencing
- existing trees
- size, depth and location of services
- existing buildings
- ground water conditions
- soil investigations
- trial pit information
What is the purpose of soil investigations
Their purpose is to determine suitability of the site for the proposed works and determine the adequate and economic foundation design.
Determine potential difficulties with the ground conditions.
What are the main site considerations
- access
- storage
- temporary services
- plant
- fencing & hoarding
- health & safety risks
What is a retained facade
The facade of the building is retained whilst everything beyond the wall is demolished.
Allowances should be made for temporary support and cleaning & restoration works.
What are temporary works
They do not normally appear on construction drawings but may be required depending on construction methodology being used.
May be a requirement due to health and safety to ensure safe constructions for temporary propping.
What is a scaffold
A temporary working platform erected around the perimeter of a building or structure to provide a safe working place at a convenient height.
When is scaffold required
For works above 1.5m high
What is shoring
Form of temporary support given to existing buildings.
Provides precaution against damage or injury due to collapse of a structure.
What are the main components of concrete
Cement, aggregate, water
What is a borehole
Most suitable method of soils investigations when foundations are over 3m deep.
What is a geothermal borehole
Permanent boreholes that use the hearths natural heat to raise the temperature of circulated water.
Closed system used to heat the building which is sustainable.
What are piles
Series of columns constructed or inserted into the ground to transmit the load of a structure to a lower level of sub soil.
When are piles used
When there are no suitable foundations conditions are present near ground level or if there is high water table.
What is a sheet pile
A deep trench is excavated and concrete is poured in situ. These can be used to form basement or retaining walls.
Secant piles
Interlocking piles are bored to provide a combination of foundations and basement walls.
Provide a waterproof structure and are often seen when a top down construction method used.
What are bored piles
An auger is used to excavate the soil and then concrete is poured in once complete
What are pre cast piles
Piles are hammered into the ground.
Usually unfavourable due to high noise levels associated with the installation.
What are the different ways piles transfer their load to the surrounding ground
End bearing piles
Friction piles
Settlement reducing piles
Tension piles
