Construction Technology Flashcards
What are the key stages of the RIBA plan of work?
0. Strategic Definition – confirmation of Client’s Requirement
1. Preparation and Brief – Project Brief is approved by the Client and confirmed that it can be accommodated on site
2. Concept Design – Architectural Concept approved by the Client and aligned to the Project Brief
3. Spatial Coordination – Architectural and engineering information Spatially Coordinated.
4. Technical Design – all designed information required to manufacture and construct the project completed
5. Manufacturing and Construction – manufacturing, construction and commissioning completed
6. Handover – building handed over, aftercare initiated, and Building Contract concluded
7. Use – building used, operated and maintained effectively.
What was included in the 2020 update?
- Stage 1 was Preparation and Brief but has been renamed Preparation and Briefing; Stage 3 was Developed Design – it’s now Spatial Coordination; Stage 5 was Construction and is now Manufacturing and Construction; Stage 6 was Handover and Close Out and is now just Handover; and Stage 7 was gone from In Use to Use.
- Stage 5’s new name reflects the increasing popularity of modular and prefabricated construction.
- the importance of sustainability - For the first time the RIBA Plan of Work includes a Sustainability Project Strategy
- the value of aftercare
- and different approaches to the timing of planning applications and procurement.
What legislation might be appropriate to consider other than Building regulations on a project.
- Building Act 1984 (Building Act),
- the Building Regulations 2010 (Building Regulations) and
- the Building Regulations 2010 (Approved Inspectors Regulations).
- Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002
- Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996
- Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
- Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998
- Work at Height Regulations 2005
- Control of asbestos regulations 2012
- Control of Noise at Work 2005
- HASAWA 1974
How does the choice of a building component affect operational
and maintenance processes post contract?
Whilst the capital cost of item A may be more expensive than item B, taking WLC into consideration, it could be cheaper to use the item B, as it requires less maintenance
The selection of building componets have an impact on many aspect of operational and maiance stage of the building life. In particular:
- cost of facility managment: On PW the lighting energy consuption was minimised through increased design of glazing areas, occupancy sesnsors and useage of highly efficient LEDs.
- Photovolatic Panels on the roof to create natural source of enegy.
- Optimised U-values to keep heat in when it is cold and keep it out when it is warm.
- Durability of materials
What modern construction technologies are you aware of?
- 3D pritning
- modular and off side cosntruction
- Drones in surveying
- BIM Modeleing
- Jump Factory East Viilige (Stradford) - new system for constructing high-rise buildings using digital technology and an offsite manufacturing approach, which it has claimed makes construction six times more productive than current industry performance. - one stroy every 55 hours
- cross laminated timber
Can you provide an example of what this might be from one of
your projects? (modern constructuin technology)
* BIM model
* off site and modular construction - pre-fabricated facade pannels
*
????
What benefits can these bring to a project? (Modern methods of construction)
- time saving between 10 to 50%
- more predictble processes and therefore inclreased safety in construction
- more sustainable final product
- better quality
- reduce distruption
On the Project Winchester, what were the key considerations on
the assessment of the differing façade treatment?
The key consideration on different facade treatment where time, cost, quality and environmental friendly solutions. In particular:
- prefabricated pre cast concrete panels faced with brick - where cheaper solution particularly as the brick were cut in half to reduce material use and improve cost efficiency
- pre fabricated panels improved time efficiency and overall cost of labours
- target u- value between 1.4 and 1.8 W/m2*K (Approved document part L specified U-Value no more than 2)
- Aluminium rainscreen is used to clad utility areas of the building which are less visible to the public,
- Curtain wall system provide added structural stability for tall structures
How did you ascertain the programme implication associated
with the options? (of different facade treatments)
a
What was the outcome of your assessment? (abouth different fasade treatments)
a
What items made up the different costs for any options
considered? (different facade)
Pre-cast concrete panels works
- Pre-cast concrete panels are made up of precast concrete faced with bricks
- Glazing assemblies (windows) are incorporated off site to create a story high modular cladding panel.
- Each cladding panel is dead loaded at it base to the concrete slab and fixed to the slab above
- Fire stops are installed at slab edge
- Pre-cast panels overlap to hide vertical joints that retain brick aesthetics
Elements (looking from the face of slab/structural column): Vapour control panel, mineral wool insulation, fire stopping (fixed to the structural column, Precast concrete panel, double glazed unit, brick facing
Glazing curtain wall works
- Glazing curtain wall is made of aluminium frame with double glazed unit.
- Glazing clips are used to restrain the glass on vertical edge and structural silicone is used on the horizontal edge
- Mullions are incorporated into the panel to dived unit in half as per design
- External shading louvres are fixed back to mullions via stainless stell support brackets
- Fire stops at the edge of the slab
Elements: aluminium frame, double glazed unit, shedding louvres, mullions.
Aluminium rainscreen works
- Aluminium rainscreen is fabricated from aluminium sheeting panel that are fixed to the vertical support rial in the lower joint between panel.
- Air cavity/ Ventilation zone is created between the cladding panel and concrete backing wall.
- Insulation layer (mineral wool insulation and water proof membrane) is installed between the concrete backing wall and air cavity/ventilation zone.
- Elements (from concrete backing walls): water proof membrane mineral wool insulation, Vertical aluminium support rail, Air cavity/ ventilation zone, aluminium cladding panel.
Can you tell me about a time that legislation or regulation has
impacted on the choice of construction technology?
- Building Regulations Section 7 Sustainability
- Control of asbestos regulations 2012 This had a direct impact on the processes and methodology, as to how we demolished the building i.e. risk assessment, air monitoring, demolition survey etc.
- Equality Act 2010 - right for disabled people to have access to everyday goods and services. and therefore to buildings
On the Project Winchester scheme, what were your options to
consider on the roof lights, what was your advice and what was
the outcome?
- On Project Winchester, during the monthly design progress meeting, as a part of design development the Design team proposed incorporation of the roof lanterns instead of previously design roof lights.
- I compared drawings and BIM model for both options and provide a cost estimate for both options.
add more
How was this solution integrated into the project? (roof lights)
a
If considering different types of foundation solutions for a
project, what do you need to account for?
- Primarily:
- subsurface soil and ground conditions
- structural requirement including foundation loads, building configurations and depth
- Secondarily:
- construction methods, including access and working space,
- environmental factors including noise, traffic and disposal of earth and water
- building codes and regulations
- time available for construction
- construction risks
When choosing different air treatment systems, what do you
need to consider about the building?
- Size of the building
- Location of buidling services
- natural ventialtion and heat loss/gain
- Occupants usage pattern
- buidling control system
On the NCA Spring Gardens Project, what as the key differences
on the lift car finishes advised and what was the outcome and
why was that option chosen?
On NCA Spring Gardens Project, I advised the Client regarding the cost implication of alternative lift car finishes. Initially, the design included heavy-duty vinyl floor covering, stainless steel wall cladding and a suspended ceiling. I discussed different design options with the Design team and priced alternative finishes. As the main Client’s objective was to improve the durability and visual aspects of the lifts, the preferred option included incorporating wood wall cladding and wood floor panelling. In addition to the cost differences, I presented the key features of vinyl and wooden panels.
Key differences between vinyl, wooden and stainlesss steel:
1. Vinyl
- Budget friendly (avarage £15 to £50/m2)
- Durability 15 to 20 years
- Water and stain resistant
- Diffcult to repair
2. Wooden
You mention that you understand the principle of constructing a deep level basement, can you please elaborate further?
Assuming that all demolition, site preparation and all relevant notifications and appointments are in place, the construction of deep level basement starts with excavation.
Generally, there are two approaches for deep excavation:
- bottom up - this conventional method involves first sinking temporary diaphragm walls to the required depth below ground, digging and removing soil, installing temporary steel strutting and then creating the complete hole with a concrete slab base and open to the sky.
- Top down –the project begins by sinking the diaphragm walls, plus central supporting ‘plunge’ columns (can be temporary or permanent), and then excavating enough of the earth to complete a ground-level slab. This slab is substantial enough to carry the weight of construction equipment including cranes,and incorporates openings though which soil can be lifted up and removed. The excavation then takes place under the ground slab, and permanent floors are cast on the way down to the desired depth. It also means that simultaneously construction above ground can start.
However, when constructing a deep foundation is necessary. This can be done by various methods such as piles, mini piles or diaphragm walls. For instance on Project Winchester,
- the foundation was planned to be constructed incorporating the piling works consist of a full perimeter of 1200 diameter secants to allow excavation of the basement box and cut-off of significant in-flow of ground water during the excavation phase.
- In addition Plunge columns are utilised in localised positions to provide early load support during the excavation for cranes and the logistics slab.
- Movement control piles, acting in tension, have been adopted in the deeper three storey basement to control the overall heave and uplift, as a result of the excavation exceeding the applied new loads.
- The piles will be installed from the pile mat, which involves two levels to integrate with existing laundry road levels. Pile lengths, trim levels and pile cap formation are all defined as a result of the pile mat level.
- In the interests of practicality and economy, it has been agreed with the Client to provide two grades of basement waterproofing, in accordance with the scheduled space:
- Grade 2 (Better Utility) to BS 8102:2009 – Table 2 which is defined as “No water penetration acceptable. Damp areas tolerable; ventilation might be required.” - minimum to the whole basement box,
- Grade 3 (Habitable) to BS 8102:2009 – Table 2 which is defined as “No water penetration acceptable. Ventilation, dehumidification or air conditioning necessary, appropriate to the intended use”. - To local heated and ventilated accommodation areas
- The substructure works are to comprise the installation of reinforced concrete structure at Basement Floors B3, B2, B1, Lower Ground and Ground Floor, including removal of temporary propping, to provide the permanent design, watertight basement box. In-situ reinforced concrete basement slabs, typically 325mm thick, at Basement Floors B2, B1, Lower Ground and Ground Floor have been designed. Carefully sequencing of the temporary props has been required to work with slab levels and to satisfy the requirements for the control of ground movements.
- The secant pile wall is to be treated with shotcrete (or equally approved) to allow application of a bonded resilient ‘external’ waterproof membrane prior to casting a 300 - 350mm RC lining wall fully around the perimeter, including ‘waterproof’ additive mix to local areas per waterproofing specification. The lining wall supports the perimeter slab edge and provides the long-term resistance to hydrostatic and earth pressure.
Can you explain how the deep basement was planned to be constructed?
- the foundation was planned to be constructed incorporating the piling works consist of a full perimeter of 1200 diameter secants to allow excavation of the basement box and cut-off of significant in-flow of ground water during the excavation phase.
- In addition Plunge columns are utilised in localised positions to provide early load support during the excavation for cranes and the logistics slab.
- Movement control piles, acting in tension, have been adopted in the deeper three storey basement to control the overall heave and uplift, as a result of the excavation exceeding the applied new loads.
- The piles will be installed from the pile mat, which involves two levels to integrate with existing laundry road levels. Pile lengths, trim levels and pile cap formation are all defined as a result of the pile mat level.
- In the interests of practicality and economy, it has been agreed with the Client to provide two grades of basement waterproofing, in accordance with the scheduled space:
- Grade 2 (Better Utility) to BS 8102:2009 – Table 2 which is defined as “No water penetration acceptable. Damp areas tolerable; ventilation might be required.” - minimum to the whole basement box,
- Grade 3 (Habitable) to BS 8102:2009 – Table 2 which is defined as “No water penetration acceptable. Ventilation, dehumidification or air conditioning necessary, appropriate to the intended use”. - To local heated and ventilated accommodation areas
- The substructure works are to comprise the installation of reinforced concrete structure at Basement Floors B3, B2, B1, Lower Ground and Ground Floor, including removal of temporary propping, to provide the permanent design, watertight basement box. In-situ reinforced concrete basement slabs, typically 325mm thick, at Basement Floors B2, B1, Lower Ground and Ground Floor have been designed. Carefully sequencing of the temporary props has been required to work with slab levels and to satisfy the requirements for the control of ground movements.
- The secant pile wall is to be treated with shotcrete (or equally approved) to allow application of a bonded resilient ‘external’ waterproof membrane prior to casting a 300 - 350mm RC lining wall fully around the perimeter, including ‘waterproof’ additive mix to local areas per waterproofing specification. The lining wall supports the perimeter slab edge and provides the long-term resistance to hydrostatic and earth pressure.
Steel vs concrete frame, can you please explain the advantages and disadvantages of them? What’s the current cost comparison? When is one frame more suitable than the other?
- General: Concrete is a conventionally used material for construction while steel is now gaining momentum for its flexibility and reduced construction time. Both concrete and steel framed structures have environmental issues associated with their use, including a high embodied energy in their manufacture.
- Strength: Structural steel is extremely strong, stiff, tough, and ductile; making it one of the leading materials used in commercial and industrial building construction. Concrete is a composite material consisting of cement, sand, gravel and water. It has a relatively high compressive strength, but lacks tensile strength. Concrete must be reinforced with steel rebar to increase a structure’s tensile capacity, ductility and elasticity.
- Fire resistance: The composition of concrete makes it naturally fire resistant and in line with all International Building Codes (IBC). Still required to be covered in additional fire resistant materials to improve fire resistance and safety.
- Availability Of Material: There has recently been an issue with the availability of concreate materials, especially cement. The reason for this is shipping delays and higher rates of transport for raw material imports. Steel has not so far been affected by this trend, with a reliable supply of steel available at low prices from Chinese manufacturers.
- Corrosion: Steel may corrode when it comes into contact with water. If left without proper care, it could affect the safety and security of a structure. With proper construction and care, reinforced concrete is water resistant and will not corrode. However, it’s important to note that the steel reinforcement inside should never be exposed.
- Construction Method Costs: The steel structure require skilled labor for their construction.
- Time: The steel structures can be erected very easily and faster than many other structures. The steel structures can be used soon after their erection. Efficiency within concrete construction is being improved by the adoption of hybrid solutions and innovations in formwork such as self-climbing forms.
- Cost:
When is one frame more suitable than the other?
Can you please explain how a rainscreen cladding system works?
a
What are the key performance requirements of an external wall (Uvalue, acoustic insulation, air permeability, privacy, integrity)
a
Can you please mention a few environmental systems / measures that can be incorporated into the building?
a
What about passive measures? What are they? (regading enivromental systems)
a
Are you aware of heating systems that don’t use fossil fuels?
a
Can you please describe methods for rainwater collection and attenuation?
a
Can you describe MMC?
aa
