Construction Technology

Question 1

What is the optimal wall :floor ratio?

Answer 1

0.3-0.5

Question 2

Can you name different types of piles?

Answer 2

Driven
Bored
Secant
Contiguous
CFA Pile
Sheet Pile

Question 3

What’s the difference between a green roof and blue roof?

Answer 3

Green roof comprises of shrubs/vegetation to alleviate runoff water

Blue roof stores the water in a cavity and gradually releases water through drainage system

Question 4

What are advantages of a blue roof?

Answer 4

Keeps buildings cool
Alleviates run-off water slowing down drainage
Prevents floods

Question 5

What are advantages of a green roof?

Answer 5

Keeps buildings cool
Alleviates run-off water slowing down drainage
Prevents floods
Aesthically pleasing

Question 6

What are the benefits of a SFS system over blockwork?

Answer 6

Cost: quicker to install, lightweight, programmer benefits, less prelims with plant and labour

Question 7

How much is SFS?

Answer 7

Approx. £120/sqm

Question 8

How much is blockwork wall?

Answer 8

Approx. £180/sqm

Question 9

What’s typical net :gross?

Answer 9

0.7-0.8

Question 10

What are different types of bridge?

Answer 10

Viaduct
Cantilever
Truss

Question 11

Name 3 types of brick bonding and what’s the most expensive and why?

Answer 11

Stretcher bond
English Bond
Soldier Course
Flemish Bond

Soldier course due to additional work cutting brick, and intricate design

Question 12

How do you price piling?

Answer 12

Excavation (m3)
Pile (m3)
Pile Mat (nr)
Pile rig (nr)
Pile Cap (m2)

Question 13

What are the basement waterproofing grades

Answer 13

Grade 1 – 4
Grade 1 (basic utility) – Car park
Grade 2 (better utility) – plant room
Grade 3 (habitable) - resi or commercial space
Grade 4 (habitable) – Offices, restaurants, leisure centre, laboratory

Question 14

What are the advantages and disadvantages of secant pile

Answer 14

Advantages:
Can be used where water retention required
Strong/robust foundation

Disadvantages:
Expensive
Not 100% waterproof

Question 15

What is MVHR?

Answer 15

Mechanical Ventilation Heating Recovery

Question 16

What is the difference between air source heat pumps and Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit ?

Answer 16

Air Source heat pump uses outside air to produce heat and cooling whereas Combined heat and power unit also produces electricity.

Question 17

Name three changes to building regulations that have come in the last 3 years that impact residential projects

Answer 17

Part L – conversation of fuel
Part O – Overheating
Building Safety Act 2024

Question 18

What are the different forms of MMC?

Answer 18

Bathroom Pods
Pre-cast concrete
3D printing

Question 19

Can you describe the difference between a secant pile and contiguous pile?

Answer 19

Contiguous sit side by side, Secant Piles have primary and secondary (soft & hard pile) which overlap one and other with the hard pile comprising reinforcement whereas soft pile is simply concrete

Question 20

How would you get a Contractor to price the brickwork?

Answer 20

On a £/sqm basis, prime cost or Cost/1000 bricks

Question 21

What is a PC Sum?

Answer 21

Allowance for material only to be included in a Contract Sum i.e., carpet at £/sqm and can be instructed against once specification confirmed

Question 22

What factors affect the cost of the façade

Answer 22

Size, shape, design of the building, particularly height, material, labour (specialist), location, any particular requirements