Construction Technology Flashcards
Explain the basic construction process of a concrete frame structure. What are the primary advantages and disadvantages of using concrete frame construction compared to other methods?
Answer: Concrete frame construction typically involves the erection of a framework consisting of columns, beams, and slabs made from reinforced concrete. The process begins with the construction of foundations, followed by the casting of columns and beams which form the skeleton of the building. Slabs are then cast on the framework to create floors. Can be either cast in situ or pre cast.
- Advantages: Concrete frame structures offer high strength and durability, fire resistance, and flexibility in design, allowing for large open spaces without columns. They also provide good thermal mass, which contributes to energy efficiency.
- Disadvantages: The main drawbacks include the longer construction time due to curing requirements, the weight of the structure requiring strong foundations, and potential for cracking or shrinkage if not properly managed.
What considerations should be taken into account when choosing concrete frame construction for a project?
Answer: Key considerations include the load-bearing requirements, fire resistance needs, and the design flexibility required for the building. The time constraints of the project should also be considered due to the curing times needed for concrete. Additionally, the availability of skilled labour for concrete construction and the potential environmental impact due to cement production should be evaluated. Good load bearing, so good for high rise and multiple floors
What are the key benefits of steel frame construction, particularly in relation to speed of construction and flexibility of design?
Answer: Steel frame construction is known for its rapid assembly, as pre-fabricated steel components can be quickly erected on-site. This speed can significantly reduce the overall construction timeline. Steel also allows for more design flexibility, enabling longer spans without intermediate supports, and is adaptable for future modifications. Its high strength-to-weight ratio makes it suitable for high-rise buildings and structures requiring large open spaces.
How does steel frame construction impact the overall sustainability of a building project?
Answer: Steel is highly recyclable, which can reduce the environmental impact of a building project. Additionally, steel frame buildings can be designed for deconstruction, further enhancing their sustainability. However, the production of steel is energy-intensive, which must be balanced by its long-term durability and potential for reuse.
Can you describe the main steps involved in traditional masonry construction?
Answer: Traditional masonry construction typically involves the laying of bricks or stones in a pattern, bonded together with mortar. The process begins with setting out the building’s footprint, followed by the construction of a solid foundation. The walls are then built-up layer by layer, with careful attention to alignment, plumb, and level. Openings for doors and windows are incorporated as the walls rise. Finally, the walls are capped with a lintel or beam to support the structure above.
What are the long-term maintenance considerations for buildings constructed using traditional masonry?
Answer: Masonry buildings require regular maintenance to prevent moisture ingress, which can lead to deterioration of mortar joints and the masonry units themselves. Repointing of mortar, repairing cracks, and ensuring proper drainage away from the building are essential tasks. Additionally, maintaining the roof and managing vegetation around the building helps to protect the masonry.
Can you outline the key stages of the RIBA Plan of Work and how they contribute to the overall management of a construction project?
Answer: The RIBA Plan of Work is divided into eight stages:
Stage 0 – Strategic Definition: Project objectives and feasibility are assessed.
Stage 1 – Preparation and Brief: Detailed project brief is developed.
Stage 2 – Concept Design: Initial design ideas are proposed and developed.
Stage 3 – Spatial Coordination: The design is refined and coordinated with structural and building services.
Stage 4 – Technical Design: Detailed design information is prepared for construction.
Stage 5 – Manufacturing and Construction: The project is constructed.
Stage 6 – Handover: The building is handed over to the client and users.
Stage 7 – Use: Post-occupancy evaluation and feedback are conducted.
These stages ensure that a project is carefully planned, designed, and executed, with clear milestones for review and decision-making.
What challenges might arise during the foundation installation phase, and how would you address them?
Answer: Challenges during foundation installation can include unexpected ground conditions, such as poor soil quality or the presence of underground obstacles. These can be addressed by conducting thorough site investigations beforehand and having contingency plans, such as modifying foundation design or employing ground improvement techniques. Weather conditions can also impact foundation work, which requires careful scheduling and protective measures to ensure the integrity of the foundations.
How do the different stages of the RIBA Plan of Work align with your experience in monitoring construction progress?
Answer: My experience aligns with several stages of the RIBA Plan of Work, particularly during the construction phase (Stage 5), where I have monitored foundation installation, steel frame erection, and modular building installation. My role has involved ensuring that the construction aligns with the technical design (Stage 4) and overseeing progress to meet the project’s requirements.
Could you describe any specific issues you encountered when monitoring foundation installation, and how were they resolved?
In a project the client installed the wrong foundation not as designed by the engineer. i took measures and photos and requested details of the build up from the contractor and sent to the SE who produced the design. The engineer confirmed that the raft foundation was suitable.
In your experience, what are the critical factors to monitor during the erection of a steel frame building?
Answer: Critical factors include ensuring the accuracy of the steel frame alignment and connections, maintaining site safety protocols, and coordinating with other trades to avoid clashes. Monitoring the delivery and storage of steel components to prevent damage or distortion is also important. Additionally, it’s essential to verify that all components are installed as per the design specifications, especially bolted and welded connections.
How do you ensure quality control and safety during the steel frame erection process?
Answer: Quality control is maintained by conducting regular inspections and cross-checking with the design drawings to ensure that each component is installed correctly. Safety is ensured through rigorous adherence to health and safety regulations, providing appropriate training to workers, and using personal protective equipment (PPE).
What are the advantages of modular construction, particularly in terms of project timelines and cost management?
Answer: Modular construction offers significant advantages in terms of reduced project timelines because modules are prefabricated off-site while site preparation is underway. This parallel construction process can lead to earlier project completion. Cost management benefits arise from reduced on-site labour, lower material waste, and minimized weather-related delays. Additionally, modular buildings can be more easily disassembled and relocated if necessary, adding flexibility.
How has your understanding of construction technology and the RIBA Plan of Work influenced your approach to managing or assisting in construction projects?
Answer: My understanding of construction technology and the RIBA Plan of Work has enabled me to approach projects systematically, ensuring that each stage of construction is carefully planned and executed. This knowledge helps me anticipate potential issues and coordinate effectively with different teams to maintain project timelines and quality standards. By understanding the interdependencies of different construction phases, I can contribute to more efficient project management and problem-solving.
Can you discuss any potential drawbacks of modular building installations that you’ve observed in your experience?
Answer: Potential drawbacks of modular building installations include limitations in design flexibility, as modules must conform to transportable sizes and shapes. There can also be challenges in aligning and integrating modules on-site, particularly if there are discrepancies between site conditions and the prefabricated components. Additionally, achieving seamless integration of building services across modules may require careful coordination.
Can you explain the rationale behind recommending stone mastic asphalt (SMA) over permeable surfacing for the hardstanding design?
Answer: I recommended SMA over permeable surfacing because SMA provides a durable and cost-effective solution. While permeable surfaces offer drainage benefits, they often require a more expensive sub-base to manage water infiltration effectively. SMA, combined with a water attenuation tank, allows us to manage surface water runoff efficiently while also reducing the costs associated with the sub-base and top coat. This approach met the client’s budget constraints while ensuring compliance with SuDS requirements.
How did you ensure compliance with Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) when advising on the use of a water attenuation tank?
engineer designed, done based on the catchment area, rainfall volumes. DEsigned to accomodate 1 in 100 year storm event for extreme rainfall.
What factors did you consider when balancing cost savings against performance and regulatory compliance in this project?
Answer: I considered several factors, including the initial cost of materials and construction, long-term maintenance requirements, and the need to meet SuDS regulations. I also evaluated the lifespan and durability of the proposed materials. The goal was to provide a solution that was not only cost-effective upfront but also performed well over time and complied with all relevant regulations. The choice of SMA and the incorporation of a water attenuation tank struck the right balance between these considerations.
How did you communicate your recommendation to the engineer and other stakeholders involved in the project?
Answer: Initially the LPA requested that we included some form of SUDS design, so I knew that either permeable surfacing or water attenuation would be required. With that in mind, I discussed with the engineer on site and requested two options to present to the client. Both of the engineers’ designs were suitably designed so either option could be chosen. I based my recommendations mainly on the longevity of the permeable surfacing and that I didn’t think it was necessary suitable in the long run. Based on costs from other projects the cost to install permeable would be more than SMA even with the excavation and install of the attenuation.
Did you consider any alternative solutions or materials before proposing SMA? If so, what were they, and why were they not selected?
Answer: Other permeable option such as permeable block paving was considered. However, I advised against this mainly due to cost, as the paving is specialised and it requires skills to properly install the block paving to ensure it is level. Requires regular weeding at joints to maintain aesthetic appearance. Prone to inking underweight if the sub base is not correct.
What are SUDS?
Answer: SUDS stands for Sustainable Drainage Systems. Primary goal is to reduce the surface water run-off in urban areas. The primary goals are to prevent flooring, improve water quality. Ways include permeable paving, rainwater harvesting and storage/attenuation. The Flood and Water Management Act 2010 in the UK provided a legal framework for managing flood risks and promoting the use of SUDS.
What considerations led you to propose the reuse of an existing concrete slab as the foundation for the modular building?
Answer: The existing concrete slab presented an opportunity for cost savings by eliminating the need for new foundations. However, its suitability for reuse depended on several factors, including its structural integrity and alignment with the modular building design. I considered the potential cost benefits against the need for raised pads to achieve level access, ultimately determining that the economic advantages outweighed the challenges. The existing slab also reduced construction time and minimized site disturbance.
How did you assess the structural integrity of the existing slab and what steps did you take to confirm its suitability?
Answer: I instructed core testing of the slab to assess its compressive strength, thickness, and condition. The test results were reviewed by a structural engineer, who confirmed that the slab was suitable for reuse as the foundation for the modular building, provided that certain adjustments were made, such as adding raised pads and accounting for the existing finished floor level. This thorough assessment ensured that the slab could safely support the new structure.
Could you elaborate on the challenges associated with ensuring level access and the design of the ramp and cloaking for the modular building?
Answer: The main challenge was achieving level access given the existing slab’s height. To address this, I recommended installing a ramp, which had to be designed to comply with accessibility standards while integrating aesthetically with the overall site design, 1:20 ramp gradient, suitable width and handrail height and landing. The cloaking presented another challenge, as it needed to both conceal the underside of the building and provide proper ventilation. I proposed brickwork cloaking that matched the boundary wall, ensuring a cohesive look while allowing for the installation of airbricks to maintain sub-floor ventilation.
Why was sub floor ventilation suggested?
Answer: The bottom of the cabin is timber. When lowered onto a slab and built around with a ramp or and cloaking wall there would be little to no ventilation (there would be a small amount because of the very small gaps between the copings and the cabins. Air bricks allow for air to flow beneath the building controlling moisture levels. If this wasn’t the case the timber sub floor could rot and invite a termite infestation leading to further deterioration.
What is core testing?
Answer: Core testing involves extracting a core of concrete from the slab. The purpose is to assess the concrete strength, evaluate the quality of the concrete mix and identify any deterioration. Can be cored right through to determine the thickness of the slab.
