Construction technology

Question 1

Are you aware of the RIBA plan of works?

Answer 1

Yes, these stages are
Strategic definition
Preparation and briefing
Concept design
Spatial coordination
Technical design
Manufacturing and construction
Handover
Usage

Question 2

What foundation types are you aware of

Answer 2

I am aware of raft found, strip found, piled foundations, pad foundations

Question 3

What are the advantages of concrete frame structure over a steel frame structure

Answer 3

Concrete has better compressive strength than steel
Concrete is fire resistant
Concrete resistant to corrosion
Concrete is generally flexible in design

Question 4

What building elements are classed as superstructure?

Answer 4

Anything above the damp proof course
Walls, roofs, stairs, lintel, facades

Question 5

How might you tank a basement

Answer 5

There are three options,
Option one cavity drain membrane
Option two chemical injection
Option three combination system

Question 6

What are the components of a timber pitched roof structure?

Answer 6

Ridge beam, rafters, puddings, hip beam, button, soffits, facia boards, felt, insulation

Question 7

How might an internal partition be altered to provide better acoustic per

Answer 7

Installing plasterboard, additional air gaps, installing acoustic insulation, and sealant

Question 8

Give me some examples of the different type of heating systems present in the properties maintain

Answer 8

Currently, they are gas heating, VRF heating?, And electric heating.

Question 9

What formula floor construction do you expect to see in a 1970s purpose built block of flats for fire protection

Answer 9

I would expect to see a concrete floor slab construction

Question 10

Explain the principles of compartmentation in relation to purpose built blocks of flats

Answer 10

Each flat is a separate compartment, each flat has predicted escape roots, fire, fire barriers, and fire resistance

Question 11

12 Campbell close Was the construction of the property

Answer 11

The property was a 1930s property with solid brick wall, clay roof towels, PVC windows.
The property was a interwar property

Question 12

12 Campbell close, where was the cracking?

Answer 12

The cracking was at low level going up horizontally and widening as stepped cracking around the windows

Question 13

12 Campbell close what was the construction of the foundations

Answer 13

The foundations were strip found, 600 x 800

Question 14

What was the construction of the existing roof at 15 Bell Street?

Answer 14

The existing roof was a single ply cold roof

Question 15

Did you upgrade the roof at 15 bill Street?

Answer 15

Yes, the roof was upgraded to a warm roof

Question 16

15 Bell Street, when you upgraded the roof construction, what did you consider?

Answer 16

Originally a likely replacement was considered however due to the condition of the cold roof we use this as an opportunity to upgrade the roof insulation and turn this into a warm roof

Question 17

44 ship Street, why did you advise that the timber beam should be replaced with steel?

Answer 17

Steel was designed by the structural engineer, however I did weigh out the pros and cons and still outweigh Tim.

Was more cost-effective in the long term
Moisture resistance should corrosion occur
The span was bigger than anticipated so bigger big
Generally still has great load capacity

Question 18

44 Sh Street, what considerations did you give to prevent a similar issue from occurring in the future?

Answer 18

Specified for the water ingress to be sorted out and new ventilation was installed