Construction Technology

Question 1

Why would projects differ in terms of foundation types?

Answer 1

Soil and ground conditions
Load requirements - Lightweight structures tend to use pad or strip foundations - Heavy structures would require deep foundations like piles
Use of the building - High rise/low rise

Question 2

What are the different types of foundations?

Answer 2

Piled foundation (CFA piles, bored piles)

Strip foundations - Houses/small buildings - supports load bearing walls

Pad foundations - industrial sheds/light commercial offices - support columns

Question 3

What are the different types of frames

Answer 3

Concrete frame
- Reinforced concrete beams,columns and slabs
- Suitable for medium to high rise
- Structures requiring fire resistant
- Compressive strength , require more columns and beams shorter span compared to steel frame
- Based on my experience a lot of residential jobs are concrete frame

Steel frame
Lightweight , high strength
Prefabricated can be assembled quick
Longer spans therefore less columns required > more net to gross area more floor space

Question 4

What’s the benefits and drawbacks of concrete vs steel building frames?

Answer 4

Concrete vs Steel

Fire resistance
> Concrete has good fire resistance
> Steel require fireproofing > intumescent paint extra cost> paint expands when the steel is in contact with heat

Construction speed
> Concrete slower due to curing and formwork
> Steel faster due to prefab and assembled on site

Weight
> Concrete is heavier therefore require stronger foundations
> Steel lightweight therefore reducing foundation costs

Cost
> Concrete price is generally stable £220-250 a m3)
>Steel prices can be ore violatile (£1500-1700 a tonne)

Thermal properties
> Concrete good thermal mass, energy efficient
> Steel needs insulation to prevent heat and loss / gain

Question 5

How does building regulation part B fire safety impact design and use of buildings

Answer 5

1 > Compartmentation and fire containment
- Buildings need to be divided into compartments using fire resistant walls and doors to prevent spread of fire and smoke
2 > Means of escape
Staircases/corridors and exit doors need to be clearly marked and fire resistant
3> How does fire rescue services getting into the building
4> Sprinklers
5> Fire detection and alarm systems
6> Structural fire protection > building needs to be able to withstand the fire for a period of time to allow for evacuation

Residential buildings above 11meters require second stair core > this affects the design > less net space for the client > increase costs

Question 6

How does building regulation part M access to and use of buildings impact design and use of buildings

Answer 6

Entrance to buildings to be accessible for everyone including wheelchair users

> Ramps
wide doorways
automatic or easy to open door
Lifts
Visual contrast > stairs should have contrasting nosing’s to assist those with visual impairments
Disabled toilets > turning space 1500mm and grab rails
Parking > disabled bays closer to entrance > guidance on width between cars

Question 8

Advantage/Disadvantage of Modular construction

Answer 8

Time efficiency
Faster construction timelines > requires detailed planning upfront
Cost efficiency
Can be lower overall costs due to fewer delays > high initial set up costs
Quality control
Consistent quality due to factory standards > modifications can be challenging after production
Site disruption
Reduced noise and mess on site > may require heavy equipment for installation
Sustainability
Less waste and higher energy efficiency > transport can increase carbon footprint
Design
Custom designs possible > complex designs may be difficult to achieve
Safety
Safer work environment with off site production not affecting by site conditions or weather > site logistics for delivery can be complex

Question 9

How does the cost for a concrete frame compare to steel frame

Answer 9

Concrete frame
Low rise buildings £200 - £300m2
Medium rise £300 - £500m2

Steel frame
Lightweight steel frame £150-£300m2
Standard steel frame £250-£450m2

Question 10

Advising on Design solutions

Can you describe a situation where you recommended a specific construction method or technology for a project? What factors influenced your decision?

Answer 10

Brecknock Road

I recommended steel frame solution over concrete due to the tight project timeline
- Steel can be prefabricated and installed quicker than casting concrete on site
- Lighter weight of steel can minimise foundation costs on site
- Flexibility - Steel can be adapted and modified
- Cost effiency - a cost analysis showed savings in labour and program duration

Question 11

Impact of legislation

How would you advise a client on the impact of current building regulations on their project design or construction process?

Answer 11

Part L Conservation of fuel and power - looks at energy efficiency

• Advised the client on adopting renewable energy systems PV Panels
• Double glazed windows to improve thermal performance
• Enhance insulation in external walls/partitions to achieve required U Values

Part M Accessible and usable by all individuals

• Step free access , ramps and lifts
• Circulation within the building so wheelchairs can turn
• Accessible bathrooms / grab rails

Question 12

Modern methods of Construction MMC

Answer 12

Pre fabricated PODS

Speed - PODs were built off site reducing construction time on site
Cost Control - Reduced labour and waste costs
Quality assurance - Modules were manufactured in a controlled environment ensuring consistent quality and work is not affected by weather conditions

Question 13

How have you factored operational or maintenance requirements into your recommendations for a construction method or design solution?

Answer 13

I advised on using raised access flooring for easy maintenance of mechanical and electrical services:

Ease of Access: Facilitated repairs and upgrades without disrupting hospital operations.
Flexibility: Allowed future reconfigurations as medical equipment and technologies evolved.
Cost-Effectiveness: Reduced maintenance costs over the building’s lifecycle.

Standard flooring cost £20-£50m2 vs Raised access flooring £90-£150

Question 14

When would you use raised access flooring?

Answer 14

Floor Services: Best for buildings requiring frequent reconfiguration or a clean aesthetic, such as offices, IT spaces, and trading floors.

Ceiling Services: Preferred in residential, industrial, or high-ceiling commercial spaces where cost efficiency and ease of installation are key.

Question 15

What did you advise on QMU? (hard wearing carpets)

Answer 15

I advised Nylon carpets as it was cost effective in terms of lifecyle value over polypropylene

Nylon meet the required fire resistance and slip rating which were critical to the university

Nylon £40 per sqm
Polypropylene £25 per sqm

Question 16

What did you advise on Brecknock Road (Steel v concrete)

Answer 16

The client wanted the quicker programme which steel offered

The site also had limited space which made steel more practical - pre fabricated components could be delivered and installed with minimal disruption while concrete would require more storage for formwork and materials

Question 17

What did you advise on Eastwick regarding balcony lights

Question 18

Tell me about recent legislations which affect residential developments

Answer 18

Building Safety Act 2022
· Residential buildings at least 18 meters in height or seven or more stories
· Two or more residential units
· Hotels / Hospitals are not classified as HRB as they are temporary accommodation and not permanent accommodation

Golden Thread
· Information regarding build is stored digitally – building design, materials, construction, maintenance and fire safety systems
· Designers, contractors and building owners are required to create and maintain the golden thread