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.