Construction technology Flashcards
What detail is included for a cold flat roof?
Covering, timber deck, roof structure, insulation in between, vapour control layer, plasterboard. [Part H].
How did you prevent potential problems from a cold roof?
Ensure there’s enough ventilation throughout the roof.
Where would you expect to see a cavity barrier and why?
Typically in the cavity of a wall (also around windows). Prevents the spread of fire and smoke.
What would you need to consider when constructing a partition wall?
Installing deflection heads.
What is a deflection head?
A detail at the top of partitions to allow for structural movement of the floor/roof above.
Langley Quay: Explain the instruction in more detail and what you advised?
Office refurb, strip out existing and refurb to Cat A.
Langley Quay: What was included in the higher spec that wasn’t in the standard spec?
Option 1: retain suspended ceiling and raised access floor. Option 2: renew ceiling and raised access floor.
Langley Quay: What was the impact of the different design solutions?
Higher spec so longer-term investment.
Langley Quay: Any amendments/additions to the MEP?
Undertook validation of the existing M&E services – ended up retaining it all.
Langley Quay: Any consideration towards improving EPC rating? What advice did you provide to achieve this?
Yes, upgraded it to a B rating from a C rating.
Advised installing LEDs and PIRs as property was close to a B rating and this would likely achieve this – energy consultant was advised for certainty.
Campden Hill Towers: Please explain in more detail the defects identified here. What did you visually inspect?
Pre-cast concrete panels were deteriorating to a residential tower block.
Campden Hill Towers: What was the likely cause of the defect?
The steel fixings holding the panels up were expanding and damaging the panels (risk of falling debris).
Campden Hill Towers: What was your immediate recommendation to the client following your inspection?
Erect crash decking to protect the pedestrians below, in-depth survey to be undertaken (abseil).
Campden Hill Towers: How did you recommend the defect diagnosis works proceed?
Had to be undertaken by abseil due to the building height and surrounding area.
Campden Hill Towers: How was disrepair assessed?
A survey was undertaken and a report was produced which I reviewed.
Campden Hill Towers: What repair works were ultimately recommended?
Remove the existing cladding and replace with new.
How did you determine there was lime pointing at Windsor Walk?
Sandy colour whereas cement mortar is grey.
What type of sand is required for lime mortar?
Washed sharp sand.
What’s the mix for lime?
1:3 lime to sand.
What’s the difference between hydraulic and non-hydraulic?
Hydraulic is stronger, non-hydraulic is more flexible.
When was cement mortar first used?
Around the 1800s.
What causes spalling brickwork?
Water, adding cement mortar over lime (water escapes through brick face).
What is the significance of a corbelled chimney design?
Mortar is more likely to deteriorate affecting the structure.
You mention artificial slates, how do you recognise them?
They have straighter and more complete finish compared to natural slates which are rougher.
What type of air conditioning was specified on Windsor Walk?
Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF). Why? It doesn’t require ductwork like a Variable Air Volume (VAV) system, it’s more energy efficient.
What are the limitations of a VRF system?
You can get leaks.
