Construction technology Flashcards

1
Q

What detail is included for a cold flat roof?

A

Covering, deck, roof structure, insulation in between, vapour control layer, plasterboard. [Part H].

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2
Q

How did you prevent potential problems from a cold roof?

A

Ensure there’s enough ventilation throughout the roof.

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3
Q

Where would you expect to see a cavity barrier and why?

A

Typically in the cavity of a wall (also around windows). Prevents the spread of fire and smoke.

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4
Q

What would you need to consider when constructing a partition wall?

A

Installing deflection heads.

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5
Q

What is a deflection head?

A

A detail at the top of partitions to allow for structural movement of the floor/roof above.

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6
Q

Langley Quay: Explain the instruction in more detail and what you advised?

A
  • Office refurb.
  • Strip out existing and refurb to Cat A.
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7
Q

Langley Quay: What was included in the higher spec that wasn’t in the standard spec?

A
  • Option 1: retain suspended ceiling and raised access floor.
  • Option 2: renew ceiling and raised access floor.
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8
Q

Langley Quay: What was the impact of the different design solutions?

A

Higher spec so longer-term investment.

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9
Q

Langley Quay: Any amendments/additions to the MEP?

A

Undertook validation of the existing M&E services – ended up retaining it all.

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10
Q

Langley Quay: Any consideration towards improving EPC rating? What advice did you provide to achieve this?

A
  • Yes, upgraded 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 advised for certainty.
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11
Q

Campden Hill Towers: Please explain in more detail the defects identified here. What did you visually inspect?

A

Pre-cast concrete panels were deteriorating to a residential tower block.

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12
Q

Campden Hill Towers: What was the likely cause of the defect?

A

The steel fixings holding the panels up were expanding and damaging the panels (risk of falling debris).

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13
Q

Campden Hill Towers: What was your immediate recommendation to the client following your inspection?

A
  • Erect crash decking to protect the pedestrians below.
  • In-depth survey to be undertaken (abseil).
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14
Q

Campden Hill Towers: How did you recommend the defect diagnosis works proceed?

A

Had to be undertaken by abseil due to the building height and surrounding area.

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15
Q

Campden Hill Towers: How was disrepair assessed?

A

A survey was undertaken and a report was produced which I reviewed.

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16
Q

Campden Hill Towers: What repair works were ultimately recommended?

A

Remove the existing cladding and replace with new.

17
Q

How did you determine there was lime pointing at Windsor Walk?

A
  • Victorian property.
  • Solid brickwork wall (lime typically used).
  • Sandy colour - cement mortar is grey.
18
Q

What type of sand is required for lime mortar?

A

Washed sharp sand.

19
Q

What’s the mix for lime?

A

1:3 lime to sand.

20
Q

What’s the difference between hydraulic and non-hydraulic?

A

Hydraulic is stronger, non-hydraulic is more flexible.

21
Q

When was cement mortar first used?

A

Around the 1800s.

22
Q

What causes spalling brickwork?

A

Water, adding cement mortar over lime (water escapes through brick face).

23
Q

What is the significance of a corbelled chimney design?

A

Mortar is more likely to deteriorate affecting the structure.

24
Q

You mention artificial slates, how do you recognise them?

A

They have straighter and more complete finish compared to natural slates which are rougher.

25
What type of air conditioning was specified on Windsor Walk? Why was this system used?
- VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow). - More energy efficient. - Doesn’t need ductwork like a VAV (Variable Air Volume) system.
26
What are the limitations of a VRF system?
You can get leaks.
27
Con Tech - Campden Hill Towers: - Details of instruction (service, spec, contract value/claim amount etc)? - Issues encountered?
- Project. - £150k. - Cladding remediation. - Time and cost implications: time the same. Cost was more expensive to remove panels but better longevity than wrapping.
28
Con Tech - Langley Quay: - Details of instruction (service, spec, contract value/claim amount etc)? - Issues encountered?
- Project. - £200k. - Remove tenant chattels, refurb of office. - Two design options - one high spec (long-term), one low spec (short-term - retain existing ceilings partitions and raised access floor).
29
On Campden Hill Towers you competed works to a residential tower block. What did you have to issue to commence works? Why is this required?
- Section 20 notice. - Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 required landlords to notify leaseholders of major works where costs exceed £250.
30
Bricket Road, St Albans: What is an Initial Notice?
Notify local authority that construction has started and BCA is being used. [Local authority has 5 working days to review and reject otherwise it passes]