Construction technology Flashcards

1
Q

What are silver aspects level 1 to 8?

A

Section 7 Building Regs – Bronze, Bronze Active, Silver, Silver Active, Gold, Platinum

Silveer Aspects

1 - Carbon Dioxide Emissions,

2 - Energy for Space heating,

3 - Energy for Water heating,

4 - Water use efficiency,

5 - Optimising Performance,

6 - Flexibility,

7 - Well being and Security,

8 - Material Use and Waste

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2
Q

Can you tell me any recent changes to Building Regulations?

A

External wall cladding Technical Handbook 2019 Edition 8 External wall cladding systems to be A1/A2-s1,d0 (non-combustible) Domestic buildings with storey height over 11m - previously 18m Includes balconies and specified attachments Includes thermal wall insulation Irrespective of boundary distance BR 135 assessment and BS 8414 test remains a valid alternative

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3
Q

Can you explain the high-level elements of a timber pitched roof?

A

Sole plate, Ceiling joists, Truss rafters, Ridge board, Sarking board, Battens, Tiles, Facia board and Soffits

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4
Q

What is the difference between a Cat A and Cat B building?

A

It is in the finishes. Cat A – basic fit out that may have raised floors, suspended ceilings and M&E services Cat B – generally completes the fit out to the tenants requirements – fit out to kitchens, reception, internal finishes and installation of ICT.

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5
Q

What statutory legislation governs the design of buildings?

A

The Building Act The Building Regulations

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6
Q

How in your role as a QS to you assist in obtaining BREEAM credits?

A

Whole life costs

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7
Q

How can construction technology help society achieve net zero carbon emissions?

A

by utilising more sustainable methods of construction, more sustainable materials, utilisation of local resource to reduce transportation, modern methods of construction can reduce waste

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8
Q

What is the difference between RIBA 2013 and 2020?

A

The RIBA have added guidance for core tasks and information exchanges against each RIBA stage including advice on procurement strategies They have also changed the name of RIBA Stage 3 from developed design to spatial coordination

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9
Q

Can you talk me through the external wall build up on one of your projects?

A

Traditional build house in Inverkeithing - consisted of: a facing brick outer leaf 50mm cavity wall ties - at 600mm centres breather membrane 50mm insulation block inner leaf vapour barrier timber battens insulation layer plasterboard lining

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10
Q

Explain to me the make up of the sinusoidal external walls?

A

110mm Sinusoidal cladding panel fixed to cladding rails which are fixed to the structural frame within the structural frame there was a steel framing system packed with insulation Vapour Control Layer Plywood wall lining 38x50mm service zone formed with timber battens 15mm duraline plasterboard

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11
Q

On your Victoria infirmary project, you state that you advised a Client that there would be a cost and programme saving if you installed a flat roof. How did you go about giving that advice to your Client?

A

I completed a cost/ benefit analysis on a pitched roof and flat roof option and discussed the results with my client, The flat roof was more economical and easier to construct The flat roof option also added value as the space could be used as outdoor space and a roof terrace for the top floor penthouse apartments which were for private sale I also considered maintenance costs, the flat roof had an expected life span of approximately 20 years where as the pitch roof had an expected life span of 60 years, however the flat roof was easier to maintain due to access and it also had a less surface area

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12
Q

Methods of fire control in a building?

A

Compartmentalisation, sprinklers, hydrants, smoke alarms, fire alarms, fire rated doors.

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13
Q

What are the differences / benefits of steel vs concrete frames?

A

Steel frame – quick to erect, flexibility, produced in accordance with manufacturer’s requirements, long spans, 100% recyclable However it can require fire maintenance and requires maintenance as there can be rust if exposed. Concrete – can be poured to suit, uses sustainable materials in the aggregate, low maintenance and is fire protected however it can be quite heavy and takes a while to cure.

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14
Q

Name four different foundation solutions commonly used in construction.

A

Strip foundation, pad foundation, raft foundation and piled foundations. You would determine which to use through a site investigation by determining the soil type and what foundation is suitable, it would also depend on the load to be placed on top of the foundation.

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15
Q

What are the different types of piling and when would you expect each of them to be used?

A

Displacement (or precaution driven piles) and replacement piles (such as CFA piles) heavy loads for both, however displacement piles can’t be used in close proximity to existing building due to the vibration in the ground which can damage the existing structures.

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16
Q

What are the benefits and drawbacks of steel frame construction?

A

Advantages - Quick to assemble - High strength to weight density - Flexible, resists changing forces such as wind and earthquakes - Can form any type of shape Disadvantages - Needs fire protection - Prone to corrosion in humid or marine temperatures - Price is variable - Need experienced builders – additional costs

17
Q

What are the benefits and drawbacks of concrete frame construction?

A

Advantages - Strong and economical - Fire protection as part of structure - Slower form of construction at this early stages reduces the cash flow - Low maintenance required Disadvantages - As concrete frames are heavy, foundations may be more expensive - More time consuming, slower to construct - The need for steel reinforcement leads to some cost issues associated with steel - Finish may not be as good as steel

18
Q

Can you talk me through a flat roof construction detail?

A

Concrete deck Structural screed vapour control layer bitumen underlay 220mm rigid insulation vapour permeable later paving slabs supported on pedestals

19
Q

What is the difference between a warm deck and a cold deck roof?

A

The insulation sits above the roof deck on a warm deck roof

20
Q

What is a combined sewer?

A

A sewer that takes both foul and surface water drainage

21
Q

What was the cost to obtain silver 1 to 8?

A

Average capital cost was 8k per unit - based on an indicative housing mix

22
Q

What energy impact did this have? What running cost benefit was there? What was the payback period?

A

Reduced annual demand for energy which reduced overall running costs. 20 years

23
Q

What is difference between grant subsidies for RSL / Local authorities?

A

Depends on the region and if the units are social rent or mid-market rent - benchmark grant rates for Glasgow:

Council social rent is circa £57k per unit

RSL social rent is £70k per unit

RSL mid-market rent is £44k per unit

24
Q

How do local authorities qualify for the greener homes subsidy?

A

3.10 To qualify for the higher ‘greener’ subsidy, homes must meet Section 7, Silver

Level, of the 2011 Building Regulations in respect of Energy for Space Heating (that is, full Bronze Level plus Aspect 2 of Silver Level).