Construction Technology and Environmental Services Flashcards
Advantages / Disadvantages of modular construction?
Advantages
- Less waste
- More efficient and quicker to install on site
- Better control of design and materials used
- Can use more sustainable materials
Disadvantages
- Restricted size due to transport issues
- Design changes are hard to implement
- Stigma surrounding modular in terms of quality which may effect value.
What is a CBR test
California Bearing Ratio - Tests the load bearing capacity of ground to inform foundation design.
What are SUDS?
Sustainable drainage system - designed to manage stormwater locally (as close its source as possible), to mimic natural drainage and encourage its infiltration, attenuation and passive treatment.
Can you explain various types of foundations and their applications?
- Shallow Foundations
- Strip foundation (walls, light structural loads - domestic building)
- Raft foundation (poor grounds like settlement, spreads weight)
- Pad foundation (localised loads like columns or frames)
- Deep Foundations
- Pile foundation (bored, driven, friction, end-bearing)
- Drilled shafts or caissons
Explain the process of underpinning?
Soil beneath existing foundation is replaced with foundation material.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of timber panel external walls?
Pros
- Aesthetics
- Sustainable
- Natural insulation
Cons
- Susceptible to insect attacks
- Shrinkage and expansion
- Sourcing
What is the purpose of Building Regulations?
- Protect people’s safety, health and welfare in and around buildings
- Provide minimum standards for construction and safety
Can you give an example of how building regulations influence design?
Part M access to buildings and facilities, Part L conserving fuel n power
What are MMC’s
Modern methods of construction
Alternative construction methods compared to brick and block build
- Modular build
- Timber frames
- Precast panels
What is a Section 106 agreement
Developer pays council a contribution to offset the negative impacts caused by construction & development
What are British standard
Standards for the quality of goods & services within Britain
What is oversailing
Where say a crane has to pass over another persons land. This will require a license.
Can you name some sustainable methods / technologies in construction?
- Prefab materials in controlled environment
- Construction waste management
- Green building materials
- Water conversation
What is temporary works?
Enable permanent works to be built - e.g. scaffold, props, formwork
Can you explain the benefits of offsite manufacturing compared to traditional on site installations?
- Quality - Built in factory under perfect conditions, less people on site
- Time - Overlap works e.g. doing grounds works whilst mod build done off site
- Cost - Maybe more expensive, cost to transport, coordination issues
Steel frame advantages
- Quick to assemble
- Recyclable
- High strength to weight ratio
- Often lighter than concrete frames, reduce load on foundations
Steel frame disadvantages
- Require fire protection
- Price fluctuates - no cost certainty
- Lead times
Concrete frame advantages
- Fire protection
- Slower construction - better cashflow
- Low maintenance requirements compared to other methods
- Good sound and heat insulation
- Easily changed on site
Concrete frame disadvantages
- More time consuming than steel
- Often heavier and require larger foundations
- Weather can cause installation complications
Passive and active fire
Passive
Stop fire spreading, built into the structure; intumescent painting of steel, firestopping, cavity barriers, fire doors, fire curtains & structures, fr glazing; fire resistant dampers
Active
Requires action to be taken to detect, alert, stop & contain a fire. Sprinkler system, fire/smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, emergency escape lighting
Can you explain various types of air conditioning systems?
- Central, portable, window, floor mounted, cassette, evaporative, dual fuel, smart, ductless
Basement waterproofing methods
- Waterproof concrete through use of additives
- Tanking, internally or externally
- Drained cavity with sump and pump.
Types of Piling
Sheet piles
Secant Piles; interlocking piles which provide a combination of foundations and basement walls - often used in top-down construction
Bored piles; auger used to bore the hole and concrete is pumped in.
Pre-cast driven piles; driven into ground - noisy and cause vibration
