Construction Technology and Environmental Services

Question 1

Advantages / Disadvantages of modular construction?

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

What is a CBR test

Answer 2

California Bearing Ratio - Tests the load bearing capacity of ground to inform foundation design.

Question 3

What are SUDS?

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

Can you explain various types of foundations and their applications?

Answer 4

• 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

Question 5

Explain the process of underpinning?

Answer 5

Soil beneath existing foundation is replaced with foundation material.

Question 6

What are the advantages and disadvantages of timber panel external walls?

Answer 6

Pros
- Aesthetics
- Sustainable
- Natural insulation
Cons
- Susceptible to insect attacks
- Shrinkage and expansion
- Sourcing

Question 7

What is the purpose of Building Regulations?

Answer 7

• Protect people’s safety, health and welfare in and around buildings
• Provide minimum standards for construction and safety

Question 8

Can you give an example of how building regulations influence design?

Answer 8

Part M access to buildings and facilities, Part L conserving fuel n power

Question 9

What are MMC’s

Answer 9

Modern methods of construction

Alternative construction methods compared to brick and block build

• Modular build
• Timber frames
• Precast panels

Question 10

What is a Section 106 agreement

Answer 10

Developer pays council a contribution to offset the negative impacts caused by construction & development

Question 11

What are British standard

Answer 11

Standards for the quality of goods & services within Britain

Question 12

What is oversailing

Answer 12

Where say a crane has to pass over another persons land. This will require a license.

Question 13

Can you name some sustainable methods / technologies in construction?

Answer 13

• Prefab materials in controlled environment
• Construction waste management
• Green building materials
• Water conversation

Question 14

What is temporary works?

Answer 14

Enable permanent works to be built - e.g. scaffold, props, formwork

Question 15

Can you explain the benefits of offsite manufacturing compared to traditional on site installations?

Answer 15

• 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

Question 16

Steel frame advantages

Answer 16

• Quick to assemble
• Recyclable
• High strength to weight ratio
• Often lighter than concrete frames, reduce load on foundations

Question 17

Steel frame disadvantages

Answer 17

• Require fire protection
• Price fluctuates - no cost certainty
• Lead times

Question 18

Concrete frame advantages

Answer 18

• Fire protection
• Slower construction - better cashflow
• Low maintenance requirements compared to other methods
• Good sound and heat insulation
• Easily changed on site

Question 19

Concrete frame disadvantages

Answer 19

• More time consuming than steel
• Often heavier and require larger foundations
• Weather can cause installation complications

Question 20

Passive and active fire

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Can you explain various types of air conditioning systems?

Answer 21

• Central, portable, window, floor mounted, cassette, evaporative, dual fuel, smart, ductless

Question 22

Basement waterproofing methods

Answer 22

• Waterproof concrete through use of additives
• Tanking, internally or externally
• Drained cavity with sump and pump.

Question 23

Types of Piling

Answer 23

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