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RICS Revision > Construction Technology and Environmental Services (L3) > Flashcards

Construction Technology and Environmental Services (L3) Flashcards

1
Q

Which RIBA Stage is on-site construction?

A

RIBA Stage 5 - Manufacturing and Construction

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2
Q

What is buildability?

A

The extent to which the design of a building facilitates the ease of construction

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3
Q

What are the benefits of off-site construction over in-situ construction?

A

Safety - controlled factory environment
Quality - controlled factory environment
Programme - speed of installation can provide key programme benefits
Sustainability - reduction in waste produced

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4
Q

What is the difference between building works and civil engineering works?

A

Building works: all types of buildings such as houses, offices, shops, hotels, hospitals etc.
Civil engineering works: drainage schemes, highways, bridges, retaining walls etc.

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5
Q

What are temporary works?

A

The parts of a construction project that are needed to enable the permanent works to be built, usually required to provide safe access. Examples include scaffolding, formwork/falsework, propping.

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6
Q

What are hoists?

A

Designed for the vertical transportation of materials and or people

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7
Q

What is shoring?

A

A form of temporary support given to existing buildings and excavations, to prevent collapse or movement

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8
Q

What is a culvert?

A

A tunnel like structure constructed to allow water to flow under a road or similar obstruction

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9
Q

What is the purpose of a drainage headwall?

A

A small retaining wall structure to protect the end of the drain and prevent erosion of the embankment

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10
Q

What is the substructure of a building?

A

The lower portion of the building (in the ground) which supports the superstructure
Transmits the load of the building to the ground
Includes foundations, basements and retaining walls

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11
Q

What is ground heave?

A

Upward movement of the ground caused by soil swelling when wet (associated with tree removal)

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12
Q

What techniques are available for ground improvement?

A

Vibro compaction
Vibro stone columns
Vertical drains and vacuum consolidation
Soil mixing
Dynamic compaction
Dynamic replacement

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13
Q

What are the different forms of excavation?

A

Site clearance operations (removing vegetation and rubble)
Stripping topsoil
Reduced level dig (to reach formation level)
Cut and fill
Excavation for foundations

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14
Q

What are the key factors the contractor should consider when excavating?

A

Nature of the soil and the moisture content of the ground
Method of excavation
If ground support systems are required
Proximity of existing buildings
Depth of excavation
Underground services and drainage

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15
Q

Can you explain some of the techniques for waterproofing a basement?

A

Tanking - Materials such as asphalt, polythene sheeting, bitumen, etc. are applied internally or externally to provide a continuous membrane to the base slab and walls

Drained Cavity - This method accepts that a small amount of water seepage will occur. Cavity walls are formed, and the water seepage is collected in the cavity and drained or pumped away

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16
Q

Have you come across the term SUDS?

A

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems

Designed to manage rain water locally, reducing reliance on drainage infrastructure

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17
Q

Can you detail a typical road build-up please?

A

Compacted and rolled type-1 subbase (100-250mm)
Base course (70-150mm)
Binder course (50-100mm)
Wearing/surface course (20-40mm)

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18
Q

What is the purpose of a foundation?

A

To provide support for structures, transferring their load to the ground to avoid excessive settlement

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19
Q

Typical considerations when selecting the type and size of foundations?

A

Total load of the building
Nature and load bearing capacity of the ground
Type of structure
Cost
Construction constraints

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20
Q

What are the different types of foundation?

A

Strip foundations
Pad foundations
Raft foundations
Piled foundations

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21
Q

What is a raft foundation?

A

A continuous slab that extends over the entire footprint to spread the load

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22
Q

What are pad foundations?

A

Typically used to support individual or multiple columns, spreading load to the ground below

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23
Q

What are strip foundations?

A

The formation of a strip of linear structure to spread the load across the area, usually supports masonry

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24
Q

What are pile foundations?

A

A pile is a column that extends deep into the ground
Where the bearing capacity of soil is poor or imposed loads are heavy, piled foundations are often required

There are two main types: End bearing and friction piles
There are two main methods: Bored and driven piles

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25
In what scenarios might a piled foundation be the best solution for the project
Where the structure is heavy and underlying soil is weak In areas where settlement issues are common Where the sub-soil water table is high Where load distribution of the structure is not uniform Presence of horizontal forces
26
Can you explain how end bearing and friction piles transfer the load of the building?
End-bearing piles: Load is transferred through the pile to the strong layer Friction piles: The pile transfers forces to the soil
27
What are the differences between bored and driven piles?
A driven pile is formed off site under factory controlled conditions A bored pile is cast in-situ on site
28
What are the advantages and disadvantages of driven piles?
Advantages: Piles can be precast to required specifications Piles of any size, length and shape can be made in advance Fast, neat and clean installation Disadvantages: Requires heavy equipment for handling and delivery Increased noise and vibrations generated from driving the piles It can be costly if piles are too short
29
What are the advantages and disadvantages of bored piles?
Advantages: Any shape or size of pile can be formed on site There is no risk of damage during delivery and installation Reduced vibrations and noise Disadvantages: Significant spoils are generated that need to be handled Reliance and coordination on multiple trades Unlike driven piles, they do not improve the bearing capacity of the soil
30
What are secant pile walls?
A wall formed by installing interlocking piles which create a solid barrier free of gaps Typically used to form a retaining wall
31
What is underpinning and why might it be required?
A method for repairing and strengthening existing foundations
32
What is the superstructure of a building?
The structural components of a building constructed above ground level (above the DPC) The basic components include columns, beams, slabs, walls etc
33
What is the envelope of a building?
The boundary between the interior and exterior of a building The materials and components include brickwork, cladding and curtain walls
34
What are the key considerations when designing external walls?
Weather protection Fire resistance Acoustic and thermal performance Structural performance Appearance / aesthetics Expected lifespan Future maintenance
35
Can you briefly explain what a retained facade is?
The facade of a building is preserved whilst the rest of the structure is re-modelled Often used during the restoration of listed buildings
36
What are the standard brick dimensions in the UK?
Standard bricks are 215mm x 102.5mm x 65mm
37
How many UK standard bricks are required per m2?
60 bricks per m2
38
How many UK standard size blocks are required per m2?
10 blocks per m2
39
What are weep holes?
Small openings in the outer skin of masonry construction Weep holes provide ventilation for the cavity and allow moisture to drain away
40
Can you name two different types of brick bond?
English bond - alternating courses of headers and stretchers Stretcher bond - The most common brickwork method, with vertical joints staggered by half a brick
41
What is a curtain wall system?
Curtain wall systems comprise a lightweight aluminium frames onto which glazed panels are fixed.
42
What are movement joints and why are they used?
A movement joint is designed to safely absorb the expansion and contraction of construction materials
43
What are the key differences between wet rot and dry rot?
Two different types of fungi Wet rot needs a higher moisture content to grow Wet rot is wet and spongy, whereas dry rot is dry and brittle
44
What are the main components of concrete?
Cement, aggregate and water
45
What are the difference between dead and live loads on a structure?
Dead loads are the static forces which are relatively constant over time (Kitchens, Walls etc) Live loads are dynamic forces from occupancy (People, furniture etc)
46
What are retaining walls?
Retaining walls hold back the soil behind it Often seen where there is a change in ground elevation
47
What is pre-tensioned concrete?
The reinforcement is stretched across the formwork before the concrete is poured and not released until the concrete has hardened. The reinforcement shortens and induces strength into the concrete.
48
What is post-tensioned concrete?
Concrete is cast around tubes which will contain reinforcement, once concrete has hardened the reinforcement is threaded through and tensioned.
49
Can you explain what a glulam beam is?
Glue laminated timber Glulam is made with multiple layers of solid wood bonded together with high strength adhesive to form a single structural unit
50
Can you explain what reinforced concrete is?
A combination of concrete with reinforcements, used to make use of the compressive strength of concrete and the tensile strength of steel at the same time.
51
What are the key advantages of timber frames?
Construction on site can be faster (compared to in situ concrete frames) The structure is relatively lightweight Timber can be aesthetically pleasing Sustainability benefits (assuming responsible harvesting)
52
What are the key disadvantages of timber frames?
Skilled workmanship is required to achieve a high-quality finish Potential for wet rot, dry rot and woodworm Fire protection may be required
53
What are the key advantages of steel frames?
Faster to erect than concrete frames Recyclable High strength to weight ratio Beams can span over long distances (ideal for warehouses)
54
What are the key disadvantages of steel frames?
Lower load bearing capacity than concrete frames Fire protection may be required The price of steel can be volatile Steel frames do not have the same acoustic and thermal properties as concrete frames
55
What is a portal frame and when are they suitable?
Commonly used to construct warehouses
56
What are the key advantages of concrete frames?
Fire protection is inherent in the structure Cladding and other finishes can be fixed directly to the frame Provides good sound and heat insulation High compressive strength
57
What are the key disadvantages of concrete frames?
Requires formwork/falsework Slower to construct on site Requires a bulky structure Concrete does not span as well as steel Long curing time - maximum strength typically achieved after 28 days
58
With reference to concrete frames, what is formwork?
The temporary structure used to contain poured concrete and mould it to required dimensions. Formwork is stripped away once the concrete has hardened and can support itself
59
What key factors should be considered when selecting the type of structural frame?
Programme requirements Fire protection Acoustic and thermal properties Market conditions and supply costs Site logistics and general site constraints Sustainability objectives Future expansion requirements
60
What is slip form construction?
Involves pouring concrete into the top of continuously moving formwork
61
What is jump form construction?
The structure is cast in a series of vertical sections called lifts, with formwork jumping up to the next level
62
What key factors should be considered when designing internal partitions?
Fire rating and acoustic requirements Thermal properties Requirement for doors and internal windows Strength and structural requirements Robustness Height of the partition
63
What is a CAT A fitout?
The provision of a basic level of finish
64
What is a CAT B fitout?
The provision of a space ready to move into and operate in
65
Can you name some common types of plasterboard?
Standard boards (white/light grey) Fire boards (pink) Acoustic board (red) Moisture resistant board (green)
66
What is raised access flooring?
A floor sitting on pedestals above the structural slab (allowing for services)
67
Can you explain the difference between single phase and 3-phase electrical supplies?
Single phase has just one live wire, whereas three phase power uses three live wires
68
Why do we install generators in addition to regular grid power?
Generators (powered by diesel engines) act as a backup should the primary power supply fail
69
What is a UPS?
Uninterruptible Power Supply - used for life critical equipment in hospitals
70
What does HVAC stand for?
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
71
What do FCU, AHU and VAV stand for?
Fan Coil Unit, Air Handling Unit and Variable Air Volume system
72
What is natural ventilation?
A method of supplying fresh air to a building a room by means of passive forces
73
What is mechanical ventilation?
The intentional, fan-driven flow of outdoor air into a building
74
What is the purpose of a parapet?
The extension of the external building shell above roof level allows for maintenance to take place and masks the unsightly roof plant from ground level
75
What site surveys may be required on a typical construction project?
Topographic survey Site investigation Asbestos survey Drainage CCTV survey Utility searches Measured surveys Ecology surveys Archaeological surveys UXO surveys
76
Objectives of a site investigation?
To establish parameters for foundation and substructure design - engineer will assess properties and condition of soil and rock, and potential ground contamination
77
Which vegetation causes issues?
Japanese knotweed
78
Fire safety provision in a new building?
Maximum occupancy numbers Fire evacuation plan, designated escape routes Fire extinguishers Fire alarms Sprinklers Fire dampers in ventilation ductwork Fire barriers in floor, walls and ceilings Fire rated roller shutters Smoke control systems
79
What is a fire compartment in a building?
Compartmentation is a form of passive fire protection - the idea is to provide a compartment which limits the spread of fire and smoke, allowing for a 'stay put' strategy whilst the fire is extinguished
80
Different types of fire extinguishers
Water - wood, cardboard Foam - flammable liquids Dry powder - electrical fires Carbon dioxide - electrical fires Wet chemical - cooking oil fires
81
What is a mansafe fall arrest system?
Horizontal or vertical safety lines designed to keep people safe whilst working at height. The user clips onto the line with a harness - providing protection from a fall.
82
What are Building Regulations?
Regulations to ensure that new buildings, conversions, renovations and extensions are going to be safe, healthy and high performing.
83
Can you list the Building Regulations Approved Documents?
Part A - Structure Part B - Fire safety Part C - Site preparation Part D - Toxic substance Part E - Sound resistance Part F - Ventilation Part G - Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency Part H - Drainage and waste disposal Part J - Combustion appliances and fuel storage Part K - Protection from falling, collision and impact Part L - Conservation of fuel and power Part M - Access to and use of buildings Part O - Overheating Part P - Electrical safety Part Q - Security in dwellings Part R - High speed electronic communications Part S - Infrastructure for charging elec vehicles Part T - Toilet accommodation Approved Document 7 - Materials and workmanship
84
Who reviews compliance with Building Regulations?
The building control officer or improved inspector
85
What are British Standards?
Publications issued by the British Standards Institution - they give recommended minimum standards for materials, components, design and construction practices
86
Can you name some materials which have been banned from use in construction?
Asbestos High alumina cement Urea formaldehyde
87
What is the Equality Act 2010?
Legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society.
88
How does the Equality Act affect buildings?
Whilst accessible design is regulated by Approved Document M, the Equality Act requires 'reasonable adjustments' to be made when providing access. This means due regard must be given to specific needs of likely building users. Compliance with Part M does not guarantee compliance with the Equality Act
89
Can you explain what the Party Wall Act 1996 is?
The Party Wall Act 1996 provides a framework for preventing and resolving disputes in relation to party walls, boundary walls and excavation near neighbors. The Act is separate from obtaining planning permission or building regulation approval.
90
What are O&M manuals?
Operation and Maintenance manuals are provided upon completion of the build phase, providing crucial information to the Client/Building owner regarding how the building was constructed, should be maintained and deconstructed.
91

RICS Revision (18 decks)

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