Construction Technology and Environmental Studies - L3 Flashcards
Which RIBA stage is on-site construction?
RIBA Stage 5 – manufacturing and construction.
What is buildability?
– Buildability can be defined as the extent to which the design of the building facilitates the ease of construction.
– To help improve buildability, early contractor involvement should be considered to benefit from the experience and expertise.
What are the benefits of off-site construction over in-situ?
– Safety – hazards such as falls from height are more likely to occur on-site than in a factory.
– Efficiency and quality – construction takes place in a controlled environment.
– Sustainability – reduction in waste produced.
– Speed – work in a factory can be scheduled to begin at the same time as other activities on-site, resulting in a shorter build program
What is the difference between building works and civil engineering works?
– Building works: all types of buildings such as houses, offices, shops, hotels, hospitals etc.
– Civil engineering works: drainage schemes, highways, culverts, bridges, retaining walls etc.
What are temporary works?
Temporary works are the parts of the construction project that I needed to enable the permanent work to be built, they are usually required for safety or access reasons. Examples:
– Propping.
– Scaffolding.
– Formwork.
– Excavation support.
What are hoists?
Designed for the vertical transportation of materials and/or people.
What is shoring?
Form of temporary support given to existing buildings and excavations. The purpose is to prevent collapse or excessive movement.
What is a culvert?
A culvert is a tunnel-like structure that is constructed to allow water to flow under a road by the way line or similar obstruction.
What is the purpose of a drainage headwall?
– A head wall is a small retaining wall/structure built at the inlet or outfall of a stormwater drainage pipe.
– They are used to protect the end of the drain as well as protect the watercourse embankment erosion.
What is a sub-structure of the building?
– Substructure is a lower portion of the building (in the ground) which supports the superstructure.
– Transmits the load of the building to the ground.
– Includes foundations, basement and retaining walls etc.
What is ground heave?
– Ground heave is usually associated with clay soil but swells when wet, causing the upward movement of the ground.
– As the soil generally cannot expand downwards or sideways, the result is that the exposed upper surface of the soil rises up.
What are some of the techniques available for ground improvement?
– Vibro compaction.
– Vibro stone columns.
– Vertical drains and vacuum consolidation.
– Soil mixing.
– Dynamic compaction.
– Dynamic replacement
What are the different forms of exclamation?
– Site clearance operations (removing vegetation and rubble).
– Stripping topsoil.
– Reduced level dig (to re-formation level).
– Cut and fill.
– Excavation for foundations.
What are the key factors the contractor should consider when excavating?
– Nature of the soil and 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.
Can you explain some of the techniques to waterproof the basement?
– Tanking – materials such as asphalt, polythene sheeting, pitchmen, etc. are applied internally or externally to provide a continuous membrane to the base slabs and walls.
– Drained cavity – this method accepts 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.
