CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

Question 1

What is ETFE? What are its benefits?

Answer 1

Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene - a fluorine based plastic - high corrosion resistance and strength over wide temperature range.
used as a replacement for glazing due to its high light transmission properties
Lightweight
Good Fire Resistance

Question 2

What are the different grades of basement waterproofing?

Answer 2

Grade 1 – Basic utility space such as car parks. (Some leakage tolerable)
Grade 2 – Improved utility spaces such as plant rooms. (Damp areas tolerable)
Grade 3 – Habitable area such as bedrooms, living rooms etc. (Dry, no penetration)
Grade 4 – Special areas (e.g. document archiving).

Question 3

What are the key advantages and disadvantages to a steel frame?

Answer 3

Advantages: 
-	Lightweight and quick to put up. 
-	Recyclable. 
-	Highest weight to strength ratio of a building material. 
-	Can span large lengths. 
Disadvantages: 
-	Pricing is volatile. 
-	Requires fire proofing. 
-	Energy intensive to produce.

Question 4

What are the key advantages and disadvantages to a concrete frame?

Answer 4

Advantages:
- Inherently fireproof.
- Good acoustic qualities.
- Good thermal insulating qualities.
- Long life and low maintenance.
Disadvantages:
- Relatively time consuming, can lead to elongation of the programme.
- Ordinarily requires reinforcement – so reliant on steel prices.
- Heavy material – so could need additional foundations.

Question 5

What rate would you use for fire protection of steelwork?

Answer 5

for 120min £850 - £950/tn

Question 6

What is Landfill Tax?

Answer 6

Tax on Landfill
Inert - £2/tn
Taxable waste - £13/tn

Question 7

What type of foundation is used on your project?

Answer 7

Pad footings

Question 8

Can you talk me through basement waterproofing?

Answer 8

1. Tanking - Waterproof layer around exterior of basement
2. Monolithic Concrete - Water resistanct concrete
3. Drained Cavity - Between external skin and internal skin, collects water

Question 9

What is intumescent paint?

Answer 9

Paint applied to fire protect steel.

exposed to extreme temperatures, it rapidly expands to protect the surface that it’s applied to.

Question 10

What is a typical mix on concrete?

Answer 10

1 Part Cement
3 parts sand
3 parts aggregate

Question 11

Why would steel not be appropriate for a residential scheme?

Answer 11

Not naturally insulating

Not as adaptable to design changes

Question 12

What is a composite deck?

Answer 12

Metal deck, mesh reinforcement, concrete poured insitu

Question 13

How would expect concrete to be finished?

Answer 13

1. Power floated (Internal slabs - flatter therefore Offices)
2. Polished
3. Tamped - External
4. Hand-trowled Finish - Suitable for internal areas

Question 14

What types of surveys would you expect to be done?

Answer 14

Asbestos
Soil Investigation
Archaeological Survey
Tree survey 
Groundwater conditions 
Existing Services

Question 15

How does a fan coil unit work?

Answer 15

FCU is placed within area of building
Tempered air is brought from AHU
FCU heats / cools by blowing it over a coil
Cool water from chilled / hot from boiler
Allows for heating / cooling to specific areas

Question 16

How does an AHU work?

Answer 16

Intake natural air supply 
Filters air 
Heat exchange coil linked to boiler and chiller 
Humidifier 
Blower / fan 
All connected to a ductwork system