Construction Technology & Environmental Services

Question 1

3. What foundation types are you aware of?

Answer 1

Strip / trench
Raft
Pile
Pad

Question 2

When might piled foundations be used?

Answer 2

When the ground is of poor load bearing and stable capacity, need to transfer building load deep to reach stable substrate.
When particularly tall/heavy load buildings are being built.

Question 3

What are the advantages of a concrete framed structure over a steel framed structure?

Answer 3

Safety – concrete can withstand high temperatures and explosions
Concrete repairs easier than steel
Steel price fluctuates a lot

Question 4

How might you tank a basement?

Answer 4

Type A – cementitious tanking slurry
Type B – waterproof concrete
Type C – barrier membrane/drainage system (Newton)

Question 5

What form of floor construction would you expect to find in a 1970’s purpose-built block of flats (to ensure sufficient fire protection)?

Answer 5

Reinforced concrete

Question 6

Traditional Building - as defined by joint statement with historic England

Answer 6

It is important to note that the term
‘traditional’ refers to buildings with solid walls built from permeable materials such as
brick, stone, earth, timber and lime-based mortars, plasters and renders. Traditional
construction absorbs moisture but allows it to evaporate when conditions become drier.
This is in contrast to modern construction, which relies on impermeable barriers to
prevent moisture entering the fabric.

Question 7

Foulden Road: Use of thermal backed plosterboard on Solid Wall:

Answer 7

You noted trickle vents were closed to save on heating.

Insulated plasterboards can be bonded over existing plaster using acrylic sealant adhesivethe plaster is sound, solid and dry.

If the wall is a solid masonry construction, then provided the outside is cladded externally, rendered or equivalent, plastered or lined with lath and plaster internally, then again the Kooltherm K118 can be bonded internally to insulate the existing solid masonry wall construction.

may be that services such as cabling for electric sockets or light switches are already chased into the wall, therefore only needing to be extended slightly to accommodate for the new wall lining thickness.

may be that services such as cabling for electric sockets or light switches are already chased into the wall, therefore only needing to be extended slightly to accommodate for the new wall lining thickness.

Once this has all been done, all wall surfaces receiving the insulated plasterboard need to be:

Clean
Dry
Free from dust in order to provide a good bond for the adhesive

mechanical extration removes air at 60ltrs per second. Informed them that it only costs £6 per year.