Construction Technology & Environmental Services Flashcards
What is the aim of a site investigation?
To obtain and assess all information which will affect the construction and performance of the proposed work.
To understand the condition of the soil through trail pits, boreholes, window sampling and dynamic probe testing. To help determine the foundation design
Please explain the process of Site Investigation.
Site investigation involves a:
* Desktop study
* Site Reconnaissance (walk over survey)
* Ground (and Soil) Investigations
* And then culminated into a final report containing presentation of data, engineering interpretation and recommendations
What is a desktop study?
Collection of all docs and materials that can be obtained without having to visit site. For example maps, service drawings aerial photographs and history of previous use of land.
What is a Site Reconnaissance?
Visual inspection of the site such as viewing the topography.
What is a Performance Appraisal?
When the info has been collected from the desk top study, site reconnaissance and ground & soil investigation, it must be brought together in the form of a final report, the performance appraisal.
What is the structure of the performance appraisal report?
Feasibility study, environmental audit, risk assessment and conclusions and recommendations.
What are Environmental Services?
Anything that helps control the environment that the occupants are living in, e.g. lighting and heating
Looking at services in a sustainable view.
What are the RIBA Stages?
The RIBA Plan of Work organises the process of briefing, designing, constructing and operating building projects into eight stages and explains the stage outcomes, core tasks and information exchanges required at each stage
When would the QS be brought into RIBA?
The QS has different roles and responsibilities in each stage, such as:
Stage 0: Strategic Definition: The QS provides preliminary cost advice and project feasibility study.
Stage 1: Preparation and Brief: The QS assists with cost planning and budget establishment.
Stage 2: Concept Design: The QS advises on budget cost control and contractual method.
Stage 3: Spatial Coordination: The QS prepares expenditure statements for tax and accounting.
Stage 4: Technical Design: The QS performs technical auditing and prepares tender documents.
Stage 5: Manufacturing and Construction: The QS monitors the cost and progress of the works and advises on variations and claims.
Stage 6: Handover: The QS prepares final accounts and settles disputes.
Stage 7: Use: The QS advises on life cycle costing and maintenance planning.
What is Substructure?
All elements of work that are undertaken below the damp proof course (DPC) that provides the basis for the superstructure to be constructed upon.
Substructure includes: Foundations up to and including the DPC, lowest floor assembly below the underside of the screed or the lowest floor finish, basement excavation and basement retaining walls up to and including the DPC.
What is Superstructure?
All internal and external works items above the DPC This is made up of :
* Frame
* Upper Floors
* Roof
* Stairs
* External wall
* External windows and doors
* Internal Walls and Partitions
* Internal Doors
Concrete vs steel frames
Comparison of concrete/steel frames
Concrete
* Conventionally used materials for construction, some water materials can be included in the mix.
* Can endure very high temperatures for long periods compare to steel.
* Reinforced concrete involves a lot of materials, rebars, cement, sand, gravel, and various additives.
Steel Frames
* High strength 8x stronger than concrete.
* Bendable, cheaper? (prices fluctuate).
* Can be recycled.
* Gaining popularity for flexibility and reduced construction time.
* High lead times, fast erection.
* Needs fire protection, is a lighter wright, easily fabricated, convenient to transport and easy to install.
Notes from Property Elite:
Hot Topic Highlight - Steel v Concrete Construction
Costs: Steel is generally cheaper due to recycling but has fluctuating prices and needs fire protection. Concrete has consistent pricing but requires maintenance and repairs.
Strength & Construction: Steel is known for its fast erection and lightweight framework, allowing for quicker occupancy and potentially cheaper foundations. Concrete is strong in compression but requires steel rebar for tensile strength.
Fire Resistance & Sustainability: Steel must be protected against fire but is nearly 100% recyclable. Concrete is naturally fire resistant and its components can be recycled, although there are economic considerations.
Versatility & Corrosion: Steel offers flexibility in design and is aesthetically versatile but can corrode. Concrete is water resistant and less prone to corrosion but has limitations in design flexibility.
What is asbestos? What are the different types.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral silicate historically used in acoustic plaster, ceiling tiles, vinyl flooring, insulation, ducting, pipe etc.
3 types of asbestos
Blue – crocidolite
Brown – Amosite
White – Chrysotile
What are the pros and cons of precast and in-situ concrete?
Precast vs in-situ concrete
in-situ it does not need to be moved far to be lifted into place,
precast requires more joints and suitable for a building that requires large, unwieldy and custom concrete moulds.
Some forms are too large for transport and the savings from precast concrete are scaled, meaning that for a small structure, in-situ concrete may be cheaper.
In-situ – requires time to set and affected by the weather. Requires formwork – meaning there is a risk of the framework failing.
What are Strip Foundations
- Strip Foundation: Continuous strip of support to a linear structure such as a wall. Designed for a continuous load equal along the whole strip. Suitable for most subsoils and lightweight loadings.
