CPD Flashcards
What are the Rules of Conduct of the RICS?
There are 5 rules of conduct, these are as follows:
Rule 1 - Members and firms must be honest, act with integrity and comply with their professional obligations, including obligations to RICS.
Rule 2 - Members and firms must maintain their professional competence and ensure that services are provided by competent individuals who have the necessary expertise.
Rule 3 - Members and firms must provide good-quality and diligent service.
Rule 4 - Members and firms must treat others with respect and encourage diversity and inclusion.
Rule 5 - Members and firms must act in the public interest, take responsibility for their actions and act to prevent harm and maintain public confidence in the profession
What are the main values that guide your companies code of conduct?
1 - Safety - To safeguard people, assets and the environment.
2 - Integrity - Do the right thing, no matter what, and are accountable for our actions.
3 - Collaboration - Work together and embrace each other’s unique contribution to deliver amazing results for all.
4 - Innovation - Redefine engineering by thinking boldly, proudly and differently.
5 - Excellence - Do our best, achieve high standards, creating environments where all can thrive.
What repair methods were used in the Rescue and Repair of a historic listed English Country House?
Methods that were sympathetic to the historic nature of the building. The methods matched the original methods as closely as possible.
What considerations do you have to factor in when retrofitting heritage buildings?
Listing has to be considered as well as the construction of the building has to be considered when retrofitting building. Examples:
- Install of double glazed windows can affect ventilation resulting in condensation buildup
- Install of insulation to wall could result in interstitial condensation
- Blocking up of vents prevents air flow causing damp.
- Insulation traps moisture to timber causing rot and deterioration of fabric.
Describe your understanding of retrofit and sustainable roofing
Consider Part L - 0.16 pitched U-value and 0.18 flat U-value. Green roof is an option but consideration has to be given to additional loads from the change in roofing type.
What effect can a HVAC have on air quality?
Mechanical ventilation can filter the air, especially important in areas of high pollution for example London.
What are air source heat pumps?
Transfers heat from outside air to water.
What is RAAC (Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete)?
- RAAC is reinforced lightweight concrete which is used to form panels or planks.
- It has no aggregate unlike regular concrete and was mainly used in flat roofs, floor panels and wall panels.
- It was commonly used in the UK from the mid-1950s to the mid-1990s in schools, hospitals and public buildings. It had a lifespan of circa 30 years.
- There have been recent concerns about RAAC due to the risk of structural failure in particular due to the following factors:
o Damage due to water ingress.
o Corrosion of reinforcement.
o Excessive thermal degradation.
o Poor original installation.
What is 4D planning?
4D planning involves dynamically linking the information model components with schedule information, thus creating digital construction sequencing models.
What do you have to consider when preparing a scaffold design?
In compliance with ‘Work at Height Regulations 2005’. Following National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) Safety Guidance and designed as required for the individula install. Scaffolding should be inspected by cometent certified person, Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS), every 7 days (or after events likely to jepordise scaffold like high winds).
What are the advantages and disadvantages of aluminium windows and doors?
Advantages:
- Slim profile can let in more light
- Strong and low maintenance
- Modern, contemporary and wide range of colours
Disadvantages:
- Conducts heat easily, so require thermal barriers to minimise heat loss
- Can lead to condensation issues (Due to high thermal conductivity)
- More expensive than UPVC
- Not natural material (Can be recycled though)
What is the difference between subsidence and settlement?
Subsidence:
Sinking of soil below a property. (Heave is upward movement of building). Can be caused by ground shrinkage due to lack of moisture (Weather or trees nearby), Collased drains, collapsed mines, improperly compacted ground etc. Vertical cracking if in centre of building or diagonal if on corner of building. Cracks larger at the top and thinner at bottom.
Settlement:
Downward movement caused by the newly applied load to the earth. Common in new buildings and should be factored in to design.
Name some types of sustainable building services
PV Panels, Ground Source heat pump, air source heat pump, HVAC system
What is a party wall notice?
Required when work proposed to an existing wall or structure shared with another property, building a free standing wall up to astride the boundary or excavating near a neighbouring building or structure
Types of notice:
Section 1 - line of junction notice
Section 3 - party structure notice
Section 6 - notice of adjacent excavation (3m or 6m at 45 degree rule)
Section 8 - Access - ability to obtain access to the property - only for the work that is notifiable under the Party Wall Act.
What did you learn about in the central government seminar?
Overview of the account, types of contracts they use on the project, public procurement regulations
