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CT Questions Flashcards

1
Q

What is NRM 1?

A

NRM 1 provides guidance on the quantification of building works for preparing order of cost estimates and elemental cost plans.

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2
Q

What is NRM 2?

A

NRM 2 provides guidance on the production of bills of quantity.

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3
Q

What is NRM 3?

A

NRM 3 provides guidance on order of cost estimating and cost planning for building maintenance works.

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4
Q

What are the minimum standards for strip foundations?

A

Mimum requirements for depth of strip foundations are dictated by local ground conditions but should be at least 450mm below finished ground level to avoid damage from frost action. Foundation design should be in accordance with NHBC standards 2022 Section 4 and Approved Document A Table 10.

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5
Q

How does the soil type affect the design of strip foundations?

A

Different soil types have different bearing capacities. Clay is particularly susceptible to ground movement on a cylical basis due to expansion and contraction due to water levels.

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6
Q

Describe the build up of a typical concrete slab floor

A

Compacted hardcore, sand blinding layer, insulation, DPM, concrete floor slab, floor screed, floor finish. Insulation can be above or below floor slab dependant on manufacturers details.

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7
Q

Describe the build up of a typical timber floor

A

Sleeper walls (in honeycomb pattern) support timber joists, damp proof course, insulation, floor finish

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8
Q

Name some of the main materials that have been banned from use in construction?

A

High alumina cement was banned in 1974 and asbestos banned in 1999

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9
Q

What is the main piece of legislation governing the removal of asbestos?

A

Asbestos Removal Licensing Regulations 1984

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10
Q

What is the main piece of legilsation governing accessibility?

A

The Equality Act 2010, which replaces the Disability Discrimination Act 1995

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11
Q

What are the specific areas covered by the Building Regulations?

A

A - Structure, B - Fire Safety, C - Site Preparation, D - Toxic Substances, E - Resistance to the passage of sound, F - Ventilation, G - Hygiene, H - Drainage, J - Heat producing appliances, K - Protection from falling, collision and impact, L - Conservation of fuel and power, M - Access and facilities for disabled people, N - Glazing - safety, P - Electrical safety

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12
Q

What are piles?

A

Series of columns constructed or inserted into the ground to transfer the load to a lower level of subsoil.

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13
Q

What types of piling methods do you know of?

A

Driven piles, Cast in-situ piles

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14
Q

What type of piling materials do you know of?

A

Concrete, steel and timber

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15
Q

What are the different ways that piles transfer load to the surrounding ground?

A

End bearing piles - piles transfer load to harder strata,
Friction piles - load is taken by the friction developed between side of the pile and surrounding ground,
Settlement reducing piles - usually incorporated below the central part of a raft foundation, in order to reduce differential settlement to an acceptable level.,
Tension piles - piles constructed to reduce uplift by hydrostatic pressure, ground movement, or turning moment forces.

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16
Q

Why would you use augured pile over displacement ?

A

Vibration and disturbing ground conditions, in relation to nearby buildings.

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17
Q

How do you connect pile to pile cap?

A

Breakout pile, construct pile cap tying in reinforcement

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18
Q

How do you link pile caps to ground floor slab?

A

Construct ground beam with salb on top

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19
Q

When would you use strip foundations?

A

When soil has relatively good bearing capacity and building has light structural load. Good for supporting a linear structure like a wall.

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20
Q

What soils would you use strip foundations on?

A

Bedrock/Gravels/some sands

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21
Q

How can you test the bearing capacity of soil?

A

The plate load test.

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22
Q

When would you use pad foundations?

A

When soil has relatively good bearing capacity and building has light structural load. Good for supporting columns.

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23
Q

What soils would you use pad foundations on?

A

Bedrock/Gravels/some sands

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24
Q

When would you use raft foundations?

A

When differing soil types with poor bearing capacity, need to spread load over a wide area.

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25
Q

When would you use piled foundations?

A

When you need to reach significant depths to find good bearing capacity. In soils such as clay or made ground. When you have a high structural load.

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26
Q

How are piles installed?

A

Either driven (displacement) or bored (replacement)

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27
Q

Describe sheet piling?

A

Sheet piles are sections of sheet materials with interlocking edges that are driven into the ground to provide earth retention and excavation support. Sheet piles are most commonly made of steel, but can also be formed of timber or reinforced concrete. Commonly used for retaining walls.

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28
Q

What are the factors that influence choice of foundations?

A

Ground conditions and superstructure load– depth of solid ground, tree roots etc.

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29
Q

How does a displacement pile work?

A

Like a nail/screw – displacing ground

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30
Q

How does a replacement pile work?

A

Replacing ground/concrete poured in situ.

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31
Q

Describe ground breams?

A

Beams that span either pad or pile caps and can be used to support brick/block work.

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32
Q

What is ground heave?

A

Ground heave is the upward movement of the ground usually associated with the expansion of clay soils which swell when wet.

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33
Q

What is a piling mat?

A

A solid working platform for a piling rig, usually timber.

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34
Q

Name some types of retaining wall.

A

Gabions, Brick/Block, pile wall, sheet pile

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35
Q

Describe basement construction

A

A basement is part of a building that is either partially or completely below ground level. Excavation, Masonry/concrete/prefab panels and then waterproofing.

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36
Q

Describe types of basement waterproofing

A

Drained Cavity, Common on existing old buildings where external wall constantly wet so build false wall in front (egg crates) then water in cavity is drained by gravity or pumped, Tanked , Better as substructure walls are not wet and membrane is put on ground facing wall, must be careful not to damage when backfilling.

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37
Q

What sort of walls would you use in basement construction?

A

Pile walls, sheet piles, block work.

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38
Q

What is underpinning?

A

Where the foundations of an existing building or structure require strengthening and stabilising, a process of underpinning may be necessary. Excavated soil from beneath existing foundations is replaced with material, usually concrete, in a series of phases that increase the overall depth. This forms a new foundation beneath the existing one.

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39
Q

What are the advantages of using timber frame construction?

A

Thermal insulation, Speed of build, Environmental impact

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40
Q

What are the disadvantages of using timber frame construction?

A

Risk of rot and infestation , Timber frame constructions must include carefully designed vapour barrier detailing to prevent vapour passing through

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41
Q

What are the advantages of steel frame construction?

A

1) Quick to assemble, 2) Highest strength to weight ratio of any building material, 3) Lighter so can be used in poorer soils than concrete

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42
Q

What are the disadvantages of steel frame construction?

A

1) Need additional fire protection to maintain structural integrity, 2) Price of steel is variable, 3) Steel is thermally conductive so thermal bridges can form if not carefully detailed

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43
Q

What are the advantages of concrete frame construction?

A

1) Fire protection as part of the structure, 2) Provides good sound and heat insulation, 3) Can contend with complex geometry better than steelwork

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44
Q

What are the disadvantages of concrete frame construction?

A

1) More time consuming, 2) Need for steel reinforcement due to concrete being weak in tension, 3) Heavy so larger/deeper foundations required

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45
Q

What are the main pieces of legislation and standards that govern electrical safety?

A

Building Regulations Approved Document P, Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, Electricity, Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002, British Standard 7671

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46
Q

What is a three phase electrical supply?

A

A three phase supply is an AC (Alternating Current) supply that consists of three AC voltages 120 degrees out of phase with each other., Three phase electricity is cheaper and an easier way to transmit electricity compared to single phase electricity.

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47
Q

Explain how power is distributed to floor boxes in a raised floor?

A

The Incoming power supply connects to a low voltage switchboard, which in turn , connects to a distribution board., The distribution board will have an under floor busbar connected to it. The busbar , has a number of sockets to which the floor box plugs into via a flexible lead. The floor , box has sockets to which the appliances can plug into.

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48
Q

What are the different types of screed?

A

Bonded screeds - bonded to the substrate using a bonding agent or a primer, and it is great for thin flooring sections that are designed to hold up heavy objects , Unbonded screeds - not directly bonded and is separated by a membrane, Floating screeds - Screed is laid on a layer of insulation

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49
Q

What are the standard brick dimensions?

A

215 x 102.5 x 65mm

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50
Q

What are u-values?

A

Co-efficient of thermal transmittance. Measured in watts per metre squared kelvin

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51
Q

What is an inverted flat roof?

A

A roof in which the insulation is placed on top of the waterproof membrane.

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52
Q

What are the advantages of an inverted flat roof?

A

The insulation layer protects the waterproof membrane., Insulation layer has a closed cell structure which is flexible and therefore may be suitable for areas with higher footfall demands.

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53
Q

What types of flat roof covering are there and what are their advantages and disadvantages?

A

Single Layer Membrane, Built-Up Roof, Modified Bitumin Flat Roof

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54
Q

What are some key pieces of legislation used in construction projects?

A

CDM 2015, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002

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55
Q

Do you use any specification software?

A

NBS Chorus

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56
Q

How does NBS Chorus work?

A

NBS Chorus is a cloud based system allowing specification structured by Common Arrangement of Works Sections and Uniclass 2015.

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57
Q

What are the differences between CAWS and Uniclass 2015?

A

Industry has used CAWS for many years and is familiar with it, but this is no longer maintained as a classification system. As such more and more projects are selecting Uniclass 2015.

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58
Q

What information is required for a Building Control application?

A

A full plans application will consist of detailed Building Regulations drawings including plans and full specifications of the construction details together with the appropriate fee

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59
Q

What is a portal frame and when is it used?

A

A portal frame is comprised of horizontal and vertical steel members connected by moment resisting connectors. It used in many applications such as retail, industrial and agricultural due to the fact that large spans can be created without internal loadbearing supports.

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60
Q

How is composite metal cladding fixed to a steel frame?

A

Metal cladding is connected mechanically to the steel frame

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61
Q

Why do flat roof coverings need to be protected from the sun?

A

To protect from surface crazing, where the sun’s UV rays dry and damage the roof’s surface

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62
Q

How can the issue of falls be dealt with on a flat roof?

A

By use of tapered insulation laid to falls or timber firrings

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63
Q

What is the minimum requirement for clear cavity below the DPC?

A

250mm

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64
Q

What is the minimum ventilation gap required in a cold roof?

A

50mm

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65
Q

What materials can roof lights be constructed from?

A

Glass, polycarbonate or GRP.

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66
Q

What is a three phase electrical supply?

A

A three phase supply is an AC (Alternating Current) supply that consists of three AC voltages 120 degrees out of phase with each other., Three phase electricity is cheaper and an easier way to transmit electricity compared to single phase electricity.

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67
Q

Where would you go to find out the lux levels required for an office block?

A

CIBSE Code for Lighting

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68
Q

What different types of lift are available?

A

Traction, Machine Room Less , Hydraulic, Pneumatic

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69
Q

How is water supplied to sprinkler systems?

A

Public/private mains, Elevated storage tanks (gravity tanks), Ground-level suction tanks

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70
Q

What are VAV systems?

A

Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems supply air at varying levels at a constant temperature. They are preferred for their greater temperature control and better energy efficiency.

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71
Q

What are the different types of curtain wall?

A

Stick curtain walling systems are versatile and allow for the integration of other systems, such as sliding doors and windows. They tend to be less specialised and can be built by all types of fabricators as they are not dependent on having a large factory., , However, stick systems do require multiple steps to erect and seal the wall, which means more time is spent on site – an approximate rule of thumb would be that 70% of the work is carried out on site, with 30% in the factory. This incurs further costs, such as labourers’ time., , For unitised curtain walling, about 30% of the work is done on site, while 70% is carried out in the factory. The complete assembly of the units in the factory brings a number of benefits., , These include:, , Improved quality control, Concurrent manufacture and site preparation - units can be assembled while the structural frame is being built. The facade can also be , completed a floor at a time, allowing parallel internal work, Quicker installation, requiring less manpower on site, No need for scaffolding, Can be installed from the interior of the building. This is ideal for high towers or building sites where there is a tight footprint, Less space is needed on site for layout – another advantage

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72
Q

What are the different types of sprinkler system

A

Wet pipe systems - automatic sprinkler heads provide water to fire, Dry pipe systems - water in the piping is replaced by air at a pressure below the water supply pressure. When one or more of the automatic sprinkler heads is activated, it opens so the air in the piping can come out from that sprinkler. The drop of the air pressure in the piping allows water to vent and control the fire., Deluge systems - In this type of system all the sprinklers connected to the water piping are open in order to provide a simultaneous jet of water over the entire environment in case of fire. Indeed, they are usually installed in locations where the risk of rapid fire spread is high., Foam water sprinkler systems - This special kind of sprinkler system discharges a mixture of water and foam concentrate if activated. They are generally used in case of high challenge fires, such as in the presence of flammable liquids. , ,

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73
Q

Difference between mass infilled foundation & traditional

A

Mass infilled foundation

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74
Q

How do you fireproof steel?

A

Inumescent paint and fire rate plasterboard

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75
Q

Do you need to fireproof with both inumescent paint and plasterboard?

A

No but paint prone to chipping

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76
Q

How do you seal gaps gaps in plasterboard?

A

Inumescent mastic

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77
Q

Different types of flat roof, their adv and dis?

A

Glass reinforced concrete and glass reinforced concrete. More expensive but more durable and provide longer life expectancy.

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78
Q

How do you deal with falls on a flat roof?

A

Tapered insulation or timber furings

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79
Q

What do you find on a fire rated door?

A

Inusmescent seal, door closer and 3nr hinges

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80
Q

Different types of heating system?

A

Mechanical ventilation, chambers, AHU.

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81
Q

Describe the construction process start to finish?

A

Site set-up, temporary access routes, site strip and level, enabling work, substructure moving into frame, upper floors, roof, windows, internal partitions, M&E, internal fit out, external works, snagging, dismantling of site set up, handover.

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82
Q

What are some deleterious materials?

A

Asbestos, Lead, Plywood within roof, Copper and Hot rolled roof.

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83
Q

What is a restrictive covenant?

A

A restrictive covenant, is a restriction imposed by a seller of a piece of land that prevents the buyer from using it in a way that could cause harm to land the seller has retained.

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84
Q

Building Control Approval?

A

Approval from an approving body via a completion certificate as evidence that the works comply with the building regulations.

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85
Q

Types of Building Control Approval?

A

Building notice for small projects or full plans approval for large scale projects.

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86
Q

What is Planning Approval?

A

Planning permission is the legal process of determining whether proposed developments should be permitted.

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87
Q

You are undertaking a refurbishment of a 1920’s building and your client asks what surveys you required – what would you advise?

A

Asbestos refurbishment survey, Condition survey, Structural survey, Contaminants like lead – horse hair

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88
Q

You are undertaking a project in central London on a previously used site and your client asks what surveys you required – what would you advise?

A

Site investigation – ground conditions, contamination, Acoustic survey, Air quality, Flood risk assessment

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89
Q

What are the soil classifications?

A

Gravel - Biggest, Sand, Silts and Clays, Clays - Smallest

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90
Q

What test would you use to measure the density of clays?

A

Vane test

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91
Q

What test would you use to measure the density of bigger soil types?

A

Standard penetration test

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92
Q

What test can you undertake to mimic the bearing capacity of foundations?

A

Plate bearing test

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93
Q

Explain your understanding of ground water.

A

Is water that has infiltrated deep into the ground, when it gets to saturation it is known as the water table.

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94
Q

When might a contamination survey be required?

A

If a site is pre-used.

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95
Q

If contamination is found on site, what are your options?

A

Remove, contain or treat the contamination.

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96
Q

What are existing building surveys?

A

Surveys such as condition surveys, structural surveys, measured building surveys

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97
Q

What are capacity checks?

A

Checks with suppliers of utilities to determine available capacity on network.

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98
Q

If you were demolishing a building what would you need?

A

Building control approval, potentially planning, PCI, Asbestos R&D and utility information.

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99
Q

What is a brownfield site?

A

Previously used land.

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100
Q

What is a greenfield site?

A

Greenfield land (or greenfield sites) is land that is not constrained by existing buildings or infrastructure.

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101
Q

Can you build on a greenfield site?

A

Yes, but has own problems such as access, services etc

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102
Q

What is the Green Belt?

A

Green belts establish a buffer zone between urban and rural land, separating town and country and preserving land for forestry, agriculture and wildlife where environmental conditions can be improved and conservation encouraged. Greenfield sites need not be within a green belt.

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103
Q

If you find bats on site what problems might this present?

A

April – September Bat survey season – when they are active. If found may need a protected species mitigation licence and undertaken mitigations like altering work methods or timing to avoid bats, creating or improving roosts and monitoring the roost sites after development.

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104
Q

If you find nesting birds on site what problems might these present?

A

Feb – August survey season, If found may need a protected species mitigation licence and undertaken mitigations like altering work methods or timing to avoid, creating or improving roosts and monitoring the roost sites after development.

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105
Q

When would you need an environmental impact assessment?

A

Described in the Town and Country Planning Act – power stations, refineries, major developments, transport projects etc.

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106
Q

When would you have to do an archaeological survey on site?

A

Under planning law if there is a heritage asset or has the potential to hold evidence of past human activity worth expert investigation. Usually determined by desk top site investigations.

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107
Q

What are the flood risk zones?

A

Zone 1 – Low probability
Zone 2 – Medium probability
Zone 3a – High probability
Zone 3b – Floodplain

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108
Q

When are you required to undertake a flood risk assessment?

A

If it is over 1 hectare., If it is less than 1 hectare but in zones 2 or 3.

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109
Q

How is concrete made?

A

A mix of cement, sand, aggregate (and water) – 1:2:4

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110
Q

What are the benefits of concrete?

A

Cheap, strong in compression, pliable before it hardens.

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111
Q

What are the weaknesses of concrete?

A

Weak in tension, susceptible to cracking and low strength to weight ratio.

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112
Q

How can concrete be strengthened?

A

Less water, reinforcement via rods, wires, cables or mesh (improves tensile strength).

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113
Q

What is formwork?

A

It is a temporary mould in which concrete is poured into.

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114
Q

What is formwork made from?

A

Timber (must be water resistant), plastics, steel

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115
Q

What are the important considerations for formwork?

A

Type of concrete and temperature as they effect the pressure exerted on sides of formwork.

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116
Q

What is falsework?

A

It is the stabilisation used to hold formwork in place.

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117
Q

Describe slip forming

A

Concrete is poured into moving formwork, used when buildings have a number of storeys. Good as crane used minimised.

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118
Q

What is lightweight concrete and how does it differ from normal concrete?

A

More flowable and workable, typically used for floor slabs.

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119
Q

What is high density concrete?

A

Coarse aggregate like crushed rocks, gives good protection from xrays and radiation.

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120
Q

Describe reinforced concrete.

A

One of most widely used forms of concrete. Reinforcement embedded into concrete to increase tensile strength.

121
Q

When might you use pre-cast concrete?

A

Structural components, bolted together onsite- good as formed in controlled factory environments.

122
Q

What is pre-stressed concrete?

A

Pre-stressing of concrete that will occur when subject to loading. Usually via wires.

123
Q

What is in situ concrete?

A

Poured in place – must control mix so need to be aware of weather conditions when poured.

124
Q

How can you test concrete?

A

Slump test – consistency, Test cube – checks concrete is at required design strength

125
Q

How is concrete strength measured?

A

Megapascals, over 40 MPA is high strength

126
Q

Do you require any approvals before you demolish a building?

A

Planning permission – in most cases no, unless the council has restricted the permitted development rights. Best to notify to determine if approval is required. , Building regulations – Yes, 6 weeks’ notice.

127
Q

How long should you allow for planning approval?

A

8-13 weeks, seek advice from the local planning authority.

128
Q

Explain some demolition methods.

A

Explosives- needs exclusion zones
Hand demolition – better when demolitions need to happen in a more sensitive manner.,
Machine – most common

129
Q

How are materials dealt with from demolitions?

A

Site waste management plan should be in place to ensure optimum recycling chains in place.

130
Q

What is SUDS?

A

Sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) are systems designed to efficiently manage the drainage of surface water in the urban environment.

131
Q

What is load bearing masonry?

A

Traditional form of construction where the brick/block walls carry loads/structure of building.

132
Q

Describe load bearing masonry and when it should be used?

A

Load bearing masonry is when all walls are structural elements. Usually used in smaller scale structures due to time taken to lay masonry.

133
Q

Describe the advantages and disadvantages of load bearing masonry.

A

Advantages – solid, fire resistant, high compressive strength., Disadvantages – slow to construct, requires skilled masons, cost of bricks can be high, heavy.

134
Q

What are the two common types of welding joint?

A

Butt weld – connects two pieces, Fillet weld – connects two pieces at an angle

135
Q

What is the difference between hot and cold rolled steel?

A

Hot rolled is undertaken at high temperature and breaks more easily than cold rolled which is undertaken at room temperature. Hot rolled tends to be used for larger span building.

136
Q

What is a space frame?

A

Space frames cover large area’s by using lightweight truss like structures. Benefit of using a spaceframe is they are relatively light in comparison to other structures and do not require as many interior supports.

137
Q

What are girders?

A

A girder is a larger deeper beam.

138
Q

Name some types of girder.

A

Plate girder, box girder.

139
Q

Describe concrete frames and when used?

A

Concrete frames form the skeleton of a building. Used extensively due to conventional and regular use of concrete within construction. Other benefits include its fire resistance.

140
Q

Explain timber frame construction and when it might be used.

A

Lightweight framing solution often used in construction of low rise domestic buildings. Timber frames can be the most suitable choice if the structural shell is required quickly, if the ground conditions are particularly poor, or if the design does not include very large structural spans.

141
Q

What are platform frame timber frames?

A

Floor to ceiling timber panels, so once ground floor constructed can use as the platform for next storey.

142
Q

What are balloon frame timber frames?

A

The central difference between balloon and platform framing is that the studs in a balloon frame extend from the foundation to the rafters, whereas in a platform frame, the studs are independent on each storey. , One of the primary problems with balloon framing, aside from the availability of long timbers, was that, by creating continuous spans free of any separation, fire could spread easily. Indeed, fires were common in balloon framed houses. Platform framing enabled a fire break to be included between each floor.

143
Q

What are some of the classifications of brick?

A

Common – carry loads but not in view, Facing – normal loads, usually on show , Engineering bricks – carry heavier loads, sometimes for specific purposes such as engineering works, Special bricks – for use in circumstances like copings.

144
Q

How do facing and common bricks differ?

A

Facing are on show usually more aesthetically pleasing.

145
Q

What is an expansion joint and when might it be used?

A

As bricks are porous and to avoid cracking when they expand and contract expansion joints are used in walls.

146
Q

Name some brick bonds.

A

Stretcher – common on external leaf of cavity wall
Flemish – wall is two bricks thick and pattern follows stretcher, header repeat. Used in solid wall construction
Header – repetitive course of headers
English bond – two blocks thick, course of stretchers then a course of headers repeated

147
Q

What brick bond would be used in a solid wall?

A

English or Flemish.

148
Q

How are bricks finished at angles or jambs (side or lining of an opening of a building)?

A

Bricks are cut in certain ways – for example a brick cut lengthwise is known a queen closer whilst a brick cut corner to corner (at an angle) is known as a bevelled closer.

149
Q

Why might you use blockwork instead of brickwork?

A

Blockwork is cheaper and bigger so can construct walls quicker than brick. Also might be engineering blocks that can take greater loads.

150
Q

What is the difference between jointing and pointing?

A

Terms tend to be used interchangeably however pointing is filling joints with mortar where as jointing is the finishing of mortar joints.

151
Q

What some types of mortar and when might you use each?

A

Cement mortar – standard with Portland cement, Lime mortar – historic mortar good for conservation projects, Hydraulic lime – hardens in wet conditions

152
Q

When might you use lime mortars?

A

Historic conservation projects.

153
Q

Describe some types of timber cladding.

A

Timber - One of the most popular methods of cladding is through the use of timber softwoods, such as western red cedar.

154
Q

What is metal profile cladding?

A

Metal profile - Sheets are manufactured in a range of corrugated and other profiles, such as trapezoidal, sinusoidal or half-round.

155
Q

What are brick slips?

A

Brick slips are thin layers of masonry and are of similar appearance to conventional bricks. They are available in a variety of styles and colours.

156
Q

Name some types of cladding materials.

A

Upvc, cladding panels, tiles.

157
Q

Describe the elements of a window?

A

Transoms, mullions, glazing, gaskets

158
Q

Name some types of windows?

A

Fixed Sash/Vertical Slide Casement Louvre

159
Q

How can you tackle fire issues within roof spaces?

A

Ensuring proper compartmentalisation – junctions fire stopped and barriers properly fitted.

160
Q

Explain some roofing defects.

A

Failure of roof coverings and general deterioration leading to water ingress. , Structural failures – deflection, if bracing is missing or do not adequately transfer loads to structure the roof can deflect.

161
Q

Explain some roof covering materials

A

Clay or concrete tiles (these are NOT slates), Slates, Sheet metals – lead, aluminium, copper, zinc, Asphalt (asphalt cement and aggregate), Shingle (catch all term for any roof covering with overlapping elements).

162
Q

How are tiles usually laid?

A

Single or double lap

163
Q

What is meant by a standing seem?

A

This type of roofing refers to a style of roof that has panels that run vertically up the length of the roof, and seams that connect one panel to another. The seams are raised to give good water protection.

164
Q

Why is thatched roofing not used widely in the modern day?

A

Although thatching provides excellent insulation it can degrade fairly quickly and be susceptible to fire.

165
Q

Describe some different types of roof insulation.

A

Blanket insulation – rolls, mineral/glass or plastic wall. , Foam boards – usually polystyrene , Radiant barriers – stapled to underside of rafter, Spray foam

166
Q

What are the two different categories of flashing?

A

Exposed and embedded.

167
Q

Name some commonly found flashing types?

A

Roof flashings – wall flashing – drip edge (projection at roof edges) – stepped (when on a slope) - valley

168
Q

How are flashings constructed?

A

Lead or soft zinc typically.

169
Q

Explain a timber ground floor?

A

Timber joists built into wall or hung on joist hangers, joists then usually covered by ply. Ventilation required under floor void to regulate moisture. , Sometimes there is an insulation layer between joists then a dry sand cement mix

170
Q

What is a floating floor?

A

Floating floors may be constructed from materials such as timber planks or boards, engineered timber, laminate flooring and some types of tiles. These materials can be glued, snapped or otherwise fixed to one another, but are not fixed to the substrate layer beneath

171
Q

What is pre-cast flooring?

A

A precast concrete flooring system. is commonly used at all floor levels. is a popular alternative to traditional timber joist flooring systems.

172
Q

Name some type of floor coverings?

A

Laminate, carpet, solid wood, linoleum

173
Q

Describe the construction of a typical ground floor

A

Solid ground floor- , Sub-base: Well-compacted building rubble or loose stone-based material. , Hardcore: Suitable filling material to make the required level, and create a solid base. Damp-proof membrane (DPM): An impervious layer such as heavy duty polythene sheeting. , Concrete bed: Provides a solid level surface. , Insulation to limit heat transfer with the ground. , Screed: Usually a sand and cement mix laid to prepare for the installation of a floor covering. , Finish: Such as carpet, tiles, and so on.

174
Q

Describe some types of floor screeds

A

Bonded – bonded to substrate, Unbonded – laid on DPM, benefits is they are not contact with main structure so mitigate of impacts of shrinkage or settlement. , Floating screed – laid on insulation, Liquid – self compacting.

175
Q

Explain stair construction.

A

Stairs can be timber, metal or pre-cast concrete depending on their use. Typically consisting of a string, tread and riser.

176
Q

What is a flight?

A

A number of steps leading to a new floor, no more than 16 steps.

177
Q

When do you require a landing?

A

After 16 steps or at a change of direction.

178
Q

Name some common stair types?

A

Straight, spiral, half turn

179
Q

When are handrails required?

A

When less than 1m – 1. When greater 1m require 2 and greater than 1.8m require a dividing handrail so 3.

180
Q

What are balustrades?

A

They are the vertical members that usually support a rail or coping.

181
Q

Name some partitions systems?

A

Block or stud. Stud walls, and can be constructed from a timber, steel or aluminium frames clad with boarding such as plasterboard, timber, metal or fibreboard. Partition walls may also be glazed.

182
Q

What is the purpose of partitioning systems? Masonry, proprietary and plasterboard/stud

A

Partitions are non-load bearing walls that separate spaces in buildings.

183
Q

Describe the construction of partition systems?

A

Sole plate, head plate with vertical studs supported by noggins.

184
Q

What is a dry wall?

A

Panels of plaster pressed between thick sheets of paper. No water used in its erection.

185
Q

Describe some ceiling types

A

Exposed ceiling, tightly attached (plasterboard), suspended

186
Q

What’s the difference between plaster and render?

A

Render includes cement and is used externally.

187
Q

What is lath and plaster?

A

Traditional technique that involves nailing lathes to timbers with small gaps. Plaster fills the gaps.

188
Q

What’s the process of applying the plaster to the laths?

A

Render layer, floating layer then setting layer.

189
Q

What are some types of ceiling?

A

Exposed, tightly attached, suspended or interstitial

190
Q

Describe the construction of a tightly attached ceiling.

A

Attached to the structure above – so to joists.

191
Q

Describe the construction of a suspended ceiling.

A

Grid and hanging wire from structure above – creating void.

192
Q

What is an interstitial ceiling?

A

Large space between floors allowing for large plant to be housed.

193
Q

What is an Integrated Service Module?

A

A module that can contain lighting, cooling, heating, speakers etc.

194
Q

Name some floor finishes and when they might be used.

A

Timber – various, laminate – low cost/hard wearing, vinyl wet spaces, tiles wet spaces, carpet liveable spaces.

195
Q

What flooring would you expect to see in commercial scenario’s?

A

Carpet tiles, vinyl or laminates.

196
Q

What would you define as site preparation works?

A

Removal of vegetation, levelling of site and establishing site offices.

197
Q

Can you broadly describe the processes related to construction of roads?

A

Setting out (dimensions in layout), Earthworks (removal of topsoil), Paving (final layer)

198
Q

What is a sub-base?

A

Usually crushed stone and compacted.

199
Q

Name some paving types.

A

Flexible paving – macadam or rigid paving hardcore then concrete.

200
Q

What is asphalt?

A

A mixture of asphalt cement and aggregate.

201
Q

What is a kerb?

A

A kerb differentiates road and pavement or similar space.

202
Q

Describe uses of concrete in construction

A

X1 Cement, x2 water and x4 aggregate. Used for foundations, flooring, framing – host of construction uses.

203
Q

Describe some types of concrete

A

Reinforced, high density (xrays/power plants), pre-cast, pre-stressed

204
Q

What is pre- cast concrete?

A

This is a form of concrete that is prepared, cast and cured off-site, usually in a controlled factory environment, using reusable moulds. Precast concrete elements can be joined to other elements to form a complete structure. They are typically used for structural components such as; wall panels, beams, columns, floors, staircases, pipes, tunnels, and so on.

205
Q

What is pre- stressed concrete?

A

Prestressed concrete is a structural material that allows for predetermined, engineering stresses to be placed in members to counteract the stresses that will occur when they are subject to loading. It combines the high strength compressive properties of concrete with the high tensile strength of steel.

206
Q

Describe uses of gypsum in construction

A

Is a mineral which is used in plaster and plasterboard products.

207
Q

What is bitumen?

A

A form of petroleum, used in asphalt as the binder. Bitumen is waterproof.

208
Q

What is macadam?

A

A form of road construction.

209
Q

What is tarmacadam?

A

Tar bound macadam.

210
Q

What is asphalt?

A

Bitumen and aggregate – used in road construction.

211
Q

What is aggregate

A

Crushed stone/slag/concrete.

212
Q

Explain platform lifts and how they differ from passenger lifts?

A

Can either be open, enclosed, wheelchair platform , Usually can only travel small distances and slowly but they are cheaper than conventional and don’t need a deep lift pit dug.

213
Q

How does a lift differ from a hoist?

A

A hoist is a lifting or lowering device usually via a wire rope wound round a drum. Think winch.

214
Q

What is ‘the grid’?

A

The UK’s national electricity network

215
Q

How does electricity get passed from the grid to a building?

A

The transmission network steps electricity down via transformers – for purposes of our work to 415V three-phase for small medium sized commercial and 230V single phase domestic.

216
Q

What is a transformer?

A

A transformer is used to change the voltage of electricity.

217
Q

What is voltage?

A

The measure of electrical force.

218
Q

What is and Amp?

A

The unit of measurement of how fast the current flows.

219
Q

What is Watts?

A

Amp x Voltage = Watts – Power

220
Q

What is a sub-station?

A

Part of the electrical distribution network – it’s a transformer but more of a location, i.e with fence and protection.

221
Q

What is KVa?

A

Kilovolt-amp: Used with electrical engineers are talking about sizing electrical equipment.

222
Q

What is the difference between AC and DC?

A

Alternating current and direct current, alternating is used in homes and businesses and DC is used in batteries.

223
Q

What is LV power defined as?

A

Under 1000 Volts, low voltage.

224
Q

What is the difference between single and three phase wiring

A

Both of these are electricity supplies, it’s the amount of power that is different. A single-phase supply is smaller than a three-phase supply meaning you cannot use as much power. A typical house will need a single-phase supply whilst a larger house, flats or commercial building will need a three-phase supply.

225
Q

What is HV power defined as?

A

35Kv – 230K, high voltage (230V mains)

226
Q

What is electricity?

A

The presence and flow of an electrical charge?

227
Q

What voltage is electricity delivered to domestic dwellings?

A

230 Volts

228
Q

What is switchgear?

A

A general term for to refer to a range of switches, circuit breakers, fuses, etc., which are used in an electric power system to control, regulate and switch the circuit on and off. By controlling the circuit, switchgear protects and isolates electrical equipment from the power supply, enabling testing, maintenance and fault clearing work to be undertaken.

229
Q

How big is a brick?

A

225 × 112.5 × 75 mm

230
Q

What is a frog?

A

underside of brick

231
Q

What is thermal comfort?

A

Satisfaction with thermal environment.

232
Q

What are the legal requirements to achieve minimum or maximum temperatures within a building?

A

There are no legal requirements for minimum or maximum temperatures in a building.

233
Q

What building regulations relate to building services?

A

Part J – Heat producing appliances and fuel storage system, Part L – Conservation of fuel and power, Part F – Ventilation

234
Q

What is a conventional boiler?

A

Good for lower water pressure, require a cold-water feed and a hot water cylinder.

235
Q

What is a combination boiler?

A

Supply hot water directly from the hot water supply. Can provide unlimited hot water on demand, suited to smaller properties as when multiple users at same time pressure may drop.

236
Q

What is a system boiler?

A

Sealed system, have a hot water cylinder but no water tank. Requires less space than a conventional.

237
Q

What is combined heat and power?

A

Creates heat as a by-product of power generation – usually on large scale developments.

238
Q

What is an air source heat pump?

A

Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) absorb heat from the outside air. This heat can then be used to heat radiators, underfloor heating systems, or warm air convectors and hot water in your home.

239
Q

What is a ground source heat pump?

A

Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) use pipes that are buried in the garden to extract heat from the ground. This heat can then be used to heat radiators, underfloor or warm air heating systems and hot water in your home.A ground source heat pump circulates a mixture of water and antifreeze around a loop of pipe, called a ground loop, which is buried in your garden.

240
Q

What does HVAC stand for?

A

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.

241
Q

What does a HVAC system do?

A

Maintain internal environmental conditions. Overarching term for whole system.

242
Q

How are HVAC systems controlled?

A

Usually through a building management system

243
Q

Where are HVAC systems located?

A

Depending on the system they can be local to the space they are regulating or a building wide system via ductwork.

244
Q

What is a fan coil unit?

A

It is a fan with a heating or cooling element inside.

245
Q

What is thermal modelling?

A

Helps inform design to ensure compliance with building regulations.

246
Q

What is SBEM?

A

Simplified Building Energy Model – used to demonstrate compliance with Part L and EPC ratings. It takes into account building type, geometry, construction, use, HVAC and lighting equipment.

247
Q

Why are fan coil units preferred to AHU’s?

A

Cheaper but can vibrate in room.

248
Q

What is a 2 pipe AHU?

A

Either heating or cooling? Either chilled water or hot water.

249
Q

What is a 4 pipe AHU?

A

Heating and cooling.

250
Q

What is a chiller?

A

Remove heat from a liquid through refrigeration it can then be circulated through cooling equipment.

251
Q

What are lux levels?

A

The unit of measurement of the intensity of the level of light.

252
Q

What are some commercial lighting types?

A

LED or Fluorescent tubes

253
Q

What are the community infrastructure levy regulations?

A

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a planning charge, introduced by the Planning Act 2008 as a tool for local authorities in England and Wales to help deliver infrastructure to support the development of their area. It came into force on 6 April 2010 through the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010. Development may be liable for a charge under the CIL if your local planning authority has chosen to set a charge in its area., , Most new development which creates net additional floor space of 100 square metres or more, or creates a new dwelling, is potentially liable for the levy.

254
Q

What is the localism act 2011?

A

Aimed at devolving powers from central government to individuals and communities.

255
Q

What is the planning act 2008?

A

Implemented to speed up process for approving new major infrastructure projects.

256
Q

What is the town and country planning act 1990

A

The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 is an act regulating the development of land in England and Wales. It is a central part of English land law in that it concerns town and country planning in the United Kingdom.

257
Q

What is Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004?

A

Compulsory purchase powers enable acquiring authorities to purchase land to carry out a function which is considered to be in the public interest, for example, constructing new road or rail infrastructure. People who have their land acquired by compulsory purchase are generally entitled to compensation.

258
Q

What information can be found in CIBSE guidance?

A

Technical guidance on building services.

259
Q

What are the construction design management regulations 2015?

A

The regulations placed specific duties on clients, designers and contractors, to plan their approach to health and safety. They applied throughout construction projects, from inception to final demolition and removal. 30 working days, 20 workers at once or 500 person days.

260
Q

What is the health and safety at work act 1974?

A

Defines the fundamental structure and authority for the encouragement, regulation and enforcement of workplace health, safety and welfare within the United Kingdom.

261
Q

What are the control of Asbestos regulations 2012?

A

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 apply to Employers and employees working in any asbestos-related situations are affected by CAR12 regulations. The regulations place responsibilities upon employers, employees and duty holders. The duty holder could be your employer, another employer, landlord or – in some situations – a combination of these.

262
Q

What is RIDDOR 2013?

A

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013, often known by the acronym RIDDOR, is a 2013 statutory instrument of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It regulates the statutory obligation to report deaths, injuries, diseases and “dangerous occurrences”, including near misses, that take place at work or in connection with work.

263
Q

What are the COSHH 2002 regulations?

A

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 is a Statutory Instrument that states general requirements on employers to protect employees and other persons from the hazards of substances used at work by risk assessment, control of exposure, health surveillance and incident planning. There are also duties on employees’ to take care of their own exposure to hazardous substances and prohibitions on the import of certain substances into the European Economic Area.

264
Q

What is the highways act 1980?

A

The Highways Act 1980 is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom dealing with the management and operation of the road network.

265
Q

What part approved document relates to water consumption and sustainability?

A

Part G – Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency.

266
Q

What are some simple measures that can be used on projects to reduce water demand?

A

Water saving taps, appropriate sink sizing, low flow toilets, PIR urinals, leak detection, rain water harvesting.

267
Q

Explain how a solenoid valve may help water usage.

A

A solenoid valve is a device which uses an electric current to generate a magnetic field and thereby operate a mechanism which regulates the opening of fluid flow in a valve.

268
Q

What is an M&E Validation Survey and when might you procure one?

A

If undertaking a refurbishment or fit out then a validation survey may be procured to determine the physical condition of services, their compliance and their capacity. This will help to inform the client on remedial work required, life expectancy of plant and capacity of building services if future expansion is anticipated.

269
Q

Describe the typical process for making a new utility connection?

A

Project scoping, 1. Identify utility providers, 2. Contact providers and check capacity (provide them with site location, expected demand and timescales), Securing planning permission, 3. Request quotes, Implementation, 4. Agree quotes and schedule of work (who is doing what)

270
Q

What are the issues if utilities are found on site?

A

Utilities are very costly to divert, if they are found running across site this may have implications for design, programme and costs whilst they are built around or diverted.

271
Q

What are wayleave agreements in relation to utilities?

A

A wayleave is the consent in writing that allows works on privately-owned land. It’s a written legal agreement between the utility provider and the land/property owner that grants them access to install, maintain or repair our network equipment., A wayleave needs to be agreed before installing any apparatus on a new development, or on private land which is providing service to third parties.

272
Q

What are the types of ventilation in buildings?

A

Natural and Mechanical.

273
Q

How does natural ventilation work?

A

Driven by internal pressure differences in spaces.

274
Q

Why is natural ventilation not suitable for all buildings?

A

Building is too deep, outside air quality poor, noise levels too high or internal partitions/design restrict air flow.

275
Q

Can you list the RIBA Stages

A

Stage 0: Strategic Definition
Stage 1: Preparation and briefing
Stage 2: Concept Design
Stage 3: Spatial coordination
Stage 4: Technical Design
Stage 5: Manufacturing and Construction
Stage 6: Handover and Close Out
Stage 7: In Use

276
Q

Talk me through a few sustainable technologies you are aware of from basic passive measure to a potentially costly active measure?

A

Basic Passive - Insulation, solar window film, natural ventilation, opening windows, turning off lights
Active Measures - Solar panels, wind turbines, MVHR

277
Q

What does AHU stand for?

A

An air handling unit.

278
Q

What does an AHU do?

A

Forms part of a HVAC system and supplies, circulates and extracts air from buildings. Typically they comprise of an insulated box, with fans, a blower and sometimes heating and cooling elements and sound attenuation.

279
Q

Explain what a fire damper is ?

A

Prevents the spread of fire and smoke through mehanical ventilation. Preventing it from entering emergancy areas. Works when the heat of a room rises over a certain point (68°c) the fusible link melts and the dampers door closes.

280
Q

Name the 3 types of fire damper?

A

Curtain – folded curtain
Intumescent – expand when heated
Single/multi blade – pivot when released

281
Q

Talk me through how this lintel was sized and installed in accordance with the building regulations?

A

Advised a structural engineer be appointed. Part A - Should be 150mm bearing on both ends, or 100mm for under 1m opening.

282
Q

Why was additional support required to the chimney breast at 187 High Street, Lewes?

A

Cracking was evident where the chimney breast was installed. The are removed would support the chmney and wall above.

283
Q

In a traditional construction how would a chimney normally be constructed?

A

They are positioned on an internal or external wall and can contain more than one flue for more than one fire. However, fires dont share the same flue. They are constructed from brick or stone and don’t typically have liners. They can be lined with ceramic liners or coated with a lime mortar during construction (pargetting).

284
Q

What are gallows brackets and what is their function?

A

They are right angle brackets, with a diagonal, used to support the chimney breast above when the section below has been removed. Typically lintels are installed above for gallow brackets to support.

285
Q

Talk me through the typical components of a chimney from top to bottom?

A

Cap - Top of the chimney and protect against rain, snow, debris and animals from getting in
Crown - The slab of concrete that covers the majority of the opening on top of your chimney
Flashing- where your chimney meets the roof. It helps protect your chimney from moisture penetration.
Flue - where smoke from the fire travels up and out of your home.
Liner - encase the walls of your chimney and lead smoke up and out of it
Damper - opens and closes your fireplace to the chimney
Fireplace - Firebox, hearth, mantel

286
Q

What investigations were required to the chimney and why?

A

Opening up of the plasterboard boxing in to check for the presense and condition of any steels, gallow brackets etc.

287
Q

What is a cold roof?

A

Where the insulation is laid at ceiling level between joists meaning everything above is cool. Vapour control layer below.

288
Q

What is a warm roof?

A
  • Insulation is placed on top of the roof deck but beneath the waterproof membrane.
  • Vapour control later is usually placed under the membrane, on top of the deck.
289
Q

Talk me through this process, how did you convert a cold roof to warm?

A
  • Cold roof insulation must be removed – can be removed from taking deck off or internally by taking ceilings down. If left condensation can form in void.
  • Cold roof venation must be sealed off.
  • Tin roof usually required – think about time of year it is taking place.
290
Q

Is there any guidance on flat roof specification?

A

RICS Flat Roof Coverings Information Paper

291
Q

What were the benefits of converting the roof from a cold roof to warm roof system?

A

NAME?

292
Q

What U-valu did you need to meet with the new roof?

A

Part L sets out U-Values requirements for new roofs in existing buildings (Table 4.1). Maximum U-value of 0.18 w/(M2K) for flat roof and 0.16 w/(M2K) for pitched

293
Q

What roof covering did you use and why?

A

Single ply roofing membrane:
- provided 25 year warranty.
- Solar reflective,
- can be recycled when end of life.
- Flexible so good at dealing with thermal movement

294
Q

Why was the injected DPC not working and how should it have been working? What were the imlications of the render? What did you recommend in terms of remedials?

A

Should have prevented moisture from rising up the wall through capilary action by preventing a block. The render provided a route for the moisture / get trapped behind. Remedials were to remove the render.

295
Q

What is the purpose of a DPC and what different materials have been used for DPCs over the years?

A

Provides a block from moisture risking up wall causing risig damp internally. Typical materials include:
- Bitumen roll
- Slates and cement mortar
- Mastic asphalt
- Lead or copper sheeting
- Tar and pitch
- Engineering bricks
- Chemical injections

296
Q

Can you explain the basic mechanism by which injected damp proof courses are meant to work?

A

It creates a barrier to prevent moisture from rising up a wall through capilary action.

297
Q

Why were piles the most appropriate type of foundation for use next to a river?

A
  • They spread the load of the building over a greater area of vertical soil, going deeper, menaning they are most suited for unstable grounds or flood areas (Where earth may be suseptable to more movement).
  • Clay / silt (Cohesive) is unstable and swells and shrinks when wet and dry
298
Q

What type of piles were used at The Meadows?

A

Replacement piles (Friction) using a continuos flight auger due to the close proximity of neighbouring properties and the building. Minimal vibrations.

Technical Comps (9 decks)

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