Intro/ Broad

Question 1

Important factors for Performance

Answer 1

1.Structural stability
2. Fire resistance
3. Durability
4. Health & Safety
5. Environmental Considerations
6. ‘Buildability’
7. Cost
8. Appearance
9. Comfort
10. Availability

Question 2

Process

Answer 2

1. Quantify the operating environment (site survey, loadings, design life, etc)
2. Decide on the performance level required.
3. Select materials which are suitable.
4. Check for compliance with any local regulations (Planning, Listed Building, Conservation area, etc)

Question 3

What Material Standards are there

Answer 3

• British and/or European Standards (BS and EN respectively)
• CE mark (how a product complies with EU safety, health and environmental requirements)
• International Standards Organistion (ISO)
• British Board of Agrément (BBA)

Question 4

Fire resistance performance measures

Answer 4

• Resisting the spread of flames
• Release of hazardous substances should be small enough to be acceptable
• Retaining structural stability in a fire situation

Question 5

Examples of passive protections

Answer 5

Resistance lining/ gypsum fire board
Intumescent paints
Fire Doors

Question 6

Examples of active protection

Answer 6

Sprinklers
Smoke Alarms
Smoke Ventilation

Question 7

Effects of fire on Materials

Answer 7

Concrete - Spall
Timber - Fuel
Steel - Softens
Plastic and PIR - Highly combustable and Toxic gas released

Question 8

What is durability

Answer 8

Resistance to decay or degradation
Directly related to exposure conditions

Question 9

Where is Health and saftey relevant

Answer 9

Manufacture of materials
Construction
In Service
Re-use/ Disposal

Question 10

Material hazards may include

Answer 10

Dust (Cement, Silica (silicosis), Aspestos( Aspestosis), MDF)
Toxicity (Fumes from paint)
Alkali and Acids (Burns from Cement or acid wash)

Question 11

How do contractors, designers and manufactorers prepare for this hazardous materials

Answer 11

Materials Saftey and Data Sheet
COSHH Assessment (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)
Risk Assessment
(SMoWS - Safe Method of Working Statement)
Use of PPE Personal Protective Equipment (although it is preferable to remove workers from the Hazard)
Limiting exposure time
Limiting the amount that is lifted (manual handling)

Question 12

What Regulations are in place to mitigate accidents and protect workers?

Answer 12

HSE Health and Saftey Executive
Health and Saftey in work act 1974
CDM Construction Design and Managment Regulations 2015

Question 13

What are the major enviromental considerations for using materials?

Answer 13

Careful use of Finite primary resources
Use of energy (embodied)
Energy saving performance (Operational)
Can i be reused or biodegrade
Is the material a Pollutantant
Does it affect Habitats

Question 14

What is embodied energy/ emissions?

Answer 14

The energy used/ CO2 emitted from obtaining (the Extraction, Refining and transportation) and manufacture of the final product

Question 15

How is embodied emmisions measured?

Answer 15

MJ/kg or CO2/M2