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Sustainable construction > Section 2 > Flashcards

Section 2 Flashcards

1
Q

In order to create better planned, smarter, more ecologically resilient and liveable cities we need to:

A
  • Develop a sustainability framework with a series of indicators and targets to measure progress;
  • Vastly improve city planning and land use regimes including incentives for transit oriented developments;
  • Increase funding for public and active transport and clean distributed energy;
  • Ensure rapid progress towards carbon neutral and water sensitive cities and precincts;
  • Find ways to create a step change increase in energy and water efficiency;
  • Showcase zero carbon developments;
  • Mandate more ambitious fuel consumption targets for cars;
  • Invest in behaviour change and education and training; and
  • Engage in more effective government, industry and community collaboration
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2
Q

What is green-field land

A

Greenfield land is undeveloped land in a city or rural area either used for agriculture, landscape design, or left to evolve naturally.
These areas of land are usually agricultural or amenity properties being considered for urban development

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3
Q

What is Brownfield land

A

is an Anglo-American term used in urban planning to describe land previously used for industrial or commercial purposes with known or suspected pollution including soil contamination due to hazardous waste.

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4
Q

Types of soil

A

Site type:
Stable - soil = Rock, sandstone, shale, sand and Sandy clay. Minimal movement, non laterally, Minor under compression >10

Site type: ‘Intermediate’ Sandy Clay, Dry Clay, Medium Clay, Some movement between seasons, surface cracks Both lateral and compression movement

Soil Type: Unstable - Heavy plastic, expansive clay - Considerable seasonable movement >25mm, Construction may affect adjacent buildings (lateral movement)

Stable soil types are ideal to build/ construct dwellings on as foundations of the dwelling will move minimally.

Intermediate soil types can be built on but are more likely to be prone to movements in foundations causing cracks in plastering and movement in flooring depending on the vicinity to foundations

Unstable soil types should not be built on given the danger of sections of the building collapsing due to the considerable seasonal movement of the soil

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5
Q

Define strip footing

A

A continuous strip of concrete under a continuous wall carrying a uniformly distributed load. Provides a continual longitudinal bearing and is placed under certain walls.

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6
Q

Define concrete slab flooring

A

come in many forms and can be used to provide great thermal comfort and lifestyle advantages. They are dense, strong and durable and hence able to resist shrinkage cracking. Also, resistant to termites

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7
Q

What is the purpose of footings

A

The purpose of footings is to support the foundation and prevent settling. Footings are especially important in areas with troublesome soils.

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8
Q

What is DPC

A

Damp Proof course is a barrier of impervious material built into a wall or pier to prevent moisture form moving to any part of the building

IMPERFELOUS - water cannot get through

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9
Q

Housing frames can be

A

Wood
or
steele

(think about advantageous / dis or pre fabricated)

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10
Q

Difference between live load and dead load

A

live load = weight that comes and goes (snow, rain, wind, people, furniture)

dead load = weight that does not move

> Beams are used to offset loads, with it’s weight also running through the walls

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11
Q

What is a pier footing

A

type of foundation used to hold up floor joist and support stip footing (usually brick)

increase wall strength and reduce wall flex

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12
Q

what is a stump

A

vertical support and the transfer of building loads to the foundation. located between between soil and floor joist

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13
Q

Joists

A

steel or wooden support structures running parallel with roof or floor

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14
Q

what is cross bracing

A

is a system utilized to reinforce building structures in which diagonal supports intersect. Cross bracing can increase a building’s capability to withstand seismic activity.
> wall bracing in diagonal

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15
Q

define lintel

A

a horizontal support of timber, stone, concrete, or steel across the top of a door or window.
distributes point load from above door

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16
Q

What is sheet bracing

A

wall bracing using materials such as plywood and plaster (extremely flexible, side way movement)

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17
Q

what is a retaining wall

A

method of reclaiming unusable land and keeping moisture away from the dwelling

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18
Q

define foundation

A

the lowest load-bearing part of a building, typically below ground level.

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19
Q

What are weep holes

A

gaps left between some bricks in external masonry walls. They serve two important purposes: Ventilation of the internal wall cavity -
Without ventilation, mildew, dry rot and damp reduce the life of the internal wall studs and other building materials within the cavity.

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20
Q

what is a beam

A

structural element that primarily resists loads applied laterally to the beam’s axis. Its mode of deflection is primarily by bending. The loads applied to the beam result in reaction forces at the beam’s support points.

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21
Q

What is brick veneer

A

a covering of brick applied to a timber frame. Incorporates insulation (usually between studs)

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22
Q

what is a wall tie

A

The tie in a cavity wall is used to tie the internal and external walls (or leaves) constructed of bricks or cementitious blocks together.

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23
Q

what is wall bracing

A

Bracing is attached to studs to provide lateral support to wall framing. Metal straps, timber or sheet bracing can be used for bracing.

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24
Q

What is a gable

A

the triangular upper part of a wall at the end of a ridged roof. Help with ventilation, design and light

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25
Q

what is a batten

A

a long flat strip of squared timber or metal used to hold something in place or as a fastening against a wall

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26
Q

explain termites

A

Using timber foundations and leaves a dwelling at risk of being exposed to termites. The easiest way to prevent termites is to avoid the use of timber which is also unsustainable due to the destruction of forests in order to produce and manufacture it.

Termite prevention tips:
• Prevent contact between timber and soils
• Ensure vents are clear to allow cross flow ventilation as poor ventilation creates conducive conditions for termite attack
• Termites are attracted to moisture, so fix any leaking water pipes, drains, showers, and sinks as soon as possible
• If you have a water tank we recommend for the water tank overflow to be plumbed to storm water as excessive moisture promotes termite attack

27
Q

Advantageous / disadvantages of steel

A 
Light
strong
prefabrication + mass production
fast easy erection
elimination of weather delays
more accurate detailing
non shrinking or creeping at ambient temperatures
no formwork needed
termite proof
non combustibility - longer life cycle (lifecycle cost)
recyclable  material
28
Q

types of roof coverings

A

tile
slate
steel

29
Q

what is a truss roof

A

structure that consists of 2 force members only where members are organised so that the assemblage as a whole behaves as a single object

30
Q
  1. In the lecture we discussed the importance of ensuring that the footings (including the soil classification) are designed to meet the requirements of the foundations.
    Why is this necessary? What could happen if the design criterion is ignored
A

Reactive soils requires stronger engineered footings to overcome seasonal movements.) Soils which are less stable will cause structural failure if footings are not sufficiently large and deep. Strength is attained via reinforcing concrete.

31
Q
  1. How does the site configuration affect the design of the building?
A

The design is ultimately determined by the shape and direction of the site.
It must be evaluated prior to purchase to ensure the desired house can be built.
For example, a wide ranch style home is generally not suited to court block locations as they tend to be narrow at the front (obviously depends upon the allotment size).

32
Q
  1. Damp proof course (DPC) is used in all building forms including housing. What is DPC and what does it aim to achieve? What would happen to the structural members if the DPC was not included?
A

Prevents moisture from being drawn into the building fabric (eg. bricks and frame.)
If not done (used,) severe damp “smell” would be likely with resulting health impacts and probable rotting of frame.

33
Q
  1. What type of ground (soil) conditions are common in Melbourne? If you are an online student not situated in Melbourne, search the internet for soil classifications in your area.
A

Ans: Stable, Intermediate & Unstable (students may require explanation of each.)

34
Q

What type of buildings would you expect to find stump foundations in and why?

A

Buildings on a slope. Buildings in flood areas. Older residential buildings (pre slab use.)
Many resi homes with strip-footings under the walls and/but with post footings under floor boards.

35
Q

Draw a retaining wall that is capable of retaining 2m of soil. Describe the components and explain what purpose they serve.

A

Look for an image similar to the one in the lecture notes and then describe; the ‘aggi’ drain, the aggregate, type of original/surrounding soil and the retainer materials (concrete/steel etc).

36
Q
  1. Describe the measures that can be undertaken to minimise the possibility of termite attack.
A

The important action to take is to reduce the moisture in the soil as much as possible. Termites do not like dry soil conditions. Measures include insecticide and physical technologies such as “termimesh” ® and other physical barriers to reduce access points. (Inspections encouraged.)

37
Q

What is the purpose of the “under purlin”?

A

provide structural support to rafters

38
Q

function of collar tie

A

Prevent the rafters from spreading when under load

39
Q

Hanging beams sit on top of the ceiling joists to do what?

A

Give support to the joists as they span the room distance

40
Q

What is attached to the roof battens?

A

The roof material. Could be metal (spaced further apart) or tiles (spaced to enable attachment of tiles)

41
Q
  1. Trussed roofs are becoming increasingly more common for a number of reasons.
    One of these reasons is that they have a unique feature that pitched roofs do not have. What is this feature and why is it useful?
A

Better engineering making them more flexible in roof design. Internal walls are not load bearing enabling enhanced flexibility for future renovation.

42
Q
  1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of double glazed windows? In relation to sustainability issues discuss why they may become more important for domestic applications
A

Advantages; thermal performance, noise reduction. Disadvantages: Cost, some designs cannot open for ventilation

43
Q
  1. What is “safety glass” and what are the two common types within Australia? Where would you expect to see it in a home? T
A

? Toughened or laminated glass. Treated so that it resists breaking and if broken it is less likely to break into dangerous shards. Found in bathrooms, some glass doors and full height windows

44
Q
  1. Internal and external doors can be interchanged in terms of use and application. True or false? If true explain why? If false explain why
A

False. Internal doors are not weather resistant

45
Q
  1. There are 5 common doors typically found in Australian homes, list their names and briefly explain function
A 
Swing (common type),
 Sliding- patio (weather resistant),
 Sliding Face of wall, 
sliding cavity (into wall), 
bi-fold good when requiring large openings
46
Q

explain purpose of a bearer

A

Either in floor or roof and it is load bearing.

47
Q

Purpose of joists

A

Either floor or roof and it is support for floor or ceiling materials.

48
Q

explain noggings

A

Sits Between studs and prevents the stud from flexing under wind or other loads

49
Q

explain purpose of a wall brace

A

Angled or sheet material that prevents the frame from ‘racking’.

A square of timber has no natural strength against side loads and the brace provides angular strength.

50
Q

explain studs

A

Vertical part if the wall frame and supports the roof

51
Q

difference between cross bracing and sheet bracing

A

They perform the same task. Sheet bracing common in short walls as cross-bracing requires a 45-degree angle to be effective.

52
Q

what does ‘stress graded mean”

A

A rating that indicates the load bearing capacity of the timber.

Hardwood, as the grain is denser and therefore capable of greater loads.

53
Q
  1. Why is pine framing considered as sustainable option for residential construction?
A

Why is pine framing considered as sustainable option for residential construction?

54
Q

Explain the difference between laws and codes

A

Laws = directives / regulations that compel action where as industry customs create enhanced efficiencies industry professionals often have “codes of practice” to promote professionalism in their respective industry

55
Q

key type of building legislation

A 
Federal trade practices act 1974
Fair trading act 1999
Building act 1993
Domestic building and contracts act
Planning and environments act
OCHS ACT
VCAT tribunal act
56
Q

What is the residential permit process

A

Aquire a block of land

Engage an architecte to draw plans (may require soil tests, liaison with council e.g. water + energy companies

Drawings completed:
> determine zoneing, overlays, easements, covenants etc
> produced multiple sets of plans generally 5

having produced plans legislation that oversees these are:
planning and environment act - zoning and overlay issues
Building act - controls construction standards
Fair trade act - architect deals with clients fairly

Once completed and signed off on drawings by client they are submitted to council with other docs
the council then:
checks compliance with zoning and overlays
sends other copies to relevant authorities e.g. water, gas..
drawings checked for compliance with building standards

57
Q
  1. A friend is wanting to build an extension onto his recently purchased house and has asked your advice. He wants to add a rumpus room, renovate the kitchen and extend to lounge room so he can put in the dream home theatre system. He asks what sort of laws he and the builder have to comply with and how he could get a permit. Explain to your friend the regulatory framework in Victoria detailing some of the legislative acts involved and the building permit process
A

Ans: This is a broad question. Students are to identify key requirements but not necessarily all.
Key requirements:
• Students to identify the need to apply for building permits either through council or private provider.
• Students to nominate laws such as the Building Act, the Domestic Building Contracts Act, Fair Trading Act, and regulations that may be part of any related acts
• Building permit process, purchase of land with inherent negotiations and laws surrounding property transactions, engagement of drafting professional, possible soil test, engineers etc. anything that is necessary for the proper drafting of a design. Multiple plans drawn and submitted for approval. Approval authority sends copies of plans to other authorities such as power companies.

58
Q

s the any difference between legislative acts and regulations and codes of practice or conduct? If so, what are the differences and what do they set out to achieve?

A

Legislation and regulations place a mandated onus upon the parties, subject to the laws and codes of practice are generally recommended as being good practice by industry peak bodies. Laws aim to insure transactions and works meet minimum standards expected by the “reasonable person” and codes of practice promote industry excellence.

59
Q
  1. List 5 industry stakeholders and explain what they do (roles & responsibilities).
A
  • CAV- Consumer Affairs Victoria, regulate consumer protection laws
  • Heritage Victoria, regulate public heritage assets and manages building works
  • VCAT, low cost authority to hear and resolve disputes
  • Worksafe Victoria, regulate working practices for employers and employees
  • ABCC, Australian Building Construction Commissioner The ABCC’s primary responsibility is to ensure that workplace laws are upheld in the building and construction industry
  • Local council, approval and regulatory authority
  • Architects Registration Board, registration board for architects, investigate complaints and professional indemnity
  • Building Commission- its role is to oversee the regulation and administration of building control in Victoria
  • The Australian Building Codes Board- Addresses issues relating to health, safety, amenity and sustainability by providing for efficiency in the design, construction and performance of buildings through the BCA and the development of effective regulatory systems.
60
Q
  1. Do owner builders have any special requirements to comply with? If so what are they?
A

Ans: Yes. Need insurance and certificate of consent. Must also obtain insurance

61
Q
  1. Who is VCAT and what role do they play in relation to the building industry?
A

Ans: Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, disputes resolution authority. Here public to builder and builder to client disputes

62
Q
  1. What role does council play in terms of building applications?
A

administers planning instruments and implements planning strategies, assesses plans for approval.

63
Q
  1. What do building inspectors do?
A

approve plans and undertake regular inspections to ensure building codes, standards and building plans are being complied with.

64
Q
  1. What role does VCAT play in relation planning applications?
A

: To provide a democratic process to resolve interpretive disputes over planning applications and as a means of highlighting inappropriate applications even though they may technically conform to the scheme.

Sustainable construction (2 decks)

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