Summary of Experience Flashcards
What is the sub-structure of a building?
All elements of work that are undertaken below the damp proof course
provides the basis for the superstructure to be constructed upon.
What is the external envelope?
- The materials and components that form the external shell or enclosure of a building.
- These may be load or non-load bearing.
What is a superstructure of a building?
the superstructure is the construction above ground level that endures the ‘live load’ and provides the basis for the building’s use.
What are the different sections of the Scottish Technical Handbook?
0 General
- Structure
- Fire
- Environment
- Safety
- Noise
- Energy
- Sustainability
How does the Building Safety Act 2022 affect Scotland
New rights of action against parties who do now do not following cladding requirements, mislead people or make defective products. also affects installers
extends limitation period to 30 years if already installed before enactment or 15 years after
What is RAAC
Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete
Is a form of lightweight concrete used to form panels or planks.
Where was it used?
These were mainly used in flat roofs
but also in some floor and wall panel
construction in the UK from the mid-1950s to the mid-1990s.
More common in non-domestic
What are the concerns of RAAC
Not as durable as other concrete materials which can cause it to fail suddenly.
It has a variable service life of around 30 years.
Depends on how it was maintained.
What can cause RAAC to fail?
Poor maintenance to surroundings
damaged by water ingress which penetrated porous compostisition causing damage to reinforcement.
If the design has changed such as additional loads
How it was installed. Cutting the reinforcement bars on site can reduce end baring capacity.
How would you identify RAAC
Typically 600mm wide
V shaped grooves
White or light gray
inside of planks bubbly
No aggregates.
How would you advise a client if you Identified RAAC?
I would undertake a risk assessment which would include the location of the RAAC, its age and Its condition and the condition of surrounding areas.
I would determine if any new works had been introduced
If it was in poor condition or in a high traffic area or sensitive area, I would recommend that areas cornered off or at least propped and a structural engineer review it.
In certain circumstances it may be ok to retain the RAAC, if it was good condition and in area with low traffic, and regularly inspected,
I would advice the client to check their insurance policy
What is overcladding?
Overcladding is the process of applying a ‘second skin’ over an existing roof.
What can you over clad a roof with
Metal sheeting
Cladding
What are the benefits of overcladding?
Minimise disruption
can improve energy efficiency if insulated overcladding is insulated
Can be used to cover asbestos roofs instead of costly removal
For your office sub-division, How did you decide on a slab to slab insulated partition system?
Cheaper than fully glazed
Leading onto a protected corridor so fire considered
Had just finished a separation to the neighbouring space so already had drawings to hand which were approved by building control & building manager.
