12. Construction Tech Reduced Flashcards
(39 cards)
What is substructure?
All elements of work that are undertaken below the damp proof course that provides the basis for the
superstructure to be constructed upon.
What are the Building Regulations
Regulations that set out the minimum performance standards for the design and construction of buildings.
What are the approved documents?
A. Structure.
B. Fire safety.
C. Site preparation and damp proofing.
D. Toxic substances.
E. Sound proofing.
F. Ventilation.
G. Hygiene.
H. Drainage and waste disposal.
I. Not in use.
J. Heating appliances.
K. Protection from falling, collision and impact.
L. Conservation of fuel and power.
M. Disabled access and facilities.
N. Glazing.
O. Not in use.
P. Electrical safety.
What are British Standards?
Publications that give recommended minimum standards for materials, components, design and construction practices.
What are the international standards?
Publications issued by the International Organisation for Standardisation
What is superstructure?
All internal and external works items above the damp proof course.
This is made up of:
o External walls.
o Stairs.
o Roof.
o Structural walls.
o Suspended ceilings.
o Raised floors.
What are the typical components of site investigations?
Their objective is to collect and record data to help with the design and construction process. This should include matters in relation to the site that may impact the development for example:-
o Boundary hedges & fencing.
o Existing trees.
o Size, depth and location of services including gas, telephone, electricity, water & drains.
o Existing buildings.
o Ground water conditions.
o Soil investigations.
o Trial pit information.
What is the purpose of soil investigations?
- Their purpose is to determine the suitability of the site for the proposed works and determine adequate
and economic foundation design. - The investigation should determine the potential difficulties associated with the ground conditions and
assist with identifying a suitable foundation solution.
What are the main site considerations?
- Access considerations.
- Storage considerations.
- Accommodation.
- Temporary services.
- Plant.
- Fencing & hoarding.
- Health & Safety risks.
What are temporary works?
Temporary works do not normally appear on construction drawings but may be required depending on the construction methodology being used.
Temporary works may also be required as a result of health and safety requirements to ensure a safe method of construction
What is a tower crane and what are some considerations during its erection and operation?
- A tower crane is a tall crane used for lifting objects into high places.
- The boom allows a longer reach with 360° access.
- A longer boom reduces the payload capability.
- You would usually use a smaller crane to erect a tower crane.
- Weather conditions could prevent it from working, in particular high, strong winds
What is a scaffold?
- Scaffold is a temporary working platform erected around the perimeter of a building or structure to
provide a safe working place at a convenient height. - Scaffold is usually required for work 1.5m above ground level.
What is shoring?
- Shoring is a form of temporary support given to existing buildings.
- Its purpose is to provide a precaution against damage or injury due to collapse of the structure.
What is a borehole?
- Any shaft drilled into the ground vertically or horizontally
- A borehole can be used for soil investigation or for geothermal heating solutions.
- Boreholes are the most suitable method of soil investigation when foundations are over 3m deep.
- Geothermal boreholes are permanent boreholes that use the Earth’s natural heat to raise the temperature of circulated water.
- This is a closed system and can be used to heat the building above which is adopted as a sustainable technology.
What are piles?
- A series of columns constructed or inserted into the ground to transmit the load of a structure to a
lower level of subsoil. - They are used where no suitable foundations conditions are present near ground level or if there is a
high water table.
What are the different types of piles?
Sheet piles.
o A deep trench is excavated and concrete is poured in situ.
o The piles can be used to form basement walls or act as retaining walls.
Secant piles.
o Interlocking piles (male and female, often different diameters and hardness) are bored to provide a combination of foundations and basement walls.
o They support in providing a waterproof structure and are often seen when a top down construction method is used.
Bored Piles.
o An auger is used to excavate the soil and then concrete is poured in once complete.
Pre-cast piles.
o Piles are and hammered into the ground. This is not often favoured due to the high noise levels associated with installation and the lack of flexibility in terms of depth required.
What is a strip foundation?
- Strip foundations are formed by creating a shallow continuous excavation to support the perimeter and internal walls.
What are the technical advantages of steel frames?
- Steel frames are often quicker to assemble in comparison to alternative methods.
- They are 100% recyclable and inorganic meaning they will not warp, split, crack or creep.
- They offer the highest strength to weight ratio of any building material.
- Steel frames are not vulnerable to termites or any type of fungi or organism.
- They are dimensionally stable and do not expand or contract with moisture or temperature changes.
- Due to strict manufacturing controls, consistent material quality can be obtained due to production
taking place in line with strict standards. - Steel is non-combustible so it will not contribute to the spread of a fire.
- Steel frames are lighter in comparison to concrete frames and will often benefit from a cheaper
foundation solution.
What are the technical disadvantages of steel frames?
- Steel frames require fire protection to be retrospectively installed.
- Fixing components may require replacement over time.
- The price of steel often fluctuates and can result in a lack of cost certainty.
- Installation of steel frames requires experienced builders at an additional cost. Resources can also be
difficult to acquire depending on market conditions.
What are the technical advantages of concrete frames?
- Fire protection is often provided inherently as part of the structure.
- Maintenance requirements associated with concrete frames are relatively low in comparison to alternative methods.
- Concrete frames often provide good sound and heat insulation properties in comparison to steel frame constructions.
What are the technical disadvantages of concrete frames?
- In comparison to steel frames, they are more time consuming to install.
- There may also be complications during the install resulting from colder and inclement weather
conditions. - The need for steel reinforcement can lead to issues around price fluctuations and cost uncertainty
associated with steel frames. - Concrete frames are often heavier and require larger foundations.
What type of building work is covered by the Building regulations?
- The Erection or extension of a building.
- Installation or extension of a service that is controlled by the regulations.
- Alteration projects which will temporarily or permanently affect the building in terms of structure, fire & access.
- Insertion of insulation into cavity walls.
- Underpinning building foundations.
What are building regulations and What are the specific areas covered by the Building Regulations?
- Building regulations are a set of standards and guidelines established by government authorities to ensure that buildings are constructed and maintained to certain minimum standards of safety, health, sustainability, and welfare
- A) Structure.
- B) Fire Safety.
- C) Site preparation and resistance to moisture.
- 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 in relation to impact, opening and cleaning.
- P) Electrical safety.
What are the Building Regulations Approved Documents?
- They provide general guidance on performance of materials expected in order to comply with the
functional requirements of the building regulations & provide practical examples. - They only provide guidance & therefore there is no obligation to adopt specific solutions if it is possible
to meet requirements via a different means.
