Materials 2

Question 1

Structure:

Steel

Answer 1

• Steel frames typically comprise non-form active, rectilinear grids of prefabricated columns and beams.
• Steel has both high compressive and high tensile strength, making it suitable for bracing also.
• It has a high strength to weight ratio, making it ideal for multi-story buildings.
• Connections can be welded, bolted or riveted. Plates can also be welded to beams and columns to create additional support.

Question 2

Structure:

Steel (Advantages and Disadvantages)

Answer 2

Advantages:

1. A wide range of prefabricated structural sections are available.
2. Steel is flexible and therefore good at resisting dynamic loads.
3. Joining methods such as bolting allow fast on-site construction.

Disadvantages:

1. Steel loses strength at high temperatures.
2. It is prone to corrosion in humid or marine environments.
3. It must be erected by skilled tradespeople.

Question 3

Structure:

Timber

Answer 3

Question 4

Structure:

Timber (Advantages and Disadvantages)

Answer 4

Advantages:

1. There are plenty of skilled tradespeople to fabricate and erect, as timberframe is the most common method of constructing domestic and low rise buildings in the UK.
2. Timber with a strength class of C16 is easily available and comes in many standard sizes.
3. It is lightweight and requires simple tools and machinery to construct.

Disadvantages:

1. The frame needs to be protected from spread of fire and engineered solutions are required for beams and columns longer than 5.6m.

Question 5

Structure:

Masonry

Answer 5

Question 6

Wall Build-Up:

Example

Answer 6