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APC Technical Competencies > Construction and Technology and Environmental Services Level 1 > Flashcards

Construction and Technology and Environmental Services Level 1 Flashcards

(133 cards)

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1
Q

What are the stages of design & construction from inception to completion?

A

RIBA Plan of Work Stages:
1. Stage 0 - Strategic Definition
2. Stage 1 - Preparation and brief
3. Stage 2 - Concept Design
4. Stage 3 - Spatial co-ordination
5. Stage 4 - Technical design
6. Stage 5 - Manufacture and Construction
7. Stage 6 - Handover
8. Stage 7 - Occupation

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2
Q

What is substructure?

A

An element of building refered to in NRM2 as element
It includes foundations up to and including damp proof course.

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3
Q

What is superstructure?

A

The superstructure is an element of building - refers to external walls of building above ground floor level

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4
Q

What is the external envelope?

A

The external walls, roof and windows - all needed to make structure water and windtight

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5
Q

What are the Building Regulations?

A

A set of standards designed to ensure a property is safe and comfortable to live in / occupy and increasingly also energy efficient and mitigate carbon emissions.
Cover various aspects of building design and construction including thermal heat loss, safety glazing, ventilation, fire safety, access to buildings.
Approved docs - A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L, M O, P, Q, R, S, T

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6
Q

What different ways can you consider the different stages?

A

The RIBA plan of work stages outline various different aspects of design of building.
Outline key objective, deliverables and considerations at each step.
Different sets of documents prepared
Different professional parties have diff roles

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7
Q

What is the impact of current legislation regulations and standards both national and international

A
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8
Q

Tell me about how the various elements of a building work and interrelate including: sub structures super structures

A

NRM 2 breaks down a building into various elements which are used for purposes of preparing cost estimates and pricing documents.

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9
Q

Tell me about the process of construction and alteration.

A
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10
Q

Tell me about your understanding of operational and maintenance processes.

A

Operational and maintenance processes are the broad set of activities involved in managing and maintaining built assets.
Typically encompass an array of tasks focused on ensuring physical assets are operating efficiently, continuously and safely.

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11
Q

Tell me about your understanding of alternative construction details in relation to functional elements of the design such as different types of piling or structural frame solutions.

A

Piling:
- bored/screwed pile
- continuous flight auger pile
- piled raft foundation
- precast pile

Structural frame:
- timber frame
- steel frame
- structural insulated panels (SIPS)
- Insulated concrete forms

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12
Q

Tell me about how construction design solutions vary for different types of buildings such as clear span or acoustic requirements.

A

Clear span design - need to use materials that are capable of providing the span required without support - steel can span larger distances than timber.

Acoustic requirements - different materials offer different acoustic properties. Thin partition walls for example will not offer good acoustic insulation, concrete or brick more dense and will prevent sound travelling.

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13
Q

Talk me through the various stages of the RIBA plan of work.

A

1) Stage 0 Strategic definition - initial requirement identified
2) Stage 1 Preparation and briefing - professional team appointed and work with client to develop the brief - identify what is required and what essential to succesful project.
3) stage 2 Concept design - Initial design drawings, put together cost estimate. At this stage could do D&B tender
4) Stage 3 Spatial Coordination - D&B tender starts?
5) Stage 4 Technical design - Traditional procurement will do tender docs at this stage
6) Stage 5 Manufacturing and Construction - construction drawings
7) Stage 6 Handover

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14
Q

How do you adhere to CDM 2015?

A

Construction (Design and Management) Regs requirements outlined in RICS practice guidance
“Design and Specification”.
By being aware of the requirement and ensuring that lead consultant is making provision for them in the project and advising the client of its obligations.

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15
Q

What do you investigate in stages 1-4?

A

Client requirements, initial project parameters. Develop client brief and identify key factors that will result in succesful project outcome.
Feasibility

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16
Q

What are the benefits of offsite construction?

A

Reduce waste
Increase productivity (not restricted by weather)
Ensure quality

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17
Q

What regulations are there which control the design of a project?

A

Outlined in RICS “Design and Specification”
- Town and Country planning acts
- Public health (Building regulations)
- Construction (Design and Management) Regulations
- Control of Asbestos

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18
Q

Tell me about the stages of construction design.

A

RIBA plan of work stages
Stage 0
to Stage 6

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19
Q

What do you understand by substructure?

A

The foundations of built asset up to damp proof course

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20
Q

Give me an example of a substructure.

A

Foundations -
Raft foundations
Strip foundations
Pad foundations

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21
Q

What do you understand by superstructure in construction?

A

Structure of built asset above damp proof course - eg external walls

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22
Q

Give me two examples of superstructure of a building?

A

Steel frame, block and timber clad ground floor, timber frame and timber clad first floor.

Block and brick cavity wall.

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23
Q

What sorts of surveys can be carried out during construction works?

A

Measured survey
Fire audit and survey
Asbestos survey
Accessibility survey

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24
Q

What is the importance of levelling during highways work?

A

Don’t do highway work but understand that it is necessary to facilitate proper water drainage.

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25
What are the types of foundation you are aware of?
piled foundations raft or mat foundations strip foundations pad foundations
26
What sort of construction can each of the foundations be used for?
27
What are the Building Regulations?
A set of standards designed to ensure a property is safe and comfortable to live in and increasingly energy efficient and mitigating its contribution to carbon emissions
28
What are the approved documents? Give some examples.
Approved documents provide guidance on ways to meet the building regulations: Approved Doc A: Structure Approved Doc B: Fire Safety Approved doc F: ventilation Approved doc M: Access to and use of buildings Approved doc P: electrical safety
29
What is your understanding of a soil investigation?
Take samples and conduct test to understand the properties, strengths and weaknesses of soil
30
What are temporary works?
Work that is necessary to facilitate the construction of the asset but which don't form part of the finished structure - eg support for walls or roof
31
What are the approved documents?
The approved documents are guides to how to comply with building regulations - each relate to different part of construction Approved doc A - structure Approved doc B - fire safety Approved doc H - drainage and waste disposal Approved doc M - Access and use of buildings Approved doc P - electrical safety
32
What are British Standards?
Standards produced by BSI Group and set standards for quality of goods and services
33
What are the typical components of site investigations?
Phase 1 - desk study Phase 2 - Intrusive site investigation Phase 3 - Post site investigation (detailed site investigation; construction control; soil investigation; environmental monitoring; slope stability assessment) Phase 4 - Site investigation report
34
What are the main site considerations?
Brief Concept robustness Orientation Plan, section, elevation Entrance Form and Massing Approach to sustainability Approach to CDM
35
What is a retained façade?
Keeping the external wall/ structure of previous built asset and constructing new build behind it
36
What are temporary works?
Works that are necessary to enable the construction of the built asset but which do not form part of the completed building.
37
What is landfill tax?
Tax payable for disposal of waste to landfill
38
What is a tower crane and how do you erect one?
Large piece of construction equipment used to lift and move heavy materials and equipment on construction site. Inverted L-shaped structure that is a self-building and can allow building to be constructed adjacent to or around it.
39
What would stop a tower crane from working?
High winds - shouldn't be used if wind is greater than 45mph some in lighter winds.
40
What is a scaffold?
A temporary or movable platform used by workers to stand or sit on when working at a height above the floor or ground.
41
What is shoring?
Temporary support for building, structure or trench with props to maintain stability during construction, renovation or repair work.
42
What are hoists?
Mechanical device used to raise or lower heavy loads
43
What is a foundation?
The lowest part of a built structure that supports and anchors the superstructure - the basis or groundwork on which a structure rests
44
What are the main components of concrete?
Cement Aggregates Water Additives
45
What is a borehole?
A narrow shaft drilled into the ground
46
What are piles?
Deep foundation made of long slender columns made of materials such as concrete, steel or timber. Driven deep into ground to transfer structural loads
47
What are the different types of piles?
- driven piles - bored piles - rotary bored piles - continuous flight auger piles - driven or cast in situ piles - aggregate piles - sheet piles
48
What are the different ways that the piles transfer their load to the surrounding ground?
End bearing - transmit loads directly to a deeper strong soil or rock layer Friction piles - transfer load by friction between surrounding soil and surface of the pile over its full length
49
How does load pass from the top of a single storey building to the foundations?
Live load usually distributed across floor joists which transfer load to supporting walls and then down to foundation. Load path is composed of series of structural members including beams, columns, walls and foundations. Efficient load path design helps to distribute loads throughout structure preventing any one component from being overloaded.
50
What are the different types of load?
Dead loads - permanent loads due to weight of structure itself and fixed elements Live loads - temporary loads due to occupants, furniture etc Wind loads - forces exerted by wind on building Seismic loads - earthquake induced forces Dynamic loads - loads resulting from vibrations or impact
51
How does load pass from the top of a 5-storey building to the foundations?
First roof walls and floors transferred to foundation through load-bearing walls, columns and beams. Structural components distribute weight evenly so no single point of foundation overloaded
52
How do you construct a strip foundation?
Allocate and mark location of load-bearing retaining wall Dig foundation trench Build framework to support concrete Include excavated trench of at least 1m depth and solid concrete base.
53
How do you construct a pad foundation?
Mark out location Excavate to require depth Place reinforcement and construct formwork pour concrete
54
What is the difference between bored/pre-cast piles?
Bored piles a narrow shaft is excavated (drilled) concrete cast in place Pre-cast concrete piles are driven into the ground
55
What is a raft foundation?
Thick reinforced concrete slab supports building or structure - designed to spread load or structure of building over large area. Uniformly thick and tend to cover entire area of buildings footprint.
56
Under what conditions would you expect a raft foundation to be used for a substructure?
Used to support structures like residential or commercial building where soil condition is poor - load need to be distributed over large area - columns or walls placed so closely that individual footing would overlap - stress on soil needs to be reduced
57
What is a strip foundation?
Foundation that runs under length of structural wall
58
What are pad foundations?
Deeper reinforced foundations that connect strip foundations
59
What was the depth of the pad foundations on your project?
Varied - some 1m some less
60
How do you measure the strength of concrete?
Compressive strength - the force required to break cylindrical concrete specimens Unit is pounds per square inch
61
What are retaining walls?
Walls that support higher ground behind them
62
What are the main types of excavation?
1) Trench excavation 2) Basement excavation 3) Cut and fill excavation 4) Slope excavation 5) Dredging 6) Footing excavation 7) Pit excavation 8) Rock excavation
63
What is a basement?
Level of building that sits either partially or wholly underground
64
What are the different types of basement construction?
1. Traditional stone and brick basement 2. Modern concrete basement 3. Innovative insulated concrete forms 4. poured concrete walls 5. Concrete block or masonry walls 6. Stone and clay tile walls 7. Precast panels
65
What are the main methods of waterproofing a basement?
External waterproofing Waterproof concrete Tanking system Sump as back up
66
What is scabbling?
Mechanical process of removing thin layer of concrete or masonry from a structure
67
What are the technical advantages of steel frames?
Strength Flexibility Speed of construction Safety - fire resistance Sustainability
68
What are the technical disadvantages of steel frames?
- Thermal conductivity - reduced flexibility on site - supporting structures required -
69
What are the technical advantages of concrete frames?
High compressive strength durability fire resistance versatile design low maintenance cost effective
70
What are the technical disadvantages of concrete frames?
lower tensile strength need for formwork to construct potential for cracking due to shrinkage heavy weight, so can pose challenges to construct and transport Environmental impact - not sustainable Construction time - got to wait for curing (especially if poured in-situ)
71
What is powder coating?
Dry powder finish to increase durability and improve weather resistance
72
What is intumescent paint?
Reactive fire protection coating that swell and foams when exposed to heat to form a thick insulating layer that protects structural materials from fire damage
73
How do you apply intumescent paint?
Can be sprayed or brushed on in layers - need to adhere to manufacturers guidelines for drying times. Spray application will give more uniform finish. Quite a thick paint
74
What is the size of a typical brick?
215mm x 102.5 wide
75
How many bricks are in a M2?
60 if building half brick wall or one layer wall - provided
76
What are formworks?
timber or other material that is used to create a frame for concrete to be poured into. Formwork usually removed, but sometimes left - eg nudura blocks
77
What is shoring?
temporary support to structure
78
What do you understand by underpinning?
Adding depth or breadth to existing foundations
79
What are the factors that may affect the choice of an internal partition?
acoustic requirements, size of space that is to be partitioned, permanence, appearance, location in built asset
80
What was the underlying cause of the Grenfell Tower fire?
Cladding material assisted spread of fire between floors
81
What changes have been made to avoid similar disasters in future?
RICS has focussed on fire safety, cladding issues and impact of Grenfell Tower enquiry on construction professionals. RICS played advisory role in developing changes to legislation - Building Safety Act Knowledge sharing with members Developing FIre Safety Standards Coalition document IFSS Common principles Supporting replacement of cladding materials in high rise buildings
82
How do you appreciate the impact of construction technology on project cost?
83
Explain your understanding of the following; demolition
Safely and efficiently tearing down buildings and other artificial structures
84
Explain your understanding of the following; site preparation
The process of preparing the site for future construction work. Grading land Compacting soil Clearing vegetation
85
Explain your understanding of the following; foundation systems
Structural components that support a building and transfer its weight to the ground ensuring stability and preventing damage
86
Explain your understanding of the following;substructures
The part of the building that is below ground level - includes foundations, basements and any other structures below the ground floor.
87
Explain your understanding of the following ; superstructures (e.g. frames bridges)
The portion of the building or structure that is above ground level. Visible part of the building that includes elements like walls, floors, roofs, window or doors and structural frame that supports them.
88
Explain your understanding of the following ; building envelopes (e.g. external walls roofs)
The exterior shell of a building - five components - foundations - exterior walls - roof - windows - doors
89
Explain your understanding of the following; internal structures (e.g. partitions doors)
Load bearing elements and supporting systems within a building that are not part of the exterior walls. Structural engineering - eg - walls - floors - ceilings - foundations - beams - columns
90
Explain your understanding of the following; finishes
The final surface treatments and materials applied to a building after main structural components are complete. Enhance aesthetics, functionality, durability and provide polished and functional environment for building occupants
91
Explain your understanding of the following; fixtures and fittings
Any object that is permanently affixed or built into the property and cannot be removed without the use of tools. Can be attached to any part of the property internally and externally eg. cabinetry plumbing sanitaryware kitchen
92
Explain your understanding of the following; service installations (including underground drainage and transportation systems)
Service installations are parts of mechanical and electrical system such as sewers, drains, watercourse, ducts, main wire cables, conduits, tanks etc
93
Explain your understanding of the following; external works
Anything outside the built asset. Can include functional and aesthetic features. Could be landscaping, drainage, parking, soft landscaping, hard landscaping
94
Explain your understanding of the following; landscaping
Designing constructing and maintaining outside spaces.
95
Explain your understanding of the following; road pavement and rail track works
Civil engineering - intrastructure work
96
Explain your understanding of the following; major earthworks and tunnelling.
Earthworks whose construction causes major disturbance to the land or bed or subsoil under waters Eg road construction, railway beds, causeways, dams, levees, canals
97
Explain how sustainability requirements have been included in your choice of materials or construction methods.
Include sustainability where possible but materials choices and construction methods are down to the designer and client. We can make suggestions of alternative sustainable options and impact on budget - present them as an option
98
Explain your understanding of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). give some examples
Construction that is not traditional. - off site manufacture - pods / modular buildings - pre-cast foundations and pre-formed wiring - pre-fabricated floor and roof cassettes - timber framing
99
What is the benefit of prefabrication?
In controlled environments - not affected by weather In controlled environments - less waste - quality is controlled - may be easier to get skilled workers - based in area where accessible to employees
100
Why might prefabrication be problematic?
Long lead times Transport issues - large units hard to deliver to restricted sites
101
How do concrete and steel frames compare?
Steel offers superior strength faster construction timelines and greater design flexibility - whilst concrete has good compressibility, fire resistance and durability and stability.
102
Explain partitioning systems you are aware of.
Non-load bearing walls that separate different areas for privacy, acoustic control and aesthetic purposes. - brick partitions wall - concrete partitions wall - glass partitions wall - timber and plaster
103
Explain your understanding of cladding and glazing systems.
Cladding systems: - stone cladding - brick cladding - UPVC cladding - metal cladding - timber cladding - glass cladding
104
What does hard and soft landscaping mean?
Hard landscaping - built structures within external area. Walls, fences, paved areas, Soft landscaping - planting, living elements - grass, flowers, shrubs, trees, soils
105
Explain your understanding of services technology.
106
What type of M&E systems are you aware of?
Mechanical: - plumbing - hot and cold water - drains - heating - central heating - underfloor heating Electrical : - domestic circuit - audio visual - lighting (internal or external) - security system - CCTV
107
What are mains services?
Foul water Surface water drainage Mains water Electricity gas?
108
Explain your understanding of air condition and ventilation systems.
Heating and cooling system for commercial or residential building Ventilation - controls flow of air ensures fresh air into property
109
Explain types of fire safety and security systems you are aware of.
Fire safety: - sprinkler systems - water mist systems - CO2 systems - Dry chemical system Security systems: - CCTV - access control systems
110
What environmental control systems are you aware of?
Environmental control system: - monitors temperature, humidity, air flow, lighting, water usage, waste disposal
111
Explain your understanding of party wall issues and rights of light.
Party wall issues: party wall is shared structure divides two properties (in different ownership) - need to get permission to do work to party wall and monitor impact of work on party wall. Rights of light: right of occupant of property to light into their property - neighbouring property shouldn't do anything obstruct, interfere or reduce light flow.
112
What dangerous or banned substances are you aware of?
- Asbestos - Lead - silica dust - volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in paints and solvents
113
What are the implications you need to consider when specifying insulation?
R-value (materials thermal resistance) U-value that needs to be achieved for property Moisture resistance Fire safety Environmental impact
114
What surveys would you expect to undertake prior to designing a foundation?
Ground investigation Soil survey Arboricultural survey Drainage / services survey
115
What other factors would you consider when designing a foundation?
Type of structure - weight and height Potential loadings on foundation
116
What is the purpose of a cavity tray?
To stop condensation / water running down into internal skin of wall.
117
What are the different structural forms a building a take?
Rectangular Triangular CIrcular Shell Structure Grid structure
118
Give examples of residential commercial and industry structures.
Residential structures : house bungalow flats Commercial: shop office Industrial: factory warehouse
119
Describe 3 types of flat roof structures and how they are made up.
GRP covered: Green roof
120
Explain the changes and requirements in the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations. - when did they come into force?
- energy efficiency section - caravan park requirements - medical locations requirements - marinas and similar location requirements - requirements for electrical installation in construction sites - 1 Jan 2019
121
Explain what you understand by the NHBC Standards.
Standards for new build houses - NHBC is insurance based warranty for construction of new build residential properties
122
Give an example of one of the standards.
- structural elements including foundations, walls, and roof structure - weatherproofing systems, from roof tiles to damp proof courses - fire resistance materials and components - thermal and sound insulation - heatings, electrical installations and plumbing
123
How does the construction of a cavity and a solid wall differ?
Insulation - thermal bridging requirements different - damp proof course - installation of windows and doors
124
Explain different types of roof construction you are aware of.
-pitched roof - flat roof - green roof
125
What is thermal movement?
Expansion and contraction of a building due to changes in temperature, moisture and humidity
126
What is the difference between a cold and warm deck flat roof?
Where the insulation is located: On a cold deck roof insulation is primarily between rafters so roof build up is thinner. On a warm roof the insulation is above the substrate allowing for deeper construction and thicker insulation materials improving thermal performance and reducing heat loss.
127
What is an inverted roof?
Type of flat roof construction where waterproofing layer is positioned below the insulating layer.
128
What are traditional construction techniques?
Brick and block Timber frame Concrete
129
What are the advantages of alternative roof coverings? - How do these support sustainability?
Alternative roof coverings include green roof: - vegetation on roof - improves biodiversity - reduces water run off - increases insulation
130
How do you assess the long and short-term implications of construction solutions?
How do you assess long and short term implications of construction solutions - RICS life cycle costing guidance assesses initial capital costs, maintenance, operational costs, eventual disposal costss. Lifecycle costing Whole life costing
131
What update was made to the RIBA plan of works?
in 2020 first overhaul since 2013 - Includes sustainable design
132
What are the key stages of the RIBA plan of works for a cost consultant?
Stage 1 - preparation and brief - essential for cost planning and estimating Stage 3 - Developed Design - project design is refined and cost planning and estimating used to establish the projects cost estimates.
133
What level of design information would you expect at each stage?
Stage 2 and 3 Concept design - sufficient detail for tender on D&B project Stage 4 - more detailed design sufficient for tender on traditional procurement Stage 5 - construction / technical drawings prepared

APC Technical Competencies (20 decks)

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