Construction Technology and Environmental Services (L3) Flashcards
(113 cards)
1
Q
Queensbury Extension - What was the challenge for providing level access to site?
A
- Entry and exit points to each end of the school at varying ground levels
- Site topography was different across the build area
- Deviations in levels across the site required careful planning and consideration to provide level access at all points
2
Q
What is ADM?
A
Approved Document M - Access to and Use of Buildings
3
Q
What is ADK?
A
- Approved Document K - Protection from Falling, Collision and Impact
4
Q
Queensbury Extension - Why is block and beam more suitable than other floors for construction of ramps?
A
- Flexible construction method which allows sections to be constructed and staggered to align with the requirements
- Does not require specialist bespoke slabs and therefore less costly than pre fabricated panels of concrete
- Allows for the integration of underground services with access at certain points where required
- Strong, stable structure resistant to sagging and bowing with age
- Quick and easy construction on site
- Complies with building regulation for load bearing
- Resistant to decay and insect infestations which would affect timber structure
5
Q
Wilson Stuart Modular - What was the design of the walls?
A
- Timber frame with studs and plasterboard
6
Q
Wilson Stuart - What was the specification of the hoist?
A
- Guldmann GH3
- Over the wall rail system
- Wall supported hoist track and support
7
Q
Wilson Stuart - What is a single hoist?
A
- One hoist and hoist track serving all rooms within the facility
8
Q
Wilson Stuart Modular - How many structural supports did the hoist need and what was the specification of the corner posts?
A
- Wall mounted track system
- Timber stud walls with patress boarding within the walls for supporting the corner posts rails
9
Q
What are the two ways piled foundations transfer loads?
A
- Friction
- Load is applied to the pile, and pushed down into the soil, the soil surrounding the pile resists this movement, creating friction
- The deeper the pile, the more frictional resistant
- When ground conditions beneath contain soft or loose soils and bedrock or hard strata is too low to reach
- Point Load (End bearing)
- The load applied to the pile is transferred directly to the soil or rock at the piles tip
- When bedrock or hard strata are accessible
- Pile is anchored in a stable, load bearing layer beneath weaker surface soils
- Bored Piles, Driven Piles, Vibrating Pile Driving
10
Q
Tell me the typical U Values for Cavity Wall, Double-glazed unit, window, flat roof, floors?
A
- Cavity Wall = 0.26
- Windows = 0.16
- Flat Roof = 0.18
- Floors = 0.18
11
Q
What is the U Value unit measurement?
A
- Watts per square meter per Kelvin (W/m²K)
12
Q
What do U Values calculate?
A
- Measures the rate of heat transfer through a building element, indicating how well it insulates.
- It’s a measure of thermal transmittance, and a lower U-value means better insulation.
13
Q
Queensbury Sixth Form - How does ring beam work?
A
- Reinforoced concrete beam which is a continuous loop around the perimeter of the building
- Placed at foundations and can also be found at mid levels, connecting vertical supports in multi storey buildings
- Ensures stability and reduces risk of differential settlement
14
Q
Queensbury Extension - What was the build up of these cavity walls?
A
- 100mm Brickwork, 100mm cavity with 90mm PIR Insulation boards, 140mm Medium Density Concrete Block
15
Q
Moulton - What are the maximum travel distances for escape in 1 direction and for escape in 2 directions?
A
- 18m maximum for escape in 1 direction
- 45m maximum for escape in 2 directions
16
Q
What are some of the key requirements for a fire escape route under Building Regulations?
A
- Must be well lit and have clear signage and direction signage
- Emergency lighting must be provided
- Final exit door must open in the direction of the exit
- Final exit doors must be single action opening mechanism I.e push bar
- Fire resistance of doors along escape route
- Electrically powered doors must unlock in the event of a fire alarm
- Doors along fire escape routes must have vision panels
- Minimum clear headroom of 2m
17
Q
Queensbury - What considerations were there for an external ramp? Under building regulations Part B?
A
- Ramp must comply with gradients outlined in Part M
- Handrail design in accordance with Part K
- Landings at the top and bottom of ramps should be at least 1200mm in depth, or minimum width of the ramp
- Slip resistant floor
18
Q
Queensbury extension - What advice was given to the falls / gradients?
A
- In accordance with gradients outlined in Part M
- Ramps should be a maximum length of 10m with a maximum fall of 500mm, with a 1:20 gradient
- Maximum gradient of ramp of ramp is 1:12
- Should be minimum 1500mm width for non-residential and 900mm for dwellings
19
Q
Why did you use a beam and block floor? Can you draw this?
A
- Flexible construction
- Solid, durable, stable surface for ramps
- Allows for quick constriction on site
- Allows for access to underground services
- High in strength, subject to structural engineer review
20
Q
Explain the levels of combustibility of products?
A
- A1 and A2 = Non-combustible
- B to D = Very Limited to medium contribution to fire
- E to F = High contribution to easily flammable
21
Q
What different types of foundation are you aware of?
A
Shallow Foundations
- Strip Foundations
Most cost effective continuous strip of foundation at the base of trench typically 225mm deep, sub structure built on top. For small low rise buildings - Trench Fill Foundations
Trench is filled with concrete, to provide a more rigid foundation for areas with higher risk such as loose soil or trees - Pad Foundations
For more industrial use placed beneath columns or piers, concrete slab with reinforced concrete base. Simple and cost effective for structures with widely spread columns - Raft Foundations
Thick concrete covers entire footprint, heavily reinforced
Deep Foundations
- Pile Foundation (Point Load)
- Pile Foundation (Friction)
Suitable for grounds with deep, loose, weak soils, and for heavy structures and loads
22
Q
What are bored piles?
A
- Large diameter piles with reinforcement and concrete infill into holes
- Less disturbance than driven piles and can be used in a variety of ground conditions, including under water
23
Q
What’s the difference between bored piles and driven piles?
A
The key difference between bored and driven piles lies in their construction method and point of manufacture.
- Bored piles are constructed on-site by drilling a hole and filling it with concrete
- Driven piles, on the other hand, are prefabricated off-site and then hammered into the ground using a pile driver
24
Q
What type of buildings would use a pad foundation?
A
- Low rise-residential buildings and apartments
- Light commercial buildings; shops, offices, restaurants
- Industrial buildings; focused light loads
25
How would you design foundations for a low rise property?
- Undertake ground investigations to ascertain the ground and soil conditions
- Undertake trial pits and bore hill inspections as necessary
- Determine building loads and use
- Shallow foundations for sufficient bearing capacity
- Strip or pad foundation, structural engineers to review
26
What factors would influence foundation design?
- Type and proposed use of building
- Predicted loads of the building
- Depth of bedrock
- Ground investigations for and testing of soils
- Presence of trees and surrounding landscaping
- Existing foundations for refurbishments
- Proximity to adjacent owners and adjacent foundations
27
What information would you need to design foundations?
- Ground investigation results
- Building use and design
- Predicted loads for the building
- Environmental and climatic factors; higher temperatures can impact materials such as concrete expansion and contraction which can lead to cracking
28
What other technologies are there to reduce CO2 emissions?
- Use of renewable energy such as PVs which can be installed to roofs
- Energy efficient heating and cooling systems such as radiant heating
- Use of air source heat pumps
- Absence detection to for lighting
- Natural ventilation considerations
- Recycled materials and re using grounds excavated
29
What is natural ventilation and what types of natural ventilation are there?
- Spaces can manage to stay cool without relying on mechanical systems
- Natural ventilation is maximised by cross-ventilation
Types include:
- Single side ventilation;
One or more windows on the same facade. Width of the room should not exceed 2.5 times its height.
- Cross ventilation;
Windows that are located on opposite sides of the room
- Stack ventilation
Window on one facade and incorporation of roof window
- Hybrid ventilation
Combination of natural and mechanical ventilation. Natural ventilation is used for most part of the year, enabling fresh air to come in from outside the building
30
Do you undertake measured surveys?
- Yes I have done where the client did not have available detailed plan of the areas being refurbished
- Simple measured surveys in preparation for design works
31
Drone surveys - Give me an overview of the requirements for UK law?
- Need to hold a licence from the Cvil Aviation Authority
- Adequate knowledge and training on drone use
- UK airspace regulations compliance
- GDPR- Ensure data is kept minimised and local residents notified of use if required
- Insurance for drone use and Public Liability insurance
32
What is a U Value?
Units = W/m2K (Watts per meter squared Kelvin)
- Thermal efficiency of materials to withhold heat
- How effective a building material is as an insulator
- The lower the value the better the material is at insulating and reducing heat loss
33
What are the various U Values for New Build / Refurbishments? Walls, floors, roof?
- Walls = 0.26 W/m2K
- Floors = 0.18 W/m2K
- Windows = 0.16 W/m2K
- Roofs = 0.18 W/m2K
- As outlined in Building Regulations Part L - Conservation of Fuel and Power
34
Give an overview of the RIBA plan of works?
- Provides a framework for consistency across the industry for stages of a construction project
- Stages 0-7 outlining key outputs and tasks for each stage
- Identifies different stages of appointment, design, construction, and use of a building
35
What is NBS Chorus?
- National Building Specifications
- Tool used for procuring building speciations and contract specifications
- Consistent approach and format for production of building speciations across the industry
36
Explain the advantages of REVIT compared to CAD?
- Allows for 3D modelling and visualisation of design works
- Allows for increased collaboration with multiple users being able to work on the same model simultaneously
- Improves post handover stage for facilities management and maintenance
- Automated documentation
- Clash detection
- Design accuracy
37
What does a cold smoke seal do on a fire door?
- Stops smoke penetrating around the door linings in the event of a fire prior to the heat activating the intumescent strips
38
Explain what to look for on a new Fire Door?
- Installqtion certification and approvals
- Gaps between door and door frame, I.e tops and edges should be between 2-4mm
- Bottom is generally 8-10mm but can vary dependant on manufacturer, presence of smoke seals, or floor type
- Look for certification markings
- BS 476 Compliance, I.e passed fire test requirements
- Cold smoke seals and intumescent strips
- Opening and shutting completely when / door closer functionality
- Fire resistant door hinges
- Correct installations
- Unmodified surface or components
39
Client wants to install a new mechanical combination lock on a new fire door, can you do that?
- No, unless the lock has been tested for fire compliance in line with manufacturer of the door and fixing approved by the manufacturer of this particular door
40
What are the key stages of design?
1. Pre-design stage
- Briefing, feasibility, initial consultations
2. Concept Design
- Drafts, sketches, design approvals
3. Design Development
- Refinement of plans, M&E, C&S etc
4. Construction Documentation
- Detailed drawings, specifications, tender documents
5. Bidding or Tendering
- Tender, contractor selection, contract signing
6. Construction Phase
- Mobilisation, construction, supervision
7. Post-Construction
- Commissioning and handover
8. Post Occupancy Evaluation
- Education and maintenance
41
How do design solutions vary for different types of buildings?
Residential:
- Comfort, privacy, functionality
Commercial:
- Business, high foot traffic, flexible
Schools:
- Security, safety, long-term durability
Industrial Buildings:
- Efficiency, specialised equipment storage etc
42
Why is the operation and maintenance important?
- Provides information on safe use for occupiers and building owner of various systems
- Health and safety hazards such as toxic substances outlined
- How to maintain the systems and maintain produce guarantees
- Ensure proper training to all users on systems and functions
- Information on energy efficiency and sustainability
- Safety and compliance
43
What are strip foundations? What are the types?
- Type of shallow foundation where trenches are dug
- Used when ground is stable and excessive loads not proposed
- Continuous strip foundation for load bearing walls is poured to bottom of trench to a minimum of 225mm
- For use on low rise residential buildings primarily
Types or strip foundation:
1. Traditional Strip foundations;
- Concrete strip is poured into the trench
2. Reinforced Strip foundations;
- Reinforced with steel rebar to provide additional strength
3. Slab and Beam Strip Foundations;
- Continuous strip of foundation with embedded beams to help distribute load
44
45
What are trenchfill foundations?
- Type of shallow foundation
- Trench is dug and concrete is poured into the trench to the fill
- Method is used for less stable grounds and areas with higher risk to foundations, i.e near trees
- Usually up to a maximum of 2m before a different foundation is utilised
- Wider and deeper than traditional strip foundations
- Light to moderate loads
- Areas with uniform soil
46
What are pile foundations? What are the types?
- Type of deep foundation
- Used for more substantial structures with heavier loading requirements
- Used when ground conditions are not stable and deeper foundations are required
Types of Pile Foundation:
Point load - When bed rock or hard strata are accessible, the load is transferred directly to the rock and the tip of the pile
Friction - When bedrock or hard strata are not accessible and too deep to reach, the pile driven into the ground creates friction with the soil and the resistance provides a loading capacity
Methods for Installation:
Bored Piles - Piles are drilled into the ground and cast in situ with concrete pour on site
Driven Piles - Pre cast concrete is driven into the ground, manufactured off site
47
What are the the external and internal wall types?
External:
- Cavity wall, brick, cavity, insulation, block work, plasterboard
Internal
- Concrete block wall with plasterboard
- Timber or metal stud wall with plasterboard
48
External and internal wall types - What are advantages and disadvantages of these?
External wall types:
Cavity Wall
- Advantages include the use of insulation within the cavity to increase the thermal performance and energy efficiency, provides a barrier between the external and internal skin to reduce bridging for damp, increased sound insulation, improved structural performance
- Disadvantages include the higher cost to build, speed of construction takes longer, potential for damp due to poor workmanship, poor drainage, maintenance of insulation is difficult
Internal wall types:
Block work wall
- Advantages include the strength of the wall and its load bearing capacity for structures such as roofs and floors, durability and hard wearing surface, sound insulation, fire resistance, low maintenance
- Disadvantages include the loading requirements of heavier material, inattravive and rough, inability to have concealed services, cracking
Timber / Metal stud walls
- Advantages include the speed of construction on site, flexibility for future refurbishments, ability to run concealed services, lightweight and little loading requirements
- Disadvantages include the lack of load bearing capacity, susceptible to damage in certain environments, higher maintenance, moisture and rot to timber, less durable
49
Queensbury 6th Form - What different types of construction?
- Main original block was built using ring beam construction and solid walls with no voids and surface mounted services
- Later extensions were of cavity construction with timber roof joists and service voids
50
Queensbury 6th Form - What different types of construction?
- Main original block was built using ring beam construction and solid walls with no voids and surface mounted services
- Later extensions were of cavity construction with timber roof joists and service voids
- Careful thought was required as to the heights and orientation of the new extension to utilise the service voids and existing service routing to avoid surface mounted fixings
51
What is a solid ring beam construction?
- Solid walls, masonry double skim, bricks and mortar
- Concrete ring beam construction, continuous beam around the footprint of the building
- Placed at the base of walls and floors
- Concrete slab floors supported by solid masonry constructed stair core and internal walls
52
What were the implications of mechanical and electrical service routing?
- New extension to utilise existing service voids of previous extensions and existing service voids of main block to alleviate the need for surface mounted conduit
53
What are the benefits and limitations of surface mounted services?
- Advantages include the ability to adjust and alter the services, flexibility or routing services, easily accessible and maintenance, cost of installation and quicker construction
- Disadvantages include the services fized to wall with an untidy appearance, possibility of tamper to services fixed to wall,
54
What’s included in the concept design?
- Sketch and draft design options
- Legal and regulatory compliance considerations
- Meetings and coordination
- Structural considerations
- Sustainability considerations
55
Moulton - What was the relevant regulations?
- Building Regulations Part B
- BB100
- BB103
56
What are the maximum travel distances under Part B?
- 18m for fire escapes in one direction
- 45m for fire escapes in multiple directions (25m in high risk buildings)
57
Moulton - Any further considerations for multi storey?
- Building Regulations Part M, Access to and Use of Buildings
- Building Regulations Part K, Protection from falling, collision and impact
58
Queensbury - What are the minimum requirements for level access?
- All doors must have a level threshold or raised no more than 15mm
- Step free access, ramp or level threshold
- Where ramp, should not exceed more than a 1:12 gradient
- Non slip, smooth surface
Guidance:
- Part M
- Equality Act 2010
- BS8300
59
What are the stipulations for internal and external ramps?
- Maximum 10m length ramp with a 500mm fall, 1:20
- Maximum gradient of 1:12
- Landing required to top and bottom of ramps at least the width of the ramp or 1200mm
- Minimum width of ramp should be 1500mm
- Review Part M for table on gradients, falls and lengths of ramps
60
What are the requirements for handrails?
- Handrails between 900mm-1000mm
- Extend at the top and bottom of the ramp by at least 300mm
- Allow for firm grip with a diameter of 32mm to 50mm warm to the touch
- If ramp has a drop off, edge protection (kerb) or midrail required to prevent wheelchairs falling off
- 1 handrail for 1000mm width
- 2 handrails for 1000mm+ width
61
How do handrails relate to Part K?
- Regulations for and stipulating design measures for Protection from falls, collision and impact
62
Why did you advise beam and block floor would provide flexibility?
- Constructed in 300mm sections, more flexible design for serious of ramps provide different FFL as opposed to solid concrete floor
- Allows for access to underground services and easy maintenance
- Ease of construction and adaptability
- Minimal structural interfaces
63
Did you consider using any other type of floor?
Solid concrete floor
- lack of void, costly and complex to implement and concrete would need to be bespoke pre cast
- If cast in situ, higher risk of installation issues and durability as as result
Suspended Timber floor
- Less long term durability and strength due to aging of timber for high foot traffic areas
- More prone to movement from differing temperatures
- Prone to decay and infestation, requires higher maintenance
64
What is a common hoist system?
- ‘Over the wall’ track allowing for use in multiple rooms as opposed to separate hoists per room
65
What guidance is available for assisted bathrooms?
- Building Regulations Part M
- BS8300
- BB104; 1 toilet per 20 students, 1 accessible toilet per floor
- Equality Act 2010
66
What is the difference between a warm deck and cold deck flat roof?
Cold Deck
- Insulation beneath the rafters, with a cold roof system
Warm Deck
- Insulation above the rafters, providing better thermal insulation and and lowered risk of damp
67
How do you ventilate a flat roof?
Cold Roofs
- Eaves vent
- Vented soffits
- Ventilation cowels
Warm Roofs
- Integration of air vents to soffits allowing for cross flow ventilation
- Installing a vapour control layer
- Edge or perimeter vents if necessary
68
How do you ventilate a pitched roof?
- Air bricks in the gable wall to provide sufficient cross flow ventilation
- Ventilated tiles
- Air and vapour permeable membrane beneath roof coverings
- Vented ridge tiles
- Vented soffits
69
Can you draw me an eaves detail?
Yes
70
Can you draw me common detail sections?
- Eaves detail
- Foundation detail
- Boot lintel detail
- Window Jamb Detail
- Flat Roof Detail
71
How do you utilise your knowledge of current regulations and design standards to ensure compliance with legislation?
- Review relevant Building Regulations
- Review relevant British Standards
- Regular reviews and checks
- Attend CPD on design standards and methods
- Ensure consultation and review by appointed approved inspector
- Integrated regulatory compliance at concept design stage
- Ongoing updates and future compliance
72
How do you prepare annotated sketches and specifications detailing how elements react?
- Produce overall drawing pack with GA plans of all floors
- Annotate GA plans showing blown up sections of highlighted areas
- Alternatively, can indicate section lines with references for indication to other drawings
- Provide section, details and plans
- Use specification to make notes on drawings and legend with key for different elements
73
What mechanical and electrical services are relevant to your area of works?
Electrical
- Small power
- Lighting / Emergency Lighting
- Incoming Services
- Data
- Security / CCTV / Access Control
- Fire detection and alarms
Mechanical
- Above ground drainage
- HVAC systems
- Radiant Panels
- Boilers / Plant Requirements
- Natural ventilation
74
What construction materials have you worked with?
- Aluminium
- Steel
- uPVC
- Masonry
- Concrete
- Asphalt
- EDPM
- Glass
- Timber
- Modified Bitumen
- Vinyl
75
Queensbury internal block walls - Why did you think that material was suitable for the project?
- Provided a robust hard wearing wall design less likely to be damaged by students in special school
- Little to no maintenance required
- Provides load bearing capacity for roof structure
- Provides fire rating properties along escape routes and compartment lines
76
Tell me what you think in relation to various types of materials affecting the cost and time of a project?
- Important to understand client key requirements
- Cost, time and quality should be weighed out to ensure best outcome for the client and project
Consider
- Availability of materials
- Lead in times
- Complexity of construction
- Impacts on programme
- Lifecycle costs for various materials
- Maintenance requirements
77
Tell me about the type of construction you have considered?
- Consider client needs, and key requirements
- Assess the site conditions and topography
- Understand the use intended for the building and spatial requirements
- Understand the programme and budget for the project
- Assess the access to the site for various construction vehicles and materials
- Planning requirements and sustainability targets
Types of construction I have considered
- Traditional Masonry Construction
- Modular Construction / Pre Fab
- Steel / Timber Frame
78
Talk me through the various types of materials you’ve used, how did this affect the cost and time of the project?
- Citizen Pre fabricated roof structure, saving time on site and quicker construction time on site, however higher initial cost off site cost to manufacture
- Queensbury Exposed concrete block walls, cost effective and simple construction without the time required for plaster boarding
- Hall Green Insulated cladding detail provided a quicker construction time and reduced programme, more cost effective in comparison with bricks and curtain walling due to simple construction and easily maintainable
- Queensbury Consideration between brick and block work, block work is quicker construction and more cost effective
79
Talk me through how you’ve managed/quantified how delay and disruption to a construction activity followed in activities and trades?
Hall Green Case Study
- Delay to works due to uncovered concrete defects during construction phase
- Depending on length of investigations and remedial works to be instructed would have varying impact on delay to programme
- Identify cause of delay, review critical path of programme, consider float, resource and management impact, coordinate meetings with contractor to mitigate delay and agree proposal and extension
80
Tell me about the impact of different design solutions and construction methods on cost and programme?
Hall Green Case Study
- Brick pier facade design
- Some tasks may take longer and cost less
- Some tasks may cost more but provide quicker construction
- Important to identify clients budget and cost expectations to make a correct choice to proceed with
81
Talk me through how you’ve used your knowledge of construction technology to inform the following; estimating, production of pricing document, compilation of tender and contract documents, interim valuations, valuing change, and compiling final account?
- Understand the cost, programme, and quality implications of different construction materials and methods
- Understand the cost benefit for incorporating these methods
- Estimating; historical data, BCIS, SPONNE
- Pricing Document; Use BIM to automate schedule or Excel
- Use collaborative platforms such as Workspace etc
- Interim valuations; use progress monitoring apps, cash flow, SoW
- Valuing change; Historic data, costs estimating tools, collaboration
- Final account; cost and change tracker, final BIM model
82
Queensbury 6th Form - What skills did you utilise when preparing sketches?
- Drawing and using digital design software such as CAD
- Measure survey of existing building using hand drawings and notes
- Understanding of construction types and build ups
- Understanding existing service routing and proposed service routing
- Interaction between existing and proposed elements
83
Queensbury 6th Form Can you talk me through ring beam construction?
- Continuous reinforced concrete beam to perimeter of building to provide spreader loads and wall contraction above
- Ring beam at every floor and roof height
84
Queensbury 6th Form - Can you talk me through implications on M&E services?
- Depending on location of extension, services could possibly be routed through existing voids and surface mounted where no voids available
- It was important to understand the areas where each would be required
85
Queensbury 6th Form - How did you utilise the timber structure and service void?
- Space between joists could be used to route services
- Electrical and mechanical services would be concealed within roof void space and existing building for routing services, a suspended ceiling was installed to allow easy access and maintenance
86
Moulton - What sections of the Building Regulations did you refer to?
- Building Regulations Part B - Fire Safety
- Building Regulations Part M - Access to and Use of Buildings
- Building Regulations Part K - Protection from Falling, Collision and Impact
- Building Regulations Part L - Conservation of Fuel and Power
87
Moulton - What were the required travel distances?
- 18m for fire escape in a single direction (12m for higher risk areas)
- 45m for fire escape in multiple directions (25m for higher risk areas)
88
Moulton fire escape distances - How did you go about implementing this within your design?
- Checked the ADB for guidance on measuring distances
- Cross referenced draft plans and used measurement tool during design, measuring distances across all rooms to ensure compliance
- Identified areas for possible exits
89
Moulton - What further Building Regulations did you consider?
- Building Regulations Part E - Resistance to Sound
- Part M - Access to and Use of Buildings - For Accessible WC facilities
Part K - Protection from Falling, Collision and Impact - For stair design
90
Tell me about your advice on the selection and application of particular processes to within your area of expertise?
- Understanding the clients use and occupation of the building
- Advise on time, cost and quality implications of incorporating these requirements
Hall Green Case Study
- Brick pier facade design, Brick to match existing, Insulated cladding, Curtwain walling
Queensbury New Build
- Design for special school with anti ligature installations, facing concrete block walls, high level services fixed in ceiling voids, finger guards for doors, open access plans for WC areas, anti climb mesh fencing, higher roof netting
91
How have you liaised with specialists and consultants to develop project specific design and construction solution?
Queensbury School - Specialist Sensory Room fit out Contractor for full sensory room for ambient children
- Make contact with the particular specialist
- Provide them with a brief and existing and proposed drawings
- Undertake site visits with them to review site particulars
- Collaborate with specialist and design team to provide the best outcome for the project
92
Talk me through how you have reported on the impact of different design solutions on cost of a construction project?
Hall Green School - Key Issue 1
- Design for sports hall pier facade during window replacement project
- Like for like brick
- Insulated cladding detail
- Curtain wall system
93
Talk me through how you have reported on the impact of different design solutions on programme of a construction project?
Hall Green School - Key Issue 2
- Cost, programme and quality implications of each option and impact on the programme
- Primer only
- Full concrete repair system
- Replacement of concrete with steel columns
94
Talk me through a value engineering you’ve carried out during a construction project?
Queensbury EIA External Landscaping
- During the sports pitch project, present to my client a change to the base of the football pitch from tarmac to Type 2 stone to provide improved sustainable drainage and more cost effective option by reducing cost by £25k.
95
How have you advised on design where the methods of construction or material have had a significant impact on the project cost?
- Queensbury extension
- Internal facing block work as opposed to plaster boarding, dry lining and finishing would provide a more cost effective installation, higher durability which is less prone to damage and less future maintenance cost
96
How have you considered potential alternatives to those specified by the professional team?
- EIA landscaping
- Civil engineer specified a gravel margin to the side of the football pitch for drainage of surface water
- Due to nature of the students and likelihood of injuries from throwing stones and possible health and safety risk, I recommended a change of specification from grave to a permeable asphalt surface to alleviate this risk, providing sufficient drainage as well as a safe solution for the end users
97
Queensbury - Why did the differing levels cause issues?
- Multiple fire exits are diffenet points throughout the block with differing topography and external levels
- Access to the school at two locations with differing levels which would need to be overcome through the use of internal and external ramps
- This also had an impact on internal classroom layouts and door locations to suite as per the Building Regulations
98
What was the complaint access and egress required?
- Building Regulations Part M - Access to and Use of Buildings
- Level access required at entrances and exits, free of steps
- Part M table on use of ramps and accepted lengths, gradients and falls, and requirment of landings (minimum 1.2m in length) and intermediate landings (minimum of 1.5m in length) and clear of any door swings
- Park K requirements for handrails
99
Queensbury - How did you design your ramps?
- Assessed the levels required for level access to all access points of the building
- Using the FFL requirements, I worked out how much gradient would be required to achieve step free access to internal corridors throughout the building
- Checked Approved Document M for ramp requirements and lengths and falls allowed
- Drawn on plans suitable locations for ramps as per the regulations and incorporating with the internal layout of classrooms and doors
100
Queensbury internal ramps - What other options did you review?
- Not having the different areas of the school interconnecting and providing external access only to new extension area
- Stairs with a stair lift for wheelchair users
101
Why did you recommend block and beam floor?
- Provides a hard wearing rigid surface for high foot traffic and construction of ramps
- Provide flexibility in design as constructed in sections
- Allows for easy access and maintenance of below ground services and routing
- Allows for concrete floor solution without the need for bespokely manufactured concrete slabs
- Rot and decay free as opposed to timber and low maintenance
- Simple constitution which is easier to implement as opposed to solid concrete slabs
102
Queensbury beam and block floor - What other construction methods did you consider?
- Timber suspended floor; subject to movement from differing temperatures expansion, decay and rot, insect infestation, less durable than concrete
- Concrete slab construction; complex to implement
103
Wilson Stuart - What is a common hoist system?
- A single ‘over the wall’ hoist track serving all rooms within the facility
104
Wilson Stuart - Why did the door ways need adjustment?
- Full height doors with no wall above door was required to allow the passing of the hoist track between rooms
105
Wilson Stuart - How did you assess the cost for this project?
- Understood the client brief and budget available
- Reviewed requirements against historic project data and used tools such as BCIS and SPONNE to review industry standard rates for similar construction and systems
- Advised on value engineering options such as common hoist system to provide more cost efficient approach
106
Wilson Stuart - How did you present cost and design information to your client?
- During regular design team meetings with the client at briefing and concept design stage
- Face to face and video confidence calls, presenting the design options
- Provided a budget cost plan which was later updated with actual costs for cost tracking
107
Wilson Stuart - What construction considerations did you have?
- Suitability of ground conditions for proposed trench fill concrete foundations for the modular building
- Practicality of service routing from the existing building to the standalone modular block
- Consideration of electrical loading requirements and existing capacity of the site
- Level access to the site external routes as per Approved Document Part M in regards to lengths and falls of ramp
108
What was the construction of Queensbury Extension?
- Mass concrete trenchfill fill foundations, 1000mm deep and 600mm wide
- Engineering bricks for sub structure and sleeper walls of concrete block
- Steel frame with masonry and concrete block cavity walls
- Steek universal beams and columns tied with with column ties
- Concrete beam and block floor 225mm with 75mm PIR Insulation and 75 Concrete Screed
- Internal Exposed Block Walls
- Timber Roof Joists flat roof 195mm
- Aluminium windows and doors
109
What was the construction of Wilson Stuart Modular?
- Concrete trench foundations 600mm deep, 600mm wide
- Concrete slabs laid flat 600x600 for suspended sub structure
- Steel chassis floor construction with timber joists
- Steel columns and steel universal beam for flat roof structure
- Timber stud walls with full fill insulation OSB board and fire rated plastisol Euroclass A1 rating
- Timber roof joists 195mm depth
- Floor loading is 5Kn/m2
110
Wilson Stuart - What were the additonal Structual supports required for corner posts?
- Addtionak strengthening of walls would have been required for the separate hoist wall rails to be fixed at high level
- This would have been done by reinforcing the stud walls with additional OSB boards for patressing
111
Queensbury - What was the roof system you specified?
- Bauder total roof system
- Modified bitumen capping layer
- 120mm PIR Insualtion board
- Underlay
- Vapour control layer
- OSB board 18mm thickness
112
Queensbury - What flooring did you specify?
- Polyfsafe Quattro PUR
- R11 for ramps and wet areas
- R10 for general areas
113
Wilson Stuart - What was the specification of the hoist system?
- Gulmann GH3 over the wall rail system fixed to walls, providing access into various rooms within a facility
- Additional structural supports through wall by using reinforced OSB boards required for fixing the rails
