intro to building and design

Question 1

what is a dead load

Answer 1

Permanent (fixed) loads that remain unchanged throughout the building’s life.

Question 2

what is a live load

Answer 2

Variable and changing loads produced by the building’s use, occupancy, and natural events.

Question 3

what is a point load

Answer 3

A load concentrated in a specific position.

Question 4

whta is a distributed load

Answer 4

A load which is uniformly distributed over the entire surface of an object.

Question 5

what is load bearing masonry

Answer 5

Load-bearing masonry construction uses walls made of materials like brick or concrete to directly support the building’s structure. Typically requires a cellular plan arrangement

Question 6

what is framed construction

Answer 6

frame construction uses a skeletal framework (often wood or steel) to support the structure, with walls acting as cladding

Question 7

what does CDM stand for

Answer 7

Construction Design and Management Regulations

Question 8

what are some examples of objectives for building regulations

Answer 8

adequate standards of health & safety of people in and around buildings
min. energy used in heating
adequate access and facilities for disabled

Question 9

what documents support current regulations

Answer 9

Current regs are functional performance standards supported by approved documents

Question 10

what is a building warranty

Answer 10

‘A building warranty is a comprehensive insurance policy that is provided by a developer to the owner/buyer. It offers peace of mind that the building has been constructed to astandard set by the warranty provider.’

Question 11

what was the paris agreement (2015)

Answer 11

Agreement by 196 countries to keep temperature rise below 2C (with aim of 1.5C) re pre-industry

Question 12

what was the net zero policy (2019)

Answer 12

UK pledged to commit to achieve net zero by 2050

Question 13

what is sustainable development

Answer 13

“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Question 14

define push factors

Answer 14

force/require
e.g. legislation & regulations

Question 15

define pull factors

Answer 15

encourage/shame
e.g.
stakeholder pressure
Reduce risk
Maximise profit

Question 16

when did DPC become mandatory

Answer 16

1875

Question 17

when were cavity walls required

Answer 17

*Cavity required by building regs since 1950s
*Insulated cavity since 1980s

Question 18

what regulation governs

Question 19

what are the risks of asbestos

Answer 19

*Asbestosis
*Mesothelioma
*Lung cancer

Question 20

who are the 3 main duty holders under the CDM regulations 2015

Answer 20

*Client
*Principal Designer
*Principal Contractor

Question 21

what does Caveat Emptor mean

Answer 21

Buyer beware - if you are going to buy some land, it is your responsibility to find out the conditions

Question 22

what are the effects of damp on health

Answer 22

Damp conditions encourage the growth of mould spores and dust mites which are major triggers for:
oAsthma
oBronchitis
oCoughing and wheezing

Question 24

what are pile foundations best intended for

Answer 24

Best suited for: Heavily loaded structures or poor soil conditions at shallow depth.

Site Conditions:

Necessary where surface soils are weak or compressible, and load-bearing strata lie deep.

Suitable for expansive, waterlogged, or reclaimed soils.

Intended Use:

Ideal for high-rise buildings, bridges, or buildings on unstable ground.

Used when loads must be transferred to deeper, more stable strata or bedrock.

Question 25

what are raft foundations best intended for

Answer 25

Best suited for: Larger structures with uneven load distribution or where soil bearing capacity is low. Site Conditions: Used on poor or loose soils (e.g., soft clay, silts) where spread of load over a large area is necessary. Suitable for high water table conditions. Intended Use: Appropriate for multi-storey residential or commercial buildings or those with basement levels. Helps to reduce differential settlement where loads vary across the structure.

Question 26

what are strip foundations best intended for

Answer 26

Best suited for: Low to medium-rise buildings with load-bearing walls (e.g., houses, small commercial buildings). Site Conditions: Suitable for firm, level ground with moderate load-bearing capacity. Common in areas with shallow, stable soil where loads can be spread along continuous strips beneath walls. Intended Use: Ideal for buildings with linear wall loads (like domestic housing). Cost-effective and simple for light structures.

Question 27

what are pad foundations best intended for

Answer 27

Best suited for: Individual columns or small buildings with isolated point loads. Site Conditions: Works on strong, stable soils where each pad can support a significant load. Not suitable where soil is highly compressible or variable. Intended Use: Used in framed buildings where loads are transmitted via columns. Common in industrial or warehouse buildings with grid layouts.

Question 28

what is a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP)

Answer 28

* New homes must undergo a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) calculation. o SAP assesses the predicted energy use, carbon emissions, and efficiency of heating, lighting, and hot water systems. o The result must meet or exceed the Target Emission Rate (TER) and Target Fabric Energy Efficiency (TFEE) rate