Prefabricated + Portal +Timber frames

Question 1

What frame is this?

Answer 1

Timber

Question 2

What Frame is this?

Answer 2

Portal

Question 3

What frame is this?

Answer 3

Prefabricated concrete

Question 4

What is a Prefabricated Platform Frame?

Answer 4

A storey-high timber panel system topped with a horizontal header plate that forms a platform for the next level.

Question 5

What is an Open Panel System?

Answer 5

A timber frame panel with an open interior, allowing on-site installation of plumbing, wiring, insulation, and finishes.

Question 6

What is a Closed Panel System?

Answer 6

A timber panel that is factory-sealed with insulation and membranes, reducing on-site work and increasing efficiency.

Question 7

what are the advantages of timber frame construction?

Answer 7

• Fast erection and earlier occupancy due to no drying time.
• Not affected by weather as they are waterproof​
• Not as much skilled labour required on site​
• Ease in installing service conduits​
• Engineered timber is a higher quality product​
• Its load-bearing system is instantly assembled​
• Lighter in weight so savings in foundation ​
• It has life cycle recycling potentials​

Question 8

what are the disadvantages of timber frame construction?

Answer 8

• Risk of timber decay from moisture ingress
• A crane is required to lift panels, floor sections and roofing into place​
• In windy weather installation is not safe due to light weight and large surface area​
• The damp prof membrane may become penetrated prior to plasterboard by trades on site​
• Lead-in time is required for design of panel layout​
• Fire rating detailing is required to ensure conformity​

Question 9

What is the role of the header plate in platform frames?

Answer 9

It caps the top of each wall panel and supports the next floor level.

Question 10

Why is initial levelling critical in platform frame construction?

Answer 10

To ensure vertical alignment and structural integrity.

Question 11

What are vertical studs used for in platform frames?

Answer 11

They act as vertical columns to support walls, floors, and roofs.

Question 12

What are Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)?

Answer 12

Panels made of OSB boards and foam insulation that form strong, thermally-efficient joints.

Question 13

How are SIPs joined together?

Answer 13

With timber keys inserted into recessed edges, forming solid, insulated connections.

Question 14

What is modular construction?

Answer 14

Prefabrication of 3D units in a factory, assembled on-site for quick building.

Question 15

Key advantage of modular construction?

Answer 15

Wastage is kept in the factory, not on site​

Faster method of construction​

Greater levels of insulations can be incorporated​

Services can be installed in the factory​

Faster delivery and installation​

Less space required on sites as modules are lifted and installed​

Better quality​

Environmental benefits

Question 16

key disadvantage of modular construction

Answer 16

Limited design flexibility and uniform appearance.
Can not install in high winds
Possible issues with resale value

Question 17

What are Four-Sided Modules?

Answer 17

Volumetric units enclosed by four walls, often with windows or doors, used in mass construction.

Question 18

What are Open-Sided Modules?

Answer 18

Units with partial or corner supports to speed up construction and allow for more design flexibility.

Question 19

What are Stair Modules?

Answer 19

Prefabricated staircases craned into position, often with half-landings and temporary handrails.

Question 20

What are Lift Modules?

Answer 20

Prefabricated lift shafts with door openings, enabling rapid installation.

Question 21

What is a Strip Foundation?

Answer 21

A concrete strip under walls, commonly used in traditional buildings for support.

Question 22

What is a Raft Foundation?

Answer 22

A large slab foundation distributing load over a wide area, used on weak soil.

Question 23

Why does a raft foundation thicken under walls?

Answer 23

To handle increased load from structural walls.

Question 24

What is a Spreader Foundation?

Answer 24

A traditional foundation with wide stone or brick bases spreading the wall load.

Question 25

What is a Solid Wall?

Answer 25

A single-thickness wall from stone, brick, or block, not thermally efficient.

Question 26

What is a Cavity Wall?

Answer 26

Two separate wall layers with a cavity between to reduce damp and improve insulation.

Question 27

Why are cavity walls vented?

Answer 27

To allow moisture to escape and prevent damp.

Question 28

What is a Cut Roof?

Answer 28

A traditional roof built on-site with rafters and purlins, stronger than modern trussed roofs.

Question 29

Function of purlins in a cut roof?

Answer 29

Transfer roof load to walls and allow smaller rafters.

Question 30

What do ceiling joists do?

Answer 30

Tie the roof structure laterally and support ceiling finishes.

Question 31

What do collars and struts do in traditional roofs?

Answer 31

Collars prevent roof spreading; struts stabilize the structure.

Question 32

What is a Solid Floor?

Answer 32

A dense, non-void floor using hardcore and concrete, often with clay tiles or bitumen.

Question 33

Problems with traditional solid floors?

Answer 33

Damp penetration, mold, and poor insulation.

Question 34

What is a Suspended Floor?

Answer 34

A timber floor with joists over a ventilated void, supported by honeycomb walls.

Question 35

What is an Intermediate Floor?

Answer 35

A traditional upper floor with joists embedded in internal and external walls.

Question 36

Purpose of herringbone strutting in floors?

Answer 36

Provide lateral stability and reduce floor movement.

Question 37

Why do modular buildings benefit from factory-installed services?

Answer 37

Reduces on-site labour, waste, and installation time.

Question 38

What is the role of a vapor control layer in wall construction?

Answer 38

Prevents moisture ingress and dampness in walls.

Question 39

What is the purpose of a breather membrane in timber panels?

Answer 39

Allows moisture to escape while protecting from external elements.

Question 40

Advantage of engineered timber?

Answer 40

More consistent quality and strength than natural timber.

Question 41

Why is fire protection needed in steel structures?

Answer 41

Steel loses strength rapidly when exposed to high temperatures.

Question 42

What are common issues with modular resale value?

Answer 42

Lack of architectural variation and perception of low customizability.

Question 43

Why is standardization important in modular construction?

Answer 43

Reduces cost and simplifies production and installation.

Question 44

What materials are commonly used in modular units?

Answer 44

Timber, steel channels, and composite materials.

Question 45

Why are insulation cut-outs done after services in open panel systems?

Answer 45

To prevent damage and maintain insulation continuity.

Question 46

Why is platform frame good for cellular plan buildings

Answer 46

Internal walls serve as structural support for vertical and lateral loads.

Question 47

What are the 3 most common joints?

Answer 47

OSB thin spline, Mini SIP spline, Dimensional lumber spline

Question 48

what are the features of the three most common joints?

Answer 48

strong ​enough to transfer loads, prevent moisture ingress, and not bend or​ weaken over time

Question 49

What are some advantages of closed panel systems?

Answer 49

- no skilled labour - can be factory fitted for on-site service installations - Reduces wastages and disposal costs

Question 50

What are some disadvantages of closed panel systems?

Answer 50

- Service design and conduit installation required - Openings need to be sealed to protect air integrity test for building regulations

Question 51

What is a portal frame in construction?

Answer 51

A structure made of sloped beams and vertical columns forming a clear-span space without internal supports.

Question 52

What is the main advantage of portal frames?

Answer 52

They create large open spaces without internal columns, ideal for vehicle movement like fork trucks.

Question 53

What materials can be used for portal frames?

Answer 53

Steel, prefabricated concrete, and laminated timber.

Question 54

How are portal frame rafters supported?

Answer 54

Rafters transfer loads to columns, which are bolted to pad foundations.

Question 55

How are stress points like corners and ridges handled in portal frames?

Answer 55

Reinforced with additional web plates or wider section profiles during manufacturing.

Question 56

What is a prefabricated concrete building?

Answer 56

A structure made from factory-produced precast components assembled on site.

Question 57

What components can be prefabricated in concrete construction?

Answer 57

Floor units, wall panels, beams, columns, and lintels.

Question 58

How are precast concrete units assembled on site?

Answer 58

Using cranes and joint systems like bolts or cast-in-place connections.

Question 59

How do precast columns connect to the foundation?

Answer 59

Via pockets prepared in the foundation to receive and anchor the columns.

Question 60

What is a major benefit of fire protection in precast concrete?

Answer 60

Fire protection is inherent in the concrete material itself.

Question 61

How is curing accelerated for precast concrete?

Answer 61

Using steam curing in factory-controlled environments.

Question 62

Why is precast concrete less affected by weather?

Answer 62

It is manufactured and cured in a factory, not exposed to outdoor elements.

Question 63

What is one major on-site benefit of using precast concrete units?

Answer 63

No need for formwork or curing time on site.

Question 64

How is material waste reduced in precast concrete systems?

Answer 64

Precise control over cover depth and mix in factory production reduces excess material use.

Question 65

What is a disadvantage of using precast concrete?

Answer 65

Requires heavy-duty cranes and on-site jointing.

Question 66

Why are heavier foundations required for precast buildings?

Answer 66

Due to the large weight of the precast components.

Question 67

What limits the size of precast concrete units?

Answer 67

Transport restrictions on road vehicles.

Question 68

What challenges can occur during site assembly of precast units?

Answer 68

High winds can make crane operations unsafe and difficult.

Question 69

Name some design considerations for precast concrete use.

Answer 69

Load handling during lifting, transport, unloading, and site assembly.