Superstructures Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is a superstructure in construction?
The part of a building constructed above ground level.
Different types of Superstructure systems
Steel frame, reinforced concrete frame, crosswall, timber frame, pre-cast concrete frame, composite frame, and CLT frame construction
What is crosswall construction?
A system where load-bearing internal walls provide stability and carry floor loads.
What are the advantages of steel frame structures?
Speed of construction, large clear spans, prefabrication, and flexibility in design.
What is the role of reinforcement in concrete columns and beams?
To resist tensile forces, improve ductility, and provide stability — especially in beams (tension) and columns (buckling and confinement under compression).
What is cellular steel construction?
Steel beams with circular openings that allow services to pass through, reducing the need for additional space.
What is a transfer slab?
A thick concrete slab used to transfer loads from misaligned columns or walls above to those below.
What are precast floor planks?
Concrete floor units manufactured offsite and craned into place on-site.
What is composite construction in superstructures?
A system where steel and concrete work together to resist loads (e.g., steel beams with concrete topping).
What is a shear wall?
A vertical structural element that resists lateral loads from wind or earthquakes.
Why are cores used in high-rise buildings?
To house lifts, stairs, and services, and provide vertical stability.
What is formwork used for?
Temporary molds into which concrete is poured to create slabs, walls, and columns.
What is backpropping in slab construction?
Temporary supports under a freshly cast slab until full strength is achieved.
What are in-situ concrete floors?
Floors formed and poured directly on-site rather than using precast components.
What is meant by “storey-height panels”?
Precast or frame units that span the full height of one floor level.
What is the importance of service integration in superstructures?
Ensures mechanical and electrical systems are planned to fit within the structural frame efficiently.
What does deflection refer to in beams and slabs?
The downward bending or sagging that occurs under load.
What is fireproofing in superstructures?
Applying insulation or encasement (e.g., intumescent paint) to steel to maintain structural integrity in a fire. Fire resistant plasterboard seals all this
