1
Q
Types of foundations?
A
Piled, Pad and Strip
2
Q
What are Piles?
A
Long columns driven or bored into the ground to transfer loads to stronger, deeper ground.
3
Q
How do you price piles?
A
Number of piles (count)
Length per pile (linear metres)
Diameter (mm or m)
Plus ancillary items, e.g.:
Cutting down pile heads
Reinforcement (mass per pile or per m)
Pile caps / beams
Testing (static load, integrity, dynamic)
Temporary casing or bentonite support (for bored piles)
4
Q
When do you use piles?
A
Weak/poor soil/bad ground conditions, heavy loads & basements
5
Q
What are underpins?
A
Underpins are blocks or sections of a new foundation built beneath or beside an existing one to strengthen or stabilize it, transferring the load to stronger ground below.
6
Q
Types of piles?
A
Driven, bored, sheet, mini
7
Q
Piles - Advantages & Disadvantages?
A
Pro’s - heavy loads, can be used in poor soil.
Con’s - Expensive, specialist, sound/movement for neighbours
8
Q
What are bored piles?
A
Drilled using an auger/rotary rig, used for basements, deep foundations. They cause low vibration & noise. But are slower, more expensive and spoil management is required.
9
Q
What are driven piles?
A
Hammered to vibrated into the ground. Good for new builds (open access). Fast installation & quality control. But cause a lot of noise & vibration.
10
Q
What are sheet piles?
A
Sheet piles are steel sections driven into the ground to form a wall.
Pros: Quick to install/remove, minimal excavation, reusable.
Cons: Noisy, vibrations, limited in hard ground, may need support, can corrode.
11
Q
What are mini piles?
A
Drilled/grouted with a rig, used for basements and where you are also underpinning and have restricted access. Minimal vibration but more piles required and is slow.
12
Q
What are CFA piles?
A
CFA Continuous Flight Auger piles
Bored, cast-in-place concrete piles formed using a continuous auger to drill into the ground and then pumping concrete through the auger stem as it is withdrawn — creating the pile without ever leaving the bore open.
13
Q
How do you price underpins?
A
Underpins are priced by volume or per pin, based on type, depth, and access. Rates include hand excavation, concrete, reinforcement, and temporary works.
14
Q
What are pad foundations?
A
Pad foundations are individual blocks of concrete that support single point loads e.g. columns
15
Q
What are strip foundations?
A
Strip foundations are continuous strips of concrete that run under load bearing walls
16
Q
When do you use pad foundations?
A
Ground had good bearing capacity, with steel and concrete frames. Pros cheap, quick, easy to inspect. Cons not suitable for weak ground conditions.
17
Q
When do you use strip foundations?
A
Masonry/framed buildings, moderate bearing strength. Pros economical & low risk, cons not suitable for weak ground conditions and only used for low rise buildings.
18
Q
What is raft foundations & when do you use them?
A
A raft foundation (also called a mat foundation) is a large, thick reinforced concrete slab that spreads the load of a building over a wide area, often the entire footprint of the structure. Weak or variable ground, large building footprint, Light to medium loads, low rise.
19
Q
Steel vs Concrete frame?
A
Steel Frame: steel column & beams support floors & roof. Loads carried through the frame, walls are non loadbearing. Pros fast, high strength to weight ratio, recyclable. Cons fireproofing, potential corrosion, expensive.
Concrete Frame: Frame made from concrete columns, beams & slab. Loads transferred through the RC frame to the foundations. Pros - fire & accoustic performance, flexible shapes, durable, low maintenance. Cons slow & heavy.
20
Q
Life Cycle Costing vs Whole Life Cycle Costing?
A
Life Cycle Costing: includes capital, maintenance, operational, replacement and disposal costs for a building.
Whole Life Cycle Costs: The total cost of ownership over the life of an asset, including acquisition, operation, maintenance, and disposal costs, plus the costs (or benefits) of externalities.
21
Q
What are the approved documents?
A
Approved Documents are official government guidance that explain how to meet the functional requirements of the Building Regulations in England.
22
Q
Examples of approved documents?
A
A - Structure - stability, loading, etc.
B - Fire Safety - Means of escape, fire spread, access for fire services
C - Site Preparation & Resistances to Contaminants/moisture
L - Conservation of fuel & power - energy efficiency, insulation, U-values
M - Access to & use of buildings - disabled access, step free entry
23
Q
Are approved documents mandatory?
A
They are not mandatory but following them provides a deemed-to-satisfy route to compliance.
If you follow what’s in the Approved Documents, Building Control will normally accept that your design meets the Regulations.
24
Q
How do you construct a basement?
A
Excavation, piling (CFA piles), underpinning (neighbouring property), basement slab, external walls, waterproofing (waterproof concrete & cavity drain).
25
How do you price basement construction?
Enabling & temporary works (hoarding, scaffolding, propping, facade retention)
Piling or underpinning (retaining structure)
Bulk excavation & disposal
Waterproofing system (Type A, B or C)
Reinforced concrete works (base slab, walls, columns, capping beams)
Drainage & sump pumps
Fit-out (M&E, finishes, stairs, lighting)
Element Unit Notes
Excavation to reduced level m³ Include temporary supports, over-dig, working space
Piles or underpins m / m³ By diameter, depth, or number of pins
Concrete to base slab / walls m³ Include reinforcement and formwork
Waterproof membrane / cavity drain m² By system type
Drainage and sumps m / no. With pumps and chambers
Backfill m³ Type and compaction
Waterproof screed or insulation m² Floor buildup
Internal fit-out item / m² Finishes, M&E, joinery, access
26
Cost per m2 of a recent basement construction you priced?
£1,900/m2
27
What are some temporary works?
Scaffolding
Propping
Shoring
Steel facade retention frame
Design, Installation & Removal
28
What facade type was Rutland gate?
Render finish over a brick & block wall
29
Types of facade?
Masonry (brick, stone, blockwork)
Curtain Wall (non load bearing external wall fixed to the building structure)
Precast Concrete Facade (Large concrete panels cast off-site and lifted into place as part of a structural or non-structural envelope.)
Timber Facade / Timber Cladding
Glazing
30
How do you retain a facade?
Temporarily supported with steelwork while the interior is rebuilt
or
The facade is carefully dismantled, stored, and then rebuilt.
31
How did you price facade retention?
Steel retention frame - external steel retention frame with walers and needles, raking props, temporary foundations for the frame
Protection of retained structure
Demolition
New structure built, movement joints included
Design, Installation & Removal
32
What temporary works did you do on Rutland Gate?
The facade was temporarily propped by a steel retention frame.
33
Examples of the benefits of the two options on Rutland Gate (Facade retention or New Build)?
New Build: Shorter programme, lower cost, easier construction
Facade Retention: Already had planning approval
34
Which option was more cost effective on Rutland Gate (Facade retention or New Build)?
New Build
35
How do you price services?
per m2 or speak to an M&E surveyor
36
What is delta membrane?
Cavity Drain Waterproofing system; essentially collects the water and directs it to a sump pump where it is then removed to an external drainage point
37
What did you advise on Rutland gate?
That the more cost and programme efficient option was new build.
38
How did you under take the cost analysis of Facade retention vs New Build?
I compared facade retention and new build by preparing elemental cost plans
I analysed key differences in demolition, temporary works, and preliminaries.
Compared cost & programme factors to help the client make a decision.
39
What prelims cost did you consider when comparing the Rutland Gate options?
Time related prelims mainly, as the programme was increasing by approx. 25 weeks
40
What was the issue in terms of the condenser units on Victoria Road?
Where to put them, between the roof and the basement
41
What did you advise on Victoria Road in terms of the condenser units?
That the roof was more cost effective
42
How did you cost the two options on Victoria Road?
Roof Option:
Removal of existing roof, modification of existing roof structure to allow new flat roof area, plinth, additional works (pipework, fixing etc.)
Basement:
Reinforced basement underpins
Reinforced concrete capping beam; 350mm x 600mm
150mm thick well compacted hardcore
Blinding; 50mm thick
100mm FOAMGLAS T4+ slab insulation
Reinforced screed; 70mm thick
Kingspan Thermalon TF70 insulation; 70mm
Isocrete K screed; 70mm
Excavate for new basement
Compact bottom and sides of excavation
Reinforced concrete liner wall
Cetco Voltex waterproof membrane
Cavity drainage membrane to walls
Cavity drainage membrane to floor
Secondary System - Waterproof Concrete
Concrete Slab; 275mm,
Formwork, Reinforcement and Insulation
Louvred screen and door to plant room
43
What is PI?
Professional indemnity (PI) insurance is liability insurance that covers professionals and companies against claims of negligence, errors, or omissions in their advice or services.
44
Name a project where you priced piling?
Victorria Road
45
What piling would you use for a retaining wall?
Steel sheet piling or CFA piling
46
You estimated costs for beams on Rutland Gate? What type of beams and how?
On Rutland Gate, I estimated costs for structural steel beams forming part of the frame. I estimated the beams using tonnage-based rates from benchmark data and subcontractor input.
I included fabrication, erection, connection detailing, and temporary works.
47
What was the difference in total cost between the facade retention option and new build option?
£1.5mil (£140k more strip out, 25 weeks more programme 1mil)
48
What is run off cover?
Run-off cover is PI insurance that protects a firm after it stops trading, covering any claims made later for work done before it closed.
49
What is CHP?
CHP – Combined Heat and Power
Generates electricity and heat at the same time from one fuel source (usually gas).
The electricity powers the building, and the waste heat is reused for heating or hot water.
Improves efficiency and reduces energy waste, but relies on fossil fuels unless adapted for renewables.
50
What is ASHP?
Extracts heat from the outside air (even when cold) and uses it to heat the building.
Works like a reverse fridge.
Cheaper and easier to install than GSHP, but less efficient in very cold weather.
51
What is GSHP?
GSHP – Ground Source Heat Pump
Uses heat from the ground to warm the building.
Pipes buried in the ground absorb natural heat; a pump transfers it into the heating system.
Efficient and sustainable — low running costs but high installation cost.
52
GSHP or ASHP?
GSHPs are more efficient year-round due to consistent ground temperatures, but have high upfront costs for installation. ASHPs are cheaper and easier to install, but are less efficient in cold weather, leading to higher running costs during winter.
53
Name some M&E systems?
Cooling / Air Conditioning; FCU, VRF/VRV
Fire Protection: Sprinklers, dry risers, wet risers, suppression systems
Power distribution: The generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity throughout a building.
Lighting: Both interior and exterior lighting systems.
Security and safety: Fire detection, alarm systems, and access control.
54
What are condenser units?
A condenser unit is�the outdoor component of an air conditioning or heat pump system that releases heat to the outside air to cool the indoor space.
55
How do you price frames?
Calculating the total tonnage of steel, applying rates for material, fabrication, and erection, and adjusting for complexity
56
What is BREEAM?
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
57
BREEAM Scoring?
Unclassified: Less than 30% score.
Pass: 30% or above.
Good: 45% or above.
Very Good: 55% or above.
Excellent: 70% or above.
Outstanding: 85% or above.
58
What is BSR?
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR), part of the HSE, was created by the Building Safety Act 2022 to improve building safety.
It oversees higher-risk buildings, raises safety standards, and ensures competence across the design, construction, and building control sectors.
59
What is HRB?
HRB stands for Higher-Risk Building in the context of the Building Safety Act in the UK. It refers to a building that is at least 18 meters high or has at least seven storeys and contains at least two residential units.
60
What is the BSA?
The Building Safety Act 2022 improves building safety by introducing stricter rules for higher-risk buildings (over 18 m or 7+ storeys).
It establishes the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and defines clear duty holder responsibilities for design, construction, and building management.
61
What are the gateways in BSR/BSA?
**Gateway 1 � Planning Stage**
Fire statement required with planning application.
Local authority must consult the HSE.
**Gateway 2 � Pre-Construction**Stop/go� point before work starts.
Building Safety Regulator (BSR) must approve detailed design for Building Regs compliance.
**Gateway 3 � Completion**
Final stop/go� before occupation.
BSR confirms as-built works meet approved plans and Building Regs.
Completion certificate issued only then can building be occupied.
62
When preparing early estimates, how do you decide what foundation types to cost for?
Depending on ground conditions, loads, building height.
63
What are some different types of Waterproofing?
Type A: Bentonite Slurry / Tanking
Type B: Waterproof Concrete
Type C: Cavity Drain Membrane
64
What is Bentonite Slurry / Tanking?
A barrier system where bentonite clay or cementitious slurry is applied to the structure; it swells on contact with water to form a waterproof seal that stops water entering the basement.
65
What is waterproof concrete?
The basement is built using watertight reinforced concrete, with cracks kept very small and additives mixed in to help resist water, so the structure itself stops water getting in.
66
What is Cavity drain membrane?
A studded plastic membrane is fixed to the walls and floor, allowing water to enter the cavity and be controlled and drained to a sump and pump system, rather than trying to stop it. The sump pump then pumps it up and out into a drainage system
67
Different classifications of basements?
Basements are classified by the level of water resistance required:
Grade 1 – Basic utility
Some water ingress acceptable (e.g. car parks, plant rooms).
Grade 2 – Better utility
No water penetration, but dampness tolerated (e.g. storage areas, workshops).
Grade 3 – Habitable
Completely dry environment required (e.g. bedrooms, living spaces, offices).
68
What is the structure of Victoria Road?
A piled and underpinned basement, supporting a steel frame superstructure, with solid masonry external walls finished in rendered or stuccoed brickwork.
69
When is a steel frame more suitable?
When speed of construction is important, Reduced structural weight is needed (basements, or poor ground)
70
What is formwork and what formworks are there for concrete buildings?
**The temporary mould used to shape and support concrete until it gains sufficient strength**
**Slipform** continuous pour system used for cores and high-rise structures
**Jumpform** / climbing formwork used for vertical elements like lift cores
**Tunnel** formwork casts walls and slabs in one operation (housing/high-rise)
71
What year was Rutland Gate built?
1985-1987
72
What is Curtain walling?
Curtain walling is a non-loadbearing external facade system, typically made of glass, aluminium or steel, that is hung from the structural frame of a building
73
When is curtain walling used?
Curtain walling is used on buildings where a lightweight, glazed facade is required without carrying structural loads.
74
What are some key risks in basement builds?
"Ground Obstructions
Contamination
Archaeological"
75
How do you waterproof concrete?
Add an additive into it
76
What is a bitumen membrane?
A bitumen membrane is a waterproofing material made from bitumen (a petroleum-based product), used to prevent water ingress in areas such as roofs, basements and foundations. It is typically applied as rolls or liquid coatings
77
Cost factors that effect steel costs?
Transport costs, tariffs & Ukraine war
78
Why use bored over driven piles?
Vibration and noise must be minimised, such as near existing buildings or party walls
Ground conditions are variable, allowing pile depth and diameter to be adjusted during drilling
79
What is a construction risk?
A construction risk is any unforeseen event that may occur during a construction project
80
Why use steel for high-rise buildings?
For its strength, speed of construction, reduced weight and flexibility
81
Risks of cavity drain membrane?
Maintenance requirements and man hole connections etc.
82
Tell me about waterproofing systems?
Waterproofing system requires two forms, which in this case where the secant piles to its density and the delta membrane, backed up by a sump pump.
83
What is substructure?
All works undertaken below the damp proof course that provides the basis for the superstructure to be constructed upon.
84
What is the external envelope?
The materials and components that form The external shell or enclosure of a building.
85
What are the Building Regulations?
Statutory regulations that set out minimum performance standards for design and construction.
- Supported by The Approved Documents and other codes of practice.
86
What are British Standards?
They give recommended minimum standards for materials, components, design and construction practices.
87
What are international standards?
Publications issued by The International Organisation for Standardisation.
- They are compatible with and complement The British Standards.
88
What is superstructure?
All internal and external works items above the damp proof course.
o External walls.
o Stairs.
o Roof.
o Structural walls.
89
What are the main site considerations?
Access.
- Storage
- Accommodation.
- Temporary services.
- Fencing & hoarding.
- Health & Safety risks.
- Plant
90
What is a tower crane and what are some considerations during its erection and operation?
- A tall crane used for lifting objects into high places.
- The boom allows a longer reach with 360 degree access.
- Weather conditions could prevent it from working, in particular high, strong winds.
91
What is a scaffold?
- A temporary working platform erected around the perimeter of a building to provide a safe working place at a convenient height.
- Scaffold is usually required for work 1.5m above ground level.
92
What are the main components of concrete?
- Cement.
- Aggregate (natural rock, crushed stone, gravel).
- Water.
93
What are the different types of piles?
Bored Piling - Which is installed by auguring into the ground forming a hole into which concrete can be poured to cast the pile in position.
Driven Piling - Driven piles are driven or hammered into the ground with the use of vibration.
Sheet Piling - A type of driven pile, are constructed with a series of interlocking steel sheets. They can be used to create permanent or temporary retaining walls.
94
What is a raft foundation?
Raft foundations spread The load of The superstructure over a large base and reduce The load per M2 of The area.
95
Under what conditions would you expect a raft foundation to be used for a substructure?
a Raft can be used for lightly loaded buildings on sites with poor soils.
- Heavy loads to The Raft have The potential to cause The Raft to move sideways as a result of Raft foundations not being very deep.
96
What is a strip foundation?
Strip foundations are formed by creating a shallow continuous excavation to support The perimeter and internal walls.
97
What are retaining walls?
a retaining wall is a structure that holds or retains soil behind it.
98
What is a basement?
a storey constructed below ground level.
99
What are the types of basement construction?
Bottom-up involves excavating to full depth first, then constructing the base slab and walls, and is the simplest and most cost-effective method where space allows.
Top-down installs permanent retaining walls first and casts slabs as excavation progresses, reducing ground movement and suiting tight urban sites, but at higher cost and complexity.
Underpinning-led construction is used beneath existing buildings, excavating in stages to support existing foundations, and is common in residential refurbishments but is slow and high risk
100
What are the technical advantages of steel frames?
steel frames are often quicker to assemble In comparison to alternative methods.
- They will not warp, split, crack or creep.
- They offer The highest strength to weight ratio of any building material.
101
What are the technical disadvantages of steel frames?
steel frames require fire protection to be retrospectively installed.
- Fixing components may require replacement over time.
- The price of steel often fluctuates and can result In a lack of cost certainty
102
What are the technical advantages of concrete frames?
concrete frames often provide good sound and heat insulation properties.
- Maintenance requirements associated with concrete frames are relatively low
- In most cases fire protection is not required.
103
What are the technical disadvantages of concrete frames?
In comparison to steel frames, They are more time consuming to install.
- concrete frames are often heavier and require larger foundations.
104
Describe a typical Cold Flat Roof Construction?
Cold flat roof is a type of flat roof where the insulation sits below the roof deck, leaving the structure above it cold.
- this roof system is rarely used nowadays due to The difficulties In ventilation, thermal bridging and risk of condensation and failure.
105
Describe a typical Warm Flat Roof Construction?
The insulation sits above the structural roof deck, keeping the structure warm and dry.
- this enables The temperature of The structure and The deck to be kept close to The temperature of The inside of The building
106
Describe a typical Inverted Flat Roof Construction?
a roof In which The insulation is placed on top of The waterproof membrane.
- The roof void and deck are maintained at similar temperature to The room.
- The insulation protects The membrane from damage but must be anchored down, ballast or paving.
107
Describe a pitched roof detail?
- Pitched roofs typically are made up of rafters which span from the apex of the roof and are fixed to the top of the external wall by a wall plate.
- The roof covering whether slate or concrete tiles are typically fixed to roof battens.
108
What are the different parts of a steel beam?
A simple steel Beam is made up of:
o Flange - top and bottom of the vertical steel.
o Web - which is the vertical steel part of the I beam.
o Root - where the flange and the web join.
109
How many bricks are in a m2?
There are about 60 bricks per m2.
110
What are the different types of brick bond?
Stretcher Bricks are laid with only their stretchers showing, overlapping midway
English with alternating courses of headers and stretchers.
111
What are the factors that might affect the choice materials for internal partitions?
Fire rating requirements.
- Restriction for noise (Db ratings).
- Visuals Opacity vs. transparency.
- Fixed or movable.
- Strength requirements.
112
What is the purpose of a threshold strip?
a lightly rounded metal Strip over The joint between The floor finishes or coverings that meet under The door leaf.
- They prevent fraying and provide an aesthetic finish.
113
What is a metal grid ceiling and what are the benefits?
this is a suspended ceiling system formed by a square grid.
- These are normally quicker to construct than alternative options and allow for service runs through The void above.
- They also offer easy access for service repairs.
114
What is the difference between rolled and tiled carpet tiles and why do we use each type?
Rolled carpets generally offer better quality and are more expensive. Commonly used In dwellings.
- Carpet tiles are harder wearing and are often cheaper. Individual tiles can be replaced therefore They are easier to maintain. Carpet tiles are Commonly used In offices and hospitals.
115
What is bottom up construction?
Bottom up construction forms the basement and then works upwards in a traditional manner.
- This offers a simpler construction than top down methods of construction but will often carry a longer programme duration.
116
What is top down construction?
Top down is used to speed up the construction process of a building with basement levels. The ground floor slab is cast with an access hatch.
- The ground below is excavated and another slab is formed. If there is another level, the process is repeated.
- Piles are usually used as foundations and also act as retaining walls. It allows the building above to be constructed at the same time as the basement.
117
Explain how power is distributed to floor boxes in a raised floor?
The incoming power supply connects to a low voltage switchboard, which In turn connects to a distribution board.
- The distribution board will have an under floor busbar connected to it. The busbar has a number of sockets to which The floor box plugs into via a flexible lead.
- The floor box has sockets to which The appliances can plug into.
118
What fire safety provisions would you expect to find in an office block?
Maximum occupancy listings.
- fire exits with signage.
- Restricted use of flammable materials.
- Installing fire alarm control panels for quick detection
119
Describe a VAV (Variable Air Volume) AC System?
VAV systems vary The airflow at a constant temperature.
- this allows The temperature of The room to remain constant.
120
How are fire barriers formed in suspended ceilings and what happens when services pass through the barriers?
If a suspended ceiling is not fire resistant, fire barriers will be required within The ceiling void If The walls stop at The underside of The ceiling.
- When services run through The barriers it is important that They are sealed to prevent fire spreading through The service gap.
121
What is a UPS and why does a building require one?
a UPS is a device that maintains a continuous supply of electric power to certain essential equipment that must not be shut down unexpectedly.
- typically, it is installed In hospitals for life critical equipment and In businesses for business critical equipment.
122
Why do we install generators in buildings?
Generators are normally installed in buildings to act as a backup power supply should the primary power supply fail.
Generators in buildings for this reason are becoming less common as technical advances are made in UPS.
123
What is Busbar trunking?
Bare copper or aluminium conductors fixed inside trunking that distribute heavy-duty electrical power to tap-off units.
124
What do the abbreviations FCU, AHU & VAV stand for?
Fan Coil Unit (FCU).
Air Handling Unit (AHU).
Variable Air Volume System (VAV).
125
What are the key risks associated with residential basement construction?
Key risks include ground movement, water ingress, structural instability, party wall issues, access constraints, programme delays, and cost overruns.
126
How do you manage ground movement risk on a terraced house?
Ground movement risk is managed through appropriate temporary works design, staged excavation, monitoring, underpinning or piling solutions, and close coordination with structural engineers.
127
What surveys would you expect before designing a basement?
Typical surveys include ground investigation, trial pits, soil investigation, groundwater assessment, structural surveys of adjoining properties, and CCTV drainage surveys.
128
How does groundwater affect basement design and cost?
High groundwater levels increase waterproofing requirements, structural design complexity and construction risk, leading to higher costs and longer programmes.
129
What temporary works are typically required for a basement excavation?
Temporary works may include sheet piling, secant or contiguous piles, propping, temporary retaining walls, and temporary access arrangements.
130
What is the role of monitoring in basement construction?
Monitoring helps track ground movement and structural behaviour to ensure works do not adversely affect neighbouring properties and to manage risk proactively.
131
What is facade retention and when is it used?
Facade retention involves supporting and retaining an existing facade while new works are constructed behind it, often used for planning or heritage reasons.
132
What are the key risks of facade retention on residential projects?
Risks include structural instability, increased temporary works costs, programme delays, and health and safety risks.
133
Why is facade retention often more expensive than full demolition?
Facade retention requires extensive temporary works, careful sequencing, and monitoring, increasing cost and programme duration.
134
What temporary works are required for facade retention?
Temporary works typically include steel frames, needles, propping systems, and monitoring arrangements.
135
How does facade retention impact programme and preliminaries?
Facade retention usually lengthens the programme and increases preliminaries due to complex sequencing and temporary works.
136
How does fire strategy differ in a single dwelling compared to apartments?
Single dwellings have simpler fire strategies, whereas apartments require compartmentation, protected escape routes, and communal systems.
137
What fire safety considerations are introduced by a basement?
Basements introduce additional means of escape requirements, smoke ventilation, fire separation, and alarm systems.
138
How does basement construction affect the overall programme?
Basement construction is often on the critical path and can significantly extend programme duration.
139
Why are preliminaries often high on residential basement schemes?
Preliminaries are high due to long programmes, complex temporary works, restricted access, and intensive site management.
140
How do specialist finishes affect procurement strategy?
Specialist finishes often require early design freeze, specialist subcontractors, and may benefit from early market testing.
141
What are the risks of late design changes to finishes?
Risks include cost increases, delays, abortive work, and reduced cost certainty.
142
What are the advantages and disadvantages of timber frames?
Lightweight, fast, good thermal performance and sustainability.
Higher sensitivity to moisture, acoustics and fire perception
143
What is FSC?
A certification scheme that ensures timber and wood products are sourced from responsibly and sustainably managed forests.
144
How would you price life cycle costing?
As per NRM 3
145
What is a typical roof structure?
Roof covering on battens over a membrane, supported by rafters or trusses with ceiling joists acting as ties
146
What is a typical flat roof structure?
Waterproof membrane over insulation and a vapour control layer on a structural deck, supported by joists or a concrete slab
147
Examples of roof finishes?
Roof finishes include tiles or slates on pitched roofs, and felt, single-ply membranes, asphalt, liquid systems or green roofs on flat roofs.
148
Examples of band substances?
Asbestos and lead paint
Molly - APC
flashcards
Decks in class (23)
# Cards
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Mandatory COPY191
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Project Finance36
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Quantification & Costing34
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Risk Management18
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Contract Administration12
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Random Q&A Practice60
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Design Economics & Cost Planning65
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Procurement & Tendering90
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Case study59
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CONSTRUCTION TECH 142 Q148
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Construction Tech MO83
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Contract Practice161
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Ethics, rules of conduct and professionalism50
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Client care22
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Communication & Negotiation13
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Health & Safety25
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Accounting principles and procedures11
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Business Planning9
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Conflict avoidance, management and dispute resolution procedures21
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Data Management15
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Diversity, inclusion and teamworking8
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Inclusive environments4
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Sustainability16
