Construction Tech L1

Question 1

Are you aware of the RIBA Plan of Work?

Answer 1

8 stages starting from zero to 7.

Question 2

What stages have you been involved with?

Answer 2

All stages from 0 to 7.

Question 3

What foundation types are you aware of?

Answer 3

Concrete strip, pad foundation, raft foundations and piled foundations.

Question 4

When might piled foundations be used?

Answer 4

If building near trees or in highly shrinkable soils like clay.

Question 5

What are the advantages of a concrete framed structure over a steel framed structure?

Answer 5

Fire resistance, maintenance

Question 6

What building elements are classed as the super structure?

Answer 6

Anything above the ground is classed as super structure. Walls, floors, roof.

Question 7

How might you tank a basement?

Answer 7

Either externally with a membrane or internally with a membrane, perimeter drainage channel and sump pump.

Question 8

What are the components of a traditional timber pitched roof structure?

Answer 8

Rafters, ridge board, purlins, hips, valleys, wall plate.

Question 9

How might an internal partition be altered to provide better acoustic performance?

Answer 9

Acoustic insulation installed between studs, acoustic plasterboard.

Question 10

Give me some examples of the different heating systems present in the properties you maintain.

Answer 10

Conventional wet systems, with either 2 or 3 boilers operating on a cascade system serving LST radiators. Operated by a BMS system and some have plate heat exchangers installed.

Question 11

What form of floor construction would you expect to find in a 1970’s purpose-built block of flats (to ensure sufficient fire protection?

Answer 11

Pre-cast concrete planks.

Question 12

Explain the principles of compartmentation in relation to purpose-built blocks of flats

Answer 12

The prevention of fire spreading form one apartment / area to another to reduce the spread of fire.

Question 13

What current challenges is Covid and/or Brexit bringing to Construction Technology?

Answer 13

Increased material costs could lead to poor construction methods. Skills gap could lead to less skilled workforce.

Question 14

What are temporary works?

Answer 14

Propping, scaffolding, shuttering