1
Q
List a number of foundation solutions
A
Pad, strip, piled, raft
2
Q
Explain Piled Foundations
A
- A series of columns constructed or inserted into the ground to transmit the load of a structure to a lower level of subsoil
- Used for poor ground levels
- Steel or reinforced concrete
3
Q
List different types of piles
A
Sheet, Secant, Bored (CFA) & Precast
4
Q
What is sheet piles
A
-Driving Interlocking piles which form a solid barrier
-Resist lateral pressure from soil or water
-Driven into the ground
-Retaining Wall construction
-Excavation support
5
Q
What is Secant Piles
A
-Interlocking Piles which are bored together and driven into the ground
-Excavation, driven, concrete pour, interlock
- Connected to steel beam
-Foundations & basement walls
-Top Down construction
6
Q
What is Bored Piles
A
-Excavate soil w Auger and filled with concrete
-Transfer load to deep cohesive soil
7
Q
What is precast piles
A
-Piles hammered\driven into ground using percussion
-High noise
-Lack Flexibility in depth
8
Q
Different ways piles transfer load?
A
End Bearing, Friction, Settlement Reducing, Tension
9
Q
End bearing piles?
A
Transfer load to strong rock strata or dense sand
10
Q
Friction Piles?
A
Friction between pile and soil
11
Q
Settlement Reducing Piles?
A
-Under raft foundation
- Reduce differential settlement
12
Q
Tension Piles?
A
Resist uplifting forces from pressure
13
Q
Problems to QS in regards to piles?
A
-End depth are not certain
14
Q
Who takes the risk on piling?
A
-Depends on procurement route
-Traditional or D&B - Main contractor
15
Q
Raft Foundation?
A
-Spread load over a large base
-Poor load bearing soil
-Light loaded building
-Where differential settlement is a concern
-can be solid raft or beam
Used for industrial buildings
16
Q
Strip Foundations?
A
-Shallow excavation to support external wall and internal walls
-Light structure - resi buildings
-Suitable for most soil types
17
Q
Pad Foundation?
A
-Base for reinforced concrete or steel columns
-Isolated point loads
-Square\rectangle excavation
-Reinforced mesh
-spread load to bearing soil or rock used in good soil conditions
Used for industrial buildings
18
Q
List all frame solutions
A
Steel, timber & concrete
19
Q
Advantages of steel frame?
A
-Quick to assemble
-100% Recyclable
-Non Combustible
20
Q
Disadvantages of steel frame?
A
-Require Fire protection retrospectively
-Price fluctuations
-Require experienced builder
21
Q
Advantages of timber frame?
A
-Quick to construct
-Good sound insulation
-Green construction
22
Q
Disadvantages of timber frame?
A
-Rot & condensation
-Fire risk
23
Q
Advantages of concrete frame?
A
-Fire Protection inherently provided as part of the structure
-Low maintenance
- Sound and heat insulation compared to steel
24
Q
Disadvantages of concrete frame?
A
-Slow to construct
-Weather delays
-Heavy structure requiring larger foundations
25
What are building regs?
They provide general guidance on performance of materials expected in order to comply with the functional requirements of the building regulations & provide practical examples
26
Outline the building safety act 2022
-Ensure that residents of high-rise buildings and other multi-occupancy buildings live in homes that meet robust safety standards.
-18m tall buildings with more than 7 storyes - high risk
-It applies to all parts of a building's lifecycle, from planning and design to post-completion maintenance.
-The Act focuses on safety and standards for all buildings, assuring the safety of higher-risk buildings, and improving the competence of those responsible for overseeing, managing, and delivering works to higher-risk buildings.
27
How has the building safety act affected the industry?
-Longer programmes
-Principle Designer under building regs
28
What is a raised access floor?
A raised access flooring system is an elevated floor that is laid above a sub floor, often a concrete floor slab, in order to leave an open space or void
28
How does different types of RAF offer reduced carbon?
Through use of recycled materials to form the RAF.
29
Describe a typical Cold Flat Roof Construction
-Ceiling joist form horizontal members
-Insulation above ceiling level\void
- including air gap
-Decking secured to joists
30
Describe a typical Warm Flat Roof Construction
-Insulation of top of roof deck underneath waterproof membrane
-Vapour control under insulation
31
Describe a typical parapet wall – roof abutment detail
-The parapet wall or dwarf wall is built along the perimeter edge of the roof
-The wall height extends above roof level
-Flashing or water proofing detail along
DPC closer placed above the flashing and at the head of the wall
31
Describe a pitched roof detail
-Made of rafter, fixed to external wall
-Ridge board at apex of roof
-Covering fixed to battens
-Rafters supported by struts, purlins and roof beam
-Eaves board to end of rafters
32
What are the common components you would expect to see within a steel frame construction?
-beams
-columns
-purlins
-rafters
-eaves
-base plate
-cladding rails
-bracing
-fixings
33
What are the common components you would expect to see within an external wall / foundation detail?
-strip foundation
-block foundation wall
-reinforcement
-damp proof course
-air bricks
-ground floor slab
-backfilling
34
What are the different parts of a steel beam?
-flange - top and vertical part of the beam
- web- vertical steel part of I beam
-root - flange and web join point
35
What is powder coating?
-factory finish on metals
-sprayed and then cured by heat then allowances for holes
36
What other elements will be affected by the type of cladding systems used?
-frame
-roof
-mep
37
List some Building Regulations Approved Documents?
- Part B - fire
- Part L - conservation of fuel and power
38
What are the Building Regulations Approved Documents?
Provide general guidance on performance of materials to comply with functional requirements
39
Difference between cold and warm roof?
Warm insulation is above the deck where as cold is below the deck
40
Adv + Dis of Sheet piling
Adv
-Versatile
-Durable
-Reusable
Dis
-Noise and vibrations
-Affect local habitats
41
Adv + Dis of Secant piling
Adv
-Less noise compared to typical piles
-Flexible
Stronger when compared to sheet
Dis
-Expensive
-Poor to get full water tightness
42
Bored piles vs driven piles
-Driven Piles - formed off site and driven on site
-Quicker to construct
-Lots of vibrations
-Bored Piles - cast in concrete on site
-Dont disturb soil
-High bearing capacity
43
Building Safety Act Gateways?
-Gateway 1 - HSE consultee for fire safety & fire statement
-Gateway 2 -Building Reg inspection at each design and construction stage
-Gateway 3 - completion
44
GGBS?
Ground granulated blast furnace slag
45
Why less embodied carbon in GGBS?
Iron by product which is reused.
46
RAF Considerations?
-Swing bag test
-cost for cleaning & fixing
-Circular economy
47
What type of green roof was utilised? Explain the type of roof
-Seddum
-Warm roof construction
48
Portal Frame?
-A rigid frame with two columns and a rafter forming a portal.
-Economical for low-rise buildings with large open spaces.
-Common in factories, agricultural buildings, and warehouses.
49
Rigid Frame?
-Moment-resisting joints to ensure the structural elements act together under load.
-Absorb lateral forces makes them ideal for buildings in seismic regions or exposed to wind pressure.
-Multi-story structures where vertical continuity and lateral stability are crucial.
50
What is shell and core
A specific stage of development constructing the basic structure and external envelope of a building, but not the interior finishes or fit-out
51
CAT A Fitout?
The basic internal finish of a commercial space, typically provided by the landlord or developer. It prepares the space for occupation but does not include tenant-specific customisation.
-RAF
-Suspended ceilings
52
CAT B Fitout?
Customising the internal space to meet the specific needs, branding, and functionality of the tenant or business occupying the space.
53
Temporary Works?
Structures or systems that are not part of the permanent building, but are essential for enabling the construction process. They are designed to provide support, access, protection, or stability in a SAFE manner.
-Scaffolding
-Shoring
-Cranes
54
What is site investigation and name a number of surveys?
-The process of collecting information about the physical and environmental conditions of a proposed construction site.
-Understand the ground conditions, risks, and constraints
-Topo survey
-Asbestos Survey
-Geo technical surveys
-Environmental survey
55
What is planning and how does it influence construction?
-Planning ensures that the right development happens in the right place at the right time, benefitting communities and the economy. It plays a critical role in identifying what development is needed and where, what areas need to be protected or enhanced and in assessing whether proposed development is suitable
-Planning conditions must be met by all aspects of the project for it to be signed off.
56
Why did you use piles on the OTJ facility?
We use CFA piles due to the poor low load bearing strata which could not utilise alternative foundations.
57
How has your knowledge on construction tech supported a client at feasibility stage?
Having worked on numerous jobs on the same site. I was able to advise my client of the need for CFA piles on the OTJ facility due to the poor ground. I was able to price a number of different foundation and solutions in order for design decisions to be made.
58
If you cant answer a APC question, what should you say?
- Can we go back to that at the end
-I would find the answers at these sources:
-Engineer\ Designer
-Peers
-Tech Books
59
Strip foundations - loading, soil type, use and cost
-Light to moderate loading
-Firm strata
-Low rise builds i.e Domestic
-Low cost
60
Pad foundations - loading, soil type, use and cost
-Moderate points loads
-Firm strata
-Frame structures, small commercial
-Medium cost
61
Raft foundations - loading, soil type, use and cost
-light to moderate loading (spread over area)
-Low Bearing strata
-Large industrial units on weak soil
-Medium cost
62
Pile foundations - loading, soil type, use and cost
-Heavy loads
-Unstable soft soil
-High rise or industrial
-High cost
63
What are CFA piles?
Continuous Flight Auger
64
Key differences between the Building Regulations and the Building Safety Act?
-The Building Regulations set out minimum standards for design and construction
-Building Safety Act introduces a broader safety regime, focusing on accountability, risk management, and resident engagement.
65
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of thin, needle-like fibers. It was widely used in construction and other industries for its heat resistance, strength, and insulating properties
66
Types of Asbestos?
-Chrysotile - most common
-Amosite
-Crocidolite - most dangerous
67
When was Asbestos banned?
-1995
-Asbestos (Prohibitions) (Amendment) Regulations 1999
68
What was Asbestos used for?
Common uses included insulation, roofing, floor tiles, and fireproofing materials.
69
What are the differences between a management asbestos survey and a refurbishment/demolition asbestos survey?
- A management survey is used to locate asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) during normal occupancy
-Refurbishment/demolition survey is more intrusive and required before any major works. The latter identifies all ACMs that could be disturbed during construction.
70
How are CFA Piles Constructed?
-Drilled with auger
-Concrete is pumped through the auger
-steel reinforcement is put in place
71
Advantages of CFA Piles?
-Low noise & Vibrations
-Fast installation
-Good for a range of soil conditions
72
For the £3.2m warehouse\production line what other things were considered when advising the client on CFA piles?
-Noise
-Vibrations
-Speed of construction
-Negating the need for piles
73
For the Colmore Gate what other things were considered when advising the client on RAF VE
-Aesthetics
-Sustainability
74
Green Roof Build up
1. Roof deck
2. Vapour control Barrier
3.Reinforcement Layer
4.Protection Mat
5.Drainage layer
6.Growing substrate
7.Green layer
75
Hot melt roof system build up
1. Roof deck
2. Primer
3. Hot melt membrane
4. Protection layer
5. Insulation
6. Surface finish
76
Alternative roof option to green and hot melt
Single ply roof
77
Secant piling - what are the risks associated with using it as a form of
retaining wall construction?
-Water tightness
-Long to install
-Costly
78
Why would secant piling be considered more appropriate for retaining wall and basement construction than
continuous piling?
-Water tightness - continuous have gaps
-Better soil retention
-Flexible
79
How can piles be potentially avoided?
Ground Improvement
80
Name some ground improvement techniques
-Compaction
-Vibroflotation
-Dynamic Compaction
-Soil Replacement
81
What is compaction?
Using rollers to densify soil
82
What is Vibrofloatation?
Vibration to rearrange soil particles
83
Dynamic compaction?
Heavy weight dropped to compact soil
84
Soil replacement?
Remove poor soil and replace
85
Why do you crop piles?
-Remove defective heads
-Structural connection
-Stops load transfer problems
86
Whats a pile mat?
-Temporary surface for piling rigs
87
Name pile tests?
-Static load test
-Dynamic load test
-integrity test
88
Piles used for walls?
-Secant
-Sheet
-continuous
89
Slip forming?
Concrete is poured into a formwork that slowly moves upward
90
Jump forming?
-Concrete is poured into formwork at one level.
-Once the concrete sets, the formwork is detached and lifted (jumped) to the next level.
91
Post tension concrete?
Post-tensioned concrete is a form of reinforced concrete where steel tendons (cables or rods) are tensioned after the concrete has been cast and has gained sufficient strength
92
How does RAF distribute power to floors?
-Underfloor Cable Trays or Conduits
-Floor Boxes
-Busbar system
93
Whats a 2 FCU
- two separate fan coil units are being used.
-One supply and one return pipe.
- Either heating or cooling
94
Whats a 4 FCU?
-Two supply and two return pipes
-One heat and one cool
95
HVAC means?
Heating, Ventilation and Air con
96
Whats the gold thread of information?
digital record of all safety-critical information about a building,
97
What is made ground?
Man-made or artificially deposited material used to raise or level the ground surface.
98
What are the aims of the safety act?
-Golden Thread of info
-Clear accountability for safety across design, construction, and occupation phases.
-Stronger competence requirements for duty holders
99
Why did the building safety act come to fruition?
- direct response to the Grenfell Tower fire
-Draft Building Safety Bill
100
What report started the building safety act?
-Hackitt Report
-Recommended a complete overhaul of building regulations and fire safety
101
How did you advise the client on the structural buildability of the welfare wall?
-Consulted designer and why we couldn't lay flat?
-Due to acoustics
-Acoustic reported noted not needed
-Advised to lay flat instead of vertically
-Less labour intensive
102
Approved Doc A & t?
A - Structure
T- Toilets
103
What does CBR mean
-California bearing ratio
-Soil strength
104
Name me a number of external wall systems
-Masonry
-Cladding
-Curtain walling
-Rain Screen cladding
105
With reference to concrete frames, what is formwork
Formwork is the structure, usually temporary, used to contain poured concrete and mould it to the required dimensions. The formwork is usually stripped away once the concrete has hardened and can support itself
106
What are the two types of concrete frame
Insitu reinforced and precast
107
What are the advantages of insitu
-High design flexibility
-Easily transported to site
108
What are the advantages of precast
-Uniform factory finish
-Repetitive casting allows reduce cost and speed
109
What are the disadvantages of insitu
-Slow wet trade
-High level of skill
110
What are the disadvantages of precast
-High transport cost
-Restrictive design flexibility
111
Types of Pile Walls
- Continuous Pile - closely spaced
-secant
-Sheet
-Diaphragm walls -panels joined together
112
What is debonding foam used for
A foam debonding tube is installed on the projecting bars of a pile cage to prevent the concrete sticking to the reinforcing bars
113
When would you use a steel casing?
When ground collapses and is more common with rotary bored than CFA
114
Which approved document relates to the Building Safety Act 2022?
-Part B - Fire
115
Traditional Masonry Build up?
-External Leaf
-Cavity Gap
-Insulation
-Internal Leaf
- Wall ties & Cavity Tray
116
Adv of Masonry Wall
-Durability
-Acoustic Performance
-Familiar
-Low Maintenance
117
Disadv of Masonry Wall
-Slow
-Weather dependant
-Labour intensive
118
SFS Cladding build up
-SFS infill panels fixed to frame
-Vapour control layer
-Cladding rails
119
ADV of SFS Cladding
-Fast
-Lightweight
-Design Flexibility
120
DisADV of SFS Cladding
-Requires Fire Stopping
-Poor acoustic performance
121
Make up of curtain walling
-Frame
-Glazing + Insulated panels
-Gaskets, pressure plates and caps
122
Adv of CW
-Unitiesed systems are fast for high rise
-Max Dayligth
-prefab
123
Disadv of CW
-Expensive
-Specialist
-High maintenance
124
Rainscreen cladding build up?
-Frame
-Membrane
-Cavity
-Insulation
125
ADV Rainscreen
-Thermal peformance
-Fast
-Replaceable panels
126
Disadv of Rainscreen cladding
-Specialist
- Fire compliance due to grenfell
127
What external wall system was used on OTJ?
-Masonry Wall to welfare with composite cladding
128
Composite Cladding?
-Cladding panels made of blended material engineered to improve performance and reduce weight.
129
ADV of composite cladding
-Lightweight
-Low maintenance
-Quick
130
DisADV of composite cladding
-Expensive
-Fade and expand
-Requires specialist installer
131
3 adv of sheet piles
-fast due to drilling
- reusable
- cost saving through reusability
132
3 dis of sheet piles
- noise and vibration
- lack of flexibility
- poor strength compared to secant
133
Adv of secant
-Strength
-flexible - can drill through hard rock
- no vibration
134
Dis of secant
-water tightness
- cost
- slow
135
Construction make up of a pile?
Bored Pile
1.Setting out of location
2. Temporary works - Pile mats
3.Pile rig moved into place
4.Auger excavates ground
5. Reinforcement put in place
6. Concrete via auger
7. Pile trim and testing
JH APC
flashcards
Decks in class (12)
# Cards
-
CONTRACT PRACTICE Sos115
-
DESIGN ECONOMICS & COST PLANNING Rev 245
-
Project Finance41
-
Quantification & Costing54
-
Construction Tech - SOS137
-
Procurement and Tendering - SOS120
-
Sustainability - SOS75
-
Contract Admin - SOS23
-
Construction Tech - E/O SoS70
-
Case Study48
-
LVL 2 & 3 Questions - All COMPS52
-
Ethics95
