Construction Technology

Question 1

Name some advantages and disadvantages of precast concrete

Answer 1

• It offers high strength as it is cast in a controlled environment with ideal conditions
• Less time to install as it is ready upon delivery
• Requires transportation and has to be craned into position which may be difficult on some sites

Question 2

Name some advantages and disadvantages of insitu concrete

Answer 2

• It can be cast in any form so provides more flexibility to designers
• Longer to install, as it requires the installation of formwork and rebar prior to pouring
• It can be used for areas where transportation is difficult

Question 3

What are the RIBA stages of work?

Answer 3

0 - Strategic Detention
1- Preparation and briefing
2 - Concept design
3 - Spatial coordination
4 - Technical design
5 - Manufacturing and construction
6 - Handover
7 - Use

Question 4

What are the GRIP stages?

Answer 4

1 - Output definition
2 - Feasibility
3 - Option Selection
4 - Single Option Development
5 - Detailed Design
6 - Construction test and commission
7 - Scheme handback
8 - Project Close out

Question 5

What takes place in RIBA stage 0?

Answer 5

• Defines the the business case and client requirements
• Project risks, project budget and site surveys

Question 6

What takes place in RIBA stage 1?

Answer 6

• Guidance on project outcomes
• Clients requirements are considered in more detail
• Feasibility studies are undertaken and project budget agreed

Question 7

What takes place in RIBA stage 2?

Answer 7

• Sets the architectural concept for the project
• Preparation of site information, project brief, spatial requirements

Question 8

What takes place in RIBA stage 3?

Answer 8

• Architectural and engineering info are spatially coordinated
• Design studies and engineering analysis are undertaken and project cost plan updated

Question 9

What takes place in RIBA stage 4?

Answer 9

• All design information required to manufacture and construct is completed
• Stage 4 will often overlap with stage 5

Question 10

What takes place in RIBA stage 5?

Answer 10

• Manufacturing, construction and commissioning are completed
• There is no design work other than responding to queries

Question 11

What takes place in RIBA stage 6?

Answer 11

• Building handed over, after care initiated and building contract concluded
• Rectifying defects

Question 12

What takes place in RIBA stage 7?

Answer 12

• Building used operated and maintained effectively
• Stage 7 starts concurrently with stage 6 and lasts the life of the building

Question 13

What are the benefits of BIM?

Answer 13

• Increased collaboration and coordination: collaboration is done in real time
• Reduced construction time and cost: Detailed estimating and clash detection can be achieved
• Improved quality and safety: Allows visualisations and simulations
• Enhanced sustainability: Allows evaluation of building components

Question 14

Name some different types of piles

Answer 14

• Sheet piles: can be used to form basement walls or act as a retaining wall
• Secant piles: Interlocking piles poured into the ground can provide a waterproof structure
• Bored piles : An auger is used to excavate the soil and concrete is then poured in
• Pre-cast piles: Piles are hammered into the ground
• CFA Piles: Continuous flight auger, are drilled into the ground and concreted in one continuous operation

Question 15

What is a CAT3 check?

Answer 15

• Highest level of check required for complex designs
• An independent organisation must be used to check the design

Question 16

What is a CAT2 check?

Answer 16

• Used for designs more complex than CAT1
• Includes designs where loading or soil info need to be interpreted
• Same organisation different team

Question 17

What is a CAT1 check?

Answer 17

• Check for simple designs, including formwork and brickwork
• Different member of staff must complete the check

Question 18

When is BIM applicable for a construction project?

Answer 18

• For public funded projects it is mandatory to be compliant with BIM level 2
• BIM level 2 is collaborative working between parties using a 3D CAD model

Question 19

What is a latent defect?

Answer 19

• A hidden flaw or defect in the workmanship, design, materials or construction

Question 20

Can you explain how you managed the Thames Water Sewer with the asset owner?

Answer 20

• It is a Thames Water requirement to undertake impact assessments when working within a certain proximity of their asset
• Therefore I instructed the TWD’er to undertake an impact assessment and a design for a service protection slab to ensure the protection of the asset

Question 21

When would you appoint a Contractor under the RIBA stages of work?

Answer 21

Depends of the procurement route
- Traditional procurement: Stage 4
- Design & Build procurement: Stage 3
- Management contract/Construction management: Stage 2

Question 22

What are contiguous piles?

Answer 22

They are piles which are bored with a close proximity of each other to allow ground retaining functions, as well as lateral load functions