In your CPD record you mention you attended a presentation around the use of Vibro Stone Columns as a type of ground improvement, tell me about it.
It involves inserting columns of compacted stone or aggregate into soft soils to increase the ground’s bearing capacity and reduce settlement.
A specalist piece of equipment (Vibroflot) is used to penetrate the ground and the resulting bore is filled with aggregate which is compacted into layers to create a stone, dense stone column.
Benefits include;
- Increased bearing capacity
- Reduced settlement
- Cost-effective (often cheaper than traditional piling)
- Minimal spoil
- Versatile
- Sustainable
How do IEC’s work to cool the Data Centre?
Indirect Evaporative Cooling, this ensures the technical hall remains cooled utilising the natural air to provide cooling. The air-to-air heat exchanger uses external cold air and water spray evaporation to dissipate heat from a data hall. The unit uses outside air to cool the data hall avoiding the mixing of hot and cold air. The chilled air is taken from outside then forced through a heat exchanger and immediately exhausted. Internal air is drawn from the data hall and circulated through the other side of the heat exchanger. The unit circulates large volues of air across a heat exchanger to maintain the required temperature in the data hall. All servers will be kept within hot aisle containment which will push all the hot air in to the ceilling void which will be taken out to the IEC units.
Are there alternatives to IEC’s to cool a data centre?
Liquid/ immersion cooling
What were the options for the STFC service culvert?
Combined Services Ducted Option - this solution considers a ducted solution with cable pits at regular intervals. The ducts allow cables to be installed and replaced in the future without the need for excavations when compared to direct burried. All services will be within a single duct and will take up less space but provides a contained and organised way to manage multiple services.
Combined Services Full Culvert Option - this would be a continuous culvert solutions throughout the whole length. Access hatches to be installed at regular intervals. Likely to be pre-cast concrete installed in open trench excavation with all cables supported and restrained throughout the whole length. All services will be in a full sized culvert structure that will have full access inside for maintenance.
Combined Services Trench - This considers the installation of multiple pre-cast service trenches installed side by side with removable covers. This option will not be as deep and might require more maintenance over time as it is more exposed to the elements, but is a more cost effective solution.
How is a steel frame assembled?
Steel frames are assembled on-site by lifting, positioning, and connecting steel components.
Steel frames are often assembled using a solid L-backed assembly table with trestles inside to support the steel framing components. The framing is then fixed together with specialist frame card screws.
How are concete floors formed?
Concrete floors are formed by pouring concrete into a prepared base and then finishing and curing the concrete:
1. Prepare the base
Clear the site, excavate, and compact a hardcore base. You can also add a layer of sand blinding and a damp-proof membrane.
2. Create the formwork
Build up a base and level the forms. For T-beam construction, lay hollow clay or concrete blocks end-to-end to create a continuous T-beam. For waffle slabs, use square-box molds to create a rectangular grid of intersecting beams.
3. Add reinforcement
For reinforced concrete, lay steel reinforcing bars or mesh in the formwork.
4. Pour the concrete
Start at one end and pour the concrete into the forms, spreading it evenly and filling all corners. Use a screed board to level the concrete as you pour.
5. Finish and cure
Let the concrete cure for at least three days. You can use a trowel to create a smooth, hard, and dense surface.
Concrete slabs are a key structural component of buildings, providing a flat surface that helps support the load.
What are the approved documents within Building Regulations
Part A: Structure
Part B: Fire Safety
Part C: Contamination and moisture
Part D: Toxic substances
Part E: Passage of sound
Part F: Ventilation
Part G: Sanitation and water
Part H: Drainage and waste disposal
Part J: Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems
Part K: Falling, collision and impact
Part L: Conservation of fuel and power
Part M: Access and use of buildings
Part O: Overheating
Part P: Electrical safety
Part Q: Security
Part R: Electronic communications infrastructure
Part S: Infrastructure for the charging of electrical vehicles
Part T: Toilet accommodation
Regulation 7: Materials and workmanship
What RIBA Stage is on-site construction?
RIBA Stage 5 - Manufacturing and Construction
What is buildability?
It is defined as the extent to which the design of a building facilitates the ease of construction.
This can be achieved on a project through early contractor involvement to provide expertise and experience.
What are the benefits of off-site construction compared to in-situ construction?
Safety - Hazards such as falls from height are less likely in a factory
Efficiency and quality - Construction takes place in a controlled environment
Sustainability - Reduced waste
Speed - Work in the factory can be scheduled to begin at the same time as other activities on site, reducing in a shorter build time
What is a building substructure?
It is the lower portion of a building which supports the super structure
Includes foundations, basements and retaining walls
What is ground heave?
Associated with clay soil, which swells when wet causing upward movement of the ground.
As the soil can’t expand downwards or sideways, the result is that the exposed upper surface of the soil rises.
What are some techniques available for ground improvement?
- Vibro Compaction
- Vibro Stone Columns (Used on Project Wind)
- Vertical drains and vacuum consolidation
- Soil mixing
- Dynamic compaction
- Dynamic replacement
What are different forms of excavation?
- Site clearance operations
- Stripping topsoil
- Reduced level dig
- Cut and fill
- Excavation for foundations
What are SUDS?
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems
Used to manage stormwater locally, mimic natural drainage and encourage its infiltration and/or attenuation
Can help to reduce the reliance on existing drainage
What are the typical considerations when deciding on the type and size of foundation?
- The total load of the building
- Nature and load bearing capacity of the ground
- Type of structure
- Cost
- Construction constraints
What are the different types of foundations?
- Strip foundations
- Pad foundations
- Raft foundations
- Pile foundations
What are raft foundations?
It is a continuous slab that extends over the entire footprint of the building. It spreads the load of the building over a larger area than other foundations, reducing the stress acting on the ground.
What are pad foundations?
They are used to support individual columns or multiple columns spreading the load on the ground below. They are usually square or rectangular on plan and can be reinforced or non-reinforced.
What are strip foundations?
The formation is a strip of linear structure that ultimately serves to spread the weight across the total area of the ground and is typically used to support masonry.
What are pile foundations?
A pile is a column that extends deep into the ground, usually where the bearing capacity is poor or the imposed loads are very heavy.
There are two main types of pile; End bearing pile (the bottom layer of the pile rests on a strong soil or rock and the load of the building is transferred through the pile onto the strong layer), friction pile (the surface of the pile works to transfer the forces to the soil)
There are two main construction methods; bored piles (cast on site), driven piles (formed off site)
What is the superstructure of the building?
The structural component of a building constructed above ground level, basic comments include columns, beams, slabs, walls, etc.
What is a building envelope?
It is the boundary between the interior and exterior of a building, it includes items such as brickwork, cladding, curtain walls
What is pre-tensioned concrete?
The tendons or cables (reinforcements) are stretched across the concrete formwork before the concrete is placed. After the concrete has hardened and a suitable strength developed, the tendons are released which attempt to shorten and transfer the stored energy to the concrete. A comprehensive force is therefore induced in the concrete.
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Summary of Experience Q&A (Pre-Qual Only)69
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Development/ Project Briefs18
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Leading Projects, people and teams20
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Managing Projects17
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Ethics, Rules of Conduct & Professionalism55
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Client Care19
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Sustainability26
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Construction Technology31
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Health & Safety33
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RICS General Knowledge14
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Accounting Principals and Procedures34
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Business Planning24
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Data Management21
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Inclusive Environments12
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Diversity, Inclusion and Teamworking11
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Communication and Negotiation21
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Conflict Avoidance, Management and Dispute Resolution Procedures28
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Contract Practice (Incomplete)31
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Programming and Planning28
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Stakeholder Engagement9
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Procurement & Tendering44
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Project Finance (Empty)20
