APC LEVEL 1 > Construction Technology > Flashcards

Construction Technology Flashcards

(80 cards)

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1
Q

What are the main types of structural systems?

A

Load-bearing masonry

Reinforced concrete frame

Steel frame

Timber frame

Composite (steel + concrete)

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2
Q

What are the key functions of a building’s structure?

A

To transfer loads (dead, live, wind, etc.) safely to the ground, maintain stability, and provide a framework for the envelope and finishes.

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3
Q

What are the main types of foundations?

A

Shallow: strip, pad, raft

Deep: driven piles, bored piles, CFA piles

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4
Q

What determines the choice of foundation type?

A

Soil conditions, load requirements, site constraints, groundwater levels, and cost.

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5
Q

What are common substructure components?

A

Foundations, ground beams, basement walls, retaining walls, and damp-proof membranes.

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6
Q

What’s the difference between a raft and pad foundation?

A

A raft supports the whole building area, distributing loads evenly, while pads support individual columns or walls.

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7
Q

What are retaining walls and their main types?

A

Structures resisting lateral soil pressure; types include gravity, cantilever, anchored, and sheet pile walls.

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8
Q

What is the function of a damp-proof course (DPC)?

A

To prevent moisture rising through capillary action into the structure.

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9
Q

What is the function of a damp-proof membrane (DPM)?

A

A horizontal barrier placed below the floor slab to stop moisture penetrating from the ground.

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10
Q

What are the advantages of precast concrete?

A

Improved quality control, reduced site time, less waste, and faster assembly.

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11
Q

What are the main roof types?

A

Flat, pitched, green roofs, and curved/shell roofs.

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12
Q

What are the layers in a flat roof build-up?

A

Structural deck → vapour barrier → insulation → waterproof membrane → surface finish.

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13
Q

What is a warm roof vs cold roof?

A

Warm roof: insulation above the deck (keeps deck warm)

Cold roof: insulation below the deck (deck remains cold)

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14
Q

What are the key design considerations for pitched roofs?

A

Pitch angle, roof covering (tile/slate/metal), ventilation, and guttering.

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15
Q

What are green roofs?

A

Roofs with vegetation layers that improve insulation, manage rainwater, and enhance biodiversity.

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16
Q

What are the main types of internal walls?

A

Load-bearing walls

Non-loadbearing partitions (timber/metal stud, blockwork, etc.)

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17
Q

What is meant by “thermal bridging”? and how can it be reduced?

A

A part of the building envelope where heat transfers more rapidly (has higher thermal conductivity) which means heat is lost faster (e.g., at junctions or metal elements).
Reduced by Using insulated wall ties, continuous insulation, and thermally broken structural elements.

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18
Q

What is the U-value of a building element?

A

A measure of how well it conducts heat — the lower the U-value, the better the insulation performance.

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19
Q

What are suspended ceilings used for?

A

To conceal services, provide acoustic control, allow access to MEP systems, and improve lighting design.

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20
Q

What is meant by “passive design”?

A

Design strategies that reduce energy use through natural ventilation, daylighting, and thermal mass without mechanical systems.

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21
Q

What is modular/off-site construction?

A

Building components or entire units fabricated off-site and assembled on-site to reduce time, waste, and labour.

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22
Q

What are the benefits of modular construction?

A

Faster programme, improved quality, reduced waste, safer working conditions, and less site disruption.

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23
Q

Which building regulations relate to construction technology?

A

Part A: Structure

Part B: Fire safety

Part C: Moisture

Part L: Energy efficiency

Part M: Access and use of buildings

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24
Q

What is the role of building regulations in construction?

A

They ensure safety, structural integrity, fire protection, accessibility, and energy efficiency.

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25
What is the purpose of the CDM Regulations?
CDM stands for Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. They are UK regulations intended to improve health, safety, and welfare throughout all stages of a construction project — from design to completion. To ensure that health and safety risks are properly considered and managed throughout a project’s lifecycle. They promote cooperation, coordination, and communication between duty holders and require designers and contractors to eliminate or reduce risks where possible.
26
When do CDM Regulations apply?
They apply to all construction projects in Great Britain, regardless of size or duration — including new build, demolition, refurbishment, extensions, maintenance, and repair.
27
Who are the main duty holders under CDM 2015?
Client Principal Designer (PD) Principal Contractor (PC) Designers Contractors
28
What is a notifiable project under CDM 2015?
A project is notifiable to the HSE if it lasts longer than 30 working days and has more than 20 workers simultaneously on site, or exceeds 500 person-days of construction work.
29
What are the RIBA stages of work and what are the Quantity Surveyor’s key outputs at each stage?
Stage 0 – Strategic Definition: Assess project viability, advise on initial budgets, and consider procurement routes. Stage 1 – Preparation and Briefing: Prepare an outline cost estimate and advise on cost implications of site constraints or design options. Stage 2 – Concept Design: Develop the initial cost plan and assist with cost checks to align design concepts with the budget. Stage 3 – Spatial Coordination: Refine the cost plan, identify value engineering opportunities, and contribute to risk management. Stage 4 – Technical Design: Prepare detailed pre-tender estimates, review specifications, and assist in tender documentation. Stage 5 – Manufacturing and Construction: Manage cost control, assess variations, undertake interim valuations, and report on financial progress. Stage 6 – Handover: Support final account preparation and assess project cost performance against the original budget. Stage 7 – Use: Review outturn costs, advise on lifecycle cost implications, and provide feedback for future projects.
30
What are the main types of shallow foundations and their uses?
Strip foundations: Used for load-bearing walls where the soil has good bearing capacity. Pad foundations: Support individual columns or concentrated loads. Raft foundations: Spread loads over a large area when the soil is weak or the building footprint is extensive.
31
What are the main types of deep foundations and their uses?
Bored piles: Used for heavy structures or poor soil conditions. Driven piles: Used when access or vibration constraints are minimal. Caissons: Large-diameter foundations used for bridges or marine structures.
32
What is the difference between warm and cold roof construction?
In a warm roof, insulation is placed above the structural deck, keeping it warm and reducing condensation risk. In a cold roof, insulation is below the deck, meaning the roof structure is exposed to cold air and condensation risk is higher without proper ventilation. Warm roofs are more energy efficient and better suited to humid or rainy climates.
33
What RIBA stage is on-site construction?
Stage 5 - Manufacturing and construction
34
what are the benefits of off-site construction over in-situ construction?
- Time: work in the factory can begin at the same time as other activities on site, resulting in shorter programme - Quality: controlled environment leads to better quality - Safety: controlled environment reduces risks like falls from heights. - Sustainability: reduced waste
34
What is buildability
extent to which the design of a building facilitates construction
35
What is the substructure?
lower portion of the building which support the superstructure Transmits loads of the building to the ground
36
What is ground heave?
the upward movement of soil associated with the swelling of clay when wet
37
What are some of the techniques available for ground improvement?
- soil mixing - dynamic compaction - Vertical drains
38
What are the different forms of excavation?
-Site clearance - reduce level - bulk excavation - excavation for foundations
39
What are the key factor to consider when excavation?
- Type of soil and moisture content - method - ground support system - proximity of existing buildings - underground services
40
Can you explain some techniques for waterproofing basements?
- tanking: materials such as asphalt or bitumen are applied as a continuous membrane - drained cavity: a space created between the external wall and an internal lining or wall, designed to manage water that may penetrate the structure
41
Can you detail a typical road build-up please?
1. Subbase (crushed stone or dry lean concrete) 2. Base (crushed rock and bitumen) 3. surface course: dense bitumen
42
What is the purpose of foundation?
Transfer loads to the ground
43
What are the typical considerations when selecting a type of foundation?
- Type of soil - Bearing capacity of the soil - Load of the building - Constraints (adjacent buildings) - cost
44
What are the different types of foundations?
-Pad - Raft - Strip -Piles
45
What are pile foundations?
column that extends deep into the ground End bearing piles Friction piles Bored piles Driven piles
46
When might a piled foundation be the best solution?
- Heavy structure - Soil with low bearing capacity - Area with settlement issues - structural load distribution is not uniform
47
What are secant piles?
Type of retaining wall formed by installing interlocking piles.
48
What is the envelope of a building?
the boundary between the interior and exterior of a building.
49
what are the key considerations when designing external walls?
Weather protections fire resistance acoustics appearance
50
what is a retained facade?
the facade of the building is preserved while the rest of the building is remodelled
51
How many UK standard bricks are required per m2?
60 per m2
52
how many UK standard blocks are required per m2?
10 per m2
53
can you name two types of brick bond?
-stretcher bond: vertical joints are staggered each time by half brick - English bond: Alternating headers and stretchers
54
what are advantages of timber frames
- faster construction on site - relatively lightweight - sustainable benefits
55
what are the disadvantages of timber frames
- potential for rotting - Fire protection is needed - Skilled workmanship needed
56
key advantages of steel frames
- Faster to erect on site - Recyclable - Can be used for long spans - high tensile strenght
57
key disadvantage of steel frames
- needs fire protection - price of steel is volatile - lower load bearing capacity compared to concrete
58
key advantages of concrete frames
- can be shaped into any form - high compressive strength - good sound and heat insulation
59
key disadvantages of concrete frames
- needs curing time - low tensile strength - requires formwork - high embodied carbon
60
key factors to consider when selecting a structural frame
The choice of frame depends on several factors, such as the required spans, site conditions, cost, programme, aesthetics, sustainability, and material availability.
61
what is slipform construction?
involves pouring concrete into the top of a continuously moving formwork at a speed that allows the concrete to harden.
62
what is the difference between single phase and 3 phase electrical supply?
- single phase has one live wire, whereas 3 phase uses 3 live wires. That means 3 phase supplies a more constant, reliable current.
63
why are generators installed in addition to regular grid power?
they act as back up power supply in case the primary supply fails.
64
what is UPS?
Uninterrupted power supply. it is used when "no-break" power supply is crucial for example hospitals and data centres
65
What does HVAC stand for?
Heating, Ventilation and air-conditioning
66
What is natural ventilation?
method of supplying fresh air to a building or room of passive forces like wind or differences in pressure. It avoid the use of mechanical systems which in return reduce carbon emissions.
67
What is mechanical ventilation?
method of supplying fresh air into a building or room by mechanical means like fans.
68
what is a air source heat pump?
it is a heating system that takes heat from the air and increases its temperature using a compressor. The heat is then transferred into the heating system.
69
what is rainscreen cladding used for?
it uses an exterior surfaces that breaks the force of water coming sideways due to the wind. This means most waster will simply bounce off the surface and run down the exterior
70
what is the purpose of a parapet?
it is an extension of the building shell above roof level is it used as edge protection and also cover roof plant from ground level sight.
71
What is CAT A fit out?
CAT A fit out provides a basic level of finish, which may include raised floor, suspended ceilings and partitions. It is considered a blank canvas for interior designers.
72
What is CAT B fit out?
CAT B provides a level of finish that allows to move into and operate in. May include but is not limited - Floor finishes - furniture - specialist lighting - decoration
73
Can you name some common types of plasterboard?
- standard - fire boards - acoustic boards - moisture resistant boards
74
What are temporary works?
part of a construction project needed to enable the permanent works to be built, usually for safety or access. - scaffolding - formwork
75
what are hoists?
They used for vertical transportation of materials and or people
76
what is shoring?
temporary support to prevent collapse
77
What is a culvert?
tunnel-like structure built to allow flow of water under a road
78
What is a drainage headwall?
it is a small retaining wall built in the inlet or outfall of a storm water drainage pipe to prevent the erosion of the ground surrounding it
79
APC LEVEL 1
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