HB APC 2025 > Construction Technology and Environmental Services (L2) > Flashcards

Construction Technology and Environmental Services (L2) Flashcards

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1
Q

What are the RIBA Stages?

A

The RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) stages, organise the process of briefing, designing, constructing and operating building projects into eight stages.

0 – Strategic Definition
1 – Preparation and Brief
2- Concept Design
3 – Spatial coordination
4- Technical Design
5 – Construction and Manufacturing
6 - Handover
7 - In Use

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2
Q

What legislation are you aware of that impacts the development of buildings?

A

Building regulations - minimum standards that must be acheived in the design, construction and alteration of buildings.

Construction (Design and Management) 2015 Regulations - seeks to improve H&S standards in the design of buildings by placing responsibilities on the various parties.

Town and Country Planning Act 1990 - Sets requirements for planning applications

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3
Q

What building regulations are you aware of?

A

Part A - Structure
Part B - Fire Safety
Part C - Site preparation and damp proofing
Part D - Toxic substances
Part E - Sound proofing
Part F - Ventilation
Part G - Hygiene
Part H - Drainage & Waste Disposal
Part J - Heating appliances
Part K - protection from falling
Part L - Conservation of fuel and power
Part M - Access to and use of buildings

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4
Q

What are the key components of a building?

A

Substructure
Superstructure
Facade / Cladding
MEP
Fit Out

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5
Q

What is the typical construction sequencing?

A

1) Site Set Up
2) Excavation
3) Foundation Install
4) Framing
5) MEP Install
6) Finishes
7) External Works

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6
Q

What are the different specifications a building can be finished to?

A

Shell and Core - building delivered with basic structure and essential services, but without internal finishes
CAT A - includes raised floors, suspended ceilings, basic lighting and HVAC, toilets and common areas
CAT A + - the above plus additional common parts, such as tea points and meeting rooms.
CAT B - partition walls, furniture and fixtures, specialist lighting and IT
Turnkey - CAT B but in line with the specific client brief

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7
Q

What is the Building Act 1984?

A

Key piece of legislation in England and Wales that provides the legal framework for building regulations

Created the role of the Approved Inspector, who has the power to inspect and enforce regulations

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8
Q

What is the difference between planning permission and building regulations?

A

Planning permission - focuses on the use and appearance of buildings and land. Governed by the TCPA 1990.

Building regulations - focuses on the safety, health and structural integrity of a building. Governed by the Building Act 1984.

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9
Q

What are foundations?

A

Provide support for structures, transferring the load of a building to layers of soil that have sufficient bearing capacity.

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10
Q

What foundation types are you aware of?

A

Deep and Shallow Foundations

Deep - E.g. Piled Foundations

Shallow - E.g. Pad Foundations, Strip Foundations and Raft Foundations

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11
Q

What are piled foundations?

A

A form of deep foundation formed of long columns, traditionally made of concrete or steel.

Three main types:

1) Pre-cast Driven Piles - piled into the ground and displace materials around the pile shaft

2) Bored Piles - Augar is used to remove spol and create holes for the piles to be bored into.

3) Secant Piles - Concrete piles interconnected by joints, used for retaining walls

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12
Q

What are pad foundations?

A

Provide a shallow base for individual concrete or steel columns.

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13
Q

What are strip foundations?

A

Provide a shallow foundation that runs continuousy along the length of a building.

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14
Q

Raft foundations?

A

Provide a shallow foundation that consists of a concrete slav that spreads the load of a building across a wide area of soil.

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15
Q

When would you use strip foundations? When would you not use strip foundations?

A

When you would:

(1) Good ground conditions, when the soil has sufficient bearing capacity
(2) When load-bearing walls are being used
(3) When there is a uniform load distribution

When you wouldn’t:

(1) Poor ground conditions where there is a risk of ground movement.
(2) For very heavy structures like multi-storey buildings.

Example: Low rise residential buildings and houses.

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16
Q

When would you use raft foundations? When would you not use raft foundations?

A

When you would:

(1) When the soil has low bearing capacity and can’t support individual footings (raft foundations spread the load over a large surface area).
(2) High Load Structures with multiple columns close together
(3) When a basement is being installed, as the foundation can be used as the basement floor slab.

When you wouldn’t:

(1) When there are good ground conditions, where strip or pad foundations would be more economical.
(2) Isolated load points
(3) Small structures.

Example: Commercial office building with a basement.

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17
Q

When would you use pad foundations? When would you not use pad foundations?

A

When you would:

(1) Good ground conditions - adequate bearing capacity
(2) Low to moderate loads - when loads are not excessively heavy
(3) Simple structural layouts with uniform column distribution

When you would not:

(1) Poor ground conditions
(2) Close column spacing

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18
Q

When would you use deep foundations over shallow foundations

A

(1) Poor surface soil coniditions - when the topsoil has low bearing capacity.
(2) Heavy structural loads - High rise buildings with concentrated loads

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19
Q

When would you use shallow foundations over deep foundations?

A

(1) Soil has good bearing capacity near the surface - e.g. firm clay
(2) Loads are relatively light, e.g. small residential or commercial buildings.

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20
Q

When would you use driven pre-cast piles over bored piles?

A

(1) Dense soils where soil can provide high resistance during driving.
(2) High load-bearing requirements, such as high-rise buildings
(3) Fast installation
(4) Quality assurance - pre-cast piles have consistent quality and strength.

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21
Q

When would you use bored piles over pre-cast piles?

A

(1) Urban or noise sensitive areas
(2) Variable or obstructed ground conditions

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22
Q

When would you use a secant piling wall over a contiguous pile wall?

A

(1) Groundwater exclusion is required - provides a water tight solution
(2) High structural intergity is needed - can be used as a permanent retaining wall

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23
Q

What factors should you consider when selecting a foundation type?

A

Nature of the load requiring support or capactity - dynamic / static

Total load of a building

Noise / vibration availability

Ground conditions

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24
Q

When would you use contiguous over secant?

A

(1) Groundwater exclusion is not required
(2) Temporary or low retaining structures

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25
What different types of foundation are suitable for specific situations
1) Made ground (areas where the natural soil has been artificially altered) - piled foundations 2) Inner City - Bored piles 3) Unstable Ground - Raft piles
26
What is a superstructure
The part of a building or structure that is above the foundation inc. walls, floors and columns
27
What are the different types of structural frames that can be used?
Concrete, Steel, Masonry, Timber
28
What are the pros and cons of a concrete superstructure?
Advantages: (1) Acoustic and Thermal Properties (2) Contains inherent fire protection Disadvantages: (1) Slow to construct due to curing (2) Environmental Impact
29
What are the pros and cons of a steel superstructure?
Advantages: (1) Quick to install - can be prefabricated allowing for quicker assembly (2) High strength to weight ratio - can be used to construct talls buildings without the need for excessive material Disadvantages: (1) Loses strength under high temperatures - requires additional fireproofing (2) Prone to rust and corrosion
30
What are the pros and cons of a masonry superstructure?
Advantages: (1) Fire resistant (2) Thermal insulation Disadvantages: (1) High cost due to labour (2) Time - not able to pre-fabricate
31
What are the pros and cons of a timber superstructure?
Advantages: (1) Sustainable - lower environmental impact (2) Aesthetic Disadvantages: (1) Vulnerable to decay (2) Lower strength compared to steel and concrete
32
What is CLT
Cross Laminated Timber - engineered wood made by gluing wooden boards together with each at a right angle to the layer beneath
33
What is glulam
Engineered wood made by lamintating several layers of wood together with durable adhesives
34
What is a composite slab?
Combination of a profiled steel deck and poured concrete
35
What is jump form?
Concrete pouring method where concrete is poured in sections, which is allowed to dry before jumping to the next level.
36
What is slip form?
Continuous pouring of concrete within formwork
37
What is HVAC
Heating Ventilation and Cooling Strategy Systems that regulate temperatures, maintain air quality and remove humidity
38
What is an FCU?
Fan Coil Unit - small units used to heat or cool specific rooms by circulating air over hot / cold coils
39
What is an AHU?
Air Handling Unit - Large system that heats, cools and ventilates entire buildings
40
What is MVHR?
Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery - Systemst that ventilate the building while recovering heat from the outgoing air
41
What is the difference between 4-Pipe and 2-Pipe FCUs
4-Pipe FCU: has two separate pipes for heating and two for cooling. Can heat and cool a room at the same time. 2-Pipe FCU: Has one pipe for heating and one pipe for cooling. Can do one or the other
42
Talk me through your experience with facade surveys on Exchange Square
Context: Retaining c. 50% of the existing facade on Exchange Square. Surveys required to assess whether the facade was feasible for reuse. Surveys: Three surveys undertaken - (1) Tensile pull-out tests to ascertain whether the existing fixings had the necessary capacity (2) Advanced weather testing to ascertain whether the new paint product could resit weather for 30 years and (3) structural surveys to ascertain whether the secondary strongback system could take the weight of additinal TGU loading.
43
Tell me about a time where you have worked closely with the project team to comply with Part M requirements
Context: 1 Triton Square, through the delivery of an Affordable Workspace fit-out Actions: Several items were included within the design process, including: 1500mm turning space within accessible WC's and power assisted doors to ensure they could be opened with less than 30N worth of force. Access handrails within the WCs
44
What are CDM regulations?
A key part of UK construction law, designed to improve health, safety and welfare on construction projects. Introduced in 2015. Key components include: 1) Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of everyone involved in construction projects 2) Assigns clear responsibilities 3) Encourages planning and risk management through design through to completion.
45
What roles and responsibilities does CDM define?
Client - ensure project is set up safely, appoint competent duty holders, and provide adequate resources. Principal Designer - plan, manage and coordinate health and safety in the design phase Designer - Identify hazards and eliminate or reduce risk in design. Principal Contractor - Manage construction phase, ensure safe systems of work, coordinate subcontractors Contractor - Folow safe work practices, comly with risk assessments and site rules
46
What key requirements does CDM define?
Pre Construction Information - including risks about site, risks and constraints before design or construction beginds. Produced by PD. Construction Phase Plan - Produced by the Principal Contractor, explaining how health and safety will be managed during construction. HSF - Produced by PD, recording residusl risks and safety information.
47
What is a unitised facade system?
- A pre-fabricated facade panel which is assembled off-site and installed on the building in sections. Key features: 1) Factory fabricated 2) Large units 3) Quick install 4) Provide weather tightness immediately
48
What are the advantages of a unitised facade system?
1) Faster construction and reduced site time. 2) Improved precision and finish quality as they are QA'd offsite
49
What are the disadvantages of a unitised facade system>
1) Higher design and coordination requirements - leads to limited flexibility on site 2) Transportation of large units can be logisticially challenging
50
What is a stick facade system?
- A curtain wall system where the facade is assembled piece by piece on site rather than being delivered in pre-fabricated units - Glazing, insulation and cladding panels are installed incrementally along the sticks (transoms and mullions)
51
What are the advantages of a stick system?
1) Easier to customise or adjust during construction 2) Logistically easier - less reliance on large crane lifts and can be transported easier
52
What are the disadvantages of a stick system?
1) Slower installation - more time required on site 2) Higher labour costs due to onsite assembly 3) Quality control can be harder
53
What is a rainscreen cladding system?
An external wall system that protects a building from rain while allowing ventilation and drainage between the cladding. Key components include: 1) Outer cladding panels - metal, stone or composite panels 2) Support framework 3) Ventilated cavity which allows air to circulate and water to drain 4) Weatherproof Barrier - behind the cavity to protect the building fabric 5) Insulation
54
What are the advantages of a rainscreen cladding system?
1) Flexibility in aesthetics 2) Improves thermal and acoustic performance
55
What are the disadvantages of a rainscreen cladding system?
1) Careful detailing and installation to prevent leaks 2) Maintenance needed for ventilation gaps and fixings
56
What facade types were used on One Exchange Square?
On One Exchange Square, we used a combination of unitised, stick and rainscreen, Unitised was used on the new facade on the Western elevation. Used due to the elevation being extended, affording limited as-built risk and clear dimension criteria. Brought significant programme benefits. Stick was used on the ground floor retail arcade, where it was not possible to install unitised due to geometry issues and logsitical issues. Rainscreen on the southern elevation where there was no requirement for glazing due to adjoining an existing neigbour.
57
What is the difference between Stage 2, Stage 3 and Stage 4 of the RIBA stages?
These stages all deal with the design portion of a construction project, however they have differing focus: Stage 2 - Concept Design - Establish overall design concept, and options - include initial layouts, sketches, massing studies Stage 3 - Spatial Coordination - Refine the design, integrate the various components - include detailed plans, elevations Stage 4 - Technical Design - Prepare for construction, produce coordinated drawings, specifications and construction details
58
What is the Building Safety Act
The BSA is a piece of government legislation introduced following the Grenfell Tower FIre (2017) to improve safety in high rise and complex residential buildings. Primarily applies to residential buildings over 18 meters or 7 storeys. Key features include: 1) Defines accountable persons who are responsible for safety compliance and risk management 2) Gateway Approach - Three gateways (Gateway 1 - Planning) (Gateway 2 - Construction) (Gateway 3 - Occupation) 3) Introduced the role of a Building Safety Regulator to ensure compliance, who has the powers to enforce remediation, stop works and levy fines. 4) Golden Thread of information - duty holders must maintain a digital record of building safety information.
59
What is a substructure?
All elements of work that are undertaken below the damp proof course that provides the basis for the superstructure to be constructed upon.
60
What is cladding
The external layer of a building that is attached to the structural frame to: 1) Protect the building from weather and water ingress 2) Provide thermal and acoustic insultation 3) Provide aesthetical benefits
61
What is a riser?
A vertical shaft, pipe, or duct that allows the passage of services between floors in a building. Types include: (1) Mechanical risers for heating, cooling or ventilation ducts (2) Electrical risers for power, lighting or data cables (3) Wet risers - water supply, drainage or fire protection systems
62
What is a BMS?
A computer based control system that manages, monitors and optimises a buildings MEP services
63
What HVAC system does your building use?
One Exchange Square uses an Air Handling Units on each floor to distribute conditioned air via ductwork to different zones. On the CAT A floors, a 4-pipe FCU system is used, which allows for simulatenous heating and cooling.
64
What are British Standards?
Publications issued by the British Standards Instituion, which give recommended minimum standards for materials, components, design and contruction practices. I.e BS 8300
65
What are International Standards?
Publications issued by the International Organisation for Standardisation - compatible with the British Standards
66
What are Temporary Works?
Temporary works are structures or systems put in place to support the construction process but are not part of the permanent building. I.e. Scaffolding, Cranes, Propping
67
What is a retaining wall?
Foundation types that are used to support and retain soils laterally so that it can be retained at different levels on two sides.
68
What is post tensioned concrete?
A type of reinforced concrete in which steel tendons are tensioned after the concrete has been cast and has gained sufficient strength. Can facilitate longer spans with intermidiate supports
69
What is a cavity wall?
A wall made of two separate skins with a gap between them - The inner leaf is structural and carries the buildings load - The outer leaf protects against the weather - The cavity provides insulation and prevents moisture penetration
70
What is a closed cavity facade?
A type of rainscreen cladding system where the cavity between the outer cladding and the inner wall is sealed - air cannot flow through the cavity
71
What is a sump pump?
A mechanical device installed in a low point of a building to remove water or waste, pumping the waste up and out of the building.
72
What is a VAV?
Variable Air Volume System - a type of HVAC system that varies the airflow to a space depending on the cooling or heating demand.
73
What is a fire barrier?
A physical or passive system designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke within a building. Including fire-rated plasterboard or gypsum; or firestop sealants and collars around services.
74
What is VRF?
Variable Refrigerant Flow - a type of HVAC system where one outdoor unit can cool or heat many rooms, and it adjusts automatically how much air each room gets.
75
What is a fire compartment?
A fire compartment is a section of a building separated by fire-resistant walls, floors, or barriers to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
76
How does the Building Safety Act impact you?
(1) Increased Accountability and Dutyholders: PM must ensure that dutyholders are appointed (Client, PD, PC, D, C) (2) Establish a system for capturing, managing and transferring information at every stage, to comply with the Golden Thread of Information requirements (3) Gateway Process: Ensure that the project programme reflects the Gateway Process for HRBs (Gateway 1: Planning ; Gateway 2: Pre-Construction ; Gateway 3 - Completion)
77
What is cladding?
A non-load bearing envelope which protects a building from weather conditions, and provides an aesthetic appearance.
78
What types of cladding are you aware of?
Multiple, including: (1) Curtain Walling (2) Sandwich Panels (3) Metal Profile (4) Brick Slips
79
What is the difference between cladding and a facade?
Cladding is the material or system that is attached to the outside of the builiding. The facade is the entire system which provides the external appearance. In essence, the cladding is a facade component.
80
What are Modern Methods of Construction?
MMC are innovative approaches to designing and assembling buildings, aimed at improving efficiency, speed, sustainability and quality. Examples, include: (1) Modular Construction - 3D modules are manufactured offsite (volumetric construction) (2) Cross-Laminated Timber (3) BIM Etc.
81
What is a pile cap?
A pile cap is a thick concrete mat that sits on top of a group of piles, tying them together and transferring the load from the structure to the piles below.
82
What factors should you consider when selecting a structural frame?
(1) Building Use - Factories with heavy loads require strong, rigid frames (steel / concrete) (2) Height and Scale (3) Speed of Construction requirements
83
What are the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations?
A legal framework in the UK that requires certain types of development projects to assess and report their potential environmental effects before planning permission is granted. Projects that are covered include Large Scale or Environmentally Sensitive Projects - Energy facilities, large housing developments, infrastructure schemes.
84
What buildings are exempt from Building Regulations?
1. Small Detached Buildings - e.g. sheds and garages. 2. Temporary Structures - for less than 28 days. 3. Some agricultural builidngs.
85
What types of load are you aware of?
Dead Loads - The load of all materials in the structure. Live Loads - People and Furniture. Super Imposed Loads - Snow, Water etc. Note: Live loads are a superimposed load.
86
How is a building cooled?
Two ways: (1) Passive Cooling - Use of natural processes without mechanical systems. E.g. Natural ventulation, shading, thermal mass. (2) Active Cooling - Use of mechanical or electrical systems to reduce indoor temperatures. Such as: AC, CHW systems, Heat Pumps.
87
What three methods of ventilation are you aware of?
(1) Natural - Open / Closed Windows (2) Mixed Mode - Natural and Mechanical (3) Mechanical - AHU, FCU etc.
88
When does a project become notifiable?
If (1) It lasts longer than 30 days with more than 20 works, or (2) It takes longer than 500-person working days.
89
What is the Damp Proof Course?
A horizontal barrier usually made of plastic, bitumen or other impervious materials, designed to stop ground moisture from rising into the structure.
90
What are the different ways the piles transfer their load to the ground?
(1) End-Bearing Piles - Load is transferred directly through the pile tip to s trong firm stratum. (2) Friction Piles - Load is transferred along the surface of the pile through friction between the pile and surrounding soil.
91
What is Contiguous Piling?
The construction of a continuous line of closely spaced piles along the perimeter of an excavation to retain soil and support structures. In essence, piles are spaced closely together, but there may be small gaps which can be filled with in-situ concrete or reinforced walls.
92
What is the difference between CLT and Glulam?
CLT = Cross Laminated Timber consisting of engineered timber laminated together crosswise. Glulam = Glue Laminated Timber = Engineered timber laminated together in parallel. CLT provides strngth in two directions, and is therefore more suitable for walls, floors and roofs. Glulam provides greater strength in one direction, is therefore more suitable for columns and beams.
93
Part A: Example of Requirements?
Part A = Structural Safety and Stability. 1) Deflection Limits - Floor beams in offices should limit deflection. 2) Foundations must safetly transfer building loads to the grounf without excessive settlement.
94
Part B: Example of Requirements?
Part B = Fire Safety 1) Buildings must provide safe evacuation routes in the event of a fire. For example, it specifies that staircases and doors must be sized to allow evacuation of occupants within a specified travel distance, usually less than 18m 2) Fire Resistance of Structural Elements - critical elements must resist fire for a defined period.
95
Part C: Example of Requirements?
Part C = Site Preparation and Resistance to Contaminants and Moisture 1) Damp Proofing - floors and walls in contact with the ground must be protected from rising damp. For example, the use of a Damp Proof Course. 2) Provision of surface water drainage - buildings must manage rainwater and surface runoff to prevent flooding.
96
Part D: Example of Requirements
Part D = Toxic Substances 1) Building materials must not release toxic substances that could harm occupants - e.g. office interior finishesshould be low in volatile organic compounds. 2) Existing buildings must identify and safely manage or remove hazardous materials.
97
Part E: Example of Requirements?
Part E = Acoustics 1) Sound insulation betweem offices must acheive a minimum airborne sound insulation of 45dB
98
Part F: Example of Requirements?
Part F = Ventilation 1) Minimum ventilation rates - e.g. at least 10 L/s per person in open-plan offices
99
Part G: Example of Requirements?
Part G = Sanitation, Hot Water Safety and Water Efficiency 1) Provision of minimum number of sanitary facilities. 2) Hot water systems must be designed to prevent scalding = supply temperatures at taps should not exceed 60 degrees.
100
Part H: Example of Requirements?
Part H = Drainage and Waste Disposal 1) Minimum falls for drains depending on their specific use case.
101
Part J: Example of Requirements?
Part J = Combustion Appliances and Fuel Storage Systems 1) Ensuring any gas or oil-fired boiler has adequate ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
102
Part K: Example of Requirements?
Part K = Protection from Falling, Collision and Impact 1) Stairs must be safe to use, with adequate handrails (e.g. 900-1000m in height)
103
Part L: Example of Requirements?
104
What is the Golden Thread of Information?
A digital record of a building's key information, that describes how the building was designed, constructed and is being maintained. It must be accurate, accessible, up-to date and secure.W
105
What is a HRB?
A higher-risk building under the BSA. It is 18 metres or more in height, or has seven more storeys, and has at least two residential units.
106
What is the Building Safety Regulator?
An independent regulator responsible for overseeing safety and performance of all buildings, and implementing and enforcing the new safety framework for higher-risk buildings.
107
What is Curtain Walling?
A non-structural cladding system for the external walls of buildings, usually made out of glass or aluminum.
108
What is a Sandwich Panel?
Prefabricated panels with insulation materials sandwiched between two metal or composite sheets.
109
What is a Metal Profile?
Sheets of corrugated or flat metal fixed to the building's exterior.
110
What is Brick Slip Clading?
Thin slices of brick attached to an external wall to replicate traditional blockwock.
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