What is the RIBA Plan of Works 2020?
Royal Institute of Britsh Architects.
The industry model for consistency and professionalism throughout planning, design and construction.
The RIBA Plan of Works 2020 outlines the stages of a construction project from conception to completion.
What is the difference between building regulations and planning legislation?
Building regulations ensure safety and health standards. (How)
Planning legislation governs land use and development permissions. (If, where)
Building regulations typically focus on the technical aspects of construction, whereas planning legislation addresses broader issues like zoning.
What are the main elements of constructing residential buildings?
- Foundations
- Ground floor systems
- Frame
- External Wall / Envelope
- Roofs
- FF&E
- Landscaping
Foundation systems can include shallow foundations, deep foundations, and specialized foundations based on soil conditions and building design.
What are two common methods of constructing a concrete frame?
Traditional and pre-cast concrete.
Traditional concrete construction involves pouring concrete on-site, while pre-cast concrete involves manufacturing components off-site and assembling them on-site.
What are the benefits of traditional concrete construction?
Flexibility in design, integration with other construction processes, and on-site adjustments.
- Widely Understood / familiar
- Formwork required
- Fire resistance & acoustic properties
Traditional methods allow for greater customization and adaptation during the construction phase.
What are the benefits of pre-cast concrete construction?
- Quality control..
- Reduced construction time, and minimized on-site labor.
- Reduced Waste
Pre-cast elements are manufactured in controlled environments, leading to consistent quality and faster assembly.
When does concrete achieve maximum strength?
28 days of curing.
Compressive Strength (Pushing in Concrete)
Tensile Stregnth
(Pushing Out, Steel Reinforcement)
The curing process allows the concrete to hydrate and gain compressive strength over time.
RICS Cosntruction Technology and Environmental Module
- Understanding frame options
- Benefits of MMC
- Types of Roofs
This module covers various aspects of construction technology and environmental considerations in building projects.
What are the different construction frame options?
Traditional, timber, steel, concrete
Each option has its own advantages, disadvantages, and suitability.
What was the original fit out category for Sheldon Street, Croydon & why did the Client want to omit?
For flexibility on the use of the commercial area for more potential users.
This was within the contract before the client’s request for an omission.
What essential elements did I identify to remain in the works?
Lighting, air conditioning, fire detection systems
These were crucial elements that needed to be retained after the omission.
What is the difference between Shell and Core, Category A, and Category B fit outs?
Levels of completion for commercial spaces
Shell & Core: Simply the frame, stripped back.
Category A: Limited fittings (Air conditiong, lighting, fire related equipment)
Category B: Fully equipped and furnished with FF&E.
They indicate varying degrees of readiness for tenant occupancy.
Traditional Frame
Masonry (Blockwork & Brickwork)
- Low rise residential
- Familiar
- High thermal mass & fire resistant
X - Labour intensive
X - Time consuming
Timber Frames
AD & DISAD
- Sustainably, renewable and recyclable material
- Prefab = quicker to erect
X Requires fire treatment
Steel
- Wide spans
- Recylable
- Strong Material
X - Price is volatle
Concrete
- Strong, durable and fire resistant
X Correct conditions for maximum strenght
X Hazardous to work with
How to conducts an NDSS Space Review
Creating a schedule of minimum requirements and checking room measurements to create a comparison and ensuring compliance for funding requirements.
A Nationally Described Space Standard review
UK Government guidelines for overall floor areas to ensure fudnign requirements. Provides adequate space for new builds.
This review included a schedule of room measurements compared against minimum requirements for habitable rooms and storage.
Air source heat pumps installation workshop
- External fan unit which withdraws heat from outside air.
- Used to heat a refrigerent which is compressed to heating systems and water.
- Decompressed through an expansion valve and the cycle continues.
Attended an installation workshop to understand their function and the advantages and disadvantages.
What construction method was used for the bathroom pods at Fulton Road, Wembley?
Prefabricated modular bathroom pods
These were constructed off site in a controlled factory environment.
What features did the bathroom pods include before delivery?
Fixtures, finishes, and integrated electrical and plumbing connections
This completeness enhances the efficiency of installation on site.
What are the benefits of prefabricated modular construction?
Increased efficiency and quality control, less waste.
Damage can be incurred during transportation.
Constructing in a controlled environment allows for better quality assurance.
ASHP advantages
- Sustainable as less Co2 produced
- Run off electricity
- Efficient
- Despite high inital installaiton costs, low running costs
ASHP Disadvantages
- Big external units
- High installation costs
- Noisy / Vibrations
- Take time to heat up
- Big radiator units internally.
- Unfamiliar technology with residents causing issues.
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Level 2 Communication and Negotiation19
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Level 2 Health and Safety47
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Level 2 Works Progress and Quality Management18
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Level 1 Sustainability37
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Level 1 Diversity Inclusion and Teamworking29
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Level 2 Contract Administration27
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Level 1 Conflict Avoidance and Dispute Resolution31
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Level 1 Inclusive Environments19
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Level 2 Project Finance22
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Level 3 Contract Practice66
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Hot Topics34
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Level 2 - Construction Technology30
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Level 3 - Development & Project Briefs26
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CPD Questions9
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