Lecture Notes on Concrete and Timber Construction

Flashcards generated from lecture notes on concrete and timber construction.

List the four phases of the 'rib & infill' concrete floor assembly process in order.

1. Lay form stress precast ribs. 2. Fit infill timbers between ribs. 3. Lay reinforcing mesh. 4. Pour concrete topping.

What is required for effective humidity protection in roof design, considering both vapor permeability and airtightness?

An effective humidity protection requires a diffusion-open sarking sheet on the outside and a vapor barrier with airtight construction on the inside.

What are two advantages and two disadvantages of using prefabricated concrete?

Advantages: quick installation, consistent quality. Disadvantages: high transportation costs, limited design flexibility.

What are some methods by which concrete elements can be joined together?

Rebar (Reinforcing Steel Bars), Wire Mesh, Monolithic Pouring, Grouted Joints, and Steel Inserts.

Why are additional bracing elements like chipboard not needed for concrete masonry walls?

Because the wall itself becomes a structural bracing element when properly reinforced and grouted.

What are the guidelines for openings in bracing elements, according to the GIB EzyBrace Systems?

Small openings (≤ 90 x 90mm) may be placed no closer than 90mm to the edge; larger openings should be outside the bracing element or have bracing on the other side.

What issue can arise at the floor plate-to-facade connection when insulation is placed inside the loadbearing wall?

Floor plate to facade connection misses the insulation resulting in thermal bridge leading to heat loss at the junction and condensation risk on internal surfaces

Why does CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) provide excellent fire resistance?

CLT provides excellent fire resistance due to its density and natural charring behavior.

What are two similarities and two differences between light steel framing and light timber framing in terms of material characteristics and environmental aspects?

Similarities: both use a stud-and-plate system and can be prefabricated. Differences: steel is non-combustible and resistant to pests/moisture, while timber is susceptible to fire/pests/rot; timber is renewable with a lower carbon footprint, while steel has higher energy requirements.

Why is it important to have a sufficient gap in the rebate for bevel-back and rusticated timber weatherboards?

A small rebate gap ensures water drains away and doesn't get trapped between boards, ventilation airflow reduce moisture expansion.

What is the definition of masonry?

Masonry is a building component made of stones, which are joined together with mortar, and in this way appearing as a whole.

What are some key differences between concrete blocks and brick veneer?

Concrete blocks can be solid or hollow and are loadbearing, while brick veneers are thin, non-loadbearing, and for external facades only.

What are four strategies to improve the efficiency of CLT panel prefabrication using CNC machines?

standard panel/thickness sizes, simpler connections, clearly defining penetration/openings locations and material/waste reuse from penetrations/openings

Why it is important to have a sufficient gap in the rebate for bevel-back and rusticated timber weatherboards?

A small rebate gap ensures water drains away and doesn't get trapped between boards. A gap between the different cladding panels helps avoid moisture, when they expand the small gap allows air circulation behind the boards to breathe.

No gaps around edges, Minimum thickness of insulation material is maintained, The material is not crushed or too small, Mould forming

What must be checked before closing the interior lining on a light timber framed structure?

Why we have to ensure a vapor or air barrier inside the outer wall?

Because cold air can move into the wall and therefore water can condense.

Why must we check that all in-wall plumbing is complete and tested before lining?

Fixings popping and Because when it's closed, it cannot be opened again.

Describe two reasons why weepholes are necessary when constructing a brick veneer on a foundation.

Weepholes allow moisture that accumulates behind the brick veneer to drain out and provide ventilation to the cavity behind the brickwork.

What is the maximum spacing in mm if two ground screws are connected with a bracing element

Maximum grounded screw spacing of 1100mm if two screws are connected

What is the maximum length in mm of such brace element?

Maximum length of 3.2m/3200mm for the screw brace system

What is the maximum screw length in mm?

Maximum screw length is 2500mm

What is the plate diameter?

Plate diameter is 200mm

Describe a stretcher bond and its advantages.

In a 'Stretcher bond' or 'Running bond' each block is offset by half its length in each successive row, distributing loads and increasing wall strength.

What are concrete slab foundation vs. suspended floor plate

Suspended Floor structure advantage is safety from high water/flooding whereas Concrete slab on ground disadvantage is no safety from high water/ceiling

Explain the similarities and differences of light steel framing and light timber framing regarding material characteristics and environmental aspects.

Steel is stronger and more lightweight, 100% recyclable, but has lower insulation properties; timber is weaker and denser but has better insulation and is renewable.

What is a characteristics of (c) light steel framing and (d) light timber framing comparing them in terms of weight, use one (1) sentences each

lighter. Explain reasons by defining the characteristics of (c) light steel framing and (d) light timber framing and comparing them in terms of weight, use one (1) sentences each.

What are four advantages and/or disadvantages of CLT compared to light timber frame construction?

Advantages are structural strength, faster assembly, seismic resistance, and good fire performance; disadvantages are higher cost, environmental impact of adhesives, limited on-site flexibility, and thicker walls.

What are the two material components used for vertical bracing in light steel framing, and what are their differences?

Strap bracing is flat steel strips resisting lateral loads through tension, while razor bracing is integrated within wall framing providing both tensile and compressive resistance.