Construction and the Built Environment

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Questions and Answers

What type of structure is commonly used in domestic construction?

Suspended structure

Frame structure (correct)

Load-bearing structure

Cavity wall structure

What is a key characteristic of the structure shown in Fig. 1?

It has a foundation slab

It is load-bearing

It consists of a series of frames (correct)

It has a cavity wall

What is a common material used in the construction of the structure shown in Fig. 1?

Concrete

Bricks

Steel

Wood (correct)

How is structural stability achieved in the structure shown in Fig. 1?

Through the use of diagonal bracing Signup and view all the answers

What software was used to produce Fig. 1?

Building information modelling (BIM) compliant software Signup and view all the answers

What is assessed in question 3(c) of this paper?

Quality of written communication Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of external cladding in timber framed construction?

To provide weatherproofing and insulation Signup and view all the answers

What type of timber frame construction involves constructing each floor separately?

Platform frame Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration in timber framed construction to ensure sustainability?

Minimizing material waste Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the designer according to Health and Safety Legislation?

Designing safe working environments Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical safety consideration when using power tools on construction sites?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is a key resource consideration in construction project management?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of timber framed construction in domestic housing in the United Kingdom?

Emphasis on thermal insulation Signup and view all the answers

Who is typically appointed as the project leader for a prestige housing development?

Architect Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the Preparation and Brief stage of the construction cycle?

Defining project requirements and client needs Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of town houses designed and managed by an architect?

Multi-story design Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the Technical Design Stage of the construction cycle?

Developing detailed designs and specifications Signup and view all the answers

What is a key role of a BIM co-ordinator in a construction project?

Coordinating digital models and data Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Exam Details

The exam is for the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) in Construction and the Built Environment, Unit 1.
The exam is 1 hour long and consists of 6 questions.
The total mark for the paper is 80.

Fig. 1 - Basic Structure

The basic structure shown in Fig. 1 is a type of timber framed structure.
Three distinguishing characteristics of this type of structure are:
- Not specified in the exam text, but timber framed structures often have a skeleton frame, use panels for walls and floors, and have a building envelope.
Three common materials used in its construction are:
- Not specified in the exam text, but timber framed structures often use timber, insulation, and cladding materials.

Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Fig. 1 was produced using BIM compliant software.
BIM is used in the construction process.

Timber Framed Construction

Two materials commonly used as external cladding for timber framed construction are:
- Not specified in the exam text, but could include materials like brick, render, and cladding panels.
Platform frame and balloon frame are two types of timber frame terminology.
Advantages and disadvantages of using timber framed construction for domestic housing include:
- Not specified in the exam text, but advantages could include speed of construction, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, while disadvantages could include limited design flexibility and potential for water damage.

Resources

Finance is an important resource required for a project to run efficiently.
Three other resource considerations are:
- Labour (workers and skills)
- Materials (equipment and supplies)
- Plant (machinery and equipment)

Health and Safety

The Health and Safety Legislation introduced in Northern Ireland is not specified in the exam text.
Two duties of the employee on a construction site are:
- Not specified in the exam text, but could include following safety procedures and reporting hazards.
The duties of the designer as stated in the legislation include:
- Not specified in the exam text, but could include ensuring designs are safe and comply with regulations.
Two pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) that must be worn on construction sites are:
- Not specified in the exam text, but could include hard hats and safety glasses.

Power Tools

Three checks that should be adopted before using a power tool are:
- Check the tool is in good condition
- Check the tool is suitable for the task
- Check the user is properly trained

BIM Co-ordinator

The four main roles of the BIM co-ordinator include:
- Not specified in the exam text, but could include managing BIM models, ensuring data consistency, and facilitating collaboration.

Construction Cycle

The commonly used construction cycle is not specified in the exam text, but could refer to the RIBA Plan of Work.
The year the construction cycle came into use is not specified in the exam text.
The number of stages in the construction cycle is not specified in the exam text, but could be around 8 stages.
The stages of the construction cycle include:
- Preparation and Brief stage: client's requirements are identified and a brief is prepared.
- Concept Design Stage: the architect develops a concept design.
- Technical Design Stage: a detailed design is developed.
- Construction Stage: the building is constructed.

Architect's Roles

Three main roles of the architect include:
- Not specified in the exam text, but could include designing buildings, managing projects, and communicating with clients.
Two main characteristics of town houses that an architect would design and manage are:
- Not specified in the exam text, but could include factors like sustainability, accessibility, and aesthetic appeal.

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Description

Quiz about timber frame construction, including materials, terminology, and advantages/disadvantages for domestic housing.