BE225 Construction Methods & Technology
s
School of the Environment
Semester 2 Examinations 2006-2007
BE225
CONSTRUCTION METHODS
& TECHNOLOGY
Instruction to Candidates
Time allowed: TWO hours
Attempt Question ONE and TWO (Compulsory)
and any TWO other questions from the remaining FIVE questions
Each question carries equal marks
Answer FOUR questions in total
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BE225 Construction Methods & Technology
Thursday 7 May 2007, 15:00-17:00hours
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BE225 Construction Methods & Technology
Question 1 - Compulsory
A contractor is using a tracked mounted excavator/loader machine for excavation
work on site. The plant has a peak output of 180 cubic metres bulked material per
hour. The excavation is a basement 180m by 60m by 5.5m deep in clayey soil
overlaid by a 0.5m fill material, therefore 6m deep overall.
(a)
Using justifiable estimates and bulk factors of 1.3 and 1.15 for the clay and fill
material respectively, calculate:
i.
Bulk volume of excavated material
(7 marks)
ii. Normal output of the excavator (show all calculations and assumptions)
(2 marks)
iii. The overall operational efficiency factor of the excavator
(2 marks)
iv. Actual output of the excavator (show all calculations and assumptions)
(2 marks)
(b)
If the tipping ground is 30 Km away from site, and the average speed for
haulage trucks is 25 Km/h, determine how many suitably sized trucks would be
required for the excavator to work non-stop (allow 8 minutes for dumping,
turning and accelerating from the tip).
(7 marks)
(c)
Plot a Haulage Diagram to depict your results in (b).
(d)
If the contractor owns the excavator but has to hire the haulage trucks, state
how many trucks would he require to achieve optimum hire cost based on the
Haulage Diagram?
(4 marks)
(6 marks)
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BE225 Construction Methods & Technology
Question 2 - compulsory
A construction manager has asked you to produce method statement(s) for the
construction of a deep basement for the new building block at the University of
Brighton, Mithras carpark area (Appendix 1.0). The site set up has been completed,
you are to focus on providing the detail to enable the substructure works to
commence
(a)
Produce descriptive, design and tabulated method statements to carry out the
sub-structure works and identify the constraints that may affect the construction
process.
(20 marks)
(b)
Using your descriptive and design method statements produce a table that lists all
the construction activities in order of sequence. Your table should also identify the
corresponding resources required for each activity.
(10 marks)
Attempt any TWO questions from the remaining FIVE questions in this paper
Question 3
(a)
The promotion of Health & Safety may be in direct conflict with demands for
increased productivity on site. As a construction manager, discuss how you
would ensure that this conflict does not arise or is minimised.
(20 marks)
(b)
Outline the roles and responsibilities of the main ‘Stakeholders’ under the
Construction Design and Management Regulations (1994), highlighting how
these stakeholders influence health and safety on construction sites.
(10 Marks)
Question 4
A construction manager has to make key decisions and evaluate project conditions in
order to choose the most appropriate construction methods for a building project.
(a)
Briefly list and describe the ten key factors that govern the selection of
foundations.
(10 marks)
(b)
Discuss (with the aid of sketches) the impact Site Investigation information has
upon the structural grid and project layout. What subsequent effect does the
structural grid have upon the development of appropriate construction methods.
(10 marks)
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BE225 Construction Methods & Technology
Question 5
(a)
Briefly list and describe the main factors that govern the selection of
construction plant.
(10 marks)
(b)
Methods chosen to transport materials and equipment vertically and horizontally
on construction sites continue to have a direct impact the Health & Safety and
the effective and efficient operation of the project. Adequate consideration
should be given to the use of crane type best suited to the site.
Identify the factors that should be considered when planning vertical and
horizontal transportation and when choosing the crane for a site.
(10 marks)
Question 6
A contractor intends using a Proprietary system to support the sides of an excavation
trench.
(a)
Identify the criteria used to develop a feasible solution when considering the
support of excavations and discuss the procedures required to address three of
these criteria.
(10 marks)
(b)
Discuss (with the aid of sketches) two proprietary excavation support systems,
highlighting the advantages and disadvantages in each case.
(10 marks)
Question 7
Project management consultants for a high rise project have decided to use Slipform
construction as their strategy for the construction of the concrete core which will
incorporate the staircase and lift shafts.
The main issues of concern when selecting Slipform systems are:
i)
ii)
iii)
The basic methods of slipforming chosen
Advantages and disadvantages of using slipforming as a construction
system,
Factors of project planning.
(a)
Discuss (with the aid of sketches) how the above issues of slipforming
construction (i.e. i, ii, iii) would be addressed to achieve an effective and
efficient delivery of the project.
(10 marks)
(b)
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of replacing the concrete core with
a steel-framed core system.
(10 marks)
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BE225 Construction Methods & Technology
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