House Construction Report 1

House Construction Report

by <Name>

4106BEUG CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICES 1

November 2016

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Contents
Abstract...3
Task 1 Site Investigation and Groundworks4
Task 2 Foundations..6
Task 3 External Walls..8
Task 4 Floors...10
Task 5 Roofs12

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Introduction
This report gives an overview of steps of construction, the case study site being Church Fields
Garston L19 8NG.
It gives and in-depth elaboration of site investigation techniques and their importance in relation
to the design of simple foundations. The report also explains the problems that may result from
ground operations. Under foundations, we give a keen focus on trench fill foundations and the
steps involved in their construction; together with the advantages of having a trench fill
foundation at our site.
A brief study of floors and roofs is provided too.
This study also includes drawings, sketches, and illustrative images to elaborate the major points
of study.
Keywords: ground investigation, foundation, walling, floor, roof

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Task 1 Site Investigation and Groundworks
a. On the basis of the location of the site, explain what site investigation information would
be needed and how this information assists in the selection of the foundations?
Before an engineers design of a foundation, an in-depth study of the physical properties of
the soil profile is important (Chen, 2012). This will inform the foundation design approach that
the engineer will adopt. By conducting ground investigation, the following information would
be generated:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

The groundwater conditions at the site

The physical properties of the soil and the rock
The nature and strata sequence
The mechanical properties of the soil including compressibility and strength
The characteristics of adjacent foundations of structures bordering the site of

study
6. And other information such as chemical composition of ground water.
This information is important in selecting foundation type e.g. raft, matt or pad.
b. Explain the likely problems the ground, in this case, clay soil with some rubble infill in
parts of the site may have on the foundations. Also identify and explain how excavations
can be carried out safely, with specific reference to the safe use of a mechanical plant.
The likely problems that could be encountered on the ground are:
1. Slope collapse: this would be as a result of the rubble in the strata. This can be
solved by shoring in case excavation is done.
2. Irregular infiltration: this would result in saturation of soil resulting in
interference with structure integrity.
Safe Excavation Measures:
To ensure safe excavation, there is need to:
1. Engage an experienced team of experts in excavations and dredging.
2. Ensure use of good machinery e.g. a valid excavator.

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3. Ensure excavated material is taken out of site and dumped appropriately
(Johnston, 2016)
Safety enforcement can therefore be ensured as below:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Method/ Process
Falls into trenches or excavations
Unstable adjacent structures
Tripping over equipment, debris and spoil
Incidents involving vehicles and mobile plant

Safety Measure
Have safety tape and signs on site to guide and caution
Offer viable ground and structural support to them.
Organise equipment and debris in a well set manner.
Have a well-structured site mobilisation layout plan

Task 2 - Foundations
a. Assuming trench fill foundations are to be used on this site, detail to scale a typical foundation
and explain why such foundations would be used in this case.

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Trench fills would be used for the following purposes:

1. Save time: trench fills take lesser time than any other type of foundation to build.
2. Save Costs: it is cheaper to construct.
3. Foundation depth and width reduction, since it covers a smaller depth.
c.

Produce a method statement of activities for the construction of the trench fill strip

foundation from setting out to damp proof course level in the external wall.
According to Fan et al. (2014), the steps involved in construction of a trench fill are:
1. Site Mobilisation: this involves site clearance and delivery of required materials to the
site. Debris and all unwanted materials must be removed from the site, e.g., tree
stumps and foundations of old buildings.

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2. Setting out: accurate measurement and positioning with proper reference to existing
buildings should be observed, and all angles and inclinations provisions must be well
checked. Stakes and inelastic string are required for alignment. Physical marking on
the ground can be done using white dust.'
3. Excavation: depending on the type of machinery available, trench excavation should
be done to the desired depth and within the set out ranges. The excavated earth should
be cleared from site at least 2 meters away from the trenches.
4. Formwork & Shoring: Formwork help to ensure less wastage of materials and hold
the same until the desired dry-usable time. It is important to offer adequate support
for slopes on weak soil strata, but for our case, our strata are clay.
5. Casting / Concreting: Concrete should be poured from a height of 1.2m to mix up and
ensure a better bonding. A proper mix ratio is advised. Casting is to be done in layers
of 10cm thick to 15 cm thick, and this should be levelled to give a monolithic finish.
6. Damp Proof Course: is impervious to eliminate moisture rise through walls of the
structure. This should be cast 4 days from the casting of concrete.

Task 3 External Walls

a. Detail to a scale of 1:10 a vertical cross-section through the masonry cavity wall at a
window opening showing the detail at the lintel and the cill, including a specification of
the main materials and components of the cavity wall.

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b. Produce a storyboard of the construction of the cavity walls from ground to roof level,
clearly identifying the main stages in construction.
According to Chudley & Greeno (2013), the construction of the cavity walls involves the
following:
Method
1 Cavity Wall from foundation
2 Insulation

Significance/ Description
After foundation formation, a suitable insulation material
is selected from a reputable supplier. These come in
varied lengths and sizes
Cavity walls help in the insulation of rooms from the
damp proof membrane, the masonry blocks are installed
with the insulation material between the two blocks.
Where the insulation material need jointing, an adequate
bonding material is to be used to ensure regularity in

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3 Lintel & Cill

insulating.
On the cill, lintel and window levels, appropriate stopper
should be installed, of the same insulation material to
eliminate weather interference and temperature
irregularities in the room. Same applies to the roof level,
where the insulation is recommended to touch or go
beyond ceiling level.

Task 4 Floors
a. Detail to a scale of 1:10 a cross section showing the construction of the suspended
concrete beam and block ground floor at the junction with an internal party wall,
including a specification of the main components and damp resistance.

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b. Produce a method statement for the safe construction of the upper floor using the
engineered timber I-beam joists as shown in the photographs.

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Source: Supreme Concrete 2016

Kurian (2016) notes that site preparation is essential to attain a final ground level. The
subsoil should be well levelled and top soil containing vegetation removed. Appropriate
treatment with weed killer is called for. A vapour barrier should be laid on top of the subsoil to
eliminate moisture rise to the floor.
Brickwork foundation should then be erected and walling done. A damp proof course
should be placed on top of the wall section. The dummy walls should go above the vapour
barrier level and some ventilation space allowed around 5cm (Kurian, 2016).
According to Emmitt & Gorse (2006), beams should be arranged across the wall to wall
edges and their ends should be fitted with precast closure blocks. The inner sections should be
filled with infill blocks appropriately.

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Task 5 Roofs
a) Explain with sketches the typical construction of a warm deck flat roof and how it differs
from a cold deck flat roof. Provide a specification of the main components of a warm
deck roof.

Source: BuildingRegs4Plans 2016

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Components of the Warm Deck Roof:
It is characterised with insulation installed over the deck of the roof structure. It requires
no ventilation; and it ensures an annual temperature control by protecting components below it
from cold and hot weather (BuildingRegs4Plans, 2016).
The types of this kind of roof are Inverted & sandwich.
So, Shane (2011) states that typically this roof entails:
Chippings at the topmost, which sit on Bitumen felt- lying on the insulation. The
insulation layer lies above a vapour control layer that is supported by plywood
decking. Firrings can be used before ceiling joists, and plaster board covers the
bottom part.
b) Explain the processes involved in the construction of a timber trussed rafter pitched roof
including the necessary health and safety precautions.
According to Riley & Cotgrave (2008), for a timber truss, an assembly can be made with the
following steps:
1. Connect and fix the Bottom Chord in accordance to walls support point edges
and base plates. This should span all through the building width. If a king post is
needed, it holds it at the midrib section.
2. Connect the top chord to the Bottom Chord. An overhang allowance is
recommended for adequate roof overhang for the pitching point.
3. Additional support webs are then to be fixed inside the frame of the truss to
offer stability and prevent lateral movement of the truss.
Health & Safety Precautions:
This task involves the use of timber, hack saws, nails or bolts and hammers.
1. It is advised to have experienced staffs undertake this task, or apprentice to
have good guidance from their superiors.

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2. Timber should be well supported to avoid dropping and injuring technicians
3. Hacksaws can result in bleeding if mishandled; appropriate safety wear should
be observed.

Conclusion
This report has given an in-depth study and illustrative focus on: site investigation that is
important before construction of any structural element; a detailed study of the foundation,
walling principles, flooring, insulation, and roofing.
It is important that safety precautions are observed at all times to ensure operatives are
available and of good health to clear the projects. Putting workers or house occupants health in
jeopardy can result in disabilities, loss of life and costly legal tussles.

References
Becerik-Gerber, B., Gerber, D.J. and Ku, K., 2011. The pace of technological innovation in
architecture, engineering, and construction education: integrating recent trends into the
curricula. Journal of Information Technology in Construction, 16.

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BuildingRegs4Plans. 2016. Flat Roof Types. Retrieved 9th November 2016 from
http://www.buildingregs4plans.co.uk/guidance_flat_roof_types.php
Chudley, R. and Greeno, R., 2013. Building construction handbook. Routledge.
Chen, F.H., 2012. Foundations on expansive soils (Vol. 12). Elsevier.
Emmitt, S. & Gorse, C. (2006) 'Barry's Introduction to the Construction of Buildings' 1st Edition
Blackwell 1405110554
Fan, C.H.E.N., Chen, X., Xue, K., Zhou, K., Pan, J., Li, H. and Wang, Y., Shanghai Hua Hong
Nec Electronics Co., Ltd., 2014. Method of filling shallow trenches. U.S. Patent
8,685,830.
Hong, S., Root, J., Nguyen, H.D. and Kazama, D., 2014. Structural Design and Modular
Construction Approach For the Mk1 PB-FHR NE 170Senior Design Project.
Johnston, J.E., 2016. Site Control of Materials: Handling, Storage and Protection. Elsevier.
Kurian, N.P., 2016. A House Builders Handbook Building Materials, Construction And
Maintenance: Essential Technical Information for Laymen undertaking House
Construction and for the general use of Students. Notion Press.
Riley, M. & Cotgrave, A. (2008) 'Construction Technology 1: House Construction' 2nd Edition
Palgrave 978023023624
Serafini, A. and Gonzlez-Longo, C., 2015, June. The design and construction techniques of
eighteenth century timber roofs in Scotland: Glasgow trades hall and tweeddale house in
Edinburgh. In 5th International Congress on Construction History.
Shane, D.G., 2011. Urban design since 1945: a global perspective. London: Wiley.
Supreme Concrete 2016. Suspended Beam & Block Floor. Retrieved 9th November 2016 from
http://www.supremeconcrete.co.uk/general/suspended-beam-and-block-floors/

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The Constructor (2016). Site Investigation or Soil Exploration. Retrieved November 9th 2016
from http://theconstructor.org/geotechnical/site-investigation-or-soil-exploration/312/