Methods of Waterproofing the Existing Basement - Assignment Example

Building Technology/Regulations Answer 1: An appropriate method of waterproofing the existing basement The basement will have to be developed using both the ‘tanking’ method and as well as the ‘Exterior Foundation Drain’ method to ensure that it is sufficiently waterproofed, and fit for the archiving. When building the basement, the builder has to ensure that in the initial set up of construction, the process of tanking is employed. Under this method, there is a membrane that is bonded to the outside wall of the basement, which in turn allows for a barrier to be created. This ensures that no water ingresses into the basement area. It has been observed that although in most areas this method is enough to ensure that the basement is water proof, it is important that Exterior Foundation Drain method is also employed so as to ensure that the archives are safe and that the exit is also kept safe and dry. In the ‘French Drain’ method, there is a drain built on the outer wall of the building, allowing all the water to be diverted from the walls of the basement walls, allowing the walls to remain dry and safe. Also in the tanking method, drain membranes can be utilized allowing for the water to penetrate the walls, but fill the air gaps and then get diverted into the drain. They do not allow pressure to build up against the internal construction and the air gap behind the membrane allows the structure to breathe and to some extent to dry out. Answer 2: Selection of type of precast flooring system, provide details of 3 types, plus the benefits of such systems A precast flooring system allows for the overall cost of production to be reduced, while also ensuring that overall frame size of the construction is reduced. There are three forms of recast flooring that are available. The first is the hollow core, which as its name suggests has hollow cores or voids running perpendicular. These are usually used in the official areas and in construction of parking lots, where it allows for less weight while allowing for long span capacities. The second form of precast flooring is that of solid wide slab floors, which is mainly used in the residential complexes. This is especially useful in areas where there is poor ground. The third kind is that of double tee floors, where it has been realised that it is much more functional and long term than the others, but it requires a deeper floor zone. In the case of the building that is being developed, the hollow core and the double tee floor is the best combination, as it allows for long term support as well as ensure that the overall weight of the building is less. The basement can be developed using the Hollow Core, while the rest of the building can be developed using the Double Tee flooring system, allowing for strength as well as longevity. Answer 3: The reaction of steel in fire and a suitable method of fire protection. Steel is a significant part of the construction structure, and it plays a prominent role in the development of a site. The reaction of steel to fire is the same as any other material that is exposed to high temperatures over a long period of time. The overall strength of steel in the face of constant increase is temperature is seen to reduce, but the fact that it can regain its strength and characteristics once the temperature lowers again is one of the most significant characteristics of steel. It has been seen that if the steel is bent after the fire then it has to be straightened using simple straightening methods before use, and if it is straight then it is ok, and can be left in the structure of the building. There are techniques that have been developed to ensure that the overall resistant capacity of steel can be increased to provide greater stability to a structure. There can be an insulator provided that allows for a greater capacity for resistance in certain sections, and although this is good, it is better if there is used high resistant steel, which are thermo mechanically treated, and here the steel is treated with molybdenum and chromium allowing the steel to be stabilized even at 600 degree Celsius. This will allow for greater fire safety and resistance to the entire structure. Answer 4: By Approved Document B the minimum stair width for a 12 storey office block with each storey having 240 M2 floor area It is important that there are provisions made for escape routes in the building, in case of the break out of a fire allowing for a greater amount of safety of its occupants as has been stated under Document B. Those sufficient provisions are made in design of the building so that in the event of fire the occupants can escape to a place of safety by their own efforts. This includes incorporating a suitable fire alarm system to give early warning of fire to the occupants and users of a building. It has been realised that in case of any building that is occupied in a capacity other than flats there has to be a 750 meters wide staircase provided for the escape of the building’s occupants in case of a fire. Also it has to be ensured that the staircase is made gas and smoke proof, as well as fire proof, allowing for greater amount of security. Thus, there has be a ensured that the fire escape is such that people can easily access it, and allow for the occupants to turn their back towards the fire, and reach the exit of the building safely. The height has to be clear headroom of not less than 2 m except for doorways, and it should be appropriately lit. Answer 5: Legislation which concerns fire safety within buildings Document B of the construction legislation in the country addresses the problem of fire safety and management in the construction of the building. There a number of laws that have been provided that have to be adhered to when developing the building when a building is being developed. The first is to ensure that there should be an effective fire escape route in the building. Secondly, it has to be ensured that there material used to develop the building is fire resilient so that it contains the fire and does not allow it to spread too fast. The third section addresses that the outer walls should also be resilient so as to avoid premature collapse before the people can escape. Also in the fourth section it calls for ensuring that there is ample space between the various non domestic buildings so that the spreading of the fire between the buildings can be contained. Finally in the fifth and the last section of the legislature dealing with the fire safety and security it is stated that the building should be so designed and laid out that it assists the fire brigade for access and rescue of the people and the structure in case of breakout of fire in the building. This needs to be incorporated into the building to ensure that it meets the legal aspects. Answer 6: The provisions of Approved Document M regarding external access to buildings for the disabled Approved Document M of the legislature for developing of a building specifies that a building should not create physical barriers for those who are physically challenged and calls for ensuring that there is a system that allows for an easy circulation of the disabled in the building. Thus when the building is being developed it is important that these rules are adhered to ensure that no person who is physically disabled is discriminated against, and all those who are a part of the administrative system are accommodated into the new building. Such provisions are governed by Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and The Disability Discrimination (Employment) Regulations 1996. This act contains provisions for making adjustments to a particular premises in order to make it fit for use by the disabled. This includes every facility from access to the end point which are generally used by people not disabled. This so because disabled have as much right to use every part of the property as have those who aren’t disabled. References Phil Harris, The advantages of precast flooring systems, The Precast Flooring Federation, The Concrete Society Industry Source Book 2007-2008, The Building Regulations 2000, Fire Safety, Approved Document B, 2006 Amended Edition The Building Regulations 2000, Access to and use of buildings, Approved Document M, Revised Edition 2004 S.R.S Kumar and A.R.S. Kumar, Design of Steel Structures Prof. S.R.Satish Kumar and Prof. A.R.Santha Kumar, Viewed on July 24 2011, Online at http://nptel.iitm.ac.in/courses/IIT-Madras/Design_Steel_Structures_I/1_introduction/6_fire_resistance.pdf Read More