Construction Management Case Study

This case study explores various aspects of construction management, including slab cross section, deflection diagram, slab to wall connection, precast concrete slabs, composite concrete/steel construction, in-situ concrete construction, and timber suspended slabs. It discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each construction method and provides insights into their applications and considerations.

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CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
By Name
Course
Instructor
Institution
Location
Date

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Question 1
Fig: Slab cross section
The given slab above is a one way one-way span since the ration of the longer span (l) to
shorter span (b) is equal or greater than 2. I.e. (Hrynyk,2014)
In the y-direction, there is only one span
In the direction there are two spans

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Question 2
Fig: deflection diagram
Question 3
Fig: Cross-Section of XX

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Question 4
The slab to wall connection
Fig: slab to wall connection
Question 5
According to the given details, the given slab does not meet the Rw (Sound Reduction Index)
= 50, IIC (Impact Insulation Class) = 50. In order to achieve sound insulation in this slab,
there will need to introduce sound absorbers into the cavities by using the suitable ceiling
lining. By including a cavity between the ceiling and floor and above with high-grade
insulation batts.
Question 6
Few supports during construction means that the span of the given slab will increase.
Assuming a live load of 4kPa, an increase in the span results to an increase in the indicative
thickness of the composite concrete. For instance a slab with a live load of 4kPa and a span of

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4m it will require an indicative thickness of 125mm and a slab whit a live load of 4kPa and a
span of 5.8m it will require an indicative thickness of 200mm.
Question 7
Precast concrete slabs
This refers to the form of construction whereby concrete is cast in a re-usable mold then cured
in a controlled environment. The casted slab is then transported to the construction and
installed (Schladitz et al 2012).
Merits of a precast concrete slab
i) Save construction time: Using the precast concrete in construction usually saves a lot
of time, this reduces the risk of project delays. The precast casting can take place at the
same time with other construction works such as a survey.
ii) Quality assurance: In the precast construction factors which control the quality of
construction such as temperature, curing, formwork, and mix design can be easily
monitored.
iii) Cost effective: Since the construction has been simplified, the construction time is also
reduced which increases the productivity, safety, and quality and hence the cost is
reduced.
iv) Durability: Precast concrete has a longer service time period and minimal
maintenance. The precast concrete with high density is more durable to corrosion, acid
attack, reduced surface voids and resistant to the accumulation of dust.

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v) Safe construction platforms: For the precast concrete construction, there are no
materials that are required. It reduces the requirement of props and formworks,
workers, wastages, etc. hence offering a safe working platform.
Demerits of precast concrete construction
Some of the limitations associated with precast concrete construction include;
i) High initial cost: in order to construct a precast concrete plant, sophisticated and
heavy machines, and equipment are required which in most cases need high initial
investment (Genikomsou, Aikaterini and Maria 2015)
ii) Handling challenges: proper precaution and care have to be taken when handling the
precast concrete. Generally, precast members must be carried to the site using heavy
transport machinery, which makes it hard to handle without damaging them.
iii) Modification: There are always limitations in case of precast structures, it is very
challenging to modify the structure. For instance, if a structure wall is to be dismantled
for modification purposes it will impact the overall stability of the structure.
iv) Sensitive connection activities: Assembling of the precast elements is one of the major
points in ensuring strong structural behaviour. The connections which exist between
many structural members need to be closely supervised and to be done properly to
ensure the expected behaviour of the connections such as semi-rigid
connections(Niza and Mokhatar 2012)
Composite concrete /steel
This type of construction refers to the use of concrete and steel formed together so that the
final component being formed behaves as a single element. The main reason behind the use of

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composite concrete/steel construction is to utilize the of various materials and at the same
time to deliver a performance which is greater than the individual components.
Advantages of composite concrete/ steel construction
The main benefits associated with the use of composite concrete construction include;
performance and value, faster construction which saves a lot of time. With the use of
composite concrete, c can lead to the quality of the building or any other structure to be
adhered to, at the same time the excessive deflection can be completely controlled by
cambering the beams.
Disadvantages of composite concrete/ steel construction
The long term painting which might be required can become a maintenance expense
For safety and health concerns, the work that will be completed below unfished floors can be
minimal.
Floor levelness and flatness can be a big challenge. Because of the overload on the slab
formwork. It will be challenging to attain super-flat floors.
Insitu concrete construction
This refers to the concrete which is mixed and directly used while raw on site.
Advantages of in-situ concrete
There are many advantages associated with the use of in-situ construction and they include;
It is considered as the cheapest method of construction
Very effective when it is properly constructed
Works excellently on large substructures.
It is well established.
Disadvantages of in situ concrete construction

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There are high chances of leakages once it has been constructed.
It is labour intensive
Quality control on the finish is not guaranteed
It creates a lot of wastes
Timber suspended slabs
This is slabs which are constructed by the use of timber as the main material. Timber can be
applied in the construction as the main structural member.
Advantages of timber suspended slabs
Saves construction time. Since timber does not require a lot of preparation before it is used.
Improves the final quality of the building, since timber is known to take a polish when it is used
as a construction material.
Cost effective, timber suspended floors are cost effective in many aspects such as, they are
locally available, they don’t require a lot processing and it is easier to work with.
Reduced labour, since there is reduced labour in the construction of timber suspend floors
because there is very little handling of materials during construction process.
Disadvantages of timber suspended floors.
Timber floors are prone to fire, hence they will require a lot of treatment to make them fire proof.
Treating timber to attain high quality is very expensive, this is due to the expensive chemicals
that are used for timber treatment.
The selected in-situ concrete is the best option for the construction of this slab since it is it is
; considered as the cheapest method of construction, very effective when it is properly
constructed, works excellently on large substructures and it is well established.

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References
Genikomsou, Aikaterini S., and Maria Anna Polak. "Finite element analysis of punching shear of
concrete slabs using damaged plasticity model in ABAQUS." Engineering Structures 98 (2015):
38-48.
Hrynyk, Trevor D., and Frank J. Vecchio. "Behavior of Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Slabs
under Impact Load." ACI structural journal 111, no. 5 (2014).
Niza, Mokhatar Shahrul. "Computational analysis of reinforced concrete slabs subjected to
impact loads." International journal of integrated engineering 4, no. 2 (2012).
Schladitz, Frank, Michael Frenzel, Daniel Ehlig, and Manfred Curbach. "Bending load capacity
of reinforced concrete slabs strengthened with textile reinforced concrete." Engineering
structures 40 (2012): 317-326.