Construction Methods and Materials: A Comprehensive Assessment

The assignment covers various aspects of construction methods and materials, including pier foundations, joint detailing, head flashing, waterproofing, and alternative footing systems. It includes sketches and descriptions of different construction techniques and materials, providing a detailed understanding of the subject matter.

I CPCCBC4010B: ASSESSMENT 5
[NAME]
A Question 1
Pier foundations are among efficient foundation types because they are economical and time-
saving. Piers become useful in areas with unusual soils or sites which are steeply sloped. They
are also used where the structure has unusually high loads1. The location and the spacing of piers
depend on the dimensions of the two storey dwelling. Also, the live and dead loads, the
construction type (multi-section), the size of the I-beam, the footing size and the soil bearing
capacity determine the location and spacing of the piers. The sketch (1a) of the plan view
indicates the possible location of the piers.
Sketch 1(b) shows a detailed use of void formers and reinforcement. The void formers are
utilized in concrete structures because they reduce weight2. They form, shape and position
openings.
Sketch 1(c) is the slab edge beam section.
B Question 2
The sketch Question 2 is a joint between the external wall frames and the first-floor joists. There
are various types of joints used in building construction including control joints, expansion
joints, isolation joints, shrinkage joints, among many others. The joint under consideration is
used to take up movements occurring in the structure and thus prevent failure.
C Question 3
Head flashing is the ‘flashing’ over a window, door, protrusion or a projection. Provision for
head flashing is made to prevent effects of water in the inner skin by projecting over the window
head3.
The sketch question 3 is a detailing of the head flashing over a window in the external wall.
D Question 4
Waterproofing involves the installation of a waterproof barrier around the bathroom walls and
floor. The construction practice prevents protects the house structure from moisture. While
1 Varghese, P C. Foundation Engineering. New Delhi: PHI Learning Private Limited, 2012.
2 Composite Reinfocement Solutions. SR can act as a high strength, corrosion resistant functional Void former.
2018
3 Australian Window Association. "Installation." Australian Window Association. 2010

installing a shower, the builder should ensure the surrounding area a tightly sealed to stop
leakage of water that cause damage to the house.
The sketch Question 4 is a full detail of the waterproofing to the shower in the en-suite, and a
detailing of the waterproofing at the doorway.
E Question 5
An alternative footing system for the construction of the cottage is a raft or mat footing. The soil
is moderately reactive clay and that means changes in moisture content affect it. Therefore, a raft
footing will be an alternative because it will be a solid reinforced concrete slab covering the
entire area below the cottage and supporting all the columns. A raft footing is rigid and
minimizes differential settlements4.
The sketch Question 5 is a full detail of the footing.
Should the clay. After excavation commences, prove to be at a greater depth, say an average of
1500mm below the cleared site, a precast pile footing system can be used.
Sketch Question 5 is a full detail of the Footing.
F Question 6
Figure Question 6: Full detail of floor system 1, and full detail of floor system 2.
G Question 7
Sketch of the section through the roof of the cottage with conventional timber framing in lieu of
prefabricated trusses.
4 CIVILREAD. 10 Different Types of footings used in construction, where to use? and when to use? 2017

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Australian Window Association. "Installation." Australian Window Association. 2010.
<https://www.awa.org.au/documents/item/212 >
CIVILREAD. 10 Different Types of footings used in construction, where to use? and when to
use? 2017. <https://civilread.com/different-types-footings/ >
Composite Reinfocement Solutions. SR can act as a high strength, corrosion resistant functional
Void former. 2018. <http://www.crsperth.com/service/void-formers/>
Varghese, P C. Foundation Engineering. New Delhi: PHI Learning Private Limited, 2012.