Understanding Buildings: Field Trip Reflection and Concepts Learned

Ssud71 101
Understanding Buildings
First Name Last Name
Bond University

Introduction
Our recent field trip exposed us to tremendous opportunity and reality to see first-hand
what entails buildings and buildings construction. Along the way, a number of
constructions sites were noted each at different stages of their development. Some sites
were being cleared, others excavations works were on progress, slab pouring while other
sites were kept busy with framing and fittings being installed. In the course of such
building activities at the varying stages of building constructions, we could note several
construction materials and applicable items being used on site. Such materials included
but not limited to concrete, masonry, soils, timber as well as applicable items such as
sarking, DPMs. Ground shaping systems and footings frameworks were also evident in a
number of site works. From this exposure, this report summaries the concepts learned
and better understood during this field trip by presenting a logical reflection on areas
such as;
1. Observations noted throughout the field trip,
2. Step by step presentation on residential slab construction, and
3. establishment of a vacant site in regards to further engagement on a class
assignment.
A map of Mt Gravatt Corridor Neighborhood Plan Precincts. This is one of the
neighborhoods we explored during the trip.

Ground and floor structure/substrate development.
During the field trip, we visited a site at 126 Klumpp Trupm Road Upper Mount Gravat,
Australia. A photo of the site. The building’s foundation is rectangular with an estimated
floor area of 5000 m^2. The ground shaping strategy appears to be slab-on-grade
construction and perimeter build up. Rubble trenches for load bearing section of the
foundation are dug and filled with pit run gravel or crushed stones. Rigid French drain
piping is installed to lower level or connected to a sump pump. The crushed stone covering
on the drain is provided then a geotextile membrane on top to protect it from sediment
accumulation. A layer of permeable backfill material is then provided over the trench hence
backfilling the slab on grade. Slab on grade footings/ foundations is a basic designing
practice whereby the concrete slab that is to fill in as the establishment for the structure is
framed from a shape set into the ground. The solid is then put into the form, leaving no
space between the ground and the structure. This sort of development is frequently found in
hotter atmospheres, where ground solidifying and defrosting is to a lesser extent a worry

That being stated, Frost Protected Shallow Foundations (or FPSF) which are utilized in
regions of potential Frost Heave, are a type of Slab on Grade Foundations (Residential slabs
and footings, 2011).An alternative to slab on grade construction with perimeter builds up
could be a stiffened raft slab. A raft slab is reinforced concrete slab that is steel-clad with
basic concrete beams in the two headings. Generally utilized as the foundation for new
houses and augmentations, raft slabs in Australia are intended to conform to Australian
standard AS2870. I would recommend stiffened raft slab system for reasons such as: first,
enhanced structural integrity since it enhances slab action of the foundation hence limiting
differential settlement. A rigid and monolithic connection is created binding columns at the
same level with the slab. Also, it is more reliable where ground conditions are undefined or
poor hence reducing the risks that result from poor geotechnical properties of the building
site. Stiffened raft slabs ensure against this by creating a new bearing area of reinforced
concrete. However, there are reasons as to why developers would adopt slab-on-grade
foundations. Slab-on-grade foundations are less capital and labor intensive hence a cheaper
and a time-saving alternative. Also, reduced risks of flooding as slab-on-grade constructions