SSUD71-101 Understanding Buildings: Field Trip Reflection and Analysis

This report, prepared by a student, reflects on observations made during a field trip focused on building construction. The report details various stages of construction observed on-site, including site clearing, excavation, slab pouring, framing, and fitting. It highlights the different construction materials and applicable items used, such as concrete, masonry, timber, sarking, and DPMs. The report then presents a step-by-step guide to residential slab construction, comparing slab-on-grade foundations with stiffened raft slabs, and discusses site classification and topography assessment. Additionally, the report includes an analysis of framing and cladding techniques, followed by a description of stone cladding processes. Finally, the report concludes with the selection of a vacant site for a future assignment, including its location and missing services. The document is a comprehensive analysis of building construction practices and site evaluation.

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

Projects are finished all the more rapidly since there are no broad excavations required.
The topsoil is expelled and if the dirt underneath is steady enough, the slab is poured
legitimately without burrowing further.
Framing and cladding
Framing, in development, is the fitting together of pieces to give a structure support and
shape. Framing materials are normally wood, designed wood, or auxiliary steel. The
option in contrast to surrounded development is by and large called mass divider
development, where level layers of stacked materials, for example, log building,
brickwork, smashed earth, adobe, and so forth are utilized without framing. Building
framing can either be heavy framing construction development (overwhelming
encircling) if the vertical backings are not many and substantial, for example, in timber
confining, post building confining, or steel surrounding; or light-framing development
(light-encircling) if the backings are increasingly various and littler, for example,
inflatable, stage, or light-steel confining. In this case, heavy frame construction was
evident. Cladding is the use of one material over another to give a skin or layer. In
development, cladding is utilized to give a level of warm protection and climate

The cladding is simply a control component: it serves just to direct water or twist securely
away so as to control run-off and counteract its penetration into the structure. How stone
cladding is done
Two layers of water-resistant barriers are applied on the wall using graded building paper.
Galvanized fasteners are used to apply corrosion resistant lath through the shieving.
Area of application of the cladding is determined and then the joints are grouted to overall
broken mortar edges. One the applied mortar on the joints dry, a metal strike tool is used to
push the mortar into existing voids thus creating a seal around each stone. A tuck pointer is
then used to clean the edges to avoid water or pests settling in between the spaces. Finally,
detergent and water is used to clean the wall using a brittle brush. The surface is then
cleaned with fresh water. The likely step after wall cladding is the installation of the ceiling
and floor covering.
Slab preparation Guide
The structure of a slab for a residential structure requires thought of numerous elements
running from structural to ecological to materials. The first, and may be significant, though
is to distribute vertical loads from the structure to the establishment and guarantee that the
structure superstructure performs palatably(Cooke, 2011). All structures, including

In any case, where an elective arrangement is proposed it is important to exhibit that the
arrangement meets the Execution Requirements as detailed in the AS 2870based on the
deemed-to-satisfy route. Based on the knowledge of site classification, a selection from
the availed alternatives footings/ floor is referred in AS2870 and determination of
suitable beam layout and detailing. The five main steps in slab preparation include site
classification, topography assessment, wall types, and footing selection, assembly of
details, and preparations of drawings, specifications, and calculations.
Site classification
Characterizing the site to decide whether the foundation is steady or responsive and, if
the last mentioned, to what degree, is the first step.no determination of balance
subtleties from the tables inside AS 2870 will ensure adequate execution if the
arrangement is off-base. Hence, AS 2870 is very explicit on the strategies used to order
locales, and on the capabilities of those completing site orders. Unique States/Authorities
have differing necessities in connection to site classification.
Topography assessment.
The careful location of the structure footprint in connection to site inclines and limits can
decrease the profundity of cut-and-fill required, therefore limiting the degree of holding

. On the other hand, contingent upon the slant, it might be progressively affordable to
receive a split-level methodology or to utilize one of the suspended concrete slab choices.
The degree of cut-and-fill and holding dividers (other than those required for the building
itself) ought to be considered from the start, as generally, in view of the site class, geology,
the kind of house, material, and type of development. The determination of subtleties
should likewise assess the kind of outside and inward divider development to be utilized,
which is picked by either the proprietor or developer.
Assembly of the details
After determination of footing requirements, various details to be finalized include building
on fill, termite barriers, slab edge/step-down details, strip footing reinforcements, laps in
reinforcement, Tie-downs, cyclone-prone, earthquake-prone and mine-subsidence areas –
AS 1684.
Documentation
Prior to the development of the chosen floor section/footing framework can start, the
builder will require adequate subtleties to be drawn up with the goal that the work can be

Sufficient illustrations can some of the time be readied utilizing the data and run of the mill
specifications given in AS 2870. Be that as it may, the prerequisites of the significant Local
Authority should be checked. Note that as establishment development because of dampness
changes in responsive muds is a standout amongst the most well-known reasons for issues,
it is suggested that subtleties of the site seepage necessities be incorporated on the
illustrations. In the event that seepage is deficient, and water is permitted to the pool
around the footings, over the top ground developments or loss of bearing limit may happen.
Common footing systems include; stiffened raft, wattle raft, footing slab, strip footings, and
stiffened slab with deep edge beam. The common wall types in order of flexible include; full
masonry (least flexible), articulated full masonry, masonry veneer, articulated masonry
veneer, and clad frame (most flexible).
Site selection
A vacant block of land for which drawings and material specifications shall be prepared for
the next assignment is located Klump road Upper Mount Gravatt Queensland 4122,
Australia at coordinates -27.552948, 153.076221. the proposed site is currently unutilized.

links, Water, drainage and plumbing (including sustainable urban drainage services, etc.
applicable planning code overlays in this area include; low-density residential zone
(LDRZ), and environment significant overlay (ESO) running along the northern
perimeter of the site. No buildings are recommended more than two-story.

References
Cooke, B., 2011. Construction practice. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley-
Blackwell.
Residential slabs and footings, 2011. Sydney, N.S.W.: Standards Australia.