BLCN29001 Construction Technology Report Sample
Assignment Details
1. You must choose one (1) type of modern construction technology discussed between weeks 1 and 5 relating to Australian high-rise construction. The week one workshop slides will include the list of suitable topics.
2. Before proceeding, You must send your topic to me (Brisbane students) or Hassan (Sydney students) and gain approval. Failure to do so will result in a loss of marks.
3. A brief outline of your chosen topic and proposed discussion points must be submitted.
4. Your topic and outline are due by Monday, Week 3 (18 March 2024). The teaching team will then approve you to proceed or advise if further work is required before gaining approval.
5. There must be an even spread of the unit's topics. i.e., not all students can research basement excavation. As such, the topics will be on a first-come, first-served basis, so I suggest you get organised early.
6. Your selected construction component must use the latest technology. i.e., timber formwork is not acceptable as it is obsolete. Instead, an acceptable technology would be slip or jump form.
The Scenario
The end goal of a building project is to hand over a completed building safely, compliant with the applicable building legislation, on time, within budget, and free of defects. All these factors accumulate in Practical Completion (PC). Incomplete or insufficient documentation and inadequate management can lead to cost overruns and disputes with the client.
As a construction manager working on constructing a high-rise project in Australia, you would likely manage one technical process (i.e., temporary works or demolition) rather than the entire build. As such, you must understand the technical standards, processes, and legislation to manage your portion of work effectively and efficiently.
The Task
In an Australian context, research the technical processes and procedures required to undertake your chosen technology in detail. This includes any specific Australian building legislation, Australian or Manufacturer Standards, and Workplace Codes of Practice. A detailed work breakdown structure must be included.
Please note:
• This is an individual (not a group) assessment.
• The assignment must be submitted through Turnitin on the Moodle site.
• Photographs, if used, must be fully and correctly labelled, referenced and discussed.
• Ensure your research and responses are in a context relating to the Australian building and construction industry.
• Reference to the appropriate National Construction Code of Australia, Australian Standards, safety codes of practice, and any other specific text must be included wherever possible.
• All references must be per CQUniversity Harvard Referencing Style.
• You must use grey literature and journal articles to obtain the data.
• A maximum of three (3) journal articles are to be used.
• Only use metric, not imperial measurements.
Solution
Introduction
Footings act as the crucial foundation systems that bear the whole weight of the high-rise structure, transferring the loads effectively onto the soil or rock that is below the structure. This assignment is about analyzing modern Australian high-rise built project footing types as well as their design and installation process. The significance of footings is immense since any loopholes or lack of strength in this hidden structure will cause irreparable damage to the structural strength and safety of the building. The report is separated into the main sections which are the literature review containing the theories, industry practices, and research associated with high-rise footings, a review of common footing types with their advantages and disadvantages, the design considerations and constitution techniques, the applicable Australian standards and regulations, the construction process and the work breakdown structure and lastly, quality control measures. This extensive survey, in turn, will prove to be a fundamental part of the assignment as it will show that the subject is well-known.
Literature Review
Empirical Study
Prospects of Developing Prefabricated Masonry Walling Systems in Australia
According to Thamboo et al. 2021, According to the results in the modern context, prefabrication is an effective way of construction. When we look at the achievements that have been accomplished so far in the field of reinforced concrete (RC), timber, and steel prefabricated constructions, masonry walling systems are one of the least common ones to prefabricate for university assignment help.
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Figure 1: Prefabricated reinforced masonry
(Source: Thamboo et al. 2021)
Traditional masonry is deeply labor-intensive, and it takes too much time; prefabrication is a good option to bring the masonry construction up to speed to make it more cost-effective. Consequently, this paper has been primarily put forth to analyze the suitability of PMS from the point of structural qualities as well as sustainability viewpoint in the context of Australia. The studies in the next stage were reviewed and summarized along with the prospective of developing prefabricated masonry walling systems. To evaluate the suitability of PMS in terms of prefab masonry walling systems for typical housing units in Australia, a case study was conducted by designing four kinds of prospective prefabricated walling systems. It has been concluded that the RM - PT - TLM (Masonry) Systems are the masonry system that fits better for prefabrication.
Trends in Residential Building Materials in the State of Victoria
According to Paton-Cole et al. 2022, With the dwindling population of Victoria comes the corresponding increase in building approvals state-wide. Low-rise residential houses as single-family dwelling type, which are often approved in the largest quantities, continue to be the dominant type of application that determines further residential building activities, and this is largely due to record low interest rates.
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Figure 2: Adoption of building materials over time for residential buildings
(Source: Paton-Cole et al. 2022)
Low-rise domestic buildings vary greatly in shape and form depending on the specific materials that are used for the creation of the envelope and the other structural or non-structural elements. With the developing elements for constructing the envelopes of residential buildings, these materials should be functional, and satisfy design criteria and performance requirements, while being pleasing to the eye. The paper is focused on the trend of the construction materials used in the building envelopes of low-rise residential buildings by looking at the data provided by the building permits from 1996 to 2019. The data trend shows that the double brick wall and timber floor suspended house type has been gradually drifting out of fashion throughout the 21st century. By doing so the analysis presents that brick veneer wall cladding systems are built over slab-on-ground is the most common construction form while the type of material for the roof cladding is influenced by geographical location.
Experimental and Numerical Modeling of Outrigger Systems of Tall Building Structures
According to MARABI, 2022, This paper explores the structural outrigger systems as a cost effective means of providing lateral load resisting structures for tall buildings exceeding 1000 meters in height. The target of the study is to contrast the performance of typical outrigger models with a newly suggested outrigger model via experimental and finite element modeling. The investigators took eight 3D models, which included the core model without the outriggers, a single outrigger model, a multi-outrigger model and the newly proposed outrigger model, through a few quasi-static cyclic tests.
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Figure 3: Schematic of the height increase in high-rise buildings
(Source: MARABI, 2022)
The hysteresis curves were studied in order to characterize the initial lateral stiffness, effective stiffness, maximum lateral strength, ductility ratio, and energy dissipation capacity of each model. The outcome led to the identification of the optimal types of outrigger systems which were proved to be effective at the first outrigger level's top, in comparison to the conventional forms and core models which proved to be effective at the bottom. The 2-Out base design offered up to 140% greater effective stiffness as compared to the 1-Out basis, and the Cap-Out form was 36% higher than the 2-Out horizontal form. The 31% of the effective stiffness in the proposed new model, Dev-Out, is higher than the one-layer Opti 1-Out. Regarding the energy dissipation, the 2-Out conventional form was the highest of all the models, while the Dev-Out model came up with the least energy dissipation value. The 2-Out conventional form is, nevertheless, the most ductile one, and is characterized by a ductility ratio of 6.73. An FE analysis of the FE Dev-Out model has confirmed that the optimally located outrigger will be at 0.4H from the top of the building in order to minimize the top-drift, and at the mid-height and base position range to minimize the base moment.
Research Gap
Despite that the material (the literature) has presented useful information on different types of footing layouts and design considerations used in high-rise construction, unfortunately, there is a lack of recently updated research on the subject in the Australian context. The current resources and case studies that are accessible do not necessarily portray the exact equivalent conditions that exist in Australia, considering that the soil types, climate factors, and regulations are unique to Australia. The most common research focuses on traditional foundation systems such as separate pads column footings, and combined footings. On the other hand, there is a consistent definition of the migration and use of the newer footing technologies such as raft/ mat foundations and many of the piling systems used in modern high rises in Australia with constrained urban sites, which are the topics of further research. In addition to this, when the materials, equipment, and techniques for the construction of buildings improve, there is a need for research that directly analyzes how these innovations influence footing design and installation on modern tall buildings in Australia. Through the assessment of the local industrial practices and regulations, such knowledge gaps can be explored to develop strategies to reduce work inefficiencies, improve sustainability, and ensure the safety of the construction sites in the Australian jurisdiction.
Types of Footings
Overview of main footing types used in Australian high-rise
Structural strength and local soil and climate conditions are the key factors to consider when designing the foundations in Australian high-rise projects. The types of footings that are primarily used include isolated pad footings that are placed under smaller columns and combined footings that work by integrating several columns into one reinforced pad. Raft or mat footings are also used where a large reinforced concrete slab is spread over the foundation area (O’Grady et al. 2021). Indeed, the dominant base system for most high-rise projects in Australia today is the installation of deep piles.
Figure 3: Types of Footings & Foundations used in building a house
(Source: https://www.thirdistudio.com)
Driving piles, boring cast-in-place piles and other piling techniques serve the purpose of anchoring the tower to strong soil or bedrock strata that are below the building's footprint. The lateral piles with their superior load-bearing capacity and minimal differential settlement are thus indispensable notwithstanding the higher cost and complex installation for building durably and solidly high-rise structures across Australia's varied geotechnical settings.
Advantages/Disadvantages of Each Type
Design and Construction Considerations
Soil testing, load analysis
Soil testing as well as analysis would normally be the first of the geotechnical investigation stages. Such tests help us establish the bearing capacity, the type of soil and other geotechnical properties of the site (French, 2022). Such data is very valuable in the issuance of the exact footings’ loads to be borne, which include the dead load of the structure, live load, wind load, and any other forces like the environmental or seismic ones. Equipped with this information, the structural designers can design foundations that can firmly support the building and survive the expected loads. A comprehensive soil testing and analysis is performed to guarantee the structural stability and safety of the whole project, which will ultimately lead to the success of the endeavor and its future.
Concrete/reinforcement Specifications
When looking into the design of footings, several critical factors should always be taken into consideration for the proper stability and safety of the structure. To begin with, the concrete strength is required to be defined regarding the weight and soil conditions anticipated to be experienced. In general, high-strength concrete with small water-cement ratio is used to ensure the necessary load-bearing character and durability. The next very important factors are the diameter, positioning and spacing of steel rods. Their role is to enable the force to be distributed in a proper manner. These steel bars augment the tensile strength of concrete and also prevent cracks in the infrastructure. The last thing is the size of the load foundation is determined in such a way that all the loads are quite evenly distributed across the supporting soil or rocks and hence, prevent any excess stress and possible failure. Thus, by incorporating the elements of the footing design, the structure is sturdily grounded.
Excavation, Formwork, Waterproofing
The exavation procedures which are done before footing design, is a critical step in the construction of a building's foundation, these set the platform for the footing design and overall structural integrity. The dimensions of the footing shall hence be determined by its specific unique needs and design specs. Making sure the adequate shoring, dewatering and the use of inclined or flat benching methods are executed properly will help in preserving stability and safety of the excavation site. Building formwork system requires among others, great precision of structures and placement of reinforcement and concrete to be done exactly as stipulated by the design. Any cast-off or error in the formwork can lead to a structural failure of the footing and the foundation as a whole.
The protection of the concrete from the passage of moisture is made through the application of effective waterproofing thus by the installation of membrane barriers or coatings. In addition to this, the installation of the supplementary drainage system that will divert water away from the footings and foundations should provide the structure with more resistance concerning water-related deterioration. Through the endeavors of the construction team in tackling these important aspects of the excavation process, and protection of the footing and foundation, the foundation of the building could be guaranteed to be able to sustain the anticipated loads and environmental conditions, ensuring a firm and durable support system for the whole building.
Australian Standards and Regulations
NCC, AS 2870, AS 3600
The National Construction Code (NCC) is the technical guidance for the design and construction of footings in Australia, which is enforced at the national level for public safety and structural adequacy. AS 2870 is a standard that is identified by the Australian government for residential slabs and footings. It describes different design criteria, site classification, and construction procedures. Although it refers to the case of residential buildings, its principles can be translated into the high-rise case, as well. Importantly, the AS 3600 Concrete Structures requirements state the materials, design, and detailing of reinforced and restressed concrete members such as footings (Law, 2021). It provides for strength limitations, durability provisions as well and construction specifications which must be met to ensure that high-rise footing systems in the local Australian context are reliable and long-lasting.
WHS and environmental requirements
The construction of footing is mandated by the health and safety standards at the workplace to follow a certain prescribed protocol which includes excavation works, crane operations, working at heights, and handling of heavy materials involved in footing construction. The implementation of such measures as trench shoring, fall protection, and traffic management plans, along with qualified personnel can be considered an effective mitigation of the risks at high-rise sites (Crommelin et al. 2021). Environmental aspects concern reduced contact with sediments, sound/vibration monitoring, waste management, and protecting the flora while excavating. The groundwater abstraction rules could be in force in some areas. That's the role that sustainability practices like using supplementary cementitious materials, reinforcement with recycled content, and efficient concrete curing methods play here. The individual is responsible for maintaining a safe working environment by complying with the set WHS codes and environmental legislations should be held accountable in the process of installing the hazardous foundation for high-rise projects.
Construction Process
Detailed step-by-step process
? Site Preparation: Clear the site, establish access routes, and implement erosion/sediment control measures.
? Excavation: Excavate to design depths using appropriate equipment and techniques based on soil conditions. Ensure proper sloping, shoring, and dewatering of excavations.
? Subgrade Preparation: Compact and level the subgrade soil as per specifications to provide a stable base for footings.
? Formwork Installation: Erect formwork precisely to the required dimensions and specifications, ensuring it is adequately braced and supported. Install reinforcement cages/mats per design.
? Concrete Pouring: Coordinate concrete delivery and placement, maintaining proper slump and consolidation. Cure concrete as specified.
? Formwork Removal: After reaching the designed strength, carefully remove formwork while avoiding damage to concrete surfaces.
? Backfilling: Backfill around footings using suitable material in controlled layers and compacted to requirements.
? Waterproofing: Apply membrane or other waterproofing systems to protect footings from moisture ingress.
? Pedestal/Pile Cap Construction: If required, install pedestals or pile caps on footings as per structural design.
? Inspections: Conduct thorough inspections, and testing and obtain approvals before proceeding to vertical construction.
Potential challenges
Possible problems may come up such as soil condition challenges like reactive clay, hard rock, or water tables that require specification of footing designs and installation techniques. A confined space in the urban environment might prevent excavation and crane access. Strict requirements for layout and level of footings and piles are the most important. For instance, organizing concrete pours and the right curing in severe weather can be troublesome. Noise, vibration, and environmental impact reduction are challenges that are always there, especially in the neighborhoods of people who live close to one another (Svatoš-Ražnjevi? et al. 2022). Such quality control and inspection of underground works is a complex process before the vertical structure is raised. Overcoming such challenges takes a well-defined plan, a skilled crew, and quality management systems built in.
Quality Control
Inspection, testing, quality assurance
? Inspections: Extensive inspections at the critical points of construction, for example, after the soil excavation, installation of the formwork, pouring of the concrete, and backfilling. Inspections make sure both the work and the design are at the required standard and safety level.
? Testing: We will carry out a soil test to determine the bearing capacity, a concrete test to prove its strength, and a load test of piles to confirm the load-bearing capacity. Such tests are a reliable way to determine the effectiveness and suitability of the foundation.
?Quality assurance: Quality management system, SOP development, and worker training are the implementation. This helps to avoid unnecessary recalls and reputation damage through the identification of any non-conformances at the early stages of the process for timely corrective action.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the design and construction of foundations for high-rise buildings in Australia ought to be backed by a solid knowledge of the regional native soil and environmental conditions, in addition to compliance with the applicable Australian standards and rules. It is the footing type that is either in the form of individual pads or combined footings, raft/mat, or piles which are selected based on the specific project features and site limitations. Detailed planning, precise testing, and quality assurance processes are necessary to guarantee a structurally sound composition of the foundations with long-term performance. With the advancement of the construction industry, more studies are required to find new footing methods and construction steps that will contribute to the improvement of effectiveness, sustainability, and a safe environment in Australian tall building construction.
Reference List
Thamboo, J., Zahra, T., Navaratnam, S., Asad, M. and Poologanathan, K., 2021. Prospects of developing prefabricated masonry walling systems in Australia. Buildings, 11(7), p.294.
Paton-Cole, V., Crawford, R.H., Turnbull, R., Fitzgerald, E., Michalewicz, A. and Garber, J., 2022, November. Trends in Residential Building Materials in the State of Victoria. In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (Vol. 1101, No. 4, p. 042022). IOP Publishing.
MARABI, B., 2022. EXPERIMENTAL AND NUMERICAL MODELING OF OUTRIGGER SYSTEMS OF TALL BUILDING STRUCTURES (Doctoral dissertation, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia).
O’Grady, T.M., Minunno, R., Chong, H.Y. and Morrison, G.M., 2021. Interconnections: An analysis of disassemblable building connection systems towards a circular economy. Buildings, 11(11), p.535.
French, C.R., 2022. Comparative study of modular construction methodologies within residential and commercial applications.
Abed, J., Rayburg, S., Rodwell, J. and Neave, M., 2022. A Review of the Performance and Benefits of Mass Timber as an Alternative to Concrete and Steel for Improving the Sustainability of Structures. Sustainability, 14(9), p.5570.
Law, T., 2021. Beyond minimum: Proposition for building surveyors to exceed the minimum standards of the construction code. Journal of legal affairs and dispute resolution in engineering and construction, 13(2), p.03721001.
Crommelin, L., Thompson, S., Easthope, H., Loosemore, M., Yang, H., Buckle, C. and Randolph, B., 2021. Cracks in the compact city: Tackling defects in multi-unit strata housing.
Svatoš-Ražnjevi?, H., Orozco, L. and Menges, A., 2022. Advanced timber construction industry: A review of 350 multi-storey timber projects from 2000–2021. Buildings, 12(4), p.404.
Nethercote, M., 2022. Conclusion: Securing Home in Verticalizing Cities. In Inside High-Rise Housing (pp. 210-238). Bristol University Press.
Szo?omicki, J. and Golasz-Szo?omicka, H., 2021. The modern trend of super slender residential buildings. Budownictwo i Architektura, 20(1).
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