Unit 103 Lesson 11

Unit 103 - The Built Environment Life Cycle

​Internal Structure

​Building structure 

​Substructure: 

Anything below ground level is classed as been part of the substructure. ​

​Superstructure: 

Everything structural above ground level is classed as been part of the superstructure.​

​Internal components:

Everything that goes into a building that is nonstructural is classed as an internal component.

Open Ended

What would you class as Internal components for a house ?

​Internal Components

​Any component that can be removed without affecting the integrity of the structure is classed as an internal component. These include: 

 

• non-load-bearing partition wall 

 

• plasterboards and plaster 

 

• second fix carpentry: doors, windows, frames, mouldings, fitted units (kitchen, bedroom) 

 

• second fix sanitary ware: toilets, baths, showers, basins, sinks and drainage 

 

• decorative finishes: paint and wall coverings. 

​Stairs

​Stairs are designed to allow between floors.  They come in different styles and layouts to fit available spaces.  However, all types must be compliant with building regulation K. 

​Stairs Strings

​The stair string or stringer is the section of timber that is housed to accommodate the treads and risers. 
Each Flight of stairs has two strings. In the image: 

The right-hand string has been cut to follow the treads and risers; this is known as a cut string.  
The left-hand string has an equal width down the full length that encloses the treads and risers; this is known as a closed string  

​Load-bearing Internal Walls

​Any internal wall that supports the overall structure is known as a load-bearing wall; They normally carry the ends of the upper floor joists.  They are normally constructed using block work; however, bricks and timber framed construction are also used. 

​Timber upper floors need to span the full distance of the room below without any intermediate support, the timber sections need to be able to span this distance and take any loads without failing so are usually a much thicker section size (the building regulations give the sizes to be used). ​ 

​More modern methods include I beams and metal web (posi- joists); these are lightweight engineered alternatives. 

Multiple Choice

Timber upper floors must span the full room width without intermediate support and carry loads safely. Why are timber floor sections usually specified with a much thicker section size?

• To reduce sound transmission only

• To meet building regulation sizes

• To simplify installation of services

• To allow for decorative finishes

Multiple Choice

Which option correctly names the lightweight engineered alternative shown?

• Solid sawn joists only

• I beams

• Concrete T-beams

• Steel angle sections

Multiple Select

Which of the following are listed examples of internal components? Select all that apply.

• Non-load-bearing partition wall

• Plasterboards and plaster

• Second fix carpentry such as doors and fitted units

• Second fix sanitary ware such as toilets and basins

• Structural steel beams in the primary frame

Multiple Choice

Which description correctly identifies a cut string as defined in the image?

• A string with equal width along its length that encloses treads and risers

• A string cut to follow the profile of the treads and risers

• A metal channel attached beneath the treads

• A decorative molding fitted to the stair nosings

Multiple Choice

Stairs are designed to allow movement between floors and must be compliant with building regulations. Which specific building regulation must all stair types comply with?

• Regulation K

• Regulation L

• Regulation M

• Regulation N

Multiple Choice

The stair string (stringer) houses the treads and risers. How many strings does each flight of stairs have according to the worksheet?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Multiple Choice

What classifies an item as an internal component?

• Any component integral to structural stability

• Any component that can be removed without affecting the integrity of the structure

• Any component located on the exterior facade

• Any component part of foundations or primary frame

Multiple Choice

Which description correctly identifies a closed string as defined in the worksheet?

• A string with equal width along its length that encloses treads and risers

• A string cut to follow the profile of the treads and risers

• A metal channel attached beneath the treads

• A decorative molding fitted to the stair nosings

Multiple Choice

From the diagram notes, what is the maximum number of winders indicated for the kite winder layout?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Multiple Choice

Based on the schematic layouts provided, which stair type incorporates winders rather than a full landing?

• Straight flight

• Half landing

• Quarter landing

• Kite winder

Multiple Choice

To transfer roof loads to the foundation, ceiling joists are usually installed

• on a doubled top plate

• between pairs of wall studs

• directly over wall studs

• with metal anchor plates

Multiple Choice

What is the term for the horizontal structural element that supports the load over an opening such as a door or window?

• Column

• Beam

• Lintel

• Joist