Building Technology 5 Research Assignment 1

Zhang Roger Royce

4 AR 6

Alternative Building Construction Systems

Structural Composite lumber

Figure. 01 SCL core door Figure. 02 SCL

Definition

The term "Structural Composite Lumber" (SCL) refers to a group of engineered wood products
made from small, quickly developing, and underutilized trees. These products are well known for
their durability, consistency, and strength. Neenu SK, (May 25, 2022) , Lumber with laminated
veneer (LSL), parallel strands, laminated strands (PSL), or orientated strands (OSL) are all
considered to be structural composite lumber. The structural members made of these materials
are joined together by an external glue. APA,( Nov.2 , 2020)

Uses and Applications

SCL is primarily used in several wood construction projects because the raw materials used in
their production come from small, quickly growing trees and underutilized species, promoting
the effective use of forestry resources.Since its individual components have been dried to a
reduced moisture content before production, these products are also more dimensionally stable
than conventional softwood timber. They become practically resistant to splitting, chipping, or
warping as an outcome. David Anctil (2020).

Below are the following SCL advantages and uses:

-The strength of SCL is three times that of normal timber.

-SCL's dimensional stability lessens the likelihood that it will contract. It is a reliable, consistent,
and sturdy wood product that can replace conventional lumber.
-Compared to typical lumber members of the same size, SCL can support heavier loads. To
obtain the necessary size, SCL can be sawn.
-SCL never uses scrap in its manufacturing process. Consequently, it is completely reusable.
- In all applications on building projects, SCL is utilized in a number of different construction
parts, such as rafters, headers, truss chords, columns, beams, joists, I-joist flanges, wall studs,
and formwork.

Cast In Place Concrete

Figure 03. Cast in Place Concrete Poured Walls

Definition

This construction technique, also referred to as poured-in-place, is a concreting technique that

is carried out in situ, or in the finished position of the concrete component. Concrete slabs and
foundations, as well as other parts like beams, columns, walls, roofs, and so on, are best made
using cast-in-place concrete. Forms are used to transport unhardened materials, primarily
ready-mix. Offsite proportioning and mixing of ready-mixed concrete is done. (Concrete
Thinker, n.d.)
Uses and Applications

-Cast-in-place concrete's superior strength is one of its main advantages. For foundations and
basement walls, cast-in-place concrete is suitable. Hunker, (2020)

-Cast in place Concrete provides thermal insulation that prevents basements from absorbing the
chilly air and moisture from the ground above them. Homes are quieter because of the sound
insulation provided by cast-in-place concrete. Hunker, (2020)

-Cast-in-place concrete has excellent insulation qualities against insects, mold, and mildew
because there aren't any natural cracks or spaces between the building materials. Hunker, (2020)

Precast Concrete

Figure. 04 Precast Concrete as Bridge Construction Application

Definition-

Precast concrete is a building material made by pouring concrete into a mold that has already
been built. After that, the concrete is allowed to cure in an appropriate environment. Mold is
removed and reused after curing. After that, the precast concrete product is transported to the
project's site and used accordingly. For instance, precast concrete walls are normally lifted into
place by a crane on site if they are intended to be walls. The cast-in-place method of using
concrete is considerably different from the prefabricated approach. Delray Beach, ( March 2,
2022).
Uses and Applications

Prestressed Concrete Piles

Figure 05. Prestressed Concrete Piles

Construction of buildings and maritime construction has made widespread use of prestressed
concrete piles. Due to its extreme durability in saltwater and other harsh environments and
excellent strength for handling, the use of prestressed concrete piles has become very popular in
the construction of marine structures. Gobinda Burman (May 19, 2017).

-High load-carrying capacity.

-Crack-free under handling and driving.
-Ability to take up-lift (tension).
-Can bear hard-driving and can penetrate hard strata.
-Durability in an adverse environment.
-High column strength.

Bridges

Precast concrete is becoming more and more common as a structural material for bridge
building. The need for bridges increased dramatically with the expansion of transportation, and
The scarcity of common building materials encouraged the use of prestressed concrete in many
aspects of civil engineering. Gobinda Burman (May 19, 2017).

Flat slab system

Figure 06. Flat Slab System

Definition

Flat slab is often referred to as beamless slab, because it is directly supported by columns or
caps. In this instance, the columns receive the loads immediately. The purpose of this kind of
slab is to offer a smooth ceiling surface that will maximize light diffusion. They are frequently
utilized in hotels, parking lots, commercial buildings, or other locations where beam projections
are inappropriate due to height restrictions or even aesthetic considerations. ( LCETED, n.d.)

Uses and Applications

-Large industrial constructions, parking garages, ramps, warehouses, tall buildings, and hotels
are the main applications for flat slabs.
-They are used where the beam is not required.
-Where minimal formwork is needed for the buildings, these slabs are also utilized.
-Furthermore, improve the light diffusion on the plain roof surface.

Ribbed and waffle Floor Slab

 Figure. 07 Waffle and Ribbon Slab

Definition

A structural element with a plain top and a grid-like arrangement on its lower surface is called
a waffle slab or ribbed slab. The top of the ribbed slab is typically narrow, and the grid lines at
the bottom are frequently perpendicular ribs. When broad spans are needed, it is frequently
employed to prevent too many columns from taking up too much room (such as auditoriums).

Compared to comparable flat slabs, these purposes offer slabs that are stiffer and lighter.
Additionally, it has a hard finish, low flooring deflection, and excellent vibration management.
Rahul Patil, ( 2011 )

Uses and Applications

-Waffle slabs are utilized when there is a restricted need for the number of columns and for
longer span slabs or floors.

-Waffle slabs have a higher weight carrying capacity than other types of slabs.

-They have a pleasing appearance and strong structural stability. As a result, it is built for places
like airports, hospitals, temples, and churches.

Concrete waffle slabs are favored for commercial structures, while the other two are preferred for
garages, decorative halls, etc. The waffle slab can be formed of concrete, wood, or steel.
-Due to the two-directional reinforcement, it has an excellent capacity to control vibration.
Therefore, it is advantageous for public structures to regulate vibrations brought on by crowd
movements.

-Waffle slabs are inexpensive because they are lightweight and use less concrete. -With proper
supervision, waffle slab construction is simple and rapid.

Lift Slab Method Construction

Figure 08. Lift Slab Construction

Definition

Lift slab is a term used to describe a method of building multi-story structures. In this process,
post-tensioned floor slabs are cast on the ground before being lifted into position. Skyrisecities,
(April 05, 2017). Steel columns supported by concrete piers and footings must be installed in
order to construct a lift slab. Bond-breaker membranes are positioned in between each slab that is
cast into the ground after the slabs are formed around the steel columns.

Uses and Applications

The lift-slab construction approach is more favorable, when there are identical floor plans
across the structure's height and flush slab may be desirable. The lift-slab method works with flat
and ribbed slabs, The precast components may be damaged during transport, and it becomes
challenging to provide appropriate connections between the precast members, which are two
drawbacks of lift slab construction if improperly handled. Morchit Chordia, Nehal Saini, (2011)

Span Stress Floor System

Figure 9. Details of Span Stress Floor System

Definition

A method for construction that makes use of T-joists with span-stress prestressing that can be
employed with plywood forms, infill blocks, or foldable steel forms. Due to the homogenous
pour of the concrete and the connecting reinforcement that transfers lateral forces to the lateral
load resisting elements, the system has the stiffness of a conventional slab. Timoi Palero, (Feb
01, 2019)

Uses and Applications

This system is far more cost-effective than a traditional cast-in-place concrete slab since it is
lightweight while yet having the ability to support heavy loads and lengthy spans. The length
ranges from 3 to 9 meters. It eliminates wooden frameworks, which can result in savings of up to
20% as compared to conventional systems. The system guarantees you a long-lasting, low to
almost maintenance-free structure with no exposed metal parts.
Slip form Method

Figure 10. Slipform Method

Definition

The term "slipform" describes a technique for building vertical concrete structures that uses a
mechanically moving platform system to enable continuous concrete deposition. This process is
known as slipforming, because as concrete is poured into the moving form, the deck and wall
forms "slide." This technique, which is often lift and stair core walls, is frequently cost-effective
for structures taller than ten stories. Hoffman, (2017).

Uses and Applications

Concrete constructions with irregular shapes like cylinders, squares, or triangles can be built
using the slipform technique. It is frequently used to build big structures and bridges as well. For
building grain elevators and silos, as well. Additionally, slip formwork construction methods are
used in the construction of roads.

References

Neenu SK, (May 25, 2022) -What is Structural Composite Lumber (SCL)?

https://theconstructor.org/building/building-material/what-is-structural-composite-lumber-scl/564
211/

APA,( Nov.2 ,2020)--The Engineered wood Association

https://reusewood.org/guide/structural-composite-lumber
David Anctil , (May,10 , 2020). - What is Structural Composite Lumber? | What You Need to
Know
https://usihome.com/en/what-is-structural-composite-lumber/

Hunker ,(2020)-/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-cast-in-place-concrete

https://www.hunker.com/13401173/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-cast-in-place-concrete

Delray Beach,( March 2, 2022)-What is Precast Concrete and What Is It Used For?
https://premier-stoneworks.com/precast-concrete/

Gobinda Burman, (May 19,2017)-Applications of prestressed concrete

https://www.structuresinsider.com/post/applications-of-prestressed-concrete

( LCETED ,n.d.) -
https://www.lceted.com/2021/02/flat-slab-types-uses-advantages-disadvantages.html

Rahul Patil, ( 2011 )- What is waffle-slab-or-ribbed-slab

https://constructionor.com/waffle-slab-or-ribbed-slab/

Skyrisecities, (April 05 ,2017)-The Tragedy That Sparked the Decline of Lift Slab Construction

https://skyrisecities.com/news/2017/04/tragedy-sparked-decline-lift-slab-construction#:~:text=T
he%20lift%20slab%20method%20of%20construction%20involves%20casting,A%20parting%2
0compound%20between%20the%20slabs%20prevents%20bonding.

Morchit Chordia, Nehal Saini, (2011)-Lift Slab Method

https://pdfcoffee.com/lift-slab-construction-pdf-free.html

Timoi Palero, (Feb 01,2019)- Span-Stress Floor System Construction Method

https://prezi.com/kaxxnyr4dbmq/span-stress-floor-system/

Hoffman, (2017)- Advantages of a slipform

structure:https://www.hoffmanninc.com/concrete-chimneys/construction-methods/slipform/