(SEM VII) THEORY EXAMINATION 2022-23 SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION METHODS

SECTION A (2 Marks Each)

(a) Techniques of Sustainable Construction

Sustainable construction techniques include energy-efficient design, use of eco-friendly materials, rainwater harvesting, waste reduction, recycling, prefabrication, and use of renewable energy sources.

(b) Types of Modular Construction

Modular construction is of four main types: permanent modular construction, relocatable modular construction, hybrid modular construction, and panelized construction.

(c) First Stage of Precast Structure Construction

The first stage is design and planning, where structural elements are designed and molds are prepared before casting.

(d) Methods for Constructing Bridges

Bridge construction methods include cast-in-situ construction, precast segmental construction, cantilever method, incremental launching method, and suspension method.

(e) Cutting-Edge Sustainable Energy-Efficient Building Materials

Examples include fly ash concrete, AAC blocks, recycled steel, green cement, insulated concrete forms, bamboo, and low-emissivity glass.

(f) Use of Project Management in Construction Industry

Project management helps in planning, scheduling, cost control, quality assurance, risk management, and timely completion of construction projects.

(g) GRIHA

GRIHA stands for Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment, an Indian green building rating system to evaluate environmental performance.

(h) Five Categories of LEED

The five main LEED categories are sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality.

(i) Environmental Impact of Raw Materials

Raw materials cause depletion of natural resources, energy consumption, pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste generation.

(j) Four Categories of Green Buildings

Green buildings are categorized based on energy efficiency, water efficiency, material sustainability, and indoor environmental quality.

SECTION B (10 Marks Each – Attempt Any Three)

(a) Factors for Selecting a Type of Foundation

Foundation selection depends on soil type, load from structure, groundwater level, depth of hard strata, site conditions, cost, and environmental impact. Proper selection ensures safety, durability, and sustainability of the structure.

(b) Slip Form Technique and Its Improvement in Construction

Slip form construction is a continuous pouring method where formwork moves upward as concrete sets. It improves construction speed, reduces labor cost, ensures uniform quality, and minimizes material wastage, making it suitable for sustainable construction.

(c) Ways Construction Industry Reduces Environmental Impact

The industry reduces environmental impact by using recycled materials, minimizing waste, adopting prefabrication, improving energy efficiency, reducing water consumption, and following green building standards.

(d) Concept of LEED with Examples

LEED is a global green building certification system. Buildings earn points for sustainable site planning, energy efficiency, water conservation, and use of eco-friendly materials. For example, a building using solar panels and rainwater harvesting can achieve LEED certification.

(e) Four Basic Steps in Material Selection Process

The steps include identifying material requirements, evaluating environmental impact, analyzing cost and performance, and selecting materials based on life-cycle assessment and sustainability goals.

SECTION C (10 Marks Each)

Q3

(a) Difference Between Formwork, Shuttering, Centering, Staging, and Scaffolding

Formwork is the complete temporary structure that supports fresh concrete. Shuttering refers to the vertical surfaces of formwork. Centering supports horizontal members like slabs and beams. Staging provides support to centering. Scaffolding is a temporary structure used to support workers and materials.

(b) Advantages and Challenges of Modular Construction

Modular construction offers faster completion, better quality control, reduced waste, and lower environmental impact. Challenges include transportation issues, limited design flexibility, high initial cost, and requirement of skilled labor.

Q4

(a) Precast Concrete vs Cast-In-Situ Concrete

Precast concrete offers better quality control, faster construction, and reduced waste, while cast-in-situ concrete provides flexibility and lower transportation cost. However, precast requires higher initial investment, whereas cast-in-situ takes more time and labor.

(b) Methodology for Construction of Bridge Structures

Bridge construction involves site investigation, foundation construction, substructure construction, superstructure erection, finishing works, and quality inspection. Sustainable practices focus on durable materials and minimal environmental disturbance.

Q5

(a) Strategies to Reduce Waste During Construction

Waste reduction strategies include proper planning, prefabrication, reuse of materials, recycling construction waste, accurate material estimation, and on-site segregation.

(b) Improving Sustainability in Building and Construction Industry

Sustainability can be improved by adopting green building standards, using renewable energy, selecting sustainable materials, efficient water management, and life-cycle assessment of buildings.

Q6

(a) Six Key Areas for Rating of Green Buildings

The six key areas are site planning, water efficiency, energy efficiency, material selection, indoor environmental quality, and innovation in design.

(b) LEED and GRIHA Rating Process

Both LEED and GRIHA evaluate buildings based on sustainability criteria. LEED uses a point-based global system, while GRIHA is India-specific and focuses on climate responsiveness and resource efficiency.

Q7

(a) Green Construction Materials

Green materials include fly ash bricks, bamboo, recycled steel, low-VOC paints, green concrete, and natural insulation materials. These reduce environmental impact and improve energy efficiency.

(b) Need for Life-Cycle Approach in Material Selection

Life-cycle approach considers extraction, manufacturing, transportation, use, and disposal of materials. It helps reduce environmental impact, cost, and ensures long-term sustainability.