BQS552 - Feb 2021 - Answer

PAST YEAR CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY IV (FEBRUARY 2021)
PART A
1. C
2. D
3. D
4. B
5. C
6. D
7. C
8. A
9. B
10. A
PART B
Question 1
A 35-storey office building with 5-storey basement car park is planned to be built in a congested
area near Jalan Pudu, Kuala Lumpur. The proposed site is a central business area, surrounded
by elevated highways and Mass Railway Transit (MRT) stations. As the consultant for this
proposed project:
a) With the aid of sketches, propose the most suitable method of basement construction,
complete with ground water control to reduce water level for the proposed building.
GROUND WATER CONTROL

Multi stage wellpoint system
- In conjunction with deep well dewatering, a wellpoint system can be installed closer to
the construction area. Wellpoints consist of small-diameter pipes with screens installed
at intervals. These pipes are connected to a vacuum pump that draws water from the
surrounding soil, further reducing water levels locally.
- Wellpoints can be used on much deeper excavations, but multiple stages are required. If
necessary, two or more rows of wellpoints are installed at different elevations. This is
needed when the excavation is deeper than 18 ft or when the altitude would prevent
dewatering with a single wellpoint stage.
b) Suggest the most suitable type of pile for the proposed building.
c) Discuss on the problems that may arise when using the proposed type of pile.
Question 2
a) As reported by the local newspaper dated 31 May 2020, there are a total of 7 houses in
Taman Kelab Ukay, Bukit Antarabangsa that have been affected by the landslide.
Immediate action to repair the affected area needs to be carried out. Propose two (2)
types of reinforced gravity wall to be used as a retaining structure. The proposal should
include annotated sketches and justification on the reasons for the proposal.
EARTH RETAINING STRUCTURE (44-65)
Concrete Cantilever
- To retain the soil at a slope that is greater than it would naturally assume, usually at a
vertical or near vertical position.
- Wall connected to a slab foundation
- Recommended height up to 7m
- Simple to construct & permanent joint are easily arranged
Counterfort / Buttressed
- are used for high walls with heights greater than 8 to 12 m.
- cantilever walls strengthened with counterforts monolithic with bracing on the wall
- act as tension stiffeners and connect the wall slab and the base to reduce the bending
and shearing stresses
b) With the aid of sketches, describe the installation process of trenching pipe for water
reticulation systems.
c) Discuss how the factors listed below affect the planning and costs of earthwork
operations:
i) Existing services and structure
1. Utilities and Infrastructure: Before any excavation begins, it's crucial to identify and map
out existing underground utilities such as water pipes, gas lines, electrical cables, and
sewer lines. Accidentally damaging these services can result in costly repairs, service
disruptions, and even safety hazards. Planning around existing utilities involves careful
coordination with utility companies, obtaining necessary permits, and potentially
rerouting or protecting these services during excavation.
2. Structures and Foundations: The presence of existing structures like buildings, bridges,
or underground foundations can significantly impact earthwork planning and costs.
Excavation near structures may require additional shoring or bracing to prevent collapse,
as well as careful monitoring to avoid damage to adjacent properties. In some cases,
modifications to existing structures or foundations may be necessary to accommodate
earthwork activities, adding both time and expense to the project.
3. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Earthwork operations must comply with various
regulations and zoning restrictions related to existing services and structures. This may
include obtaining permits, adhering to setback requirements, or conducting
environmental assessments to ensure that excavation activities do not negatively impact
nearby infrastructure or ecosystems. Failure to comply with these regulations can result
in fines, project delays, or even legal disputes.
ii) Disposal of excavated soils
1. Soil Characteristics: The type and quality of excavated soils can influence disposal
options and costs. Contaminated or hazardous soils may require specialized handling
and disposal procedures, which can be more expensive than standard landfill disposal.
Additionally, certain soil types may have reuse potential, reducing disposal costs if they
can be repurposed on-site or at other locations.
2. Transportation Distance: The distance to the disposal site plays a significant role in
earthwork costs. Longer transportation distances require more time, labor, and fuel,
increasing overall project expenses. Therefore, proximity to suitable disposal facilities or
the availability of on-site disposal options can help minimize transportation costs.
3. Disposal Regulations: Environmental regulations and permitting requirements govern the

disposal of excavated soils. These regulations may dictate proper handling, treatment,
and disposal methods based on soil contamination levels, potential impacts on
groundwater quality, and other factors. Failure to comply with these regulations can
result in fines or legal consequences, highlighting the importance of proper disposal
planning.

BQS552 - Feb 2021 - Answer

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

BQS552 - Feb 2021 - Answer

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

BQS552 - Feb 2021 - Answer

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

PAST YEAR CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY IV (FEBRUARY 2021)

GROUND WATER CONTROL

EARTH RETAINING STRUCTURE (44-65)

i) Existing services and structure

ii) Disposal of excavated soils

3. Disposal Regulations: Environmental regulations and permitting requirements govern the

You might also like