CE-603-B Precast and Modular Construction - May 2022 Question Paper

Under each question, How to answer lists the points an answer should cover, outlined by CampusPrep from the syllabus. Check the details against your textbook.

1. 7 Marks
   aDiscuss the need for prefabrication in construction industry.
   How to answer

   • Define prefabrication / precast construction
   • Need: speed, quality control, economy, labour shortage, standardization
   • Need: weather independence, safety, sustainability
   • Suitability for mass housing and modular construction
2. 7 Marks
   bDiscuss the important aspects to be taken for consideration while during production, transportation and erection of precast elements.
   How to answer

   • Production aspects: moulds, curing, quality control, tolerances
   • Transportation aspects: handling, lifting points, size/weight limits, damage prevention
   • Erection aspects: cranes, alignment, temporary stability, jointing
   • Safety and planning coordination
3. 7 Marks
   aDiscuss the various factors which influence the response of precast structural components.
   How to answer

   • Material factors: concrete grade, prestressing, creep/shrinkage
   • Design factors: shape, size, eccentricity, connections
   • Production/curing and handling stresses
   • Support conditions and load response
4. 7 Marks
   bState the merits and demerits of the constructions of large panels.
   How to answer

   • Merits: speed, large coverage, fewer joints, economy
   • Merits: quality control, less in-situ work
   • Demerits: heavy lifting, transport limits, crane cost
   • Demerits: jointing, monotony, initial investment
5. 7 Marks
   aIllustrate the design of cross-section based on efficiency of the materials.
   How to answer

   • Principle of material efficiency: stress distribution
   • Efficient sections: I, T, box vs rectangular
   • Illustrate cross-sections with material saving
   • Suitability for precast/prestressed members
6. 7 Marks
   bWhat are the precautions should be taken during disuniting of structures?
   How to answer

   • Definition of disuniting/dismantling of structures
   • Precautions: stability, propping, sequence of removal
   • Safety of workers, services disconnection
   • Handling and reuse of salvaged components
7. 7 Marks
   aList out the general recommendations for the design of an expansion joint.
   How to answer

   • Purpose and location of expansion joints
   • Spacing, width and filler/sealant recommendations
   • Structural continuity and movement allowance
   • Codal guidance for precast construction
8. 7 Marks
   bState the Aims and basics of modular construction.
   How to answer

   • Definition and aims of modular construction
   • Basics: module, grid, standardization, interchangeability
   • Advantages for mass production and speed
   • Planning and coordination aspects
9. 7 Marks
   aDiscuss the codal provisions to calculate the equivalent design load when it is subjected to earthquake loading.
   How to answer

   • Seismic design philosophy and codal provisions
   • Seismic zone, importance, response reduction factors
   • Formula for design base shear / equivalent static load
   • Distribution of load and detailing requirements
10. 7 Marks
    bDistinguish between intensity and magnitude of earthquake.
    How to answer

    • Define intensity: damage scale, Mercalli, location dependent
    • Define magnitude: energy release, Richter, instrumental
    • Key differences in tabular form
    • Example to illustrate distinction
11. 7 Marks
    aCompare the benefits of shear wall over the conventional load bearing brick masonry wall.
    How to answer

    • Load path and lateral resistance of shear wall
    • Benefits: stiffness, strength, drift control, safety
    • Comparison with brick masonry load bearing wall
    • Suitability for high-rise precast construction
12. 7 Marks
    bExplain in detail about connections and joints for wall panels.
    How to answer

    • Types of wall panel joints: horizontal and vertical
    • Connection details: welded, bolted, grouted, dowelled
    • Requirements: strength, water-tightness, fire and acoustic
    • Sk etches of typical joint details
13. 7 Marks
    aDiscuss the need of modular coordination and standardization of prefabricated structures in detail.
    How to answer

    • Define modular coordination and standardization
    • Need: interchangeability, mass production, economy
    • Dimensional coordination, tolerances, grids
    • Benefits for prefabricated structures
14. 7 Marks
    bDistinguish between one way and two way prefabricated slabs.
    How to answer

    • Define one-way and two-way prefabricated slabs
    • Load transfer mechanism in each type
    • Differences: aspect ratio, reinforcement, support
    • Applications and examples
15. 14 Marks
    Write short notes on:

    1. i)Modular planning for a residential apartment
    2. ii)Box Prefabricates
    How to answer

    • Modular planning: grid, room sizes, apartment layout principles
    • Box prefabricates: definition, manufacture, handling
    • Advantages and limitations of each
    • Applications in residential construction