Question 1 Reinforced concrete is a popular building material used in Singapore's built environment. It is commonly used in all local developments, buildings, and infrastructure, for the construction of their structural elements.

a) Indicate the strength and weakness of concrete and steel and discuss the reasons why reinforced concrete forms a good composite material for building construction. b) Define the important considerations in a quality management system that are normally put in place, to ensure good quality reinforced concrete is used in the construction.

c) As the design engineer of this Additional and Alteration project, you proposed to the owner to use structural steel as an alternative material to achieve a shorter construction duration and to improve environmental sustainability. Discuss the proposal and indicate the advantages and disadvantages of using structural steel.

d) List and explain the differences between prescriptive and standard specifications for steelworks. e) Which method of the specification is more suitable for steelworks? Explain your choice.