In the last two hundred years there have been great changes in the method of production of goods. This is now also true of the building industry; for mechanization has been introduced. System building can save both time and money. The principle of system building is that the building is made from a set of standard units. These are either made at the building-site or at a factory. Some designers, in fact, are standardizing the dimensions of rooms. They are made in multiples of a single fixed length, usually ten centimeters. This is called a modular (标准件的) system, and it means that manufactures can produce standardized fittings at a lower cost. The most important fact about system building is its speed. A ten-storey flat, for example, can be completed in four months.
There are several new methods of system building. One is the panel method. In this case, the construction company sometimes erects a factory on the site. The walls and floors of the building, called panels, are cast in a horizontal or vertical position. Conduits for electrical wires and sleeves for pipes are cast in the panels when they are being made. The moulds for making these castings are situated all around the building.
After the concrete panels are cast, they are allowed to set and harden for a week. Next they are lifted by a tower crane on to any section of the building. There the panels are cemented together at their joints and the floor covering is laid.
After the panels have been cemented together, the crane lifts a case into the area. It contains all the fittings to be installed, such as wash-basins, radiators and pipes. Finishing tradesmen, such as plumbers, plasterers, painters and electricians, follow behind to complete the work.
In some building developments, in some countries, whole flats with internal features like their bathrooms, bedrooms and connecting stairs, and weighing as much as twenty tons, are carried to the building-site ready-made. A giant overhead crane is used to lift them into position. In the future, this method may become more widespread.
1. The main difference between panel method and the method discussed in the last paragraph is_______.
A. the latter uses ready-made internal features
B. panels are cast in a level position
C. the former is used to build walls and floors while the latter to construct bathrooms or bedrooms
D. the former is more expensive than the latter
2. Which of these statements is TRUE of system building?
A. It employs more men. B. It is difficult and dangerous.
C. It can save both time and money. D. It means less mechanization.
3. According to the passage, the principle of system building is that_______.
A. construction methods are safer
B. buildings are made from a set of standardized units
C. similar buildings can be produced
D. all units are produced on the site
4. The usual fixed length in the modular system is_______.
A. twenty centimeters B. ten millimeters
C. fifty centimeters D. ten centimeters
5. What lifts the concrete panels onto the building?
A. Cranes. B. Man-power.
C. Pulleys. D. Hydraulic jacks.
参考答案: 1. A 2. C 3. B 4. D 5. A
上一篇: 2015年6月英语六级阅读理解预测题1
下一篇: 2015年6月英语六级阅读理解预测题3
体坛英语资讯:Chinas Pei medals at shooting World Cup final
国际英语资讯:Kyrgyz president says ties with China at high level
国内英语资讯:Senior lawmakers hear reports on deliberations
英国调查:高学历女性大多晚育-英语点津
国内英语资讯:China aims to ensure safety of Spring Festival travel rush
研究:夫妻分床睡 身体更健康婚姻更和睦
本季配饰劲刮“大胆”季候风!-英语点津
接线员的小硬币
人造肉行业开始制定统一标准,以抵抗传统肉业攻击
国内英语资讯:Chinas Taiji-1 satellite successfully passes in-orbit tests
国内英语资讯:China announces winners of youth-themed ecology award
今年热浪不断,入冬不冷,科学家好像发现了原因
体坛英语资讯:Morenos future uncertain as Enriques Spain return rumored
国内英语资讯:Chinese vice premier stresses winning battle against poverty
科学家发明出新的人造皮肤,竟能自动愈合
体坛英语资讯:Real Madrids James out for at least three weeks
国际英语资讯:Kuwait, Saudi Arabia agree to divide Neutral Zone along border
体坛英语资讯:Chinas womens doubles pair returns to world No. 1 in badminton rankings
国际英语资讯:Germany keeps its cool over U.S. sanctions on Nord Stream 2
体坛英语资讯:New contract for Osasuna coach Arrasate
国内英语资讯:China-Japan-ROK leaders meeting bolsters mutual trust, trilateral cooperation
体坛英语资讯:Chinese sprinter Su appointed to World Athletics Athletes Commission
国际英语资讯:Germans urged to consume less to protect climate
美国:母乳喂养 幸福的源泉-英语点津
娱乐英语资讯:New York Philharmonic to present 9th annual Lunar New Year Concert & Gala
体坛英语资讯:Messi saves Argentina in 2-2 draw against Uruguay in Israel
遇见真“哈利波特”……-英语点津
国际英语资讯:Feature: Aussie firefighters to spend Christmas on front lines
国际英语资讯:IMF to support Ethiopias economic reform initiative
体坛英语资讯:Russia start Davis Cup with win over reigning Champions, Croatia