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 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. 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.
2. 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
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. What lifts the concrete panels onto the building?
A. Cranes.
B. Man-power.
C. Pulleys.
D. Hydraulic jacks.
5. The usual fixed length in the modular system is_______.
A. twenty centimeters
B. ten millimeters
C. fifty centimeters
D. ten centimeters
参考答案:
1. C 2.A 3. B 4. A 5. D
英语口语主题:交际英语热门话题47个(21--生日派对)
老外“精神不好”时会说些什么
实用口语情景轻松学:你最喜欢哪个季节?
实用口语:Bob Brings Cookies to the market
最常用的26句生活用语
实用口语情景轻松学:你知道怎么申请赴美签证吗?
疯狂口语要素精选 7
节日英语口语:十一句话搞定圣诞礼物
日常口语精华集1
口语情景对话:走遍美国精选 当仁不让 ACT 3 - 1
疯狂口语要素精选 13
职场英语情景会话:Farewell before Christmas 圣诞前的道别
2011年实用口语练习:静观其变
2岁的萝莉口译员Lucy Wang
实用口语:选举 Elections
疯狂口语要素精选 6
中国常犯的英语口语错误
实用口语情景轻松学:Take baby steps 慢慢来
实用口语情景轻松学:求职面试
那些美剧告诉你的事儿
实用英语口语要素精选24
疯狂口语要素精选 17
口语情景对话:走遍美国精选 没问题ACT 2 - 1
2011年实用口语练习:学习疑问
2011年实用口语练习:歉意怎么说出口(2)
2011年实用口语练习:这只是“权宜之计”
口语情景对话:走遍美国精选 二度蜜月ACT 3 - 2
20条地道实用英语句型(1)
2011年实用口语练习:实用英语串烧
2011年实用口语练习:背后捅刀
不限 |
英语教案 |
英语课件 |
英语试题 |
不限 |
不限 |
上册 |
下册 |
不限 |