Aims:

In this foundation module, students will be made aware of the influences which have helped to shape the built environment. This is mostly considered from a technological standpoint but with reference to socio-economic factors, regulation and control where pertinent. The concept of the Building Team and its major players is also discussed.

It is intended to provide a general background to building and constructional techniques together with an overall philosophy as to why buildings are constructed in the way they are, and how this can affect the management of the process. This will enable students to progress to modern design techniques and realise the evolution of the contemporary built form.

The building technology is placed within the context of current performance, planning and environmental legislation. Different traditional and modern construction methods, materials and technology are introduced, including basic mechanical and electrical services engineering. Historical development of methods and materials is also discussed.

Objectives: 

To show the diversity of the building process and the wide range of interests involved. It assumes that students will learn construction best by starting with small simple buildings (such as low rise domestic dwellings) and then proceeding in later modules – to more complex structures.

To develop an understanding of the constituent components and materials in low rise domestic construction.
 To appreciate the production process and the work of the building team
 To be aware of the history of techniques and processes used in the construction process
 To understand the influence of style and the technological causes of change on development
 To understand the development of regulation and control of the built environment.
 To develop an understanding of simple building services.
 To understand the organisation and management principles that need to be applied to the construction process.
Learning Outcomes: 

On the completion of this module students should have an in depth understanding of the processes necessary for the construction of simple domestic buildings, and be capable of identifying construction processes, materials, regulation and management required to successfully complete a construction project. In particular, students should be able to:

Recognise and understand the work and responsibilities of members of the building team.
 Understand the purpose of planning and building control legislation
 Gain a working knowledge of simple methods of construction, for all elements of a domestic dwelling.
 Have an understanding of simple services design and installation for domestic dwellings.
 Understand the responsibilities of managing the construction process.
Syllabus:

The Building Team

The roles of the architect, quantity surveyor, engineer, project manager, construction manager and other professional parties
 The role of the contractor
 The role of the client
 Roles of other parties
Construction Technology

The environmental role of buildings
 Definition of primary & secondary elements, and finishes
 Substructure including excavation, simple foundation types & basements
 Superstructure concentrating on simple load bearing structures. Walls, floors, roofs and their functions in the external envelope.
 Performance requirements for doors, windows staircases
 Finishes to walls, roofs, floors and ceilings.
 Defects in buildings
 Services including hot and cold water systems, heating, above and below ground drainage. Simple electrical systems
Regulation and Control

Introduction to planning
 Introduction to building regulations and building control
Management of the Construction Process

Roles of management in the process
 Impact of choice of site and materials on the building process
 Introduction to planning, simple bar charts and networks.
Reading List

Essential Reading

Chudley R. Green R, Hurst M, & Topliss S (2011) Construction Technology. 5th Ed. Routledge.

Riley M, Cotgrove A (2013) Construction Technology 1 House Construction. 3rd Ed.

Bailey G (2017) Lecture Notes

Further Reading

Green R, Osbourne D (2014) Mitchells Introduction to Building 3rd Edition Routledge

Chudley R, Greeno R (2016) Building Construction Handbook. 11th Ed. Routledge

Hall F (2016) Building Services & Equipment Vol 1. Routledge

Trucker R, Alford S, (2014) Building Regulations Explained in Brief. Routledge.

Billington MJ Crooks A Building Regulations Explained & Illustrated (2017) Wiley