Course Details

1. Demonstrate knowledge of available advanced construction methods and techniques for selection
2. Describe the performance requirements of various elements of methods to be used
3. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the different methods available
4. Select from the various methods available in the light of technical and legal suitability, cost, speed of construction and clients requirements
5. Evaluate and incorporate the appropriate temporary works, plant and equipment, materials and health and safety issues required for the correct management of a project using advanced construction methods

Introduction:

Describe the building team members and their roles on a construction project and explain that buildings are constructed dependant on certain factors such as cost, time, quality and the clients’ requirements. Emphasize the need to look at the various advanced construction methods and techniques available for selection and explain that the correct use of construction technology leads to efficient and effective management of projects.

Foundations:

Describe the reasons and the importance of ascertaining the load-bearing capacity and pressure soils and sub-soils have on a site and the relevance and necessity of undertaking soil investigations. Describe the different types of soils found such as rock, gravel, silt, clay, etc.

Explain the importance of designing foundations and describe the various forms of foundations available for advanced and complex construction, such as basement rafts, deep piles and pads, combined foundations, cantilever beam foundations, asymmetrical combined base foundations, underpinning (with and without piling). Identify the respective advantages and disadvantages of each type of foundation and explain where each type is best used.

Concrete Framed Structures:

Explain the importance of designing concrete framed structures and describe the various forms available for advanced and complex construction, such as in-situ, pre-cast, waffle grid, lift slab, and composite structures. Identify the respective advantages and disadvantages of each type and explain where each type is best used.

Steel Framed Structures:

Explain the importance of designing steel framed structures and describe the various forms available for advanced and complex construction. Identify the respective advantages and disadvantages of each type of structure and explain where each type is best used. Describe the steel sections and profiles that can be used, the types of fixings and connections necessary as well as the need for fire protection of the steelwork.

Roofs:

Explain the importance of designing complicated roof structures and describe the various forms available for advanced and complex construction such as truss and girder roofs, portal frames, shell barrel vaults, double curvature shells, domes, folded slabs, grid structures, suspension structures and air stabilized structures. Identify the respective advantages and disadvantages of each type of roof structure and explain where each type is best used. Describe the materials that can be used for their construction, the types of finishes available, the types of fixings and connections required as well as the need for fire protection where necessary (e.g. for steelwork).

Construction Plant and Methods:

• Structure and Fabric, Part 1 Stroud/Foster, Mitchell’s
• Structure and Fabric, Part 2 Foster/Harrington, Mitchell’s
• Components & Finishes, King/Everett, Mitchell’s

• R. Barry, The Construction of Buildings Volume 4

The course will be presented through formal theoretical lectures and tutorial sessions in class. Assignments will be given to students to further enhance their knowledge on the subject and for the instructor to ascertain progress made in learning by the students. The lectures will present to the student the course content and also allow time for examples, questions and discussion. Notes shall be taken by the students in class during lectures.