British College of Applied Studies (BCAS) BTEC HND in Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics

Unit Unit No. Level Learning Hours

: Building Construction Technology : 21549B : H1 : 60

DESCRIPTION OF UNIT This unit is designed to provide the fundamental knowledge in building construction. Successful functions of a Quantity Surveyor require a sound fundamental knowledge and thorough understanding of the composition of building elements and their construction methods. This knowledge and understanding is mandatory for measurements, estimation and cost management, preparing the tender documents & project planning. This unit will enable learners to understand, apply and analyze the site investigation methods, structural elements and method of construction.

SUMMARY OF LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate knowledge in site investigation and the selection of a suitable

site for construction.

2. Explain various types of foundation, their selection methods and their

associated temporary works.

3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in building construction.

All rights are reserved by BCAS

Page 1/6

British College of Applied Studies (BCAS) BTEC HND in Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics

CONTENTS 1) Site investigation and the selection of a suitable site for construction.

Site investigation surface and subsurface investigation, soil classification, soil

properties, methods of site investigation, stages in site investigation, soil tests.

Site selection Factors considered in site selection

2) Types of foundation, their selection methods and their associated temporary works.

Types of foundation- strip, pad, raft and pile; factors considered in selection of a
foundation.

Temporary works: shoring and dewatering methods, types of excavation,

machinery used for the excavation, compaction, backfilling. 3) Building construction. Reading and understanding structural and architectural drawings, concrete technology, reinforcement methods, form work and supporting system, construction methods of column, beam & slabs, flooring, block / brick work, bonding of brick work, roofing, finishing works; plastering, painting & waterproofing, timber work; partitions, doors, windows & ironmongeries, staircases.

All rights are reserved by BCAS

Page 2/6

British College of Applied Studies (BCAS) BTEC HND in Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA Assessment criteria: To achieve each outcome a student must demonstrate the ability to Identify various factors considered in site selection. Describe the stages in site investigation. Explain the classification of soils and describe the soil investigation methods. Describe different types of foundation and discuss various factors considered in selecting a suitable foundation. Describe the methods of excavation suitable for different foundation work and the associated temporary work. Identify the steps in the process of constructing a foundation. Identify and discuss the form work needed for the construction of building elements and their supporting system. Explain the reinforcement arrangement of concrete members and their method of construction. Discuss the brick/ block work in building construction. Write method statement for a given purpose. Describe the finishing work for a given purpose. Identify the elements to be water proofed in a building and explain the method of water proofing for a given situation. Discuss the timber work in building construction.

Outcomes

1. Demonstrate knowledge
in site investigation and the selection of a suitable site for construction.

2. Explain various types of

foundation, their selection methods and their associated temporary works.

3. Demonstrate the
knowledge and understanding in building construction.

All rights are reserved by BCAS

Page 3/6

British College of Applied Studies (BCAS) BTEC HND in Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics

DELIVERY It is important that the learners need to have a sound knowledge and understanding of the construction technology for progression towards several units of the study programme. Therefore, it is recommended that this module should be taught in the first semester of the programme. In order to develop the working knowledge and to experience the real nature of the construction work the learners should be encouraged to visit construction sites from day one of this module. In addition, the lecturer should conduct the session through suitable practical examples and case studies. Learners should be encouraged to work in teams as well as individually in collecting information from their site visits, suppliers, exhibitions and professionals in the industry. They also should be involved in useful discussions and the opportunity should be provided for oral presentations to share their experience in this module. All the teaching materials must be checked and approved by the Quality Management Team before they are issued to the students. Students will receive relevant instructions from the lecturer when the topic is introduced. The Lecturer will guide the students for improving their competency in construction technology during self-study. Lectures will comprise of 2 hour per day stretched to 2 days per week (2 X 2 Hr) and 2 hours of tutorial/ discussion session per week. As this is a core competency for a quantity surveyor, the delivery of the unit is designed in an interactive basis. Lectures are complemented with class room discussions and video sessions. Students are also expected to improve their competency by undertaking off-class room discussions during their site visits, self study complemented with sufficient reading of books. ASSESSMENT A well planned continues assignment/course is recommended for this unit, covering all basic technology related to building construction. The students are expected to demonstrate their field visits and other experiences by writing a comprehensive report as
All rights are reserved by BCAS Page 4/6

British College of Applied Studies (BCAS) BTEC HND in Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics

well as presenting verbally at a formal presentation or at a viva voce. Sufficient evidence need to be provided by the learner in demonstrating the involvement in this module. To pass this unit, the learners evidence for assessment needs to demonstrate that all the learning outcomes for the unit have been met. These criteria for grading describe the level of achievement required to earn Merit and Distinction. To achieve a merit grade the evidence must show that the learner is able to To achieve a distinction grade the evidence must show that the learner

is able to M1. Identify and apply strategies to find D1. Use critical reflection to evaluate own appropriate solutions work and justify valid conclusions M2. Select/ design and apply appropriate D2. Take responsibility for managing and methods/ techniques organizing activities M3. Present and communicate appropriate D3. Demonstrate convergent/ findings creative thinking lateral/

LINKS This unit is introduced at semester 1 of the study programme and is a core module for progression to the whole programme. A sound knowledge of technology is essential to learn Measurements. It will also be facilitating a better understanding of subjects such as Construction Materials, Structural Design and is essential for cost management. This unit is provides the essential basic knowledge and skills required for undertaking the following modules: Advanced Building Measurements Advanced Construction Technology Tender Estimating

All rights are reserved by BCAS

Page 5/6

British College of Applied Studies (BCAS) BTEC HND in Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics

RESOURCES Learners should have access to a wide range of library resources, including text books and government and industry wide publications, the internet and other associated documents.

READING LIST Goyal, M. M. (2003). Handbook of building construction Vol. 1 . India: Thomson Press (I) Ltd. Stephen Emmitt, Christopher A. Gorse (2005). Barrys Introduction to Construction of

Buildings. Blackwell Publishing.

Andrew J. Charlett (2007). Fundamental building technology. London and New York: Taylor & Francis group. Chudley,R. (1987). Construction Technology - Vol 1. 2nd ed., Longman: Singapore publishers (Pte) Ltd. Chudley,R. (1987). Construction Technology - Vol 2. 2nd ed., Longman: Singapore publishers (Pte) Ltd. Chudley,R. (1987). Construction Technology - Vol 3. 2nd ed., Longman: Singapore publishers (Pte) Ltd.

All rights are reserved by BCAS

Page 6/6