702-137 Construction Technology 1A

The subject is divided into two sections: Structures and Construction Technology in which there is a focus on materials and timber framing. The subject aims to: progressively introduce structural principles and modelling relevant to architectural design and building construction; introduce a framework for understanding the properties and enviornment impact of fundamental building materials and how they are used within the construction industry; introduce case studies of light timber framing and concrete footings to help students develop an intuitive understanding of structure and materials.

On completion of the subject students should be able to:

• Understand issues of strength, stiffness and stability of structures including modes of action of structural systems, forces, stress and strain, laws of statics and an introduction to trusses.

• Group materials according to their properties and understand how these properties influence the use of materials within the construction industry and their environmental impact. Properties to be considered include strength, elasticity, opacity and conductivity.

• Understand the importance of standards and codes using timber and concrete as case studies to develop simple frames and footings.

• Apply a range of methods to research, visualise, select and test construction materials and basic structures and demonstrate these through design and construction of simple objects.

On completion of the subject students should have developed the following skills and capabilities:

• Understanding of basic structural engineering principles relevant to architectural design and building construction.

• Performing simple calculations in the determination of reactions and of stress and strain.

• Communication of construction solutions by means of sketches and drawings.

• Production of written reports of observations.

Assignments (eg. tutorial exercises, site reports, workshop exercises, class presentations, construction drawings) equivalent to not more than 3000 words (60%) and an examination of two hours (40%).

• AJ MacDonald, Structure and Architecture (2nd Edition). Oxford, Architectural Press (2001).
• Shahin Vassigh, Interactive Structures, Visualizing Structural Behavior. Wiley, 2005.