CE1CCT-Construction Technology

Module Provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: CE1CES Empirical Studies and CE1CCS Construction Science
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Tabarak Ballal
Email: t.ballal@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This is a core technology module in which students explore alternative construction materials and technologies used for low-rise built facilities. It is designed to enable students to comprehend the impact of choice of construction methods and materials on important issues including health and safety, sustainability and the environment.

Aims:
This module aims to develop students' knowledge and understanding of the various materials, technologies and systems employed in the construction of low rise buildings with a particular focus on the decision making processes associated with choosing the most suitable of these in the light of technical, environmental and legal constraints.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module students should:

• Understand the sequence of feasibility, design and construction for low-rise buildings.


• Be able to explain the technology used in the construction of simple low-rise buildings.


• Be capable of recounting how building elements are constructed.


• Describe the advantages and disadvantaged of alternative construction methods and technologies.


• Understand the importance of building control, impact of legislation and constraints imposed by the Building Regulations on construction methods, materials and design.


• Describe the link between structure, construction sequencing and materials performance incumbent upon building structures


• Evaluate design alternatives in terms of buildability and material performance.


• Acknowledge the variety of materials and construction techniques used in different parts of the world.


• Understand the concept of sustainable construction and how new technologies can be incorporated in the construction of sustainable low-rise buildings.

Additional outcomes:
The module aims to provoke students' critique of construction methods, materials and technologies in relation to their impact on sustainable construction.

Outline content:

The module covers;

• Pre-construction activities and decisions


• Nature and behaviour of forces acting on buildings


• Primary and secondary elements of buildings


• Construction systems and subsystems including methods and materials used


• Foundations


• External envelope – roofs, walls, external doors and windows


• Primary internal components - floors, stairs and loadbearing partitions


• Construction machineries  


• Secondary internal components - finishes, non-loadbearing partitions


• Sustainable construction

Global context:

The module compares construction technologies used in the UK with those in other countries.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The modules is delivered through a combination of different methods. Lectures, self-learning material, and project supervision sessions are mainly used to support understanding of the main content of the module. A site visit is organised to provide opportunity to explore state-of-the art materials and technologies used in the design and construction of low-rise buildings.  

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Project Supervision	2
External visits	8
Guided independent study:	170
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Project output other than dissertation	60
Class test administered by School	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One group project (60%) - submission first week of Spring Term – 1500 word report

End of Term Online Test (40%) – submission last week of Autumn Term

Formative assessment methods:

Two formative drop-in sessions.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Individual assignment brief 60%

Online Test 40%

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books: 


2. Specialist equipment or materials: 


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 


4. Printing and binding: 


5. Computers and devices with a particular specification: 


6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023