module specification

The module aims to further develop your knowledge and understanding of construction technology and structural principles.  It will build upon the technology, science and structures introduced to you at level 4. The focus of the module moves on from the residential and low-rise construction types you have studied to more complex commercial, industrial, and multi-storey construction typologies. You will undertake in-depth study and research of the construction technology and structural principles associated with long span and multi-storey construction. 

Context will be provided using case studies to explain and bring to life construction technologies and structural principles.  Key documents such as the building regulations are used as reference points throughout to help you understand how particular construction types comply with performance requirements such as structural performance, fire safety, resistance to sound, thermal performance, and drainage and waste disposal.

You will explore the drivers and technologies behind the move to constructing and conserving sustainable built environments and be presented with examples of responses at differing scales.  The module will explore how both traditional and modern construction technologies are being used across the globe.

Through studying this module, you will be required to consider how factors such as climate change, urbanisation, carbon reduction targets, skill shortages and material availability are impacting the construction technologies and structural forms being adopted by the built environment sector.

The knowledge gained will enable the student to understand and appraise the contributions construction technology and structural principles can make towards a sustainable built environment.

By the end of the module students should be able to evaluate the following:

• The contribution of technology towards a sustainable built environment
• The drivers for technological change
• The appropriateness of different construction technologies including foundations, structural frames, roof and cladding systems
• Structural load paths in commercial, industrial, and multi-storey constructions
• Types of temporary works
• Traditional construction techniques
• Sustainable construction materials and methods
• The contribution construction technology can make towards a reduction in building operational energy demand
• The application of relevant legislation and regulations including the building regulations

The syllabus is informed by the course syllabus and reading material alongside contemporary issues, research, and practice within the built environment. Topics will include:

• Load transfer and load bearing responses of structural frames, elements, components and materials (LO2)
• Steel, concrete, timber and other frame construction types (LO1,2)
• Selection and performance of cladding systems (LO3,4,5)
• Interfaces between construction components (LO 2,4)
• Building regulations: ADA Structure; ADB Fire safety; ADE Resistance to sound; ADG Drainage and waste disposal; ADM Access to and use of buildings; AD7 Material and workmanship (LO 3)
• Advanced structures (LO2, 3)
• Traditional building techniques (LO1)
• Sustainable construction materials and methods (LO1,5)
• Temporary works (LO1,2)

A blended/ technology enhanced learning approach will be employed in the delivery of this module. Study will be supported via online lectures, tutorials, seminars, and guided asynchronous activities. Students will engage in discussions about topical areas around sustainability within the construction technology and structural engineering subject areas. Where appropriate, activities will be captured and made available to allow asynchronous access.
 
Case studies will be diverse in project type and seminars and workshops will include taking the projects on a journey around the globe to investigate construction solutions which are in part driven by factors, such as availability of natural resources, availability of skills, legislation, and regulations.

Tasks will be performed through group and independent study, to develop the students critical thinking skills of analysis, evaluation, and synthesis. Throughout the module student output’s will be reviewed, and formative feedback will be given to ensure clarity and comprehension.

The learning and teaching in classes will be supported by the University’s VLE and a blended learning approach, sharing class materials, recommended reading, and case studies. Group tutorials will also be offered to support students in the preparation of their assessments, with opportunities for students to receive forward feedback.

You will reflect on your learning which will contribute towards your online Professional Development Journal (PDJ).

On completion of the module the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:
1. Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of construction technologies used in the construction of commercial, industrial, multi-storey, and infrastructure projects.
2. Predict the response of structural frames, elements, and components to load transfer and load bearing.
3. Appraise the structural, fire and other performance characteristics of different materials and construction solutions, against the relevant legislation and regulations.
4. Interpret a project brief, propose, and justify appropriate construction technology, and structural solutions.
5. Select construction solutions based on their contribution towards a sustainable built environment.

The 2 module assessments test the student’s knowledge and understanding that should have been developed throughout the module. The student will be able to negotiate with the module team the geographical location within which they place their coursework 1 to promote diversity of scenarios and ensure the project is inclusive, allowing students to bring their own personal, academic, workplace and cultural backgrounds into the module.  Students will be supported throughout their assessment preparations through having access to formative feedback which will be available throughout the module, during lectures, seminars, and workshops.

Coursework 1: Individual Project (2750 words) 50%

Coursework 1 is an individual project which will requires students to consider a project scenario provided to them and, through research and experimentation, justify a suitable structural solution for the building.  The submission will contain narrative, drawings and supporting calculations. The project brief will provide more detail about the constraints, aims and objectives of the project scenario.

Coursework 2: Individual Project (2750 words) 50%

Coursework 2 is an individual project and requires the students to develop the proposal proposed in coursework 1 into a fully illustrated report which proposes and justifies elements of the building’s structure and fabric.  The justification will need to refer to any applicable legislation, building regulations, and any project specific requirements or constraints.  The project brief will provide more detail about the aims and objectives of the project.

The area of construction technology is a dynamic one, with advances in materials science and structural design producing new options to the construction design and delivery teams. Textbooks, industry reports and web publications will all provide relevant information to students who will benefit from subscribing to various web-based publications to inform themselves of the advances being made across the globe.

There is excellent coverage of the subject available via the Construction Information Service (CIS).   CIS is a tool to quickly access current regulations, construction standards, technical advice and industry news on building, engineering, design and construction processes. Resources contained in CIS will be referred to throughout the module.

There is no single text currently in publication that provides a comprehensive coverage of all aspects of this module. However, there are several books which cover various parts of the module in some detail, and these are listed in the core text list.

Core:-
Emmitt, S. (2018) Barry's Advanced Construction of Buildings, 4th edn. Chichester: Wiley Blackwell.
Hall, F. and Greeno, R. (2017) Building Services Handbook. 9th edn. Abingdon: Routledge.
Seward, D. (2014) Understanding Structures: Analysis, Materials, Design. 5th edn. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Tricker, R. and Alford, S. (2022) Building Regulations Pocket Book. 2nd edn. London: Routledge.

Further reading
Riley, M. and Cotgrave, A. (2014) Construction Technology 2: Industrial and Commercial Building. 3rd edn. London: Red Globe Press.

There is excellent coverage of topical events within the construction and real estate sector available via a number of online publications, and events which can be found on websites such as:

Construction Management Magazine
CIOB Global Construction Review
Association for Project Management news
RICS news and insight
United Nations Climate Action

The Building Regulations and Approved Documents are available online:
Approved Documents Collection

Building Research Establishment (BRE) Digests and Information Papers - available via Construction Information Service
British Standards - available via Construction Information Service
Specify-it – Available in the same domain as the Construction Information Service
Barbour Building Product Expert  
The Construction Centre
The Chartered Institute for Building
The Building Centre 
Centre for Window and Cladding Technology