Create the built environment: methods and materials
Unit summary
Students will be introduced to the changes in construction methods and materials including the current use of sustainable materials and processes. In so doing, students will be introduced to job roles available to those involved in the construction industry.
Unit details
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05 Construction, Planning and the Built Environment
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05.2
Building and Construction
Multiple Choice Examination
| Learning Outcome |
Assessment Criteria |
| 1 Understand how power tools, mechanisation and prefabrication have changed the way we build |
1 Power tools, mechanisation and prefabrication
a identify examples of where mechanisation has influenced construction methods:
i hand-held power tools
• electrical tools
• compressed-air tools
ii construction plant (mechanisation)
• bulldozers
• scrapers
• excavators
• tractor shovels
• hoists
• cranes
• concreting plant
iii off-site prefabrication of components
• roof trusses
• reinforced concrete floors and beams
• universal columns and beams
• pods. |
| 2 Understand the influence of new materials on construction methods, and the benefits of mechanisation and new materials |
2 New materials and benefits of mechanisation
a recognise examples of where new materials have influenced construction methods:
i glass-reinforced cement
ii glass-reinforced plastics
iii polymer-fibre-reinforced cement and concrete
iv carbon fibres
b identify the benefits of using mechanisation and new materials:
i speedier erection
ii increased productivity
iii improved quality control
iv mass production
v elimination of heavy manual work
vi improved performance-in-use
vii improved sustainability. |
| 3 Understand why sustainable materials and processes are important |
3 Sustainable materials and processes
a discuss sustainable construction issues in terms of materials and processes:
i manufacture of sustainable materials and components
ii incorporation of sustainable and renewable materials into the build process
iii concept of embodied energy
iv techniques to reduce waste such as recycling and reuse
v use of materials with good thermal insulation properties
vi air-tightness of buildings
vii recycling of materials and components
viii utilising advances in material technologies |
| 4 Be able to plan a career in creating the built environment. |
4 How to plan a career in creating the built environment
a recognise career opportunities in the construction of buildings and other structures:
i range of available careers
ii level of available careers
• operative
• craft
• technical
• supervisory
• professional and management
iii nature of interactions between those who work in the construction industry
iv progression opportunities available in construction. |