GCSE Construction CCEA

This subject is broken down into 90 topics in 9 modules:

  1. Construction Technology 10 topics
  2. Health, Safety, and Welfare in Construction 10 topics
  3. Construction Information (Drawing, Detailing, and Specification) 10 topics
  4. Mathematics in Construction 10 topics
  5. Science and Materials in Construction 10 topics
  6. Sustainable Construction 10 topics
  7. Construction Services (Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC) 10 topics
  8. Carpentry and Joinery 10 topics
  9. Bricklaying 10 topics
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  • 9
    modules
  • 90
    topics
  • 35,046
    words of revision content
  • 4+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Construction

Construction Technology

Principles of building construction

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Principles of building construction

Principles of Building Construction

Conceptual Designing

  • Designing involves creativity, critical thinking and analysis to identify needs and provide solutions.
  • Architectural design is concerned with aesthetics and function. It's also concerned with the integration of the building into its environment.
  • The concept of sustainable design is crucial, taking into account energy efficiency, use of natural resources and impact on the environment.

Structural Considerations

  • General principles of structures can be summed up as actions and reactions, force, movement and stability.
  • Structures are made stable by balancing forces – vertical, horizontal and rotational.
  • Different materials respond differently to forces.
  • The major types of structures found in buildings are frames, shells and solids.

Site Investigation and Preparation

  • Site investigation determines the suitability of a site for construction. Factors include topography, soil type and potential environmental impact.
  • Site preparation involves clearing and shaping the land, ensuring access and safety measures.

Building Substructure

  • The substructure system includes elements that support the superstructure, namely the foundation and the basement (if present).
  • Foundations are designed to distribute the load of the building to the underlying soil or rock.
  • When designing a foundation, the soil's bearing capacity and potential for settlement must be considered.

Building Superstructure

  • The superstructure includes the parts of the building above ground: walls, floors and roofs.
  • Various types of walls include loadbearing walls, partition walls, and retaining walls.
  • Floors serve multiple roles, from providing horizontal surfaces for occupants to structural elements that transfer loads to walls or columns.
  • Roofs protect the interior of a building from weather, and can also provide insulation, soundproofing, and fire resistance.

Building Services

  • Building services include heating, ventilation, air conditioning, electricity supply, water supply, sanitation, fire safety measures, access facilities and lifts.
  • Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems regulate the environmental conditions in a building.
  • The plumbing system provides clean water for occupants and removes waste water.
  • Electrical systems distribute power throughout the building for lighting, power outlets and other electrical needs.

Building Materials

  • Common building materials include timber, bricks, concrete, steel, glass, and plastics.
  • Each material has its own set of physical properties, including density, strength, thermal conductivity, and durability.
  • Sustainable materials are often preferred given their minimal impact on the environment.

Construction Techniques

  • The construction process involves assembling the building's elements, using specific techniques and tools.
  • Many different types of joins and connections are used, including nails, screws, glue, tongue-and-groove, dovetail and mortise and tenon.
  • Health and safety regulations must be strictly followed throughout the construction process.

Post-Construction

  • After completion, the building must be inspected and maintainance plans made.
  • Regular inspection and maintenance can minimise long-term costs and maximise building lifespan.
  • Modern buildings tend to incorporate flexibility for future modifications or extensions.

Course material for Construction, module Construction Technology, topic Principles of building construction

Construction

Science and Materials in Construction

Understanding different types of loads in construction

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Understanding different types of loads in construction

Types of Loads in Construction

Dead Loads

  • Dead loads represent the weight of the structure itself, including the walls, floors, roof, and any other permanent components.
  • These are static, or unchanging, as they do not fluctuate over the life of the building.
  • Materials such as concrete and steel, used in the building's structure, specifically contribute to dead load.

Live Loads

  • Live loads are temporary or movable loads that the structure must endure, like the weight of people, furniture, and vehicles.
  • Unlike dead loads, these loads can change and shift, depending on how the building is used.
  • Live loads can also occur from environmental factors, such as snow or wind. These types of live loads are frequently region-specific.

Environmental Loads

  • Within live loads, environmental loads or natural loads can come from weather and natural disasters, including wind, earthquakes, snow, or floods.
  • For example, wind loads can put pressure on the sides of a building, while earthquakes exert shear stress which can cause a structure to topple or shift.
  • Designing with these loads in mind minimises potential damage from extreme weather conditions or natural disasters.

Implications for Construction

  • Understanding different types of loads is necessary to ensure the safety of structures.
  • Engineers and builders must calculate expected loads to select and arrange materials that can resist these forces.
  • Construction standards and building codes often set out minimum resistance to be met for different types of loads.
  • Designing to tolerate both worst-case scenario and daily loads can prevent building damage or failure, enhancing the longevity and safety of the structure.

Course material for Construction, module Science and Materials in Construction, topic Understanding different types of loads in construction

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