16109 Construction Technology 1

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Design, Architecture and Building: School of the Built Environment
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Description

The focus of this subject is construction technology associated with residential buildings and specifically for single dwellings (Class 1a) detached houses. Students are introduced to construction elements, terminology, construction methodology and typical construction details aligned with the residential building context. The major elements in the residential construction life cycle are examined in detail including: site considerations, foundations, structural elements, internal linings, cladding, services and finishes. Students are introduced to the main building regulations governing residential construction, such as the National Construction Code (formerly the Building Code of Australia) and Australian Standards. Examples of alternative and innovative forms of construction are considered.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

1.	Describe key components in Class 1A buildings
2.	Demonstrate an understanding of conventional construction methods, materials, terminology and details for Class 1A buildings
3.	Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose (attributes and intent of application) of standard building elements and make informed decisions of the appropriateness of alternate solutions
4.	Apply the statutory regulations governing construction in Australia to the management of residential construction projects

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes to the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes:

• Operate effectively within the social, legal and technical framework of the design and construction process. (P.1)
• Apply the body of knowledge underpinning construction project management practice. (P.2)
• Effectively manage the interface between design and construction processes for projects. (P.3)
• Demonstrate an understanding of construction technology and structural principles. (P.10)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

The term CAPRI is used for the five Design, Architecture and Building faculty graduate attribute categories where:

C = communication and groupwork

A = attitudes and values

P = practical and professional

R = research and critique

I = innovation and creativity.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs) are linked to these categories using codes (e.g. C-1, A-3, P-4, etc.).

Teaching and learning strategies

This class will be primarily delivered on campus using pre-recorded lecture material and in class Q&A sessions and workshops.

This subject wil incorporate a range of teaching and learning strategies including short presentations, videos, discussion of readings and case studies, and collaborative group work. Online content will be available, however, on campus Q&A sessions and workshops will not be streamed or recorded.

Lecture content and practice quizzes will be provided through Canvas in the week prior to classes with the expectation that students review these before attending class to facilitate in-class discussions after the lecturer has elaborated on the content for that class.

The weekly practice quizzes will be reviewed a the end of each class and students will have the opportunity to work in online and face to face groups to reinforce learning in a collaborative manner.

Regular feedback is provided throughout the semester with the use of such tools as online practice quizzes, online assessments and quizzes and other online tools.

Guest lecturers that are active in industry will also feature via online presentations to impart knowledge in their areas of expertise.

On occasion, it may be necessary for a class to be delivered remotely and in this instance these classes will be recorded and additional time will be allowed to review on campus in subsequent weeks.

Content (topics)

Key topic areas covered in this subject include the following:

a) Site Setup and Establishment

b) Foundations and Footings. Types of footings and their relationship to foundation and site conditions

c) Concrete slab construction

d) Floor, wall and roof framing. Timber and steel framing systems. Coupled and truss roof system. Bracing.

e) External cladding. Brick and timber external walling. Tiled and sheet metal roofing. Fire rating.

f) Windows and doors. Types of aluminium and timber units. Flashings and lintels.

g) Finishes. Types of floor, wall and ceiling finishes. Tiling. Painting. Rendered walls.

h) Internal linings. Plasterboard and fibre cement.

i) Waterproofing.

j) Joinery. Skirtings and architraves. Kitchens and cupboards.

k) Domestic services - Electrical and Hydraulic.

l) Building Regulations including the National Construction Code (NCC formerly BCA) and Australian Standards

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Assessment 1 - Online Quiz - BCA, Regulations and Australian Standards

Intent:	Assessment 1 - This quiz will focus on students consolidating their understanding of the Building Code of Australia, Regulations and Australian Standards
Objective(s):	This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 4 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): P.1 and P.2
Type:	Quiz/test
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	25%
Criteria:	Further detail on Assignment Task Sheet.
Criteria linkages:	Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs Understanding the NCC and BCA 50 4 P.1 Understanding Australian Standards and Regulations 50 4 P.2 SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Assessment 2 - Online Quiz - First Half of Semester Content

Intent:	Assessment 2 - this quiz will assess student’s understanding of the material presented in the first half of semester and offer students formative feedback that will both help them understand how well they are able to understand, describe and apply the knowledge they have learned in class.
Objective(s):	This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 2 and 3 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): P.10 and P.2
Type:	Quiz/test
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	30%
Criteria linkages:	Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs Understanding building elements and techniques 30 2 P.2 Understand structural systems 30 2 P.10 Apply knowledge to construction methodology and techniques 40 3 P.2 SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 3: Assessment 3 - Construction Methodology

Intent:	Assessment 3 - the intent of this task is to consolidate their understanding of the information presented throughout the semester in an industry report format.
Objective(s):	This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1 and 4 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): P.2 and P.3
Type:	Report
Groupwork:	Group, individually assessed
Weight:	45%
Criteria linkages:	Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs Demonstrate a practical understanding of building techniques 50 1 P.2 Apply construction knowledge to industry situations 50 4 P.3 SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Minimum requirements

The DAB attendance policy requires students to attend no less than 80% of formal teaching sessions (lectures and tutorials) for each class they are enrolled in to remain eligible for assessment.

Required texts

1. National Construction Code (NCC) / Building Code of Australia (BCA)
2. UTS (2009), “Guide to Assignment Writing”, Faculty of Business, UTS

Recommended texts

1. Wilkie, G., 2003, Building your own home, New Holland

2. Chudley, r., & Greene, R., 2006, Building Construction Handbook (6th Ed.), Elsevier

Other resources

1. TDA (1998), Acceptable Standards of Construction, Timber Development Association, Sydney
2. Staines, A., (2007), Home Building Manual (5th Ed.), Pinedale Press