University of Technology Sydney

16422 Construction Technology 4

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

Requisite(s): 16314 Construction Technology 3

Description

This subject examines construction technology for multi-storey commercial buildings. It commences with an overview of the main methods/systems of high rise construction and materials handling and then examines the typical elements in high rise construction such as concrete framed structures, pre-stressed concrete construction, pre-fabricated construction (such as precast concrete), slip-form and jump-form construction and curtain walling. This is then extended to the internal fitout of high rise buildings. The subject explores the main structural principles and building services technology (hydraulics, electrical, mechanical, security, communication, fire protection and vertical transportation systems) that construction managers should be familiar with for this type of construction. The main building regulations and codes relevant to high rise construction are identified and addressed in detail and students explore issues and difficulties with ensuring compliance.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Understand and describe the interrelationship, behaviour and function of components in multi-storey buildings.
2. Understand and describe conventional construction methods, materials, terminology and details for multi-storey buildings.
3. Understand the function and detail of typical construction interfaces between different building elements.
4. Relate their academic studies to practical applications.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

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

  • Apply a variety of communication skills and technologies in professional contexts. (C.1)
  • Apply the body of knowledge underpinning construction project management practice. (P.2)
  • Contribute to the effective acquisition and management of assets throughout their life cycle. (P.9)

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

The learning activities in this subject involve a variety of face-to-face lectures, class discussions, tutorials, online learning, independent research, and a formal examination. Lectures involve face-to-face content delivery employing the use of media and electronic resources to enhance the theoretical delivery of the subject.

The program utilises case studies, student group work, student presentations and experiential exercises to link theory and application. Emphasis will be placed on independent student pre-reading of subject material to facilitate a greater understanding of each lecture topic area and fruitful class discussion on key issues. Students are further supported through the use of UTS Online, which offers subject material and supporting information.

UTS staff believe that collaborative peer learning enhances learning. To facilitate this, some of the assessments are framed in such a way as to encourage group-based learning. Group learning activities are used to provoke participatory discussions and encourage multidisciplinary teamwork. In conjunction with the lectures, a project-based group assignment is undertaken.

A formal examination will be utilised to assess students' understanding of the subject content.

Students are expected to attend all lecture and tutorial sessions and follow suggested learning patterns and activities. Students are also encouraged to participate actively in group discussions during the course to receive formative feedback on their understanding of the subject material.

Students will have several opportunities to receive feedback on the subject. The feedback provided will vary in form, purpose, and degree of formality:

Formative feedback will be provided during the learning process, typically provided verbally by the subject's teaching staff. It will address the content of work and a student's approach to learning in general and more specific ‘assessment-orientated’ terms. It is designed to help students improve their performance in time for the submission of an assessment item. For this to occur, students need to respond constructively to the feedback provided. This involves critically reflecting on advice given and, in response, altering the approach taken to a given assessment. Formative feedback may also, on occasion, be provided by other students. It is delivered informally, either in conversation during a tutorial or in the course of discussion at the scale of the whole class. The students are responsible for recording any feedback given during meetings or studio sessions.

Summative feedback is provided in written form with all assessed work. It is published online, along with indicative grades, on Canvas. Summative feedback focuses on assessment outcomes. It is used to indicate how successfully a student has performed in terms of specific assessment criteria.

Content (topics)

  • Building techniques used with multi-storey construction systems;
  • Formwork types, temporary support systems used in the construction of buildings and stripping times;
  • Different high-rise construction systems and materials such as steel and post-tension structures;
  • Curtain walls;
  • Fit-out: joinery, workstations, ceilings and partitions and finishes for use with commercial applications;
  • Services installation and building structure including data and communication systems; mechanical ventilation; fire services; security and automated systems;
  • Site establishment requirements for a commercial building site;
  • Structural support systems, both temporary and permanent;
  • Demolition and decontamination of high-rise structures;
  • Slip and jump form;
  • Screens: Self-climbing and crane lifted;

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Tutorials

Intent:

The intent of this task is for students to gain insights into the management of highrise construction projects and related construction methodologies through practical tutorials.

Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

1

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

Type: Exercises
Groupwork: Group, group and individually assessed
Weight: 30%
Criteria:

The marking criteria will be provided on the assignment sheet which will be provided at the commencement of the subject.

Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Demonstrate understanding of function of components in multi-storey buildings 100 1 P.2
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Case study report and presentation

Intent:

This task intends for students to gain insights into the management of highrise construction projects and related construction methodologies for the given case study.

Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

1, 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.):

C.1, P.2 and P.9

Type: Report
Groupwork: Group, group and individually assessed
Weight: 40%
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Understanding of interrelated concepts related to multi storey buildings. 25 1 P.2
Demonstrated understanding of conventional methods and materials 25 2 C.1
Demonstrate understanding of the function and detail of typical construction interfaces between different building elements 50 3 P.9
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 3: Formal examination

Intent:

The intent of this task is to examine student's understanding of common construction technology, regulations and methodology associated with highrise building work

Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

1, 2, 3 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

Type: Examination
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 30%
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Understanding of interrelated concepts related to multi storey buildings 25 1 P.2
Demonstrated understanding of conventional methods and materials 25 2 P.2
Evidence of understanding of construction interfaces 25 3 P.2
Application of theory to practice 25 4 P.2
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. Australian Uniform Building Regulations Co-ordinating Council, Building Code of Australia - BCA, (please note that this publication is also known as the National Construction Code - NCC). This publication is available to UTS students online through the library web-site.
2. UTS (2009), “Guide to Assignment Writing”, Faculty of Business, UTS