BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental concepts, materials, and processes involved in the initial stages of a construction project. It focuses on the elements of a building below ground level and the start of the superstructure.

Key Course Content Areas

The curriculum for GBC 1 typically covers the following topics:

  1. Introduction to Building:

    • History and Evolution of Building: Understanding the purpose, functions, and categories of buildings.

    • Building Process: Overview of the stages of a construction project from inception to completion.

  2. Preliminaries and Site Works:

    • Site Investigation: Procedures for assessing a building site, including soil conditions, existing services, and adjoining structures.

    • Site Clearance and Organisation: Methods for clearing vegetation and debris, setting up a site office, and organizing materials.

  3. Setting Out and Leveling:

    • Setting Out: Techniques and tools (like profile boards) used to transfer the building design from the plan onto the ground accurately.

    • Leveling: Methods and equipment used for determining and transferring levels on a site.

  4. Foundations:

    • Functional Requirements: The purpose of a foundation (supporting the structure and transferring load).

    • Excavation and Timbering: Techniques for digging trenches and securing their sides (shoring/timbering).

    • Types of Foundations: Detailed study of shallow foundations, including strip, pad, and raft foundations, and an introduction to deep foundations.

    • Dewatering: Methods for removing water from trenches and excavations.

  5. Substructure Works:

    • Functional Requirements of Walls: Understanding the roles of walls (load-bearing, enclosure, stability).

    • Wall Construction: Introduction to different forms and classifications of walls.

    • Moisture Prevention: Methods like Damp Proof Courses (DPC) and Damp Proof Membranes (DPM) to prevent moisture from rising from the ground.

    • Ground Floors: Principles of constructing various types of ground floors.

Skills and Competencies Gained

Upon successful completion of GBC 1, students are typically able to:

  • Interpret basic architectural and construction drawings.

  • Select and apply appropriate tools and equipment for site works.

  • Perform accurate site setting out and leveling operations.

  • Understand the principles governing the design and construction of various foundation types.

  • Apply basic techniques for moisture and termite control in buildings.