Construction Design Technology Study Notes

Construction Design Technology Curriculum Overview

Construction Design Technology 101

1. What is Construction Technology?
  • Definition: Construction technology is the knowledge necessary to build constructed products, including homes, roads, office buildings, shopping centers, schools, airports, and factories.
2. Planning for and Controlling Construction
  • Importance of effective planning and control in construction projects.
3. Construction Safety
  • Overview of safety regulations and protocols in construction to ensure worker safety.
4. The Construction Process
  • Detailed explanation of the various stages of construction development.
5. Construction Tools and Equipment
  • Introduction to various tools and equipment used in construction.
6. Concrete
  • Discussion of concrete as a foundational material in construction.
7. Metals
  • Use and importance of metals in construction.
8. Wood and Wood Products
  • Overview of wood types and their applications in building.
9. Masonry, Glass, and Plastics
  • Description of different materials and their roles in construction.
10. Architectural Design
  • Principles and practices of architectural design.
11. Construction Engineering
  • Overview of the engineering aspects involved in construction projects.
12. Construction Documentation
  • Discussion on contracts, blueprints, and other essential documents.
13. Project Management
  • Key concepts in managing construction projects.
14. Construction Estimating and Bidding
  • Overview of the estimating and bidding process.
15. Construction Scheduling
  • Techniques to schedule construction activities efficiently.
16. Site Preparation
  • Explanation of site preparation processes.
17. Earthwork
  • Overview of earthwork in construction sites.
18. Foundations
  • Important aspects of foundation construction.
19. Floors
  • Overview of materials and techniques used in flooring.

Construction Design Technology 102

20. Walls
  • Study of wall construction techniques.
21. Roof and Ceiling Framing
  • Essentials of roof and ceiling structures.
22. Enclosing the Structure
  • Discussion on ways to enclose a building.
23. Plumbing
  • Overview of plumbing systems in construction.
24. Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems
  • Explanation of HVAC systems in buildings.
25. Electrical Power Systems
  • Overview of electrical systems in buildings.
26. Communication Systems
  • Description of communication technologies adopted in buildings.
27. Insulating Structures
  • Importance of insulation in construction.
28. Finishing the Building
  • Finishing techniques and materials for buildings.
29. Landscaping
  • Overview of landscaping and its importance in construction.
30. Final Inspection, Contract Closing, and Project Transfer
  • Essentials of project closure guidelines.
31. Project Operation, Maintenance, and Repair
  • Long-term maintenance strategies post-construction.
32. Remodeling Buildings
  • Overview of remodeling practices in construction.
33. Dam Construction
  • Specifics on dam construction processes.
34. Bridge Construction
  • Overview of bridge engineering and construction.
35. Road Construction
  • Key practices and methods in road construction.
36. Skyscraper Construction
  • Essential techniques involved in skyscraper building.
37. Pipeline Construction
  • Discussion on methods used for pipeline construction.
38. Careers in Construction
  • Overview of potential career paths in the construction field.
39. Construction in the Future
  • Exploration of future trends in construction technology.

Foundational Concepts in Construction Technology

Objectives
  • Define construction technology.
  • Discuss the impacts of construction on society.
  • Describe advances in construction materials, tools, and equipment.
Contractors
  • General Contractors:
    • Assume responsibility for the completion of an entire project, encompassing overseeing various aspects.
  • Subcontractors:
    • Specialty contractors who focus on specific parts of the project, for example, excavation or plumbing.
  • Example: A general contractor may hire subcontractors for excavation work, plumbing, and electrical installations.
Construction Technology Defined
  • Definition: Construction technology encompasses the knowledge required to construct built environments like homes, roads, and factories.
Technology, Science, and Computers
  • Science:
    • Describes and classifies phenomena (e.g., botany studies plants).
  • Technology:
    • Utilization of acquired knowledge for accomplishing tasks (e.g., agricultural technology in farming).
  • Computer:
    • An electronic device used for processing, retrieving, and storing data. Useful in designing construction projects, controlling processes, and tracking items.
  • Scientific Method vs Technological Method:
    • Scientific Method: Involves hypothesis testing through observation and experimentation.
    • Technological Method: Involves solving problems by evaluating options, choosing one, and producing a result.
Universal Systems Model
  • Description: Conveys elements required to create a technological system.
  • Elements:
    • Inputs: Resources such as people, capital, knowledge, materials, energy, time, and money.
    • Processes: Actions converting inputs into products; includes designing, engineering, and managing work for production.
    • Outputs: Products of the system, including desired products, by-products, and undesirable outputs contributing to pollution.
    • Feedback: Information on system performance; monitoring processes and implementing corrective actions as required.
Technological Systems
  1. Agricultural Systems:
    • Raise animals and grow plants.
  2. Communication Systems:
    • Disseminate information via various media.
  3. Construction Systems:
    • Build various infrastructures.
  4. Energy and Power Systems:
    • Convert energy into usable forms; includes electricity and gas systems.
  5. Manufacturing Systems:
    • Transform materials into products centrally.
  6. Medical Systems:
    • Maintain health and provide treatments.
  7. Transportation Systems:
    • Move people and goods efficiently.
Impact of Construction Technology
  • Critical for maintaining quality of life; includes climate control in buildings, water treatment for safe drinking water, and infrastructure for travel.
  • Resources: Population growth necessitates new constructions.
  • Economic Contribution: Supports employment in maintenance and remodeling sectors.
History of Construction
  • Ancient Construction:
    • Early materials included stone, clay, wood; Romans built aqueducts for water transport.
  • Construction in the U.S.:
    • Pre-17th century, tradespeople designed houses; starting in the 1700s, architects took the lead on building designs.
Water Treatment Evolution
  • Introduction of chlorination in London to combat bacteriological diseases at the onset of the 20th century.
  • Development of complex water treatment plants for contamination removal.
Green Construction
  • The construction industry accounts for 30%-40% of global energy use.
  • Green construction practices aim to reduce energy consumption and utilize sustainable products.
Energy and Power Overview
  • Historical use of wood and transition to coal; railroads facilitated coal transportation.
  • Oil discovery led to extensive pipeline networks; electricity distribution evolved from power plants to local substations.
Roadways Development
  • Initial use of rock and gravel for road surfaces; introduction of concrete streets and highways.
  • Airport runways constructed using similar methodologies as road construction.
Industrial Construction
  • Emergence of industrial buildings enabled large-scale production, leading to urbanization around factories.
Advances in Materials
  • Early materials: dirt, trees, and stone; introduction of brick making and cement development.
  • Technological advancements facilitated the use of plywood and other modern construction materials.
Tools and Equipment Evolution
  • Increase in productivity due to portable electric tools; advancement in large machinery for construction tasks, including excavators and concrete pumps.
Regulation in Construction
  • Zoning laws and building codes instituted to ensure safe construction practices and quality standards.
  • Building codes protect public health and safety.
Manufactured Housing
  • Originating from camping trailer production, manufactured housing is economically beneficial as it’s often cheaper than site-built houses.
  • Centralized manufacturing followed by site preparation and transportation of final products.
Summary of Key Concepts
  • Contractors' roles defined as general and subcontractors.
  • Construction technology defined as crucial knowledge for building processes.
  • Importance of technological methods and system models.
  • Without construction technology, quality of life would decline.
  • Environmental considerations and energy efficiency in modern construction practices included.
  • Building codes serve to safeguard health and safety for occupants.

References

  • Blankenbaker, E. K. (2013). Construction and building technology. Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc.