Knowledge of building methods and construction

technology

Unit code: J/501/4971

QCF Level: 2
Credit value: 3
Guided learning hours: 30

Unit aim and purpose

This unit provides knowledge of building methods and construction technology,
internal building work and storage of building materials.

Unit introduction
This unit consists of three learning outcomes.
The first learning outcome examines the different types of building structure, their
stability, energy requirements, supporting foundations, and the completion of the
external envelope of walls and roof structure.
The second learning outcome looks at the internal finishes that accompany the
building structure that make it comfortable for the occupants to live and work
within.
The third learning outcome starts to examine some of the processes of construction
using materials, their storage, use, protection and administration.

Learning outcomes and assessment criteria

In order to pass this unit, the evidence that the learner presents for assessment
needs to demonstrate that they can meet all the learning outcomes for the unit.
The assessment criteria determine the standard required to achieve the unit.

Learning outcomes Assessment criteria

1 Know the principles of building 1.1 describe a range of different types

methods and construction technology of building structures
1.2 describe how different methods of
construction used to build
structures can impact on their
energy efficiency levels
1.3 describe why different building and
construction methods require
structural stability
Learning outcomes Assessment criteria

1.4 identify working drawings for a

domestic dwelling and describe
why they must be precise using
keys and hatchings
1.5 describe why it is important to set
out foundations and walls
accurately
1.6 describe the correct methods of
constructing concrete foundations
1.7 describe the different types of
floor construction and their
flooring component parts
1.8 describe the different types of
materials used in external walling
and the reasons for using them
1.9 describe the different types of
energy saving construction
methods used in internal walling
1.10 describe the different methods of
applying decorative protective
coatings to walls, floors, roof
components and surfaces
1.11 describe the importance of damp-
proof membrane (DPM) and damp-
proof course (DPC)
1.12 describe the purpose of load-
bearing and non-load-bearing
internal walling
1.13 describe the different types of roof
structures and their roofing
component parts
1.14 describe why there is a
requirement for felt and batten in
a pitched roof
2 Know the principles of internal 2.1 describe a range of different types
building work of materials used internally for the
construction of domestic dwellings
2.2 describe the key properties of
timber, brick, blocks and insulation
materials
2.3 describe where a range of different
materials are used in the
construction of domestic dwellings
Learning outcomes Assessment criteria

2.4 describe the key characteristics of

a range of materials used
internally in a domestic dwelling
2.5 describe the effects of water, frost
and chemicals on a range of
building materials
2.6 describe the effects of heat and
fire on masonry, concrete, timber
and metal building components
2.7 describe the different types of
paint coverings used on internal
surfaces and their advantages and
disadvantages
2.8 describe the reasons for treating a
range of building materials with
suitable chemicals
2.9 describe the different methods
used to rectify deterioration to
masonry and concrete, timber and
metal building materials
3 Know about delivery and storage of 3.1 describe the importance of
building materials building material delivery times
and stock rotation
3.2 describe the different range of
materials affected by stock
rotation
3.3 describe the potential effects of
bad weather on a range of building
materials
3.4 describe different methods and
equipment used to protect building
materials correctly
3.5 describe the correct process for
checking deliveries of building
materials to construction sites
3.6 describe the different equipment
used to transport a range of
building materials safely
Unit content

1 Know the principles of building methods and construction technology

Superstructure: traditional cavity walls; timber framed; solid wall; u-values of

different structures; embedded energy levels; structural stability; floor wall
junctions; roof wall junctions; wall thickness; drawn information; hatching
patterns; keys; symbols
Substructures: importance of; setting out; accuracy; tolerances; foundation
types; processes (excavation, support, concreting)
Floor construction: ground floor construction (DPM, DPC, hardcore base,
blinding, insulation, concrete, floor finishes); timber floor construction (dwarf
walls, DPC, bearers, floor joists, floor finishes)
Internal walls: load-bearing and non load bearing; timber stud partitions; solid
block walling; lightweight block walling; metal stud partitions; energy saving
construction methods; finishes
External walls: brickwork; rendered finishes on blockwork; cladding; reasons for
use; other finishes
Roofing: structures; pitched; monopitch; flat; roof tiling; battens; felt;
insulation; finishes

2 Know the principles of internal building work

Materials: concrete; steel; timber; brick; block; for insulation; plastic; glass;
paint finishes; uses; location; function(fire resistance, heat transfer);
treatments of materials
Properties: strength; characteristics; water resistance; frost resistance;
chemical resistance
Deterioration: frost damage; freeze thaw; chemical corrosion; efflorescence;
acid rain; rot (wet, dry); insect attack; rust

3 Know about delivery and storage of building materials

Stock: delivery times; long deliveries; off-loading facilities; stock rotation

Storage: protection required for vulnerable materials; packaging; palletising;
bulk deliveries; silos; containers; storage racks; transporting; equipment
Processes: checking quantities; delivery notes; calling off; scheduling
Essential guidance for tutors

Delivery
This unit should be delivered so that it enables learners to develop their knowledge
of sub- and superstructures of domestic buildings and their internal finishes.
Learners need to know:
• the principles of building methods and construction technology
• the principles of internal building work
• about delivery and storage of building materials.
Health, safety and welfare are paramount and must be strictly enforced through
close supervision of all workshops and activity areas. Risk assessments must be
undertaken before any practical activities take place.
Small-group discussions could be used to introduce the unit. This would give
learners an opportunity to swap ideas and exchange their experiences of domestic
construction. Tutors could record feedback from individual groups on a flipchart or
whiteboard.
By engaging with employers and employees learners will gain more from their
learning experience. It will also help demonstrate the unit’s vocational relevance
and currency and develop knowledge and understanding of domestic structures.
A site visit to a local house builder would give learners a valuable insight into the
construction of a domestic property from the substructure right through to the
finishes.
Guest speakers could deliver presentations to learners. For example, a builders
merchant representative could give a presentation on materials handling. This could
be supported with examples drawn from industry, perhaps in the form of a set of
case studies.
Video/DVD training programmes can also be used.
The unit could be delivered through distance learning. The centre could organise
occasional weekend events to ensure that learners have sufficient support to gain
the required knowledge and understanding

Assessment
A variety of assessment methods can be used. Learners could produce written
reports or give verbal presentations, supported by witness testimony. Alternatively,
learners could produce logbooks or workbooks that they complete in the workplace
or during visits to industry.
Assessment tasks and activities should enable learners to produce valid, sufficient
and reliable evidence that relates directly to the assessment criteria. Centres are
encouraged to emphasise the practical application of the assessment criteria.
Essential resources
Learners will need access to material suppliers’ websites to identify the
characteristics and properties of a range of construction materials.
A set of DVD’s to illustrate the construction of a house from the foundations right
through to the roof finishes would provide a valuable resource for learners.

Indicative resource materials

Textbooks

Marshall D and Worthing D – The Construction of Houses (Estates Gazette, 2006)

ISBN 9780728204867

Websites

https://environment7.uwe.ac.uk/resources/constructionsample/Conweb/index.htm
– University of West England Construction website
http://www.tarmacbuildingproducts.co.uk – a range of construction materials from
this supplier