CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
Topics
Introduction to Construction Technology
Project Design and Site Preparation
Erecting Substructures
Installing Utilities
Enclosing, Finishing, and Landscaping Structures
Objectives
1. To inform high school students of the basic elements of construction technology.
2. To teach the benefits of construction to individuals and the society in which they live.
3. To detail the components of designing a variety of structures and the elements involved in preparing the building site for these structures.
4. To explain the components of traditional as well as alternative substructures and superstructures.
5. To show the important role utilities play in the comfort and convenience of a structure.
6. To illustrate the benefits of and procedures behind enclosing, finishing, and landscaping structures.
Assignments
For each video, you are to take Cornell notes and post them to your Engineering Journal on the T:Drive. After completing your Cornell notes, you will come together as one group and discuss the following questions. Once the group has finished discussing referent questions, you will answer these questions on your own and post them to your Engineering Journal.
Questions and Discussion Topics
Introduction to Construction Technology
1. Define “construction.”
2. What type of construction consists of structures like streets, highways, and bridges?
3. What does a thumbnail sketch show?
4. What is the different between zoning laws and building codes?
5. Define a “superstructure.”
6. Name three types of substructures.
7. Why are floating slabs rarely used in soil where the ground tends to freeze in winter?
8. What is a pile footing?
9. Why a structure’s utilities are often installed before the final finishing is done?
10. Name a few accessories found on highways.
Elements of Project Design and Site Preparation
1. Define “architects.”
2. How do engineers differ from architects?
3. What should an architectural firm do before creating its first thumbnail sketch?
4. What are some examples of institutional structures?
5. What kind of information is needed before an architectural firm can design a bridge?
6. How can a local covenant affect the design of a structure?
7. How are thumbnail sketches and rendering different from each other?
8. What kind of working drawing or plan gives the locations of rooms, doors, and windows?
9. What electronic tool is used by many architects to make working drawings?
10. After a site has been leveled, what must be done before any construction can begin?
Erecting Substructures and Superstructures
1. Define “substructures.”
2. Which type of substructures is used where the soil is fairly soft but not wet?
3. Name the three materials used to make concrete?
4. What is reinforced concrete?
5. What are some of the benefits of crawl spaces?
6. Which types of foundations are used primarily for bridges?
7. What is a load-bearing wall?
8. Name a few styles of residential roofs.
9. What are tensile structures?
10. What is a pneumatic structure supported?
Installing Utilities
1. What are the five types of utilities found in most structures?
2. Why is the electrical system usually the first utility installed at a construction site?
3. What does “HVAC” stand for?
4. How does a ground fault circuit interrupter prevent electrical shock?
5. Name some of the elements shown on a typical wiring plan?
6. What type of utility consists of items like telephones and cable tv?
7. Why are plumbing systems needed on civil structures like highways?
8. Aside from hot and cold water pipes, what other plumbing pipes are generally found in commercial and residential structures?
9. Explain the process of sweating pipes.
10. What do HVAC technicians do?
Enclosing, Finishing, and Landscaping Structures
1. Give three reasons why structures are enclosed and finished.
2. What types of sheathing materials are used to enclose most small residential and commercial structures?
3. Why is house wrap applied?
4. Name a few materials used for finishing houses.
5. What is the name given to those cells that generate electricity when exposed to sunlight?
6. What material is commonly used to enclose interior residential walls?
7. How is a suspended ceiling built?
8. Name a few wall finishing materials.
9. Plumbing fixtures, electrical outlet covers, and shelving are all examples of what finishing element?
10. List the duties general contractors must perform before signing over a completed structure to the owners.