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Module Code - Title:

WT4401 - CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT 1

Year Last Offered:

2025/6

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

2

Lab

2

Tutorial

0

Other

1

Private

5

Credits

6

Grading Type:

N

Prerequisite Modules:

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

The construction sector is one of the largest drivers in the world economy. The Construction Management with Engineering course (LM082) in UL provides graduates with the tools and knowledge to successfully enter the sector. Graduates with a key understanding of how buildings are constructed provide significant value to the construction sector worldwide. This module is the 1st of four modules on Construction Technology and Management in the Construction Management and Engineering programme. The module is designed to describe and illustrate the functional and performance requirements of simple, domestic low-rise construction.

Syllabus:

Domestic low-rise construction has evolved significantly over the last number of decades. Areas such as building regulations, the construction of the substructure and detailing of element junctions, among others are of the utmost importance. This is reflected in the syllabus as outlined below which begins with identifying and understanding the relevant building regulations and technical guidance documents. This is further continued by examining best practice techniques surrounding the completion of site works, sub structure and the finishing details of domestic low-rise buildings. The indicative topics for this module are as follows:                                   • Introduction to Building Regulations and Technical Guidance Documents (TGD's) • Establishment of site works, and the relevant temporary works required. • Identification of the substructure and its varying components such as the foundations utilised on site (traditional strip, raft and piled). • The construction of the super structure and the techniques practiced on site. Cavity walls, blockwork, brickwork, timber, and natural stone. • Explanation of timber framed construction, its applications, the components it uses and the differences between it and traditional construction. • Analysis of different floor types - Suspended concrete, suspended timber, pre- cast concrete etc. • Roof types identified such as traditional cut roofs, prefabricated apex roofs, cold/warm flat roof and their elements i.e. tiles, ventilation and insulation etc. • Sound insulation within the building fabric and its function. • Thermal insulation within the building fabric, its locations and relevant components with the calculation of U-value. • Detailing of opes and relevant construction details such as window head and cill etc.

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to...                                                                                                                                                     • Develop key construction details for domestic low-rise construction projects. • Evaluate a potential residential site and propose preparation of work to get the site underway for construction. • Outline the principal structural elements of residential construction and how they interlink to form finished products. • Identify and analyse flawed residential construction practices. • Explain construction practices that utilise insulation to prevent thermal bridging, condensation, and noise issues.

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to...                                                                                                                                                     • Develop a mindset to ensure quality so as to avoid the impact of poor construction practice by recognising the importance of accurate construction detailing and its relevance within the construction process.

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

• N/A

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

This module WT4401, aims to develop a skillset construction management and technology concepts necessary for our graduates to take their place working in and influencing the construction sector, capable of managing construction projects with a strong emphasis the role of ethics, professionalism and compliance. Through the learning environment - using a focused teaching approach, resources and supports, we aim to develop expert learners and global citizens who are: Curious - through having a questioning mindset and a solution focused perspective. Courageous - understanding the importance of standing up for what is right and ethical. Responsible - for the correct usage of resources and their own impact on the world. Agile - utilising proactivity to adapt to and drive change in their community and career supported by a continuous learning approach. Articulate - in that they can express themselves with a confidence grounded in sound learning. To develop these attributes, this module will be taught using a series of in-person lectures, tutorials and a selection of self-directed and collaborative learning activities so it is student-centred and in line with UL's Integrated Curriculum Development Framework (ICDF). Module learning materials are developed from a research-led perspective regarding content and the principles of Universal Design for Learning are used to ensure accessibility for all students. The module Brightspace site is designed and organised in a user-friendly format to maximise functionality. To allow for the incorporation of new developments and research findings in the subject material, the flexibility of blended learning methodologies is utilised - such as Flipped Classroom in the Tutorials, on-line video resources and recorded tutorials delivered through the Brightspace module site. The learning experience of students is directly affected by the design of learning materials, delivery of such materials and assessment thereof. The principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) have been applied so that Multiple Means of Engagement, Representation and Action & Expression are built in. Attention is also paid to the principles of Laurillard's ABC Curriculum Design process with all 6 learning types (Acquisition, Collaboration, Discussion, Investigation, Practice and Production) utilised in terms of delivery, engagement and assessment for the module. With regard to assessment - care is taken in the design of assessment vehicles used in the module so that they are challenge driven, authentic and constructively aligned with the Learning Objectives for the Module. A crucial piece of the learning experience is communication between faculty and students, as well as peer-to peer interactions. These will be proactively managed primarily through the channels available on Brightspace, plus direct contact between faculty and students before and after lectures and via e-mail.

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

Prime Texts:

Riley, M. and Cotgrave, A. (2018) Construction Technology 1: House Construction , Bloomsbury Publishing.
Chudley, R., Greeno, R. and Kovac, K. () Building Construction Handbook, 13th Edition , Routledge.

Other Relevant Texts:

Corcoran, E., King, S. and Nolan, W. (2013) Get Constructive - A Modern Approach to Construction Studies , Educate.ie

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

BSCMENUFA - CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND ENGINEERING

Semester(s) Module is Offered:

Autumn

Module Leader:

Claire.Robinson@ul.ie