MA4001 Construction Methods, Materials And Technology Assignment Sample

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Introduction to Construction Methods, Materials and Technology Assignment Sample

Building of primary school is an important factor that requires adequate planning, careful implementation and meeting structural, safety, and environmental requirements. The best school building structure both encourages and enables students as well as staff to learn since it also guarantees the safety of the students, staff comfort and wellbeing. Due to this, adequate effort has to be put by designers and architects to design stimulating, safe, and sustainable schools whose construction should fit well within the prices learners, teachers, and the community can afford.

This research is to establish a two-storey building to provide class rooms, library, and a hall for the purpose of a primary school. The structure should be strong enough and must be constructed according to the requirements of the construction law and policies. Some of the key priorities will be integrated safety measures for increasing the children’s safety, accessibility, materials, and their ecological friendliness, comfortable use of space, and energy efficiency.

Some of the aspects to be discussed in detail are substructure and super structure, material choice, human factor, health and safety measures, and sustainable measures. Therefore, incorporating post-modern construction style, quality materials, and energy systems, this project will have a goal of delivering a lasting, functional, and cheap means of serving the students and teachers for many years.

MA4001 Construction Methods, Materials And Technology Assignment Sample

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Analysis and Discussion

Substructure Analysis and Structure

Substructure Selection

Foundation Type

Such a decision is acceptable as the construction of a reinforced concrete strip foundation is relatively cheaper and enables the uniform spreading of the weight of the building (Fislake and Schumacher, 2024). This type of foundation offers adequate capacity to ensure that a two storey building is constructed effectively and with lowest cost.

Ground Preparation

Stakeholders will require having a proper excavation so that the ground upon which construction will be carried out is firm and compaction will help eliminate instances of sinking (Tuhuteru et al.2023). Some of the items likely to be included in pre-construction survey include the determination of the nature and types of soils on site.

Damp-Proofing

There will be provided a dam proof course because it will help resist water penetration and increase the lifespan of the structure. Appropriate drainage systems will be put to avoid accumulation of water round the foundation to avoid foundation problems in the future.

Structure Selection

Structural Frame

Since the structure is called for to be durable, easily transportable, and fire-resistant, a steel frame structure has been proposed for its efficiency. It is easy to work with and suitable to be used in various designs since it does not easily get affected by issues like termite infection or even rotting.

Walls

For this reason they have chosen to use the precast concrete panels since they are thermal efficient require less noise insulation hence efficient in time to fix them. These panels also offer good fire-endurance and lasting capacity, which promotes the safety of students and staffs of schools.

Roof

A use of lightweight steel roof with insulation panels will ensure adequacy of thermal insulation and against various weather factors (Alam, 2022). In this case, the insulation will be useful for maintaining indoor temperature, which will help in minimizing energy costs.

Doors and Windows

These include the use of aluminum frame double-glazed window and doors with enhance security and insulations. In this case, the use of shatterproof glass will play a big role in reducing the risks of breakages.

Human Comfort Considerations

Thermal Comfort

Insulated Walls and Roof

Thermal insulation panels are shall be used to regulate the temperatures inside the building and help in cutting energy bills. Insulation prevents the thoát gas from escaping in winter, while also preventing a building from becoming too hot in the summer.

Double-Glazed Windows

These shall help to reduce on heat losses during the cold season while at the same time avoiding excess heat build-up in the warmer season (Abedi, 2024). They also shield students and learners from noise pollution from the environment in which they are as well improve on the surrounding environment that would be conducive for learning.

Heating and Ventilation

Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery will enhance the circulation of air in the house while at the same time being energy sufficient. In order to have a good quality of air in the building, natural and mechanical means of ventilation will be incorporated.

The provisions of centralized and integrated smart thermostats as well as the automated climate control system will indeed make it possible to vary the temperatures depending on the existence of people inside the buildings or outside structures as possibly influenced by weather factors (Marougkas et al. 2023). By using these systems, it will be possible to maintain the right climatic condition inside and around the building while at the same time using minimal energy.

Acoustic Comfort

Sound-Absorbing Panels

These will be fixed at class and hall to avoid cases of noise interference. From now on, it is important not only from the point of professional specialization but from the point of view of creating a comfortable space, where students>

Rubber Flooring

This will prevent noise disturbance during the learning process thus creating a conducive learning environment. Soft flooring materials are also appropriate since they minimize the chances of accidents such as when a person falls down.

It will also be useful in suppressing sound in the classrooms and hallways through its carpet tiles that will reduce impact sound from the attendees’ footsteps. Compared to other forms of floor hard flooring, carpet tiles can slightly help to minimize the level of echoes and enhance aural comprehension.

Wherever there is need larger classes, to teach the students, teachers can speak more clearly by the help of voice amplification systems. This will minimize situations where the teacher has to raise his/her voice in order to be heard, thus sparing the teacher’s vocal cords and at the same time the students will be able to hear what is being said by the teacher.

Break out and reading areas will therefore be fitted with extra sound absorbent materials to provide the students with quiet places that they can work from.

Indoor Air Quality

Non-Toxic Paints and Materials

To minimize environmental pollution in regard to toxic emissions from vehicles and machinery. Painting the interior will also enhance the quality of air in the house by using low-VOC paints (Lubis et al.2022).

Natural Ventilation

Incorporation of a number of windows will enable proper air flow that will not demand on machines hence will enhance cross ventilation. Proper ventilation will prevent the build-up of pollutants and the concentration of carbon dioxide in the context.

Some of the natural ventilations methods like vertical green walls will be integrated to the common areas in the building. These screens incorporated as walls are also functional in a sense that they add fresh oxygen to the air and at the same time be artistic.

Water-based air purification systems can be considered as the methods that effectively capture and neutralize air born pollution. Unlike conventional filtration systems these units employ water to clean the air and hence removes most of the dust, allergens and other pollutants (Lase et al. 2022).

The cleaning products and the maintenance materials that are used in the school will be selected in such a manner that they do not contain any form of hazardous chemicals.

Material Selection and Life Cycle

Material Selection

Concrete for Foundations and Walls

Provides strength and durability. Reinforced concrete provides the building structure with an ability to remain stable in the different circumstances.

Steel for Framing

It provides fire retardant characteristics and durability factor to the structure. Steel can be fabricated so as to cut on the time needed in the construction site and minimize wastage.

Glass for Windows

These methods include; double glazing which increases energy efficiency and security strength.

Recycled Materials

Whenever possible the recycled concrete and sustainably sourced wood will be incorporated to the project to show consideration for the environment (Praveena et al.2022). This means that, by optimizing the usage of the resources for sustainability, the output will be responsibly sourced.

Eco-Friendly Finishes

Flooring, paints, and finish will be selected based on durability as well as low emission of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Sustainable will also cause the lifespan of a building to reduce its maintenance costs as compared to conventional buildings.

Among such options, the choice of reinforced concrete will contribute to creating a powerful load-bearing structure and increased durability against peril like seism, moisture, and fluctuation in temperature. Nonetheless, the strength of concrete characteristics make the building of the school to be durable for several decades with little incidence of requiring refurbishing.

Pre-engineered steel will also be adopted to enhance the constructions efficiency but at the same time bearing capacities will not be compromised for. One of the particular advantages of using steel elements is that most of the construction of steel can be conducted off-site which will bring down the amount of time and cost required in construction (Arief et al, 2021). Moreover, the use of steel will enhance the durability of the structure in a way that is free from corrosion to make it efficient in its usage.

Other features including low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings on the windows will assist in controlling temperature since it will allow natural light to penetrate as it reflects infrared radiation. It will obviously save energy and at the same time eliminate problem of glazing, floor warming or excessive heating within the building.

Life Cycle

Longevity

This is important because long-lasting material reduce the recurrent expenses of fixing broken parts, most times leading to increased longevity of a building (Rodrigo et al.2023).

Energy Efficiency

The use of insulation materials results in reduced operational costs while the integration of renewable energy proves efficient in reducing costs of electricity. New electrical efficient services such as LED lightings will therefore be integrated into the building design.

Recyclability

Each of these materials like steel and concrete can be recycled at the later stage when the building is demolished or becomes unfit for use.

Sustainable Maintenance

This is important for the school since it will afford it an opportunity to be constructed with minimal need for the frequent repairs or what we may refer to as rehabs.

The sustainable approach to this crafting of the pieces to be used during construction is to have the components being usable for the next life cycle. By virtue of this circular economy model, there will be a reduction of wastage which makes environment sustainable in the long-run.

Advanced insulation solutions like aerogel insulation as well as phase change materials in the wall of the building and ceiling will be used (Latorre et al. 2021). These new types of materials will guarantee stable climate control in the houses and, therefore, the unnecessary heating and cooling.

Sustainability will again be described by preferring water use too and provision of efficient water use throughout its lifecycle. Rainwater catchment systems, water efficient device fittings, and landscape pavements such as permeable paving in the compound will help in the efficient use of water at the school.

Health and Safety Considerations

Construction Phase

It will be ensured that appropriate signs such as exit signs and security signs will be put up in the construction site layout.

Worker Safety

Wear personal protective equipment, construction site inspection as well as construction of pylons and protection to the work area. Periodic trainings on safety measures will be given.

There will also be a provision of first-aid station where necessary medications and tools will be available to qualified persons who will be on standby to attend to first-aid cases that may arise during the event. This will help in availing medical assistance in cases of any sort of accident at very quick intervals.

Measures of employee/staff control will also comprise measures of logical security, aiming at restricted access to dangerous zones (Chen et al. 2023). Security fencing: The security guards will be placed at the entry and exit points and visitor sign in checklists and CCTV cameras will also be observed to improve the site security.

Material Storage

Measures of safe handling and storage of hazardous materials with a view of avoiding an accident.

Inflammatory and chemical products will be lodged in restrained zones with necessary air circulation and means for catching spillage and fire outbreaks. Labels and MSDS will also be provided for all the substances which are hazardous to health.

Fire Prevention

This means that there will be adequate firefighting appliances such as fire extinguishers that will be used to curb any fire incidences that may occur.

The fire drills and evacuation drill shall be done in regular intervals when the employees in each area should practice how to exit in case of a fire emergency (Zuin et al. 2021). In other areas, fire risking-populated construction structures will be accompanied by fire-resistant-materials to the needed extent.

Emergency Preparedness

It will be ensured that appropriate signs such as exit signs and security signs will be put up in the construction site layout.

An emergency response team will be created to attend to emergencies that may happen in the building such as collapse of some building structures, and those that are health related Compromised Structures emergencies; Medical emergencies; Environmental emergencies. There will be alarms, two-way radios used in order to ensure efficient working of the members that are in charge of handling the emergencies.

Operational Phase

Fire Safety

Fire-resistant materials, sprinkler systems, and clear evacuation routes. Hence, smoke detectors and fire alarms will be installed throughout the building.

Accessibility

The features include formations of ramps along corridors wide enough to provide equal chances for all students and staff, and accessible rest rooms (Chen et al. 2022). The structures of implementing Disability Discrimination Act will allow for the participation of people with disability.

Security Measures

Trusted individuals only allowed to enter the premise, surveillance cameras, and employed security will improve safety. Boundary fencing will be erected in order to enhance security within overall compound of the intended school.

Hygiene Considerations

Sanitary conditions of the facilities will be proper with provision for clean water consumption and sanitary ways of disposing wastes.

Reflections

This primary school has been safety, functionality and sustainability organized for construction. The materials used and the construction techniques chosen are resilience enough to stand the various conditions and at the same time are conducive for learning (Haleem et al. 2022). Some of the issues like cost control and selection of materials were resolved by selecting energy preserving and durability as some important factors. The subsequent projects may adopt latest forms of renewable energy sources that will enhance sustainability. Integrated design features like, information communication technology and learning spaces, as well as outdoor movement spaces and green area can be considered in the architecture design discourse to boost the learning environment.

Reflections

Use of passive features like ventilation and lighting has been another area where significant progress has been noting since it helped reducing energy consumption by the building. These are advantageous not only from the aspect of comfort inside the building but also from economical aspect in the long run.

More ideas for future work may entail expanding this concept of smart buildings in terms of installing and incorporating sophisticated technologies to regulate efficiency of lighting and perhaps, air conditioning. The consideration of monitoring techniques in the real-time will facilitate a shift to knowledge-based operation to enhance the performance of buildings.

Further, carrying out the biophilic design which comprises of decorating indoor green walls and creating learning spaces with nature related designs can make learning more exciting among students. It has been proved that such features enhance student ability to focus, their mood and general performance in class.

Conclusion

The research offers a systematic approach to develop a sound, harmless and effective and suitable plan for developing a good learning environment for the primary school. Through the use of advanced construction practices, green resources, and health facility designs, the building shall be a long-term learning institution that would meet the code and people’s requirement. The construction techniques used for the proposed construction are long-lasting, safe and eco-friendly hence fostering a conducive environment for learning in future.

Reference List

Journals

• Abedi, E.A., 2024. Tensions between technology integration practices of teachers and ICT in education policy expectations: implications for change in teacher knowledge, beliefs and teaching practices. Journal of computers in education, 11(4), pp.1215-1234.
• Alam, A., 2022, March. Educational robotics and computer programming in early childhood education: a conceptual framework for assessing elementary school students’ computational thinking for designing powerful educational scenarios. In 2022 International Conference on Smart Technologies and Systems for Next Generation Computing (ICSTSN) (pp. 1-7). IEEE.
• Arief, H., SOELTON, M., SARATIAN, E.T.P., TAFIPRIOS, T., PUSPANINGRUM, A. and MUGIONO, M., 2021, October. Implemantation Entrepreneurship Education Online-Learning Program To Create Farmer Entrepreneur Through Urban Farming. In ICCD (Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 102-106).
• Chen, L., Huang, L., Hua, J., Chen, Z., Wei, L., Osman, A.I., Fawzy, S., Rooney, D.W., Dong, L. and Yap, P.S., 2023. Green construction for low-carbon cities: a review. Environmental chemistry letters, 21(3), pp.1627-1657.
• Chen, X., Chang-Richards, A.Y., Pelosi, A., Jia, Y., Shen, X., Siddiqui, M.K. and Yang, N., 2022. Implementation of technologies in the construction industry: a systematic review. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 29(8), pp.3181-3209.
• Fislake, M. and Schumacher, J., 2024. Five Years of Construction Kits in Primary Schools: Evaluating the Current State of a Project to Facilitate Technology Education. Design and Technology Education, 29(2), pp.14-35.
• Haleem, A., Javaid, M., Qadri, M.A. and Suman, R., 2022. Understanding the role of digital technologies in education: A review. Sustainable operations and computers, 3, pp.275-285.
• Lase, D., Zega, T.G.C., Daeli, D.O. and Zaluchu, S.E., 2022. Parents' perceptions of distance learning during COVID-19 in rural Indonesia. Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn), 16(1), pp.103-113.
• Latorre-Cosculluela, C., Suárez, C., Quiroga, S., Sobradiel-Sierra, N., Lozano-Blasco, R. and Rodríguez-Martínez, A., 2021. Flipped Classroom model before and during COVID-19: using technology to develop 21st century skills. Interactive Technology and Smart Education, 18(2), pp.189-204.
• Lubis, A.H., Dasopang, M.D., Ramadhini, F. and Dalimunthe, E.M., 2022. Augmented reality pictorial storybook: How does it influence on elementary school mathematics anxiety. Premiere Educandum: Jurnal Pendidikan Dasar Dan Pembelajaran, 12(1), pp.41-53.
• Marougkas, A., Troussas, C., Krouska, A. and Sgouropoulou, C., 2023. Virtual reality in education: a review of learning theories, approaches and methodologies for the last decade. Electronics, 12(13), p.2832.
• Praveena, B.A., Lokesh, N., Santhosh, N., Praveena, B.L. and Vignesh, R., 2022. A comprehensive review of emerging additive manufacturing (3D printing technology): Methods, materials, applications, challenges, trends and future potential. Materials Today: Proceedings, 52, pp.1309-1313.
• Rodrigo, N., Omrany, H., Chang, R. and Zuo, J., 2023. Leveraging digital technologies for circular economy in construction industry: a way forward. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 13(1), pp.85-116.
• Tuhuteru, L., Misnawati, D., Aslan, A., Taufiqoh, Z. and Imelda, I., 2023. The effectiveness of multimedia-based learning to accelerate learning after the pandemic at the basic education level. Tafkir: Interdisciplinary Journal of Islamic Education, 4(1), pp.128-141.
• Zuin, V.G., Eilks, I., Elschami, M. and Kümmerer, K., 2021. Education in green chemistry and in sustainable chemistry: perspectives towards sustainability. Green Chemistry, 23(4), pp.1594-1608.