CMA3004 - Building Design and Building Science

Module Code and Name

CMA3004 - Building Design and Building Science

Module Leader

Minal Palve

Cohort

Oct 2023

Level

Level 3

Assessment component(s)

Report

Restrictions on time/word count

3000 words

Individual/group

Individual submission

Assessment weighting(s)

100%

Submission date

Deadline: 03/06/2024 on Monday before 23:59

Planned feedback date(s)

Approximately three weeks from the submission date

Overview of task:

a) You are required to select a low-rise building in the UK city/town you live or work in, as a case study

b) You are required to perform an on-site inspection of the building selected, taking photographs and notes.

c) You are required to write a 3000-word report in relation to your case study inspection.

In the report, you will discuss the various aspects of your selected case study regarding the construction system, structural characteristics, relevant materials, signs of degradation of materials, existing building defects, and building performance failures. The discussion of each of the mentioned aspects must be supported by the photographs (the photographs should be clear and should support the discussion of the topic). Technical diagrams as mentioned in the study material can also be added to include technical details in the report.

Additional information/guidance:

This assignment consists of the analysis of a housing building/low rise structure case study located in the city/town you live or work in the UK, following the instructions below:

1. Selection of a case: The case study for this assignment will consist of a thorough analysis of a building up to 7 stories high. The selected case study must be an existing building which is already inhabited and NOT any under construction project. You will select the appropriate case study using one of the three options listed below, which are listed in order of preferences:

a) Option 1: You can select a house or a building up to 7 stories high in the city/town where you live in the UK to be used as a case study. However, please make sure you have permission to access the building to perform the requested on-site inspection.

b) Option 2: If you cannot have free access to a house/flat, or if your building is more than 7 stories high, you can choose a GBS building in which you are attending classes as a case study for your report.

c) Option 3: If you are not able to select a case study building as explained either in option 1 or option 2 mentioned above, you will have to discuss with your Lecturer and seek approval for a specific low-rise housing building located in the UK, that you can have free access for inspection and use it as a case study.

2. On-Site Inspection: You must perform an on-site inspection of the building selected by you/ approved by the Lecturer as a case study. During your visit, you will take notes and photographs to be used to supplement your report to explain building elements or material conditions and features. All photographs must show the aspects you are highlighting regarding materials, structures, or defects. In the report, using the photographs as support, you must discuss various aspects regarding the construction system, structural characteristics, relevant materials, signs of degradation of materials and existing building pathologies.

All the photographs and diagrams should have a title given under every image.

Report Structure:

The report should be structured as follows:

1. Introduction (approx. 300 words)

Encourage the reader's attention, identify the report's purpose, briefly identify the building selected, and mention the main findings of your inspection. As good practice, you should try to write the introduction once you finish writing the body of the report, so you can unequivocally tell the reader what will be found in the document and in which order.

2. Building Investigation (approx. 400 words)

2.1 Identification of the building:

Identify the selected building by indicating its building type.

2.2 Location map and postcode of building: (required - one map displaying the location of the selected building)

Use Google map/Google Earth to create a map of your case study.

2.3 Main Faade and date of building: (required - one photograph of the building where a student is visible in the picture)

The photograph should clearly indicate the student and the entire front elevation of the building.

2.4 Type of building:

You must also include a description of the type of building (according to the module material) by:

a. Purpose

b. Design (describe different types of houses in the UK define which type of house you have selected and discuss in detail along with building photographs)

c. Building method

d. Construction materials

(include references from the literature to support your investigation)

3. Structural elements: Substructure (approx. 500 words)

(Required - at least one relevant diagram of the technical details from the literature.)

a. Description of foundation

b. Classification of foundation (briefly outline foundation categories and types)

c. Foundation system - (explain in detail the foundation system used in the selected building supported by the technical details such as diagrams from the relevant literature)

- Include use of materials, procedures, and techniques of foundation (used in the building)

(since it is not possible to observe any part of the building foundation, you will need to identify which is the most probable foundation techniques used in this building and elaborate around the selected solution using drawings/diagrams from the relevant literature).

4. Structural elements: Superstructure (approx. 500 words)

(Required - at least two photographs of the details.)

Description of the superstructure, its materials, and systems (including walls, floors, and roof). When discussing structural elements, you must include photographs of the structural elements discussed, and if possible, include drawings extracted from relevant literature.

1. Walls/partitions

2. Floors

3. Roof

- All photographs must clearly show the structural elements.

- All drawings/diagrams must be referenced.

5. Non-Structural elements and materials (approx. 500 words)

(Required - at least four photographs of the details.)

Description of structural systems and materials of structural and non-structural elements (including Identification of environmental issues regarding the selection of used materials, and a description of the mechanical and thermal characteristics of the identified materials). You must include photographs of the non-structural elements discussed, and if necessary, include drawings extracted from relevant literature. All photographs must clearly show the non-structural element. The report should include the materiality and technological characteristics of the list given below:

1. Floor finishing (wood, carpets, etc.)

2. Staircase

3. Doors and Windows

4. Interior finishes (e.g.: tiles, wallpaper, etc.)

5. Exterior finishes (e.g.: cladding, stone tiles, etc.)

6. The behavior of materials (approx. 500 words)

(Required - at least one photograph of the defects.)

Identification and analysis of any sign of degradation of materials or existing building defects, or building performance failures (such as dampness, mould, corrosion, etc.). You must include at least the following:

a. A description of the situation

b. Possible causes

c. Photographs of the detected issues.

All photographs must clearly show the material/element. In case the selected building does not present any sign of degradation of materials or existing building defects or building performance failures, you must identify and elaborate on what are the conditions and design characteristics that have prevented these phenomena to occur.

7. Conclusion (approx. 300 words)

A short description of lessons learned and the main findings, including detected problems and possible causes.

Reference list

Must include Harvard style referencing.

Important Notes:

Note 1:

Please note that to meet the learning outcomes and pass this assessment, the case study you submit must be about either a suitable low-rise housing building or a GBS campus building, or another building pre-agreed with your lecturer. Failure to comply with this requirement may mean the selected building is unsuitable for meeting the learning outcomes.

Note 2:

During the preparation of your report, you will need to pay particular attention to the following:

a. Use a clear structure (using headings and subheadings) as explained above.

b. Use clear, concise, and simple language.

c. Give titles to all the images and diagrams used in the report.

d. Use in-text citations and a reference list following the Harvard style.

Note 3:

Please note that failure to include the required photographs as listed above will likely result in your work being submitted for suspected Academic Misconduct as we will be unable to verify that the work has been undertaken by yourself.

Dimensions

Excellent

Very good

Satisfactory

Basic

Inadequate or not addressed

70 100% (1^st)

60 69% (2:1)

50 59% (2:2)

40 49% (3^rd)

0 39% (Fail)

1) Identification of the selected building. (10%)
_*Compulsory: Selected an appropriate building according to instructions (Failing this will fail the whole criteria)

Excellent information about the location of the selected building, and excellent compliance in all the following requirements in quantity and quality:
1) The building is identifiable through the inclusion of a location map.
2) There is a faade photograph.

3) Type of building identified correctly.

Very good information about the location of the selected building, and
very good compliance with the following requirements in quantity and quality:
1) The building is identifiable through the inclusion of a location map,
2) There is a faade photograph
3) Type of building identified correctly.

Satisfactory information about the location of the selected building, and
satisfactory compliance with the following requirements in quantity and quality:
1) The building is identifiable through the inclusion of a location map,
2) There is a faade photograph
3) Type of building identified correctly.

Basic information about the location of the selected building, and
basic compliance with the following requirements in quantity and quality:
1) The building is identifiable through the inclusion of a location map,
2) There is a faade photograph.

3) Type of building identified correctly.

Inappropriate selection of building which does not comply with the instructions,

OR
Provided unsatisfactory information about the location of the selected building,

OR
All the below sub-criteria are applicable:
1) There is no location map, or the building location is not shown,
2) There is no faade photograph.

3) Type of building not identified correctly.

2) Investigation of the selected building. (10%)

Excellent compliance with all the following requirements in quantity and quality:

1) Utilises a wide range of technical language
2) Excellent understanding of how to identify the building in terms of purpose, design, building methods, construction materials, and environmental consideration.

Very good compliance with all the following requirements in quantity and quality:

1) Utilises a wide range of technical language
2) Very good understanding of how to identify the building in terms of purpose, design, building methods, construction materials, and environmental consideration.

Satisfactory compliance with all the following requirements in quantity and quality:

1) Utilises a wide range of technical language
2) Satisfactory understanding of how to identify the building in terms of purpose, design, building methods, construction materials, and environmental consideration.

Basic compliance with all the following requirements in quantity and quality:

1) Utilises a wide range of technical language
2) Basic understanding of how to identify the building in terms of purpose, design, building methods, construction materials, and environmental consideration.

Inadequate compliance with all the following requirements in quantity and quality:

1) Utilises a wide range of technical language
2) Unsatisfactory understanding of how to identify the building in terms of purpose, design, building methods, construction materials, and environmental consideration.

Excellent

Very good

Satisfactory

Basic

Inadequate or not addressed

3) Identification and analysis of Structural elements. (20%)

Excellent understanding and use of technical language to describe the structural elements of the building.
Inclusion of a large range of photographs/diagrams of structural elements.

Very good understanding and use of a good range of technical terms to describe the structural elements of the building.
Inclusion of a sufficient number of photographs/diagrams of structural elements.

Satisfactory understanding and use of some technical language to describe the structural elements of the building.

Inclusion of some photographs/diagrams of structural elements.

Basic understanding and use of technical language to describe the structural elements of the building.
Inclusion of one photograph/diagram of structural elements.

Unsatisfactory understanding of and/or utilises no technical language to describe the structural elements of the building.
Inclusion of no photographs/diagrams of structural elements.

4) Identification and analysis of non-structural elements (20%)

Excellent understanding and use of appropriate technical language to address the identification and analysis of non-structural elements.
Inclusion of a large range of photographs of non-structural elements.

Very good understanding and use of a good range of technical terms to address the identification and analysis of non-structural elements.
Inclusion of enough photographs of non-structural elements.

Satisfactory understanding and use of some technical language to address the identification and analysis of non-structural elements.
Inclusion of some of the photographs of non-structural elements.

Basic understanding and use of technical language to address the identification and analysis of non-structural elements.
Inclusion of one photograph of non-structural elements.

Unsatisfactory understanding and/or use of technical language to address the identification and analysis of non-structural elements.
Inclusion of no photographs of non-structural elements.

5) Identification and analysis of the behaviour of materials (20%)

Excellent understanding and use of extensive technical language to identify and analyse the behaviour of materials.
Inclusion of a large range of photographs of materials failures/problems or defects.

Very good understanding and use of a good range of technical terms to identify and analyse the behaviour of materials.
Inclusion of a sufficient number of photographs of materials failures/problems or defects.

Satisfactory understanding and use of some technical language to address the identification and analysis of the behaviour of materials.
Inclusion of some of the photographs of materials failures/problems or defects.

Basic understanding and use of basic technical language to address the identification and analysis of the behaviour of materials.
Inclusion of one photograph of materials failures/problems or defects.

Unsatisfactory understanding of and/or use of no technical language to address the identification and analysis of the behaviour of materials.
Inclusion of no photographs of materials failures/problems or defects.

6) Reading and referencing (10%)

Insightful and effective use of a carefully selected range of relevant reading. Consistently cited the references using Harvard style throughout the essay.

Consistent engagement with a wide range of relevant reading. Consistently cited the references throughout the essay.

Engagement with an appropriate range of reading beyond essential texts. Referencing may show minor inaccuracies or inconsistencies.

Evidence of reading is largely confined to essential texts and taught elements. Referencing may show inaccuracies or inconsistencies.

Evidence of reading, largely confined to essential texts and taught elements. Referencing may show inaccuracies or inconsistencies.

7) Presentation & structure (10%)

Excellent presentation of work, very well structured and formatted.

Well-structured presentation of work that is clearly expressed throughout.

Ordered structure of presentation in which the work is reasonably expressed throughout.

Work is loosely and at times incoherently structured. Information and ideas are poorly expressed in weak English.

Work is poorly structured or extremely disorganised with confusing contents with very poor English.

LO1: Knowledge of the key terminology for materials science and building design

LO2: Understanding of the various design technologies and systems employed in the construction of low-rise buildings.

LO3: Knowledge of materials used in construction.

LO4: Understanding of the scientific principles of construction materials through simple calculations