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Construction of Buildings (ABPL90292)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1
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This subject provides an introduction to the construction of buildings with an emphasis on residential and multi-unit residential low-rise construction. The key functions and performance requirements for the main elements are discussed in relation to material selection, structural design and construction methods. The aim here is to expose students who are coming into the construction program without a cognate degree to appreciate how construction techniques, contemporary practice, building legislation, developments in sustainable design principles, advancements in materials technology are interlinked and all come together to influence the construction of buildings. The subject also includes an introduction to services within a residential context, and discusses various topics related to building pathology and maintenance.

Incidental costs

Students will be required to purchase personal protective equipment (steel-toed boots, hard-hat, hi-vis vest and safety goggles); cost approx. $90 to $120 per person. Students may use equipment from a previous subject if these are in good working condition.

Intended learning outcomes

To develop the ability to understand building and construction terminology;
To provide a fundamental understanding of the regulations pertaining to the planning and construction of residential buildings;
To provide a comprehensive understanding of the activities involved in the construction of a residential building from site works, builders plant, substructure, superstructure, internal construction and finishes, up to and including domestic services; and
To provide an introduction to building maintenance and pathology, and an understanding of the basic principles of sustainable design as applied to a residential building.

  • To develop the ability to understand building and construction terminology;
  • To provide a fundamental understanding of the regulations pertaining to the planning and construction of residential buildings;
  • To provide a comprehensive understanding of the activities involved in the construction of a residential building from site works, builders plant, substructure, superstructure, internal construction and finishes, up to and including domestic services; and
  • To provide an introduction to building maintenance and pathology, and an understanding of the basic principles of sustainable design as applied to a residential building.

Generic skills

At the completion of the subject, students should have developed the following skills and capabilities:

  • Ability to read and interpret construction drawings.
  • Ability to communicate construction solutions by means of sketches and drawings
  • Clear and succinct understanding of all the planning, construction and operational aspects of residential construction
  • Ability to understand the choice of structural system, and to propose and evaluate alternative systems.

Last updated: 10 November 2023