Building and Control Subject Summary - Term Paper Example

BUILDING AND CONTROL by Student’s name Course code+name Professor’s name University name City, State Date of submission Summary Examination of student’s knowledge and abilities are very important in building and control as a subject. This is done so as to improve accuracy and knowledge by the students in regard to testing houses and buildings in general. To do this, they are supposed to use basic knowledge in laws of physics and mathematics concerning the study of these structures and more fundamentally how to integrate them in engineering. The students are expected to know materials like steel and timber that are used in the construction of these structures. At this point, they must be able to understand the standards that are recommended in Australia. It is important to note that these are issues of concern that addresses strengths of beams, weight and how to service steel and timber. As students attend lectures, building construction concepts are given out regarding regulatory frameworks, codes, structures resistance to fire, emergence exits, building structures and equipment and power concepts. Once a student has gone through these concepts and understood them, they are bound to be all-rounded engineers in the construction industry with the ability to engage in civil work that is based on informed material choice and designs. Again, information regarding relief issues is given so that the student understands soil contamination, soil conditions, assessment, drainage and how to relate this to lands and buildings. Information from lessons is concerned with types of steel and timber and how they can be used appropriately in construction. Dimensional drawing of plans, elevations, sections and roofs supplement this information. Practical lessons on at least two structures have been considered in the semester. The first building consists of drawing plans, elevations and sections whereas the second structure consists of basic principles that are customised to client’s tastes. Introduction The main goal of this subject is give students information about different methods and styles that are practiced in the building and generally construction industry. It also aims at providing a guidance framework on a number of standards that exist in the industry and codes that are used for effective construction. Therefore, regardless of the type of construction, the crucial and important parts include the foundation, frames, floors, and both non-load and load bearing walls. These parts must be minded as they serve as the basic principles on which the industry relies on and more so when you are putting up long term structures like skyscrapers. During the semester, we worked on a building so that we can put our theoretical concepts in practical situations in the industry at the construction site. We worked on the structure during lecture time and made deliberate efforts to apply the basic principles in the construction of the building by focusing on the main parts of the building. This included the slabs of the buildings, the floor, foundations and a look at skyscrapers. We discussed walls in details by looking at their types, for instance inner and outer walls and load bearing and non-load bearing. The practical lesson also focused on roofs, doors as well as windows. As this was being done, we had to put into considerations all the building’s dimensions and the materials used in the construction of the structure. We dealt with the structure during a tutorial session and incorporated client’s tastes and preferences. Reflection As an aspiring professional in the construction industry, building and control subject has been of great value. It has not only offered but delivered important information concerning the construction industry beyond Australia. I have gained much knowledge on buildings and housing sector in general. I have been able to develop a set of skills and knowledge about the standards that are in place so as to govern the construction industry. Regulatory frameworks put in place are very crucial as they provide specific guidelines that must be met by all the players in the industry and more fundamental that the security of those who will use the structures is guaranteed to the best possible level. In this regard, the building constructed and completed must be able to follow all the codes outlined by the regulatory bodies. During the course of the subject and indeed the semester, two tasks were assigned, however at various times, covering the lecture and tutorial sessions respectively. In the lecture session, we were able to cover a number of areas that included site plans’ recognition, streets, houses and car parks. Furthermore, we were required as participants to draw plans, roofs, windows and door dimensions. These practical sessions enabled us to acquire skills on elevations and sections and structural requirements of specific building and quality construction. These scenarios and opportunities helped me to familiarise and practise actual dimensions and elevation in the construction of standard buildings and their specific and preferred dimensions, more so in regard to windows and doors. The important aspect here is that the dimensions used must be able to meet the requirements of basic buildings and more. It is very clear that my participation in the lecture session helped me greatly in acquiring good and relevant knowledge on drawing plans and how to draw professional detailed plans of buildings that are accompanied by information. This implies that more importantly apart from familiarising myself, and indeed all of us, I learnt how to read plans and incorporation of these plans in the drawings that I make. In the tutorial, we had to work with a real client so as to come up with a structure that was to be tailor made to meet the specifications that they wanted in details and all aspects. In this regard, the first task was to identify the site for construction and be able to familiarise ourselves with the area that the client selected. After this, the main job started by considering the building’s drawings. We drew the plans as required and customised it so as to suit the requirements of the client. We considered the sun as lighting is very important in a building during the day. We had to figure out how to put up the building and allow the sun to light it up, especially during the day. We had to ensure that each and every room was lit to the best possible degree and ensure that the most important areas received good amounts of light. Conclusion Conclusively, the ultimate goal of the subject was to ascertain that through participating in learning, students acquired necessary skills in drawing, planning and understanding the importance of structural integrity and building dimensions. Fundamentally, students were to learn about securing a building in regard to its nature and the environment, especially soil and its conditions and also kits that are suitable so as to construct a building. There was more emphasis on how to put all these aspects into use, especially their implications on long term structures like skyscrapers. Moreover, the subject gave students a chance to learn the codes of work and standards in the industry in regard to regulatory regimes, especially about the types of walls and expected strength that should be handled by all types of building materials. Again, this subject offered students an avenue to get basic concepts in drawing plans and having details on the plans and also considering construction material. Additionally, the students were able to learn building code and standards that are specific to Australia thereby making it relevant to the practice in the country. In the final part, we were involved in practical skills in applying the knowledge learned to real work situations by considering client’s requirements. This acted as an evaluative aspect to us, highlighting the importance of the practice in honing skills and improving students’ confidence. Meeting client’s specifications was a proof of success in the whole process, especially planning. Therefore, this subject becomes so important and relevant to all those aspiring to get into the construction industry. Read More