Building Technology Course

Lesson 1 • The Built Environment Overview

Defines the built environment and its major components: residential, commercial, and infrastructure. Frames the scope of building technology practice.

Lesson 2 • History and Evolution of Construction

Traces construction from ancient techniques to modern industrialized methods. Provides context for understanding why current technologies and standards exist.

Lesson 3 • Core Building Technology Terminology

Introduces essential technical vocabulary used across all building disciplines. Accurate terminology enables precise communication throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Concrete and Masonry

Examines composition, mix design, curing, and structural applications of concrete and masonry. Addresses common failure modes and quality control measures.

Lesson 2 • Emerging and Sustainable Materials

Introduces high-performance composites, recycled materials, and bio-based products. Evaluates environmental impact metrics and life-cycle considerations.

Lesson 3 • Steel and Metal Products

Covers steel grades, fabrication processes, corrosion protection, and connection types. Connects material selection to structural efficiency and cost.

Lesson 4 • Timber and Engineered Wood

Analyses wood species, grading, moisture effects, and engineered wood products. Highlights sustainable sourcing and fire performance considerations.

Lesson 1 • Beams, Columns, and Connections

Applies statics to calculate reactions, shear, and bending moments in beams and columns. Introduces connection design for force transfer.

Lesson 2 • Load Types and Load Paths

Defines dead, imposed, wind, seismic, and snow loads and traces their paths to foundations. Accurate load tracing is prerequisite to member sizing.

Lesson 3 • Types of Structural Systems

Surveys load-bearing walls, frames, trusses, arches, and shell systems. Establishes criteria for selecting a system based on span, height, and use.

Lesson 4 • Lateral Stability and Bracing

Addresses shear walls, moment frames, and braced frames for resisting lateral forces. Demonstrates how lateral systems integrate with gravity systems.

Lesson 1 • Moisture Control and Vapour Management

Covers vapour drive, dew point analysis, and placement of vapour retarders. Prevents condensation damage within wall and roof assemblies.

Lesson 2 • Thermal Performance Principles

Explains heat transfer modes, R-values, U-values, and thermal bridging in envelope assemblies. Connects thermal performance to energy consumption outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Roof Systems and Waterproofing

Surveys low-slope and steep-slope roofing materials, drainage design, and below-grade waterproofing. Addresses common failure points and remediation.

Lesson 4 • Wall Assembly Types and Details

Compares wood-frame, steel-frame, masonry, and curtain wall assemblies. Details flashing, sealants, and transitions at critical junctions.

Lesson 1 • Plumbing Systems Design

Addresses supply, drainage, waste, and vent piping design for residential and commercial buildings. Emphasises pipe sizing, fixture units, and code compliance.

Lesson 2 • Energy Efficiency in Mechanical Systems

Evaluates high-efficiency equipment, heat recovery, and demand-controlled ventilation strategies. Quantifies energy savings through system optimisation.

Lesson 3 • Mechanical System Coordination

Demonstrates clash detection, ceiling plenum management, and shaft routing for mechanical systems. Reduces costly field conflicts through early coordination.

Lesson 4 • Fire Protection Systems

Introduces sprinkler, standpipe, and suppression systems along with detection and alarm components. Links system selection to occupancy classification and risk.

Lesson 1 • Emergency and Life Safety Power

Addresses emergency lighting, exit signs, standby generators, and UPS systems. Ensures continuity of critical functions during power outages.

Lesson 2 • Wiring Methods and Devices

Surveys conduit types, cable assemblies, raceway systems, and outlet device selection. Connects wiring method choice to occupancy and environmental conditions.

Lesson 3 • Lighting Design Principles

Applies illuminance targets, luminaire selection, and layout calculations for interior spaces. Balances visual comfort, energy efficiency, and aesthetics.

Lesson 4 • Electrical Distribution Fundamentals

Covers power sources, service entrance, panels, and branch circuit design. Establishes safe wiring practices and load balancing principles.

Lesson 1 • Formwork and Concrete Placement

Details formwork systems, concrete placement sequences, consolidation, and curing for cast-in-place construction. Addresses quality control and safety.

Lesson 2 • Steel Erection and Prefabrication

Explains steel erection sequences, crane selection, bolting procedures, and prefabrication advantages. Links off-site fabrication to schedule compression.

Lesson 3 • Site Preparation and Earthwork

Covers surveying, grading, excavation, dewatering, and temporary erosion control. Establishes site conditions required before structural work begins.

Lesson 4 • Construction Scheduling Techniques

Applies critical path method, Gantt charts, and look-ahead scheduling to construction projects. Identifies float, critical activities, and schedule recovery options.

Lesson 1 • Post-Occupancy Evaluation and Feedback

Applies measurement and verification protocols and occupant surveys to assess actual building performance. Feeds findings back into future design improvements.

Lesson 2 • Green Building Rating Systems

Surveys major green building certification frameworks, credit categories, and documentation requirements. Positions rating systems as tools for performance verification.

Lesson 3 • Energy Modelling and Simulation

Introduces whole-building energy simulation tools, input parameters, and result interpretation. Connects model outputs to design decisions and compliance targets.

Lesson 4 • Commissioning Process and Documentation

Defines commissioning phases from design through occupancy and documents owner project requirements. Ensures systems operate as designed before handover.