Module 1: General Building Construction in Civil Engineering introduces the basic principles, techniques, materials, and practices used in the construction of buildings. This module lays the foundation for understanding how buildings are planned, constructed, and maintained.
🔹 Overview of Module 1: General Building Construction
1. Introduction to Building Construction
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Definition: Building construction is the process of assembling materials to form a structure for human use, such as residential, commercial, or industrial buildings.
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Importance: Provides shelter, safety, comfort, and space for human activities.
2. Types of Buildings
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Residential Buildings: Houses, apartments.
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Commercial Buildings: Offices, malls.
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Industrial Buildings: Factories, warehouses.
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Institutional Buildings: Schools, hospitals.
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Public Buildings: Libraries, government buildings.
3. Construction Stages
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Site Selection and Surveying
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Choose appropriate location.
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Soil testing and topographical survey.
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Site Clearance and Setting Out
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Remove vegetation or existing structures.
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Mark foundation lines and layout.
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Excavation and Earthwork
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Dig trenches for foundations.
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Level and compact soil.
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Foundation Construction
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Spread footing, raft foundation, pile foundation.
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Transfers building loads to ground.
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Superstructure Work
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Construction of walls, columns, beams, slabs.
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Roofing systems installed.
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Finishing Work
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Plastering, painting, flooring, and fittings.
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Installation of doors, windows, and fixtures.
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4. Building Materials
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Cement, Sand, and Aggregates
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Bricks and Blocks
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Concrete
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Steel and Reinforcement Bars
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Timber
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Glass and Plastics
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Paints and Finishes
5. Tools and Equipment
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Hand tools: Trowels, plumb bob, measuring tape.
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Power tools: Mixers, drills, vibrators.
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Heavy equipment: Excavators, concrete mixers, cranes.
6. Construction Methods
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Load Bearing Construction
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Framed Structure
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Precast and Prefabrication Techniques
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Traditional vs Modern Construction Methods
7. Safety in Building Construction
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Use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
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Safety signage and barriers.
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Scaffolding and ladder safety.
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Electrical safety and fire precautions.
8. Sustainable Construction Practices
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Use of eco-friendly materials.
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Energy-efficient designs.
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Waste reduction and recycling.
📷 Illustrations & Diagrams (examples)
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Site Layout Diagram
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Types of Foundations (strip, raft, pile)
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Wall Cross Section (showing plaster, brick, reinforcement)
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Construction Equipment images
✅ Outcome of Module 1
After completing this module, students will be able to:
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Understand the building construction process.
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Identify tools and materials used in building works.
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Read basic building drawings.
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Apply safety measures on site.
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Supervise simple construction activities.