Unit 106

Level:

Building engineering

Introduction
This unit is intended to teach the learner about design aspects of buildings; an introduction to the
management of the design phase and the identification, design and provision of required services.
Unit aim
The aim of this unit is to provide an overall view of the building process from inception to end of
detail design stage. It gives an introduction to the architectural, structural, building utility services,
and electro- mechanical engineering.
Learning outcomes
There are four learning outcomes to this unit. The learner will:
1. Identify the stages of building projects and explain how to manage the design phase of buildings
serving specific functions
2. Describe the different elements of the building
3. Understand the design and application of the building utility services
4. Adopt the value engineering concept
Guided learning hours
It is recommended that 150 hours should be allocated for this unit of which 60 would be direct
taught hours and the remainder for laboratory practical work and independent study. The unit may
be carried out on a full time or part time basis.
Assessment
This unit will be assessed by means of one three hour written examination plus satisfactory
completion of the prescribed practical and laboratory work. The assessments will be carried out
separately.
Learners are expected to possess knowledge of construction materials and their properties ie as
per the City & Guilds Advanced Technician Diploma 6164-30-072 and 172 or relevant HND or other
equivalent.

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Level 6 Graduate Diploma in Engineering (9210-01)

Unit 106
Building engineering
Assessment Criteria

Outcome 1

Identify the stages of building projects and explain how to

manage the design phase of buildings serving specific
functions

The learner can:

1. Identify a Building Project, prepare the Outline Plan of Work and outline the Project
Management concept.
2. Describe the different types of buildings serving specific functions.
3. Outline the Client requirements, prepare a design brief, identify the stages of the design
phase and functions of the building design team.
4. Discuss architectural design considerations in conjunction with structural design
considerations.
5. Prepare a design with specific reference to disabled persons.

Range
Project management - the discipline of planning, organizing, securing and managing resources to
bring about the successful completion of specific project goals and objectives
Design brief the statement defining the objectives to be achieved by the design process
Design phase the period in a project during which the design process is carried out
Structural design considerations - the design aspects of the project influenced by structural
engineering requirements

Outcome 2

Describe the different elements of the building

The learner can:

1. Describe the functions of different foundations and analyse earthwork requirements.
2. Describe different forms of partitioning including brickwork and plastering requirements.
3. Identify the requirement and design doors and windows.
4. Describe different types of flooring and finishes.
5. Design roofing according to specified requirements.
6. Design means of draining water from roofs, gutters and down pipes, chains.
Range
Foundations the engineering elements constructed in the ground which support the
superstructure of a building
Earthwork any excavation, filling, levelling or re - profiling of the ground in a building or
engineering project
Partitioning in this context the elements of a building subdividing the building space into rooms.
Usually a term used to describe non load-bearing walls.

Level 6 Graduate Diploma in Engineering (9210-01)

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Outcome 3

Understand the design and application of the building utility

services

The learner can:

1. Assess the requirement for water provision, identify the source, purify where necessary, and
design the distribution, house connections and plumbing, sanitary connections and fixtures.
2. Design waste water, sewerage and storm water disposal methods; describe house drainage
systems and drainage installations for small building schemes.
3. Design on-site sanitation facilities for buildings; refuse disposal methods.
4. Analyse effects on the environment and manage waste and pollution.
5. Define wiring regulations and design simple electricity supplies for buildings.
6. Describe the fundamental rules for safety; shock protection; inspection and testing procedure,
methods of fire prevention and protection; Security systems.
7. Design elevators, escalators.
Range
Distribution piped system for the distribution of water
Sanitary connections the standardised connection systems used to connect sanitary pipework
from washbasins, w.cs etc.
Waste water, sewerage and storm waterwastewater generally comprises liquid waste
discharged by domestic residences, commercial properties, industry, and/or agriculture and can
encompass a wide range of potential contaminants and concentrations. Sewerage -the physical
infrastructure of pipes etc. used to convey sewage from its origin to the point of eventual treatment
or disposal. Sewage is correctly the subset of wastewater that is contaminated with faeces
On-site sanitation facilities where sewage cannot be removed from site by piped system
methods such as cess pits, septic tanks and other on site sanitation units can be installed.

Outcome 4

Adopt the value engineering concept

The learner can:

1. Define life cycle costs.
2. Prepare maintenance schedules.
3. Use value management.
4. Assess environmental impact and take necessary preventive measures.
Range
Life cycle costs all costs associated with constructing and maintaining a built facility throughout
its anticipated life span.
Maintenance schedules those schedules listing and anticipating all planned maintenance for a
facility including all aspects of the building, its external works, all plant and equipment and its
finishes fixtures and fittings.
Value management methods for defining and maximizing value for money
Environmental impact - the possible positive or negative impact that a proposed project may have
on the environment

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Level 6 Graduate Diploma in Engineering (9210-01)

Unit 106
Building engineering
Notes for guidance

Test specification for written paper

This examination is of three hours duration with a total of eight (08) questions. Learners must
answer five (05) questions.
The examination will cover knowledge specifications:
Topics

Approximate % examination
weighting

Building process from inception to end of detail design

stage

80

Management of the Design

20

The requirements to achieve overall success for this unit are:

Written examination
Pass/Merit/Distinction
Practical work
Pass

Unit guidance
Wherever possible, theoretical teaching sessions should be combined with tutorial project scenario
sessions, problem solving discussions and related group assignment work

Level 6 Graduate Diploma in Engineering (9210-01)

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