Module Syllabus

Module Title Temporary Works

Module Code CBE4407S

Credit Value 12

Module Contribution 1

QF Level 4

Lecture: 28 hrs
Curriculum Hours 42
Tutorial: 14 hrs

Exemption Criteria CSE4402, CBE3033 or the Equivalent

Module Aims:

 To equip students with knowledge of the temporary works commonly employed in

local constructions sites.
 To equip students with analysis and design skills in designing common temporary
works intended for concreting works and the access of construction operatives.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of the module, students are expected to be able to:

1. Review the roles of temporary works in execution of permanent works in

relation to the associated contractual and local legal requirements during
various stages of the construction works;
2. Apply engineering principles in designing formwork erected for structural
concrete construction with due considerations for different construction
aspects and site constraints;
3. Apply engineering principles in designing and checking access scaffolding
and falsework works erected in construction sites with due considerations for
different construction aspects and site constraints;
4. Develop a knowledge of different types of cofferdam installing for various civil
engineering works, and apply geotechnical principles in design of steel sheet
piling works;
5. Develop a knowledge of shoring works in providing temporary support to
existing structures and trench excavation works with due considerations to
possible construction hazards which could arise.
Learning Contents and Indicative Curriculum Hours:

Learning Contents Indicative

Curriculum Hours
1. Role of Temporary Works & the related Requirements 5 hours
and Solutions
a. Define and explain the roles of temporary works in a
construction contract.
b. Identify different types of temporary works in construction
sites.
c. Understand the duties of a temporary works designer
under the common law.
d. Differentiate between standard and design solution
options and appreciate their pros and cons in designing
temporary works.
2. Formwork 10 hours
a. Overview the features and evaluate the applications of
common formwork systems for construction of different
reinforced concrete elements including the combined
formwork and falsework solutions, and the slip-form
construction.
b. Interpret the importance of quality, safety, and economy
issues and their requirements in design and construction
of formwork.
c. Examine and formulate procedures in formwork
checking, caring and striking.
d. Analyse and apply structural design principles in
designing spacing and layout of formwork components in
relation to the self-weight of structure, environmental and
operation loads imposed on the formwork system.
3. Access Scaffolding and Falsework 10 hours
a. Develop a knowledge of basic features, uses and
limitations of different types of scaffolds and falsework
structures.
b. Distinguish between standard tube & fittings scaffold and
other common proprietary scaffolds and falsework.
c. Evaluate the advantages and limitations between
bamboo and metal access scaffolds in building and civil
engineering applications.
d. Analyse and apply structural design principles in
designing spacing and layout of falsework components,
and foundation stability in relation to the self-weight of
structure, environmental and operation loads imposed on
the falsework system .
e. Interpret the importance of safety and economy issues
and their requirements in design and procedures in
erection and removal of falsework.
4. Cofferdam 10 hours
a. Develop a knowledge of the needs and means of ground
water control in relation to its effects in cofferdam
construction.
b. Distinguish between internally and externally supported
cofferdams in relation to the constraints of the site and
the effects on its neighbourhood.
c. Examine the cofferdam details and formulate various
successive processes in cofferdam construction.
d. Compare different causes which could lead to cofferdam
failures.
e. Analyse and apply geotechnical principles to estimate
the prop load and the embedded length of steel sheet
piles to retain a vertical cut.
5. Shoring to Building Structures and Trenching Works 7 hours
a. Classify damages and safety hazards to existing
structures and trench excavation works.
b. Distinguish between raking, flying and dead shoring
structures in respect of their layout, construction details
and applications.
c. Select different shoring and trenching support materials
and methods readily available in the local construction
industry to suit individual project needs and construction
requirements.
d. Distinguish between general warning, regulatory and
informatory signs for use at road works.
e. Develop a knowledge of traffic controlling, lighting,
signing and guarding equipments employed for
construction works on carriageway and footpath.
f. Prepare a layout plan and method statement for road
works in compliance with the code of practice issued by
the local highways authority.

Learning and Teaching Strategies:

a. The module consists of 28 hours of formal lecture and 14 hours of tutorial

lessons.
b. During tutorial lessons, real or simulated case study discussion will be employed
to inspire learners of this module to develop both standard practices and design
solutions in meeting general and specific site constraints in designing temporary
works.
c. Design and analytical type assignments and quizzes of specific concepts and
knowledge under this module will be held at suitable intervals throughout the
semester to monitor the progress of the students.

Assessment Scheme:

Continuous Assessment (CA) 40%

 Examination 60%

Total 100%

References:

1. The Concrete Society and The Institution of Structural Engineers, (1995),

Formwork : A Guide to Good practice, 2nd Edition.
2. Clear, C. A., & Harrison, T. A., (1985), Concrete Pressure on Formwork, CIRIA
Report 108.
3. Murray Grant (1982), Scaffold Falsework Design, A Viewpoint Publication.
4. Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations, CAP 59, Law of Hong Kong, HKSAR
Government.
5. Illingworth, J. R., (1993), Construction Methods and Planning, Chapman &
Hall.
6. Doran, D., (2004), Site Engineers Manual, Whittles Publishing.
7. Guidelines on the Design and Construction of Bamboo Scaffolds, Buildings
Department, HKSAR Government.
8. Safety of Scaffolding Works in Construction Site During Typhoon Seasons,
(2010), Buildings Department, HKSAR Government.
9. Safety Guidelines for Demolition of Building Structures, (2004), Occupational
Safety & Health Council
10. Code of Practice for Bamboo Scaffolding Safety, (2009), Labour Department,
HKSAR Government.
11. Code of Practice for Safe Use & Operation of Suspended Working Platform,
(1999), Labour Department, HKSAR Government.
12. Code of Practice for Metal Scaffolding Safety, (2001), Labour Department,
HKSAR Government.
13. Code of Practice for Safe Use of Excavation, (2005), Labour Department,
HKSAR Government.
14. Code of Practice on Design & Construction of Tower Working Platforms,
(2000), Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, HKSAR Government.
15. Code of Practice on Working Near Electricity Supply Lines, (2005), Electrical
and Mechanical Services Department, HKSAR Government.
16. Code of Practice on Avoiding Danger from Gas Pipes, (1997), Electrical and
Mechanical Services Department, HKSAR Government.
 Revision Record:

Version Date Revised by:

Rev. 0 April 2009 Cheung Yuk

Module Assessment Plan [AY 2009/10]

1 Module Details
a Module Code/Title CBE4407S / Temporary Works
b Course Code/Level 51301S / 4
c Course Title Higher Diploma in Civil Engineering
d Curriculum Hours (total) 42
e Curriculum Hours, comprising of Lecture Tutorial
28 hrs 14 hrs
2 Continuous Assessment (CA) Total CA marks contributing to 40% of module
mark
a CA component Tests Assignments
b No. of assessment 2 4
c CA component as a % of module 20% 20%
mark
3 Syllabus Coverage by CA Module Assessment by Topic Areas (*Please 
against the Topic Area(s) you plan to cover under
the CA component concerned)
Topic Areas Tests Assignments
a Formwork  
b Falsework & Cofferdam  
4 Examination
a % of total module mark 60%
b Duration of examination 3 Hours
c Approximate distribution of marks Long questions MC Short questions
questions (non-MC)
100% 0% 0%
d Choice of questions Yes
5 Parties responsible for the External Examiner and Course Leader
 Vetting and Moderation of CA
and Examination
Are the assessment results
6 Marks
presented in marks or grades?
Are students required to pass
7 No
all CA?