INTRODUCTION TO CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

We build because most of human activities cannot take place outdoors. We need shelter from
sun, wind, rain and snow. We need dry, level platforms for our activities. Often, we need to stack
these platforms to multiply available space. On these platforms, and within our shelter, we need
air that is warmer or cooler, more or less humid than outdoors. We need less light by day, and
more by the night, than is offered by the natural world. We need services that provide energy,
communications, water and dispose of wastes. So, we gather materials and assemble them into
the constructions we call buildings in an attempt to satisfy these needs.

Construction Technology; it’s the collection of innovative tools, machinery, modifications,

software etc. used during the construction phase of a project that enables advancement in field
construction methods, including semi-automated and automated construction equipment.

It is used for all kinds of different projects, ranging from small residential houses massive
industrial plants.

Some of the trends in construction technology include the increased use of prefabricated parts,
using computers to design buildings and using green technology to construct eco-friendly
structures.

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

There is increased durability of materials used in the construction industry. In earlier times, the
materials used were perishable e.g., leaves, branches, animal hides etc. Materials used in recent
times are stronger and long lasting. In the olden days people had no knowledge of building their
own living structures. They first sheltered under trees and on trees to escape animal attacks.
Later on, they shifted to mouths of caves and rock shelters. They lived at caves’ mouths to avoid
venturing deep into large caves as they were dark, dangerous, lacked food and food fuel. Caves’
opening faced south providing exposure for sunlight and warmth. Later people made open air
camp with temporally shelters e.g., branch and simple tents made of animal skins or skin and
bones. When civilization came, people started building huts (grass-thatched roofs and mud-wall),
round shaped, posts dug 20-30cm apart, lighter material fixed across uprights and then spaces
filled with clay. Later timber-walled houses with iron sheets roofs were constructed. Knowledge
of timber has grown and advanced building are made of timber. Currently bricks, blocks and
stones are used in construction to enhance stability and strength of building. The construction
industry is experiencing rapid change due to dynamic advancement in technology.
Traditional Vs Modern Houses

A. Traditional Houses

Sudan Kenya

Morocco South Africa

 Modern Houses

The Built Environment

THE STRUCTURE

Substructure; this is all structure below the superstructure which in general terms is considered
to include all structure below ground level including the ground floor bed e.g., foundation,
basements

Superstructure; all the structure above the substructure both internally and externally e.g.,
walls, doors, windows

 Primary elements; components of the building carcass above the substructure excluding
secondary elements, finishes, services and fittings.
 Secondary elements; completion of the structure including completion around and
within openings in primary elements
Factors leading to quality construction

 Qualified personnel/professional ethics

 Quality materials
 Adhere to code of practice
 Time conscious
 Timely approval documents
 Minimal or no reworks
 The Building Process

Pre-construction phase
1. Land acquisition

The process of building a house usually begins with the purchase of land. Careful consideration
should be taken when buying land since factors such as the size of land, location, terrain, etc.
determine the type of house to be constructed.

2. Documentation

Many homeowners have lost property due to lack of proof of ownership. This can be avoided by
securing local authority’s approval before embarking on a project. In fact, this is one of the legal
requirements for building a house in Kenya. Be sure to obtain documents demonstrating that the
purchase/transfer of the respective parcel has been done legally with the approval of legal
authorities.

3. Building plan

Once documentation has been completed, it is now time to decide on a house plan. Discuss your
brief with the architect and, if possible, make a site visit with him. This is important because site
features may influence the design of your house. You can choose a ready house plan or you may
ask your architect to make a plan for you. In most cases, it is advisable to custom-design your
building plan.

4. Financial planning

This involves finding out how much you can raise for your project and how much the venture is
likely to cost depending on materials, types of machinery, etc. At this point you may realise that
you will need a construction loan and it is advisable to get in touch with lenders to find out how
much you qualify for.

Construction phase
5. Site preparation

This involves getting rid of vegetation and other unwanted stuff that can obstruct construction
works on site. Site preparation for small sites can be done using hand tools such as hoes and
pangas but you may need to an excavator to do the job.
6. Laying foundation

A foundation is lowest part of a house where the structure meets the soil. It is prepared by
excavating soil around all the walls of a building and filling the trenches with concrete and steel
to help it support the weight of the building. A foundation must be prepared with care to avoid
future catastrophe.

7. Reinforcing foundation

After successfully erecting the foundation, a reinforcement known as “plinth beam and slab” is
added to the top. This shields the foundation from dampness and prevents its cracks from
reaching the wall. It also helps to keep the foundation sturdy in the event of an earthquake.

8. Superstructure

This provides support for the beam and slab. Its members include the column designed to
reinforce the weight mounted upon the structure’s foundation. The columns are built up to the
slab and frame for further construction. A waterproof coating is placed to keep water from
entering the slab and casting.

9. Erecting the walls

Walls are the visible part of a building. Based on personal preferences, walls can be built using
stones or materials such as concrete blocks and fly ash bricks. The structure of openings – doors
and windows – is usually carved out by the masons when erecting the walls of the building.

10. The lintel

Once the wall is up, it is time to build a lintel on top of the wall. This is a beam placed across the
window and door openings as support for the weight of the structure placed on top of it – usually
the roofing structure.

11. Roofing

This involves framing of the topmost layer of the building to offer protection from harsh
weather, and decoration and beautification. Different types of roofing materials are available for
this task.

12. Wiring and plumbing

Electrical wires and pipes should be installed at this point to ensure they are hidden away from
sight between the walls and slabs. Only sockets and endpoint of pipes should be visible.
13. Interior and exterior finishes

After wiring and plumbing works are over, it is time to begin plastering work to protect the
house from effects of weather and to make it appear more attractive. For exterior finishes, a
mixture of cement and sand is plastered on the walls with a thickness of 13mm to 20mm. Interior
décor is done according to the procedure put by the designer.

14. Flooring

Flooring works involve the laying out of tiles, marble, wood, or any other types of flooring
materials as per the taste and preferences of the homeowner.

15. Painting

The process of building a house is now coming to a close, and a coat of paint should be applied
to beautify the home and protect it from the effects of weather. For painting the external walls of
the house, it is best to settle for latex paints since they are highly resistant to water penetration.

Post-construction phase
16. Occupation certificate

Once your house has been completed, invite city/council officers to approve your house to
facilitate the processing of the building’s certificate of occupation. At this point you are free to
move into your new home. However, you will need to apply for electricity, water and sewerage
connection from the service providers.
 SITE PRELIMINARY WORKS

This is site preparation prior to major construction works. It entails;

i. Site clearance works

ii. Construction of temporary structures e.g., hoardings, site huts, stores, latrines
iii. Construction of temporary support systems e.g., timbering, shoring, formwork
A. Site clearance works
This will entail;

 Removal of top soil and vegetation

 Demolition
 Setting out process
 Earthworks
Demolition

This is the removal of unwanted structures in preparation of new structures. It involves;

a) Preparation report
-prepare inspection to establish load bearing members
-take photographs that give status of structure
-propose method of demolition and equipment/machine which needs to be used
-seek statutory permit for demolition
-identify contractor for the demolition
b) Authority
c) Commencement
Setting out process

This is the process of transferring drawing from plan to the ground

 Identify tools/instruments used for setting out

 Ground levels /nature of ground
 Plot development ratio /development planning and control
 Setting out
Earthworks

This is a critical component in both buildings and civil works. The method of earthworks is
dependent on the volume of excavation. Large volumes may require the use of equipment.