Building Technology Notes

Topic 1 Components
A product manufactured as a distinct unit to serve a specific function, usually involved with fit-out
stage and making up a larger element.
Usually non-structural although load bearing steel partitions and steel door frames that will support
single skin brickwork.
Examples of components
Joinery fittings
Doors (frames)
Windows (timber and metal)
Glazing
Ironmongery
Balustrades
Demountable partitions
Suspended ceilings
Curtain walling
Precast elements
System buildings
Project implications
Some components specified for single component, more specialised components have longer lead
times, and often have to be obtained from overseas.
More prefabricated components used. More time spent off-site manufacture and preparation than
on-site labour. Standardised component ranges often reduce choice available.
Topic 2 Dimensional Co-ordination
Purpose of component design
Design components so they:
Are interrelated using preferred dimensions
Use a universally acceptable system of dimensional co-ordination
Ease of assembly on site
Reduce cutting operations
Reduce site labour times
Simplify manufacturing process
Design information required
Function of component
Up to date manufacturing techniques
User requirements
Process
Assess and consider use requirements

Discuss controlling factors with manufacturers

Consider ease of fixing on site
Reduce site labour, eg cutting and plant requirements

User requirements
Need to check:
Appropriate size and shape
o Dimensional co-ordination
Quantity available to fill an order
Ability to interrelate with other components
Minimal storage requirements
Available in various locations
Transportability
Ability to accommodate minor alterations
Factory production
Two types
Flow line
Batch
Often combination of both
Flow line
Good:
High number of components
For controlled quality of raw materials
Batch production
When quantities too small for line
Most cost effective when minimum number of cross sectons, design to use same moulding for
several components
Specifications
Industry now looks more at performance of components rather than a specific component:
Modern procurement methods eg design and build
Move design and construction together
Two types:
Performance
Product
Product specification
Describes:
Materials
Standard of workmanship
Method of manufacture

Performance of component pre-determined by specification writer, dont normaly seek

manufacturers advice
Performance specification
Records the requirements that a component must fulfil
Should be in measurable terms
Should indicate required life
Does not specify materials or method of production, and allows manufacturer to make these choices
Includes:
Strength and stability
Durability
Security
Fire resistance
Sound insulation
Thermal insulation
Structural support
Service accommodation
Expected use
Design life
Fixing details
Access
Maintenance
Dimensional coordination
Australia standards
Codes of practice
Building code of Aus
Relevant legislation
Life cycle costing
Energy efficiency
Dimensional Co-ordination
Definition: A system of arranging the dimensional framework of a building so that:
Components can be used within the framework
In an inter-related pattern of sizes
Details:
Standardises fabricated sizes of units in order to suit many situations without wasteful onsite cutting
Modular grid does not give size of components but allocates space for it
Modular coordination:
Coordination using international basic module size (100mm) or multimodules and sub-modules
With dimensional coordination, different sizes of components can be combined within a modular
grid.
Enables components to fit together without need for:

 Cutting down to size on site

Excessively wide joints
Cover strips
Basic size is allotted in grid
Actual size is less than basic size to allow fitting into position
Controlling dimensions
Use of grids to set out spaces for components
Coordination dimensions provide the framework within which buildings may be designed
To which components and assemblies should be related
Vertical
Used to control:
Floor to ceiling heights
Heights of zones(ceiling space), floors and roofs
Floor to floor heights
Floor to roof heights
Demountable partitions
Example of dimensional coordination where panels are designed to fit any module using standard
sheets
Dimensional grid layout
Allows walls and columns to be set out on a modular basis
Provides the framework for allocating basic spaces to components
Used to fix location of external and internal walls
And allocate basic spaces for doors and window components
Can also be used to provide modular framework for roof plans
Locations of vents, outlets, trap hatches can all be allocated basic spaces