MODULE 4: BUILDING MATERIALS AND ASSEMBLIES
WEIGHT - Be made of lightweight materials, to avoid
BUILDING MATERIALS
The implementation of a value engineering
process is challenging, and it needs much effort
and many brainstorming sessions to be achieved.
CHAPTER 1: APPROPRIATE SELECTION OF INTERIOR
AND EXTERIOR CONSTUCTION MATERIALS
MATERIAL SELECTION
▪ Strength
▪ List of the material
▪ Budget / Cost of the material
▪ Handling and storage
▪ Local availability
▪ Climate
▪ Skill required and its availability
▪ Sustainability
▪ Nature of the project
▪ Aesthetic appeal
▪ Specification
▪ Warranty or guarantee
▪ After sales support and service
▪ Maintenance
INTERIOR MATERIALS
Interior Finishing Materials visually identify and
reflect the character of the space.
To have appropriate visual appearance with
the function of the space and proper texture
and color with the user’s requirements.
Finishing materials are usually affected by the
mechanical factors because of the direct
contact with the user.
Interior finishing materials have to allow vapor
movement to prevent condensation and mold
problems, and if necessary, a vapor barrier has
to be added
Interior finishing materials should absorb the
noise and provide the acoustic balance of
interior space.
EXTERIOR MATERIALS
QUALITY CRITERIA AFFECTING EXTERIOR WALLS
MATERIALS SELECTION:
Wind Load Resistance
Thermal Insulation
Weight
Sound Transmission
Fire Resistance
Water Penetration Resistance
Aesthetic
Maintainability & Durability
WIND LOAD RESISTANCE - The enclosure is
encountered by considerable exterior loads that must
be resisted
THERMAL INSULATION - The role of walls containing
thermal insulation is not limited only to create a more
convenient indoor thermal environment but also ensure
the energy consumption saving of the heating or air
conditioning system.
any overload bearing on structural elements,
particularly when the height of the story level is high, or
when the exterior walls are loaded on the cantilever.
SOUND TRANSMISSION - Exterior noise may negatively
affect human health
The purpose of this insulation requirement is to limit
effectively the interior building noise level that caused
by the exterior one.
FIRE RESISTANCE- Preventive measures against fires
The fire protection and smoke control properties
of a facade are crucial for preventive measures
of fire protection and thus for the human life and
property protection
WATER PENETRATION RESISTANCE
- Water management involves water penetration and
discharge.
- Materials such as concrete, masonry, wood, and stone
contain different levels of porosity.
AESTHETIC - Exterior walls are estimated as the most
significantly distinct and notable artistic feature of a
building.
The most inevitable and recognizable elements
of a building.
MAINTAINABILITY AND DURABILITY - All enclosures
seriously need a good maintenance to maximize their
service life ranging from cleaning the glass and metal
surfaces to repair of materials or replacement
The probability of repair in a given time.
CHAPTER 2: FINISHES, PRODUCTS AND COMPONENTS
A lot of materials had been used for this purpose
for centuries. Although these materials were
limited before the Industrial Revolution, they
have increased with the development of modern
technologies.
FINISHES
Cement – based
Earth – based
Glass
Metals
Polymers
Natural Stones
Textiles
Wood & Wood Composites
CEMENT BASED - Cement-based finishing materials are
composed of mortar by mixing cement, aggregates, and
water.
EARTH BASED - Earth-based materials are used in the
building because they can easily be found since the
prehistoric times
The most significant property of the baked
earthbased materials is their high heat
insulating ability.
 MODULE 5 : BUILDING SERVICE SYSTEM
GLASS - Glass is used since prehistoric times and
it is defined as a kind of ceramic CHAPTER 1: LIGHTING
Glass is formed by melting the
ingredients together at high TYPES OF LIGHTING
temperatures, shaping and annealing of 1. General Lighting
the material. 2. Task Lighting
Tempered and laminated large glass 3. Accent Lighting
panels can also be used at floor voids.
GENERAL LIGHTING –
METAL – Metals are resistant and shiny ▪ Provides an area with overall illumination.
materials obtained from the mines. ▪ Also known as ambient lighting, general lighting
Metal has a high heat and electric radiates a comfortable level of brightness,
conductivity due to its regular atomic enabling one to see and walk about safely.
structure THINGS TO CONSIDER:
Metals can also be used for many years in 1. Color Rendering
non-corrosive environments and are 2. Color Temperature
recycled at high rates. 3. Ceiling Height
4. Illumination Levels
POLYMERS - The high resistance against 5. Smart Control
environmental factors, low cost and the
unlimited production forms has increased its APPLICATIONS:
usage area and production amounts. 1. Chandeliers
- Plastics are used as panels, sandwich 2. Pendants
panels, stretch ceilings, polymer and epoxy 3. Wall Fixtures
floors in interior space. 4. Track Light
5. Recessed Fixtures
NATURAL STONES - Natural stones are obtained
by cutting the solid layer under the soil TASK LIGHTING:
- Natural stones are used as wall and floor ▪ Task lighting helps you perform specific tasks
coating material in interior space ▪ Task lighting should be free of distracting glare
- Where there is low human traffic, softer and shadows and should be bright enough to
stones can be preferred such as marble and prevent eyestrain.
limestone THINGS TO CONSIDER:
1. Color Rendering Index
TEXTILES - Textile is used as carpets and 2. Color Temperature
upholstery fabric for furniture and curtains. 3. Illumination Levels
- For this purpose wool, cotton, linen, leather 4. Placement
are used; polymers such as nylon and perlon
can also be used. COMMON TYPES:
1. Fixed Type Lighting
WOOD AND WOOD COMPOSITES - The simple 2. Localized Lighting
cell structure seen in coniferous wood makes it 3. Adjustable Task Lighting
more flexible, homogeneous, smooth and 4. Magnifying Task Lighting
slightly fibrous. 5. Asymmetric Task Lighting
- Wood can be used in the structure as solid or
composite wood ACCENT LIGHTING
- Wood is one of the most common coating - Accent Lighting adds drama to a room by
materials in interior space. creating visual interest
- Accent lighting requires at least three times
CHAPTER 3 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND REUSE OF as much light on the focal point as the
MATERIALS general lighting around it.
THINGS TO CONSIDER:
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS - Finishing materials have to 1. Color Rendering Index
be dimensionally stable, resistant to chemicals and 2. Color Temperature
sunlight, easy cleanable and durable. 3. Illumination Levels
4. Fixture Choices
5. Diffusion Versus Directional

COMMON APPLICATIONS:
1. Wall Lights
2. Recessed Lights
3. Landscape Lighting
 CHAPTER 2: MECHANICAL SYSTEMS IN BUILDING
INCLUDING VERTICAL TRANSPORTATION
MECHANICAL SYSTEMS - Mechanical systems includes
plumbing, elevators, escalators, and heating and air –
conditioning systems.
- Vertical transportation systems refers to the service
component within a building which enables us to travel
vertically between floors much quicker and effortlessly.
TYPES:
ELEVATOR
ESCALATOR
INCLINED TRAVELLATOR
ELEVATOR
▪ Also called lift,
▪ Car that moves in a vertical shaft to carry
passengers or freight between the levels of a
multistory building.
▪ Elevators are propelled by electric motors.
ESCALATOR
▪ Moving staircase used as transportation
between floors or levels in subways, buildings,
and other mass pedestrian areas.
INCLINED TRAVELLATOR
▪ A slow-moving conveyor mechanism that
transports people across a horizontal or inclined
plane over a short to medium distance.
CHAPTER 3: PLUMBING SYSTEM IN BUILDINGS
PLUMBING SYSTEM
Bring water into the structure
Remove wastewater
TYPES OF PLUMBING SYSTEM
1. Portable Water System
2. Sanitary Drainage System
3. Stormwater Drainage System
Portable Water System
▪ Brings water into a structure
▪ This water comes from the community
water main.
Sanitary Drainage System
▪ Removes wastewater from a building.
▪ It consists of pipes that take out human waste
and fecal matter as well as wastewater from
cooking, laundry, etc.
Stormwater Drainage System
▪ The purpose is to carry rainwater away from
a structure.
CHAPTER 4: ELECTRICAL, COMMUNICATION AND
SECURITY’
BUILDING SECURITY - Building security and control
system have become necessary with increasing size and
complexity of buildings.
- The building security and control system
is designed to monitor and control mechanical and
electrical installations, fire protection and escape,
burglary, assault and emergency communication.
-
SPECIAL SYSTEM TO BE MONITORED AND
CONTOLLED:
1. Fire detection and suppression,
2. Movement and protection of people
3. Smoke control including pressurization and barriers
4. Safe places of refuge and
5. Emergency arrangements and communication.
SECURITY AND CONTROL
MEASURES FOR SECURITY AND CONTROL
- Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning plant and
equipment to suit internal and external conditions or
programmed requirements.
- Data collection for maintenance and resource
management, particularly energy use and analysis,
programmed responses to suit anticipated
emergencies
- Security interlocks, surveillance and access control.
SECURITY TECHNIQUES
1. Planning a security program
2. Determining whether to outsource security
3. Identifying responsibilities for the security director
4. Mobility
5. Access control
6. Visitor management
7. Elevators
8. Interior doors
9. Parking security
PLANNING A SECURITY PROGRAM- The plan
would start with the most pressing security
needs and move ahead as the budget allowed.
DETERMINING WHETER TO OUTSOURCE
SECURITY- It eliminates the time required to hire
and manage personnel
- Staff security officers, for example, have a
direct relationship with the company
MOBILITY - Security officers must move around
the property, when on patrol as well as when
responding to incidents.
ACCESS CONTROL - Older buildings receive
upgrades to turnstiles as existing card access
systems reach the end of their useful life.
- Other kinds of turnstiles use laser beams
instead of hard physical barriers.
VISITOR MANAGEMENT -Visitors typically must
acquire access cards when visiting a high-rise
ELEVATOR - Another very important aspect of
access control security is managing elevators.
 INTERIOR DOORS - While building security
manages access to doors throughout the
common areas of a high-rise, tenants are
responsible for managing doors within their
leased spaces.
PARKING SECURITY - Parking facilities should
undergo a formal security assessment that looks
at the surrounding neighborhood, crime
statistics and patterns of use.
CHAPTER 5
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
WHAT START’S FIRE?
▪ Combustible Materials
▪ Oxygen or Air
▪ Source of Ignition
FIRE HAZARDS
▪ Any actions, materials, or conditions that might
increase the size or severity of a fire or that might
cause a fire to start
▪ Common fire hazards are found in most
occupancies and are not associated with any
special occupancy.
HAZARDS BY OCCUPANCY
MULTI – UNIT RESIDENCES
Blocked exits.
Unserviced or missing extinguishers.
Excessive storage in basement.
Cluttered attic, garage, under stairs, heating
room.
Lack of (and/or not visible) exit signs.
Accumulation of dust and lint in laundry room.
Combustibles next to water heater.
Transoms in old buildings (window over door).
Faulty fire escapes or escapes blocked at ground
level.
Faulty, untested standpipes.
Penetrations in fire separations.
Incomplete or missing evacuation plans.
Stairway doors blocked open.
ASSEMBLY OCCUPANCIES
Blocked exits (constant problem).
No exit signs; exit lights out.
Doors locked during hours of occupancy.
Extinguishers not serviced or nonexistent.
Overcrowding, no occupant load sign.
Aisles not adequate.
Candles on tables in unsafe holders.
Extension cords and other electrical problems.
Decorations (combustible or flammable type).
Non-flame-retardant drapes.
Smoking problems.
Heating hazards.
RESTAURANTS
Grease accumulation on filters and in ducts.
Hood system not serviced, nonexistent, or
improperly installed.
Exiting problems, the same as assembly.
Decoration problems the same as assembly.
Smoking problems.
Cluttered storeroom.
Electrical hazards.
Heating hazards.
Extension cords.
HOSPITALS
Fire protection equipment not in service.
Extension cords.
Concealed smoking by patients.
Cafeteria hazards.
Exits locked and blocked.
Fire separations and doors blocked open.
Excessive storage of combustibles.
Emergency generator not tested.
Sterilizer room cluttered with combustibles.
Employees smoking in linen storage room.
Improper storage of gases.
Improper storage, handling, and use of
anesthetics.
Combustibles next to heating equipment.
Lack of proper maintenance of heating
equipment.
Evacuation plan outdated, inadequate, or not
posted.
OFFICE BUILDINGS
Exiting problems.
Extension cords.
Extinguishers not serviced or missing.
Poor record storage.
Wastepaper handling.
Smoking hazards.
Heating equipment near combustibles.
Fire escape maintenance and obstruction.
Lack of proper maintenance and testing of fire
protection systems.
MANUFACTURING
Electrical machinery.
Misuse of extension cords.
Improper use and storage of flammable liquids.
Faulty use and storage of chemicals.
Improper use and storage of gases.
Blocked and obstructed exterior doors, fire
doors, etc.
Improper storage of fire protection equipment.
Improper maintenance of fire separations.
Cluttered storerooms.
Unsafe smoking practices.
Inadequate aisles and exits.
Cluttered storage of business records.
Heating equipment problems.
 house and dispose of cigarette butts properly.

SCHOOLS 4. Practice proper housekeeping and keep flammable

Blocked exits. materials out of reach of children. Flammable
Chained exits. materials include candles, lighters, and matches,
Exit lights not functioning. which should be kept properly and securely.
Fire protection equipment not maintained.
Unsafe chemistry lab (storage and equipment). 5. Plan ahead--establish an emergency and evacuation
Flammable liquids such as solvents, paints, plan at home and familiarize with escape routes. And
cleaners, and duplicating fluids stored in offices, most importantly, keep flammables away from your
shops, and classrooms. children
Shop hazards same as "manufacturing."
Excessive storage. 6. In case of fire, close the door of the burning area to
Lack of fire drills. stop the spread of fire. As smoke rises up, breathe
slowly, and get a piece of wet cloth to cover the nose
COMMON CAUSES and mouth to avoid suffocation.
1. Cooking Equipment
2. Heating 7. When trapped in a fire hit area, it is highly
3. Smoking in Bedrooms recommended to go to a room with windows leading
4. Electrical Equipment outdoors.
5. Candles
6. Curious Children 8. If clothes catch fire, do not run or panic, do the:
7. Faulty Wiring “Stop, Drop, and Roll. “In this life-threatening
8. Barbeques situation, shout for help or wave a cloth outside the
9. Flammable Liquids window to alert the people around you and keep in
10.Lighting mind to remain calm.

TYPES OF FIRES 9. The most important thing to do is to call 911, the

Class A – easiest to put out. They involve solid nationwide emergency hotline number, and tell the
materials like wood, paper, plastic, or clothing. emergency operator of your location right away.
Class B – involve flammable liquids like oil,
alcohol, or gasoline. 10.Fire incidents are potentially deadly and very
Class C – involve a source of electricity. dangerous, but by following these safety precautions
Class D – are rare, but can happen when a from authorities, we can prevent untoward incidents
metal ignites. from happening. Just remember that having the
Class K – they involve cooking oils such as presence of mind in any situation can also spell the
vegetable oil or animal fats. difference between being a victim and being a fire
survivor.
TYPES OF EXTINGUISGHERS
CLASS A - Ordinary Combustibles such as wood, Fire drills are essential and allows everyone the chance
paper, rubber, plastic, cloth, etc. to rehearse proper evacuation procedures.
CLASS B - Surface Fire (Flammable/Combustible
liquids and gases) such as gasoline, alcohol,
paints, thinner, grease, LPG release of gas
CLASS C - Electrical Fire (Involves live electrical
equipment) such as motors, electric fan, air
conditioning unit, computer, etc.
CLASS D - Combustible Metals such as
aluminum, magnesium, sodium, titanium, etc.
CLASS K - Kitchen Fire (Involving combustible
vegetable or animal oils and fats in cooking
equipment)

TIPS TO PREVENT FIRE

BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION
1. Unplug all electrical equipment when not in use and
regularly check electrical equipment to avoid
overloading of electrical circuits.

2. When using cooking gas, check for gas leaks and

always ensure that the LPG tank is stored in a well-
ventilated area to avoid the accumulation of gas vapors.

3. Enforce “No Smoking” policy inside or outside the