Kenyatta University

Dept. of Construction Management and Real Estate

Lecturer: Ms Mary Mbugua-Gachiengu

BRE 104: Building Technology

Lecture 12. Methods of construction

Traditional methods of construction

Traditional construction refers to the methods and techniques employed for centuries to
build houses and other structures. In construction, traditional materials are those which
have been used to construct shelters and buildings for a long time in a locality, region or
nation.

However, a traditional material in one locality may not be deemed to be traditional  in

another country or region. In addition, some building materials used for thousands of years
may be deemed traditional in one area but may not even exist or be regarded as building
materials in another area. As an example, mud and timber construction and variations of it
have been used in the construction of dwellings across Africa; blocks of ice have been used
for millennia to build igloos in the Arctic. Masonry construction has been used for
centuries in Europe but may be considered a modern construction material in other
regions.

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 Kenyatta University
Dept. of Construction Management and Real Estate
Lecturer: Ms Mary Mbugua-Gachiengu

Despite regional variations, traditional materials often continue to be used up to the

present day whether for functional, planning or aesthetic reasons, often in conjunction with
more modern materials. However, some building types are usually seen as being visually
incompatible with traditional materials: for example, a thatched roof on a modern office
building.

Materials used in traditional construction

A variety of materials can be used in the traditional construction process,

a. Mud: As far back as 7000 BC, mud was hand-molded to form bricks or compacted to
form insitu walls for domestic dwellings.
b. Timber: Timber is one of the earliest materials used to build shelters. Initially, this
would have started with tree branches used to form frameworks that would be covered
with leaves or skins and smaller branches. This progressed to the creation of timber-
framed construction . Timber is still used in a wide range
of traditional and modern constructions.
c. Straw : Straw could be used to make thatch, one of the earliest roof coverings and is
still used even today. It is common to see thatched roofs in coastal regions here in
Kenya as well as in country farmhouses and cottages. It was also used
an insulation material in walls.
d. Stone: Stone has been a valued building material since it was used for domestic huts
in areas where it was plentiful and timber scarce. Traditionally used mostly as a
loadbearing material, today stone is also used as a facing
for building facades, paving and high-status interiors.
e. Clay (bricks): Bricks are distinguished from mud bricks by being fired rather than
simply left to dry in the sun. It is still widely used both for traditional and modern
buildings. Quarry tiles (fired brick) are also regarded as traditional and still used,
mostly for kitchen floors and worktops.

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 Kenyatta University
Dept. of Construction Management and Real Estate
Lecturer: Ms Mary Mbugua-Gachiengu

f. Slate: Due to the way it is cleaved, slate has been used for centuries

for roofing, paving and to form the wearing surface on steps and stairs. It is still highly
valued as a roof covering but also as a cladding for contemporary steel and concrete
buildings.
g. Copper : For centuries copper has been used in Holland, Germany, Scandinavia and
Eastern Europe, mostly for roofing.
h. Other materials: Iron, Lead

Advantage

 It is a flexible system in both design and construction

 Materials are readily available
 Easy to modify or extend
 Good levels of sound insulation are achieved
 Masonry provides good fire protection
 Masonry material are strong, durable and long lasting
 Good thermal performance
 It is possible to recycle the materials used
 Traditional construction techniques often results in a sturdier home of higher
quality.
 Considered to be environmentally friendly

Disadvantages

 Construction is done onsite and therefore progress can be slow

 Need for hiring skilled workers and is relatively labour intensive
 This can add significant construction cost
 Quality issues are likely to arise based on workmanship

Modern or conventional methods of construction

The modern construction methods has seen a change in building construction in that
homes can now basically be prefabricated and shipped to a location in pieces.

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 Kenyatta University
Dept. of Construction Management and Real Estate
Lecturer: Ms Mary Mbugua-Gachiengu

Modern construction methods are methods that are developed in construction industry
with proper planning and design so that each project reduces the construction time, cost
and maintain overall sustainability.

The builder has the complete freedom to design the home and layout in exactly the way
they want, with the pieces made and shipped as soon as the final blueprint design has been
approved. It is certainly a different way to approach building a new home, but one that is
very much being embraced because of how quickly the home can be built, once the design
process is finished.

Types of Modern Methods of Construction

The different modern construction methods used in construction field includes:

1. Precast Flat Panel System

This method of construction involves the procedure of making floor and wall units off site.
For this, separate factory outlets and facilities are required. Once the panel units are made
as per the design specification and requirements, they are brought to the site and placed.
This method is best suited for repetitive construction project activities.

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 Kenyatta University
Dept. of Construction Management and Real Estate
Lecturer: Ms Mary Mbugua-Gachiengu

. Precast Flat Panel System

The panels manufactured have the services of windows, doors and the finishes. This
method also brings building envelope panels which are provided with insulation and
decorative cladding that is fitted by the factory which can also be used as load – bearing
elements.

2. 3D Volumetric Construction
As the name implies, the 3D volumetric construction involves the manufacture of 3D units
in the form of modules in off site. At the time of installation, they are brought to the site and
assembled module by module. Each modular unit manufactured are 3D units, hence this
construction is called as 3D volumetric construction or modular construction.

3D Volumetric Construction
The transportation of the modules can be carried out in various forms or methods. This can
involve the transportation of the basic structure or a completed unit with all the internal
and external finishes, services installed within it, that the only part remaining is the
assembly. The factory construction brings different unit of same product maintaining their
quality throughout. Hence this method is best suited for repetitive projects so that rapid
assembly of the products is possible.

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 Kenyatta University
Dept. of Construction Management and Real Estate
Lecturer: Ms Mary Mbugua-Gachiengu

3. Flat Slab Construction

The flat slabs are structural elements that are highly versatile in nature. This is this
versatility that it is used widely in construction. The flat slab provides minimum depth and
faster construction. The system also provides column grids that are flexible.

Flat Slab Construction

Wherever it is necessary to seal the partitions to the slab soffit as a reason of acoustic and
fire concerns, the flat slabs are a desirable solution. When compared with other forms of
construction, the flat slabs are faster and more economic in nature. The construction of flat
slabs can be completed with good surface finish for the soffit, this enables to utilize he
exposed soffits. The flat slab construction is also a means of increasing the energy efficiency
as this allows the exploitation of building thermal mass in the design of ventilation, heating
and the cooling requirements.

4. Precast Concrete Foundations

For the rapid construction of foundation, the precast concrete system can be employed.
This method is more suited for a bespoke design. Here, the elements required for the
construction of foundation are constructed separately in the factory (off site) and brought
to the site and assembled. The manufactured product must have the assured quality as
specified by the designer.

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 Kenyatta University
Dept. of Construction Management and Real Estate
Lecturer: Ms Mary Mbugua-Gachiengu

Precast Concrete Foundations

The foundation assembled is mainly supported by concrete piles. During assembling, both
the systems are connected together. These foundation systems helps in increasing the
productivity, increase quality, decrease the soil excavation quantity. This is best suited for
extreme and adverse weather conditions. When the construction is dealt on a highly
contaminated ground, this system of construction is a best choice.

5. Precast Cladding Panels

The cladding system is the installation of material over another that finally acts as a skin or
a layer. This system of layer is not only intended for aesthetics, but it can help in controlling
the infiltration of the weather elements.

Precast Cladding Panels

No kind of waterproof condition is provided by the cladding. Instead, the cladding is a

control measure against water penetration. This safely helps in directing the water or the
wind so that there is control of the runoff. This helps to prevent the infiltration into the
building structure.

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 Kenyatta University
Dept. of Construction Management and Real Estate
Lecturer: Ms Mary Mbugua-Gachiengu

6. Concrete Walls and Floors

Concrete walls are mainly applied for seat walls, retaining wall, decorative exterior, and
interior finishes. The concrete is also used a flooring material. As per the latest technology,
the concrete floors can be provided with good finish to provide smooth and attractive
flooring. When compared with any other material, the concrete floors provide a wide
variety of material for applications. When compared with other flooring types, concrete
flooring is affordable and maintenance is easy. Proper sealing of concrete flooring can be
cleaned by a dust mop. 

Class Discussion

Comparing traditional methods of construction and modern methods of construction

Traditional methods of construction Modern methods of construction

1. Ease of construction
It is not easy to dissemble because they are
produced attached to each other onsite.
2. Achieving economies of scale.
It is not so easy to achieve in the
conventional method of construction, unlike
in modern construction methods. This is
because each project is homogenous in
nature.
3. Site factors
Factors such as size of site, availability of
site storage space, degree of accessibility
and vehicle/plant manoeuvrability are key
factors determining construction methods
4. Skilled labour issues.
It is relatively easy to dissemble because of the
knots and bolts within the structure of MMC
products.
Economies of scale can be easy to achieve. The
factors that can be achieved through the factory
controlled conditions. It is therefore possible to
achieve uniformity, simplicity, functionality in
design, meeting high volume requirements;
fewer defects.
The size of the site and the availability of storage
space is provided in the factory where offsite
manufacturing takes place.

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A key factor driving up demand for modern
construction in developed countries has
been the shortage of available skilled labour,
especially in the electrical, plumbing and
carpentry trades.  
5. Waste
The traditional methods generates a lot of
waste from through the whole life of the
construction.
6. Linear Construction
The traditional construction method is a
linear construction which requires every
step to be completed before the next can
begin. These building elements would also
have to be allowed to solidify/ cure to gain
their full strength and hold their weight.
7. Delays on site
Most work is subject to delay caused form
weather which can raise overall costs and
timeline of project delivery.
8. Noise and air pollution
There can be much annoyance to
neighbours caused by traditional building
methods usually from noise, dust and litter.
With site the local environment benefits
Kenyatta University
Dept. of Construction Management and Real Estate
Lecturer: Ms Mary Mbugua-Gachiengu
There are fewer workmen on site, this is because
most of the work has been carried out off site
there is a reduced assembly time on site with
fewer tradesmen required.
It is possible to saves up to 50% of the waste
typically generated from fitting out in traditional
construction
Off-site construction is faster than traditional
on-site construction. Buildings may be
constructed from large and small components
delivered to site and fabricated by many
different trades
Orders for factory assembled components are
not weather dependent. Work is scheduled for
specific times on the production line with start
and finish.
There is less activity on the construction site and
about 80% of on-site activity is eliminated
because of modular, this reduces site disruption,
vehicular traffic and the safety on site is overall
increased.
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