DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING SCIENCES

Construction Technology III – CODE: CTY306D

Assessment

DATE OUT : 18 April 2024

SUBMISSION DATE : 06 June 2024
TOTAL MARKS : 100
EXAMINER : C MEYER

The total calculated for the assessment:

Total 100

COURSE: Standards Committee

DIPLOMA IN BUILDING SCIENCE

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 Individual Assignment

Basement Construction Technology Analysis

Objective:
The objective of this assignment is to analyse and evaluate the construction technology and
methods involved in building basements, focusing on structural aspects, materials, and construction
processes.

Task Description:
Your task is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of basement construction technology, considering
various factors such as structural design, material selection, construction techniques, and
environmental considerations.

Assignment Components:
1. Structural Design Analysis:
 Review and analyse different structural systems commonly used in basement
construction (e.g., reinforced concrete walls, precast concrete elements, steel sheet
piling).
 Compare the advantages, limitations, and applications of each structural system in
basement construction.
 Provide sketches or diagrams illustrating typical structural details for basement walls
and foundations.

2. Material Selection and Performance:

 Investigate the properties and performance characteristics of materials used in
basement construction, such as concrete, steel reinforcement, waterproofing
membranes, and drainage systems.
 Evaluate the suitability of these materials based on factors like durability, strength,
waterproofing capabilities, and environmental impact.

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 3. Construction Techniques and Processes:
 Explore different construction techniques for excavating and constructing
basements, including traditional methods like diaphragm walls.
 Analyse the sequence of construction activities, including earthworks, shoring,
foundation installation, wall construction, waterproofing, and backfilling.

4. Environmental and Sustainability Considerations:

 Examine environmental considerations related to basement construction, such as
soil erosion control, waste management, energy efficiency, and sustainable material
choices.
 Propose environmentally friendly practices or technologies that can be integrated
into basement construction projects.

Deliverables:
 A detailed report documenting the analysis and evaluation of basement construction
technology components.
 Illustrative diagrams, sketches, or visual aids to support key findings and comparisons.
o Drawn by yourself

Assessment Criteria:
 Depth and accuracy of analysis regarding structural design, materials, and construction
techniques.
 Critical evaluation of material properties, performance, and environmental impact.
 Clarity and coherence of the report structure, including case study analysis and
recommendations.
 Integration of theoretical knowledge with practical insights into basement construction
technology.
 Use of appropriate references and sources to support analysis and recommendations.

Note:
You are encouraged to explore current trends, emerging technologies, and industry standards
related to basement construction technology. The assignment should promote a deeper
understanding of the technical aspects and decision‐making processes involved in constructing
basements effectively and sustainably.

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Instructions on the specifics of the report:
 Report should be PDF format ONLY
 Report should have a front page with the student name, surname, student number and
subject
 Include a declaration page after your front page
 A neat and organised submission is expected with a table of contents
 Include a bibliography according to the “Harvard” method at the end
 All other report writing protocol apply
 Report should submitted on D2L not later than 23:59 on Thursday 06/06/2024
 No emailed submissions will be allowed
 Be sure to include images, drawings, diagrams and any other supporting information neatly
numbered and referenced
 Be very careful of not just “copy and paste” off the internet, you should be able to convince
me that you have researched the work and understood the work properly. This include the
referencing even when using AI.

A plagiarism check will be done, therefore make sure you do your own work and that you
reference accordingly

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 Marking Rubric for Individual Assignment for 2024

Basement Construction Technology Analysis

Student Surname & Initials:_____________________________________________________

Student Number:_________________________________________________________________

Marks
Criteria Marks
Allocation
Structural Design Analysis
- Review and analyse different structural systems
10
- Provide sketches/diagrams for structural details

Material Selection and Performance

- Investigate properties and performance of materials
10
- Evaluate material suitability

Construction Techniques and Processes

- Explore construction techniques
10
- Analyse construction sequence

Environmental and Sustainability Considerations

- Examine environmental factors
10
- Propose environmentally friendly practices/technologies

Deliverables
- Detailed report with analysis and evaluation
- Illustrative diagrams or sketches 10
- Self-drawn diagrams or sketches

Assessment Criteria
- Depth and accuracy of analysis 10
- Critical evaluation of material properties and performance 10
- Clarity and coherence of report structure 10
- Integration of theoretical knowledge with practical insights 10
- Use of appropriate references and sources 10

Total 100

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