MOD004941 – Design Technology

Assignment Brief

MOD004941 – Design Technology

Outline Assessment Element 011 for this module is an assessed group presentation, you will have 15 minutes for the presentation and should expect to answer questions following the presentation. As described below, there are two main aspects that should be covered. Presentation Aspect 1 - Construction methods Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Review the architect’s drawings of the Tindal Building and consider whether MMC would have been a viable and economic construction method for the building. In your presentation:

• Discuss your thoughts about the viability and economy of MMC for the Tindal Building.
• In your discussion consider volumetric, pod and panelised construction techniques.
• Where you can, use images from case studies to help illustrate your discussion and to reinforce your conclusions regarding each MMC technique.

Construction sequences Review and compare the structural engineer’s drawings of the Tindal and Michael Ashcroft buildings. Consider the likely construction sequences for the first & second floor slabs of each building. In your presentation:

• Discuss the main advantages / dis-advantages of the two types of construction method that have been used for the first & second floor slabs of the two different buildings.
• Discuss the main differences between the two types of construction sequence that is required for each method of construction.
• Where you can, use images from case studies to help illustrate your discussion.

NOTE: You have access to design drawings and design reports for the buildings on campus, you can find them via the Windows Start menu as shown in the screen capture below:

MOD004941 – Design Technology 2018/19 Brief for Group Presentation Rev 0 2

You should use the available design drawings as a source of information for aspect 1 of your presentation. You will also find useful information on:

1. The “Additional Resources” page on the Canvas site for MOD004941.
2. The internet. Presentation Aspect 2 - Use of Excel For the calculations section of your group report you should have made a spreadsheet that calculates the member forces in your pin jointed truss for Design Option

2. You should present this spreadsheet in Aspect 2 of your group presentation. You should demonstrate the functionality and versatility of your spreadsheet, the spreadsheet should incorporate formulas which provide “live updated” results (reactions and member forces) when input parameters are changed. In general you will gain more marks if your spreadsheet has more functionality and versatility. You should have PPT slides to help you explain the user interface and formulas that your spreadsheet uses. In addition, you should open your spreadsheet during the presentation and demonstrate the functionality that it provides.

You should consider demonstrating:

• Your use of Excel functions such as IF(), LEN(), MATCH(), INDEX() etc.
• That results automatically update when input parameters such as loads, truss height, truss span etc are modified.
• Automated suggestions for suitable section sizes based on the calculated member forces.

Sample Answer

Group Presentation Outline – MOD004941: Design Technology

Aspect 1 – Construction Methods

Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) – Tindal Building

We reviewed the architect’s drawings for the Tindal Building and explored if Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) would have been a practical and cost-effective approach.

Viability and Economy of MMC:

• Viability: Due to the Tindal Building’s regular shape and modern design, MMC could be a viable option. The use of prefabricated components would suit its modular structure.

• Economy: MMC can reduce time on site, which lowers labour costs and improves site safety. However, upfront manufacturing and transport costs may be higher, especially if customisation is required.

Types of MMC Considered:

1. Volumetric Construction:

   • Entire modules (rooms) are built off-site and placed on-site.

   • Pros: Fast build, high quality.

   • Cons: Transport issues, site access restrictions.

   • Case Study: Use of modular classrooms in London schools reduced build time by 50%.

2. Pod Construction:

   • Bathroom/kitchen pods are pre-built and inserted into the structure.

   • Pros: Saves time, reduces waste, consistent quality.

   • Cons: Limited flexibility in design.

   • Case Study: Premier Inn hotels often use pods for bathrooms to standardise construction.

3. Panelised Construction:

   • Panels (walls, floors) are built off-site and assembled on-site.

   • Pros: More design flexibility, less site disruption.

   • Cons: Still needs site labour for assembly.

   • Case Study: Kingspan`s panel system used in commercial buildings for faster envelope construction.

Conclusion:

The Tindal Building could benefit from panelised and pod construction. Volumetric methods may be limited by transport or site layout. MMC would reduce build time and improve consistency but needs careful cost analysis for feasibility.

Construction Sequences – Floor Slab Comparison

We compared the structural drawings of the Tindal Building and Michael Ashcroft Building to understand their floor construction.

Construction Methods Compared:

• Tindal Building:

  • Likely uses precast concrete floor slabs.

  • Advantages: Faster installation, better finish, less site labour.

  • Disadvantages: Heavier, requires cranes, coordination challenges.

• Michael Ashcroft Building:

  • Uses in-situ concrete slabs.

  • Advantages: Flexibility in design, good fire resistance.

  • Disadvantages: Slower construction, weather-dependent.

Construction Sequences:

• Precast (Tindal):

  1. Support structure completed.

  2. Precast slabs delivered and lifted into place.

  3. Joints sealed, minimal curing needed.

• In-situ (Ashcroft):

  1. Formwork installed.

  2. Steel reinforcement placed.

  3. Concrete poured and cured (time-consuming).

Conclusion:

The Tindal’s precast method is quicker and tidier, while Ashcroft’s in-situ method allows more flexibility but needs more time and site work. Selection depends on time, budget, and design needs.

Continued...