BCPM0067 Describe the construction process of the diaphragm walls

 

Assessment Brief

One written coursework paper (100%)

The course work consists of two parts: reflection on learning of the module and research on sustainability in the built environment.

In Part I, you must answer three out of the five questions. Each question counts for 10 marks. The recommended word count for Part I is 500 – 1,000 words. For Part II, you need to write an essay that investigates recent development of sustainable building materials. The recommended word count for Part II is 2,000 – 2,500 words.

Part I: Questions

1. Excavation

Describe the construction process of the diaphragm walls in steps. In what conditions should this be considered as an option for underground construction? Compare the advantages and disadvantages of the use of diaphragm walls.

2. Foundation

What is the difference between end-bearing piles and friction piles and when to used them? Please describe the construction process of both piles in steps.

3. Truss

Find all the zero-force members in the following truss and explain the steps. Name the members in the format: ab, bc, cd, etc.

4. Concrete

What are the reasons for introducing the prestressed concrete? Why can it improve the performance of concrete?

5. Scheduling

A building has 61 floors. Each floor requires five trade jobs. The work dependency is given in the following diagram. Productivity rates of the jobs are given in the table. Draw the Line of Balance chart at month 16.

Activity

A

B

C

D

E

Production rate (floors/month)

3

5

5

3

1

Number of crews

9

30

10

9

2

Part II: Essay

Identify recent development of one sustainable building material based on a literature review. Explain the features and the use of these materials. Here is the suggested structure of the essay:

1. Introduction
2. A general introduction to the material and how it is used in the construction industry
3. Outline the importance of sustainable practice involving the material selected
4. The traditional approach
5. The features and current application
6. Conclusions and future prospects

Link to module learning outcomes

LO1, LO2, LO3

Format structure

Font size 12

Font style Calibri

Single line

Harvard referencing style

No need for a cover page

Separate Part I and II

Marking Criteria

Understanding (25%)

Knowledge (25%)

Analysis (25%)

Writing (25%)

Understanding of relevant issues

Empirical knowledge and use of examples

Reflection and thought

Presentation & references

Inadequate

General misunderstanding of the issues under discussion.

Empirics absent or irrelevant/inaccurate. No evidence to support claims made.

Erroneous analysis. Misunderstanding of the basic core of the taught materials. No conceptual material.

Poorly formatted or inappropriate visuals

Fair

Reasonable understanding of the issues & their broader implications.

Some empirical material but limited in quality & not always effectively used to support claims.

Reasonable reproduction of ideas from taught materials. Rudimentary definition & use of concepts.

Formatting, visuals, & referencing occasionally distract from argument.

Good

Sound understanding of issues, with insights into broader implications.

Significant amount of quality empirical material, used to support most claims.

Evidence of student’s own analysis. Concepts defined & used

Formatting, visuals, & referencing rarely detract from argument.

systematically & effectively.

Excellent

Thorough understanding of issues with some sophisticated insights.

Impressive, highly relevant & detailed empirical material used to evidence most claims.

Evidence of innovative analysis. Concepts deftly defined & used with some sense of theoretical context.

Formatting, visuals, & referencing are impeccable.

Outstanding

Striking understanding of complexities & significance of issues.

Claims supported by impressive, detailed, distinctive empirics. Some reflexivity on data.

Impressive thought, insights & analysis. Concepts deftly defined & accurately used with a strong sense of context.

Formatting, visuals, & referencing actively contribute to argument.

Penalties

– Over-length or under-length of 10% will receive 5 points penalty

– Over-length penalty cannot take the student’s mark below ‘Pass Mark’

– In the case the coursework that is submitted is over-length and is also late, the greater of any penalties will apply.

Word Count/Length

Word limit: 3000 words with 10% leeway Type of content Counts towards the word limit Table of contents No Reference list or bibliography at the end No Cover page No Diagrams, annotated pictures, figures and any other visuals No Appendices No Abstract No Acknowledgements