Unit 3: Science & Materials

Unit code	D/615/1389
Unit type	Core
Credit value	15

Introduction

Science and material performance are intrinsically linked through the need to create structures and spaces that perform in both mechanical operation and in providing human comfort.
This unit aims to support students to make material choices to achieve the desired outcomes of a brief. This is approached from the perspective of materials being fit for purpose; as defined by testing standards and properties, but also by consideration of the environmental impact and sustainability. Awareness of Health & Safety is considered alongside the need to meet legislative requirements.
The topics covered in this unit include: Health & Safety; storage and use of materials; handling, and problems associated with misuse and unprotected use; environmental and sustainable consideration in material choices; and human comfort performance parameters. Material choice is developed through the understanding of testing procedures to establish conformity to standards and define performance properties. The performance of materials to satisfy regulations and provide appropriate comfort levels is addressed through design and calculations.
Upon successful completion of this unit students will be able to make informed decisions regarding material choices; based on understanding the structural behaviour of materials established through recognised testing methods, sustainability, context of build, and Health & Safety. Students will also be able to perform the calculations necessary to establish anticipated performance of the materials in-use and therefore determine their compliance with regulations and suitability

Learning Outcomes: Unit 3: Science & Materials

By the end of this unit, a student will be able to:
1 Review health & safety regulations and legislation associated with the storage, handling and use of materials on a construction site
2 Discuss the environmental and sustainability factors which can impact on and influence the material choices for a construction project
3 Present material choices for a given building using performance properties, experimental data, sustainability and environmental consideration
4 Evaluate the performance of a given building in respect of its human comfort requirements

Essential Content:

Unit 3: Science & Materials

LO1 Review health & safety regulations and legislation associated with the storage, handling and use of materials on a construction site

Regulations and guidance:
Health & safety management regulations Design management regulations
Provision and use of equipment regulations
Control and management of hazardous materials through storage, movement and use.
Materials handling and installation:
Risk assessments and method statements (qualitative and quantitative)
Materials storage: moving materials safely; working in confined spaces; working at height
Occupational health risks associated with materials: asbestos-related and respiratory disease; dermatitis and skin problems; musculoskeletal disorders; hand arm vibration
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

LO2 Discuss the environmental and sustainability factors which can impact and influence the material choices for a construction project

Environmental considerations:
Lifecycle assessment Environmental profile methodology
Environmental product declaration and certification Embodied energy
Waste management: the economics and technologies of construction waste disposal.
Sustainability:
Resource availability and depletion: renewable and non-renewable materials Reuse and recycling of construction and demolition waste
Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP)

Environmental assessment methods:
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
Green Star
Estidama, or other forms of environmental assessment Construction Industry Research Information Association.

LO3 Present material choices for a given building using performance properties, experimental data, sustainability and environmental consideration

Material testing:
Testing methods, interpreting test data Codes and standards.
Structural behaviours
Performance properties: strength, elasticity, toughness, hardness, creep, fatigue, porosity, brittleness, density, thermal conductivity, durability
Inherent material properties.
Relationship between material properties, behaviour and use

LO4 Evaluate the performance of a given building in respect of its human comfort requirements

Human comfort provision:
Indoor environmental quality: thermal, illumination, sound, ventilation Thermal losses and gains
Passive and active design: design solutions, environmental benefit vs implementation cost
Calculations of u-values, lux levels, acoustic and ventilation

Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: Unit 3: Science & Materials

Pass	Merit	Distinction
LO1 Review health & safety regulations and legislation associated with the storage, handling and use of materials on a construction site
P1 Explain how regulations	M1 Assess how risk	D1 Discuss how multiple
impact on the use, storage	assessments can be used	regulations and legislation
and handling of a selection	to address significant	would apply to a given site
of vocationally typical	hazards posed by selected	activity, highlighting how to plan
construction materials	materials or activities	and manage for safe handling
		and use
LO2 Discuss the environmental and sustainability factors which impact on and influence the material choices for a construction project
P2 Explain material environmental profiling and lifecycle assessment Use a relevant material to exemplify your explanation P3 Discuss the benefits of product declaration and environmental  certification	M2 Produce a waste management plan for a given project, taking into account a typical range of relevant waste materials	LO2 and LO3 D2 Illustrate how the use of sustainable practices and considerations for material choice can improve the environmental rating of the completed building
LO3 Present material choices for a given building using performance properties, experimental data, sustainability and environmental consideration
P4 Present the results of relevant testing procedures to identify performance characteristics of selected construction materials P5 Discuss the results in terms of the material properties and regulatory requirements, highlighting any unexpected results and why these may occur	M3 Assess the effects of loading structural materials and compare the behaviours and performance of materials which could be used for the same function
P6 Select construction materials for a given building based upon their performance properties in use

Pass	Merit	Distinction
LO4 Evaluate the performance of a given building in respect of its human comfort requirements.
P7 Define a material selection strategy with regard to human comfort requirements	M4 Perform calculations which relate to a selected area (lux levels, u-values, acoustic and ventilation)	D3 Evaluate how the use of passive or active strategies can minimise energy, materials, water, and land use
P8 Identify materials for a selected area within a building and explain how these contribute to a balanced indoor environment