Building Materials

        Building Material is a module that has 5 credit hours, it is lectured by Ms Hasmanira Mokhtar. It is a very interesting subject as it teaches us about different materials and their functions. Throughout the whole course of the module, I have learned that there are plenty of different materials available in the construction field. Alternative materials are always available to replace the existing material used, which has a slight difference in its properties. The topics in Building material covers timber, plastic, metals, glass, paints, and also stones. These materials are commonly used in the industry and we got to learn the functions and the variety of materials in this very module. There are 3 group projects from this class which the first one requires us in a group of 5 to make a research on particular materials chose by the lecturer and produce a report stating its details, pros and cons and more. On the second assignment, we were asked to make a research on Nippon paint. We were to create powerpoint slides regarding the various types of paint that Nippon has to offer. We have learned that there are plenty types of paints available for different circumstances such as waterproof, anti-fungal and fire-resisting paint. The last assignment was assigned for us to find a specific space/area as our research subject. Our group decided to choose Taylor's University Library as the research subject. We had to identify the function of the space and study about the building materials in the place that we are researching on. We also have to compare and contrast two materials and recommend an alternative material to replace the existing ones. This assignment helped us in understanding more on the chemical properties needed in certain materials. Through thorough research of this assignment, we could understand "which is the best" and "why is it the best" material for a particular building based on its properties.

 CONCRETE, TIMBER, PAINT AND STEEL AS BUILDING MATERIALS

Construction Technology 1

        This module provides us students with the present technologies used on construction works. This subject is very interesting particularly because the lecturer has a very good interaction with the students not only regarding the matters of the subject, but also in choosing the right career path in chasing our dreams and career and also the do's and don't's in life/work related criteria. This helps us students to get a better picture of what is really going on in the industry and how to encounter it. By sharing our views with the lecturer and discussing it as group, it is a more efficient way of learning which also helps in understanding the importance of working as a unit. Besides that, we are taught to practice sketching for it is important for us to comprehend the definition, functions, and the pros and cons of the wide range of technology the construction industry has to offer.

OBJECTIVE:

• To understand the principles and practices of construction technology in building structures.
• To be able to identify the most sufficient technology to be used upon a construction.
• To be able to explain how a building is constructed and the scientific principle which underpins its design.

ASSIGNMENT:

        In this assignment, we had to form a group of 5 to study and identify the type of slab, roof and foundation of a house at PJS 7, that is occupied by one of our group mate, Sri Harivendran. We were assigned to elaborate all the details regarding the elements of the building and also to advise on other different types of alternative designs to replace the existing foundation, slabs and roof.


TUTORIAL:

                             SCAFFOLDING

STAIRCASE

Measurement 1

This subject helps us on how to calculate the quantity of the elements on structures of building works. Basic measurement, principles and descriptions of elements and measuring details of building works are all obtained from the Standard Method of Measurement (SMM 2). In this particular module, Measurement 1, we are able to obtain a skill of measuring the work at below lowest ground level such as site clearance, excavation of topsoil, trench and strip foundations, pile cap and others. Apart from that, Measurement 1 also covers the superstructure work such as the reinforced concrete, formwork and reinforcement bars in elements such as beams, columns and slabs. In conclusion, it is very important for a Quantity Surveyor student to understand more regarding this subject because a Quantity Surveyor's role is also to allocate the rightful budget demanded by the employer. Measuring is the most basic quality needed from a quantity surveyor to take-off building works.


OBJECTIVE:

• To develop an awareness of the nature, content and significance of tendering and contractual documentations.
• To develop an understanding of the principles of measurement and techniques in preparing the bills of quantities.
• To introduce students to the principles of specification writing, form of specifications and an introductory understanding in the preparation of the bills of quantities and tender document.
• To have sufficient knowledge and understanding of the Standard Method of Measurement in taking-off quantities.

LEARNING OUTCOME:

• Able to prepare bills of quantities.
• Understand more on the details when doing taking off.
• Understand the significance of excavations, foundations, beams, columns, slabs and more structures.
• Better understanding on how to make use of the SMM clauses based on different elements of a building construction.
• Able to illustrate the right description to a building element.

Introduction to Law

        Learning this subject was never any kind of convenience throughout the whole syllabus to me as it may possibly not be my forte, nonetheless, i consider it as perhaps one of the most challenging subject during my first semester, where i had stumbled across plenty of critical thinking questions which required a decent set of problem solving skills. Personally, I think lectures given by Ms. Shoba are quite interesting because the facts and cases taught are very much informative especially for us students. It is pretty much relatable with what we normally encounter in real-life criteria. I was able to learn more on Malaysian Law, Contract Law and Law of Torts as i continued studying this module. As future surveyors, I believe this subject would be very vital on making us a more qualified person on planning and advising our clients and employers in contracts binding or any construction related rights and obligations. This subject also helped me gained my analytical and writing skills. the tutorials given each week was very fundamental and it is with great respect to say that the lecturer has given us the opportunity to understand each topics thoroughly through weeks of lecture, practices and discipline.



LEARNING OUTCOME :

        This subject made me understand that Malaysia is a federation with a constitutional monarchy. Law is very important to any country in the world because it is a system of rules to govern the conduct and behavior of the society. Law is also used to avoid behavior that is unacceptable in society. 

        Apart from that, this module also covered Contract Law. Contract Law is governed by the Contract Act 1950 and also common law. Contract is an agreement enforceable by law. In this topic, I learned the elements of the contract which are offer, acceptance, intention to create legal relations, consideration, capacity, consent and discharge of contact. This topic made me realise the importance of understanding the conditions, rules and regulations upon entering a particular contract. 

        Last but not least, Tort Law is also taught in this module. Tort is basically a wrong. It is an act or omission against another which is not allowed by law. The most obvious objective of tort law is the award of compensation for loss/damage suffered. Under the Law of Torts, I studied and understand negligence, nuisance, strict liability, occupier's liability, vicarious liability, intentional torts and defamation. Based on these topics, i believe that tort law is very important in our society because it helps us understand more on our legal rights and how we could protect our reputation. 

        In a nutshell, Introduction to Law is a very useful and beneficial subject. It provides me with legal knowledge that would be very useful in pursuing my dreams of becoming a future Quantity Surveyor.