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Theory outline and 2026 exam date for Y11.

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Us this revision booklet to revise all sections of Unit 1. With space to create knowledge organisers and practice questions to test your knowledge.

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Use this to help you write your mind maps and flash cards.

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Use this to help you write your mind maps and flash cards.

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Use this to help you write your mind maps and flash cards.

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Use this to help you write your mind maps and flash cards.

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Use this to help you write your mind maps and flash cards.

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Use this to help you write your mind maps and flash cards.

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Use this to help you write your mind maps and flash cards

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Use the booklet and practice exam questions to prepare for your Unit 1 exam

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Health and Safety online learning resource

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Health and Safety online learning resource

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Resource WJEC Educational Resources Website

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Use the booklets, quizzes and online resources within each section to revise, there are worksheets and practice questions in each section that cover every unit you have covered throughout the course.

Try to revise three times a week for at least 15 minutes - reading your notes, using the revision booklets and practice exam questions.

Ask your class teacher about revision sessions at lunchtimes and after school!

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Struts and ties

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CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE WORKSHEET BASED ON EXERCISE BELOW

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Modern methods of construction - also known as MMC or 'smart construction' - is a fast way of delivering new buildings, by maximising the efficiency of material and human resources.

Along with other industries, construction has seen a number of innovations over recent years, with new methods continually being developed, improved and adapted to meet the needs of the 21st century in terms of sustainability and efficiency.

In this article, we're taking a closer look to find out more about this way of working and to see how it differs from traditional 'bricks and mortar' methods of construction.

What are modern methods of construction?

Modern methods of construction is a process which focuses on off-site construction techniques, such as mass production and factory assembly, as alternatives to traditional building.

The process has been described as a way '...to produce more, better quality homes in less time.' Historically, it was created to meet an urgent demand for residential buildings after the Second World War and the method became popular again during the housing crisis in 2005.

Modern methods of construction can be employed to create whole homes using factory-built modules or may be used to speed up particular techniques, through innovative working processes.

This approach arguably provides benefits by speeding up delivery, reducing labour costs, eliminating unnecessary waste and improving quality.

Modern methods of construction has been seen as a way to help solve the UK's housing crisis as, according to reports, there is '...the potential for a 30% improvement in the speed of construction of new homes through the adoption of innovation, with a potential 25% reduction in costs, as well as the potential for advances in improving quality and energy efficiency.' *

Modern methods of construction employ innovative practices such as:

Creating paneled units in factories, which can be quickly assembled onsite to create 3D structures.

Volumetric construction, which sees 3D, or pre-fabricated, units created under factory conditions.

Pre-cast concrete foundations and pre-formed wiring looms.

Pre-fabricated floor and roof cassettes (panels).

Tunnel form or thin-joint blockwork.

What challenges are faced with modern methods of construction?

Uptake of modern methods of construction within the industry has been viewed as poor, due to regulatory changes, lack of training and inadequate certification. Employers have had difficulty recruiting workers with the necessary skills - a shortage which may be exacerbated by issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit.

There have also been criticisms of the process in the UK as many of the materials and pre-fabricated systems used in modern methods of constructions are imported, and therefore could undermine British manufacturing.

Generally, the desire for pre-fabricated houses in the UK is low, perhaps as 'pre-fab' houses are synonymous with low-quality buildings created in the post-war years.

Many pre-fabricated homes use timber. Whilst this sustainable material is often more eco-friendly, the increased fire safety risks of a timber-framed building may also put people off homes created using modern methods of construction.

What modern methods of construction have been successful?

Due to new innovations and increasing awareness around sustainability issues, modern methods of construction processes are, however, becoming more popular. Let's look at a couple of projects in more detail to discover the benefits:

Goldsmith Street, Norwich UK

An example of an award-winning project using modern methods of construction is Goldsmith Street in Norwich, which won the RIBA Stirling Prize in 2019. As the largest Passivhaus scheme in the UK, it's an exemplar of social housing design, providing modern, affordable homes.

The development is in a crowded area, just 15 minutes' walk from Norwich city centre. As the site was surrounded by neighbouring residences, project phasing and logistics had to be carefully planned to minimise any negative impacts of construction during the build.

By employing modern methods of construction and using an offsite construction method, traffic congestion around the site was reduced and the timber frame could be crafted more efficiently and sustainably, with far less waste. **

London Borough of Barking and Dagenham

London's housing shortage is being experienced particularly in Barking and Dagenham, where affordable housing is in high demand. Modern methods of construction have been employed to create affordable homes, with lower monthly outgoings for occupants.

Modular housing has been developed in the area to create affordable, energy-efficient flats, significantly lowering the cost of household bills and maximising natural daylight to improve residents' wellbeing. The buildings have also been created using a system that prevents unnecessary heat loss. ***

What is the potential for the future of modern methods of construction?

The UK government is keen to support modern methods of construction. In recent years, they have offered big financial boosts to offsite construction methods, anticipating a rise in the number of projects employing this method, particularly for public infrastructure.

If modern methods of construction are used more widely in the future, it should be possible to build up to four times as many homes with the same onsite labour, meaning onsite construction time could be reduced by more than half. ****

If projects are thoroughly planned, modern methods of construction have the potential to alleviate the UK wide skills shortage in the construction industry, as well as improving the environmental performance of buildings, during and after construction. Due to new, sustainable technology, it is increasingly the case that modern methods of construction enable better quality houses to be created than those built by traditional means.
https://www.nhbcfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/NF82.pdf https://www.rgcarter-construction.co.uk/project/goldsmith-street/ https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/modular-construction-news/blueprint-for-modular-success/48852/
**** https://www.nao.org.uk/report/using-modern-methods-of-construction-to-build-homes-more-quickly-and-efficiently/

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Modern methods of construction - also known as MMC or 'smart construction' - is a fast way of delivering new buildings, by maximising the efficiency of material and human resources. Along with other industries, construction has seen a number of innovations over recent years, with new methods continually being developed, improved and adapted to meet the needs of the 21st century in terms of sustainability and efficiency.

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Time to get technical! We're taking a closer look at everything you need to know about being on a construction site, including health and safety concerns and some of the workers you might find on a job.

What is a construction site?

A construction site is an area or piece of land where construction work is taking place.

Sometimes construction sites are referred to as 'building sites'. This usually implies that buildings or houses are being constructed, whereas 'construction site' covers a wider scope of work. This could refer to anything from a house extension to a landscaping project, road or bridge construction or a huge engineering project, such as the Crossrail development or the creation of a new power station.

Land is generally classed as a 'construction site' when it's handed over to contractors to begin work. Across a construction site, multiple activities often take place at different times, under the same plan.

Health and safety concerns onsite

Construction industry sites are potentially dangerous environments. To minimise risks, it's important to be aware of health and safety issues and put measures in place to reduce their impact.

Some of the main health and safety concerns on a construction site include:

Movement of machinery and materials

Construction sites are busy places, where heavy machinery is often used to move materials or lift loads. Traffic plans and barriers separating plant operations from other important works are key to site safety.

Trip hazards

Uneven ground can present the risk of trips, slips and falls during construction works. Materials left lying around can create a dangerous obstacle course, so equipment should be monitored and safe zones cordoned off to minimise hazards.

Harmful materials and substances

Asbestos and lead paint can be harmful to construction workers, as can chemicals, paints and the fumes created by these. Asbestos needs to be removed and disposed of in a safe way. Appropriate PPE should be worn to prevent dust and toxic substances from affecting skin, eyes and airways.

Working at height

Working at height is often part and parcel of building construction. Falling tools and debris can also increase risks. All staff on site should be provided with training to prevent accidents, and scaffolding and towers need to be made secure.

Manual handling and physical strain

Training on lifting and moving heavy items, with or without mechanical lifting tools, will help to minimise accidents that arise from poor manual handling. To reduce physical strain resulting from the use of vibrating power tools and groundworking equipment, safety equipment should be worn, tools routinely maintained, and regular breaks taken.

Noise

Repetitive sounds from machinery and tools can affect hearing and may prevent workers from communicating efficiently, resulting in accidents. Ear protection and adequate training can help to reduce strain and injury.

Electricity

Using power tools and being in close proximity to overhead cables and power lines puts construction workers at risk of electrocution. All work around power lines should be thoroughly risk assessed, and only qualified electricians should carry out electrical work.

Risk of collapse

Any incomplete construction work presents risks of collapse. Good preparation and precautionary measures can help to prevent injuries. Demolitions should only be undertaken by trained operatives.

What are the key roles working onsite?

Every construction project is different, and the workers and contractors required will change depending on the task in hand. Many construction projects will be made up of core specialists from the industry, however, including:

Site manager

The site manager will have an overview of an entire project and will help to plan and coordinate resources, assist with overall planning, ensure smooth communication between teams and contractors, monitor progress and produce reports for clients.

Engineer

Engineers plan, design and manage large construction projects, using computer modelling software and data to advise on the best course of action and create project blueprints.

Architects and designers

Architects design new structures or renovate existing ones. CAD operatives or BIM coordinators model their plans using 3D design software.

Surveyor

Surveyors provide professional advice on a range of construction-related matters, from measuring buildings and checking quality, to assessing damage for legal and insurance purposes.

Operatives

Construction operatives carry out a range of manual tasks on a construction site, including preparing ground, driving heavy machinery, moving materials, erecting scaffolding and carrying out work whilst a project is in progress.

Skilled tradespeople

From bricklayers to carpenters, fitters, plumbers, painter and decorators and more, there are a wide range of craftspeople needed to bring a construction project together and give it a professional finish.

In addition to these roles, there could be hundreds of other people working on a construction project, from estimators and accountants, to legal experts, health and safety advisors, ecologists and sustainability consultants, landscape architects, transport managers and more.

Things to remember when working onsite

Construction sites are exciting, vibrant places; however, when working onsite, it's important to be aware of the work being carried out around you and to minimise any potential risks to yourself or to others where possible.

If equipment appears to be out of place or could pose a danger, you should inform a manager or team leader, and ensure the issue is resolved by a qualified person, rather than jumping in and harming yourself unnecessarily.

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Construction Site (All You Need to Know)

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All you need to know about being onsite at a construction site, including what to expect and health and safety concerns.

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Use the quilt flashcards to revise health and safety, once you are done have a go at making your own!

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Published: 22 July 2022
Authors:

This blended learning resource contains interactive self-study content covering Sustainable construction methods.

The resource is designed to complement traditional face-to-face teaching with an online learning pack that allows students to learn at their own pace.

It can be used as revision by students, as part of catch-up or for flipped learning.

It should not be seen as a way to deliver the content in a classroom setting and should always be blended with conventional methods.

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Resource WJEC Educational Resources Website

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Published: 22 July 2022 Authors: This blended learning resource contains interactive self-study content covering Sustainable construction methods. The resource is designed to complement traditional face-to-face teaching with an online learning pack that allows students to learn at their own pace. It can be used as revision by students, as part of catch-up or for flipped learning.

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Blended Learning | Dysgu Cyfunol - WJEC CBAC

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Building structures and forms - Blended Learning

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Trades, employment and careers - Blended Learning

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Blended Learning | Dysgu Cyfunol - WJEC CBAC

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The brick jointer, like a pointing key, is another tool used to help with the shaping and finish of mortar joints in between bricks. Using a brick jointer will help to improve the overall appearance of the structure but again, also helps with weather resistance due to the process of compacting the mortar. The tool has a rounded, pointed end which can be used while the mortar is still setting to achieve a neat and uniform finish.

Now, this one should really go without saying, but we felt we should add it anyway! The trusty tape measure... You can't lay block and brick successfully without accurately measuring lengths and distances. Accurate measurements are CRUCIAL in bricklaying to maintain structural integrity. All bricklayers need a measuring tape which extends a minimum of 5 metres.

A club hammer is often used by bricklayers for striking other tools like a chisel or brick bolster. It can be used for a number of purposes including:

Light demolition work

Cutting and splitting materials

Driving anchors or stakes into the ground

We've seen it referred to as the sledgehammer's little brother as the handle is smaller and it is not quite as heavy.

The Brick Hammer is used by bricklayers for a similar purpose i.e., cleanly breaking bricks, rocks, hammer concrete etc. One end of the hammer head is a chisel and the other is a block.

Bricklayers should have a soft brush in their toolbox to clean dust, debris, and excess mortar from brick surfaces and joints. This helps ensure a neat appearance and prepares the bricks for finishing or sealing. It's important to use a soft-haired brush as anything harsher (i.e., wire brush) will damage the pointing and impact the overall quality of work.

All image credit to Canva.

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Commonly Used Bricklaying Tools - SLBC Ltd

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Read this post to find out about some commonly used bricklaying tools at SLBC Ltd or for some toolbox inspiration!

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Interactive construction site to explore roles and responsibilities on a construction site.

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Interactive Construction Site | Go Construct

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Go Construct provides resources for anyone looking for a career in the construction and built environment sector. We showcase the many rewarding opportunities available and help people from all backgrounds to enter an exciting and growing industry which has a huge impact on the UK’s housing, industr…

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Revision - Features of low rise buildings

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Revision - Features of low rise buildings