Pictorial Learning Journal for Construction Site Preparation and Building Techniques

Running head: PICTORIAL LEARNING JOURNAL 1
Pictorial Learning Journal
Name
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PICTORIAL LEARNING JOURNAL 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 SITE PREPARATION..............................................................................................................4
1.1 Temporary Fencing................................................................................................................4
1.2 Signage..................................................................................................................................5
1.3 Sedimentary Control..............................................................................................................6
1.4 Set Out...................................................................................................................................7
2.0 SITE EXCAVATION................................................................................................................8
2.1 Tree Removal.........................................................................................................................8
2.2 Bulk Excavation.....................................................................................................................8
2.3 Detail Excavation...................................................................................................................9
3.0 CONCRETE..............................................................................................................................9
3.1 Ground Floor Slabs and Footings..........................................................................................9
3.2 Strip Foundation..................................................................................................................10
3.3 Raft......................................................................................................................................11
3.4 Discussion............................................................................................................................12
4.0 BRICKWORK.........................................................................................................................13
4.1 Types of Bonding................................................................................................................13
4.1.1 English Bond................................................................................................................13
4.1.2 Flemish Bond................................................................................................................14
4.1.3 Stretching Bond............................................................................................................14
4.1.4 Heading Bond...............................................................................................................15
4.1.5 Garden wall bond..........................................................................................................15
4.1.6 Monk Bond...................................................................................................................15
4.1.7 Pointing.........................................................................................................................16
4.2 Types of Bricks....................................................................................................................16
4.3 Flushing...............................................................................................................................18
4.4 Cavity Ties...........................................................................................................................18
5.0 FRAMING...............................................................................................................................20
6.0 CARPENTRY..........................................................................................................................20
7.0 ROOF CLADDING.................................................................................................................23

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8.0 INTERIOR LININGS..............................................................................................................25
8.1 Plaster Board........................................................................................................................25
8.2 Tiling....................................................................................................................................25
9.0 WINDOWS AND DOORS.....................................................................................................26
10.0 SERVICES............................................................................................................................28

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Pictorial Learning Journal
1.0 SITE PREPARATION
1.1 Temporary Fencing
All construction sites are temporary fenced or hoarded for purposes of safety and
security. In most cases, temporary fences are erected around the project as per the range of the
set Standards for fencing. Specific policies and regulations regarding to the type of fence to be
erected around the construction site include how the fencing should be done, the strength of the
fence, height, influence to traffic, and where the fence should be put up.

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A majority of the fences are constructed using portable aluminum cyclone fence – open
fencing. In most cases, the erection is done with a construction wrap attached either during the
demolition process, or excavation process.
Solid fencing or hoarding is done using self-supporting panels erected either by use of
their own supports or overhead structure or scaffolding. This type of fencing is used in larger
construction sites and those in the middle of busy cities and urban centers.
1.2 Signage
Signs informing people on various aspects of construction are and should always be put
at all construction site and projects. Construction warning signs are used to show safety hazards
and dangers the workers and other people the risks they are exposed to within the construction
area. Building site and other construction sites are potentially dangerous areas to be. Therefore, it
is the responsibility of those running the construction site to take precautionary measures by
installing sufficient safety signs that can be viewed fully by the workers and the visitors on site.
Signage has a range of signs that range from health and safety, warning/hazard signs,
signs indicating new development, and general site hoarding signs. Signage pays a closer
attention to placement and clarity for maximum coverage and awareness.

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1.3 Sedimentary Control
Controlling of sedimentation and erosion on construction sites should be done prior,
during and after the construction process to prevent problems such as uneven settlement.
Sedimentation control can be done temporarily or permanently depending on the nature of
construction taking place. Controlling sedimentation also limits the amount of sediments carried
into lakes and streams.
Sedimentation control can be done through several methods including erection of silt
fences, use of fiber logs, rock construction entrances, grade breaks, erosion control blankets,
temporary sedimentation blankets, filter bags, etc. All these methodologies work through the

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mechanism of holding or acting as a barrier to the soil particles and thus preventing erosion and
down-wash of the soils.
1.4 Set Out
Once the plans and structural drawings of the building are completed, the paperwork is
transferred to the ground in a process known as setting out. The process is complex yet simple.
At times, the services of a land surveyor are necessary, especially for large buildings. Surveyors
use equipment such as total stations and theodolites to accurately locate the position of the
building. The most common method of setting out a building is simple pegging or use of bricks.
Setting out of buildings is objectively done to accurately define where the excavation will
take place. Also, it is done to determine the centerline of the walls of the structure.

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2.0 SITE EXCAVATION
2.1 Tree Removal
Before any site excavation work begins, site preparation must take place and this includes
removal of trees. Preparation of a construction site is usually a two-step process: first, vegetation
clearance and second, removal of surface soil layer.
Removal of trees and other woody vegetation clears obstructions within the construction
site. However, the contractor and all involved parties should keep in mind that preserving nature
is important and therefore removal of trees should be done with a lot care and keeping
sustainability in mind.
2.2 Bulk Excavation
Bulk excavation in any project basically involves hauling of large quantities of land and
debris from the construction site to where the material is deposited. Bulk excavation is done
mainly to reach soils with good bearing capacity, create level grounds or to specifications.
Bulk excavations are done using heavy construction machinery because of the large
quantities of earth that need to be moved. The type of bulk excavation done depends on the type
material being excavated or the purpose of the excavation.