Preliminary Operations in Building Construction SS 1 First Term Lesson Notes – Week 10

Building Construction SS 1 First Term Lesson Notes – Week 10

Topic: Preliminary Operations in Building Construction

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Explain the term preliminary operations as used in building construction.
2. Identify the key features to be addressed in a quality building process.
3. Recognize the risks and opportunities surrounding preliminary operations.
4. Prepare and interpret preliminary records in lending documents.

Keywords:

• Preliminary Operations
• Site Acquisition
• Site Clearance
• Site Services
• Access Road
• Site Investigation
• Building Process

Set Induction:

To introduce the concept of preliminary operations, ask students:

• What do you think happens before actual construction work begins on a site?
• Why is it important to plan and organize before construction starts?

Entry Behavior:

Students should have an understanding of basic building construction processes and be familiar with terms such as site planning and preparation.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector (optional for presentations)
• Handouts on preliminary operations
• Construction site photographs for practical reference

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Students should recall earlier lessons on site layout, planning, and the roles of different construction teams. This knowledge will connect with the planning phase discussed in this lesson.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical thinking in recognizing risks and opportunities
• Ability to interpret technical documents
• Problem-solving in identifying features for quality building

Learning Materials:

• Visual aids of site acquisition, clearance, and investigations
• Example of preliminary documents

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Building Construction by M. L. Stein
• Principles of Construction Management

Instructional Materials:

• Photos of construction sites at different stages
• Diagrams showing different preliminary operations processes
• Sample preliminary records from a construction site

Content:

1. Preliminary Operations:
   Preliminary operations refer to the activities that occur before the actual construction begins. These operations set the stage for a successful building process by preparing the site, acquiring necessary documents, and ensuring that resources are available.
2. Key Features of Preliminary Operations:
   • Site Acquisition: The process of obtaining the legal rights to use a site for construction.
   • Provision of Access Road: Ensuring there is a proper road for transporting materials and workers to the site.
   • Site Clearance: Removing obstacles like trees, rocks, and old buildings to prepare the land.
   • Site Offices and Storage Facilities: Setting up temporary offices and areas for storing tools and materials.
   • Provision of Site Services: Installing utilities like water, electricity, and sanitation facilities on-site.
   • Site Investigation: Assessing the soil and environmental conditions to determine their suitability for construction.
3. Risks and Opportunities in Preliminary Operations:
   • Risks: Delays in site clearance, unforeseen environmental issues, and legal disputes.
   • Opportunities: Cost savings from effective planning, efficient resource allocation, and risk mitigation strategies.
4. Interpreting Preliminary Records:
   Preliminary records document activities such as site investigation reports, land acquisition details, and permissions. These documents are crucial for obtaining loans and ensuring project financing.

Presentation Steps:

1. Introduction to Preliminary Operations:
   • Define the term and explain its significance in the construction process.
2. Detailed Explanation of Each Activity:
   • Discuss each of the key features in detail, using real-world examples and visuals where possible.
3. Interactive Discussion:
   • Engage students in a discussion about the risks and opportunities related to each step in the preliminary operations.
4. Document Interpretation:
   • Provide students with an example of a preliminary record and guide them on how to interpret it.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Present definitions and explanations using visuals.
• Facilitate class discussion on risks and opportunities.
• Provide students with sample documents to practice interpreting.

Learners’ Activities:

• Participate in discussions about each stage of the preliminary operations.
• Identify and explain risks and opportunities associated with these activities.
• Analyze and interpret sample preliminary records.

Assessment:

Objective Questions (15 Fill-in-the-Blank):

1. ________ is the first step in the preliminary operations of a building project.
   a) Site acquisition
   b) Site clearance
   c) Provision of access road
   d) Site services
2. The purpose of providing ________ on a construction site is to allow materials and workers to access the site easily.
   a) Site clearance
   b) Site investigation
   c) Access road
   d) Site offices
3. ________ refers to the removal of unwanted structures, trees, or debris from the building site.
   a) Site clearance
   b) Site acquisition
   c) Site services
   d) Site investigation
4. The process of assessing soil stability and other environmental factors is known as ________.
   a) Site clearance
   b) Site investigation
   c) Site services
   d) Site offices
5. ________ are temporary structures that house workers and provide space for administrative functions on the site.
   a) Storage facilities
   b) Site offices
   c) Site services
   d) Access roads
6. ________ is the process of securing legal rights to use a site for construction purposes.
   a) Site clearance
   b) Site acquisition
   c) Site investigation
   d) Provision of access roads
7. ________ provides essential utilities such as water, electricity, and waste disposal on the construction site.
   a) Site services
   b) Site clearance
   c) Site acquisition
   d) Site offices
8. A ________ helps workers stay organized and provides a safe area for them to plan and work.
   a) Site clearance
   b) Site office
   c) Site services
   d) Site investigation
9. ________ helps prevent delays and ensures a smooth flow of materials and workers to the construction site.
   a) Access road
   b) Site services
   c) Site investigation
   d) Site clearance
10. Site investigation includes the study of ________ conditions to determine if the land is suitable for construction.
    a) Legal
    b) Environmental
    c) Cultural
    d) Economic
11. The first thing that must be done before actual building begins is ________.
    a) Site acquisition
    b) Site clearance
    c) Site investigation
    d) Site services
12. Site clearance involves the removal of ________ from the land.
    a) Legal disputes
    b) Debris and trees
    c) Roads
    d) Utilities
13. Site services on a construction site typically include ________.
    a) Electricity and water
    b) Storage of materials
    c) Site offices
    d) Excavation
14. During the preliminary operations, ________ is crucial to assess soil quality and environmental concerns.
    a) Site clearance
    b) Site acquisition
    c) Site investigation
    d) Site offices
15. The purpose of a ________ is to ensure that workers can access essential resources and take breaks.
    a) Site office
    b) Site services
    c) Site clearance
    d) Access road

Class Activity Discussion (15 FAQs):

1. What are preliminary operations in building construction?
   Preliminary operations are the activities that take place before actual construction begins. These operations ensure that the site is ready for building and include activities like site clearance, provision of access roads, and site investigation.
2. Why is site acquisition important before construction?
   Site acquisition ensures that the legal rights to the land are secured, preventing future disputes and ensuring that the construction can proceed without legal hindrances.
3. What is the role of an access road in construction?
   An access road allows construction materials and workers to reach the site easily, making it essential for the transportation of materials and machinery.
4. What does site clearance entail?
   Site clearance involves the removal of trees, rocks, old buildings, or any other obstacles that may be on the site to prepare it for construction.
5. Why are site offices necessary on a construction site?
   Site offices provide space for managing the construction project, housing workers, storing documents, and ensuring efficient project administration.
6. How do site services contribute to the success of construction?
   Site services provide utilities like water, electricity, and sanitation, which are essential for construction work and for ensuring the safety and comfort of workers.
7. What is involved in a site investigation?
   Site investigation includes assessing the soil, climate, and environmental factors of the site to ensure it is suitable for construction.
8. How do preliminary operations affect the cost of construction?
   Proper preliminary operations help avoid delays, reduce unforeseen expenses, and make the construction process smoother, potentially lowering overall costs.
9. What risks can arise during site investigation?
   Risks during site investigation include discovering unsuitable soil conditions, environmental hazards, or other factors that could delay or increase costs for the project.
10. What opportunities can be found in effective preliminary operations?
    Effective planning in preliminary operations can help identify cost-saving opportunities, improve site utilization, and avoid future legal and environmental issues.
11. How does site clearance impact the construction timeline?
    Site clearance is an essential first step, and delays in this phase can push back the entire project timeline. Proper planning helps minimize these delays.
12. How do access roads affect the overall construction process?
    Without a proper access road, transporting materials, workers, and machinery to the site would be difficult, leading to delays and possible additional costs.
13. Why is it necessary to provide temporary storage facilities on a construction site?
    Temporary storage facilities keep tools, materials, and equipment safe, organized, and easily accessible, contributing to an efficient building process.
14. What legal documents are required for site acquisition?
    Legal documents like property deeds, zoning permissions, and environmental clearance certificates are required to secure rights to a site for construction.
15. How do preliminary records help in obtaining loans for construction projects?
    Preliminary records, such as site acquisition and investigation reports, are crucial for demonstrating the feasibility and legal standing of the project to potential lenders.

Evaluation Questions (10 Evaluation Questions):

1. What are preliminary operations, and why are they critical in building construction?
2. List the steps involved in the preliminary operations of a building project.
3. What risks can occur during site investigation, and how can they be mitigated?
4. How does site clearance contribute to the safety and success of the construction process?
5. Explain the importance of providing access roads in construction projects.
6. What factors should be considered during a site investigation?
7. How does proper site acquisition affect the overall construction project?
8. What are the common challenges faced during site clearance, and how can they be addressed?
9. Why are temporary site offices necessary for the construction process?
10. How can effective preliminary operations lead to a more successful building project?

Conclusion:

In this lesson, students have learned the crucial role of preliminary operations in building construction. These operations ensure that a construction project is well-planned, legally compliant, and set up for a smooth and successful execution. Through discussions and practical examples, students can now identify the key processes involved in preparing for construction.