1. SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN
BACHELOR OF QUANTITY SURVEYING (HONOURS)
Assignment 2 : Site research report and presentation board(50%)
Submission Date: 11th
July 2014
Objectives
1. To introduce various types of building materials those are used in current construction
practice.
2. To create an understanding in students of the choices designers make in choosing
building materials based on their properties
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject, students will be able to:
1. Recognise and recall types and properties of materials.
2. Describe the general use of different materials in construction
3. Explain the physical properties of building materials
4. Explain the chemical properties of building materials
5. Explain the effect of building materials on construction and structural qualities
TASK
This assignment is to be carried out in group of 4-5 students per group.
- Each group is required to find a specific building/area/space as your research
subject in this particular assignment.
- Students are required to analyse the chosen building/area and submit a report.
- Students are required to identify the function of the building and then study about
the existing types of materials in the building.
- The research should cover all of the building elements of the space which are the:
 Wall
 Floor
 Doors and windows
 Ceiling
 Staircase
 Structure – Column and Beam
- Then compare and contrast with TWO (2) other materials and recommend an
alternative material to replace the existing material.
- You need to study the usage of materials in the building. The materials should cover
the exterior and interior part of the building/area whichever relevant.

2. - The list of materials are as follows:
Timber/timber based products
Cements and concrete
Metals
Bricks
Plastics
Plasters and Gypsum
Paints
Glass
Stone
Rubber
Ceramic
Basically, the assignment is divided into THREE (3) parts.
Part 1
Identify the purpose/function of the building/area.
Introduction of the building/are i.e location, area of space etc.
Part 2
Explain the existing type of materials.
Should covers exterior and interior materials whichever relevant. Should cover all building
element as explained above.
Part 3
Compare and contrast with TWO (2) other materials and recommend an alternative to
replace the existing material. Give you own rational and critical thinking discussion about
your justification regarding the alternative to replace the existing material.
(REPORT) – 30%
The topics in the report should include the listed below (but not limited to) :
- Appropriate Usage/Application
- Physical and chemical properties
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Suitability/Sustainability
- Aesthetical value
- Performance / Behaviour
- Maintenance
- List of references
You are encouraged to include any relevant examples captured from your research
resources.
What you need to do
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3. • You can initially do your research to get the information of the range of materials
assigned to you by its specifications.
• You might find that it is also beneficial to get few contact lists of
suppliers/manufacturers for the materials. You can contact them if necessary in
order to obtain further information and you may even request some samples,
brochures and catalogues which contains much information especially regarding the
technical specifications.
• You will need to name the materials. Find out the cost of the materials (whichever
necessary) and justify their classification base on their difference i.e
usage/application, properties and characteristics, aesthetic, maintenance etc.
• Analyze, investigate and document all of these selected materials information such
as characteristic, properties, advantages and disadvantages, specifications, strength
etc.
• Collect examples of where your materials are used (pictures).
• Collect samples of your materials whichever relevant and if necessary.
• Detail the benefits of your selected materials on the environment and building itself.
• Compare the value with other characteristics such as aesthetic value, quality,
chemical strength, sustainability and durability between the selected materials. Ask
yourself why is this material is expensive compare to the other, what make it
different etc.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENT
FINAL SUBMISSION DATE : 11th
July 2014
• A4 size bound report attached with soft copy of the assignment. The content of your
submission report should be a documentation of all your finding and analysis as
explained in the task column above in a presentable manner. Suggested format of
Report : min 20pages max 30pages
• Cover page : name and students number
• Table of Content
• Introduction of materials : General information, properties for the materials by
categories.: with images of materials can be scanned image of material samples
collected.
• Contents of topics and subtopic
• Referencing (MUST)
• Font Arial 12
• Spacing 1 ½
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Quality of work shall be assessed on the following criteria :
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4. • Understanding of effects of building materials on building and environment
• Clarity in communicating your ideas, proposals and analysis
• Depth of research and finding information, sample of materials, technical
specifications, catalogues and data collected.
• Content of your submission
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