BCN 1596 - Environmental Technology for Building Construction

Engineering and Building Arts Department

Credit(s): 2
Contact Hours: 32
Effective Term Fall 2009 (415)

Requisites

Prerequisite REA 0007

Course Description

This course is an introduction to technological aspects of building design which relate to human comfort and safety and to the efficiency of building performance in consumption of energy.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will demonstrate an understanding of the terminology, concepts, and basic technology of thermal, auditory, and other comfort factors affected by the building design process by:
    1. discussing and determining the factors that affect thermal comfort.
    2. defining radiation, conduction, convection, reflectance, absorption, emittance and thermal resistance.
    3. identifying the sound levels of the “Threshold of Hearing” through the “Threshold of Pain.”
    4. defining sound, noise, decibels, frequency, wavelengths, sound transmission control (STC), and impact insulation classification (IIC).
    5. discussing and determining the methods to improve acoustics, including reinforcing sound and eliminating noise.
  2. The student will demonstrate an understanding of the general technology and methods used to provide for fire safety, sanitation, light and power, and other potentially hazardous features of buildings by:
    1. identifying materials and means to keep a fire from starting.
    2. identifying materials and means to keep a fire from spreading.
    3. identifying materials and means to extinguish a fire.
    4. discussing and describing the code requirements for the protection of human life and the safe evacuation of a building in the event of a fire.
    5. describing basic sanitation systems including cold and hot water supply and the drain, waste, vent system.
    6. discussing and describing the basic code requirements for the supply of water and sanitation facilities, and for the removal of waste.
    7. evaluating the benefits to the environment of using low-flow fixtures, recycled gray water, and the collection and retention of rainwater.
    8. defining the terms associated with electromagnetic spectrum, the visible light spectrum, lumens, footcandles, task lighting, architectural lighting and daylighting.
    9. describing and determining the types and levels of lighting required to complete specific tasks.
    10. discussing the effects of different colors of light.
    11. discussing the benefits of daylighting in the energy performance of a building.
    12. defining Ohm’s Law, voltage, amperage, resistance, alternating current, transformers, rectifiers, grounds, and ground fault interuptors (GFIs).
    13. defining the code requirements for providing power to a building, including the protection of human life from electrical hazards.
    14. describing alternative energy sources to provide electrical power to a building.
  3. The student will demonstrate an understanding of the basic energy consumption in buildings as affected by building design and familiarization with methods used to analyze the energy efficiency performance of the building design by:
    1. describing how building orientation can increase energy efficiency in a building.
    2. determining how different room layouts and orientation can increase energy efficiency in a building.
    3. identifying energy saving devices, appliances, construction materials, and energy practices can increase energy efficiency.
    4. conducting an energy audit of an existing structure.
    5. analyzing the results of the energy audit for energy efficiency.

Criteria Performance Standard

Upon successful completion of the course the student will, with a minimum of 70% accuracy, demonstrate mastery of each of the above stated objectives through classroom measures developed by individual course instructors.

History of Changes

C&I Approval: 04/28/2009, BOT Approval: 06/19/2009, Effective Term: Fall 2009 (415)

Related Programs

  1. Building Design and Construction Management (ARCH-AS) (640) (Active)
  2. Construction Technology (BCNST-BAS) (670) (Active)
  3. Construction Technology (BCNST-TR) (670) (Active)
  4. Sustainability Management (SUSMGT-BAS) (640) (Active)
  5. Sustainability Management (SUSMGT-TR) (670) (Active)
  6. Sustainable Construction Technology (BCNST-CT) (550) (Active)