Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Define substructure and superstructure.
• Identify components of both structures.
• Describe tools used in their construction.
• Understand safety guidelines for construction sites.

Lesson summary

This lesson introduces the two fundamental divisions of any building: the substructure and the superstructure. Think about a large mango tree; it has roots that anchor it firmly in the ground and a trunk, branches, and leaves that we see above the ground. Buildings are very similar. Understanding these two parts is the first and most important step in learning how buildings stand up and function. Whether we are looking at our own family house, the school block, a market stall in Kejetia, or a tall office building in Accra, they all have these two basic parts.

Lesson notes

The main reference point for dividing a building is the Ground Level (GL). This is the level of the finished ground surface around the building. Substructure: The part of the building constructed below the Ground Level. It is the hidden part of the building. Superstructure: The part of the building constructed above the Ground Level. This is the visible part that we use every day. A. The Substructure

The substructure is the foundation or base of the building. Its main job is to provide support for the entire structure and safely transmit all the loads from the building into the soil beneath it. A building is only as strong as its substructure.

Primary Function: To transfer loads safely from the building to the ground. These loads include: Dead Loads: The weight of the building materials themselves (concrete blocks, roofing sheets, beams, etc.). Live Loads: The weight of movable objects, people, and furniture inside the building. Environmental Loads: Forces from wind, rain, and sometimes earthquakes.

Components of the Substructure: Foundation: This is the lowest load-bearing part of the building. It is in direct contact with the soil. The type of foundation depends on the type of soil and the size of the building. Footings: These are the widened parts at the base of the foundation. Imagine you are standing on soft sand. If you stand on your toes, you sink. But if you stand with your feet flat, you are more stable. Footings work the same way—they spread the building's load over a wider area of soil to prevent it from sinking or collapsing. Strip Footing: A continuous strip of concrete used to support walls. Pad Footing: An isolated square or rectangular pad of concrete used to support a single column. Foundation Walls: These are the walls that extend from the footing up to the Ground Level. They support the walls of the superstructure. Damp Proof Course (DPC): This is a very important layer of waterproof material (like thick polythene or bitumen felt) built into the wall, usually just above the ground level. Its job is to prevent moisture or "dampness" from the ground from rising up into the walls of the building. In Ghana's humid and rainy climate, a DPC is essential to prevent mould, peeling paint, and damage to the walls. Ground Floor Slab (sometimes considered part substructure): The concrete floor at ground level. B. The Superstructure

Evaluation guide

• Explain and use the various tools and equipment for soft and hard soldering
• Experiential learning: Learners embark on educational visit and observe with safety
• understanding
• Leve l 4 Extended critical