Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3

≈SUBSTRUCTURE AND SUPERSTRUCTURE

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Subject: Applied Technology

Class: SHS 3

Term: 1st Term

Week: 17

Grade code: 3.3.2.LI.4

Strand code: 3

Sub-strand code: 3

Content standard code: 3.3.2.CS.1

Indicator code: 3.3.2.LI.4

Theme: BUILDING CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

Subtheme: ≈SUBSTRUCTURE AND SUPERSTRUCTURE

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

Lesson summary

This lesson connects directly to our study of the building's substructure and superstructure. Once the main frame of a house is built, we must install essential services that make it liveable. One of the most critical services is the cold water supply. In Ghana, having access to clean, running water is vital for health, hygiene, and daily comfort. Understanding the correct process, from applying to the Ghana Water Company Ltd. (GWCL) to the final testing of the taps, is a crucial skill for any student of building technology. This lesson will break down the entire process into a clear, sequential "schedule of works".

Lesson notes

This section breaks down the entire process of installing a cold water supply system. A schedule of works is simply a detailed list of all the tasks that must be completed for a project, arranged in the order they must be done. Stage 1: Pre-Installation Activities (The Paperwork and Planning)

Before a single pipe is laid, crucial administrative and planning steps must be taken. This ensures the connection is legal, properly planned, and meets the standards of the service provider. Application to Service Provider: The property owner must formally apply to the local office of the Ghana Water Company Ltd. (GWCL) for a new service connection. This involves filling out forms and providing property ownership documents (e.g., site plan, indenture). Site Inspection: GWCL officials will visit the property to assess the feasibility of the connection. They check the distance to the nearest public water main and determine the best route for the connection pipe. Agreement and Payment: Once the connection is approved, an agreement is signed between the property owner and GWCL. The owner then pays the required connection fees. This agreement is a legal contract that outlines the responsibilities of both parties. This step is non-negotiable and is the official start of the process. Material Procurement: The plumber or contractor purchases all necessary materials based on the approved plan.

Key Materials and Fittings: Pipes: Mostly uPVC (unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride) or PPR (Polypropylene Random Copolymer) pipes. Common sizes are 1/2 inch (15mm) and 3/4 inch (20mm). Water Meter: A device supplied by GWCL to measure the volume of water consumed. It is used for billing. Main Stop Valve (Stopcock): A valve installed near the meter to shut off the entire water supply to the property in an emergency or for repairs. Storage Cistern (Polytank): A large tank, usually made of plastic, for storing water. This is crucial in Ghana due to intermittent water supply. Ball Valve (Ballcock): An automatic valve inside the storage cistern that stops the inflow of water when the tank is full. Taps (Faucets): Fixtures used to draw water at points of use (sinks, basins). Fittings: Elbows (to change direction), Tees (to create a branch), Sockets (to join pipes), Reducers (to connect pipes of different sizes). Stage 2: Installation Works (The Step-by-Step Physical Process)

This is the main construction phase, which must follow a logical sequence.

Evaluation guide