Assignment Task

You are required to select a case study, consisting of an existing low-rise housing building, and discuss various aspects regarding the construction system, structural characteristics, relevant materials, signs of degradation of materials, and existing pathologies.

Assignment Task Requirements:

Select a case study of an old existing low-rise housing building, constructed before 1992 (30 years old), and discuss the construction system, structural characteristics, relevant materials, signs of degradation of materials, existing building defects, and building performance failures.

Possible buildings include detached or semi-detached houses or flat buildings up to five (5) stories and built before 1992. Medium-rise or taller buildings and non-housing buildings will not be accepted.

The report should be written and include approximately [word count] words (excluding references and appendix), containing at least the following information:

• Address of the selected building
• Location map
• Postcode of selected building
• Photograph of the main façade (front of the building)
• Date of building

Report Preparation:

• Ensure a clear structure using headings and subheadings with coherent links throughout.
• Use clear, concise, and simple language.
• Include an introduction and a concluding paragraph.

Tips for Preparing Your Report:

• Base your research on academic sources such as journal articles, books, and book chapters.
• Reference appropriately using Harvard-style referencing.
• Include at least three peer-reviewed academic resources. Other sources like internet sites, magazines, or newspapers may be used supplementary.

Assignment Brief:

Your work will be assessed on the extent to which it demonstrates your achievement of the stated learning outcomes for this assignment and against other key criteria, as defined in the University’s institutional grading descriptors.

Discussion Areas:

1. Investigate the construction systems.
2. Identify and explain the structural and non-structural elements.
3. Identify the technologies utilized in the building construction.
4. Identify and describe the main structural materials used, including photographs.
5. Identify signs of aging and degradation of materials, including photographs, or any possible pathologies affecting structural or non-structural elements.