Why this course?

Description

Module 1 — Introduction & Scope of SBC 304 (Concrete Structures)

1.1 Purpose, Codes and Interpretation
Short summary of SBC 304 structure, how clauses map to design and execution, interpretation of mandatory vs. recommended provisions.
Learning outcome: Read and extract requirements from SBC clauses; identify clauses relevant to a contract item.
Practical task: Walk through a sample clause and highlight practical implications for drawing review and BOQ.

1.2 Types of Concrete Structures Covered
Beams, slabs, columns, shear walls, stairs, foundations, retaining walls — scope limits and assumptions.
Learning outcome: Classify structural elements and understand which design assumptions apply.
Practical task: Map an existing building plan to items in SBC 304.

1.3 Roles, Responsibilities & Documentation
Designer, contractor, site engineer duties; drawings, shop drawings, QA documents and record keeping required by SBC 304.
Learning outcome: Prepare a checklist of documents required before casting begins.
Practical task: Create a site handover checklist for a typical footing or slab.

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Module 2 — Concrete Materials & Properties

2.1 Cement, Aggregates and Admixtures
Types of cement, grading of aggregates, specific gravity, absorption, and function of common admixtures allowed/limited by code.
Learning outcome: Select appropriate materials for durability and workability requirements.
Practical task: Inspect sample aggregate and prepare a short acceptance report.

2.2 Fresh Concrete Properties & Workability
Slump, compacting factor, bleeding, segregation — impact on placement and finishing.
Learning outcome: Relate test results to expected behaviour on site and corrective actions.
Practical task: Interpret slump test data and recommend adjustments for a hot weather pour.

2.3 Hardened Concrete Properties & Strength Development
Compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, creep, shrinkage, time-temperature strength relationship.
Learning outcome: Predict strength gain for curing regimes and understand implications for formwork removal.
Practical task: Calculate expected 7-day and 28-day strengths given typical mix data.

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Module 3 — Concrete Mix Design & Quality Control

3.1 Principles of Mix Proportioning
Target strength, workability, exposure class, water/cement ratio, aggregate grading — practical stepwise mix design approach.
Learning outcome: Prepare a mix design flow and identify critical control parameters.
Practical task: Produce a sample mix design for M25 concrete for moderate exposure.

3.2 Factory & Site Quality Control Tests
Sampling, slump, compressive test cubes/cylinders, sieve analysis, water/cement ratio checks, acceptance criteria.
Learning outcome: Set a QC plan and frequency of tests for a structural pour.
Practical task: Draft a QC test schedule for a 200 m³ slab pour.

3.3 Non-conformance, Rework and Record Keeping
Handling weak batches, delay cures, corrective repairs, acceptance of partial non-conformance.
Learning outcome: Decide acceptance or rejection of batches and plan remedial measures.
Practical task: Write a corrective action note for a 28-day strength failure.

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Module 4 — Formwork, Falsework & Surface Finishes

4.1 Design & Selection of Formwork Systems
Formwork types, allowable deflections, panel spacing, shuttering pressures and safe working loads.
Learning outcome: Select appropriate formwork system and check for compliance with allowable tolerances.
Practical task: Prepare a formwork checklist for a continuous beam and cantilever slab.

4.2 Erection, Bracing and Safety
Anchorage, propping, sequencing for staged removal, scaffolding interfaces and safety inspections.
Learning outcome: Plan erection and striking sequence to ensure stability and safety.
Practical task: Create a striking schedule with permissible loads for propping stages.

4.3 Surface Treatment & Finishing Quality
Honeycombing, bug holes, finishing techniques, curing interface for secondary finishes (plaster, tiles).
Learning outcome: Identify acceptable surface defects and decide repair strategy.
Practical task: Produce a short list of remedial steps for minor honeycombing and for major voids.

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Module 5 — Reinforcement: Detailing, Placement & BBS

5.1 Reinforcement Types, Cover & Detailing Rules
Bars, wires, chairs, laps, development length, hooks, minimum cover for exposure classes.
Learning outcome: Prepare compliant reinforcement details that satisfy durability and strength.
Practical task: Check reinforcement detail on a beam drawing for lap lengths and cover compliance.

5.2 Bar Bending Schedule (BBS) Preparation
Bar mark system, cut lengths, hooks, wastage factors and optimization for procurement.
Learning outcome: Produce a clear BBS that can be handed to the fabrication shop.
Practical task: Create a BBS for a set of columns and short beams from given drawings.

5.3 Placement & Inspection on Site
Tolerances, spacers, chairs, tying methods, congestion issues and inspection checklists before pouring.
Learning outcome: Run an effective reinforcement inspection and sign off.
Practical task: Draft an inspection punch list for slab reinforcement prior to casting.

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Module 6 — Structural Analysis of Concrete Members

6.1 Load Considerations & Limit States
Dead, live, wind, seismic, load combinations and serviceability vs strength limit states as applied to concrete members.
Learning outcome: Formulate correct load combinations for design checks.
Practical task: Prepare load combination summary for a residential floor slab.

6.2 Shear, Bending and Torsion Behaviour
Stress resultants, critical sections, shear reinforcement requirements and torsion-shear interaction.
Learning outcome: Identify failure modes and detailing requirements to avoid brittle failure.
Practical task: Check shear reinforcement for a short span beam using provided shear force.

6.3 Deflection, Crack Control & Serviceability Checks
Instantaneous and long-term deflection checks, crack width limits, spacing rules to control cracking.
Learning outcome: Predict serviceability performance and specify reinforcement or section changes.
Practical task: Calculate approximate immediate deflection for a simply supported slab and suggest measures if excessive.

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Module 7 — Design of Beams & Slabs (Practical)

7.1 Design of Singly & Doubly Reinforced Beams
Neutral axis, ultimate moment calculation, reinforcement area determination and practical detailing notes.
Learning outcome: Design a beam from loads to reinforcement and check against practical minimums.
Practical task: Design a simply supported beam for a given moment and prepare reinforcement notes.

7.2 Flat Slabs, One-Way & Two-Way Slabs
Design philosophy, punching shear, column strip vs middle strip, drop panels and reinforcement distribution.
Learning outcome: Select slab type and design critical reinforcement areas.
Practical task: Investigate a slab panel for punching shear and propose necessary measures.

7.3 Continuous Beams & Redistribution
Moment redistribution rules, continuity reinforcement, provision for negative moments at supports.
Learning outcome: Apply redistribution limits and detail continuity reinforcement.
Practical task: Detail negative moment reinforcement at a continuous support with an opening nearby.

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Module 8 — Design of Columns, Walls & Foundations

8.1 Short & Slender Columns, Interaction Diagrams
Axial load-moment interaction, slenderness effects, eccentricities and second-order effects.
Learning outcome: Determine whether columns are slender and apply appropriate checks.
Practical task: Produce P-M interaction check for a rectangular column under given loads.

8.2 Shear Walls and Retaining Walls
Wall action, overturning checks, soil pressure considerations, reinforcement zoning and control joints.
Learning outcome: Design basic shear wall reinforcement layout and retaining wall stability checks.
Practical task: Sketch reinforcement arrangement for a cantilever retaining wall.

8.3 Mat, Isolated Footings & Pile Caps
Bearing capacity checks, settlement considerations, punching shear at columns on footings, pile cap reinforcement.
Learning outcome: Size footings and detail pile caps to avoid punching and ensure load transfer.
Practical task: Check footing for column load and design minimum footing dimensions.

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Module 9 — Durability, Special Concretes & Repair Techniques

9.1 Durability Design & Exposure Classes
Chloride, sulfate, carbonation risks; required covers, concrete grades and protective measures.
Learning outcome: Choose materials and detailing for durability in aggressive environments.
Practical task: Recommend cover and concrete grade for a coastal structure.

9.2 Special Concretes and Additions
High-performance mixes, lightweight concrete, heavy concrete, and considerations for use (curing, placement).
Learning outcome: Understand pros/cons and execution constraints of specialty mixes.
Practical task: Prepare a placement plan for lightweight concrete for a roof slab.

9.3 Inspection, Repair & Strengthening Methods
Condition assessment, patch repair, resin injection, external bonding, jacketing and rules for structural repair.
Learning outcome: Select appropriate repair method and prepare a brief repair procedure.
Practical task: Write a step-by-step repair note for delaminated concrete cover on a beam.

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Module 10 — Site Testing, Inspection & Contract Documentation

10.1 Pre-pour Inspections & Acceptance Criteria
Reinforcement, formwork, embedded items, temporary works sign-off, test certificate documentation.
Learning outcome: Run a pre-pour meeting with clear acceptance criteria and checklists.
Practical task: Create a pre-pour sign-off template for slab casting.

10.2 Field Testing, Non-Destructive Evaluation & Records
Slump, cube tests, core testing, rebound hammer/ultrasonic pulse as supplementary checks and how to interpret results.
Learning outcome: Use test results to make informed decisions about acceptance and repairs.
Practical task: Draft a reporting template summarizing in-situ and laboratory test results.

10.3 BOQ, Measurement Rules & Rate Considerations for Concrete Works
Measurement principles (forms, reinforcement, concrete, curing), typical inclusions/exclusions in rates, provisional items and variation handling.
Learning outcome: Prepare clear BOQ line items for a reinforced concrete element and avoid common billing disputes.
Practical task: Create sample BOQ lines for a typical column-beam-slab package including key rate notes.