Course Number and Title:
CMT 110 Construction Materials and Print Reading
Prerequisites
SSC 100 or concurrent
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
2 lecture hours/week
3 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course offers a comprehensive introduction to interpreting and communicating information from residential and commercial Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) documents. Students will learn to accurately calculate dimensions, areas, and volumes from drawings while gaining an understanding of essential construction materials and sustainable building practices. Hands-on laboratory activities provide practical experience with material properties and applications. Professional conduct, ethical responsibilities, and safety practices in the construction industry are emphasized throughout the course.
Additional Materials
Architectural scale, engineering scale, construction calculator, hard hat, Level 3 safety vest, safety glasses
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Interpret graphic and text information in residential and commercial construction documents, identifying elements of construction drawing organization. (CCC 2, 4; PGC 1, 3, 6)
- Deduce mathematical values and interpret dimensions using construction documents. (CCC 2, 4, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 6)
- Describe the roles and phases of the construction process. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5; PGC 1, 4, 6)
- Relate written specifications to construction drawings, including building codes. (CCC 2, 4; PGC 2, 5)
- Identify common materials, symbols, and abbreviations used in AEC construction documents. (CCC 1, 2, 4; PGC 1, 3, 6)
- Interpret and discuss residential and commercial construction documents used in the AEC industry. (CCC 1, 2, 4; PGC 1, 3, 6)
- Analyze the properties and applications of common construction materials and sustainable building practices in the AEC industry. (CCC 1, 2, 6; PGC 1, 5,6)
- Demonstrate professional, ethical, and safe practices and conduct in the industry. (CCC 3, 5, 6; PGC 3, 5)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Interpret graphic and text information in residential and commercial construction documents, identifying elements of construction drawing organization.
- Describe sheet sizes, title block information, drawing scale, and general organization of a set of prints.
- Identify common types of lines and symbols used on construction documents and explain their meanings.
- Identify and sketch different types of building views shown in construction drawings, including primary views of orthographic drawings, ensuring correct orientation and alignment.
- Describe dimensioning practices and methods used for building features on various drawing types.
- Cross-reference drawings within a drawing set to ensure consistency and accuracy.
- Describe the concepts of live loads and dead loads in building design.
- Identify where live loads and dead loads are specified in construction drawings and specifications.
- Deduce mathematical values and interpret dimensions using construction documents.
- Calculate dimensions, areas, and volumes from construction documents.
- Interpret dimension data and make calculations based on the data.
- Sketch and interpret measurements using architect's and engineer's scales.
- Read and interpret customary rules and tapes.
- Perform calculations using various measurement tools and techniques.
- Describe the roles and phases of the construction process.
- Describe the different roles within the construction process and their respective responsibilities.
- Explain the phases of the construction process, from pre-construction to project completion.
- Observe and document different phases of construction through site visits or simulated projects.
- Relate written specifications to construction drawings, including building codes.
- Interpret written specifications and relate them to corresponding construction drawings.
- Locate specific materials within specifications and describe their use in construction.
- Explain the purpose and significance of building codes and regulations.
- Identify how building code requirements, including life safety and code compliance, are reflected in specifications and impact construction practices.
- Identify common materials, symbols, and abbreviations used in AEC construction documents.
- Identify commonly used materials, symbols, and abbreviations.
- Explain the meaning of graphic symbols and abbreviations.
- Interpret and discuss residential and commercial construction documents used in the AEC industry.
- Recognize features of civil, architectural, structural, mechanical, and plumbing drawings.
- Describe the purpose and organization of different types of construction drawings.
- Classify life safety and code requirements as they relate to commercial and residential building codes.
- Explain the role of shop drawings and interpret as-built drawings, discussing their significance in the construction process.
- Analyze the properties and applications of common construction materials and sustainable building practices in the AEC industry.
- Identify and describe the properties and uses of common construction materials, including aggregates, concrete, masonry, metals, wood, roofing, siding, and insulation.
- Explain the characteristics and applications of fine and coarse aggregates, including their properties and uses.
- List types of cement and concrete compositions, describe their applications in construction and explain the manufacturing process of cement, including completing a concrete mix design.
- Discuss the physical properties of masonry products such as brick masonry, concrete masonry units, stone masonry, and structural clay tile, including the application of reinforcement methods like mortar, bond beams, lintels, and joint reinforcement.
- List and describe major types of ferrous and nonferrous metals used in construction, including steel production methods and common structural steel shapes.
- Describe various wood products and the classification of lumber, including different types of wood framing techniques.
- Identify and explain common roofing materials and their applications in specific roof styles.
- Describe and identify common exterior and interior finishing materials.
- Explain and calculate R-values based on insulation thickness and material specifications, understanding their impact on thermal resistance and energy efficiency.
- Recognize basic principles of sustainability in the AEC industry.
- Demonstrate professional, ethical, and safe practices and conduct in the industry.
- Exhibit professional and ethical behavior in classroom and laboratory settings.
- Follow safety protocols and practices relevant to the construction industry.
- Discuss the importance of professional conduct, ethics, and safety in the construction field.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | Percentage of final grade |
Summative Assessments |
- 2-3 Exams - (Equally weighted)
| 25% |
| 30% |
Formative Assessments |
- Unit Assignments -(Equally weighted)
| 20% |
- Print Reading Assignments -(Equally weighted)
| 25% |
TOTAL | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
- Explore and apply foundational principles of civil (horizontal) and architectural (vertical) fields as they relate to construction management.
- Identify and quantify materials used in technical projects.
- Interpret and utilize construction drawings and project manuals.
- Employ project management skills as they relate to horizontal and vertical construction projects.
- Use equipment and technologies relevant to the construction management field.
- Demonstrate a commitment to safety, sustainability, quality, timeliness, professional development, and continuous improvement.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.