Learn to Build - with Brick, Concrete and Stone
Course Code: BSS101
Course Duration: 100 hours (approximation, self paced study, commonly 3 to 6 months, longer if you need)
Learn about different types of materials and techniques for buildings, interior and exterior features and more.
This course is useful for owner builders, property owners, or anyone working in property management studies, maintenance, or construction.
Course Content
Lesson 1. Scope and Nature of Masonry
- terminology
- masonry tools
- ready mix or hand mixed concrete
- masonry materials
- types of stone
- legal requirements
- foundations
- joining
Lesson 2. Cement and Concrete
- cement
- cement terminology
- American Society for Testing and Materials (astm)
- concrete
- what is the difference between drying and curing?
- psi strength of concrete
- concrete masonry units
- concrete foundations
Lesson 3. Construction Method and Structural Considerations
- setting out levels
- understanding loads
- types of walls
- making construction stronger
- dealing with movement
- movement joints
- using moisture controls
- using metal
- copings and caps
Lesson 4. Working with Brick
- types of bricks
- laying bricks
- bonding
- choice of bond
- locking your construction in place
- how to cut bricks
- damp-proofing
- building a brick garden wall
- how to construct brick arches
- piers
- cavity wall construction
- wall openings
Lesson 5. Working with Stone
- types of stone used in construction
- stone walls
- stone walls for landscaping
- free standing stone walls
Lesson 6. Construction for Fire: Fireplaces, bbq’s, kilns, ovens and fire pits
- how to construct fireplaces and chimneys
- chimneys that do not work
- indoor slow combustion burners and wood/coal burning stoves
- brick barbecues
Lesson 7. Landscape Applications & Hybrid construction
- paving
- outdoor steps
- other garden features
- furniture
- pedestals and plinths
- wishing well
- letter box
- follies
- water features
Lesson 8. Repair and Miscellaneous Work
- paints and sealants
- plastering walls
- fixing plaques to masonry
- damaged walls
- surface damage and structural damage
- problems with paving & driveways
Lesson 9. Building Applications: houses, farm and commercial buildings
- choosing a site
- setting out buildings
- legalities
- special project