COWLEY COLLEGE COURSE PROCEDURE
CST 3249 INTRODUCTION TO CONSTRUCTION CODES
3 Credit Hours
Student Level:
This course is open to students on the college level in either the freshman or sophomore year and to area high school vocational students.
Catalog Description:
CST 3249 - INTRODUCTION TO CONSTRUCTION CODES (3 hrs.)
Students will study the International Residential Code (IRC) codes and standards associated with construction trades. The course provides an overview of the industry standard of how to read and understand the codes book and how to implement them into industry.
Course Classification:
Lecture
Prerequisites:
N/A
Controlling Purpose:
This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of construction codes, focusing on the International Residential Code (IRC) standards. Participants will gain practical knowledge and skills essential for navigating and applying construction codes in various building projects.
Learner Outcomes:
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Understand and interpret specific sections of the International Residential Code (IRC) related to each module.
- Apply advanced carpentry and construction skills within the context of each unit
- Evaluate and ensure compliance with IRC standards for each construction phase.
- Understand and demonstrate how to efficiently read and apply the International Residential Code book.
Unit Outcomes for Criterion Based Evaluation:
The following outline defines the minimum core content not including the final examination period. Instructors may add other material as time allows.
UNIT 1: Scope And Administration
Outcomes: Students will learn about the application, enforcement, and administration of the requirements of the code. Students will learn to identify which buildings and structures come under the IRC jurisdiction.
Upon completion of the unit, the student will be able to:
- Recall an overview of the IRC and its role in developing construction codes.
- Describe the importance of compliance with building regulations.
- Discuss the historical context and evolution of construction codes.
UNIT 2: Definitions
Outcomes: Students will learn how to understand a term’s definition and how it is necessary for understanding particular code provisions.
Upon completion of the unit, the student will be able to:
- Describe key definitions in the IRC.
- Interpret terminology used in the construction industry.
- Defend the significance of precise definitions.
UNIT 3: building Planning
Outcomes: Students will have an overview of the minimum level of structural integrity, life safety, fire safety and livability for inhabitants of dwelling units regulated by the code. This unit will cover code requirements dealing with light, ventilation, minimum room size and ceiling heights.
Upon completion of the unit, the student will be able to:
- Examine IRC requirements for building planning
- Apply building planning principles.
- Illustrate life-safety provisions including limitations on glazing used in hazardous areas.
- State the specifications on stairways.
- Identify the importance of guards at elevated surfaces.
- Apply life-safety principles in building design.
UNIT 4: Foundations
Outcomes: Students will learn the requirements for the design and construction of foundation systems for buildings regulated by this code. Provisions for seismic load, flood load and frost protection.
Upon completion of the unit, the student will be able to:
- Describe requirements for constructing footings and walls for foundations.
- Explain factors that can affect foundation performance.
- Discuss controlling surface water and subsurface drainage.
- Recall soil test requirements and footing depth requirements.
- State the requirements to minimize adverse effects of moisture, decay and pests in basements and crawl spaces.
UNIT 5: Floors
Outcomes: Students will be introduced to the requirements for the design and construction of floor systems that will be capable of supporting minimum required design loads.
Upon completion of the unit, the student will be able to:
- Explain wood floor framing requirements.
- Discuss wood floors on the ground requirements.
- Recall cold-formed steel floor framing requirements.
- Describe concrete slabs on the ground requirements.
- Demonstrate how to correctly read and interpret tables providing joist, girder, and sheathing sizes for raised floor systems.
- State the prescriptive requirements for wood-framed exterior decks and their attachment to main structure.
UNIT 6: Wall construction and Wall Covering
Outcomes: Students will be introduced to provisions that regulate the design and construction of walls. Students will cover the requirements for the design and construction of wall systems that are capable of supporting the minimum design vertical loads and lateral loads. Provisions for the design and construction of interior and exterior wall coverings will be covered.
- Wood framed walls requirements.
- Steel framed wall requirements.
- Masonry and concrete wall requirements.
- Cover the structural integrity of wall construction and the transfer of all imposed loads supporting a structure.
- Describe the requirements for wall bracing and/ or shear walls to resist imposed lateral loads.
- Describe various types of materials and standards of application as interior and exterior wall coverings.
UNIT 7: Roof-ceiling construction and Roof assemblies
Outcomes: Students will gain an understanding of regulations of the design and construction of roof ceiling systems. Understanding of wood framing requirements. Design and construction of roof assemblies.
- Allowable span tables are provided to simplify the selection of rafter and ceiling joist size for wood roof framing.
- Requirements for the application of ceiling finishes.
- Proper ventilation of concealed spaces in roofs.
- Unvented attic assemblies and attic access.
- Cover the requirements for wind resistance of roof coverings.
- Understand and describe different roof covering materials such as asphalt shingles, roll roofing, wood shakes, metal roof panels.
Projects Required:
as assigned.
Textbook:
International Residential Code 2015
Attendance Policy:
Students should adhere to the attendance policy outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.
Grading Policy:
The grading policy will be outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.
Maximum class size:
Based on classroom occupancy.
Course Time Frame:
The U.S. Department of Education, Higher Learning Commission and the Kansas Board of Regents define credit hour and have specific regulations that the college must follow when developing, teaching and assessing the educational aspects of the college. A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally-established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester hour of credit or an equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time. The number of semester hours of credit allowed for each distance education or blended hybrid courses shall be assigned by the college based on the amount of time needed to achieve the same course outcomes in a purely face-to-face format.
Refer to the following policies:
402.00 Academic Code of Conduct
263.00 Student Appeal of Course Grades
403.00 Student Code of Conduct
Disability Services Program:
Cowley College, in recognition of state and federal laws, will accommodate a student with a documented disability. If a student has a disability which may impact work in this class which requires accommodations, contact the Disability Services Coordinator.
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