Uploaded on 2017-04-25 by Yusraa Hamza

“Construction used to be a localised activity, but with the advancement of construction processes and construction materials, almost every building contains components of a globalised economy” The photographed attached was taken by myself, in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, where I studied Bachelor of Architectural Studies and completed my course in December 2016. The photograph is of a site report assignment I had, which expected of me to study the site, the design and follow up the construction process of the building for a year. The building is a sports centre for the Fairview community. The structure is a concrete frame structure, with brick infill. The main materials used on site were: • Concrete • Steel • brick Concrete is the most versatile and available building material, that is easy to work with, economical and durable, but it is also highly unpredictable. The type of construction will determine the equipment requirements. It is manufactured within South Africa hence saves on importation costs. It is also a material that is globally used and recognized. It has been used in construction of the columns, floor slabs (exposed concrete aggregate). A concrete frame structure, as the name suggests, comprises of a skeletal structure made up of columns and beams of reinforced concrete it serves as an advantage in the following ways: 1) Reinforced Value in Building Construction 2) Energy Savings 3) Fire Resistance 4) Durability, Strength and Low Maintenance 5) Aesthetic Value Today's concrete technologies provide innovative solutions for architectural interest and versatility in design. New colouring admixtures provide attractive, economical alternatives to exterior finishing. And concrete is adaptable to a variety of surface treatments and shapes resulting in structures that set graciously into any environment. 6) Is used as an exterior "skin" used to cover the frame to protect the steel from extreme weather conditions. These are recognized globally and serve similar purposes all over the world. Steel is also used as scaffolding as seen in the photograph, and this is practised globally as well. Brick is a locally produced material, cheaply available and durable. Brick however isn’t used all over, just in countries where it is readily available or where the client demands it. Concrete and steel however are two materials that are used globally, when married, they form a strong bond that can provide excellent load bearing qualities.