Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 1
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Building Construction
Curriculum Theme: Building Elements
Previous Lesson: .
Topic: Suspended Upper Floor
Subject Matter: Formwork for suspended upper floor (formwork arrangement) (temporary support and mould for concrete)

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Define a suspended upper floor.
List at least three functions of a suspended upper floor.
Identify different methods of constructing concrete floors.
Explain the purpose of formwork in concrete construction.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of proper formwork in building construction.
Participate actively in class discussions on floor construction.

Psychomotor Domain:

Sketch a simple arrangement of formwork for a suspended floor.
Identify the main components of formwork for a suspended floor.

Collaborate with peers to discuss the challenges of constructing suspended floors.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Building Construction by W.B. McKay
Building Construction by Barry, R.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Spirit level
Wooden float
Line
Builder’s square
Diagrams or charts showing different types of suspended floors and formwork arrangements.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the structural components of multi-storey buildings and the temporary support systems needed for concrete construction. It enables pupils to grasp how suspended floors are built, which is important for future careers in construction and engineering.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have a basic understanding of building materials like concrete, steel, and timber, and some knowledge of foundations and ground floor construction.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Suspended Upper Floor

Definition of Suspended Upper Floor

A suspended upper floor is a structural element in a building that is constructed above the ground level and supported by walls, beams, or columns. It does not rest directly on the ground but is “suspended” in the air, creating space below it.

Functions of Suspended Upper Floor

The following are the functions of a suspended upper floor:

Provides a stable and level surface for the upper storey.
Separates different levels within a building.
Offers structural support for loads from furniture, occupants, and partitions.
Contributes to sound insulation and thermal insulation between floors.
Accommodates services like electrical conduits and plumbing pipes.

Methods of Constructing Concrete Floors

Concrete floors can be constructed using various methods, primarily categorised as:

In-situ Concrete Floors: These are cast directly on site, requiring temporary support structures called formwork.
Precast Concrete Floors: These are manufactured off-site in factories and then transported and lifted into position on site.

Formwork for Suspended Upper Floor

Formwork is a temporary support and mould system used to hold fresh concrete in place until it gains sufficient strength to support itself. For suspended upper floors, formwork is essential for casting in-situ concrete slabs and beams.

The main components and arrangement of formwork for a suspended upper floor typically include:

Sole Plates: Timber planks laid on the ground or supporting structure to distribute the load from the props.
Props (Adjustable Steel Props or Timber Posts): Vertical members used to support the formwork system at the required height.
Bearers (or Ledgers): Horizontal members placed on top of the props, running perpendicular to the floor joists.
Joists (or Battens): Smaller horizontal members placed on top of the bearers, supporting the deck sheeting. They run perpendicular to the bearers.
Sheeting (or Decking): Plywood, timber boards, or steel plates forming the actual mould surface that comes into contact with the concrete. This provides the desired shape and finish to the underside of the slab.
Side Forms: Vertical members used to define the edges of the concrete slab or beam.

A typical formwork arrangement involves a grid of sole plates, props, bearers, and joists supporting the sheeting, which forms the bottom and sides of the concrete slab or beam.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils, reviews the previous lesson briefly, and then introduces the new topic, “Suspended Upper Floor,” by asking pupils if they have seen multi-storey buildings.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, recall the previous lesson, and answer questions about multi-storey buildings.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the new lesson and connect it to real-world structures.

Step 2: Definition of Suspended Upper Floor

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines and explains what a suspended upper floor is, using diagrams to illustrate its position in a building.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, ask questions for clarification, and attempt to define suspended upper floors in their own words.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the concept and definition of a suspended upper floor.

Step 3: Functions of Suspended Upper Floor

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher lists and explains the various functions of a suspended upper floor in a building.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and contribute by identifying some functions they might already know.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the importance of suspended upper floors.

Step 4: Methods of Constructing Concrete Floors

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the primary methods of constructing concrete floors, focusing on in-situ and precast methods.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and identify the different methods used in constructing concrete floors.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about the different construction techniques for concrete floors.

Step 5: Introduction to Formwork for Suspended Floors

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Concept Introduction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the concept of formwork, explaining its purpose as a temporary support and mould for concrete in in-situ construction.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe diagrams, and ask questions about the necessity of formwork.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what formwork is and why it is used.

Step 6: Formwork Arrangement and Components

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and illustrates the arrangement of formwork for a suspended upper floor, detailing each component (sole plates, props, bearers, joists, sheeting) using charts or sketches.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the illustrations, identify the components, and take notes on their arrangement.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and describe the components of formwork for suspended floors.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define a suspended upper floor.
State three functions of a suspended upper floor.
Mention two methods of constructing concrete floors.
What is the main purpose of formwork in concrete construction?
List at least three main components of formwork for a suspended upper floor.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarisation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the key points of the lesson and assigns homework, which could involve sketching a simple formwork arrangement.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary, copy down the homework, and prepare for the next class.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for further study.

Lesson Keywords

Suspended Floor – A floor that does not rest on the ground but is supported by walls, beams, or columns.
Formwork – A temporary mould or casing into which fresh concrete is poured and compacted.
In-situ Concrete – Concrete that is cast and cured directly on the construction site.
Props – Vertical supports used to hold formwork in place.
Sheeting – The material forming the surface of the mould that directly contacts the concrete.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher will encourage them to research different types of formwork materials (e.g., timber, steel, plastic). For pupils who need additional support, the teacher will provide simplified diagrams and allow for peer tutoring during activity sessions.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure that diagrams of suspended floors and formwork arrangements are clear and visible to all pupils. Encourage pupils to relate the lesson to real-life buildings they see around them. Practical examples or even small models can greatly enhance understanding of formwork components.