Building Construction and Furniture Making
School Based Assessment
Project 2: Site Plan Operation.
Assigned Task:
Work Activity: You are required to follow the outline of a simple site plan given and use the
information learnt of the steps to be followed to lay out a building to complete this aspect of your
SBA.
The process must include the following steps:
• Establish base/building line
• Establish corner profiles
• Ensure layout is square
• Establish trenches and wall widths
Source of Evidence: Pictures of the layout process. Writing up the steps and procedures that
were followed to complete the layout process. This should include methods of checking
squareness.
Steps and Procedures: Steps for Laying Out a Building Using the 3-4-5 Method
1. Locate the First Reference Point:
• Start by marking a fixed point on the ground. This point will serve as one corner of the
building layout. You can use a stake or wooden peg to mark this location. (Our fixed
point was done from the Physical Education storeroom and was made according to the
dimension on paper)
2. Establish the First Baseline:
• From the first reference point, measure a straight line (let's call it Line 1) that corresponds
to one wall of the building. This will serve as your baseline.
Steps in laying out a building using 3-4-5 Method & Diagonal method
• Our group planned out the front of the building line from an existing building with pegs.
• Our group then used the 3-4-5 Method using the assistance of a measuring tape, after
which we hammered down the pegs.
• After ensuring it was a 90° angle, from one corner peg, our group then used a measuring
tape and plotted out the other peg so that it is parallel to the other.
• With the help of a tape measure, we hammered in the remaining pegs utilizing 3-4-5
method
• After establishing the four corner pegs, we constructed our batter boards at an estimated
distance of 2’.
• We hammered nails into the middle of our first four pegs as a guideline for the string
• After we did that, our group hammered in two nails roughly 8” apart onto all our batter
boards and tied a piece of string around it; this would be the proposed thickness of our
walls.
• For our trench thickness we ensured the string was tightly fastened we then used diagonal
measurements to see if the layout was correctly square.
How Squareness was ensured
• The key to getting your foundation layout square is to have the correct dimensions for
constructing a small building. My classmates and I had to ensure that we all had the
square layout and that all your dimensions were correct. Our construction class learned
two methods during this time. The first method is known as the “3-4-5 Triangle Method”
Which is a triangle with side lengths of 3 meters, 4 meters and 5 meters. It will always
have a right angle between the 3-metre side and the 4-metre side.
• For our Diagonal method, we measured the length of our layout related to our pegs, then
measured the diagonal distance between the two opposite corners of our building. If done
correctly, the measurements should be equal.
• Both methods are used to verify if a building is square by checking if the ratio of the
diagonal distance to the length of one side is within specific proportions. If the ratios are
met, it confirms that the building has right angles at its corners and is considered square.
Wall and trench thicknesses
• After you have added your profile boards, measure 8 inches from the outline you have
established and an additional 8 inches for the trench thickness. Repeat for all sides of the
building
• 8 inches deep, all trench and wall widths should be correctly established. Minimum
Depth: Generally, trenches should be at least 36 inches (0.9 m) deep to reach below the
frost line and provide stability. However, this can vary based on soil conditions.
Width: Standard width can range around 12 inches depending on the size of the
foundation wall.
Considerations
• Hurricane Resistance: Buildings in the Caribbean should be designed to withstand
hurricanes. This often involves reinforcing walls with steel and using materials suited for
high winds.
• Termite Resistance: Certain woods are prone to rot and termite damage, so it's wise to
use treated materials or concrete to mitigate this risk.
• Thermal and Moisture Control: Insulation should be considered in walls to control
indoor temperatures in hot climates.
Image of the Layout Process
Summary of the Steps:
1. Locate and mark the first corner (reference point).
2. Establish the first baseline (Line 1) along one side of the building.
3. Apply the 3-4-5 method to form a right angle for the adjacent side (Line 2).
4. Mark the second corner and repeat for all corners.
5. Use the diagonal method to verify that the layout is square.
6. Determine wall thickness according to building design or local codes.
7. Set trench width based on wall thickness (usually twice the wall thickness).
Pictorial Evidence
• Stretching a measuring tape or string along this line, ensuring it is straight and properly
aligned with the design plan.
• Our group using Diagonal method to ensure accuracy and squareness on peg.