27102 Building Materials, Fasteners, and Adhesives

NCCER Module 27102: Building Materials, Fasteners, and Adhesives

Course Information

• Course Title: Building Materials, Fasteners, and Adhesives
• Module ID: 27102 (Carpentry Level 1)
• Duration: 20 hours (typically delivered over 4–5 sessions)
• Credit Hours: Non-credit training module (NCCER credential upon successful completion)
• Prerequisites: Completion of NCCER Core Curriculum (Basic Safety, Introduction to Construction Math, etc.) recommended
• Delivery Format: Classroom instruction, hands-on demonstrations, and practical exercises
• Edition Reference: Based on current NCCER Carpentry curriculum (e.g., versions 27102-13 or later updates as of 2026)

Course Description

This module introduces trainees to the building materials commonly used in construction projects, including lumber, engineered wood products, sheet materials, concrete, masonry, and steel. It covers the selection, safe handling, and applications of various fasteners, anchors, and adhesives. Trainees will also learn industry-standard methods for estimating material quantities. Emphasis is placed on safety, proper material selection, and sustainable practices in modern construction.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this module, trainees will be able to:

1. Identify common building materials, describe their properties and uses, and explain safe handling procedures.
2. Recognize different types of lumber, engineered wood products, and structural materials (e.g., concrete, steel).
3. Select and describe the applications of various fasteners (nails, screws, bolts, anchors) and power-actuated tools.
4. Identify types of construction adhesives and explain their appropriate uses.
5. Calculate material quantities using standard methods (e.g., board feet, concrete volume, fastener counts).
6. Demonstrate awareness of environmental considerations, such as sustainable sourcing and material recycling.

Content Outline and Schedule

The module is structured around key topics, with approximate time allocations for a 20-hour delivery.

Session 1: Introduction to Building Materials (5 hours)

• Overview of construction materials and their role in carpentry
• Lumber: Nominal vs. actual sizes, grades, species (softwood/hardwood), defects, and moisture content
• Engineered wood products: Plywood, OSB, LVL, glulam, I-joists, and finger-jointed lumber
• Sheet materials and panel products

Session 2: Structural and Masonry Materials (5 hours)

• Concrete: Components, forms, reinforcement, and applications
• Masonry materials: Bricks, blocks, mortar, and grout
• Steel framing and other metals: Cold-formed steel, structural steel
• Sustainable and alternative materials (e.g., recycled content, composite products)
• Safety precautions for handling heavy or hazardous materials

Session 3: Fasteners and Anchors (5 hours)

• Types of fasteners: Nails (common, box, finish), screws, bolts, staples
• Specialized fasteners: Powder-actuated, anchors (wedge, sleeve, epoxy)
• Selection criteria: Material compatibility, load requirements, corrosion resistance
• Safe installation practices and tools

Session 4: Adhesives and Material Estimation (4 hours)

• Types of adhesives: Construction adhesives, epoxies, mastics, contact cement
• Applications and curing considerations
• Material quantity calculations: Board footage, square footage, concrete volume, linear feet
• Hands-on exercises in estimation

Session 5: Review, Practical Application, and Assessment (1 hour)

• Module review and Q&A
• Practical identification exercises
• Final assessment

Teaching Methods

• Lectures and presentations
• Visual aids (material samples, charts, videos)
• Group discussions on real-world applications
• Hands-on material identification and handling
• Calculation worksheets and estimation problems

Required Materials

• NCCER Carpentry Level 1 Trainee Guide (current edition)
• Personal protective equipment (PPE): Safety glasses, gloves, hard hat
• Calculator, notebook, and writing materials
• Access to material samples (provided by instructor or training facility)

Assessment and Evaluation

• Written Examination: Multiple-choice questions covering all learning objectives (minimum passing score: 70%)
• Performance Profile Tasks (if applicable per edition):
  • Identify and select appropriate fasteners for given applications
  • Calculate material quantities accurately
  • Demonstrate safe handling of materials
• Attendance and Participation: Active engagement in discussions and exercises
• Certification: Successful completion earns NCCER module credential and digital badge (e.g., via Credly), contributing to Carpentry Level 1 certification

Grading Policy

• Pass/Fail based on NCCER standards
• Retesting available for failed written exams (per training center policy)

Course Policies

• Safety: Zero tolerance for unsafe practices; PPE required at all times during hands-on activities
• Attendance: Full attendance recommended for competency mastery
• Academic Integrity: All assessments must reflect individual knowledge
• Accommodations: Available for trainees with documented needs

This syllabus aligns with NCCER’s standardized curriculum to ensure trainees gain practical, industry-relevant skills for entry-level carpentry roles. For the latest edition details or instructor resources, refer to nccer.org.