Building Construction Foundations

Building Construction

• Foundations: The lowest part of a building, transmitting loads to the ground, with the bearing capacity of soil being the ability of the soil to support the weight of the building.
• Functions of foundations: transmitting loads, resisting lateral loads, and providing a level surface.

Types of Foundations

• Shallow Foundations: Spread footings, mat foundations, and slab-on-grade foundations, suitable for small to medium-sized buildings with simple loads.
• Deep Foundations: Piles, piers, and caissons, used for large or heavy buildings, or when the soil is unstable.

Structures

• Load Bearing Structures: Walls, columns, and foundations work together to support the building's loads, with the walls bearing the weight of the floors and roof.
• Framed Structures: A skeleton of beams and columns that support the building's loads, with the walls providing additional support.

Brick Masonry

• Header Bond: Alternating headers ( bricks laid at a right angle) and stretchers (bricks laid parallel to the wall) in each course (layer).
• Stretcher Bond: All bricks laid as stretchers in each course, with the joints between bricks staggered.
• English Bond: Alternating courses of headers and stretchers.
• Flemish Bond: Alternating headers and stretchers in each course.
• Random Rubble Masonry: Uncut stones of various shapes and sizes, used for building walls.

Roofs and Floors

• Functions: Providing shelter, supporting weights, and withstanding external forces.
• Types: Flat, pitched, and curved roofs, with various materials such as concrete, steel, and timber.

Flooring Materials

• Hard Flooring: Marble, granite, and terrazzo, durable and low-maintenance.
• Soft Flooring: Carpet, wood, and laminate, providing comfort and aesthetic appeal.

Basic Infrastructure Services

• MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing): Systems for heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, and sanitation.
• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): Climate control systems for buildings.
• Elevators, Escalators, and Ramps: Vertical transportation systems for buildings.
• Fire Safety: Measures to prevent and mitigate fires, including fire-resistant materials and emergency exits.

Green Buildings

• Materials: Sustainable, recycled, and locally sourced materials, reducing waste and environmental impact.
• Energy Systems: Renewable energy sources, energy-efficient systems, and reduced energy consumption.
• Water Management: Harvesting, conserving, and efficiently using water resources.
• Environment: Minimizing the building's ecological footprint, promoting biodiversity, and improving air quality.

Learn about the basics of building foundations, their functions, and types such as shallow foundations. Understand how they transmit loads and resist lateral loads.