Building Construction Notes PDF

**Unit I: Introduction to Building Construction** **1. Definition of Building (as per National Building Code)** A **building** is defined in the **National Building Code (NBC)** as any structure that is designed and constructed to provide shelter, space, or a functional purpose for human use. It c...

**Unit I: Introduction to Building Construction** **1. Definition of Building (as per National Building Code)** A **building** is defined in the **National Building Code (NBC)** as any structure that is designed and constructed to provide shelter, space, or a functional purpose for human use. It can be made of various materials such as bricks, stones, concrete, steel, or wood and can be either permanent or temporary. The term \"building\" includes both residential and commercial structures, as well as related elements like foundations, staircases, roofs, and walls. The **NBC** outlines several aspects of building design and construction, including safety, accessibility, durability, and sustainability, aiming to ensure that buildings meet the required standards for performance, safety, and comfort. **2. Components of Buildings and Their Functions** A building is made up of several key components, each serving a specific function: - **Foundation**: The part of the building that transfers the load of the structure to the ground. It helps in distributing the weight of the building and preventing settling or tilting. - **Superstructure**: The above-ground portion of the building, including walls, floors, and roofs, which provides the physical space for occupants. - **Walls**: Serve as enclosures, partitions, and structural elements to support the load of the roof and floors. - **Floors**: Horizontal surfaces that provide space for occupants and activities. - **Roof**: Protects the building from weather elements, providing shelter from rain, wind, and sun. - **Doors and Windows**: Allow for access, ventilation, and light. - **Stairs and Lifts**: Provide vertical circulation within the building. - **Services**: These include electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), fire safety systems, etc. **3. Types of Structures: Load-Bearing Structures vs. Frame Structures**  - **Load-Bearing Structure**: In this type of building, the walls are responsible for supporting the weight of the building. Load-bearing walls carry the load of the roof and floors, distributing it down to the foundation. These types of buildings typically have fewer openings in walls and require thick walls for stability. - **Advantages**: Simplicity in construction, lower material cost (since the walls themselves bear the load). - **Disadvantages**: Limited design flexibility, reduced window and door openings, and heavier walls. - **Frame Structure**: In a frame structure, the load of the building is supported by a framework of columns and beams, rather than the walls themselves. The walls in this case are non-load bearing (partition walls) and can be made of lightweight materials. - **Advantages**: Greater flexibility in design, larger windows, and doors, as the walls don't bear the load. - **Disadvantages**: Higher material costs due to the need for steel or reinforced concrete frames, more complex construction processes. **4. Load-Bearing Walls vs. Partition Walls** - **Load-Bearing Walls**: These are walls that bear the weight of the floors and roof above. They transfer the loads to the foundation. They are typically thicker and constructed from sturdy materials such as brick or stone. - **Partition Walls**: These are non-load-bearing walls that serve to divide the space inside the building into rooms or sections. They do not carry any structural load and are typically lighter, made of materials like plasterboard, glass, or lightweight masonry. **5. Types of Foundations: Definition, Necessity, and Types**  - **Definition of Foundation**: The foundation of a building is the lower portion that transmits the loads from the structure to the ground. It is a critical element that ensures the building\'s stability by preventing excessive settlement and tilting. - **Necessity of Foundations**: - Distributes the load of the structure evenly across the ground. - Prevents uneven settlement and possible structural damage. - Ensures the building is stable and durable, even in soft or weak soil conditions. - **Types of Foundations**: - **Shallow Foundations**: These are placed near the surface of the earth and are generally used when the top layers of soil are strong enough to support the structure. - *Types*: - **Isolated Footing**: Used for individual columns, often in simple buildings. - **Combined Footing**: Used when two or more columns are close together, and the load needs to be distributed. - **Strap Footing**: A variation of combined footing, typically used when columns are far apart. - **Slab Foundation**: A large concrete slab that covers the entire building\'s footprint. - **Deep Foundations**: These are used when the upper layers of soil cannot bear the load of the building. They transfer the loads to deeper, more stable layers of soil or bedrock. *Types*: - **Piles**: Long columns made of concrete, steel, or wood, driven into the ground to reach stable soil or rock. - **Caissons**: Large hollow structures that are sunk into the ground to support larger buildings. - **Bored Piles**: Similar to piles but drilled into the ground instead of driven. **6. Precautions Against Failure of Foundations** The failure of a foundation can lead to severe structural issues, such as cracking, tilting, or even collapse of the building. Therefore, careful planning, design, and construction are essential to prevent foundation failure. Some precautions to consider include: - **Soil Investigation**: Conducting a thorough geotechnical survey of the soil at the site to determine its load-bearing capacity and other characteristics like moisture content, soil type, and compaction. - **Correct Foundation Design**: The foundation should be designed to match the type of soil, the weight of the structure, and the local environmental conditions (e.g., seismic activity, flooding). - **Proper Drainage**: Ensuring that water does not accumulate near the foundation. Proper drainage systems help avoid water-related soil settlement or erosion that can weaken the foundation. - **Preventing Overloading**: The foundation must be designed to handle the expected loads from the building. Overloading can cause excessive settlement and failure. - **Use of Reinforced Concrete**: Using high-quality materials, such as reinforced concrete in foundation construction, to ensure strength and durability. **Conclusion** Understanding the components of buildings, types of structures, and foundations is essential for ensuring the stability, safety, and longevity of any construction. The National Building Code provides guidelines to help professionals design and build structures that meet safety, performance, and aesthetic standards. Proper knowledge and application of foundation types, load-bearing systems, and structural components contribute to minimizing construction risks and enhancing the overall integrity of a building.