Principles of Building Construction

Conceptual Designing

• Designing involves creativity, critical thinking and analysis to identify needs and provide solutions.
• Architectural design is concerned with aesthetics and function. It's also concerned with the integration of the building into its environment.
• The concept of sustainable design is crucial, taking into account energy efficiency, use of natural resources and impact on the environment.

Structural Considerations

• General principles of structures can be summed up as actions and reactions, force, movement and stability.
• Structures are made stable by balancing forces – vertical, horizontal and rotational.
• Different materials respond differently to forces.
• The major types of structures found in buildings are frames, shells and solids.

Site Investigation and Preparation

• Site investigation determines the suitability of a site for construction. Factors include topography, soil type and potential environmental impact.
• Site preparation involves clearing and shaping the land, ensuring access and safety measures.

Building Substructure

• The substructure system includes elements that support the superstructure, namely the foundation and the basement (if present).
• Foundations are designed to distribute the load of the building to the underlying soil or rock.
• When designing a foundation, the soil's bearing capacity and potential for settlement must be considered.

Building Superstructure

• The superstructure includes the parts of the building above ground: walls, floors and roofs.
• Various types of walls include loadbearing walls, partition walls, and retaining walls.
• Floors serve multiple roles, from providing horizontal surfaces for occupants to structural elements that transfer loads to walls or columns.
• Roofs protect the interior of a building from weather, and can also provide insulation, soundproofing, and fire resistance.

Building Services

• Building services include heating, ventilation, air conditioning, electricity supply, water supply, sanitation, fire safety measures, access facilities and lifts.
• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems regulate the environmental conditions in a building.
• The plumbing system provides clean water for occupants and removes waste water.
• Electrical systems distribute power throughout the building for lighting, power outlets and other electrical needs.

Building Materials

• Common building materials include timber, bricks, concrete, steel, glass, and plastics.
• Each material has its own set of physical properties, including density, strength, thermal conductivity, and durability.
• Sustainable materials are often preferred given their minimal impact on the environment.

Construction Techniques

• The construction process involves assembling the building's elements, using specific techniques and tools.
• Many different types of joins and connections are used, including nails, screws, glue, tongue-and-groove, dovetail and mortise and tenon.
• Health and safety regulations must be strictly followed throughout the construction process.

Post-Construction

• After completion, the building must be inspected and maintainance plans made.
• Regular inspection and maintenance can minimise long-term costs and maximise building lifespan.
• Modern buildings tend to incorporate flexibility for future modifications or extensions.