Principles of building construction
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.