ARCH205 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION I

I N T R O D U C T I O N

BUILDINGS

• Buildings are made to house, support and inspire a

range of human activities in response to various

needs like social, cultural, economic, political etc.

• Buildings are made in natural and built

environments that has constraints as well as

opportunities for development.

• Contextual forces need to be carefully considered

in planning, designing and constructing buildings.

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

• Created by man with or without the aid of the

natural environment.

ENVIRONMENTAL FORCES

• Microclimate

• Topography

• Natural habitat

• Sun path

• Wind direction

• Water flow etcSplit level construction

to form economic

shape

Shape determined

by existing trees

Stepped elevation or similar

treatment to blend with the

natural environment

REGULATORY FORCES

• Zoning regulations like, Time Savers Standards,

Building Codes etc. are the regulatory factors.

• Land use patterns, site activities, limitations to the

size and shape of the building mass and location of

building on site etc. are regulated by these forces.

OTHER FORCES

• Construction, use and maintenance of a building is

also influenced by the transportation systems,

utilities and other services.

• Always think of how much development is possible

on a site without exceeding the capacity of service

systems, without consuming too much energy or

causing environmental damage.

• The challenge is to create optimum solutions/designs !!

BUILDING SYSTEMS

Structural System

1. Foundation/Subgrade (SITE)

2. Superstructure (STRUCTURE)

Enclosure System

3. Exterior Envelope (SKIN)

4. Interior Partitions (SPACE PLAN)

5. Mechanical Systems (SERVICES)

6. Furnishings

STRUCTURAL SYSTEM

• Structural system of a

building is designed and

constructed to support and

transmit all loads safely to

the ground without stressing

its members.

• Superstructure- vertical

extension of a building above

the foundation.

• Columns, beams and load

bearing walls support floor and

roof.

• Substructure is the foundation of

a building.

ENCLOSURE SYSTEMS

• Enclosure system is the shell or envelope of a

building consisting of roof, exterior walls, windows

and doors.

• Roof and exterior walls protect interior spaces from weather,

and control moisture, heat & air flow through the building

parts.

• Exterior walls and beams also reduce noise from outside,

provide security and privacy for indoor activities.

• Doors provide physical access.

• Windows provide light, air and views.

• Interior walls and partitions subdivide building into spaces.

MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

• Mechanical systems provide services to a building.

• Water supply provide water for drinking and other uses.

• Sewage disposal system removes fluid and organic waste.

• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) provide

comfort.

• Electrical systems controls and distributes power supply.

• Vertical transportation systems carry people and goods to

different levels.

• Fire-fighting systems detect and put off fire.

• Recycling and waste disposal systems remove and recycle

other wastes.

BUILDING SYSTEMS

• When we select, assemble and integrate various

building systems in construction of a building, the

following factors are to be taken into account:

• Performance requirements

• Aesthetic qualities

• Regulatory constraints

• Economic considerations

• Environmental impact

BUILDING SYSTEMS

Cost over time1.Foundation/ Subgrade structure 10%

2.Structure (superstructure) 30-40%

3.Exterior Wall 10-20%

4.Interior Partitions 10%

5.Mechanical Devices 30-40%

Lifetimes Years1.Foundation/Subgrade 50-100+

2.Superstructure 50+

3.Exterior Wall 25+

4.Interior Partitions 10-30

5.Mechanical Devices 20

BASIC STRUCTURAL FORMS

SOLID CONSTRUCTIONLoad bearing walls.

Structurally limited.

Used in buildings of low

height and short spans.

Any opening in load

bearing wall makes it

weaker. A lintel or arch

must support the load

above the door or

window and transfer to

adjacent sections of

walls.

BASIC STRUCTURAL FORMS

FRAMED OR SKELETAL

CONSTRUCTIONMade of columns and beams to

form a skeleton.

BASIC STRUCTURAL FORMS

TRUSSED STRUCTUREThe basis of a truss is the geometric rigidity

of a triangle.

All linear members of truss are either in axial

tension or compression. No bending

happen in truss elements.

BASIC STRUCTURAL FORMS

ARCHESArches are curved structures for spanning

an opening.

Supports vertical load by axial compression.

Transforms vertical forces into inclined

components and transmits to abutments on

either side of the archway.

BASIC STRUCTURAL FORMS

VAULTSVaults are arched roofs over

a hall or room.

Vaults behaves as arches

extended in 3-dimensions.

To counteract/oppose

arching action, supporting

walls should be buttressed.

BASIC STRUCTURAL FORMS

HIGH RISE STRUCTURESTall buildings have more effects from lateral

forces.

Rigid frame should be braced to make tube

structure, that has perimeter lateral force

resisting structure.

BASIC STRUCTURAL FORMS

DOMESDome is a spherical surface structure with

circular plan.

BASIC STRUCTURAL FORMS

SHELL STRUCTUREShells are thin, curved plates made of RCC

or steel plates.

Cover large openings, but not suitable for

concentrated loads.

BASIC STRUCTURAL FORMS

CABLE STRUCTUREUses cable as main support element.

These are high tension cables purely

used for tension and not compression.

Cable suspended and cable stayed

structures are two types.

BASIC STRUCTURAL FORMS

MEMBRANE STRUCTUREMembranes are thin, flexible

surfaces that carry loads through

tension.

Either suspended or stretched

between posts.