JAWAHARLAL COLLEGE OF

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Ms. Anu Sidharthan

Asst. Professor
Civil engineering (syllabus) (15 Marks)
 Module I General introduction to Civil Engineering- History of civil
Engineering - Relevance of civil Engineering in the overall infrastructural
development of the country. Types and classification of structures - buildings,
towers, chimneys, bridges, dams, retaining walls, water tanks, silos, roads,
railways, runways and pipelines. Definition and types of buildings as per
National Building Code of India. Selection of site-Components of a building
and their functions- setting out of a building.
 Module II Stones: Classification of stones-Qualities of good building stones-
Quarrying-Dressing-Tests- Specifications-Uses of common building stones.
Bricks: Composition of good brick earth - Classification-Qualities of good
bricks –Field and laboratory tests-specifications. Tiles: Classification-
Manufacture-properties-Tests-Specifications.
 Module III Cement: Basic Ingredients- Manufacturing process- Grades-
Properties-Tests Specifications. Aggregates: Fine and coarse aggregate-
Properties - uses-Tests. Cement Mortar: Types and preparation.
 Contd…

 Module IV Stone Masonry: Types-Details of Ashlars, Random Rubble, Coarse

Rubble and Dry Rubble Masonry. Brick Masonry: Types - Bond-Introduction
to all types of Bonds - English bond in detail - Comparison of stone and brick
masonry.
 Module V Timber : Properties-Uses-Classification-Seasoning-Defects-
Preservation-Tests; Hard board and particle board –Manufacture and use. Steel:
structural steel and steel as reinforcement-Types-Properties-Uses - Market
forms
 Module VI Floors and Flooring materials: Different types and selection of
floors and floor coverings. Roofs and roof coverings: Different types of roofs –
Suitability-Types and selection of roofing materials
Module 1

 Module I General introduction to Civil Engineering- History of civil

Engineering - Relevance of civil Engineering in the overall infrastructural
development of the country. Types and classification of structures - buildings,
towers, chimneys, bridges, dams, retaining walls, water tanks, silos, roads,
railways, runways and pipelines. Definition and types of buildings as per
National Building Code of India. Selection of site - Components of a building
and their functions- setting out of a building.
General introduction to Civil Engineering-
History of civil Engineering
 The word engineer originates from the Latin term ingenerare, meaning to invent, to
create or to regulate
 It is the professional art of applying scientific principles to every day things to help
make life easier
 Provides comfort to mankind and makes life comfortable.
 Application of scientific and mathematical knowledge and rational thinking to improve
living standards
 Contd…

 Civil engineering is the oldest branch of the profession of engineering after military
engineering
 Many of the important things in our lives that we take for granted are the product of
civil engineering.
 A professional engineering discipline that deals with the analysis, design, construction
and maintenance of infrastructural facilities such as buildings, bridges, dams, roads etc.
 American society of civil engineering defines civil engineering as the profession in
which a knowledge of the mathematical and physical sciences gained by study,
experience and practice is applied with judgment to develop ways to utilize
economically the materials and forces of the nature for the progressive well being of
man.
Relevance of civil Engineering in the overall
infrastructural development of the country
 Civil engineering activities in the infrastructural development are:
 Good planning of towns and extension areas in the cities. Each extension area should be
self sufficient in accommodating offices, educational institutions, markets, hospitals,
recreational facilities and residential accommodation.
 Assured water supply.
 A good drainage system.
 Contd…

Infrastructure facilities include

 Good surface communication links such as tar or concrete rods.
 Provision of water supply distribution system i.e. construction of water storage
reservation or sumps, laying of underground pipes etc.
 Provision of a drainage system which may include construction of surface drains as
subsurface drains for the disposal of wastewater.
 Supply of electrical power for which construction of transmission line towers,
construction of electrical substations.
 Providing inland communications lines, i.e telephone lines etc.
 Construction of recreational places e.g gardens, parks etc.
 Contd…

 Pollution free environmental conditions.

 A well planned and built network of roads and road crossings.
 Railways connections to all important cities and towns.
 Airports and harbors of national and international standards.
 Infrastructure also involves electricity supply, without assured electric supply no city
town can develop.
 Contd…

 Internet and telephones are also desirable features.

 Educational facility also forms part of infrastructure.
 Proximity of good primary and secondary schools to residential areas is desirable.
 Collegiate and professional education also form part of infrastructure of a city.
 Good health care facility is a necessity. Primary health centres, specialized hospitals
and doctors add to the desirable infrastructure facility
 Contd…

Effect of infrastructure facilities are:

 Connecting producing centers to marketing places minimize exploitation of producers
by middlemen. Imports and exports became easy and as a result of which whole world
becomes a village.
 Improved irrigation facility enhances agricultural products and hence producers as well
as consumers are benefitted.
 Infrastructural facility develops scope for a number of industries and it creates job
opportunities.
 Improved education and health care give rise to skilled and healthy work force. Quality
of life of the people is improved.
 Contd…

 Utilization of manpower for the benefit of mankind brings down antisocial activities.
 In case of natural calamities assistance can be easily extended to the affected areas and
misery of affected people minimized.
 Infrastructural facility improves defence system and peace exists in the country.
 Improved economical power of the country brings a respectable status in the world. The
world has realized that a government should not involve itself in production and
distribution but should develop infrastructure to create an atmosphere for economical
development
Types and classification of structures -
Buildings
 Buildings simply indicate anything that is built with walls and a roof
 It provides shelter to mankind
Need of building in society
 Shelter from weather
 Security
 Living space
 Privacy
 To store belongings
 To comfortably live and work
Towers

 Man-made structure with height more than its width

Functions
 To access tall or high objects
 To access atmospheric conditions
 For industrial productions etc.
 For example: clock towers, transmission towers, telecommunication towers, bell towers
etc.
Chimneys

 It is used to discharge waste/flue gases at higher elevations with sufficient exit velocity
such that the gases and suspended solids (ash) are dispersed into the atmosphere
 The space inside a chimney is called flue
 It is constructed with masonry, concrete, steel.
 Classified based on number of flues: single flue and multi-flue
 Classified based on material of construction: concrete chimney, steel chimney, brick
chimney
 Classified based on structural support: guyed chimney and self-supporting chimney
Bridges

 A bridge is a structure built to span physical obstacles such a body of water, valley,
road, for the purpose of providing passage over the obstacle
 It is designed for trains, pedestrians, water transport etc.
 Mainly two parts: sub-structure and super structure
 Sub-structure consists of abutments, piers, wing walls, approaches, foundation
 Super structure consists on bearing, deck, parapet or hand rails rtc.
Dams

 These are impervious barriers constructed across a river to store water, for the purpose
of irrigation, water supply, hydro power generation
 Water in the up-stream side is called reservoir
 Types of dams: arched masonry dam, steel dam, timber dam, solid gravity dam etc.
 The temporary structure constructed is called coffer dams
Retaining walls

 It is designed and constructed to resist the lateral pressure of soil when there is a change
in ground elevation
 Types of retaining walls: gravity, counterfort, crib walls, buttresses etc.
 These are made up of materials like concrete block, poured concrete, treated timbers,
rocks and boulders
Water tanks

 It is a container for storing water

 It is used for the purpose of irrigation, drinking water, fire suppression, agricultural
farming both for plants and livestock, chemical manufacturing, food preparation and
many more uses.
 Classified based on shape: circular and rectangular water tanks
 Classified based on position: tank resting on ground, elevated water tank, under ground
water tank
Silos

 These are tall enclosed structures used to store grains, cements, sands etc.
 These are made up of concrete, steel, wood
 Theses are usually constructed in cylindrical in shape because this shape provides tight
packing and less spoilage
Road

 Road or pavement is a open, generally public way for the passage of vehicles,
peoples and animals
Classification of roads
 National Highway
 State Highway
 District Roads
 Village Roasd
Railways

 Rail transport is a mean of conveyance of passengers and goods on wheeled vehicles

running on rails, also known as tracks
 Tracks usually consists of steel rains, sleepers and ballast, on which the rolling stock,
usually fitted with the metal wheels moves
 Trains and locomotives are operated on rails which are resting on sleepers and ballast
Runways

 An airport is an location where aircraft take off and land

 An airport consists of at least one surface such as a runway for a plane to take off or
land
 A runway is defined as long rectangular area on a land aerodrome prepared for the
landing and take off of aircraft or airplane
Pipelines

 These are used for the conveyance of water, concrete, gas fuel etc.
 Liquids and gases which are chemically stable can be conveyed through pipelines
 These are environment friendly
 It has lowest cost of transportation
 Best in safety matters
 Long range of transportation
Definition and types of buildings as per
National Building Code of India
 A building can be defined as a structure consisting of walls, floors and roofs to provided
covered space for different uses such as residence, education hospitalization,
entertainment, worship etc.
 As per NBC (National Building Code):
 Any structure for whatsoever purpose and of whatsoever materials constructed and
every part thereof, whether used as human habitation or not and includes foundation,
plinth, walls, floors, roofs, chimneys, plumbing and building services, fixed
platforms, Verandah, balcony, cornice or projection, part of a building or anything
affixed thereto or any wall enclosing or intended to enclose any land or space and signs
and outdoor display structures.
 Tents, Shamianahs, tarpaulin shelters, etc. erected for temporary and ceremonial
occasions with the permission of the Authority shall not be considered as building.
Types of building as per NBC

According to the national buildingcode of India building are classified based

on occupancy as follows: NBC BUILDING CLASSIFICATION.pdf

1. Group A: Residential buildings 6. Group F: Mercantile buildings

2. Group B: Educational buildings 7. Group G: Industrial buildings

3. Group C: Institutional buildings 8. Group H: Storage buildings

4. Group D: Assembly building 9. Group I: Hazardous building

5. Group E: Business building

Group A: RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS

 This occupancy type shall include any building providing sleeping and living
accommodations to related or unrelated groups of people, with or without cooking or
dining facilities.
 This Occupancy shall be subdivided as follows:
 A1:lodging and rooming houses – single family
 A2:one or two family private dwellings – less than 20 occupants
 A3:dormitories
 A4:apartment houses – three or more families living independent
 A5:Hotels
 A6:starred hotels – 5 star and higher
Group B : Educational Buildings

 This occupancy type shall include any building in which education, training and care
are provided to children or adults
 This Occupancy shall be subdivided as follows:
 B1: schools up to senior secondary level – not less than 20 students
 B2: all others/training institutions – not less than 100 sudents
Group C : Institutional Building

 Buildings classified under this occupancy shall include for purposes of institutional care
of the occupants such as medical or nursing care of persons suffering from illness or
infirmity due to mental condition.
 These buildings shall ordinarily provide accommodation for sleeping, dining and other
provisions approved by the authority for the occupants
 This occupancy shall be subdivided as follows:
 C1:hospitals and sanatoria
 C2:Custodial institutions
 C3:penal and mental institutions
Group D: Assembly Building

 Buildings under this Occupancy group shall include any building in which groups of
people assemble for recreation, social, religious, political, cultural, travel and similar
purposes. This Occupancy shall be subdivided as follows:
 D1:fixed seats for over 1000 persons (theatrical or motion pictures or any other stage)
 D2: fixed seats up to 1000 persons (theatrical or motion pictures or any other stage)
 D3:without permanent stage and no permanent seating for 300 or more persons
 D4:without permanent stage and no permanent seating for less than 300 persons
 D5:temporary structures
 D6:mixed occupants
 D7:underground and elevated mass rapid transit system
Group E: Business Building

 These shall include any building which is used for any business transaction
other than mercantile. This Occupancy shall be subdivided as follows:
 E1: Office, banks, professional establishments
 E2: laboratories, out patient clinic etc.
 E3: electronic data processing centres, computer installations etc.
 E4: telephone exchanges
 E5: broadcasting stations, T. V. stations and air traffic control towers
Group F: Mercantile Building

 This occupancy type shall include any building which is used for display and sale of
merchandises. This Occupancy shall be subdivided as follows:
 F1:Small Shops and Market (up to 500mm²)
 F2:Large Shops and Market (more than 500mm²)
 F3:underground shopping centres
Group G: Industrial Buildings

 These include any Buildings in which products or material of all kinds are fabricated,
assembled or processed.
 For example assembly plants, power plants, gas plants etc.
 G1: building used for low hazard industries
 G2: building used for moderate hazard industries
 G3: building used for high hazard industries
Group H: Storage Buildings

 Buildings under this Occupancy group shall include any building used primarily for
storage or sheltering of goods, wares, merchandises, vehicles or animals.
Group J : Hazardous Buildings

 Any Building used as storage, industrial, research and other facilities dealing with
hazardous material in excess quantity or any micro-biological facilities shall be
categorized in this Occupancy group.
Selection of site for buildings

 The various factors to be considered for the selection of a site for a

residential building are
1. The site should be fairly level with good quality of soil
2. The location should be calm but reasonably developed
3. It should be well connected by the roads and other modes of transport
4. It should have good communication facilities
5. Electricity, water and sewer lines should be available
6. It should be away from hazardous industries
7. Flood plane areas, water logged areas and reclaimed land should be
avoided
EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 48
 Contd…

8. The site should have good natural ventilation and lighting

9. The amenities like schools, recreation centres, shopping centres,
hospitals should be nearer
10. Site should have quick drainage properties
11. It may have regular shape with sufficient frontage
12. The area must be sufficient for present and future development
13. The places prone to air and water pollution should be avoided
14. The proper ownership and other legal matters have to be
checked before buying a site
EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 49
 Contd…

15. The type of land use recommended at proposed site should be

complied as per the town planning development plan

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 50

Components of a residential building and
their functions.
BUILDING
COMPONENTS

SUB- SUPER-
STRUCTURE STRUCTURE
EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 51
EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 52
SUB-STRUCTURE

 The substructure is the lower portion of the building, which is

located below ground level which transmits the load of the
superstructure to the sub soil.
 It is the most critical part of the building which safeguards the
building against the forces of wind, uplift, soil pressure etc.
It includes
 Foundations

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 53

SUPER-STRUCTURE

 The superstructure is that part of the building which is above the

ground and which serves the purpose of building’s intended use.
It includes
 Plinth
 Wall and columns
 Beams
 Lintel and arches
 Roofs and floors
EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 54
 Contd…

 Chajjas
 Parapet
 Steps and stairs
 Doors and Windows
 Weathering course
 Damp proof course

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 55

Foundation

The basic function of foundation

 To Transmit the load from building to the subsoil, in such a way
that settlement are within permissible limit
 The soil does not fail in shear
 Reduce the load intensity
 Even distribution of load
 Provide level surface

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 56

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 57
Plinth

 It is the middle part of the building

 Plinth is that part of the building between surrounding ground surface
and floor space immediately above the ground.
 It is also called as basement
 The minimum height of the plinth is usually kept as 45 cm
 Usually a coping of finely dressed stones or of concrete is provided at
the top of the plinth
 Plinth resists the entry of rain water inside the building, entry of
animals, insects.
 General plinth height is 45, 60, 75, 90, 120 cm.
EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 58
 Contd…

Functions
 It transmits the load from the super structure to the substructure
 It acts as a retaining wall for the filling inside the plinth or raise
floor
 It protects the building from dampness and moisture penetration
 It improves the architectural appearance of the building

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 59

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 60
Wall

 The walls are building blocks of bricks , stones or with concrete

 They divide the building space into various space into various
rooms.
 They support slabs and beams.

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 61

 Contd…

Functions of walls
 They support slabs and beams.
 They safely transmits the loads coming on them from beams and
slabs to the foundation.
 They provide privacy and protection against heat, cold, rain,
noise, dust winds.
 They offer resistant to fire
 Walls may be of Brick masonry and Stone masonry
EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 62
EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 63
Column

 Columns are basically rigid vertical structural members designed

primarily to support axial compressive loads coming from beams and
slabs and then transfer it to ground through footing
 A column is a member whose length is more than 3 times its least cross
sectional dimension. If this criterion is not followed then that vertical
member is called as strut.
 A column is used to support the weight of the roof / or the upper floor.
 Many columns are used for decorative purpose
 A column along with load bearing beams can support a lot of weight.

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 64

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 65
Beams

 Beams are horizontal members above which the slabs are

provided.
 The beams are instead supported on walls and columns
 They are generally 20, 39, 45, 60 cm thick and deep members as
per structural design.

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 66

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 67
Arches and Lintel

Arches
 Arch is one of the structure that consists of a curved top on two
supports that holds the weight of something above it.
Functions:
 To sustain the weight of the structure above the opening
 In case of the arch, because of a special type of block, the blocks can
support each other by providing mutual pressure of their own weight as
well as the structure remain in positions by resistance from the support.
 A special type of centrum devices are used for better finishing
EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 68
 Contd…

Lintels
 Lintel is also a structure which is horizontally made up from
Timber stone concrete or steel across the top of a door or window
Functions:
 Specially lintels are provided over windows are connected to a
Sunshade to provide shade and shelter
 Centering for lintel are much simpler as compare than that of the
arch.

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 69

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 70
Roofs and Floors

Floors
 A floor is a plane area to support occupants, furniture's and equipment's.
 Floors are provided to divide a building into different stories creating
more accommodation one above the other
 The floors should be strong enough to carry the loads safely its self
weight as well as imposed loads
 The floors should provide a clean, smooth, impervious, durable and
weather resistant.
 It should have adequate resistance against fire
 It should have sufficient heat and sound insulation
EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 71
 Contd…

 The upper most part of the building constitutes the roof.

 It is a cover for the building
 The Slab and roof encloses the space and offers protection from
rain, heat, snow, wind, sound, fire. Slabs are 10, 12, 15 cm thick.
 Roofs may be flat, sloping or curved type
 Roofs should be strong, stable and weather resistant
 It should have adequate resistance against fire
 It should have sufficient heat and sound insulation
EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 72
Chajjas

 Chajjas are provided on external wall at opening to get protection

from rain, snow and heat.
 They are weather sheds.
 Their thickness tapers from 100 to 75 mm and projection is 30,
45, 60, 75, 90 cm.

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 73

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 74
Parapet

 A short masonry wall built on the top of the roof of a building.

 It serves as an enclosure above the roof.
 It acts as an element for good appearance.
 Thickness is 10 to 15 cm height is 1.0 m to 1.2m.

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 75

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 76
Steps and Stairs

 Steps and stairs are to be provide access between different levels. Stairs
should be properly located to provide easy access and fast services to
the building.
 In one flight maximum 8 steps should be provided. (minimum 3 steps)
 For more than 8steps it is recommended to provide landing.
 Generally for residential building width of stair is 1.0 m and 1.2 m.
 No of risers = Total height of floor/Height of riser
 No of tread=Number of riser-1
 Thread – 25 to 30 cm
 Rise – 15 to 17.5 cm
EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 77
EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 79
Doors and Windows

 A door provides a connecting link between rooms, allowing easy

free movement in the building.
 Window are opening provided in walls.
 Doors and windows provide lighting and ventilation.
 They provide resistance to weather, sound and heat.
 They provide security and privacy.

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 80

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 81
Weathering course

 It is a layer provided over the roof slab to protect the roof from
weathering agencies like sun light, rain and wind

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 84

Damp proof course

 A damp-proof course is a barrier, usually formed by

a membrane built into the walls of a property, typically 150 mm
above ground level, to prevent damp rising through the walls.
Historically, damp-proof courses may have been formed
using bitumen, slates, lead, pitch, asphalt or low absorption bricks

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 85

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 86
EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 87
TERMINOLOGY

Permit:- A permission or authorization in writing by the

authority to carry out work

Site:- A parcel of land enclosed by definite boundaries. It is

also called as plot

Set back line:- A line usually parallel to the plot
boundaries and laid down in each case by the Authority,
beyond which nothing can be constructed towards the site
EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 88

boundaries
Open space:- An area forming an integral part of the plot

left open to sky.

Front Open Space: Open space provided across the front
Rear Open Space: Open space provided across the front
Side Open Space: Open space provided across the side
 Plinth:-The portion of a structure between the
surrounding ground and the surface of the floor,
immediately above the ground

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 89

 Floor area:-The built covered area measured at the

floor level of the basement or of any storey

Carpet area:- The covered area of the usable rooms at

any floor level (excluding area of walls). Area of

staircases, lift wells, escalators, ducts etc are also
excluded in the carpet area. In the absence of other
data, for calculating carpet area, 20% of floor area shall
be deducted from total floor area.

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 90

  Floor Area Ratio (FAR):- The quotient obtained by
dividing the total floor area on all floors by the plot
area

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑟𝑠

𝐹𝐴𝑅 =
𝑃𝑙𝑜𝑡 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎
Coverage:- It is the covered area of the building.
Normally expressed as the percentage of plot area.

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 91

OPEN SPACE REQUIREMENTS (KMBC,1999)
 Exterior Open Space
Open Up to 10m >10m height Small plot
space Height <125 sq. m

Front 3.0m 0.5m per every additional 1.8 m

height of 3m above 10m

Rear 2.0m 0.5m per every additional 1.0 m

height of 3m above 10m

Side 1.2m for one 0.5m per every additional 0.9 m for one
height of 3m above 10m
+1.0 m for +0.6 m for
other other
EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 92
 Interior open spaces
Any habitable room not abutting in front, rear or

side open spaces, shall abut on an interior open

space with a minimum width of 2.4m
If the total height of the residential building is less

than 7m, then the interior open space shall have

1.5m width

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 93

OPEN SPACE REQUIREMENTS (NBC)

Minimum area Minimu

m
width
Only one 9.5 m2 2.4m
room
One room <9.5
Two rooms m2 other room 2.4m
<7.5 m2

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 94

 Minimum area Minimum
width
Kitchen 5.5 m2 1.8 m
cum store

Kitchen with 4.5 m2 1.8 m

separate store

Kitchen
cum dining 9.5 m2 2.4 m
room
EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 95
 Minimum Minimu Minimu
size m area m
width
Bath room 1.5 m X 1.2 1.8 m2
m
Water closet 1.1 m2 2.4m
Bathroom
combined 2.8 m2 1.2 m
with water
closet

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 96

 Mezzanine Floor
The minimum area of the mezzanine floor if used as

living room shall be 9.5m2 , and it should not exceed

one third of the plinth area of the building

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 97

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 98
Setting out of a building

The operations carried out once the site is handed over

 Clearing the site
 Setting out the building
 Establishing a datum level
Setting out
 It is the process of developing the physical positions of corners and walls of a building,
and it’s done by transferring dimensions from the layout plan (also called as setting out
plan, demarcation plan) to the ground. The setting out clearly defines the outline of the
excavations and the centre line of the walls, so that the construction can be carried out
according to the plan.
METHODS OF SETTING OUT

 Peg or rope method (commonly used).

 Dumpy Level (Best for big construction projects)
Items required in setting out

 Timber, 75mm by 50mm or any appropriate size

 Round poles/ timber to act as pegs or steel for hard ground
 Nylon threads (Manila rope)
 Ordinary nails inch and 2 inch
 White chalk or lime
 Clear hose pipe for determining horizontal levels
 Sledge hammer
 Measuring tape
 Builder’s square
Process of setting out

 Setting out is done on the principle of whole to part. According to this principle the
largest possible rectangle of the building is found and set out. The rectangle is further
partitioned into small parts (internal rooms).
 The first thing we need to establish is a parallel/ reference/ base line, to which all other
lines can be related. This can be taken along an existing building close to the proposed
new structure/ boundary wall if existing/ kerb line etc.
SETTING OUT process

STEP 1: SETTING OUT THE BUILDING LINE

 Two square offset lines are set from the kerb to the position of the building line. The
length of the line is greater than the width of the proposed building. Pegs are positioned
at these points and a ranging line is fixed to these, giving a position of the building line.
STEP 2: SETTING OUT FRONTAGE LINE/ BASE LINE
 After taking the dimensions from the drawing, the frontage line is set out. This can be
either on building line or behind it
 The first corner peg (A) will be positioned from dimensions given on the drawing
which relates to site features such as distance from kerb, gate post, boundary wall etc.
 Eg: the point A is positioned a distance of (D) from the boundary. Following the
position of first peg, the second peg (B) is positioned after carefully measuring the
width along the frontage line.
STEP 3: SETTING OUT OF FIRST RIGHT ANGLE TO THE FRONTAGE LINE
 Attach the taut line to the nail on the corner peg which will be extended well beyond the
length of the wall to be set out
 Adjust the line carefully to cross the frontage line at 90 degree by using a builder’s
square or the 3:4:5 method
 When the line is correct, knock the peg with nail at the distance greater than the length
of the wall.
RIGHT ANGLE TRINAGLE USED IN SETTING OUT
 One of the most important procedure used in setting out is the process of ensuring that
all right angle corners are properly aligned
 One of the simplest ways is to use the method known as 3:4:5 triangle method.
 PROCEDURE:
 A peg with a nail is fixed exactly at 3m from the corner peg on the fixed line
 A measuring tape is the hooked to the nail on the corner peg and another tape is hooked
to the nail of the peg on the front line
 Both the tapes are pulled towards the end wall and with distance of 4m showing on one
tape and 5m on the other tape. Where they cross third peg will be fixed
 This will establish a line at 90 degree to the front line.
STEP 4: SETTING OUT OF SECOND RIGHT ANGLE TO THE FRONTAGE LINE
 Measure the same length from the frontage line and set point D. Check the ranging lines
before proceeding
STEP 5 : SETTING OUT OF FINAL BACK LINE
 Measure the dimensions of the building side wall from the outer peg of the frontage line
and set pegs parallel to the wall lines
 Attach ranging lines to the pegs to establish the back wall line . Pegs can be positioned
at G and H, but this is not essential
 STEP 6: CHECKING THE BUILDING SETTING OUT
 The setting out will be confirmed if all measurements are correct and the diagonals
measure exactly the same. Measure the dimensions from A to G and B to H.
 These should be same if the building has been set perfectly. If there is some difference
in the measurement, adjust the back pegs as per dimensions
 The frontage line should not be altered.
 STEP 7: SET UP PROFILES AND ATTACH RANGING LINES
 When the building has been set out and proved by checking the diagonals, profiles can
be erected to enable the corner points to be easily located after the trenches have been
excavated
 The ranging lines attached to the pegs are extended by holding the line to pass over the
peg to the profile
 The wall position is then clearly marked on the profile.
 Thank You…

EST 120 BASICS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, MODULE 1 108