2.1 GENERAL IDEA ‘The structure of a building essentially consists of two parts namely the sub-structure and the super-structure. See Fig. 2.1 1. Sub-structure : (a) It is that part of the structure which is below the ground level i.e. foundation. (b) It also includes the portion below the ground level since the height between the ground floor level and the ground level is negligibly small as compared to the height of the building. 2. Super-structure : (a) It is that part of the structure which is above the ground level or ground floor level. (b) The super-structure may be a single storey or multiple-storey. The latter type is known as high-rise building or sky-scraper which is adopted in big cities. (c) The principal parts of the super-structure which carry the structural or superimposed loads are (i) Masonry walls, (ii) Pillars or columns, (iii) Beams, (iv) Lintels, (v) Arches, (vi) Floor slabs and (vii) Roofs etc. (d) The other parts of the super-structure which do not carry any structural loads are (i) Curtain or partition walls, (ii) Doors, (iii) ‘Windows and (iv) Parapet wall etc. 2.2 COMPONENTS OF SUB-STRUCTURE AND THEIR FUNCTIONS The various components or elements of sub-structure are as given below : 1, Foundation Itis the lowermost part of the building below the ground level and it forms the base of the building. It mainly consists of the base-course in cement concrete to fill all the pockets in foundation and thicker stepped part of the wall either in brick or stone masonry below the ground floor level. Functions or Purpose : (a) To transfer the load of the building uniformly toa larger area of sub-soil to reduce the intensity of load.28 2 (b) To sustain the load of the k he building without yielding. T ot (0) To provide a level surface for : . concreting and masonry work. 5m, (@) To provide stability and strength tothe building against various disturbing forces such as wind, rain and safety sa against sliding, overturning and bending. structure Hence, it is mast important component Plinth Filling of the building. , Bed conerete Materials : Plain concrete, Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC), Fig 2-1 + Sub-structure and of building" ‘tne Stones are used. 2, Plinth It is the portion of the sub-structure between the level of the surrounding groung aNd the level of ground floor. The filling between the ground floor level ie. plinth level and level is known as plinth filling. Minimum height of plinth should be 45 em above the nad level or highest flood level of the surrounding area which ever is greater. Its thickness pn upon the weight of super structure and the width of foundation concrete. Functions : (a) To support the super structure and provide stability and strength, (b) To transfer the load from the building to the foundation layer. (c) To provide adequate grip or hold to the structure on the subsoil. (d) To retain the plinth filling. (e) To provide safety against rats, rodents, flood on roads, etc. (f) To give aesthetic aspect to the elevation of the building. Materials : Stones , bricks are used. 3. Damp Proof Course ( D.P.C.) It is the layer provided in between the sub-structure and super-structure per-sut Functions : It prevents the entry of moisture into the foundation below and su above and vice-versa. 5d for da? Materials : Stone slabs of impervious variety, plain cement concrete are user 2.3 COMPONENTS OF SUPER-STRUCTURE AND THER FuncTios Different components or elements of the super-structure are as given below: Proof courses.‘Components of Building 23 1. Walls There are two ‘ypes of walls. (1) Load bearing walls and (2) Non-load bearing Walls. | (@) es Bearing Walls : These are built in brick and stone masonry (Art. 6.2 and 6.4) which carry the structural Or super imposed loads and transfer them from floor to foundation and maintain the stresses within safe limit at any level. See Fig. 2.2 and 2.40(a). These are commonly used for single or double storeyed buildings. Window with ventilation ‘Sill Upper Floor Tile flooring asiructure, Plain concrete Fig. 2.2 : Typical Section Showing Various Building Elements.Basle Civil Engineering 24 e to make it functional and useful. Funetions : (i) To enclose or divide the spac to foundation. | eee athering conditions. it i inst we: security and protection agail . should be strong cnough to bear the self-load, superimposed ii nts : These walls iv a, ibrations etc. The loads 6 Tey seald be sable against wind, $l ane oe They should not bulge should be fire-proof and weather resistant. They should ‘ Plumb. he under the load and should not crack. They should have goo ane 4 partition walls built in (b} Non-lond Rearing Walls : These are the thin curtain and partition walls bu various materials like, wood, plywood, glass, metals, bricks, hollow they are known as non-load hence, These walls do not carry any structural load and . 1s ome bearing walls. They carry their self weight and rest on the floors or beams. See Fig. (b). i icie The curtain walls act as external non-load bearing walls. They should oe ciently thick to withstand weather conditions and have required heat and sound ins « also known as filler, screen, panel, or cladding walls. Refer Art. 6.13. ; The partition walls act as internal non-load bearing walls. They should be only sufficiently thick to have heat and sound insulation. These are also known as division walls since they divide the floor area into different rooms. They may be taken either upto full floor height like the curtain walls or upto 2.5 m. Uses : These walls are very light in weight hence, they are largely employed in framed structures. Refer Arts. 2.16 (2) (ii) and 6.25 (5). They provide privacy from vision and afford protection against heat, cold, sun and rain. Advantages : They are very thin, hence, they provide large areas for occupants by occupying less area for construction. These being non-load bearing walls, can be constructed of low cost materials. They are also easy to construct. Alterations can be done changing the positions of the partitions i.e. there is more flexibility or freedom in planning. 2. Pillars and Columns ‘These are the structural vertical members of a building. Functions :These are constructed at suitable intervals to provide lateral Stability to the wall. Pillars and columns are constructed to provide support to the beams, slabs and tie loads to the foundation, ee andl transfer Materials: These are constructed in bri . in bricks, stones, steel and reinforced cement concrete. ‘These are constructed in various Sizes and shapes such as square, rec ee. 1 ind shaj i ig 6.21 0) 35. quare, rectangular, circular, etc, S (ii) To transfer the load (iii) To provide privacy. Requirements : Th, columns, S Thad be good bond between pillar and wall and joint , beams and Slabs. These should be strong to withstand the Super-imposed | aes ~ 4 loads.| | | Components of Building 25 3. Doors Tse a the movable panels Constructed in the openings through a wall ‘unctions : i i irculati : 5 F They Provide horizontal circulation or movement of the i fr room to another of the building. They protection tte Provide good lati ‘ / inmates. Hence they should be located eh «1 ventilation, privacy and protection to the Materials : They are made up of wood, Ply-wood, plastic, metal and glass Requirements :They should be strong enough to provide protection and security. They should be of good quality. Minimum size should be 90 cm. wide and 200 cm, high. ‘Types : According to the type of shutters, these are termed as Panelled doors, Flush doors and Glazed doors. There are also rolling shutters, collapsible doors, swinging doors, revolving doors and folding doors, 4. Windows These are the openings built in the walls. Functions : They provide light, air, cross ventilation etc, They also provide privacy and security. They should be built considering the direction of wind, exterior view i.e. aspect, prospect etc. See Art. 3.3. Materials : They are made up of wood, ply-wood, plastic, steel and glass. Requirements : They should be of good quality and provide privacy and security. Stee! grill work can be provided to the windows to protect the house from theft etc. Their size, shape and number depend upon the size of room, out side view and weathering conditions. From point of view of light, ventilation, the minimum area of the windows should not be less than one-seventh of the floor area. ‘Types : According to the type and shutters, these are termed as Panelled windows, Glazed windows ete. 5. Window-sills ‘These are provided below the windows Functions : They provide a uniform surface and support to the window and also protect the top of the wall from wear and tear. These are usually weathered and throated to throw the rain water off the surface of the wall. Materials : Materials used are stone-slabs and cement concrete. 6. Lintels and Arches These are provided over the openings of doors and windows. Funetions : Lintels support the load of the wall above the opening since the frame of the door or window is not strong to bear it. The load of the wall is distributed to the area coming in the zone of 45° or 60° as shown in Fig. 2.3 (a). Arches can also be provided which take load by arch action, unlike the lintels or beams.Basic Civil Enginecring 26 dwith sound timber and R. C. C. Arches are constructed ing filled with mortar. See Fig. 2.3(b), The R.C.C. lintels are preferred Materials : Lintels are constructe with bricks and wedged shaped stones, the joints bel d in reinforced cement concrete. nstruct. They are also constructe because they are structurally stable and simple to co ~ Key stone ‘Wedge shaped units (@) Lintel (b) Arch Fig. 2.3 7. Weather shades, chajjas and Sun-breakers These are the projections over doors and windows. Functions : They provide protection against sun, rain, Materials : R.C.C. is widely used frost etc. 8. Floors Floors are the parts o materials. The floors constructed under-ground are called basements. e the ground is called the ground floor, and other floors above f the building over which the occupants live, move and keep their The floor immediately abov this floor are called first floor, second floor, third floor etc. Functions : They divide the building at different levels one above the other and create roominess or more accommodation in a limited space. ‘Types and Materials : These are classified according to the materials used for construction, such as Murum floor, Shahabad floor, Glazed tiled floor, and Mosaic tiled floor etc. Murum floors and Shahabad floors are usually used in rural areas whereas Mosaic tiled floor is used in urban areas. Requirements : (a) Durable with good appearance, (b) Easy to clean and repair. (c) Smooth but not slippery, (d) Wear and fire resistant. (e) Low cost of construction and maintenance.components of Bullding . 9, Ceiling ILis the lower part of upper floors. Functions : They are used as insulators against sound and vibrations of upper floors. They are provided to look more pleasing and beautiful. ‘Type : False ceiling made of plaster of paris, plastics eto, 10. Beams . Beams are structural horizontal members of a building. / Functions These are constructed to support the floors and transfer their loads to the columns. They give lateral rigidity to framed structures. Materials : Materials used are timber, steel and R.C.C. ‘Types : Beams may be simply supported, fixed or cantilever type. See Fig. 6.22, 6.23 and 6.24, IL. Slabs These are the horizontal surfaces supported on beams and columns. Functions : (a) It provides space for the occupants to live, move and keep their materials. (b) It distributes the load of the floors, uniformly and transfer it to the columns and walls through beams. It acts as floor or roof for multi storeyed buildings. Materials : The material used is R.C.C. See Fig. 6.25. 12. Roof : This is the top most part of the building. Functions : It protects against sun, wind, rain, snow, thefts etc. Materials : It is covered with a suitable material such as country tiles, Mangalore tiles, Allahabad tiles, Asbestos sheets, Galvanised iron sheets (Art. 5.12) or reinforced cement concrete. Types : There are three types of roofs such as flat roof, pitched or stoping roof and curved roof. Flat roofs are commonly used where there is less rain fall Flat roofs can be used for other purposes. Future construction is possible. Pitched roofs such as thatch roof, shingle roof, tiled roof, truss roof are used in regions of heavy rain. Curved roofs are used as shell roofs, domes, for factories, monuments etc, Generally these are built in R.C.C. 13, Truss It is the structural element used at the top of the building to support the roof. These are | made up of mild steel e.g. King post truss, Queen post truss, Pratt truss, North light truss etc. | See Fig 2.3, 3.8 and 6.39 (a) to (f). 14. Parapet Wall and Coping Parapet wall is a short wall constructed on the top of slab roof, or terrace floor.Basie Civil Engineering Functions and is provided wit 1S. Steps, < portion is known as Coping is constructed for safety and viewing. Its top Po in water. th throating to throw off the rain wate Stairs and Lifts om Steps are provided for reaching the ground floor fr 7 he ace OF three steps are generally provided depending upon te Stairs consisting of number of may be provided in the building for going up or coming wood and R.C.C. jay be of stone, 7 Steps are provided for movement between the floors. They mY er or spiral. They provide (Fig. 6.26) and of various types such as straight, half-u pr provided in multi-storey oy aesthetic look in a hall. Lifts are mechanical devices genet high rise buildings. 16. Finish For Walls inting. See Fig. 6.13. en painting. Si It is done by plastering, pointing with cement mortar or even pai orkman ship and give a Functions : They protect the exposed surface, conceal the bad w pleasant look, n-absorbent. Requirements : (a) They should be smooth, (b) They should be no: Iding. Tw, d level of the buil . th height. (Min 45 cm). Steps