2.

OPTION 2 – STEEL FRAME, CONCRETE WALL,

CONCRETE WALL

2.1 Layout

2.1.1 low ground floor

2.1.2 Ground floor

2.1.3 First ground floor

2.2 Steel frame

Building schools out of steel frames is a practical and cost-effective option. Steel
frames are also an economical and efficient quality material for building schools.

2.2.1 Advantage of steel frame

 Steel frame structure is one of the main advantages of fast construction. Because
steel components are prefabricated off-site, they can be assembled quickly on
site, reducing construction time and labor costs.

 Steel frames are frequently used in high-rise buildings and industrial structures,
because they are able to support the heavy load.

 In addition to being strong and durable, steel frames offer advantages in terms of
fire resistance, sustainability, and speed of construction. The risk of damage is
reduced and the need for expensive repairs or replacements is reduced.

 Steel is a kind of recyclable materials, compared with the concrete and wood, and
other building materials, it is a more environmentally friendly choice.

 Compared with other materials, steel requires less maintenance, reduce the cost
for a long time.
2.2.2 Disadvantage of steel frame

 Corrosion: Steel frames are prone to corrosion, which can weaken their structural
integrity over time. Proper coating and maintenance can help alleviate this
problem.
 Thermal conductivity: Steel is a highly conductive material, which means it can
transfer heat quickly. This can lead to thermal bridging and reduced energy
efficiency, although insulation can help with this.
 Fire resistance: Although steel is very durable, it is not fire resistant and
additional fire protection measures may be required to meet building codes and
safety standards.
 Noise and vibration: Steel frames transmit noise and vibration more easily than
other building materials, which can be a problem in some cases. Soundproofing
can help alleviate this problem.

2.2.3 Material choice considerations and recommendation

2.3 Concrete wall

Concrete wall is a common construction method in building structures and has some
advantages in terms of cost performance and other factors. Method: Block wall. A
concrete block wall is a wall built with precast concrete blocks. The stones are made
of cement, water and aggregate such as sand and gravel.

2.3.1 Advantage of steel concrete wall

 Cost effective: Concrete walls are often cost effective compared to other wall
construction methods, especially for large buildings. The main reason is that
concrete is widely available and easy to produce, which means materials tend
to cost less than other building materials.
 Strength and durability: Concrete walls are very strong and durable, making
them ideal for buildings requiring high levels of structural integrity. Concrete
can withstand heavy loads and withstand natural disasters such as
earthquakes and hurricanes. This increases the safety of the students
 Sound insulation: Concrete walls have excellent sound insulation properties,
which means they can help reduce noise transmission between different areas
of the building. This is especially important for school buildings, where
privacy and noise control are critical.
 Fire resistance: Concrete walls are highly fire resistant, which means they
can help contain fires and prevent them from spreading throughout the
building. This can help reduce the risk of property damage and save lives in
the event of a fire.
 Low maintenance: Concrete walls require little maintenance compared to
other materials, which helps reduce long-term costs. Concrete walls are
resistant to pests and rot, which means they can last for years without
needing repair or replacement.

2.3.2 Disadvantage of concrete wall

 Cost: Concrete walls can be more expensive than other types of walls, especially
if they require additional reinforcement or design elements.
 Heavy weight: Concrete is a heavy material, which can be difficult to transport
and install. It may also need a sturdier foundation to support its weight.
 Cracks: Concrete walls are prone to cracking over time due to changes in
temperature, humidity, and foundation settlement.
 Limited design options: Concrete walls generally have a limited range of design
options compared to other materials. Once they are in place, they are difficult to
customize or modify.
 Environmental impact: The production of concrete can have a significant impact
on the environment due to the energy required to produce and transport the
material and the emissions generated during manufacturing.
 Poor insulation: Concrete is not a very good insulator, which means it may not be
the best choice for homes in extreme climates. Additional insulation may be
 needed to keep the home comfortable and energy efficient.

2.3.3 Material choice considerations and recommendation

2.4 Concrete Slab

2.4.1 Advantage of concrete slab

 Enhanced structural stability: When concrete walls and slabs are built together,
they form a unified, interconnected structural system that provides enhanced
stability and resistance to external forces such as wind and earthquakes. This
improves the overall safety and durability of the building.
 Better insulation: Concrete walls and slabs can be insulated to provide better
energy efficiency and thermal performance. When built together, insulation can
be seamlessly installed throughout the building envelope, which can reduce heat
loss and improve indoor comfort.
 Improved resistance to moisture: Concrete walls and floors can be treated with
waterproof material to improve their resistance to moisture and prevent water
damage. When built together, these materials can be integrated into a
comprehensive water management system that can help keep the building dry and
free of mold and mildew.
 Reduce noise transmission: Concrete walls and floors provide excellent sound
insulation, helping to reduce noise transmission between different areas of the
building. When built together, they can create a more effective sound barrier that
helps improve acoustic comfort.
 Faster construction: Building concrete walls and floors together can help reduce
construction time and costs because the two components can be integrated and
built at the same time. This also helps to minimize disruption to surrounding
areas, such as in urban environments where space and time are limited.

2.4.2 Disadvantage of concrete slab

 Cracking: Concrete slabs are prone to cracking, which can be caused by a variety
of factors such as soil settling, temperature changes, and improper installation.
These cracks can be unsightly and can also compromise the structural integrity of
the slab.
 Limited flexibility: Once a concrete slab is installed, it cannot be easily modified
or moved. This can be a disadvantage if changes need to be made to the layout or
design of the space.
 Moisture: Concrete slabs can be porous and absorb moisture, which can lead to
mold and mildew growth, as well as damage to flooring materials.
 Coldness: Concrete slabs can feel cold and uncomfortable to walk on, especially
in colder climates. Additional flooring materials or insulation may be needed to
make the space more comfortable.
 Cost: Concrete slabs can be expensive to install, especially if reinforcement or
additional preparation is needed for the site.
 Environmental impact: The production and transportation of concrete can have a
significant environmental impact due to the energy required to produce and
transport the materials, as well as the emissions generated during the
manufacturing process.

2.4.3 Material choice considerations and recommendation

The concrete slab scheme was adopted because the material choice of the concrete wall was
considered. Combining concrete walls and slabs can provide a variety of benefits in terms of
structural stability, insulation, moisture resistance, noise reduction and construction efficiency.

2.5 Reinforced Concrete Column

2.5.1 Advantage of reinforced Concrete Column

 Reinforced concrete columns offer several advantages over other types of

construction materials, including:
 Strength and Durability: Reinforced concrete columns are strong and durable,
making them ideal for use in buildings that require high load-bearing capacity.
They are also resistant to weathering, corrosion, and other forms of deterioration,
making them suitable for long-term use.
 Insulation: Reinforced concrete has good insulation properties, making it ideal for
 use in structures that require insulation from external temperature changes. This
reduces energy costs associated with heating and cooling, making it an energy-
efficient option.
 Fire Resistance: Reinforced concrete is highly fire-resistant, making it a safe
option for buildings that require fire protection. It does not burn or emit toxic
fumes, which can help prevent the spread of fire and protect people and property.

2.5.2 Disadvantage of reinforced Concrete Column

 Reinforced concrete columns have several disadvantages that should be

considered before choosing them for construction:
 Cost: Reinforced concrete columns can be more expensive than other types of
columns, especially if they require additional reinforcement or design elements.
 Limited flexibility: Once a reinforced concrete column is installed, it cannot be
easily modified or moved. This can be a disadvantage if changes need to be made
to the layout or design of the space.
 Heavyweight: Reinforced concrete columns can be very heavy, which can make
them difficult to transport and install. They may also require a stronger
foundation to support their weight.
 Cracking: Like all concrete structures, reinforced concrete columns can be prone
to cracking over time due to changes in temperature, moisture, and settling of the
foundation.
 Limited design options: Reinforced concrete columns typically have a limited
range of design options compared to other materials. They can be difficult to
customize or modify once they are in place.
 Environmental impact: The production of reinforced concrete can have a
significant environmental impact due to the energy required to produce and
transport the materials, as well as the emissions generated during the
manufacturing process.
2.5.3 Material choice considerations and recommendation

2.6 Assessment of options

Based on their strength, durability, and versatility, we would recommend a

combination of reinforced concrete and steel.
Reinforced concrete is a strong and durable material that can resist compressive and
tensile forces. It can be used for structural elements such as columns, beams, and
floor slabs, and can also be used for walls and foundations. Additionally, concrete has
excellent fire resistance and can provide good acoustic insulation.
Steel is also a strong and versatile material that can be used for structural elements
such as columns, beams, and roof framing. It is relatively lightweight compared to
concrete, which can result in cost savings in foundation design and construction.
Steel can also be prefabricated off-site, which can reduce on-site construction time
and costs.
By combining the two materials, the benefits of both can be maximized. For
example, the speed and ease of construction of steel can be used for the roof framing,
while the strength and durability of reinforced concrete can be used for the foundation
and lower floors. Ultimately, the best material choice for the structural design of the
college would depend on the specific project requirements and considerations.
2.7 AutoCAD drawing