Building Technology 02
Building Technology 02
TYPES OF FOUNDATION
• DEEP FOUNDATION
• SHALLOW FOUNDATION
Shallow foundation
Foundation is placed immediately lowest part of the super
structure, is termed as shallow foundation.
We use shallow foundation to distribute the structural loads
over a wide horizontal area at a shallow below the ground
level.
COMBINED FOOTINGS
USUALLY SUPPORT TWO COLUMNS, OR THREE COLUMNS
NOT IN A ROW.
Raft foundation
Foundation which consists
of thick reinforced
concrete slab covering
the entire area of the
bottom of the structure
like a floor. This
foundation was invented
by John Root at Chicago
in 19th century.
• Why Raft Foundation?
• Base soil has low
bearing capacity or the column loads are so large that more
than 50% of the area is covered by
• conventional spread footings.
• Resist unequal settlement due to earthquake.
• Quickness of the construction work.
LIMITATIONS OF SHALLOW
FOUNDATIONs
• A huge amount of earthwork is to be done in Mat foundation.
Deep Foundation:
A deep foundation is a type of foundation that transfers
building loads to the earth farther down from the surface
than a shallow foundation does to a subsurface layer or a
range of depth
Generally constructed depth over 3m.
Purpose:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
• Increased cost
• Potential FLOODING
• Note: The best scenario to prevent potential flooding is
ensuring a natural path for drainage.
• Lack of Natural Light.
Buoyancy Rafts
Foundation
This type of foundation is
constructed over soft and weak
soils. When loaded, it acts as a
floating (buoyant) structure and
designed in a way that it reduces the
intensity of load over the soil.
It is a type of Floating foundation.
• Also known as Hollow Box
Foundations, Compensated
Foundations or Deep Cellular Rafts.
• These are called Compensated foundations because the soil
below the foundation is
• removed during the construction process. The weight of
superstructure is equal to weight of soil and water removed.
Like this, the removed weight is compensated by the weight of
the superstructure.
Advantages:
Soil settlement chances are reduced due to the fact that the total
weight of structure is equal to the removed soil or water
Note that slight increases in loading will not bring any extreme
change in settlement limit.
Disadvantages:
Well foundation/caissons
Purpose/suitability:
• Deep sandy or soft soils.
• Heavy structures on low bearing capacity soils.
Advantages:
• Economical.
• Environmental friendly.
• Can be reached to great depths.
• Minimum handling equipment is required.
Disadvantages:
Pier foundation
A pier foundation is a collection of
large diameter cylindrical columns to
support the superstructure and transfer
large super-imposed loads to the firm
strata below. It stood several feet above
the ground.
Advantages:
• Less labor and materials required.
• Minimal disruption to soil environment.
• A lot of variety in designs.
• Saves money and time.
• As diameter of shafts is greater, inspection is possible.
• Design can be changed by Engineers is desired.
Drilled shaft
Drilled shafts are also called drilled piers, caissons or
bored piles.
These are used to support structures having large axial and
lateral loads.
• These foundations are constructed by drilling a borehole
within a deep excavation then concrete or some other pre-
fabricated load-bearing units is placed in it.
• Length and size can be changed easily.
• Shaft foundations can be constructed near existing structure
sand under low overhead conditions due to which they can be
used in numerous seismic retrofit projects.
• It can be difficult to install them in soils with boulders, soft
soil, loose sand, and sand under water.
Construction steps:
➢ Excavation of piers
➢ Providing supports
➢ Concreting
Pile foundation
• When the soil is very soft and solid base is not available at
reasonable depth.
• When grillage and raft foundations prove to be very
expensive. High building with heavy concentrated loads.
• Construction of a building along river bed or sea shore.
• Can also be used to help resist uplift, overturning, and
lateral forces.
End bearing
• Piles which terminate in hard,
relatively impenetrable
material such as rock or very
dense sand and gravel.
UP-FA1-BSAR3-03
MONDAY & WEDNESDAY (10:30AM - 12:30NN)
FRAMING
The act, process, or manner of fitting and joining together relatively slender members to
give shape and support to a structure.
• Concrete Framing
• Steel Framing
• Wood Framing
CONCRETE
FRAMING
Concrete frame construction is a
construction method which comprises a
network of columns and beams to
transfer the loads coming onto the
structure to the foundation successfully.
Wholistically, it forms a structural skeleton
for the building which is used to support
other members such as Floors, Roof,
Walls, and Claddings.
TYPICAL RC FRAMING
TYPE OF FRAME STRUCTURE
Under the action of horizontal loads, due to a large moment of inertia, they can
carry large wind and earthquake forces, and then transfer them to the beam.
FOUNDATION IN FRAMED STRUCTURE
Shear walls also carry vertical loads. It’s important to understand that they only work
for horizontal loads in one direction, which is the axis of the long dimension of the
wall.
ELEVATOR SHAFT IN FRAME STRUCTURE
• It has low compressive strength when compared to steel which leads to large
sections of columns/beams in multistory buildings, cracks development in
concrete due to shrinkage and the application of live loads is high.
• If concreting is not done properly, the steel starts corroding thereby losing
strength and ultimately the life gets reduced. Also, the repairs are then very
expensive and difficult.
STEEL FRAMING
Steel framing systems typically refers
SYSTEMS to a building technique with a
“skeleton frame” of vertical steel
columns and horizontal I-beams,
created in an exceedingly
rectangular grid to support the floors,
roof and walls of a building that are
all hooked up to the frame. the
event of this system created the
development of the building
possible.
The rolled steel “profile” or cross section of steel columns takes the form of the letter
“I”. the 2 wide flanges of a column are thicker and wider than the flanges on a
beam, to higher stand up to compressive stress within the structure. sq. and spherical
hollow sections of steel can even be used, typically stuffed with concrete. Steel
beams are connected to the columns with bolts and rib fasteners, and traditionally
connected by rivets. The central “web” of the steel I-beams is commonly wider than
a column net to resist the upper bending moments that occur in beams.
TYPES OF STRUCTURAL STEEL FRAMING SYSTEM
• Skeleton steel framing
➢ It should be known that all gravity loads in skeleton frame structure are
supported by beams and columns. The distance between columns can be
established according to the functions and requirements of the structure.
Therefore, there are no restrictions that limit the area of the floor and roof of the
building. Multistorey structures are possible to construct using skeleton framing.
WALL BEARING STEEL FRAMING SYSTEM
This problem might be solved to certain extent if the reinforced concrete walls are
applied. There are several cases in which wall bearing frame system is suitable to be
used. For example, single story house in which steel beams are used to carry wall
and floor loads and the end of the steel beams are placed on foundation walls, as
shown in Figure-6. A further application of wall bearing system application is the
utilization of steel beams known as lintels over wall openings like doors and windows.
• High rise buildings because of its strength, low weight, and speed of
construction
• Industrial buildings because of its ability to create large span spaces at
low cost
• Warehouse buildings for the same reason
• Residential buildings in a technique called light gauge steel construction
• Temporary Structures as these are quick to set up and remove
ADVANTAGES
BUILDABILITY
In light gauge steel framing construction, structure and nonstructural members
are produced in factory. This would decrease works at project site, declines
waste, and enhance quality of construction.
LIGHTWEIGHT
The weight of light weight steel framing system is considerably low which require
smaller size of foundation, and can be handled easily.
STRENGTH
The light gauge steel has great strength even though its weight is low. This is one
of the most crucial advantage of this construction material.
DESIGN FLEXIBILITY
The strength of light gauge steel frames permit longer spans, larger open spaces
without the need for intermediate columns or load bearing walls.
SPEED OF CONSTRUCTION
The structural steel frame can be erected quickly since the structural members
are prefabricated and can be easily handled due to their lightweight.
STRUCTURAL SAFETY
The strength and noncombustible properties of steel enables it to withstand fires,
earthquakes, and hurricanes.
QUALITY
Buildings constructed with light gauge steel frames have good quality which not
only durable but also its maintenance low. It neither rot, shrink, warp nor suffer
decomposition.
REMODEL EASILY
Light gauge steel frame construction can be modified at any point in its life
service. Non-load bearing walls can be readily relocated, removed or altered.
RECYCLABLE
All steel products are recyclable.
DISADVANTAGES
o It is non-combustible material, but it must be protected from fire with fire
rated sheeting since it loses its strength in fire.
Each frame comprises components such as studs, joists, and rafters that are
assembled to form a sheathed structure under stud-connecting sheets.
Wood frame construction is one of the most widely used methods to build residential,
commercial and industrial buildings. Wood frames are not only very economical to
build but are also resistant to extreme climatic variations, and offer residents a high
degree of comfort. Added to that, wood frames are sustainable and absorb carbon
and offset greenhouse gasses.
Wood frames can be used to construct different styles of buildings and there cannot
be any restriction on architectural possibilities when wood is the medium. In order for
a wood building to perform its expected functions, it is necessary to construct it
judiciously and this can be achieved by using sound construction and erection
practices. For instance, wood frames are light in weight and hence it does not
require cranes and other heavy machinery for the erection process therefore
contributing to the economic aspect of construction.
• Truss-Framed Construction
PLATFORM FRAME
CONSTRUCTION
It is an easy method and mostly suitable
for the construction of houses. In this
technique, first-floor joists are covered
with sub-flooring to create a surface
upon which exterior walls and interior
partitions are erected.
BALLOON FRAME
CONSTRUCTION
It is another method of wood frame
construction which although is a bit less
popular compared to platform frame
construction, but is utilized when the
conditions ask for it. In this method,
exterior wall studs and first-floor joists are
supported by anchored sill. The exterior
wall studs are continuous to the second
floor. The second-floor joists are
supported by ribbon strip which are
inserted into the inside edges of exterior
wall studs.
PLANK AND BEAM
FRAME CONSTRUCTION
In this framing method, beams, whose
ends are supported by posts, are
spaced at a maximum of 2.4m and
planks are used to cover floors and
roofs. The posts provide wall framing
and planks act as subflooring and roof
sheathing. Wall sheathing is attached
to supplementary framing between
posts. Roof and floor loads imposed
on beams, then get transferred to the
posts and are finally received by
foundations.
TRUSS-FRAMED
CONSTRUCTION
In this frame construction
method, roof truss, floor truss
and metal anchors are used
to build strong wood frames.
Outstanding advantages of
trussed frames are
substantial rigidity and wider
spacing of roof and floor
supporting members.
TYPES OF FASTENINGS FOR WOOD FRAME
There are various fastening means which can be selected based on the size of wood
elements and exerted loads used to attach different elements of wood frames
together. Most common fastening techniques are:
3. Nailed Joints
Nailed joints are used when loads act at right angles to nails, but it should be avoided if
loads act parallel to the nail.
Basic protection measures include the removal of tree root in areas around the
structure prior to backfilling, carefully tamp loose backfill to decrease future settlement,
and provide certain degree of slopes at foundation and over the building to force
water away from the structure.
Finally, all wood structural elements shall be treated based on the exposure to weather
and closeness to ground.
MASS TIMBER
“Mass timber” refers to larger projects that are entirely or predominantly built using
wooden supports. These buildings include not only heavy timber and dimensional
lumber elements, but also new and innovative—and typically fire resistant—products
like Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), Nail-Laminated Timber (NLT), and Glue Laminated
Beams (GLB). These materials as well as other design innovations have made mass-
timber constructions an increasingly popular—and safe—alternative to concrete and
steel designs.
Mass timber is a category of framing styles typically characterized by the use of large
solid wood panels for wall, floor and roof construction. It also includes innovative forms
of sculptural buildings, and non-building structures formed from solid wood panel or
framing systems of 6 feet or more in width or depth. Products in the mass timber family
include:
CROSS-LAMINATED
TIMBER
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is a wood
panel typically consisting of three, five, or
seven layers of dimension lumber
oriented at right angles to one another
and then glued to form structural panels
with exceptional strength, dimensional
stability and rigidity. CLT can be
manufactured to customized dimensions
and panel sizes vary by manufacturer
while length is usually limited by
transportation restrictions.
Because of CLT’s structural properties and dimensional stability, this mass timber
product is well suited to floors, walls and roofs used in mid-rise construction. The wall
and floor panels may be left exposed in the interior which provides additional
aesthetic attributes. The panels are used as prefabricated building components
which can speed up construction practices or allow for off-site construction.
GLUE-LAMINATED
TIMBER (GLULAM)
Glue Laminated Timber (Glulam) is
composed of individual wood laminations
(dimension lumber), specifically selected
and positioned based on their
performance characteristics, and then
bonded together with durable, moisture-
resistant adhesives. The grain of all
laminations runs parallel with the length of
the member.
Glulam can be used in horizontal applications as a beam, or vertically as a column.
Glulam has excellent strength and stiffness properties (pound for pound, it is stronger
than steel, and is available in a range of appearance grades for structural or
architectural applications.
NAIL-LAMINATED TIMBER
DOWEL-LAMINATED
TIMBER
Dowel-laminated timber panels are a
next-generation mass timber product
commonly used in Europe. Panels are
made from softwood lumber boards
(2-by-4, 2-by-6, 2-by-8, etc.) stacked
like the boards of NLT and friction-fit
together with dowels. Typically made
from hardwood lumber, the dowels
hold each board side-by-side, similar to
how nails work in an NLT panel, and
the friction fit lends some dimensional
stability to the panel.
Among the advantages of DLT, acoustic strips can be integrated directly into the
bottom surface of a panel. This can help a designer achieve acoustic objectives,
while keeping the wood exposed and allowing for a wide variety of surface finishes.
STRUCTURAL COMPOSITE
LUMBER
SCL is a family of wood products
created by layering dried and
graded wood veneers, strands, or
flakes with moisture-resistant
adhesive into blocks of material,
which are subsequently re-sawn
into specified sizes.
WOOD-CONCRETE
COMPOSITES
Mass timber systems vary widely, and
hybrids are an option for wood high-rises,
very long spans, or other project-specific
requirements. No material is perfect for
every job, and it’s important for designers
to choose a combination of materials that
effectively meets the performance
objectives.
CARBON-CAPTURE BENEFITS Over the course of its life cycle, trees remove
carbon from the air, but they return that captured carbon into the soil and the
atmosphere when they eventually decompose. When wood is used in the
construction of a house, however, the carbon remains trapped, at least as long as
the building still stands.
INSULATION Compared to other materials like glass, concrete, and steel, wood
has low-thermal conductivity—in other words, it retains heat and makes for a more
energy efficient home.
IMPROVED AIR QUALITY Some studies indicate that the air quality in wood
buildings is better, with fewer toxic emissions compared to some other construction
materials.
DISADVANTAGES:
WOOD ROT While huge advances have been made in the treatment of wood to
extend its life span, it still remains more subject to rot than concrete. Mold and
mildew can also be concerns with wood construction, though they can also be
avoided if attention is paid to moisture control, properly sealing windows, and taking
other preventative measures.
FIRE RISKS The application of fire retardants and the installation of sprinkler systems
can limit the risk of fire in completed wood-frame buildings, but builders should be
aware of the fire hazards in the early stages of construction, when the wood frame is
largely exposed and unprotected.
Major parts of concrete frame construction are columns, beams and slabs. Columns
are crucial load-bearing elements; their failure can lead to overall collapse. And beam
has a horizontal element that supporting loads from slabs and other structures. While
slabs are flat surfaces for shelter, carrying vertical loads. Foundations is the transfer loads
from columns and beams to the ground. Shear walls are important in high-rise buildings
for managing horizontal loads. Elevator Shafts are the vertical concrete structures
aiding in load resistance. The advantages of concrete framing are good in
compression and tension, fire resistance, low maintenance, and flexibility in design;
however, it requires careful construction practices and has higher costs for materials
and labor.
Steel framing systems employs a skeleton of steel columns and beams, allowing for
flexible design and substantial load-bearing capacity. Types include skeleton steel
framing, wall-bearing framing, and long-span steel framing options like trusses and
girders. The advantages of steel framing are good buildability, lightweight, strong,
versatile design options, rapid construction, durability, and recyclable. Disadvantages
include susceptibility to fire, sound transmission, and requirements for protection against
corrosion.
Wood Framing involve in assembling vertical and horizontal elements through various
connections, widely used for its cost-effectiveness and sustainability. Common methods
include platform and balloon framing. The advantages of wood construction are easy
to construct, quick to build, sustainable, effective insulation, and improved air quality.
Disadvantages involve issues like rot, structural limitations, fire risks, and building code
restrictions. Mass Timber are larger projects with wooden supports that include
innovative materials such as Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glue Laminated Timber
(Glulam). They enhance structural strength and aesthetic appeal.
CONCLUSION:
Each framing system has distinct advantages and disadvantages that provide a
specific construction needs, influencing the choice based on the project requirements.
REFERENCES:
A Visual Dictionary of Architecture - Second Edition Book
UP-FA1-BSAR3-03
MONDAY & WEDNESDAY (10:30AM - 12:30NN)
A plumbing utility system is a network of pipes, fixtures, and equipment that facilitates
the distribution of water and the removal of waste in buildings.
Pipes
➢ Pipes form the backbone of any plumbing system, carrying water, waste, and
gases in and out of buildings. Each material has its advantages and drawbacks.
PVC Pipes
Polyvinyl chloride pipes (PVC) are
commonly used as part of a sink,
toilet, or shower drain line. Its plastic
tubing is ideal for this kind of usage
because it protects the water from
rust and corrosion better than other
types of pipes. This capability also
makes PVC pipe incredibly durable.
Unless they are subject to some kind
of damage, PVC pipes will last
indefinitely.
Drawbacks surrounding PVC pipe include limited size options, an inability to withstand
hot water, and concerns over toxicity. Though PVC piping meets all standards set by
the American National Standards Institute, there are concerns that it may introduce
polyvinyl chloride chemicals into drinking water, potentially causing respiratory and
reproductive issues. It is for this reason that some states have banned PVC plumbing
pipes from transporting drinking water.
PEX Pipes
ABS Pipes
PVC pipe is by far the most commonly used pipe in residential homes. This type of pipe is
affordable and available in a number of different fittings and sizes. It’s also a great
choice for most warm and cold water applications.
Sink
Porcelain sink
➢ Toilets are integral to a building’s sanitation system. Various designs are available,
each with unique features and water efficiency ratings.
• Toilets are integral to a building’s sanitation system. Various designs are available,
each with unique features and water efficiency ratings.
Gravity-Flush Toilets:
Pressure-Assisted Toilets:
Provide two flushing options for liquid or solid waste, improving water efficiency.
➢ These fixtures offer a range of materials and styles, affecting both functionality
and aesthetics.
These fixtures offer a range of materials and styles, affecting both functionality and
aesthetics.
Materials:
Acrylic:
o Lightweight and available in various shapes and sizes.
Fiberglass:
o Affordable but less durable than acrylic.
Cast Iron:
o Heavy and durable, with excellent heat retention.
Stone Resin:
o Offers a luxury finish, durable but expensive.
Shower Types:
Standard Showers:
Basic fixed-head showers.
Rain Showers:
Provide a wider, softer spray from above.
Handheld Showers:
Allow for flexible, targeted use.
Conclusion
Generator
• A machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Electric motor
• A machine that converts electric power into mechanical energy.
Transformer
• An electric device consisting of two or more winding wound on the same core,
which employs the principle of mutual induction to convert variations of
alternating current in a primary circuit into variations of voltage and current in a
secondary circuit.
Cable
• A single insulated conductor or a bound or sheathed combination of conductors
insulated from one another.
Conduit
• A tube, pipe, or duct for enclosing and protecting electric wires or cables.
Raceway
• A channel expressly designed to hold and protect electric wires and cables.
Surface raceway
• A raceway designed for exposed installation in dry, nonhazardous, noncorrosive
locations.
Multi-outlet assembly
• A surface-mounted raceway designed to house the electrical wires for a circuit
and a series of receptacles.
Wire
• A pliable metallic strand or a twisted or woven assembly of such strands, often
insulated with a dielectric material and used as a conductor of electricity.
Insulator
• A material that is poor conductor of electricity, used for separating or supporting
conductors to prevent the undesired flow of current.
Junction box
• An enclosure for housing and protecting electric wires or cables that are joined
together in connecting or branching electric circuits.
Cable tray
• An open metal framework for supporting insulated electrical conductors.
Switch
• A device for making, breaking, or directing an electric current
Air switch
• A switch in which the interruption of a circuit occurs in air.
Knife switch
• A form of air switch in which a hinged copper blade is placed
between two contact clips. float switch A switch controlled by a
conductor floating in a liquid.
Mercury switch
• An especially quiet switch that opens and closes an electric circuit by shifting a
sealed glass tube of mercury so as to uncover or cover the contacts.
Key switch
• A switch operated only by inserting a key.
Dimmer
• A rheostat or similar device for regulating the intensity of an electric light
without appreciably affecting spatial distribution. Also called dimmer
switch.
Rheostat
• A resistor for regulating a current by means of variable resistances.
Plug
A plumbing utility system is a network of pipes, fixtures, and equipment that distributes
water and removes waste in buildings. It is crucial for architecture to understand
plumbing materials and fixtures to design efficient and durable systems. PVC pipes are
the most common type of plumbing, as they are durable, lightweight, and can handle
high water pressure. PEX pipes are flexible, color-coded, and resistant to rust or
corrosion. ABS pipes are similar to PVC but easy to identify due to their black color.
Copper pipes are corrosion-resistant and best suited for protecting water quality.
PVC pipe is the most commonly used pipe in residential homes due to its affordability
and availability in various colors. However, it can warp when exposed to direct sunlight
and is noisier than other types of pipes. Copper pipes are corrosion-resistant and best
suited for protecting water quality. Overall, understanding the different materials and
fixtures used in plumbing is essential for designing efficient and durable systems.
Types of Plumbing Pipes | Learn What the Top 5 Are in This Post | NEIT
Spread foundations are structural members used to support columns and walls and distribute
their loads to the soil. They consist of multiple layers of beams laid at right angles to disperse
heavy point loads from the superstructure. Raft foundation, invented by John Root in the 19th
century, consists of a thick reinforced concrete slab covering the entire bottom of the structure.
Deep foundations transfer building loads farther down from the surface than shallow
foundations, transferring loads to a subsurface layer or a range of depth. They are used when
the soil beneath the structure is weak compressible soil or when the soil is non-suitable. Types of
deep foundations include basement foundations, buoyancy rafts or hollow box foundations,
well foundations, pier foundations, drilled shaft foundations, and pile foundation foundations.
They offer advantages such as more, cheaper square footage, seasonal living space, easy
access for repairs, and storm protection.
Buoyancy Rafts Foundation is a floating structure designed to reduce soil load intensity. It is
constructed over soft and weak soils and acts as a buoyant structure. The design considerations
include excavation depth, center of gravity, basement design, water pressure calculation, and
external walls, floors, and separating walls. Advantages include protection from water levels and
reduced soil settlement. Disadvantages include increased excavation costs, potential
catastrophic movement, space waste, and gas leakage.
Well foundations are box-like structures sunk from the surface to desired depth. They are suitable
for deep sandy or soft soils and heavy structures on low bearing capacity soils. Advantages
include economic, environmental, and environmental friendliness. Disadvantages include
expert engineering, worker injuries, divers assistance, and construction difficulties.
Pier foundations are large diameter cylindrical columns used to support the superstructure and
transfer large loads to the firm strata below. They have advantages such as less labor and
materials required, minimal soil disturbance, and a wide variety of designs. Drilled shafts, also
known as drilled piers, caissons, or bored piles, are used to support the superstructure.
Frame is a skeletal structure designed to give shape and support to a building or construction.
There are three types of framing systems: concrete, steel, and wood. Concrete frame
construction involves a network of columns and beams to transfer loads to the foundation. There
are two types of frame structures: rigid and braced.
Columns are the main parts of concrete frame construction, as they carry axial or eccentric
loads. Designing columns is more important than beams and slabs, as failure of one can lead to
the collapse of the entire structure. Beams are horizontal load-bearing members, carrying loads
from slabs and masonry walls. Sheer walls transmit load from columns and beams to the solid
ground, and are important structural elements in high-rise buildings. Elevator shafts are used to
lift the structure from the ground. Overall, the design of framed structures is crucial for ensuring
stability and resistance to external forces.
Framed concrete structure offers advantages such as good compression and tension, better fire
resistance, long service life, low maintenance cost, and cost-effectiveness. It can be cast to any
shape and yields rigid members with minimal deflection. Steel framing systems, on the other
hand, use a skeleton frame of vertical steel columns and horizontal I-beams to support floors,
roof, and walls. These systems are designed to resist horizontal loads and carry vertical loads.
However, there are disadvantages to framed concrete structures. It requires meticulous mixing,
casting, and curing, which affects the final strength of the member. The cost of formwork used to
cast concrete is relatively high, and it has low compressive strength compared to steel, leading
to large sections of columns and beams in multistory buildings. Additionally, improper concreting
can cause steel to corrode, reducing its strength and life.
There are three types of structural steel framing systems: skeleton steel framing, wall bearing steel
framing, and long span steel framing. Skeleton steel framing supports all gravity loads, while wall
bearing steel framing is suitable for low-rise structures.
A plumbing utility system is a network of pipes, fixtures, and equipment that distributes water and
removes waste in buildings. It is crucial for the functionality of a building, impacting its health,
safety, and sustainability. Understanding plumbing materials and fixtures is essential for designing
efficient and durable systems.
Pipes form the backbone of any plumbing system, carrying water, waste, and gases in and out
of buildings. PVC pipes are commonly used as part of sink, toilet, or shower drain lines due to
their durability and resistance to rust and corrosion. PEX pipes are flexible and easy to weave
through walls, ceilings, basements, and crawl spaces. ABS pipes, similar to PVC pipes, are
resistant to cold temperatures but can warp when exposed to direct sunlight and are noisier
than other types. Copper pipes, corrosion-resistant, and best suited to protect water quality, are
popular among plumbers and homeowners.
PVC pipe is the most commonly used pipe in residential homes due to its affordability and
versatility. Sinks are essential fixtures in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas.
Porcelain sinks are durable and classic, with a wide range of styles and colors available. Stainless
steel sinks are made from bending or molding steel, making them highly durable and easy to
clean. Cast iron with enamel coating sinks are made from cast iron and coated with a layer of
enamel, providing a smooth and glossy finish. These sinks are popular for their combination of
beauty and functionality.
Toilets are integral to a building's sanitation system, with various designs and water efficiency
ratings. There are various types of toilets, including gravity-flush, pressure- assisted, and dual-flush
toilets. Bathtubs and showers offer a range of materials and styles, affecting functionality and
aesthetics. Materials include acrylic, fiberglass, cast iron, and stone resin. Shower types include
standard, rain, and handheld showers.
Understanding plumbing materials and fixtures is essential for designing functional, efficient, and
sustainable buildings. Architects must stay updated with industry innovations while ensuring
designs meet user needs and comply with local regulations. Mastering the basics of plumbing
can enhance architectural designs and contribute to healthier, more sustainable built
environments.
Throughout this semester, I have delved deep into the intricate components and processes
involved in the construction of structures and buildings. My understanding has been enriched as
I explored the nuances of how these elements interplay, particularly within the realm of the
structural system. The structural system, being both vast and pivotal, has significantly broadened
my knowledge base. I further honed my skills while working on my plates and translating
theoretical learning into practical applications.
Moreover, the framing system emerged as another critical facet in shaping the physical form
and integrity of a structure. It became evident that meticulous attention to the plumbing and
electrical systems is paramount, given their fundamental roles in ensuring the proper functioning
of water supply and electrical connections. This aspect of planning demands a high level of
precision to guarantee seamless operations post-construction. The realization of the myriad
details that must be meticulously considered during the construction process has been an eye-
opening experience for me. Each intricate detail carries weight and plays a crucial role in the
overall success of the project.