Basic Components of a Building
A building is defined as an enclosed space covered by a roof. The role of a Civil Engineer is about maintaining vital infrastructure. Civil Engineering is also about maintaining and adapting the infrastructure that people depend on every day - roads, railways and bridges, energy and water supply, waste networks, and flood defenses. Civil engineers have to keep this infrastructure running effectively and adapt it to meet challenges, such as population growth, climate change, and natural disasters. This article provides you the information on different components of a building.
SUB-STRUCTURE
It is the basic component of a building, situated underneath the surrounding ground.
SUPERSTRUCTURE
The portion which is situated above the ground level is called superstructure.
The components of a building can be further classified as;
FOUNDATION
Foundation is the lowest part of a structure below the ground level which transfers all the loads (dead load, live load etc) to the soil.
PLINTH
The portion of a building between the ground surrounding the building and the top floor just above the ground is termed as plinth. Plinth is provided to prevent the surface water from entering the building.
DPC
DPC or damp-proof course is a layer of waterproofing materials like asphalt, bitumen, waterproof cement etc on which the walls are constructed.
WALLS
Walls are the vertical members on which the roof finally rests. Walls are provided to divide the floor space in the desired pattern. Walls provide privacy, security and protects from the sun, rain, wind, cold etc.
COLUMN
Columns are the isolated load bearing member which carry the axial compressive load of a structure.
BEAM
Beams are horizontal load distributing members with carry tensile load of floor, roof etc.
FLOORS
Floors can be defined as flat supporting elements dividing a building into different levels ( e.g, first floor, second floor etc) to create more accommodation on a given land. They provide a firm and dry platform for people and other items like furniture, equipment, stores etc.
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| Components in Detail |
DOORS, WINDOWS, AND VENTILATION
Doors are provided as a barrier secured in an opening left in a wall to access the building, room or passage. A window may be defined as an opening left in a wall for the purpose of providing daylight, vision, natural air, and ventilation.
STAIRS
Stairs can be defined as a structure comprising a number of steps arranged in a series connecting one floor to another. Stairs are used to access various floors of the building.
ROOF
A roof is the topmost part of a building which covers the space below and protects from rain, direct sunlight, snow, the wind etc.
BUILDING FINISHES
Building finishes include items like plastering, pointing, washing, varnishing, painting, dis-tempering etc.
BUILDING SERVICES
Building services include services like water supply, drainage, lighting, sanitation, electricity, acoustics, ventilation, heating, air conditioning, fire detection and control etc.
Listed above are the major components of a building.
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