Components Of Building

 There are two maine parts of building are :

(1) Foundation

(2) Super-structure.

Foundation : The part of the building constructed below the ground level is referred as foundation. It is also known as sub-structure. This part is not used for accommodation purposes. Its only function to transfer the load of the building into the sub-soil uniformly and without causing an uneven sattlement. The widht and depth of the foundation is designed keeping in view the type of soil, load to be supported and the bearing capicity of the soil.

Basement: In case of, any accommodation is provided below level, this part, only referred as basement.

Superstructure : The part of the building constructed above the ground level is called super-structure. This part of building consists of wall, roofs, pillars, door, windows etc. 

    Walls are provided to enclose the area and to divide the whole area into numbers of room depending upon the requiremnts. doors are provided for free and easy access into the rooms. Windows are provided for light and ventilation purposes etc.

Cross-section of building

(1) Plinth : It is the poration between the ground floor level and ground level. The thickness of the plinth wall depends upon the weight of the building and the width of the foundation. The height of the plinth should be not be less than 45 cm as per bye laws and a mix of 1:3:6 should be used for the construction of plinth wall. The height of flood level of the area , nature of surrounding soil and architectural treatment to be given to the building.

The requirements are: 

(a) To protect the building from dampness.

(b) To keep the filling in position below the raised floor of the building

(c) To transmit the load to the foundation.

(d) To increase the appearence of the building.

(e) To increase the stability and durability of the building.

(2) Walls : The function of the wall is to enclose or divide the space. Load bearing walls are the essential components of the building. The requirements are :

(a) It should be strong enough to take up the load safely.

(b) It should be stable against over-turing.

(c) It should provide adequate resistance to rain, sun, fire and wind penetration etc.

(d) It should be sound insulated in side.

(e) It should provide privacy to the inhabitants.

(f) It should afford security against burglary.

(3) Floors : The floor provides suppor for the furniture, equipment and occupants of the building. It also divides the building into different levels for accommodating more people within the limited space. The requirements are : 

(a) It should be strong enough to suppport the covering and other loads.

(b) It should be provide a smooth, durable, impervious and wearing resisting surface.

(c) The insulation against heat, sound and resistance against fire should be provided in floors.

(4) Doors and Windows : The function of a door is to serve a connecting link between the internal enclosed spaces and also to allow free movement outside the building. Window is provided for proper ventilation and lighting. The requirements are :

(a) They should be strong enough to resist the adverse effects of the weathering agencies.

(b) They should be air-tight for achieving insulation against heat and should also not be affected by white ants.

(c) They should not help in creating dampness in the building and should also not be affected by white ants.

(d) They should provide privacy and security against burglars.

(5) Sills, Lintels and shades : Lintels are provided for taking up the loads of the masonry above as the doors or window frames are not sufficiently strong to resist the loads of the masonry above the openings. Shades or Chhajjas are combined with linels of windows to keep away the rain water from the external walls. Windows sills are throated also to keep the moisture penetration due to the weathering agencies.

(6) Roofs : It is the uppermost part of the building. It affords protection against deterioration starting from the top and it also prevents deterioraton starting from bottom.

The requirements are : 

(a) Its should be strong enough to take up the super-imposed loads smoothly and safely.

(b) Its covering should provide resistance to various weathering agenies and fire.

(c) It should provide adequate insulation against heat and sound.

(7) Stairs : Its Provide commuication between various floors in a building. The reqirements are :

(a) It should be strong and stable.

(b) It should be made of fire resisting materials

(C) Its should be either constructed of sound insulating materials fit constructed in one corner of the building.

(d) It should provided resistance againest weathering agencies.

(e) It should provide comfert and emergency.

(8) Wall finishes : The main requirements are:

(a) To protect the wall from weahering agencies.

(b) To provide a smooth and finished surface.

(c) To cover the defective workmenship if any.

(d) To provide aesthetic appreance to the building.