Bonding in Brickwork Bonds in brick work means method of arranging the bricks in courses so that individual brick units are tied together and the vertical joints of the successive courses do not lie in same vertical line. Purposes of Brick Bonding Obtain maximum strength whilst distributing the loads to be carried throughout the wall, … Read more
A stair is a series of steps arranged in such a manner as to connect different floors of a building. Stairs are designed to provide an easy and quick access to the different floors. A staircase is an enclosure which contains the complete stairway. Terminologies Used During Staircase Design A few technical terms generally used … Read more
In any building construction piping systems are designed to serve the following primary purposes. To supply water everywhere in the building For the disposal of rain water above the ground To dispose water from water closets and washbasin etc To drain soil & waste water to septic tanks or town sewers. The principal types of … Read more
Requirements of Good Stairs A good stair should provide an easy, quick and safe mode of communication between the various floors of the building. General requirements of good stairs are as mentioned below. 1. Location It should preferably be located centrally, ensuring sufficient light and ventilation. 2. Width of Stair The width of stairs for … Read more
Principle for Supervision of Stone Masonry The following principles should be followed during construction of stone masonry: The stone used in masonry should be durable and strong. All stones should be well watered before laying to avoid absorption of moisture from mortar. All stones should be properly dressed. The stones should be laid on their … Read more
Harmful Effects of Dampness Dampness is the presence of hygroscopic or gravitational moisture. Dampness gives rise to unhygienic conditions apart from reduction in strength of structural components of the building. Dampness causes the following harmful effects. Dampness is responsible for breeding of mosquitoes and creates unhealthy living conditions. Due to dampness, moisture travel through walls … Read more
Precast Concrete Piles – Advantages & Disadvantages Precast concrete piles are cast, cured and stored in a yard before they are installed in the field mostly by driving. Advantages of Precast Concrete Piles Reinforcement used in the pile is not liable to change its place or get disturbed The defects in pile can be easily … Read more
Quality Assurance for Cement Plastering Plastering is a process of applying one or more coats of mortar to a concrete surface, brickwork, stone masonry or lathing. It must be durable such that it resists the penetration of moisture and should be able to weather uniformly. It should also be pleasing in appearance. These properties depend … Read more
Basic Components of a Building A building consists of following basic components. 1. Foundation A foundation is necessary to evenly distribute the entire building load on the soil in such a manner that no damaging settlements take place. Hence, the foundations need to be constructed on good/solid ground. 2. Plinth A plinth is normally constructed … Read more
Removal of Forms Forms should not be removed until the concrete has sufficiently hardened in order that it can carry safely its own weight and any other live loads it is subjected to. The supporting period (period between placing of concrete in forms and removal of forms) differ according to the type of cement used … Read more