WHY ARE BUILDINGS WITH SHEAR WALLS PREFERRED IN SEISMIC REGIONS?

What is a Shear Wall Building? Reinforced concrete (RC) buildings often have vertical plate-like RC walls called Shear Walls (Figure 1) in addition to slabs, beams and columns. These walls generally start at foundation level and are continuous throughout the building height. Their thickness can be as low as 150mm, or as high as 400mm … Read more

7 FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS A BUILDING WALL SHOULD SATISFY

FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF BUILDING WALLS

The primary function of wall is to enclosure or divide the space. Basically wall is an essential component of the building. These walls may be built of different materials such as solid brick or stone masonry, plain monolithic concrete, reinforced masonry, hollow concrete blocks etc. Building walls can primarily be of two types, such as … Read more

8 MUST FOLLOW RULES FOR GOOD BONDING IN BRICKWORK

Unbounded wall & Load Distribution in a Well Bonded Wall

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

20+ TECHNICAL TERMS GENERALLY USED DURING STAIRCASE DESIGN

Components of Stairs

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

10 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF GOOD STAIRS FOR BUILDING

Components of Stairs

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

HOW TO SUPERVISE STONE MASONRY CONSTRUCTION WORK?

Stone masonry

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

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF DAMPNESS?

harmful effects of dampness in building

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

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF PRECAST CONCRETE PILES?

precast concrete piles - advantages and disadvantages

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