Key Concepts in Building Construction and Structural Design
Structural Systems
- Wall System (Longitudinal, Transverse, and Bidirectional): Load-bearing walls can be longitudinal, transverse, or bidirectional. Longitudinal walls run along the length of the building, while transverse walls run perpendicular to the length.
- Skeletal System (Column and Beam Frames): Includes columns and beams. It is suitable for multi-story buildings and allows for great flexibility in interior design.
- Combined System: Mixes elements of walls and columns. Used to optimize the benefits of both types of systems.
- Special Systems: Includes cable or pneumatic structures.
Waterproofing Membrane
A waterproofing membrane is used to prevent water from penetrating the structure, especially in areas like foundations and basements. The proper connection should ensure that the membrane covers the entire area and is properly sealed, with no gaps where water could seep through.
Prefabricated Technologies – Monolithic Walls
These systems include prefabricated reinforced concrete walls, which are assembled and adjusted on-site to form a continuous structure.
Heat Transfer Coefficient
The heat transfer coefficient is a measure of how efficiently a material conducts heat. Its unit is W/m²K, and it measures the amount of heat that passes through a unit area of the material when there is a temperature difference of one Kelvin between both sides of the material.
Acoustic Protection
Acoustic protection in a building involves the use of materials that reduce the propagation of sound. The acoustic coefficient measures a material’s ability to absorb sound and is used to assess its effectiveness. A higher value indicates greater sound absorption capacity in decibels (dB).
Minimum Area of a Habitable Room
It is generally about 9 m² for single rooms, and it must comply with local regulations to ensure comfort and functionality.
Substructure of a Building
The substructure of a building includes all elements below ground level (foundations and structures that support the superstructure). This part is crucial for the building’s stability, as it transfers the loads to the soil. (Representative diagram needed)
Waterproofing Membrane Placement
The waterproofing membrane should be placed at a minimum height of 300 mm above the ground level to prevent water infiltration into the structure, especially in areas prone to moisture.
Thermal Insulation Materials Used in Underground Areas
EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) and XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) are two common materials due to their insulating properties and moisture resistance.
Load-Bearing Structures and Main Purpose
They are elements that primarily support and transfer the loads from the superstructure to the foundations. These elements ensure the building’s stability and guarantee that loads (such as the weight of the roof, walls, and other vertical and horizontal loads) are efficiently distributed to the ground.
Difference Between Load-Bearing and Non-Load-Bearing Structures
Load-bearing structures are those that support loads, such as walls and columns. They are essential for the building’s stability. Non-load-bearing structures, like partitions, are used to divide interior spaces or provide insulation, and they rest on the load-bearing structures without carrying loads.
Load-Bearing Structures Placement
Load-bearing structures should be strategically located in the building to ensure its stability. Columns are usually distributed in areas where concentrated loads are required (e.g., corners or key points), while load-bearing walls may be placed along the facades and interior. Columns and walls can be combined in hybrid systems, where the columns transfer vertical loads, while the walls distribute horizontal loads, such as wind or seismic forces.
Substructures and Types of Joints Used in Them
Substructures are the parts of the building located below ground level, including foundations and other supporting elements. Vertical joints are used for waterproofing and prevent water from entering the building from the ground, while horizontal joints, such as membranes, are placed to prevent water infiltration in foundation slabs.
Thermal Insulation Materials Used Below the Ground
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), Extruded Polystyrene (XPS), and foam glass. These materials are moisture-resistant and provide good thermal insulation to prevent heat loss from the foundations.
Implementation Technologies for Wall Construction
Prefabricated concrete walls, which are assembled on-site, or wooden walls built using skeletal systems where wooden posts are assembled with insulation and cladding. Materials such as brick, ceramic blocks, and monolithic concrete are also used.
Minimum Heights for Windows and Ceilings in a House
Windows should have a minimum height of 850 mm from the floor level in habitable areas, while the minimum ceiling height in a house is usually 2.5 meters, although local regulations may influence this value.
Foundations Divided by Depth and Main Purpose
Foundations are the base of a building, transferring the building’s loads to the ground and providing stability. They are divided into shallow foundations (like footings) and deep foundations (like piles), depending on the soil depth and load conditions.
Foundation Joint Location and Legislation
A foundation joint is the interface between the foundation and the soil that allows for load transfer without deformation of the building. Joints can be vertical (for waterproofing) or horizontal (for membranes). Their location and design are governed by local building codes to ensure stability and protection from water. Its main function is to efficiently distribute the building’s loads to the ground. It also helps prevent issues such as uneven settlement and allows for the integration of waterproofing or insulation elements.
Joint Between the Structure Shell and the Foundation
A joint between the structure shell and the foundation is defined as the interface where the foundation touches the soil. The lower part of this joint is in contact with the ground and is crucial for ensuring that the loads are evenly distributed to the soil, avoiding deformations or uneven settlement.
Shallow Foundations: Advantages and Disadvantages
Shallow foundations (such as footings and slabs) are used when the soil has sufficient load-bearing capacity near the surface. Deep foundations (such as piles and wells) are used when the surface soil is not adequate to bear loads. Shallow foundations are more economical and easier to construct, but deep foundations are necessary in weak soils or for heavy structures.