BUILDING ELEMENTS
Introduction
Building construction involves the process of assembling various structural and non-structural
components to create a safe, stable, and functional structure. Each part of the building has a
specific role in providing support, protection, comfort, or aesthetics. These components can
broadly be categorized into the substructure, superstructure, finishing works, building services,
and miscellaneous elements.
Classification of building components
Building construction is a process that involves combining various structural and architectural
components to form a safe and functional built environment. Each element plays a critical role
in the building's stability, usability, and aesthetics. Below are the key elements commonly
found in residential and commercial structures.
• Foundation
o The lowermost part of a building that transfers the entire structural load to the
ground.
o Purpose: Supports and stabilizes the structure.
o Construction: Begins with excavation and includes footing, pile, or raft depending
on soil type and load.
• Plinth
o Definition: The portion of the structure between ground level and floor level.
o Material: Usually made of stone masonry.
o Plinth Beam: Provided when foundation consists of piles.
• Damp Proof Course (DPC):
o A 75 mm thick plain concrete layer is added at the top of the plinth to prevent
moisture ingress.
• Walls and Columns
o Transfer structural loads vertically to the foundation.
o Divide building into rooms (walls).
o Support roof and upper floors (columns).
o Additional Roles of Walls:
o Provide privacy and safety.
o Act as a barrier to external weather and intruders.
o Insulate against temperature changes.
• Sills
o 50–75 mm thick concrete courses under window frames to distribute loads.
• Lintels
o RCC or stone beams over door/window openings to carry loads above.
o Thickness depends on span, width equals wall thickness.
• Chejjas (Chhajjas):
o RCC or stone slab projections above openings to protect from rain.
o Typically 600–800 mm in projection.
o Sometimes designed with drops for aesthetics and added protection.
• Doors:
o Provide controlled access between rooms.
o Should accommodate the largest expected object for movement.
• Windows:
o Provide natural lighting and ventilation.
o Installed 0.75 to 0.9 m above floor level.
o In hot/humid areas, window area = 15–20% of floor area.
o Rule of thumb: 1 m² of window per 30 m³ of room volume.
• Floors
o Function: Provide usable surfaces within the building.
o Construction: Base with brickbats, gravel, or waste stone, topped with 100 mm
sand.
o Lean concrete layer (1:4:8), then DPC if needed.
o Floor finish as per owner’s requirement.
o Finishing Options:
▪ Cheapest: Red oxide on rich mortar.
▪ Costliest: Mosaic or marble.
• Roof
o Purpose: Top covering of the building, provides protection from weather.
o Types:
▪ Sloping Roofs (tiled or A.C. sheet): Better waterproofing, poor for
additional floors.
▪ Flat Roofs: Suitable for additional floors, can support terraces and water
tanks.
o Characteristics:
▪ Leak-proof.
▪ Thermal insulation (especially with tiled roofs).
• Steps, Stairs, and Lifts
• Steps: Used at entrances, ideally 250–300 mm tread and 150 mm rise. Uniform size is
essential.
• Stairs: Vertical access between floors, should have uniform steps.
• Lifts: Required in public buildings and high-rise apartments. G+3 permitted without
lifts in hostels, G+2 in residential flats. Capacity ranges from 4 to 20 persons, placed
near entrances.
• Finishing Works
o Purpose:
▪ Protection against elements.
▪ Aesthetic enhancement.
▪ Corrects minor construction defects.
o Components:
▪ Ceiling plastering.
▪ Wall painting (whitewash, distemper, emulsion).
▪ Floor polishing and skirting.
▪ Pointing in plinth, polishing in floors.
• Building Services
o Water Supply: Includes underground sump, overhead tanks, and pumping systems.
o Sanitation and Drainage: Plumbing systems for kitchens, bathrooms, toilets, and
gardens.
o Electrical Supply: Wiring and fitting for lighting and appliances.
o Carpentry Work: Construction of cupboards, showcases, and storage furniture.