Building Construction Notes
Functions of Statutory Building Authorities
- Approve building plans (e.g. Town Planning Authorities).
- Issue permits/licenses.
- Enforce building codes and safety regulations.
- Inspect ongoing constructions.
- Monitor environmental compliance.
- Example: Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA).
Site Preparation
- Clear vegetation, debris, and existing structures.
- Leveling and grading.
- Install temporary site facilities.
- Set up utility connections.
Setting Out
- Marking building layout on ground.
- Establishing reference points using pegs, strings, and instruments.
- Ensures correct positioning of the building.
Tools Used in Setting Out
- Measuring tape
- Theodolite
- Total station
- Laser level
- Plumb bob
- Builders' square
- Pegs and lines
Site Preliminary Works
- Site fencing
- Constructing access roads
- Soil testing
- Mobilization of workers and equipment
- Provision of site storage
Demolition Phase, Commissioning and Handing Over
- **Demolition:** Safe removal of existing structures.
- **Commissioning:** Testing building systems (electricity, plumbing, HVAC).
- **Handing Over:** Official transfer of completed building to the owner.
Site Investigation
- Assessing soil, rock, and groundwater conditions before construction.
- Helps design safe foundations and prevent risks.
Types of Site Investigation
- **Preliminary (Desk Study):** Reviewing existing maps and reports.
- **Detailed (Field Investigation):** Boreholes, trial pits.
- **Laboratory Testing:** Analysis of soil samples.
- **In-situ Testing:** Standard Penetration Test (SPT), Cone Penetration Test (CPT).
Functional Requirements of Building Foundation
- Support loads safely.
- Prevent settlement.
- Resist soil movement.
- Ensure durability.
- Isolate from ground moisture.
Stability
- Ability of building to stay upright and safe under loads (dead, live, wind, seismic).
- Achieved by good design, quality materials, and proper construction.
Foundation and Types
- **Foundation:** Substructure transferring building load to ground.
- **Types:** Shallow (Strip, pad, raft), Deep (Pile, caisson).
Difference Between Shallow and Deep Foundation
- Shallow Foundation: Depth < 3m, For light structures, Cheaper, Example: Strip footing
- Deep Foundation: Depth > 3m, For heavy structures, Costlier, Example: Pile foundation
10 Major Building Materials
- Concrete
- Steel
- Timber
- Glass
- Brick
- Stone
- Aluminum
- Asphalt
- PVC (Plastics)
- Gypsum
List and Explain Types of Building
- Residential: Houses, apartments.
- Commercial: Offices, malls.
- Industrial: Factories, plants.
- Institutional: Schools, hospitals.
- Recreational: Stadiums, parks.
- Religious: Churches, mosques.
Common Building Materials
- Cement
- Sand
- Gravel
- Steel rods
- Bricks/blocks
- Wood
- Glass
- Paint
Floors and Types of Floors
- Ground Floor: Directly on ground.
- Suspended Floor: Supported by beams and columns.
- Types: Concrete, Timber, Tiled, Vinyl floors.
Maintenance
- Regular inspections.
- Repairs and replacements.
- Cleaning and servicing.
- Example: Painting, fixing leaks, servicing HVAC.
Excavation
- Digging to required depth for foundations and basements.
- Methods: Manual or mechanical (excavators, bulldozers).
Soil Removal
- Removing excess soil during leveling or excavation.
- Disposed or reused depending on quality.
Ten Functional Perspectives of Floor
- Load bearing
- Thermal insulation
- Moisture resistance
- Fire resistance
- Acoustic control
- Durability
- Aesthetic appeal
- Slip resistance
- Ease of cleaning
- Cost effectiveness
Top Soil Excavation
- Removing organic-rich upper soil layer (150mm - 300mm).
- Prepares firm base for construction.
Chemicals to Kill Termites
- Chlorpyrifos
- Fipronil
- Imidacloprid
- Bifenthrin
- Hexaflumuron
- Boric acid