Category: 8. Building Maintenance

Continuous physical structural barriers in the form of a concrete layer or a metal layer may be provided at the plinth surface. The thickness of these cement concrete layers should be 50-75 mm and should preferably have a projection of about 50-75 mm internally and externally. Metal barriers consisting of non-corrodible metal sheets of copper…

Dam protection treatment is always known in all types of construction building construction. This is because it is difficult and expensive to control excessive termite infestations after construction. Care should be taken that no bridges are formed between the building material and the untreated soil. For reclaiming land using debris or fill material, great care…

The roof accounts for about 20 percent of the total cost. Periodic changes, susceptibility to fire hazards and certain other factors advocate against the use of thatched roof. Although tile roofs are popular in many areas, high cost, thermal discomfort and the unavailability of well-weathered palmyra or other wooden rafters are major disadvantages. Asbestos roofing…

The life, durability and strength of a superstructure mainly depends on the materials used for construction. About 25 percent of the total construction cost should be allocated to the superstructure. As far as rural areas are concerned people are satisfied with burnt brick masonry using lime or cement mortar.

Foundation is one of the most important ingredients. There can be no compromise regarding the foundation, as on average 20 percent of the total cost of the building is spent on the foundation.

When choosing materials for construction, emphasis should be placed on prevention of environmental degradation, energy conservation and environmental balance. The choice of material is highly dependent on the availability of a particular space . An effective type of design is evaluated based on the design for a given platform. Length of load-bearing wallPercentage of wall…

There are two factors involved in building construction: Materials for construction andTechniques used in construction

Infrastructure economics is a key priority in the planning process, as careful planning can reduce costs many times over. Therefore, planning should ensure the minimization of infrastructure lines, along with adoption of local knowledge and technology in matters such as waste and sewage disposal. Careful analysis of waste types ensures environment-friendly development. However, the common…

Modular units ensure that planning is not haphazard and offer units with simple additional features that ensure economies of scale through mass production of building units, making them easier and more economical to modify. Facilitates adaptation.

It is important that individual housing units have adaptive features. This flexibility is achieved through open plans so that future changes can be accommodated with minimal cost. The same goes for settlements.