MODULE -1 : PART C

STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS OF A BUILDING

1. FOUNDATION
Part of a structural system that supports and anchors the superstructure of a building and
transmits its loads directly to the earth.
Foundation is a Structural supporting member which transfer loads from the
Building's walls or Columns to the Earth. The loads from Slab, Beam, Column, wall
etc. should be safely transferred to the Soil. The Substructure that is provided to
transfer loads from the superstructure to the Earth is known as Foundation.
There are majorly two types of foundations:
1. Shallow Foundation
2. Deep Foundation
WHAT IS SHALLOW FOUNDATION?

“If the width of the foundation is greater than or equal to the depth of the foundation,
it is a Shallow Foundation. Alternatively, “If the depth to width ratio of the foundation
is less than equal to 2, it is called as a Shallow Foundation.

WHAT IS DEEP FOUNDATION?

If the width of the foundation is smaller than the depth of the foundation is called the
Deep Foundation.” Alternatively, If the depth to width ratio of the foundation is
greater than two is called the Deep Foundation.”

WHAT IS FOOTING?

A part of the foundation helps to transmit the load of the structure to soil with proper
distribution of the loads and it is made of concrete and reinforced cement concrete.

The foundation depends on the soil type and its bearing capacity.

HALLOW FOUNDATION:

The depth of this type of foundation is less and is economical to build lightweight
structures. It depends on the ratio of the depth and width of the foundation of the
structure.

Types of Shallow Foundation:

1. Isolated footing

2. Combined footing

3. Wall footing

4. Cantilever or Strap footing

5. Strip footing

6. Mat or Raft Foundation

 Different types of foundations / footings

2. Plinth
 A plinth level forms the foundation of a house. It is a rectangular block of
stone on which a column and pillar of a building stands. It is a wall between
the ground level and the ground floor level Plinth beam is provided to prevent
the extension or propagation of cracks from the foundation into the wall above
when the foundation suffers from settlement. Plinth beams distributes the load
of the wall over the foundation evenly.

The plinth distributes that weight outwards, dispersing it more evenly through
the ground or floor. That's the most important function of a plinth; however, it
can also be used to physically separate structures like houses from the ground.
This is especially important if the ground is not solid, stable, or dry..A plinth
level forms the foundation of a house. It is a rectangular block of stone on
which a column and pillar of a building stands.

3. Lintel
A lintel is one type of beam which used to support the above wall when
openings like doors, windows etc. are necessary to provide a building
structure. The main function of the lintel is to take loads coming from above
wall and transfer its load to the side walls.
 They are constructed in modern buildings. In the present, R.C.C lintels are the most
commonly used type, due to its strength, fire resistance, rigidity, and ease of
construction. They are also economical and durable as compared to other types of
lintels. They also look appealing and provide a smooth surface.

What is the purpose of lintels?

A lintel is a beam placed across openings like doors, windows etc. in buildings to
support the load from the structure above. Windows and doors are not made to be
structural members of the home. When an opening is made in a home, there is a
concentrated load above the doorway or window opening that must be supported.
4. CHEJJA

The word commonly known today as 'chajja' is the projected element just above the
window, which shades the opening, stops rain from entering the room and
reduces sky glare while looking out of the room.
 It protects the house from external sunlight.
 It protects the house by providing a barrier for rain water to enter.
 It can be used to place the compressor of AC.
 Chajja helps to protect the wooden windows from rain and sun.
 Chajja serves as an aesthetic decoration to the building.
Chajjas are generally made of cements, concrete, woods, fibres sheet-asbestos
materials.

5. Masonary Wall
masonry, the art and craft of building and fabricating in stone, clay, brick, or
concrete block. Construction of poured concrete, reinforced or unreinforced, is often
also considered masonry.
What is the purpose of a masonry wall?
Masonry walls are the most durable part of any building or structure. They provide
strength, durability to the structure and also helps to control indoor and outdoor
temperature. It separates a building from outside world
What are the advantages of masonry walls?

Masonry is non-combustible, so improves fire protection for the building and its
occupants. Fireplaces are commonly made of masonry for the same reason. Masonry
offers a high resistance against rotting, pests, weather, and natural disasters such as
hurricanes and tornadoes

6. Column
A column or pillar in architecture and structural engineering is a structural element
that transmits, through compression, the weight of the structure above to other
structural elements below. In other words, a column is a compression member.
 Types of Columns in Building Construction

Columns are classified based on the several conditions which include:

1. Based on Types of Reinforcement
2. Based on Types of Loading
3. Based on Slenderness Ratio
4. Based on Shape
5. Based on Construction Material

7.Beam
In building construction, a beam is a horizontal member spanning an opening and
carrying a load that may be a brick or stone wall above the opening, in which
case the beam is often called a lintel

Types of beam structure

Continuous beams. .
Simply supported beams. . ...
Fixed beams. ...
Overhanging beams. ...
Cantilever beam.

What is beam and what is its purpose?

Beams act as structural elements that transfer loads from the slab and to columns.
This means transfer beams are installed to carry the load from one load-bearing wall
to another. They are typically horizontal members. The purpose of a beam is to carry
walls and to avoid loading a concrete slab.
8.Slab
What is a slab in a building?
Definition: a molded layer of plain or reinforced concrete, flat, horizontal (or nearly
so), usually of uniform but sometimes of variable thickness, and supported by
beams, columns, walls, other framework, or on the ground.- ACI Concrete
Terminology.
What is the purpose of a slab?
Functions of Slab:

To provide a flat surface. To act as sound, heat and fire insulator. It provides a
covering shelter or working flat surface in buildings. Its primary function is to
transfer the load by bending in one or two directions.
What is called slab?
Slab is an important structural element which is constructed to create flat and useful
surfaces such as floors, roofs, and ceilings. It is a horizontal structural component,
with top and bottom surfaces parallel or near so.
 9.
PLAN : TWO WAY SLAB - RCC

9.Staircase

A stair is a set of steps leading from one floor of a building to another, typically inside
the building.
What are the functions of staircase in a building?
Primary functions of staircase

Provide an access from one floor to another. Provide a safe means of travel
between floors. Provide an easy mean of travel between floors. Provide a suitable
means of escape in case of fire.
What are the main types of stairs?
What are the three main components of a staircase?
There are three main components to design when building a staircase – the treads,
risers, and stringers.

Straight Stairs

L Shaped Stairs

L Shaped Stair

U Shaped Stairs
Spiral Stairs

Spiral Stair

Curved Stairs

Curved Stair