TECHNIQUES IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

What is Building Construction?

- Building construction involves the physical tasks performed on-site to construct a building or
structure. This includes unloading machinery and materials, installing fixtures and fittings,
applying cladding, formwork, and completing external finishes.

The building construction process can be broadly classified into two major phases:

1. Pre-construction
2. Construction

PRE- CONSTRUCTION
The pre-construction phase consists of activities that must be completed before starting the
work.

- Site Selection
- Building Designs & Planning
- Budget Estimate
- Building Permits
- Contractor Selection

CONSTRUCTION
After all the planning, preparation, and funding has been sorted out, construction can begin at
the site.

- Excavation
- Substructure
- Superstructure
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) works
- Finishing Works

What is the importance of Building Construction?

- Building construction is essential for providing shelter, infrastructure, and economic growth. It
supports urbanization, drives innovation, preserves cultural heritage, and enhances quality of
life.

TYPES OF BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

Pre-engineered/Precast Flat Panel System/Precast Foundations

- A modern construction methods that involve manufacturing components off-site to precise
specifications and then assembling them on-site. These techniques offer benefits like faster
construction, improved quality control, and reduced on-site labor.
3D Volumetric Construction
- 3D volumetric construction, also known as modular construction, entails fabricating
three-dimensional units in controlled factory settings before transporting them to the
construction site.

Tunnel Formwork systems

- Tunnel formwork systems enable fast construction of monolithic walls and slabs in a
continuous cycle. They involve assembling a tunnel-like formwork structure filled with concrete,
combining speed, quality, and cost-effectiveness in construction.

Flat Slabs
- Flat slabs are a structural system in building construction where large, flat, horizontal surfaces
are directly supported by columns or walls without beams. They offer open floor plans and
flexibility in layout, commonly reinforced with steel for strength and durability.

Hybrid Concrete Construction

- Hybrid concrete construction combines the advantages of precasting and cast-in-situ methods,
resulting in faster construction, better quality, and improved cost-effectiveness.

Thin-Joint Masonry
- Thin-Joint Masonry is a method that reduces mortar depth to 3mm or less, speeding up laying
and productivity, especially on long wall runs.

Insulating Concrete Formwork

- Insulating Concrete Formwork (ICF) systems use twin-walled expanded polystyrene panels or
blocks to create wall formwork filled with ready-mixed concrete, resulting in a robust structure.

This method ensures a straightforward construction process and results in structures with high
levels of sound and thermal insulation.

Wood Frame (Engineered Wood Products (EWPs))

- Engineered Wood Products (EWPs) are materials made by bonding wood particles, fibers, or
veneers with adhesives. They are widely used in framed home construction, with popular
examples including plywood and oriented strand board (OSB).

Light Gauge Steel Construction

- Light steel construction resembles wood construction but utilizes steel instead of wood for
studs, rafters, plates, and joists. Steel members often have a c-shaped cross-section and
enable easy material handling and on-site assembly.

Joisted or Load Bearing Masonry Construction

- The described construction method involves using concrete bricks or blocks to construct
load-bearing walls, resulting in sturdy but heavy structures unsuitable for earthquake-prone
areas.
ADDITION

What is Addition?
- An addition is an improvement that increases the square footage of a structure. These
include lateral additions added to the side or rear of a structure, vertical additions added
on top of a structure and enclosures added underneath a structure.

METHODS OF ADDITION
● Vertical Extension
- Adding additional floors or levels to an existing building by constructing new
stories above the existing structure.

● Horizontal Extension
- Extending the building's footprint by adding new wings or annexes to
accommodate more space.

● Bump-Outs
- Creating small additions by extending a specific area of the building, such as a
room or a section of a floor, to increase floor area.

● Renovation and Remodeling

- Reconfiguring the existing interior spaces or upgrading finishes and fixtures to
improve functionality and aesthetics.

● Adaptive Reuse
- Repurposing an existing structure for a new use by modifying its interior layout
and systems while preserving its historical or architectural significance.

Types of Addition

Ground Level Addition

- It refers to the construction of an additional structure or expansion of an existing
structure at ground level. Ground level addition typically involves extending the footprint
of the building horizontally.
- Examples of Ground Level Addition
1. Sunroom
2. Garage Extension
3. Patio or Deck
4. Mudroom
Attic Addition
- An attic addition refers to the process of converting an existing attic space into a
functional living area. This could involve adding insulation, flooring, windows. It's a way
to maximize living space without expanding the footprint of the house.
- Examples of Attic Addition
1. Dormer Addition
2. Full Attic Conversion
3. Attic Storage
4. Attic Bathroom

Rooftop Addition
- It refers to the construction of additional space or structures on top of an existing
building's roof. This can include adding new rooms, terraces, gardens, or other functional
spaces to increase the building's usable area without expanding its footprint on the
ground.
- Examples of Rooftop Addition
1. Rooftop Deck
2. Green Roof
3. Penthouse
4. Solar Panels

STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS IN ADDITION

● Timber Framing
- This involves using wood studs or beams to frame the new addition. It's a
traditional method that offers flexibility in design, a natural aesthetic, and is
relatively cost-effective compared to steel framing.

● Steel Framing
- Steel offers high strength and durability, making it suitable for larger or more
complex additions. It allows for larger open spaces and can be fabricated off-site
for quicker installation.

● Reinforced Concrete
- For additions requiring high load-bearing capacity, reinforced concrete can be
used. It provides excellent structural strength and can be molded into various
shapes and sizes.

● Tilt - Up Construction
- This method involves casting concrete walls on the ground and then tilting them
into position using cranes. It's efficient for large-scale additions and offers
durability and thermal efficiency.
 ● Structural Insulated Panels
- SIPs are prefabricated panels made of foam insulation sandwiched between two
layers of structural board. They offer excellent insulation properties and can be
quickly assembled on-site.

● Modular Construction
- Modular additions are built off-site in sections or modules and then transported to
the site for assembly. This method can reduce construction time and waste.

BUILDING PROCESS CONSIDERATIONS

● Building Regulations and Permit

- Before starting any construction, it's essential to check local building codes and
regulations. Obtain the necessary permits and approvals to ensure your addition
meets all legal requirements.

● Structural Integrity
- Assess the existing structure's ability to support the new addition. This includes
evaluating the foundation, walls, and roof.

● Architectural Cohesive
- The new addition should blend seamlessly with the existing structure in terms of
design, materials, and aesthetics.

● Utility Connection
- Determine how the new addition will connect to existing utilities such as
electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
RETROFITTING
Retrofitting improves old structures by adding features to increase resistance to loads and
reduce vulnerability to damage in seismic events, enhancing strength and lifespan.

The need for retrofitting can arise due to various reasons, including:
1. Non-compliance with Standard Codes
2. Updates in Building Codes
3. Changes in Seismic Risk
4. Deterioration and Aging
5. Modification of Existing Structure

Retrofitting is required for various reasons related to the problems faced in concrete structures,
including:

1. Damage to Structural Members

2. Excessive Loading
3. Errors in Design or Construction
4. Seismic Damage
5. Structural Failure
6. Corrosion and Penetration

Condition Assessment is the process of evaluating the current state of a structure in

comparison to the desired standards. It helps determine if the structure is in good condition or if
repairs and rehabilitation are needed to meet the required standards.

5 Major Phases of Retrofitting

1. Planning and Assessment: The project is set up, and the current condition of the structure
is evaluated.

2. Performance Evaluation: The structural performance is assessed to understand strengths

and weaknesses.

3. Retrofit Options: Different retrofit options are identified based on the assessment findings.

4. Implementation: The chosen retrofit measures are implemented on-site according to the
plan.

5. Validation: After implementation, the effectiveness of the retrofitting is validated to ensure the
structure is now stronger and safer.n
2 CLASSIFICATION OF RETROFITTING
1. GLOBAL RETROFITTING TECHNIQUES
These techniques focus on enhancing the overall lateral stiffness and strength of the entire
building to prevent total collapse. The goal is to ensure the structural integrity of the building as
a whole.
• Adding Steel Bracing
• Adding Shear Wall
• Wall Thickening Technique

2. LOCAL RETROFITTING TECHNIQUES

These techniques target specific components of the structure to prevent their failure and
improve the overall performance of the building. By addressing localized issues, the structural
integrity and resilience of the structure can be enhanced.
• Jacketing of Beams
• Jacketing of Columns

COMMON METHODS IN RETROFITTING

Adding steel bracing is an effective retrofitting solution for buildings that require large
openings. It is a common and highly effective method for improving the seismic safety of
existing reinforced concrete structures. This technique involves minimal work for RCC buildings,
resulting in lower foundation costs and adding minimal weight to the existing structure.

Adding a shear wall is a common retrofitting technique for non-ductile reinforced concrete
frame buildings. This method involves incorporating pre-cast or cast-in-place concrete elements,
typically installed on the exterior of the building. It is avoided inside structures to prevent
disruption to interior moldings.

Wall thickening technique involves increasing the thickness of existing walls in a building by
adding concrete, bricks, and strategically placed steel reinforcement. It is crucially designed to
prevent sudden failure of the wall under unusual conditions where transverse loads are applied.
Proper covering of the reinforcement with mortar is essential to prevent rust formation.

Jacketing Method is a structural retrofitting method involving Reinforced Concrete Jacket,

Steel Jacket, and Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite Jacket (FRPC). It strengthens structures
by increasing load-bearing capacity after design alterations or member failures. Applied to
vertical surfaces like walls and columns, it involves adding concrete with reinforcement to
restore or enlarge structural sections. Jacketing protects and strengthens concrete, steel, and
timber elements, particularly columns, potentially avoiding extensive foundation strengthening.
Repairs

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF BUILDINGS

WHAT IS MAINTENANCE
- IT'S THE PROCESS IN MAINTAINING FORM AND GOOD CONDITION OF THE
STRUCTURE AND ALSO TO MAINTAIN THE MATERIAL OF THE BUILDING AND THE
FUNCTIONAL FOR EVERY DAY USE.

BUILDING MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

• INSPECT
• DEPECT
• CORRECT
• PREVENT

MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS HAVE MANY FACETS SUCH AS

1. CONDITION BASED MAINTENANCE: THE WORK INITIATED AFTER INSPECTION DONE.

2. FIXED TIME MAINTENANCE: ACTIVITIES REPEATED AT PREDETERMINED INTERVALS
3. DAY TO DAY MAINTENANCE: IT'S THE MAINTENANCE DONE DAILY
4. SHUTDOWN MAINTENANCE: OVERHAUL AND MAINTENANCE AFTER CLOSING

EXAMPLE OF SOME COMMON MAINTENANCE WORKS IN A BUILDING:

•MAINTENANCE OF ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION - CHECKING ALL THE ELECTRICAL

WIRING SYSTEM WITHIN A BUILDING ARE FUNCTION CORRECTLY AND SAFELY. (IT'S
NEED REGULAR INSPECTION AND TESTING TO KNOW IF THERE ANY ISSUES BEFORE
IT WILL CAUSE ANY MAJOR PROBLEM.)

•FIRE SAFETY SYSTEMS MAINTENANCE- CHECKING AND TESTING FIRE ALARM,

EXTINGUISHER, IF THERE NO PROBLEM INCASE THERE A SUDDENLY FIRE.

• PLUMBING MAINTENANCE - CHECKING IF THERE'S ANY LEAKS CLEANING CLOGGED

DRAINS AND WATER SUPPLY AND SANITARY SYSTEM PROBLEM.

WHAT IS REPAIR?
- PROCESS OF RESTORING OR FIXING THE STRUCTURE THAT HAVE MALFUNCTION OR
DAMAGE, BROKEN. IT'S ESSENTIAL FOR MAINTAINING THE STRUCTURE BEAUTY AND
SAFETY AND PRESERVING THE PROPERTY'S VALUE. (IN REPAIRING THE DAMAGED
YOU MUST FIRST IDENTIFY THE SOURCE OF PROBLEM. TO BRING BACK THE
STRUCTURE TO THE ORIGINAL SHAPE)
TYPES OF REPAIR:
1. Patching up of defects such as cracks and fall of plaster.

2. Repairing doors, windows, replacement of glass panes.

3. Re-plastering of walls as required.

4. Rearranging disturbed roofing tiles.

5. Relaying cracked flooring at ground level.

CRACK REPAIR TECHNIQUES

1. STRETCHING -DRILLING A HOLE ON A BOTH SIDE OF THE CRACKS, ACHORING THE

STITCHING STAPLES, IT SHOULD BE APPLIED OR SPREAD ALL OVER AREA.
2. DRILLING AND PLUGGING -DRILLED A HOLE AND FILLED WITH GROUT. THE GROUT
WILL PREVENT THE TRANSVERSE TO MOVEMENTS OF CONCRETE ADJACENT CRACK.
3. EPOXY-INJECTION GROUTING -INJECTING EPOXY IN TO CRACK AND FISSURED
WITHIN THE CONCRETE TO FILL AND SEAL, VALUABLE METHOD FOR ADDRESSING
CONCRETE CRACKS AND DEFECTS.
4. DOOR REPAIR -DOOR CAN EXPERIENCE WEAR AND TEAR FROM BEING REGULAR
USE WHICH CAN CAUSED LOOSING OF HINGES, WARPING OF HOODEN DUE TO
CHANGE OF WEATHER.
5. PRESTRESSING STEEL -A STRAND OR BARS TO APPLY A COMPRESSIVE FORCE.
ADEQUATE ANCHORAGE MUSH PROVIDE FOR THE PRESTRESSING STEEL.