BSD – CE 138 (MODULE 6) I.

STRUCTURAL SYSTEM
MAJOR BUILDING SYSTEMS Components:
Two Components: 1. Superstructure - The portion of a
1. A floor, flat, horizontal surface on which building that extends above the ground
human activities can take place. level outside.
2. An enclosure that extends over the floor 2. Substructure - The portion below the
and generally also around it to provide outside ground level.
shelter from the weather for human
activities.

Basic Components of a Building

Substructure:

a. Continuous Spread Footing – The footing

under a wall.
b. Individual Spread Footing – A structural
member such as a column.
c. Piles - slender structural members that are
hammered or otherwise driven through the
weak soil, often until the tips seat on rock or a
strong layer of soil.

Major Building Systems

I. Structural System
II. Systems for Enclosing Buildings
III. Systems for Enclosing Interior Spaces
IV. Plumbing
V. Heating, Ventilating and Air-
Conditioning
VI. Lighting
VII. Acoustics
VIII. Electric Power and Communications
Systems
IX. Vertical Circulation Elements
X. Intelligent Buildings
 • Pile driving is a method used to drive TYPES OF DEEP FOUNDATIONS
piles into the soil, to provide foundation
support for buildings and structures.

SHALLOW FOUNDATION
- is a type of building foundation that
transfers structural load to the earth very
near to the surface, rather than to a
subsurface layer or a range of depths.
- Shallow foundations are constructed
where soil layer at shallow depth (up to
1.5m) can support the structural loads.

TYPES OF SHALLOW FOUNDATION

• The foundation system must be designed

to transmit the loads from the
superstructure structural system
directly to the ground in such manner
that a settlement of the completed
building as the soil deflects will be within
acceptable limits.
• The superstructure structural system, in
turn, should be designed to transmit its
loads to the foundation system in the
manner anticipated in the design of
foundations.

COLUMNS
- a vertical structural compression
element that bears loads mainly in
compression and transfer it to the
foundation.
- It is usually transfer the load from
superstructure to foundation.
DEEP FOUNDATION - Columns are commonly used to support
- is a type of foundation which is placed at beams or slab or arches.
a greater depth below the ground surface
and transfers structure loads to the earth TYPES OF COLUMNS
at depth. 1. Square Column
- The depth to width ratio of such a 2. Rectangular Column
foundation is usually greater than 4 to 5. 3. Circular Column

4. L-Shaped Column
 5. Timber Column

6. Masonry Column TYPICAL WALL FRAMING

- A load bearing header size is determined
based on factors such as the span or
width of the opening, the load that will be
placed on the header, the type of
construction material used, and any
additional loads or special conditions
that need to be considered.
7. Steel Column

8. Composite Column
- When the longitudinal reinforcement is
in the form of structural steel section or
pipe with or without longitudinal bars. • Purlins
- are placed horizontally to carry level
roof decks.
• Rafters
- are placed on an incline to carry sloping
roof decks.
• Girts
- are light horizontal members that span
between columns to support walls
BEAMS • Lintels
- the horizontal members - are light horizontal beams that will
- they are also called by different names support walls at floor levels in multistory
in specific applications: buildings or that carry the part of walls above
openings for doors and windows.
• Joists
- are closely spaced to carry light loads.
• Stringers
- support stairs.
• Headers
- support structural members around
openings in floors, roofs, and walls.
 II. SYSTEMS FOR ENCLOSING
STRUCTURES

• Buidings are enclosed for privacy, to

exclude wind, rain, and snow from the
interior, and to control interior
temperature and humidity.

Single Enclosure Type of System

- is one that extends continuous from the ground
to enclose the floor (example: cone-like-tepees.
and dome igloos).

• Girders Multiple Enclosure Type of System

- may be heavily loaded beams or - consist of a horizontal or inclined top covering,
horizontal members that support other called a roof, and vertical or inclined side
beams. enclosures called walls.
• Spandrels
- carry exterior walls and support edges of ROOFS
floors and roofs in multi-story buildings.
• Trusses - may have any variety of shapes. A specific
- serve the same purposes as girders but shape may be selected because of:
consist of slender horizontal, vertical, • appearance
and inclined components with large • need for attic space under the roof
open spaces between them. • requirements for height between roof
- the spaces are triangular. and
- Light beams similarly formed are called • floor below
open-web joist. • desires for minimum enclosed volume
• structural economy
• requirements for drainage of rainwater
and
• shedding of snow

Roofing
- basic element in a roof.
- A thin waterproofing covering.
- Because it is thin, it is usually supported
on sheating.
Sheating
- A thin layer, or roof deck, a thick layer,
which in turn, is carried on structural
members, such as beams or trusses. The
roof or space below should contain
thermal insulation.
 6. Synthetic Roofing
- Recycled materials like plastic and
rubber are used for synthetic roofing.
- Roofs made up of Synthetic shingles are
long-lasting and durable, lightweight,
and can fit into the budget.
7. Green Roofing
- A rooftop structure that is covered full or
partial by vegetation.
- It induces temperature of the home by
blocking the sunlight, reduces pollution,
and provides a gorgeous look at your
TYPES OF ROOFING MATERIALS roof.
1. Asphalt Shingles
- is a type of roof shingle that is a mix of EXTERIOR WALLS
black, sticky substance mixed with small
stones and sand. - Encloses a building below the roof. The
- It is widely used in covering the roof in basic element in the walls is strong,
America because of its simple style and durable, fire and water-resistant facing.
cost-effectiveness.
2. Metal Roofing • For added strength or lateral stability,
- Metal roofing is long-lasting, and its this facing may be supplemented on the
ability to perform in the most difficult inner side by a backing or sheating.
weather makes it one of the best roofing • For aesthetic purposes, an interior facing
choices. usually is placed on the inner side of the
- These metal roofs are recyclable and can backing. A layer of insulation should be
be made from recycled products. incorporated in walls to resist passage of
- They are very lightweight and very easy heat.
to install.
3. Wood Shingles and Shakes Roofing
- are pieces of wood that are used to cover
the roofs.
- In North America, shakes are made of red
cedar, white cedar, California redwood,
and Atlantic white cedar, which are
usually 24 inches in length.
4. Clay and Concrete Roofing Tiles
- beautiful, long-lasting concrete roof at a
low cost.
- The introduction of concrete roof tiles in
the United States began early in the 20th
century, but the use of them has become
popular in the last 25 years. Generally, walls may be built of unit masonry,
- Concrete roof tiles are non-toxic and panels, framing, or a combination of these
wind-fire resistant and last for forty to materials.
fifty years. 1. Unit Masonry
5. Slate Roofing - consist of small units, such as clay brick,
- Slate is made from metamorphic rocks concrete block, glass block, or clay tile,
obtained from volcanic ash or clay. held together by a cement such as
- Slate roofs are low- maintenance tiles mortar.
that can last over a hundred years. 2. Panel Walls
- Slated can be cut into symmetrical tiles in - consist of units much larger than unit
a variety of patterns and shapes. masonry. Made of metal, concrete, glass,
plastics, or preassembled bricks.
 - A panel may extend from foundation to noise control, a floor covering often is placed
roof in single-story buildings, or from over the deck, which then may be referred to
floor to floor or from window header in as a subfloor.
one story to window sill of floor above in
multistory buildings. Larg panels may
incorporate one or windows.
3. Combination Walls
- are constructed in several different
materials.
- Metal, brick, concrete, or clay tile may be
used as the exterior facing because of
strength, durability, and water and fire
resistance. exterior walls may be
classified as curtain walls or bearing
walls.
4. Curtain Walls
- serve primarily as an enclosure.
Supported by the structural system, such
as walls need to be strong enough to
carry only their weight and wind
pressure on the exterior face.
5. Bearing Walls
- serve not only as an enclosure but also to
transmit tot the foundation loads from
other building components, such as
beams, floors, roofs, and other walls.
6. Windows
- usually consists of transparent glass or
plastic (glazing) held in place by light
framing, called sash. The window is fitted
into a frame secured to the walls.
7. Doors
- are installed in exterior walls to give
access and a part of a system of enclosing
a building or a component of a system for
enclosing interior spaces.

III. SYSTEMS FOR ENCLOSING

INTERIOR SPACES

The interior of a building usually is

compartmented into spaces or rooms by:

• Horizontal dividers (floor-ceiling or roof-

ceiling systems)
• Vertical dividers (interior walls and
partitions). The term partitions are
generally applied to non-load-bearing
walls.)

Floor-Ceiling Systems
- The basic element of a floor is a load
carrying deck. For protection against
wear, esthetic reasons, foot comfort, or
Fire Ratings properties appropriate to the occupancy
- Test have been made, usually in of the space enclosed.
conformance with E119. “Standard - The finish may be treated surface of the
Methods of Tests of Building exposed wall material, such as the
Construction and Materials,” developed smooth, painted face of a sheet-metal
by ASTM, to determine the length of time panel, or a seperate material, such as
specific assemblies of materials can plaster, gypsum board, plywood or
withstand standard fire, specified in wallpaper.
E119. On the basis of test results, each
construction is assigned a fire rating, Doors
which gives time in hours that the - Openings are provided in interior walls
assembly can withstand the fire. and partitions to permit passage of
- NBCP Chapter IV - Fire-resistive people and equipment from one space to
Requirements in Construction another.
- Doors are installed in the openings to
Interior Walls and Partitions provide privacy, temperature, odor and
- Interior space dividers do not have to sound control, and control passages.
withstand such severe conditions as do
exterior walls. For instance, they are not IV. PLUMBING
exposed to rain, snow and solar
radiation. - The major systems for conveyance of
- Bearing walls must strong enough to liquids and gases in pipes within a
transmit to support below them the load building.
which they are subjected. Usually, such - Plumbing pipes usually are connected to
interior walls extend vertically from the others that extend outside the building to
roof to the foundations of the building a supply source, such as a public water
and carry floors and roof. main or utility gas main, or to a disposal
means, such as a sewer.
The basic element of a bearing wall may be a - For health, safety, and other reasons,
solid core, as shown in Fig. 1.7d, or closely pipes in different types of plumbing
spaced vertical framing (studs), as shown in Fig. systems must not be interconnected, and
1.7b. Non-load bearing partitions do not care must be taken to prevent flow from
support floors or roof. Hence partitions may be one system to another.
made of such thin materials as sheet metal (Fig.
1.7a), brittle materials as glass (Fig. 1.7a), or The Major Purposes of Plumbing
weak materials as gypsum (Fig. 1.7c)
1. To convey water and heating gas, if
desired, from sources outside a building
to points inside where the fluid or gas is
needed.
2. To collect wastewater and storm water in
the building, on the roof, or elsewhere on
the site and convey the liquid to sewers
outside the building.

Wall Finishes
- Walls are usually given a facing that
meets specific architectural
requirements for the spaces enclosed.
Such Requirements include durability
under indoor conditions, ease of
maintenance, attractive appearance, fire
resistance, water resistance, and acoustic
 TYPES OF PLUMBING SYSTEMS 3. Drainage Plumbing System
- Drainage is a vital part of every building
1. Potable Water or Drinking Water design.
Plumbing System - The main objective of the drainage
- Potable plumbing systems in commercial system is to systematically remove those
or domestic premises should not permit excess waters from the surface to
degrading the mains’ water supply in any maintain the healthy condition of the
way. building.
- This drinking supply line needs adequate - It includes all the piping that moves
inspections and maintenance from a rainwater and other excess liquids to the
professional plumber to ensure that this point of disposal.
line is free from cross-piping connections - Its design is to depose water as quickly as
with wastewater or unsafe sources of possible to avoid entering those excess
plumbing systems. water in residential or commercial
buildings.

2. Sewage Plumbing System

- A sewage system is a network of pumps,
mains, and pipes used to collect V. HEATING, VENTILATING AND AIR-
wastewater and has a compartment CONDITIONING (HVAC)
inside for separation of sewage and
sludge. - Part of the environmental control
- Sewage systems have two main types: systems within buildings, along with
industrial and domestic. In some cases, lighting and sound control.
they combine both methods into one. - HVAC is often necessary for the health
and comfort of building occupants.
Sometimes, however, HVAC may be
needed for manufacturing processes,
product storage, or operation of
equipment, such as computer.
- HVAC usually is used to control
temperature, humidity, air movement,
and air quality in the interior of
buildings.
- Ventilation is required to supply clean air
for breathing, to furnish air for operation
and combustion equipment to remove
contaminated air.
- Ventilation also can be used temperature
control by bringing outside air into a
building where there is a desirable
temperature difference between that air
and the interior air.
HVAC SYSTEM PARTS AND DIAGRAM

• Cooling systems range from large air

conditioning systems to small portable
ones that provide air cooling. These
systems come in use for hot climates or
spaces.
• Heating systems can be done more easily
and there are more ways for building a
heating system. Heating can be done via VII. ACOUSTIC
electric heating, heat pumps (that could
also be used for cooling – more on this in - The science of sound, its production,
another post), water, steam, and hot gas transmission, and effects are applied in
radiators, etc. the building design for sound and
vibration control.
VI. LIGHTING
- The major objective:
- For health, safety, and comfort of • Provision of an environment that
occupants, a building interior, should be enhances communication in the building
provided with an adequate quantity of interior, whether the sound is created by
light, good quality of illumination and speech or music.
proper color of light. • Reduction or elimination of noise,
- The required illumination may be unwanted sound, from building interiors.
supplied by natural or artificial means. This may be accomplished by elimination
of the noise at the source, by installation
Daylight of sound barriers, or by placing sound-
- is the source of natural illumination. It absorbing materials on the surfaces of
enters a building through a penetration, such as enclosures.
windows in the exterior wall or monitors or • Reduction or elimination of vibrations
skylights on the roof. that can annoy occupants, produce noise
by rattling loose objects, or crack or
Artificial Illumination break parts or contents of a building.
- can be obtained through consumption of
electrical energy in incandescent,
fluorescent, electroluminescent, or other
electric lamps. The light source is housed
in a luminaire, or lighting fixture.
 VIII. ELECTRIC POWER AND IX. VERTICAL CIRCULATION
COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM ELEMENTS

Electric Power - In multistory buildings, provision must

- is generally bought from nearby utility be made for movement of people,
and often supplemented for emergency supplies, and equipment between the
purposes by power from batteries or a various levels.
generating plant on the site. Purchased - This may be accomplished with ramps,
power is brought from the power lines stairs, escalators, elevators,
connected to the generating source to an dumbwaiters, vertical conveyors,
entrance control point and a meter in the pneumatic tubes, mail chutes, orbelt
building. conveyors.
- From there, conductors distribute the - Some of the mechanical equipment,
electricity throughout the building to however, may not be used for conveyance
outlet where the power can be tapped for of people.
lighting, heating, and operating electric
devices. Ramp
- A ramp, or sloping floor, is often used for
Types of Electric Systems movement of people and vehicles in such
buildings as stadiums and garages.
1. One type is used for communications, - In most buildings, however, stair are
including data, telephone, television, installed because they can be placed on a
background music, paging, signal and steeper slope and therefore, occupy less
alarm systems. space ramps.
2. The second type serves the other
electrical needs of the building of its Stairway
occupants. - consists of a series of steps and landings.
Each step consists of a horizontal
platform, or thread, and a vertical
separation or enclosure, called a riser.
- Railings are placed along the sides of the
stairway and floor openings for safety
reasons.

Escalators
- powered stairs, are installed in such
buildings as department stores and
transportation terminals, or in the lower
stories of office buildings and hotels,
where there is heavy pedestrian traffic
between floors.
- Such powered stairs consist basically of a
conveyor belt with step attached; an
electric motor for moving belt, and steps,
controls, and structural supports.

Elevators
- are installed to provide speedier vertical
transportation, especially in tall
buildings.
- Transportation is provided in an enced
car that moves along guides, usually with
fire-resistant vertical shaft but
 sometimes unenclosed along exterior of
a building.
- The shaft, or the exterior wall, has
openings, protected by doors, and each
floor to provide access to the elevator car.
The car may be suspended on and moved
by cables or set atop a piston moved by
hydraulic pressure.

X. INTELLIGENT BUILDINGS

- In addition to incorporating the major

systems, intelligent buildings, through
the use of computers and
communication equipment, can control
the total building environment.
- The equipment and operating personnel
can be stationed in a so-called control
center, or the equipment can be
monitored and controlled remotely via a
computer, modem, and telephone line.
- Various sensors and communication
devices, feeding information to and from
the control center, are in key areas
throughout the building for the purposes
of analyzing and adjusting the
environment, delivering messages
during emergencies, and dispatching
repair personnel and security guards, as
needed.

• To conserve energy, lighting may be

operated by sensors that detected people
movement.
• HVACmay be adjusted in accordance with
temperature changes.
• Elevators may be programmed for
efficient handling of variations in traffic
patterns and may be equipped with voice
synthesizers toannounce floor stopes
and give advice in emergencies.
• In addition, intelligent buildings are
designed for ease and flexibility in
providing for changes in space use,
piping, electrical conductors, and
installed equipments.