The steps needed to build a building include marking the area, digging, pouring concrete, laying bricks, putting on the roof, laying the floor, and finishing touches.
Sequences of Work in Building Construction
Paper Work Necessary for Residential Building Construction
Before any residential building construction can begin, certain paperwork must be completed. This paperwork includes:
Drawing Preparation: The first step in the paperwork process is the preparation of drawings. This includes creating plans and blueprints that will be used to construct the building.
Estimation of Costs: The next step is to estimate the costs of materials, labor, and contingencies. This will give an idea of the total cost of the project.
Approval from City Development Authority: The final step in the paperwork process is to get approval from the City Development Authority. This will ensure that the building meets all local regulations and codes.
Marking of Layout: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Approved Plan Boundaries: The first step in marking a layout is to mark the approved plan boundaries in the ground. This serves as the basis for the rest of the layout.
Step 2: Ground Cleaning: After the boundaries are marked, the ground both inside and outside the layout must be cleaned. This ensures that the layout is properly marked on the ground with accurate dimensions and orientation.
Step 3: Marking the Layout: Finally, the layout is marked on the ground. This is done with precise measurements and orientations in order to ensure that the layout is accurate and meets the design specifications.
What is Excavation?
Excavation is the process of digging into the ground for the purpose of creating foundations for walls. It is typically done according to the diagrams and measurements specified in the project’s drawings. Machines such as bulldozers or backhoes are used to remove the earth from the construction site to create the necessary foundation.
Types of Machinery Used for Excavation: Excavation requires the use of heavy machinery to efficiently remove the earth from the construction site. Machines such as bulldozers, backhoes, and excavators are commonly used for excavation. These machines are typically operated by skilled professionals who can ensure that the excavation is done safely and accurately.
Importance of Accurate Excavation: Accurate excavation is essential to ensure that the walls of the building are properly supported. Excavating to the wrong depth or width can cause problems down the line, as the walls may not have the correct amount of support. This can result in structural issues and even potential collapse of the building. It is therefore important that the excavation is done according to the plans and measurements specified in the project’s drawings.
4. Foundation Work
Foundation Work: Compacting the Ground
Ground compaction is an important part of any foundation work. Before any concrete or reinforcement bars can be placed, the excavation pits are trimmed and dressed in accordance with the project requirements and the bottom is compacted using hand compactors. This ensures a solid base for the construction of the foundation.
Foundation Work: PCC
Plain Cement Concrete (PCC) is an important part of foundation work. It is laid on the compacted soil in varying depths as per the project requirements. The mix of PCC normally used is 1:4:8 or 1:3:6.
Foundation Work: Footing Reinforcement
Footing reinforcement is achieved by tying reinforcement steel bars together and placing them on the PCC. This creates a skeleton in which the concrete is poured and the column rods are taken from them.
Foundation Work: Shuttering
Shuttering is done to achieve the desired shape of the concrete and to prevent it from coming into contact with the soil. It is typically done in accordance with the dimensions mentioned in the project drawings.
Foundation Work: Footing Concrete
The depth of the foundation is typically kept at 12”, though it can range from 9” to 18”. The width of the foundation is usually equal to its depth. Before pouring the concrete, it is important to check the levels of the foundation to ensure that there are no discrepancies in the excavation depth. The concrete is poured as per the project specifications.
5. What is Column Casting?
Column casting is a process used in construction to form a concrete column. It involves fixing a shuttering framework and pouring concrete into the formwork. After the concrete has set, the shuttering is typically removed after 24 hours. The curing process is then carried out to ensure the column is ready for use.
6. Construction of Walls
Preparation for Constructing Walls: Before starting the wall construction, the base of wall must first be prepared. This is done by laying a foundation of concrete or size stone masonry. The height of the walls must be established in accordance with the floor height. Necessary openings must also be made for doors, windows and ventilators.
Types of Materials Used to Construct Walls: When building walls, a variety of materials can be used. Common materials include brick, wooden, precast concrete, and more. Depending on the desired look and strength of the wall, the right material should be chosen.
Installation of Doors, Windows and Ventilators: When constructing a wall, openings must be made to install doors, windows and ventilators. These openings must be accurately measured and installed to ensure that all the necessary elements of the wall are securely in place.
7. Lintel
Masonry Construction of Buildings: Masonry work is performed in one continuous operation until the roof is installed. Openings for windows and doors are provided during the masonry process.
Installing the Lintel: To support the structure above the openings, reinforced cement concrete beams (called lintels) are placed on top of these openings. This ensures that the weight of the upper structure is not directly borne by the door frames.
8. Roofing of a Building
Roofing of a Building Once the masonry work of the building is completed, the roof slab of the structure is poured. Modern day roofing consists of reinforced concrete slabs. The thickness and reinforcement details of the slab should be as per the approved drawings.
Plastering Work
Plastering Work on Internal Walls: After the form work has been removed 14 days after pouring the slab, plastering work begins. Mortar for plastering is typically a mixture of 1:3 or 1:4. The plaster layer should not exceed a thickness of 0.75 inches. The surface should be cured for a period of 7 days so that the plaster can gain sufficient strength. Internal walls of buildings are usually covered with a plastered layer.
Plastering Work on External Walls: For external walls, it is recommended to use plaster rather than pointing. After the form work has been removed 14 days after pouring the slab, plastering work begins. Mortar for plastering is typically a mixture of 1:3 or 1:4. The plaster layer should not exceed a thickness of 0.75 inches. The surface should be cured for a period of 7 days so that the plaster can gain sufficient strength.
Fixing Doors and Windows: Wood vs Steel and Aluminum:
Wooden Doors and Windows: When constructing a building, wooden door and window frames are usually installed in the walls during the masonry work. After the plastering is completed, the panels are then attached with hinges.
Steel and Aluminum Doors and Windows: Once the painting of the walls is finished, steel and aluminum doors can be installed. These materials are more durable and require less maintenance than wooden doors and windows.
Essential Electrical and Plumbing Works
Before beginning any final finishing works such as painting and tiling, it is essential to carry out necessary electrical and plumbing works to prevent any damage from occurring.
Tiles Laying
Tile laying is usually done in bathrooms and kitchens. Wall tiles are laid first and then the floor tiles. Different materials such as granite, marble, tiles, and epoxy are used for flooring.
Painting Process
The painting process depends on the desired finished look. Generally, a layer of primer is applied followed by two coats of water-based paint. For a smoother finish, two coats of putty and two coats of paint can be applied. The process varies for exterior and interior work.
Construction Miscellaneous Works
Construction services refer to the various activities involved in the process of building a structure. This includes activities such as planning and design, excavation, structural assembly, and finishing. The range of construction services includes residential, commercial, and industrial projects. These services involve the use of materials such as concrete, steel, timber, and other building materials. Construction services are typically provided by professionals who have the skills and knowledge to ensure that the project is completed successfully.
Building Planning and Design: Building planning and design are essential components of any construction project. Professional construction services involve the use of experienced planners and designers to ensure that the structure is built according to the desired specifications. Planning and design services involve the selection of appropriate materials, the layout and design of the structure, as well as the scheduling of the construction process.
Excavation and Site Preparation: Excavation and site preparation are important steps in the construction process. Professional construction services involve the use of experienced excavators and site preparation workers to ensure that the site is ready for the construction process. This includes the removal of debris, soil, and other materials that could interfere with the construction process.
Structural Assembly: Structural assembly is a critical part of the construction process. Professional construction services involve the use of experienced builders and workers to ensure that the structure is built according to the desired specifications. This includes the selection of appropriate materials, the assembly of components, and the installation of systems such as plumbing and electrical.
Finishing Services: Finishing services are an important part of the construction process. Professional construction services involve the use of experienced finishers and workers to ensure that the structure is completed according to the desired specifications. This includes the installation of fixtures, finishes, and other materials to give the structure a polished look and feel.
Terrace Waterproofing: Terrace waterproofing is a critical part of the construction process. Professional construction services involve the use of waterproofing materials and techniques to ensure that the structure is protected from water damage. This includes the installation of specialized membranes and sealants to protect the structure from water seepage and leakage.
Landscaping Works: Landscaping works refer to the various activities involved in designing and maintaining the grounds of a structure. Professional construction services involve the use of experienced landscapers and gardeners to ensure that the grounds are aesthetically pleasing and properly maintained. This includes the selection of appropriate plants, shrubs, and trees as well as the installation of pathways, fountains, and other outdoor features.
False Ceiling: False ceiling is an important part of the construction process. Professional construction services involve the use of experienced workers to ensure that the ceiling is properly installed. This includes the selection of appropriate materials, the installation of supports, and the installation of insulation materials to ensure that the structure is properly insulated.
Installation of Furniture: Installation of furniture is an important part of the construction process. Professional construction services involve the use of experienced workers to ensure that the furniture is properly installed. This includes the selection of appropriate materials, the assembly of components, and the installation of the furniture to ensure that it is properly secured.