Building Systems Design Notes

Introduction to Building Systems Design

  • Definition: Study of structures with roofs and walls like houses, schools, factories.

Building Components

  • Foundation: Supports structure weight; distributes the load to the soil.
  • Flooring/Slab: Surface for activities; laid atop plinth fill.
  • Beams: Resists loads laterally.
  • Columns: Transfers weight via compression to lower structure elements.
  • Walls: Provide enclosure, privacy, and protection from natural elements.
  • Openings: Include doors, windows, and ventilators; provide access and light.
  • Roof: Protects inhabitants; various types like gable, hip, etc.
  • Finishes: External (weather protection) and internal (durability, aesthetics).

Building Services

  • Plumbing: Water supply, drainage, and sanitation.
  • Electrical: Electrical supply and distribution.

Building Structures - Types

Based on Construction Material
  1. Wood Frame
    • Renewable, low cost; not strong against severe weather.
  2. Steel Frame
    • Strong, flexible; risks of corrosion and temperature-induced strength loss.
  3. Concrete Frame
    • Locally sourced & recyclable; not seismic resistant if improperly engineered.
Based on Purpose
  1. Residential
  2. Non-residential
  3. Industrial
  4. Infrastructures

The Construction Team

  • Roles:
    • Owner: Finances and coordinates the project.
    • Project Manager: Oversees construction coordination.
    • Design Professionals: Architects and engineers designing the structure.
    • Contractors/Subcontractors: Actual builders of the project.

Building Plans

  • Architectural Plans: Ensure visualization of construction.
  • Preparation:
    • Preliminary Design: Rough cost estimates and basic layouts.
    • Final Design: Detailed architectural, structural, and service plans.

Common Construction Mistakes

  • Accuracy and Compliance: Adhering to relevant codes and standards.

Regulatory Framework

National Building Code of the Philippines
  • Presidential Decree 1096: Establishes uniform building standards and requirements.
  • Covers design, construction, use, and maintenance standards for buildings.
Fire Code of the Philippines
  • Purpose: Ensure safety and mitigate risks associated with fire.
  • Principles deal with prevention, preparedness, and the professionalization of fire services.

Architectural Drawing

Essential Components
  1. Title Block: Essential information and identifiers for the plans.
  2. Floor Plans, Elevation, Sections: Facilitates understanding and execution of design intentions.
  3. Symbols and Notations: Establish clear communication through standardized representations.
Making Effective Plans
  • Step by step detailing from sketches to finalized architecture.
  • Each aspect, from foundation to roof, needs careful consideration concerning load-bearing capacities and materials used.

Additional Resources

  • Various channels including videos and tutorials for further learning.