BUILDING

CONSTRUCTION
 BUILDING
CONSTRUCTION
[AN ELEMENTARY AS WELL AS ADVANCED COURSE
FOR ENGINEERING STUDENTS]

By
Dr. B.C. PUNMIA
Formerly,
Professor and Head, Deptt. of Civil Engineering, &
Dean, Faculty of Engineering
M.B.M. Engineering College,
Jodhpur

Er. ASHOK KUMAR JAIN Dr. ARUN KUMAR JAIN

Director, Assistant Professor
Arihant Consultants, M.B.M. Engineering College,
Jodhpur Jodhpur

(CONTAINING 32 CHAPTERS)

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BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

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 Preface

Building Construction is a traditional science which deals with the modern methods of sound
construction incorporating appropriate use of materials, sufficient strength and permanence, maximum
utility, and good proportion and grace. The Building Design has traditionally been the responsibility
of the Architect, though the Building Construction has been the responsibility of the Civil Engineer.
However, the Structural Design of the buildings is the responsibility of a Civil Engineer. On small
projects, a Civil Engineer may sometimes be entrusted with the architectural design work also, along
with structural designs. The main considerations in the architectural design of buildings for all purposes
are (i) climate and its effects, (ii) people and their requirements, (iii) materials for construction, and
(iv) regulation and bye-laws of sanctioning authority. The aim of the present text book is to acquaint
Civil Engineers, Architects, Builders, Contractors etc., with the basic principles as well as current
design practices in the construction of buildings.
This book incorporates both an elementary as well as advanced course in Building Construction.
The first chapter is introductory, introducing various types of buildings and building components, as
well as design loads. Chapters 2, 3 and 4 deal with the foundations—both shallow as well as deep.
Though structural design of foundations has been avoided, the methods of proportioning of foundations
appropriate to the loading and other site conditions, have been dealt with in greater details. Chapters
5, 6 and 7 deal with various types of masonry. Chapters 8, 9, and 10 are on various types of walls.
In the past 20 years, the use of modern Structural masonry for multi-storeyed building has been
growing steadily following a period of partial eclipse by steel and concrete construction. Chapter 8
incorporates the structural design of tall load bearing walls of masonry. Chapters 11 and 12 deal with
various types of floors while chapter 15 deals with various types of roofs and roof coverings. Lintels
and Arches are incorporated in chapter 13 while stairs are dealt with in chapter 14 ; in both these
chapters, structural design has not been included. Chapters 16, 17 and 18 deal with carpentary and
Joinery, Door and Windows and Shoring, Underpinning and Scaffolding. Chapters 19 and 20 describe
the methods of Plastering, Pointing, Painting, Distempering and White Washing. Chapters 21 and
22 deal with Damp Proofing and Termite Proofing. Fire Protection has been discussed in Chapter
23 while Thermal Insulation has been dealt with in chapter 24 with a number of illustrative solved
examples. Chapters 25 and 26 deal with Concrete Construction. Chapter 27 deals with Ventilation
and Air-conditioning methods. The Acoustic Design as well as methods of Sound Insulation are
incorporated in Chapter 28. Lastly, the Management Methods through PERT and CPM networks
have been dealt with in chapter 29.
The book uses both metric as well SI units. The book is based on current constructional practices
prevalent in India, incorporating latest Indian Standard Recommendations. The basic construction
features as well as design details have been profusely illustrated through neat sketches. It is hoped,
the book will be useful to both the students as well as practising engineers.
I am thankful to Shri Kanhaiya Lal for nicely tracing all the illustrations. I am also
thankful to the Publishers, for printing the book, with nice get-up, in such a short duration.

Jodhpur B.C. PUNMIA

1.8.84
 Preface to the Fifth Edition
In the Fifth Edition of the book, the subject matter has been thoroughly revised, enlarged and
updated. The entire book has been set up by DTP process. Further suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Jodhpur B.C. PUNMIA

Mahaveer Jayanti ASHOK KUMAR JAIN
5th April 93 ARUN KUMAR JAIN

Preface to the Tenth Edition

In the Tenth Edition of the book, the subject matter has been thoroughly revised, updated and
rearranged. Many Tables have been revised/updated corresponding to the latest Editions of some Indian
Standards. Two new Chapters have been added at end of the book : Chapter 31 on ‘Building Plans’ and
Chapter 32 on ‘Earthquake Resistant Buildings’. All the diagrams have been redrawn using computer
graphics. The book has been typeset in bigger format keeping in pace with the modern trend. Account has
been taken throughout of the suggestions offered by many users of the book and grateful acknowledgement
is made to them. The Authors are thankful to Shri R.K. Gupta, Managing Director, Laxmi Publications,
for taking keen interest in the publication of the book and bringing it out nicely and quickly.

Jodhpur B.C. PUNMIA

Maha Shiva Ratri ASHOK KUMAR JAIN
6th March 2008 ARUN KUMAR JAIN

Preface to the Eleventh Edition

In the eleventh edition, the subject matter has been thoroughly revised, updated and
enlarged.
The book has been recomposed in two-colour format. All the figures have been redrawn
using two-colour format, which presents the figures in simpler form and makes them very clear
to understand.
Enhancement of both breadth and depth of coverage has been done in this book. Latest
Indian codes have been adopted. Account has been taken throughout of the suggestions offered
by many users of this book and grateful acknowledgement is made to them.
The author is also thankful to Shri R.K. Gupta, Director, Laxmi Publications (P) Ltd., for
taking keen interest in publishing the book and bringing it out nicely and quickly.

Jodhpur ASHOK KUMAR JAIN

15th August 2015
Independence Day
 Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction.....................................................................................1–15
1.1 General 1
1.2 Types of Buildings 2
1.3 Components of a Building 5
1.4 Design Loads 7
Problems 15

Chapter 2 Foundations-1: General................................................................16–58

2.1 Introduction 16
2.2 Functions of Foundations 16
2.3 Essential Requirements of a Good Foundation 17
2.4 Types of Foundations 17
2.5 Site Investigation and Subsoil Exploration 25
2.6 Methods of Site Exploration 27
2.7 Bearing Capacity of Soils 34
2.8 Analytical Methods 35
2.9 Plate Load Test 37
2.10 Penetration Tests 42
2.11 Presumptive Bearing Capacity from Building Codes 44
2.12 Settlement of Foundations 45
2.13 Methods of Improving Safe Bearing Pressure of Soils 46
2.14 Causes of Failures of Foundations and Remedial Measures 48
2.15 Setting out Foundation Trenches 49
2.16 Excavation and Timbering of Foundation Trenches 51
2.17 Excavations in Ground with Sub-Soil Water 54
Problems 57

Chapter 3 Foundations-2: Shallow Foundations.........................................59–97

3.1 Introduction 59
3.2 Depth of Footings 59
3.3 Strip Footing 61
3.4 Isolated Footing or Pad Footing 64
3.5 Eccentrically Loaded Footings 66
3.6 Grillage Foundations 73
3.7 Combined Footings 75
3.8 Strap Footing or Cantilever Footing 80
3.9 Raft Foundation 83

(vii)
 (viii)  Contents

3.10 Foundations for Black Cotton Soils 87

3.11 Footings at Different Levels: Stepped Footings 91
3.12 Adjacent Footings 91
3.13 Machine Foundations 92
Problems 96

Chapter 4 Foundations-3: Deep Foundations............................................98–138

4.1 Introduction 98
4.2 Types of Piles 98
4.3 Cased Cast-in-Situ Concrete Piles 100
4.4. Uncased Cast-in-Situ Concrete Piles 103
4.5 Bored Piles 107
4.6 Precast Concrete Piles 108
4.7 Steel Piles 110
4.8 Timber Piles 112
4.9 Composite Piles 113
4.10 Screw Piles and Disc Piles 114
4.11 Pile Driving 114
4.12 Load Carrying Capacity of Piles 116
4.13 Pile Load Test 119
4.14 Pile Cap 121
4.15 Group Action in Piles 121
4.16 Under-Reamed Piles 122
4.17 Bored Compaction Piles 127
4.18 Sand Piles 128
4.19 Sheet Piles 128
4.20 Coffer Dams 130
4.21 Caissons : Well Foundations 131
Problems 137

Chapter 5 Masonry-1: Stone Masonry......................................................139–165

5.1 Masonry 139
5.2 Definition of Terms Used in Masonry 139
5.3 Materials for Stone Masonry 145
5.4 Classification of Stone Masonry 149
5.5 Dressing of Stones 154
5.6 Appliances for Lifting Stones 158
5.7 Joints in Stone Masonry 160
5.8 Supervision of Stone Masonry Construction 163
5.9 Safe Permissible Loads on Stone Masonry 164
Problems 165

Chapter 6 Masonry-2: Brick Masonry.......................................................166–212

6.1 Introduction 166
6.2 Types of Bricks 167
6.3 Some Definitions 168
 Contents  (ix)

6.4 Bonds in Brick Work 170

6.5 Stretcher Bond 171
6.6 Header Bond 171
6.7 English Bond 172
6.8 Flemish Bond 175
6.9 Facing Bond 176
6.10 English Cross Bond 177
6.11 Brick on Edge Bond (Silverlock’s Bond or Soldier’s Course) 177
6.12 Dutch Bond 178
6.13 Raking Bond 178
6.14 Zigzag Bond 179
6.15 Garden Wall Bonds 179
6.16 Bond at Connections 180
6.17 Bond in Brick Piers 186
6.18 Bond in Footings 189
6.19 Tools for Brick Laying 190
6.20 Brick Laying 191
6.21 Improved Method of Brick-Laying 192
6.22 Supervision of Brick Work 197
6.23 Comparison of Brick Masonry and Stone Masonry 198
6.24 Defects in Brick Masonry 199
6.25 Strength of Brick Masonry 199
6.26 Thickness of a Brick Wall 203
6.27 Typical Structures in Brick Work 204
6.28 Buttresses 205
6.29 Thresholds 205
6.30 Window Sills 205
6.31 Corbels 206
6.32 Copings 207
6.33 Jambs 207
6.34 Ornamental Brick Work 208
6.35 Brick Work Curved in Plan 209
6.36 Brick Nogging 209
6.37 Retaining Walls and Breast Walls 210
Problems 211

Chapter 7 Masonry-3: Composite Masonry.............................................213–221

7.1 Introduction 213
7.2 Stone Composite Masonry 213
7.3 Brick Stone Composite Masonry 214
7.4 Concrete Masonry 214
7.5 Hollow Clay Blocks Masonry 217
7.6 Reinforced Brick Masonry 218
Problems 221
 (x)  Contents

Chapter 8 Load Bearing Walls...................................................................222–249

8.1 Types of Walls 222
8.2 Design Considerations 223
8.3 Lateral Support 225
8.4 Effective Height of Wall 226
8.5 Effective Length of Wall 227
8.6 Effective Thickness 229
8.7 Slenderness Ratio (Sr) 230
8.8 Basic Compressive Stress (Fb) 230
8.9 Structural Design of Walls 232
8.10 Design of Structural Analysis 235
8.11 Concentrated Load 238
8.12 Stress Concentration Below Lintel Bearings 239
8.13 Mortar Selection 240
Problems 249

Chapter 9 Cavity Walls...............................................................................250–257

9.1 Introduction 250
9.2 General Features of Cavity Walls 250
9.3 Position of Cavity at Foundation Level 251
9.4 Position of Cavity at Eaves or Parapet Level 252
9.5 Cavity Wall at Openings 253
9.6 Wall Ties 254
9.7 Construction of Cavity Wall 254
9.8 Cavity Masonry Wall 256
Problems 257

Chapter 10 Partition Walls...........................................................................258–265

10.1 Introduction 258
10.2 Brick Partitions 259
10.3 Clay Block Partition Walls 260
10.4 Concrete Partitions 260
10.5 Glass Partitions 261
10.6 Metal Lath Partitions 262
10.7 Asbestos Sheet or G.I. Sheet Partitions 263
10.8 Plaster Slab Partitions 263
10.9 Wood Wool Slab Partitions 264
10.10 Timber Partitions 264
Problems 265

Chapter 11 Floors-I: Ground Floors............................................................266–276

11.1 Introduction 266
11.2 Components of a Floor 266
11.3 Materials for Construction 267
11.4 Selection of Flooring Material 268
11.5 Mud Flooring and Muram Flooring 269
 Contents  (xi)

11.6 Brick Flooring 269

11.7 Flag Stone Flooring 270
11.8 Cement Concrete Flooring 270
11.9 Terrazzo Flooring 271
11.10 Mosaic Flooring 272
11.11 Tiled Flooring 272
11.12 Marble Flooring 273
11.13 Timber Flooring 273
11.14 Asphalt Flooring 274
11.15 Rubber Flooring 275
11.16 Linoleum Flooring (Covering) 275
11.17 Cork Flooring 275
11.18 Glass Flooring 275
11.19 Plastic or PVC Flooring 276
Problems 276

Chapter 12 Floors-II: Upper Floors.............................................................277–288

12.1 Introduction 277
12.2 Steel Joist and Stone or Precast Concrete Slab Floors 277
12.3 Jack Arch Floors 278
12.4 Reinforced Cement Concrete Floors 280
12.5 Ribbed or Hollow Tiled Flooring 284
12.6 Filler Joists Floors 285
12.7 Precast Concrete Floors 285
12.8 Timber Floors 286
Problems 287

Chapter 13 Lintels and Arches....................................................................289–305

13.1 Introduction 289
13.2 Classification of Lintels 289
13.3 Timber Lintels 290
13.4 Stone Lintels 290
13.5 Brick Lintels 290
13.6 Steel Lintels 291
13.7 Reinforced Cement Concrete Lintels 292
13.8 Loading on Lintels 292
13.9 Arch : Terms Used 296
13.10 Stability of an Arch 297
13.11 Classification of Arches 297
13.12 Stone Arches 300
13.13 Brick Arches 301
13.14 Concrete Arches 302
13.15 Construction of Arches 303
Problems 305
 (xii)  Contents

Chapter 14 Stairs..........................................................................................306–324
14.1 Introduction 306
14.2 Technical Terms 306
14.3 Requirements of a Good Stair 307
14.4 Dimensions of a Step 308
14.5 Classification of Stairs 309
14.6 Stairs of Different Materials 315
Problems 323

Chapter 15 Roofs and Roof Coverings.......................................................325–357

15.1 Introduction 325
15.2 Types of Roofs 325
15.3 Pitched Roofs: Basic Elements 326
15.4 Types of Pitched Roofs 329
15.5 Single Roofs 329
15.6 Double or Purlin Roofs 332
15.7 Trussed Roofs 332
15.8 Steel Roof Trusses 337
15.9 Roof Coverings for Pitched Roofs 341
15.10 Flat Terraced Roofing 352
Problems 357

Chapter 16 Carpentry and Joinery..............................................................358–371

16.1 Introduction 358
16.2 Technical Terms in Carpentry 358
16.3 Principles Governing the Construction of Joints 359
16.4 Classification of Joints 360
16.5 Lengthening Joints 360
16.6 Widening Joints 362
16.7 Bearing Joints 363
16.8 Framing Joints 365
16.9 Angle or Corner Joints 365
16.10 Oblique Shouldered Joints 367
16.11 Fastenings 367
16.12 Tools Used in Carpentry Work 368
Problems 371

Chapter 17 Doors and Windows.................................................................372–407

17.1 Introduction 372
17.2 Location of Doors and Windows 372
17.3 Definition of Technical Terms 373
17.4 Size of Doors 374
17.5 Door Frames 375
17.6 Types of Doors 378
17.7 Windows 392
17.8 Types of Windows 393
17.9 Ventilator Combined With Windows or Door: Fan Light (Fig. 17.39) 403
 Contents  (xiii)

17.10 Fixtures and Fastenings 403

Problems 406

Chapter 18 Shoring, Underpinning and Scaffolding.................................408–417

18.1 Shoring 408
18.2 Underpinning 412
18.3 Scaffolding 413
Problems 417

Chapter 19 Plastering and Pointing............................................................418–429

19.1 Plastering 418
19.2 Types of Mortars for Plastering 418
19.3 Terminology Used in Plastering Work 420
19.4 Tools for Plastering 421
19.5 Number of Coats of Plaster 422
19.6 Methods of Plastering 422
19.7 Plaster on Lath 424
19.8 Types of Plaster Finishes 425
19.9 Special Materials Used in Plastering 426
19.10 Defects in Plastering 427
19.11 Pointing 427
Problems 429

Chapter 20 Painting, Distempering and White-Washing...........................430–444

20.1 Paints and Painting 430
20.2 Characteristics of an Ideal Paint 430
20.3 Constituents of a Paint 431
20.4 Classification and Types of Paints 433
20.5 Painting on Different Surfaces 436
20.6 Defects in Painting 439
20.7 Varnishing 440
20.8 Distempering 442
20.9 White-Washing and Colour Washing 443
Problems 444

Chapter 21 Damp Proofing..........................................................................445–453

21.1 Introduction: Causes of Dampness 445
21.2 Effects of Dampness 446
21.3 Methods of Damp Proofing 446
21.4 Materials Used for Damp Proofing Course 448
21.5 D.P.C. Treatment in Buildings 450
Problems 453

Chapter 22 Termite Proof ing.......................................................................454–457

22.1 Introduction: Types of Termites 454
22.2 Anti-Termite Treatment 455
22.3 Post-Construction Treatment 457
Problems 457
 (xiv)  Contents

Chapter 23 Fire Protection...........................................................................458–469

23.1 Introduction 458
23.2 Fire Hazards 459
23.3 Fire Load 459
23.4 Grading of Structural Elements 460
23.5 Grading of Buildings According to Fire Resistance 461
23.6 Characteristics of Fire Resisting Materials 461
23.7 Fire-Resisting Properties of Common Building Materials 462
23.8 General Fire Safety Requirements For Buildings 464
23.9 Fire Resistant Construction 465
23.10 Fire Alarms 467
23.11 Fire Extinguishing Equipments 468
Problems 469

Chapter 24 Thermal Insulation....................................................................470–483

24.1 Introduction 470
24.2 Heat Transfer: Basic Definitions 470
24.3 Thermal Insulating Materials 476
24.4 General Methods of Thermal Insulation 477
24.5 Thermal Insulation of Roofs 478
24.6 Thermal Insulation of Exposed Walls 479
24.7 Thermal Insulation of Exposed Doors and Windows 479
Problems 483

Chapter 25 Plain and Reinforced Cement Concrete.................................484–509

25.1 Cement Concrete 484
25.2 Classification and Composition of Cement 484
25.3 Specifications for Portland Cement 489
25.4 Aggregates 492
25.5 Water 495
25.6 Measurement of Materials 496
25.7 Water-Cement Ratio 497
25.8 Properties and Tests on Concrete 497
25.9 Methods of Proportioning Concrete Mixes 500
25.10 Grades of Concrete 504
25.11 Mixing, Compacting and Curing Concrete 506
25.12 Steel Reinforcement 508
Problems 509

Chapter 26 Form Work.................................................................................510–517

26.1 Introduction 510
26.2 Requirements 510
26.3 Indian Standard on Form Work (IS : 456–2000) 511
26.4 Loads on Form Work 512
26.5 Shuttering for Columns 513
26.6 Shuttering for Beam and Slab Floor 514
 Contents  (xv)

26.7 Form Work for Stairs 514

26.8 Form Work for Walls 515
Problems 517

Chapter 27 Ventilation and Air Conditioning.............................................518–532

27.1 Ventilation: Definition and Necessity 518
27.2 Functional Requirements of Ventilation System 518
27.3 Systems of Ventilation 520
27.4 Natural Ventilation 521
27.5 Mechanical (or Artificial) Ventilation 524
27.6 Air Conditioning 525
27.7 Essentials of Comfort Air Conditioning 526
27.8 Systems of Air Conditioning 527
27.9 Essentials of Air Conditioning System 529
Problems 532

Chapter 28 Acoustics and Sound Insulation.............................................533–561

28.1 Introduction 533
28.2 Characteristics of Audible Sound 533
28.3 Behaviour of Sound in Enclosures 536
28.4 Reflection of Sound 536
28.5 Reverberation 538
28.6 Absorption 539
28.7 Common Acoustical Defects 544
28.8 Acoustical Design of Halls 545
28.9 Acoustics of Studios 549
28.10 Sound Insulation 553
Problems 560

Chapter 29 PERT and CPM..........................................................................562–587

29.1 Project Management 562
29.2 Methods of Planning and Programming 563
29.3 Bar Charts 564
29.4 Shortcomings of Bar Charts and Remedial Measures 566
29.5 Milestone Charts 569
29.6 Elements of Network 570
29.7 PERT Networks 573
29.8 CPM Networks 575
29.9 Critical Activities and Critical Path 581
29.10 CPM: Cost Model 581
Problems 585

Chapter 30 Plumbing for Buildings............................................................588–606

30.1 Introduction: Plumbing Services 588
30.2 Water Distribution System 588
30.3 Material for Service Pipes 590
 Building Construction

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