A green roof is a roof of a building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. It may also include additional layers such as a root barrier and drainage and irrigation systems. (The use of “green” refers to the growing trend of environmentalism and does(…)
Buildings
METHODS OF EVALUATION OF EXISTING BUILDINGS
Evaluation of Existing Buildings The available methods are evaluation by structural analysis based on known material properties, dimensions and loading, evaluation by analysis and physical load testing, and evaluation by analysis and structural modeling depending on the nature of the structure and the level of information available about the existing condition of the structure. Evaluation(…)
PERFORMANCE OF VARIOUS TYPES OF BUILDINGS DURING EARTHQUAKE
Different types of buildings suffer different degrees of damage during earthquakes and the same has been studied here. 1. MUD AND ADOBE HOUSES: Unburnt sun dried bricks laid in mud mortar are called adobe construction. Mud houses are the traditional construction, for poor and most suitable in view of their initial cost, easy availability, low(…)
SUITABILITY OF VARIOUS TYPES OF CEMENT
Suitability of various types of cement: Selection of cement based on suitability for various concreting environment is important for durability considerations of structures. Thus, making wise choice of cement type for particular construction site, prevents structure from deteriorating and saves much repair and rehabilitation cost later. Following are the suitability of various cements for different(…)
ESTIMATION OF BRICK MASONRY IN BUILDING
In the procedure for the estimation of brickwork, two approaches – Centre-line, and Long- and Short-wall methods – are applicable. While in the case of centre-line approach (in straight forward cases), the total length dimension remains unchanged with the width and height of the masonry courses (in footings, plinth, and superstructure) varying according to the(…)
SPECIFICATION FOR MARBLE MOSAIC TILE FLOORING
The laying and finishing of cement concrete marble mosaic flooring tiles in floors, wall, staircases, etc. is discussed here. Materials required for mosaic tile flooring: Cement, sand, terrazzo tiles shall conform to the specifications detailed in the relevant standard code. Mixing of mortar is done as per the specification for grade of mortar to be(…)
SPECIFICATION OF A GOOD QUALITY BRICK
Following are the requirement of a good quality bricks: (a) Bricks for masonry in foundations, walls and other locations shall be hand or machine moulded and made from suitable soil and kiln burnt. They shall have regular and uniform size and colour, sharp straight and right angled edges and deep cherry red and copper colour,(…)
SETTING PROCESS OF CEMENT
When water is mixed with cement to form a paste, reaction starts. In its pure form, the finely ground cement is extremely sensitive to water. Out of the three main compounds, viz. C3A, C3S and C2S, reacts quickly with water to produce a jelly-like compound which starts solidifying . The action of changing from a(…)