Parts Of

Building

Foundation
Column and Beams
Lintel
DPC
Windows and doors
Roof
Floor

Foundation :The portion of a structure

under columns and walls
which transfer load of the
structure to the soil in a safe
way without excessive
settlement is called
foundation.

Importance of
Foundation : The main function of foundation is
to re-distribute the concentrated
load of walls and columns over a
larger area , reducing the load
per unit area ( load intensity )
until it becomes equal to the safe
bearing capacity of the soil.
If the proper foundation is not
applied , the structure may
subside due to compression of
soil.

 Selection of foundation
depends on the conditions we
are facing. For example if soil
is strong and load is not very
much Shallow Foundation
is suitable however if soil is
soft and there is very huge
concentrated load then Deep
foundation should be selected.
Mostly for single story building
Step Foundation is applied ,
details of which are given in
figure.

Columns And Beams :Beam is a structural member , used to

provide support to upper part of
building leaving clear space
underneath and transfer the imposed
loads to supports at its ends. Usually
the load acts at right angle to the
longitudinal axis of the member.
Whereas Column is a structure
member which provides a continuous
support for upper part of the building
and carries the load directly to the
foundations. In column load usually
acts along vertical axis.

Beams and columns are usually made up

of concrete , reinforced with steel bars.
Concrete is very weak in tension if no
reinforcement is provided beam will crack
at bottom and will fall down. If we provide
steel bars it becomes safe as steel is
sufficiently strong in tension.
Columns are used where heavy load is to
be supported , like in multi story
buildings. In single story buildings only
walls serve the purpose.

Lintel :Lintel is a small

usually concealed
beam provided over
openings in walls
like doors , windows
and ventilators.

Purpose Of Lintel :Whenever we give opening in the wall

it weakens the structure , lintels are
provided over the opening so that load
can be effectively overcome. Strength
of lintel should be carefully
considered according to amount of
load they are going to bear.

Damp Proof Course

( D.P.C ) :Bricks have a porous
structure and the pores are
interconnected to form
capillaries. As a result ,
bricks suck dampness from
the soil underneath and
pump it to upper parts of the
building , and thus damages
the building. To prevent this
a continuous water proof
layer is provided above the

Composition of DPC
:DPC consist of 1 -in to 3
-in thick layer of P.C.C ( 1:2:4 )
over which two coats of hot
bitumen are applied. Sometimes ,
for load bearing walls , polythene
sheet is also provided. The top of
DPC is made in level with the
ground floor of the building.

Windows and
Doors :Window is the opening in
the walls to make the room
airy and lighted. Whereas
door is the opening in the
walls to make room
accessible.

1)There should not be too many windows in

the building as it will make the structure
weak.
2)Normally windows are 4 feet wide and their
height from floor is 3 feet.
3)Doors should not be too wide that they may
occupy the whole space , and not too small
that things like furniture , fridge may not
pass.
4)Usually doors are 4 feet wide and 7 feet
high.

Roof :-

It is a structure used to cover

the required parts of the
building. Roof covering of the
top of a building, serving to
protect against rain , snow ,
sunlight, wind , and extremes
of temperature. Roofs have
been constructed in a wide
variety of forms flat, pitched ,
vaulted, domed, or in
combination. In Pakistan flat

Following points should be kept in mind

while constructing roof :
1)Roof should have proper slope so that rain
water may not stand over it
2)External surface of roof must prevent rainfall
and other precipitations from penetrating a
building.
3)Roof should be strong enough to bear
expected load.