In addition to considering building materials, you also need to plan the proper building structure. It is a crucial aspect of the building planning stage that should not be overlooked.
Keep in mind that you must fully understand what a building structure is, its types, elements, and examples to plan it thoroughly. Read the complete explanation in this article!
What Is Building Structure?
A building structure is a part or component that forms the essential foundation of a building, including sloofs, foundations, walls, roofs, rings, and more. Its main function is to support the existence of other structural elements to form a solid unit.
The role of building structures in construction is vital because the safety of every building user depends on the strength of the building. Any miscalculation can be fatal for everyone involved.
Therefore, building structures cannot be constructed carelessly as they require thorough planning to ensure that all elements can support the building's load. The planning should refer to government regulations. Here are some regulations that can serve as proper planning standards:
- Indonesia Earthquake-Resistant Planning Regulations for Buildings (1983).
- Standard Procedures for Calculating Concrete Structures No. SK SNI T-15-1991-03.
- Indonesia Building Load Regulations (1983).
Types of Building Structures
Generally, there are two types of building structures: upper structure and lower structure. However, another view suggests that there are three types: upper structure, middle structure, and lower structure. Here's an explanation of the types of building structures:
1. Upper Structure
The upper structure includes all parts of the building that extend upward and are above ground. It functions as the roof support. Examples include trusses, frames, and beams. The upper structure must be built strongly to avoid frameshifts due to strong winds, ensuring user safety.
2. Middle Structure
This includes all building elements located above ground and below the roof. It is the area occupied by the building's users. Examples include rings, columns, and walls. The middle structure, like the upper structure, requires attention to ensure the building remains solid and stable.
3. Lower Structure
The lower structure is located below ground. Examples include pile caps, sloofs, foundations, and retaining walls. This structure maintains balance by bearing the entire building load above it, ensuring stability.
Read also: 3 Applications of Recycled Building Materials for Construction
Building Structure Elements
After understanding the types, knowing the elements of building structures is also crucial in the construction process. Here are the elements and their explanations:
1. Beams
Beams are horizontal reinforcing frames used as floor column ties and floor supports. They bear the load of supporting columns, such as ceiling frames. Beams are usually placed horizontally and have rectangular shapes, essential for maintaining building balance.
2. Columns
Columns are structural elements that support the entire building load vertically. Strong columns are typically made from concrete and iron, materials resistant to pressure and tension. Contractors must ensure columns meet specifications and standards for safety and strength.
3. Floor Slabs
Floor slabs are working floors in multi-story buildings. They can be made of various materials, such as wood cement, reinforced concrete, wood, and steel, and are supported by columns to form different floor levels.
4. Roofs
Roofs are essential structural elements covering the upper part of the building. They protect users from weather conditions like rain and sunlight. Roof material and design choices must ensure safety and appropriateness.
In Indonesia, the most common roof types are minimalist and gable. Each building usually has a roof with a different style, design, and characteristics. It usually conforms to diverse climate, demographic, and cultural conditions in Indonesia.
5. Rings
Rings are made of iron and concrete, preventing columns from shifting and enhancing the building's strength by distributing loads evenly.
6. Foundations
Foundations directly contact the ground, bearing the building's structural load and ensuring safety. They must be built according to standards to maintain strength, especially during natural disasters like earthquakes. Lack of attention when building foundations might cause severe damage and even endanger the house occupants.
7. Sloofs
Sloofs are primary structures connecting foundations and the first floor to ensure overall stability. They are made of concrete, steel, and wood, sized according to needs and building designs. The sloof position is parallel to the ground floor or ground. Its size is often larger compared to the beam or wall it supports.
8. Trusses
Trusses support walls or roofs, transferring roof loads to support structures or foundations. They consist of horizontal beams arranged in three-dimensional or triangular patterns, made from materials like reinforced concrete, wood, steel, and bamboo.
Read also: Understanding the Importance of Concrete Structure Maintenance
That's an overview of what building structures are, their types, elements, and examples. Each house construction requires different types and elements of building structures, which you can adjust according to your current construction needs. Make sure you choose high-quality construction materials for a durable building.
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Read also: 3 Advantages of Using Precast Concrete
