Friday, September 16, 2011

Structural Design Disaster | Building Construction

A lesson for all the Civil Engineers to learn
"Structural Engineering is a field that deals with the analysis and design of structures that support or resist loads".
In this article, we will discuss a project in which Structural Design (Column Layout) had already been executed on site which was absolutely incorrect. After the erection of columns, the owner hired an Architect to design a Hostel for him.
I feel that not only Civil engineering students and civil engineers must understand the importance of making correct column layouts for the buildings. It is also the job of an Architect to give the column positions in the plan which works like a guideline for the Civil Engineer.

Now we will move on with our discussion on the reaction of the Architect after analyzing the Column Layout made by a Civil Engineer...

Septic Tank Calculations Thumb rules| Building Construction

Septic Tank Design Calculations for a Residence
"Septic Tank is a small scale sewage treatment plant which is installed in case there is an absence of the main sewage pipes that are laid by the Local government bodies or the Private Corporate bodies connecting the site".
Designing a Septic Tank with efficient Volume capacity is very important. Septic Tank design calculations are different for different structures.
For example:
  • Residences
  • Offices
  • Hospitals
  • Shopping Complexes
  • Multiplexes
  • Restaurants
The thumb rules have been made keeping the logic in mind. The functionality of the space and the flow of the crowd are the two main factors that are taken into consideration.
In this article, we will discuss the thumb rules for sewage quantity to be considered for 3BHK, 2BHK and 1BHK homes. We will also discuss how the dimensions of a Septic Tank are calculated with the help of an example of a 3BHK residence.
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Example of a Column Layout of a Residence | Building Construction

Thumb rules followed for the design of a Residence
In our previous article, we discussed the "thumb rules for making a column layout" that are to be essentially followed by all the civil engineers as well as Architects.
In this article, we will illustrate as to how the thumb rules have been efficiently followed with the help of an example of a Residence.
Column layout efficiency determines the quality of the standing structure. Hence, it is important to understand the important of designing a correct column layout for a structure.

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Friday, September 9, 2011

Column Layout Thumb-rules

A proper column layout is very essential for accurate execution of work on site. 
There are three major thumb rules that have to be followed in order to make a good and accurate column layout. They are as follows:
  1. Size of the Columns
  2. Distance between columns
  3. Alignment of columns
Apart from RCC Column Design procedure, following these three thumb rules is a must for every Civil Engineer. Architects are also supposed to give a column layout for their design but they do not have to do the Column design calculations. For this reason, it is essential for every architect to have an idea of the placement, size and alignment of columns in design.