Construction is a technique used in the fields of architecture and civil engineering to erect or put together physical structures. Construction entails following a set of instructions to assemble a variety of materials into a predetermined shape. Modern architecture encompasses various dwellings and other enclosures, from the simplest to the most extravagant. They each have their own unique characteristics that help to categorise the various types of construction and work that can be done inside the industry according to their specific framework and set of rules. When you work on construction sites, you will get a new perspective on different types of construction and structures.
Project architects, construction engineers, and construction managers are typically in charge of supervising such endeavours. Understanding the project’s most important takeaways from an architectural and engineering viewpoint is important.
How to Choose the Right Type of Construction
Pay attention to the type of construction required to construct your dream home. If you choose the ideal construction method from the available 5 types of building construction, making a house will be a breeze. If you can identify the right type, there aren’t many steps involved.
Select the right construction type, secure the necessary building permits, and arrange for the inspection and examination of the house at predetermined times. Based on the types of construction drawings, a building’s construction type also affects how it performs in a fire. All the load-bearing and non-load-bearing parts of the structure fall under this category.
Buildings can vary in construction type based on their level of safety from fire, earthquakes, and other hazards, which is why careful consideration of these factors is essential. A building’s ability to withstand natural disasters, like hurricanes and earthquakes is also affected by the types of construction projects used. Workers on a building site understandably worry about the possibility of injury, and rightly so, they also need to consider the long-term security of the structure.
Some steps that you can follow in this regard are:
- You should know what to do before looking for someone to do the work; the style of home you envision, whether it be contemporary or traditional.
- The choice of expert depends on the specifics of your situation. If the architect you chose just designs, you will need to look elsewhere for construction services.
- You may have identified such contractors in your search who provide you with a Bill of Quantities (BOQ), a schedule, and a quality control report. Find them and probe about how they impart such information to you. Learn about the nature of their procedure and the reasons for the significance of such information to you.
- Give specific details about the building type you need from the available 5 types of building construction. Also, be forthright regarding the entire cost of the construction. You can still have a rough budget even though the price of some materials is unknown, with the help of the types of construction drawings that you will prepare.
- Virtual reality (VR) technology has advanced to the point that it can replace 3D walkthroughs when planning a home. This insight can help you plan more efficiently and avoid potential space or redesign issues.
Key Factors In Choosing The Type Of Construction
Some key factors that will help you in choosing the right construction type are:
- Convenience of Setup
- Availability of Resources
- Budget
- Environment Aspects
01. Convenience of Setup
Among the most crucial considerations before selecting types of construction work and purchasing construction materials is how simple they are to put in place. Difficult-to-install construction materials can raise significant repair bills due to wear and tear incurred during installation. Since installing such goods usually takes more time, you may also have to pay more labour costs.
02. Availability of Resources
The success of every building or type of construction project depends on its proximity to necessary services and facilities. You can avoid the expense of importing or shipping raw materials to the site by doing this. In addition, you’ll have access to all the tools you need to finish the project. This is just as crucial if you want to build a manufacturing sector. In the long run, your bottom line will greatly benefit from being situated near sources of the necessary raw materials for production.
03. Budget
If you look into it, you’ll find that building supplies’ prices can range widely depending on the different types of construction methods. You should invest your money in the best materials you can afford. It is important to invest in high-quality supplies, though, because low-cost materials may necessitate frequent maintenance that can add up in price. It’s also important to use high-quality materials while building stable structures.
04. Environment Aspects
When acquiring construction supplies, it is crucial to do one’s bit to save the environment. That’s why it’s smart to put your money into eco-friendly construction supplies. Selecting ideal types of construction work and using reusable materials help maintain a healthy environment, since they cut down on the demand for new materials in the future.
Types of Construction
Some important types of construction are:
- Type I Construction: Fire Resistant
- Type II Construction: Non-Combustible
- Type III Construction: Ordinary
- Type IV Construction: Heavy Timber
- Type V Construction: Wood Frame
Find out more about each of these 5 types of building construction in the details that follow.
01. Type I Construction: Fire Resistant
Any structure that is taller than 75 feet falls under type I construction. That includes apartment buildings as well as office buildings. This comprises both commercial and residential structures. These structures can stand in hot environments for extended periods. Although these additions greatly boost the durability of the buildings, they also raise the overall construction cost.
Specialised HVAC systems and self-pressurising stairwells in some Type I buildings reduce the spread of fire. These structural features facilitate firefighters’ efforts to put out blazes. Upon entering a Type I construction, they prioritise securing the stairwells to prevent unintended obstructions and evacuate the occupants safely. Due to their fireproof concrete and steel construction, these buildings are among the best in the city. They have strong thermal endurance and can resist extreme heat for extended periods. These standards apply to all wall assemblies, including load-bearing and support walls, interior walls, and roof and floor systems. Furthermore, these structures are strong because they resist collapse and fire for up to four hours. These structures have fireproof walls, floors, and ceilings, as well as fireproof roofs and windows.
According to A. Eugene Kohn and Paul Katz (authors of the book Building Types Basics for Office Buildings), based on the use of fire-resistant materials to safeguard the structural elements, the majority of high-rises can have a limitless height and area. The process includes treating floor slabs, beams, columns, and other structural elements with fireproofing materials.
02. Type II Construction: Non-Combustible
Like fire-resistive structures, non-combustible structures, or Type 2 construction have fireproof walls, partitions, columns, floors, and roofs. However, they have less fire resistance and do not survive the effects or spreading of fire, as in Type I. Newer school buildings have this structure.
Type 2 construction structures frequently have masonry or tilt-slab walls with a metal floor and roof. Because of how easily they topple in a fire, they are the least stable of the three. Even though these buildings have sprinkler systems installed, they are not coated with fire-resistant materials, making them vulnerable to collapse in the event of a fire. Materials used in these structures burn slowly, resulting in the severity of the blaze.
03. Type III Construction: Ordinary
Ordinary construction type, often known as type III construction, is one of the most common types of construction. Type III buildings, also called brick-and-joist buildings, have walls made of either tilt-slab or reinforced masonry. Schools, buildings, and houses can all fall under the ordinary construction type. One of the positives associated with type III construction is the vertical ventilation available in these structures. Materials like wood can be used to make the building’s interior framework, including the floor, ceiling, and supporting walls.
Both new and ancient buildings have ordinary construction type, and thanks to a combination of fire-cut joists and non-combustible masonry, exterior walls can withstand the collapse of the floors.
04. Type IV Construction: Heavy Timber
Huge planks of wood are used to construct Type IV construction buildings, which are joined together using metal plates and bolts. Heavy timber construction is very noticeable because it was used before 1960. Examples of such places include abandoned temples, mills, and barns.
All timber members in this type of structure must adhere to strict dimensional specifications. Beams, girders, and other wood structural supports must be 8 inches thick. Roofing and flooring planks should be at least 6 inches thick. The exterior walls and interior components of a Type IV structure are fireproof.
Type IV construction structures don’t have combustible materials on the inside or outside. Despite the presence of volatile components, these structures perform well in the event of a fire. Due to their substantial mass, they are also more resistant to collapse.
05. Type V Construction: Wood Frame
Out of all the types of construction, Type 5 structures are the most susceptible to fire. The wood frame construction type is the only building category that enables combustible external walls and explosive structural parts on the interior. All structural elements of type V construction, including the frame, walls, floors, and roofs, are crafted from wood. The structural components of the wood frame construction type are becoming increasingly popular in the residential and commercial building industries because of their low production costs and widespread use.
These structural parts can be troublesome, as exposed wood offers minimal fire resistance. Unless they’re made of extremely light materials, these structures might be able to resist collapse to some extent.
Wood-framed buildings are the most explosive of all the varieties. However, interior platforms typically stop the fire from spreading vertically, and larger beams provide structural support that helps prevent building collapse.
In Summary
All of these types of construction are very popular. Those categories are based on the fact that each of them has unique traits that make them stand out from the others of their kind. Knowing the intricacies of each of the five building construction methods is crucial for anyone hoping to make a living in this industry or make huge investments.
Author Bio
Nafisa Nazneen Choudhury – Nafisa Nazneen Choudhury is a Civil Engineer (completed B.E. from Assam Engineering College) and is currently pursuing M.Tech in Structural Engineering at National Institute of Technology, Silchar. She is a Technical Content Writer, having over 3 years of experience and has wrote many articles related to Civil Engineering. She is also a Book Author (Authored – “Dream Tales of NNC: Revenge By Murder”) and her book can be found on Amazon. She is also a Guest Author at Gharpedia. Moreover, she is a certified member at Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). She writes her blogs at her website – nnc2017.wordpress.com. She can be reached on LinkedIn.