Construction processes _procedures_37b_edline (1)

Construction Technologies
Processes and Procedures
37b


Construction is a technological activity. It
requires a series of actions that have to be
done in the right order. These actions are
part of a technical process called the
construction process. Construction is
the systematic act or process of building,
erecting, or construction buildings, roads,
or other structures.


Structures are constructed using a variety
of processes and procedures. In some
cases, the procedure used depends on
the type of material available. For
example, welds, bolts, and rivets are used
to assemble metal framing materials.


Sometimes procedures are selected as a
function of cost, skills, and preference of
the worker, or the level of quality desired.
Citizens should be equipped to evaluate
the appropriateness of procedures used.


The design of structures includes a
number of requirements. One of the most
important design constraint with structures
is function. For example, the function of
houses is to provide safe and pleasant
shelter for families, whereas the primary
function of a bridge is to carry loads over
barriers or obstructions.


Other important constraints include
appearance, strength, longevity,
maintenance, and available utilities. The
design and construction of structures is
regulated by laws, codes, and
professional standards. Common design
constraints used by engineers and
architects in the design of structures
include style, convenience, safety, and
efficiency.


The construction process generally follows
these eight steps:

3. Preparing to build.
4. Preparing the site.
5. Setting foundations.
6. Building the framework.
7. Enclosing the structure.
8. Installing utilities.
9. Finishing the interior.
10. Finishing the site.

Preparing to Build

A structure starts with an identified need.
A family needs a new home. A
community needs a new courthouse. A
business needs a new store. A doctor
needs a new office. The list could go on
and on.

Preparing to Build

The need must be changed into a
design. The selection of designs for
structures is based on many factors.
Builders need to consider style,
convenience, cost, climate, and function.
They also must pay attention to building
laws and codes, which are typically part
of the city or county regulations for
construction.

Preparing to Build

Once all of these factors have been
considered, a suitable design can be
created. The design is described with a
set of plans. The new structure is shown
on architecture drawings and
specifications. The drawings show the
shape and size of the proposed structure
and the arrangement of spaces within
the structure.

Preparing to Build

They also show the location of features,
such as windows and doors, and how
foundations , floors, walls, and roofs are
to be constructed. Electrical, heating,
and plumbing systems are shown. The
plans often include additional information
sheets called specifications.

Preparing to Build

These information sheets are
descriptions telling people how the work
must be done. They also explain what
quality of materials to use. The plans
and specifications tell the builder what
the structure will look like and how to
build it.

Preparing to Build

Architect blueprint of house plans.

Preparing the Site

Few building sites are ready for a new
structure. There may be old buildings
that must be torn down. Brush and trees
may need to be removed. Rocks and
debris must be hauled away. The
ground may need to be leveled.

Preparing to Build

After a site has been
selected it must be
prepared for
construction. The site
may need to be
cleared of trees and
brush. An existing
structure may need to
be removed.
Demolition of a
residential house.

Preparing the Site
Few building sites are
ready for a new structure.
There may be old buildings
that must be torn down.
Brush and trees may need
to be removed. Rocks and
debris must be hauled
away. The ground may
need to be leveled.
Sometimes, temporary
building and service roads Earthmoving equipment
are built to aid the at work preparing a
construction of permanent construction site for
structures. development.

Preparing the Site

Once the site is prepared, a structure
can be located on it. It must be kept a
certain distance from the property of
others. Local restrictions dictate these
distances. These crews measure
distances from the boundary lines of the
property. Stakes are driven to show
where to place the structure’s
foundation.

Preparing the Site

The structure will
need to be located
on the site.
Surveying is done
to determine the
exact boundaries
of the property.
The structure is A surveyor at a construction
then located on the site peering through a
property. theodolite.

Preparing the Site

The structure will need to be located on
the site. Surveying is done to determine
the exact boundaries of the property. The
structure is then located on the property.

Setting Foundations

A constructed structure has
two major parts. There is the
substructure below the
ground. It is often called the
foundation. The substructure
connects the structure to the
earth. Also, it spreads out the
weight of the structure so the
structure does not sink into
House foundation – also
the ground. called the substructure
because it will be below the
ground once completed.

Setting Foundations

The other part of the structure
is the superstructure, which
is usually seen above the
ground. It is the part of the
structure that is used. The
superstructure is the reason
the structure is built.

House superstructure – the
structure that is above
ground that sits on the
foundation.

Building the Framework

Let us explore common frame construction, as it is
used in a house. The superstructure of the house is
built on top of the foundation. It has three main
parts:
Floor
Wall
Roof

The superstructure
must be securely
fastened to the
foundation. Bolts or
straps are embedded
in the top of the
foundation wall. Wood
pieces are attached to
the bolts or straps.
This picture shows a bolt
These parts make up attached through the sill plate
the sill plate. securing the superstructure to
the foundation.


Let us explore common frame construction, as it is
used in a house. The superstructure of the house is
built on top of the foundation. It has three main
parts:

Floor Wall Roof

Floor Framing
The floor frame is fastened
on top of the sill plate. Joist
extend from one wall to
another. The joist are placed
on an edge and nailed to a
header. They must carry the
weight of the floor, furniture,
appliances, and people that
will be on them.
Floor Framing


Wall Framing
In most houses, walls
are made of wood
framing. Recently, steel
framing is being used in
some homes. Wall
frames are designed to
be light and strong.
They include plates Wall Framing
studs, and headers.


Roof Framing
Buildings may have a flat
or pitched roofs. A
pitched roof is attached to
the walls. It rises several
feet to the center of the
house. The high part of
the roof is called the
ridge. The low ends are
called eaves. The roof
framing members are
called rafters. Roof Framing

Enclosing the Structure

Buildings are designed to serve many
purposes such as keeping out the weather
(rain, snow, wind, heat, and cold). They
protect people and goods as well as provide
privacy. To accomplish these tasks, the
buildings must be enclosed. Builders will
perform many tasks to close in the structure.


They will cover the frame with a sheet
materials such as plywood, flake board,
oriented strand board (OSB), or insulating
board. The material closes the structure and
makes the frame more rigid. When this
material is applied to outside walls, it is
called sheathing. Sheathing used on roofs
is known as decking.


These houses are being enclosed using sheathing
to get them ready to cover with a variety of other
materials so they look more attractive.


Enclosing Wall Materials
After the sheathing is applied, windows and
outside doors are installed. The sheathing,
however, is not very attractive. To improve
the beauty of the building, attractive
waterproof materials cover the sheathing.


Enclosing Wall Materials
There are many different types of exterior
building materials. The material may be
brick, stone, wood siding, aluminum, vinyl
(plastic), brick, veneer, glass, wood panels,
rocks, logs, or shingles.


This house has been closed in using a variety of materials.


Enclosing the Roof
Roofs are more likely to leak than walls are.
Special waterproof materials must be used
to keep the building dry. Shingles are
normally used on all pitched roofs. A
shingled roof is installed by attaching many
small pieces of waterproof material.


Enclosing the Roof
The roofing material must withstand many
kinds of weather conditions. As each piece
is installed, it overlaps the one beneath it.
Shingles are made of many different
materials, such as wood, slate, ceramic,
aluminum, copper, fiberglass, or asphalt.

Enclosing the Roof

Asphalt Shingles


Installing Utilities
Buildings usually contain a variety of
subsystems, including electrical, water,
waste disposal, climate control,
communication, and structural subsystems.
Most of these subsystems are referred to as
utilities. Utilities are services coming into a
building. They are supplied by pipes and
cables.


Mechanical systems must be installed
before the inside of the house is finished.
Installing mechanical systems is called
roughing in. Usually you cannot see the
systems. Mechanical systems are placed
inside the walls and under floors.


If you go into a basement or under a house,
you may see the pipes, ducts, and electrical
wiring. The steps in roughing in are usually
carried out in a special order. Ductwork or
pipes for the heating and cooling system are
installed first.


They carry warm or cool air from a furnace
or air conditioner. These pipes go to each
room of the house. They are fitted between
the floor joists and wall studs. Plumbing
systems are installed next. This system of
pipes carries liquids and gases.


Plumbing in a building is needed to
accomplish several purposes:
• Provide fresh, pure water
• Remove wastewater
• Carry fuel to furnaces, water heaters, and
stoves



Water Electrical Natural Gas


Like the ductwork, plumbing is installed in
the open spaces between the wall studs and
floor joists. Electrical systems distribute
electrical power. They also are used for
communication. Electric power runs
appliances, and is used for lighting.


Telephones and intercom
systems use electrical
impulses to carry speech.
Some homes have theater
systems requiring wring to
various speakers. Since
electrical wiring is small, it
is installed last. Electrical box outlet
in new home
construction interior.

Finishing the Interior

Once the utilities are roughed in, the
interior can be finished. The walls and
ceilings can be insulated. Also, they can
be covered with protective and decorating
materials. Finally, appliances, cabinets,
and fixtures can be installed.


Insulating
Outside walls and ceilings of the house
must be insulated. Insulation is a material
that resists heat passage. It keeps heat
inside during cold weather. In hot weather,
it keeps the heat outside. Insulation is a
very light, soft material made in several
forms.

Insulating
Loose insulation can be blown into ceilings.
Long strips of insulation, called batts, can
be placed between studs and joists.

Insulation blown into the ceiling Long strips of insulation batts.

Enclosing Interior Walls and Ceilings
Once the insulation is in the interior can be
closed. First, walls and ceilings are covered
to provide a smooth surface. This is
generally done with drywall or wallboard.
Drywallers attach large sheets of drywall
with glue or nails. Seams and nail heads
are concealed with a special tape and filler.


These workers are attaching drywall to the
interior walls and ceilings.

Finishing the Inside
Finishing includes jobs making the interior of the
building attractive. These tasks generally follow
a certain order:
3. Painting and decorating.
4. Installing finish flooring.
5. Installing window, door, and baseboard trim.
6. Installing electrical and plumbing fixtures and
accessories.
7. Cleaning up.


Painting and decorating
are usually done first.
They are done to
beautify the interior.
Paint protects wood and
drywall surfaces.
Wallpaper, wood, An interior nursery room painted and
decorated in sea style.
paneling, and ceramic
tile are other choices for
wall covering.


Finish flooring is usually installed after the
painting and decorating are done. Installing it at
this point keeps the floors from being damaged
during the painting process. Flooring materials
are designed to wear well and look attractive.
Many different materials make good finish
flooring. Wood, carpet, linoleum, and ceramic tile
are among the most commonly used.


These are examples of different types of flooring.


The final steps involve trimming the structure and
installing accessories. Trim consists of the
decorative wood or plastic strips covering joints.
Joints appear where floors, walls, and ceilings
meet. They are also where window and door
frames meet walls.


Next, room doors are carefully hung on their
hinges. Closet doors are installed. Cabinets are
installed in kitchens, bathrooms, and other
rooms. These cabinets provide storage space
and support countertops. During this installation,
the countertops and kitchen appliances are
installed.


Finally, hardware and accessories are installed.
Hardware includes doorknobs, latches, catches,
and brackets. Other accessories include closet
shelving and towel bars. Plumbing faucets and
electrical fixtures are among the final items
installed.

Finishing the Site

Construction is not complete until the building
site is finished. During construction, the site
becomes cluttered. Scraps of building
materials are everywhere. There may be piles
of dirt. Several things must still be done:
2. Clearing the site.
3. Leveling and grading the ground.
4. Creating walks and drives.
5. Adding landscaping.

Finishing the Site
Clearing the Site

Clearing the site may need to be done before
any other finishing steps are taken. Some of
the dirt may not be needed. It must be
hauled away. Rocks, trash, and scraps of
building materials must be removed.

Finishing the Site
Leveling and Grading the Ground
Earth may have to be moved. Holes may have
been dug for foundations. Some of the earth is
pushed back to fill in around the foundation. This
is called backfilling. The earth is shaped around
the structure. Soil may be moved from one spot
and placed in another, so it is more pleasing.
Topsoil may be returned to areas that have
plants and lawn.

Finishing the Site
Leveling and Grading the Ground

Finishing the Site
Creating Walks and Drives
Walks and drives give users access to a building.
Drives must have a heavy base of gravel. The
surface may be finer gravel, concrete, or asphalt.
Sidewalks can be constructed of concrete,
natural stone, wood, or masonry.

Finishing the Site
Creating Walks and Drives

Finishing the Site
Adding Landscape
Landscaping is a way of making the site more
attractive. It includes planting trees, shrubs, and
flowers. Landscaping also often includes
planting grass or putting down sod. Ground
cover, such as back and rock, is sometimes used
where grass is not wanted. It keeps soil from
washing away and covers unattractive soil.

Finishing the Site
Adding Landscape

Construction processes _procedures_37b_edline (1)

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