Introduction:

The diagram below depicts a R.C.C. frame structure building. The structural units are made using concrete and are reinforced using metal rods (creating a mesh) for the framework of the structure. The load is transferred to the ground by the columns and beams, and not by the walls. This allows the modification of the walls without disturbing the force transfer in a structure.

The walls of the building are made using bricks. The structure has a column foundation, in which the columns are extended deep inside the ground to anchor the structure. Their base are thickened to increase the surface area for the transfer of load.

Learnings from the module:

We learned the timeline of the introduction of building techniques and materials. How the first concept of a house started from caves, the emergence of beams and columns, how the need for more space introduced the idea of arch and truss, to the methods used today for construction, like R.C.C. frame, folded plate, cable and stretched membrane structures. How load is transferred in different types of structure. In a R.C.C. frame structure, the load is transferred to the ground by the beams and columns, whereas, in a load bearing structure, it is transferred by the walls. In the former system, modifications can be made in the walls, without affecting the load transfer of the whole structure. Such changes cannot be made in a load bearing structure, which is a limitation of this system.

Then we learned about the different systems used in a building (rigid and agile systems), the transfer of load, different forces acting on a structure (compression, tension, torsion and shear force), different types of materials (like mud, stone, bricks, steel and concrete) which are used for construction and their properties (malleability, ductility, plasticity and elasticity).

We then analyzed the relationship between the length and depth of different structural elements, like beams and columns, by observing and studying our own houses, and drawing out a comparative study in groups.