Building Construction: Footing, Roofing, Flooring, Cladding, Walling, Demolition

DIPLOMA OF BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
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Introduction
The construction of building in a particular area is dictated by very many factors other than the
demands of the clients. Among these factors, engineering safety is given priority to ensure that
the structure does not pose threat to its final occupants and users. In order to achieve this, the
building is analyzed through its specific elements including roofing system, footing system etc.
The clients are therefore advised accordingly depending on the prevailing geological condition
and the recommended type of the building element.
Proposed 2 Level Commercial Building
The anticipated quality 2 level commercial building will enjoy exposure in one of the proposed
sites. It is expected that the unit will cover 508 m2 approx. The commercial unit will be used as
office property type structures.
Footing system
The component of the building that is responsible for the transfer of load from the other parts of
the building to the ground is called a footing system. The core function of the footing system is
to ensure that there is the safe transmission of the loads to the subsoil while at the same time
restricting any form of movement during the construction process of a building.
There are several factors that are usually considered in the design phase if the footing system
including the type of the soil, type of the structure as well as the economic factors. The
differential settlement of the building can be effectively eliminated by the use of the most
effective footing system(Dahlbo et al.2015). Taking from the geological reports, the area of the
site, a strip footing system will be recommended for use in the case of class A soil site. The

timber-framed construction with the brick up to the level of the floor may as well be constructed
onto the strip footing where necessary.
Figure 1: Strip footing(Ulsen et al 2013).
In the case of the class M soil site, the footing beams for brick veneer cottages and brick on the
reactive clay will be used. There will be need of piercing to have a stable ground. This will be
recommended for the cases where the adjacent drainage influences footing.
In the class M soil tye that are characterized by a lot of moisture, the use of the damp proof
course will be recommended to prevent the moisture that rises into the wall system by the
capillary action. In order to ensure that the building is secured from the damage by the termites, a
termite barrier will be required the barrier will be laid just the same way as the moisture layer
before pouring the slab.

Figure 2: Steel floor sample(Wu, Ann, Shen and Liu 2014)
Roofing system
Truss roofing
Processes of installing truss roofing
i. In the cases of requirements, fix a carport roof as well as porch beams
ii. In the case of the overhanging gable, the overhang frames will be attached to the trusses
before the erection process.
iii. The trusses will be erected as per the plans of the constructions. This will include starting
of Girders trusses as well as Dutch gables where necessary
iv. Binders will then be fixed to the bottom truss nog on all the possible trusses
v. The roof will be braced up accordingly
vi. Roof buttons attachments
vii. Positioning of the verandah rafters, columns and finally beams as included