20A01505 - Building Technology

UNIT I

Overview of the course, basic definitions, buildings-types-components-economy and

design-principles of planning of buildings and their importance. Definitions and
importance of grouping and circulation-lighting and ventilation-consideration of the
above aspects during planning of building.

Basic Components of a Building or a Structure

A Building is any structure that is constructed to meet the needs and purpose
of users. Residential / commercial / institution / educational / Assembly / Industrial /
Storage etc. are some of types of building which are designed by an Architect /
Structural designer and executed or constructed by Civil Engineer.

A building is combination of various components. A Civil Engineer should

have good knowledge of execution of each and every component with respect to
design layouts given by Architect.

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 1

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 2

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

Classification of Building Structures

1. Substructure
It consists the parts of building below ground level. Function of sub structure
is to transmit the load from super structure to the soil.

2. Plinth
It is connecting level between super and sub structure of building. Located
immediately above ground level and below super structure.

3. Super Structure
It is part of structure above ground level whose function is to serve the
purpose of building.

Components of Building
1. Foundation
It is part of sub structure forming the base is building . It’s function is to
transfer the load from building to the soil. Also it resists / withstands seismic loads
exerted by the soil.

Material used is steel bars and concrete along with filling material such as
stones, clay bricks etc. It varies from type of structures / buildings . Shallow
foundation is adopted for Load Bearing and RCC Structure.

2. Plinth
It is located between Foundation and Super Structure made up of damp proof
course. It’s function is to control differential settlements, to connect all columns to
foundations , to control leaking of water.

3. Columns and walls

Coloumns
It is a vertical component which is erected from foundation to the top most
portion of building . It’s main function is to carry the loads of super structure and
transferring them to foundation (in a framed structure).

Columns are usually made up of reinforcement steel bars and concrete. In

some cases, columns can be made of timber, structural steel and other materials also.
Column comes in various shapes like circular, rectangle , square , hexagonal , etc.
This depends on the structural design, aesthetics and internal design of the building.

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 3

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

Walls
Walls are vertical components which act as partition between two spaces and
form the outer limits of building. Its function is to separate spaces from each other
internally and to cover all the external sides of the building.

In load bearing structures, walls also act as structural member and carry the
weight of the building. This is then transferred to brickwork foundation done
underneath the soil.

Walls can be constructed using various materials such as bricks (burnt clay /
cement) , stones, AAC blocks, CLC blocks, Hollow or Solid Concrete blocks etc.,

Now a days the internal partition can be made using other materials also like
plywood partitions, gypsum partitions

4. Roof Slab and beams

Roof Slab
Roof Slabs are horizontal structural member providing base to floor and
ceiling to the users of adjacent storeys. Slab connects beams and columns. Also
supports and distribute loads from beam and column . The lower portion of slab acts
as ceiling and upper portion acts as floor between two adjacent storeys. Slab is made
of material concrete and reinforcement steel bars.

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 4

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

Beams
Horizontal components of building which acts as structural members
connecting columns and slab . It carries dead and live load from building and
transfers to columns . Varies in sizes as per total loads acting on it . Made of
reinforcement steel and concrete .

5. Flooring
Flooring is a finishing layer provided to the roof slab, which is a structural
member and which separates two adjacent storeys from each other. The purpose of
flooring is to provide even finish to the roof slab and ensure proper slope for
drainage of water.

There are numerious materials available for flooring finishing. Materials such
as tiles (vitrified, ceramic), granite, marble, special stones, wood, timber laminates,
wooden flooring, brick flooring, etc.,

6.Doors and Windows

Doors
These are openings provided for entry or exit of users / occupants into
different spaces inside a building. They play an important role in circulation of
occupants from one room to another. Privacy of a space can be maintained
by doors. It provides protection to interior of any space from exterior.

Doors are made up of many materials such as metal, wood, timber, etc., and
are usually placed in a door frame made up of same material. The portion of
brickwork above the doors and windows are usually supported below lintels beams
placed on the top of them. So keeping doors and windows height at one level is
recommended in buildings.

Window
These are openings provided for circulation of air and to get natural light
inside spaces of buildings. Windows are generally provided on external walls only.

Windows can be shape is rectangular, circular or elliptical. Windows are

usually have glass with a framing material on top of it. The framing material can be
aluminium, wood, UPVC etc., In olden Indian Houses, people used to cover entire
windows with wooden shutters.

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 5

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

7. Lintel and Window Sills

Lintels are small beams provided over openings (windows and doors). It’s
function is to provide support to the wall above openings. Lintels are usually made
up of reinforced concrete or wood so as to take the loads from above.

8. Stairs
Vertical component which joins adjacent storeys of building and provide
circulation of humans as well as materials from one storey to another. Stairs are
Located at centre or corner building. Stairs come in different types based on shapes
and materials used.

Shapes – dog legged, circular, helix, semi circular, rectangular, square, double
helix etc.,

Material – Metal, RCC (Steel and Concrete ) timber, wood, combination of

timber and wood etc.,

9. Roof terrace with Flooring and Parapet

Topmost horizontal part of building roof which can be used as roof terrace
with floor finishes. Water tanks, solar panels are installed in roof terrace.

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 6

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

Parapet is a wall with short height (up to 1.2 m.) provided on roof terrace
boundaries for protection / safety of users.

What Is Building?

Any enclosed or open space with a roof, sidewall, foundation, W.C. & bath,
etc., is called a Building.

In these Tents, tarpaulin shelters and slums without foundations, walls, and
rigid roofs erected for temporary and ceremonial occasions shall not be considered
buildings, even when they are used for longer periods.

Types of Building

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 7

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

The following are different types of buildings,

1. Residential Buildings

Residential buildings are those in which at least a sleeping facility is provided

for normal residential purposes, with or without cooking and dining facilities
(except institutional buildings).

It includes single or multi-family dwellings, apartment houses (flats),

lodgings or rooming houses, restaurants, hostels, dormitories, and residential hotels.

2. Educational Buildings

These include any building used for school, college, or daycare purposes
involving assembly for instruction, education, or recreation and which is not covered
by assembly buildings.

3. Institutional Buildings

Institutional buildings are used for various purposes such as medical

treatment other treatment or care of persons suffering from physical or mental

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 8

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

illness, disease or infirmity, care of infants or old age persons care, and for penal or
correctional detention in which the liberty of the inmates is restricted.

The institutional buildings are major including sleeping accommodations for

the occupants.They include hospitals, sanitoria, custodial institutions, or penal
institutions like jails, prisons, and mental asylums.

4. Assembly Buildings

These are the buildings where groups of people meet or gather for
amusement, recreation, social, religious, political, civil, travel, and similar purposes;
such as theatres, motion picture houses, marriage halts, town halls, auditoriums,
exhibition halls, assembly halls museums.

Also Included skating rinks, city halls gymnasiums, restaurants (also used as
assembly halls), places of worship, dance halts, dub rooms, passenger stations,
terminals of air, surface, and other public transportation services, recreation places,
and stadia, etc.

5. Business Buildings

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 9

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

These buildings are used for the transaction of business (other than that
covered by mercantile buildings), for the keeping of accounts and records, and for
similar purposes; offices, banks, professional establishments, courthouses, and
libraries.

The major activities in this type of building are the transaction of public
business and the keeping of books and records.

6. Mercantile Buildings

This type of building is used for selling a small product in which small shops,
stores, markets, for display and sale of merchandise either wholesale or retail, office,
shops, and storage service facilities incidental to the sale of merchandise and located
known as Mercantile building.

7. Industrial Buildings

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 10

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

Type of building in which raw material process and material fabrication,

processing or assembly plants, laboratories, dry cleaning plants, power plants,
pumping stations, smokehouses, laundries, gas plants, refineries, dairies, and
sawmills.

8. Storage Buildings

Storage buildings are those in which material is stored or sheltering facilities

are provided for goods like wares or merchandise.

This building is also being used for handling highly combustible material in
warehouses, cold storage plants, freight depots, transit sheds, storehouses, trucks,
marine terminals, garages, hangars (other than aircraft repair hangars), grain
elevators, barns, and stables.

9. Hazardous Building

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 11

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

The hazardous building is used for the storage of such materials or chemicals
that are highly dangerous to humans or it may pollute the environment.

They have majorly used storage, and processing of highly combustible

material handling, the manufacture of explosive materials or products which are
liable to burn with extreme rapidity and poisonous elements, manufacturing or
processing of highly corrosive, toxic, or noxious alkalies, acids, or other liquids or
chemicals producing flame, Poisonous, irritant or corrosive gases.

These buildings are also used for material processing which produces
explosive mixtures of dust that result in the of matter into fine particles subjected to
spontaneous ignition.

What Is Building Planning?

Building planning is the method of setting or arranging various components

or units of a building in a systematic manner to form a meaningful and
homogeneous structure to meet its functional purpose.

What Is Planning?

It is the process of thinking about and organizing the activities required to

achieve the desired goal.

Principles of Building Planning

These principles are not as rigid as laws of nature, certain deviations from
these principles are necessary and inadequacies in them are to be met with by an
individual.

Basic principles of building planning

1. Aspect
2. Prospect
3. Furniture Requirements
4. Roominess
5. Grouping
6. Circulation
7. Sanitation
8. Elegance
9. Privacy

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 12

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

10. Flexibility
11. Economy
12. Practical Consideration

1. Aspect

Aspect is the positioning of rooms in buildings with respect to 4 directions in

such a way that the occupants of buildings would enjoy the natural comforts like
sunshine, breeze, scenery, etc. to the maximum possible extent.

A room receiving light and air from any particular direction is said to have
the aspect of that direction. All the rooms of a dwelling need a particular aspect.
Some necessary aspects of commonly constructed rooms are listed below:

1. Living Room: It should have a southern or southeast aspect. The sun is

towards the south during winter and north during summer which will
provide sunshine during winter and cooler during summertime.
2. Bedroom: It should have a west or south-west aspect, as the breeze required
particularly in summer would prevail from this side.
3. Kitchen: It should have an eastern aspect so as to admit morning sun
refreshes and purify the air.
4. Gallery or Verandah: It should be north or north-east aspect.

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 13

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

5. Classroom, Reading Room: It should be laid with the north aspect as light
received from the north will be diffused and evenly distributed.
2. Prospect

Prospect in building planning is the view desired by the occupants of the

building from certain of the house. Prospect is dictated by surrounding peculiarities
good or bad of the selected site like a flower garden or garbage dumps.

It demands the disposition of doors and windows-like aspects. However, a

good layout should not be disturbed for the sake of good prospects only.Certain
projecting windows or a blind face of the bay with window openings at the sides
would help for the concealment of inside views of a building.

3. Furniture Requirements

Furniture is a functional requirement of a room. A living room, drawing

room, kitchen, classroom, office room, laboratory, hospital room, etc. all have their
own furniture requirements.

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 14

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

4. Roominess

Roominess is obtained by getting the maximum benefit from the minimum

dimension of a room without cramping the plan. By using every nook and corner of
the building advantage of roominess is derived.

12

In residential buildings, considerable storage space is required for various

purposes which are provided by making space for wall cupboards, lofts, wooden
shelves, etc.

A rectangular room is more useful than a square room in the same area. The
length and breadth ratio of a good room should be between 1.2 to 1.5. A ratio of
more than that creates a bad effect. A small room should not be made unnecessarily
too high.

5. Grouping

Grouping in building planning means setting different rooms of a building

according to their inter-relationship of invitation and transition. The rooms are

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 15

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

arranged in the layout in a proper correlation of their functions and in due proximity
to each other.

Grouping In Residential Building Plan

 The dining room should be close to the kitchen.

 The kitchen should be kept away from the main living room.
 Main bedrooms should have independent and separate access from each
room towards the sanitary units.
 In an office buildings, hospitals, etc. the administrative department should be
located centrally for convenience and economy of services.
6. Circulation

Access or internal connection between rooms on the same floor or between

floors is known as circulation. Circulation between rooms on the same floor is called
horizontal circulation like- passages, corridors, halls, etc. Circulation between
various floors is known as vertical circulation, like- stairs, lifts, etc.

Horizontal Circulation should be independent, short, and straight and not

invade the property of any room. All the passages should be well-ventilated and
lighted.

Stairs should also be well-lighted and ventilated and properly planned in

regard to width, rise, and tread. Stairs should not have winder steps.

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 16

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

7. Sanitation

Sanitation of the building is not only associated with urinals, bathrooms,

washbasins, and sinks but also the overall lighting and ventilation.

All the parts of a building should have well lighting and ventilation to
maintain good hygienic conditions. This could be done in a natural way or in an
artificial way (air conditioning).

Necessary provisions to facilitate the cleaning of the building be installed.

Washing closets, lavatories, urinals, and bathrooms like sanitary conveniences
should be installed adequately in number in relation to the occupant load.

8. Elegance (Elevation)

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 17

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

Elegance is the overall effect produced by elevation and general layout of the
plan of a building. To get good elegance of a building it is better if elevation is
developed first and then the plan is adjusted accordingly.

The selection of a site or open plot for the construction of a building greatly
affects elegance. A building located in a depression will give bad elegance whereas a
building on an elevated spot gives an impressive appearance.

Buildings located on backward sloping upwards ground give good elevation

& elegance.

9. Privacy

Privacy is an important part of building planning. Privacy may be from one

part to another of the same building or could be from neighboring buildings, streets,
etc.

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 18

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

In residential buildings, every room should have certain privacy which can be
secured by carefully planning the entrance, path-ways, and drives.

Proper grouping of rooms, and good positioning of doors and windows,

lobbies, or screens can give required internal privacy. Toilet rooms, bedrooms, w.c.,
and urinals should have absolute privacy.

10. Flexibility

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 19

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

Flexibility means planning the rooms in such a way that though originally
designed for a specific purpose, may be used for other purposes also when desired.

For designing houses for middle-class families or other buildings where the
economy is the main consideration flexibility should always be considered.

If a large space is needed at a certain time a house to accommodate the

gathering. It can be obtained by removing a removable partition
wall or curtain between the room and the dining room. Alternatively, an open yard,
garden, or verandah can also be provided.

11. Economy

The economy is a major factor in building planning. To fit the proposed

scheme within the limitations of the resources and funds certain alterations and
omissions in the original plan have to make. But while considering the economy, the
required strength and durability of the structure should not be compromised.

Some simple economy-achieving approaches in buildings are,

 Simple elevation, dispensing of porches, lobbies, etc.

 Steeper rise to the stair, wider steps in the stair.
 Reducing the story height to a bare minimum.
 Standardization of sizes of various components and materials.

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 20

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

12. Practical Consideration

Besides all the Principles of planning discussed, the following practical points
should be additionally considered,

1. The strength, stability, convenience, and comfort of the occupants of the

building, should be considered first.
2. Provisions for future extensions without dismantling should be made in the
planning.
3. The building should be strong and capable to withstand the likely adverse
effects of natural agencies (earthquake, flood, storm, etc.)
4. Elevations should be simple yet attractive. Too many porches may give good
elevation for some time, but in the end, simple designs fit better for
generations.
5. The larger size of the room should always be considered as far as possible as
it can be shortened by providing partitions but smaller rooms cannot be
enlarged easily.

Factors Affect Planning of Building

The following are factors affecting to planning of residential buildings,

1. Function of Building Planning

Building Planning depends on its functional use like Residential buildings,

Educational buildings, Institutional buildings, Assembly buildings, Public buildings,
Business buildings, Mercantile buildings, commercial buildings, industrial buildings,
Storage buildings, Hazardous buildings, etc.

Shape and size of the plot on which building is to be proposed.

2. Topography

The topography of the site is also affecting factor for Planning of Building.
Topography like Plain grounds, Sloping grounds, Undulating ground, Elevated site,
Low lying area, etc.

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 21

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

3. Climatic Condition

Climatic parameters such as sun and humidity are the most controlling
factors in the design of a building Planning.

4. Building Bye-laws

Every local Municipal body and Urban development authorities have

their bye-laws and regulations regarding the planning of buildings like clear open
spaces to left around the building, permissible height of the building, permissible
construction area, etc.

The developer has to approve the proposed building plan with the Local
Authority as per Building bye-laws. Gujarat has Comprehensive General
Development Control Regulation for the entire state for regulation regarding the
planning of the building.

5. Orientation

In building planning orient means East. Orientation means the placement of

building to face the East. The orientation of a building has a deep relationship with
its surrounding environment.

Proper placement of various components of building concerning sun, wind,

and rain which enables the inmates to enjoy the desirable feature of nature.

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 22

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

Some building planning has a long axis running east-west. Smaller surface
areas facing east and west receive less sunlight in the early morning and late
afternoon of summer months, while a larger surface facing south receives more
sunlight at noon over the winter months.

In Building planning, orientation is a very important factor that is directly

connected to the standards of thermal comfort and ventilation within the building.

It mostly depends on natural elements like sunlight and its intensity, the
direction of the wind, seasons of the year, and temperature variations.

Orientation is generally done by considering the climatic factors of wind and

solar radiation.

Essential Elements of Planning of Residential Building

The followings are the required elements for the planning of the residential building,

1. Integrated Design

Landscape and architectural designs should be integrated with all project

design disciplines in order to enhance the building’s performance and aesthetics.

Enhancing performance and functional objectives that impact building

orientation, massing, space adjacencies, material selections, and assemblies.

2. Performance Measures and Functional Objectives

Planning shall ensure that the design supports quality-based performance

measures for customer satisfaction, energy consumption, and reduced operation and
maintenance. It should also identify all expectations and establish alternative
features that support attainment.

3. Environmental Sensitivity

The natural setting of the site, its contour lines, and vegetation shall be
viewed as assets to be preserved in the design as much as possible.

In settings including historic buildings and other infrastructure, adjoining

historic properties, or nearly located historic properties that will not be affected by
construction.

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 23

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

4. Urban Context

Design facilities and orientation must be consistent with existing and planned
development patterns and nearby uses. The exterior of the building should be
consistent with existing local design guidelines standards.

Where appropriate, the project team should help to develop design guidelines
for the project and neighboring undeveloped sites

The principle of building planning provides a comprehensive framework to

create sustainable structure, by considering factors such as functionality,
sustainability, safety, accessibility, site analysis and professionals can design
building which fulfil the actual needs of home usurers or occupants while
minimizing the environmental impact.

1. What are the principles of building planning?

The principles of building planning refer to the fundamental guidelines and

considerations that architects and planners follow when designing buildings.
These principles include functionality, aesthetics, safety, sustainability,
efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

2. What is the role of functionality in building planning?

Functionality is a key principle in building planning as it focuses on creating

spaces that serve their intended purpose effectively. It involves optimizing
the layout, circulation, and organization of spaces to ensure usability and
convenience for the occupants.

3. How does cost-effectiveness impact building planning?

Cost-effectiveness is a significant consideration in building planning as it

influences the design decisions, material selection, and construction methods.
Balancing functionality, aesthetics, and quality within the allocated budget
ensures an economically viable project.

4. Why is sustainability important in building planning?

Sustainability is vital in building planning to minimize the environmental

impact, conserve resources, and promote long-term durability. It involves

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 24

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

using energy-efficient systems, incorporating renewable materials, and

considering the life-cycle analysis of the building.

Lighting

The term ‘lighting’ refers to equipment, the primary purpose of which is to

produce light. This is typically some form of lamp. However, lighting can also refer
to the use of natural light to provide illumination.

For more information about lamps, see Types of lamp.

Natural lighting

Natural light is that part of solar radiation that is visible to the human
eye. Natural lighting, or daylighting, can play an important role in creating a
comfortable environment, helping to regulate the body clock, improve concentration
and create a calm, tranquil setting.

Natural lighting can be exploited by enlarging windows, adding

a window on a flanking wall, changing a non-load bearing wall into a glass-brick
wall, installing a roof light, light tubes, and so on.

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 25

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

Artificial lighting

Artificial lighting is any form of lighting that is not 'natural'.

Typically, artificial lighting is produced by electrical means. Artificial lights are
available in a wide range of sizes, power, colours, and so on, to suit a variety of
applications.

General lighting

General lighting is used to provide illumination over a whole floor area with
a high degree of uniformity. This enables people, plants, furniture and so on to be
positioned anywhere in the space and easily moved without needing to change

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 26

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

the lighting array. General lighting is typically provided by evenly

distributed overhead lights.

Ambient lighting

Also known as background creates a soft glow that gently illuminates

an area without causing glare. Light fixtures such as upward facing wall lights can
be effective at creating ambient lighting.

Accent lighting or feature lighting

This type of lighting is used to provide texture and focus to general lighting,
and can draw attention to items on display such as artwork, while shadowing
other areas. Accent lighting might be provided by
spotlights, table lamps landscape lighting, and so on.

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 27

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

Task lighting

Task lighting is focussed, local lighting used to illuminate a

specific area where a task is, or may be, performed. It is used as a contrasting light,
which produces less general glare than if brighter lights were used to light an
entire room. Typical examples of task lighting include; desk, swing arm, anglepoise
and floor lamps, under cabinet and vanity lights, pendant and track lights.

Emergency lighting or safety lighting.

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 28

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

Emergency lighting is installed to provide lighting in

the event of mains power failure and provides sufficient illumination to
allow occupants of a building to evacuate safely. Types of emergency
lighting include; emergency exit signs, recessed fluorescent lights, powerful halogen
emergency spotlights for larger spaces, emergency ceiling lights and downlights,
and so on.

Security lighting

Security lighting is generally used to illuminate an area where there is a

concern for security. This may be turned on throughout the hours of darkness, to
give visibility of an insecure area, or it may be turned on temporarily, for example
when a person arrives at a property, sometimes activated by a linked detector.

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 29

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
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Construction site lighting

In order that construction work can continue effectively and safely in periods
of insufficient natural light, it is important that a site is fitting with suitable artificial
lighting. Lighting can be used internally for general movement and working on
the site itself, externally for illuminating entry, storage and circulation areas, and can
also be an effective form of deterrent for trespassers.

Lighting for circadian rhythms

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 30

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

A combination of bright light during the day and darkness at

night helps maintain the daily cycle of waking and sleep. Circadian lighting varies
in colour and intensity during the day. The aim is to improve alertness during
working hours using bright light, but to switch to lower brightness,
warmer coloured light before it is time to relax.

Street lighting

The term street lighting (or street lights) refers to the provision of lighting to
illuminate streets, roads, pavements, and other open areas, generally at night and
in public places.

Ventilation

Ventilation is the intentional introduction of outdoor air into a space.

Ventilation is mainly used to control indoor air quality by diluting and displacing
indoor pollutants; it can also be used to control indoor temperature, humidity, and
air motion to benefit thermal comfort, satisfaction with other aspects of the indoor
environment, or other objectives.
The intentional introduction of outdoor air is usually categorized as either
mechanical ventilation, natural ventilation, or mixed-mode ventilation (hybrid
ventilation).

 Mechanical ventilation is the intentional fan-driven flow of outdoor air into a

building. Mechanical ventilation systems may include supply fans (which push
outdoor air into a building), exhaust fans (which draw air out of a building and
thereby cause equal ventilation flow into a building), or a combination of both.
Mechanical ventilation is often provided by equipment that is also used to heat
and cool a space.

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 31

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

 Natural ventilation is the intentional passive flow of outdoor air into a building
through planned openings (such as louvers, doors, and windows). Natural
ventilation does not require mechanical systems to move outdoor air. Instead, it
relies entirely on passive physical phenomena, such as wind pressure, or
the stack effect. Natural ventilation openings may be fixed, or adjustable.
Adjustable openings may be controlled automatically (automated), owned by
occupants (operable), or a combination of both. Cross ventilation is a
phenomenon of natural ventilation.

 Mixed-mode ventilation systems use both mechanical and natural processes.

The mechanical and natural components may be used at the same time, at
different times of day, or in different seasons of the year. Since natural
ventilation flow depends on environmental conditions, it may not always
provide an appropriate amount of ventilation. In this case, mechanical systems
may be used to supplement or regulate the naturally driven flow.

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 32

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

Ventilation is typically described as separate from infiltration.

 Infiltration is the circumstantial flow of air from outdoors to indoors through

leaks (unplanned openings) in a building envelope. When a building design
relies on infiltration to maintain indoor air quality, this flow has been referred to
as adventitious ventilation.

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 33

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP
 20A01505 - Building Technology

Mr.V.S.Satheesh., M.E., A.M.I.E., C.Engg., (Ph.D), Associate Professor 34

Department of Civil Engineeirng, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, AP