BUD 104 LECTURE NOTES
*1. Relationship Between Buildings and Environment* *1.1 Impact of Buildings on the Environment*
- *Resource Consumption*: Buildings use ~40% of global energy and raw materials.
- *Pollution*: Construction generates CO₂, waste, and noise pollution.
- *Land Use*: Urbanization leads to deforestation and habitat loss.
*1.2 Sustainable Building Practices*
- *Green Buildings*: Use renewable energy (solar panels), rainwater harvesting.
- *Passive Design*: Natural ventilation, daylighting to reduce energy use.
- *Eco-friendly Materials*: Bamboo, recycled steel, low-VOC paints.
*1.3 Environmental Regulations*
- *NUC CCMAS Compliance*: Nigerian building codes emphasize sustainability.
- *LEED/ BREEAM*: International standards for eco-friendly construction.
*2. Site Preparation and Procedure*
*2.1 Steps in Site Preparation*
1. *Site Clearing*: Remove vegetation, debris.
2. *Topsoil Removal*: Preserve fertile soil for landscaping.
3. *Excavation*: Leveling and grading for foundations.
4. *Soil Testing*: Check bearing capacity.
5. *Termite Treatment*: Chemical barriers to prevent infestation.
*2.2 Tools Used*
- *Bulldozers, Excavators*: For earthmoving.
- *Surveying Equipment*: Theodolites, GPS for layout.
*3. Definition of Building*
*3.1 As a Structure*
- A *physical enclosure* (e.g., house, office) for human activities.
*3.2 As a Process*
- *Construction lifecycle*: Design → Planning → Execution → Maintenance.
*3.3 As a Discipline*
- *Building Technology*: Study of materials, methods, and systems in construction.
*4. Foundations and Types*
*4.1 Definition*
- *Foundation*: Sub-structure transferring loads to the ground.
*4.2 Types of Foundations*
| *Type* | *Uses* | *Functional Requirements* |
|-------------------|-----------------------------------|------------------------------------------|
| *Shallow* | Small buildings (e.g., houses) | - Distribute loads evenly |
| (Strip, Pad) | | - Prevent settlement |
| *Deep* | High-rises, weak soils | - Reach stable soil layers |
| (Piles, Caissons)| | - Resist lateral forces (e.g., wind) |
*5. Floors and Types*
*5.1 Materials Used*
- *Concrete*: Most common (durable, fire-resistant).
- *Timber*: Aesthetic but prone to rot.
- *Tiles*: Ceramic for wet areas (bathrooms).
*5.2 Functional Requirements*
1. *Load-Bearing* (Support furniture/occupants).
2. *Durability* (Resist wear & tear).
3. *Thermal Insulation* (Reduce heat loss).
4. *Sound Insulation* (Minimize noise transfer).
5. *Fire Resistance* (Meet safety codes).
6. *Moisture Resistance* (Prevent dampness).
7. *Slip Resistance* (Safety in wet areas).
8. *Aesthetic Appeal* (Match interior design).
9. *Easy Maintenance* (Cleanability).
10. *Cost-Effectiveness* (Balance quality/budget).
*6. Key Definitions*
- *Foundation Excavation*: Digging to place foundations.
- *Topsoil Excavation*: Removing fertile soil (reused in landscaping).
- *Termite Treatment*: Applying chemicals (e.g., chlorpyrifos) to prevent damage.
*7. Setting Out Buildings*
*7.1 Types*
- *Linear*: For simple rectangular buildings.
- *Grid*: Complex layouts (e.g., high-rises).
*7.2 Tools*
- *Theodolite*: Measures angles.
- *Pegs & Strings*: Outline building perimeter.
*7.3 Process*
1. Establish *baseline* from survey data.
2. Mark *corners* with pegs.
3. Verify *diagonals* for accuracy.
*8. Concrete Composition & Types*
*8.1 Composition*
- *Cement* (10-15%) + *Aggregates* (60-75%) + *Water* (15-20%) + *Admixtures* (e.g., plasticizers).
*8.2 Types of Concrete*
- *Plain Cement Concrete (PCC)*: For foundations.
- *Reinforced Concrete (RCC)*: Beams, columns.
- *Pre-stressed Concrete*: Bridges, long spans.
*9. Masonry Construction Works*
*9.1 Materials*
- *Bricks*: Clay (traditional) vs. Concrete (modern).
- *Blocks*: Hollow (lightweight) vs. Solid (stronger).
*9.2 Bonding Patterns*
- *Stretcher Bond*: Simple, for walls.
- *English Bond*: Alternating headers/stretchers (stronger).
*10. Dewatering in Construction*
*10.1 Methods*
- *Wellpoints*: For shallow excavations.
- *Deep Wells*: High-capacity water removal.
*10.2 Process*
1. Install pumps around excavation.
2. Lower water table to prevent flooding.
*11. Soil Investigation*
*11.1 Importance*
- Determines *bearing capacity* (avoid settlement).
- Identifies *water table* (prevents foundation failure).
*11.2 Methods*
- *Test Pits*: Visual inspection.
- *Boreholes*: Lab testing of soil samples.
*12. Finishes in Buildings*
*12.1 Exterior Finishes*
- *Paint*: Acrylic (weather-resistant).
- *Cladding*: Aluminum composite panels (modern look).
*12.2 Interior Finishes*
- *Gypsum Plaster*: Smooth walls.
- *PVC Ceilings*: Lightweight, moisture-resistant.
*12.3 Functional Requirements*
- *Weatherproofing* (exterior).
- *Aesthetics* (interior).
- *Durability* (both).
*Key Takeaways*
✔ Buildings must *harmonize with the environment* (sustainability).
✔ *Proper site prep* prevents future structural issues.
✔ *Foundations & floors* must meet load-bearing and safety needs.
✔ *Soil tests* are *non-negotiable* for stable construction.
