Which Type of Construction is Most Often Used in Home Building?
The most commonly used type of construction in home building across the globe is platform framing. This method involves the use of wood or steel framing components, where each floor of the house is built as a separate platform and then stacked on top of each other. This approach is highly popular among construction professionals and civil engineers due to its cost-effectiveness, versatility, and ease of construction.
Platform framing offers a significant advantage in terms of flexibility in architectural design. It allows for easy installation of utilities such as electrical wiring and plumbing. This method also provides an efficient use of materials, reducing waste during the construction process. Therefore, platform framing is the go-to choice for home building in the construction industry today.
Brick Masonry Construction in Home Building
Traditionally, brick masonry structures have been widely used in home building. The construction process for a single-storied brick house can take approximately 4 to 6 months. This is because brick masonry is a time-tested technology that has been followed from ancient times. Over time, there have been several developments to improve the process. Even today, it remains easier to build with locally available human resources and locally available materials, often without depending on heavy machinery or power equipment.
However, in cities, multi-storied residential buildings are more commonly constructed using reinforced concrete framed structures. The frame is created with columns, beams, and slabs over footings before the external and masonry walls are constructed using various materials such as bricks, hollow blocks, lightweight aerated concrete blocks, etc.
R.C.C. Frames in Multi-Story Buildings
R.C.C. (Reinforced Cement Concrete) construction is particularly prevalent in the construction of multi-story residential buildings. The frame is created using columns, beams, and slabs over footings. The concrete frame provides a stable and robust structure that can support multiple floors. The construction process begins with the creation of the frame, followed by the external and masonry walls.
For bungalows, the choice of construction can vary. Generally, load-bearing wall or RCC foundations are used. The roof is an RCC slab with standard internal and external plastering, and flooring can be customized with tiles of your choice. For multi-story buildings, the RCC frame structure is the best option as it provides the necessary stability and load-bearing capacity.
Factors Influencing Construction Choice
The choice of construction method for a home is influenced by several factors, including the functionality of the house, the speed at which you want to construct it, the loads borne by the soil, the type of soil, and the nature of the structure above the soil. While concrete framed RC structures are commonly used in India for multi-storied buildings, modern houses often incorporate interior finishes made from steel, wood, and glass to enhance energy efficiency.
In conclusion, the type of construction used in home building can vary depending on the context. Platform framing, brick masonry, and reinforced concrete construction are the most frequently used methods, each with its unique advantages and applications.