There are many different construction techniques used in building homes, garages and buildings. Understanding the various types can help you determine the best option for your project. Depending on the type, you can pinpoint equipment you need beforehand like plate compactors.
One of the most common types is wood frame construction. This method involves using studs, plates, joists and rafters to construct a structure.
Wood Frame
Wood frame construction is a popular choice for many types of building projects. It offers a number of benefits over other framing methods, including ease of construction and a high level of flexibility in terms of design.
In addition to being a cost-effective building material, wood frames are also a popular choice among green builders. According to the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), they leave 75% less of a carbon footprint than concrete and steel.
However, wood-framed buildings aren’t always ideal when it comes to energy efficiency. They are susceptible to moisture-related issues, and they may not offer sufficient sound insulation.
For that reason, it’s important to plan out a wood frame building carefully. This will ensure that the structure is built judiciously and meets all of its intended functions.
The main goal of a wood frame construction project is to create an aesthetically pleasing and sturdy structure that will be long-lasting. Fortunately, there are several techniques that you can use to ensure this is the case.
First, you need to select the right type of lumber for the frame. Choosing the wrong type of lumber can cause problems down the road, such as termites or decay.
Another important step is to ensure that the lumber is properly treated. You can do this by using a coating or protecting the wood with weather barriers.
Next, you need to install fastenings in your frame. Nails are the most common fastening system, but you can also use metal framing anchors and other materials.
The final step is to protect the wood as much as possible from decay and termites. This involves removing the tree roots around the foundation before backfilling, carefully tamping loose backfill to reduce future settlement, and providing slopes at the base of your structure to help direct water away from the wood.
Light Gauge Steel
Light gauge steel framing is a technique that replaces wood framing members with thin, lightweight steel sections. These sections are called cold formed, and they are shaped without using any heat, as opposed to thicker hot-rolled sections, which are shaped when the steel is molten.
The resulting structure is stronger than a wooden frame and also more resistant to fire, mold, and termites. It can be easily adapted and modified to fit any building design.
It also requires fewer resources than wood and steel, including less water and sand to build and less energy used to fabricate the components needed for a project. This makes it a good choice for eco-friendly construction projects.
Like wood framing, light gauge steel walls can be framed with load-bearing studs or non-load-bearing studs, depending on the building’s needs. The load-bearing studs are typically 20-gauge or 12-gauge with 1 5/8-inch flanges, and they are stronger than non-bearing studs.
Load-bearing studs are usually galvanized with zinc or aluminum. They are often used for load-bearing walls, floor slabs, and roofing frames.
They are designed to withstand loads from walls above and resist lateral wind loads. They are a great option for large multi-story buildings.
If you’re building a new home or commercial space, consider choosing light-gauge steel. It’s a great way to save time and money and get the best results for your project.
Before deciding which type of metal building to use, take the time to understand its differences and benefits. Weld-up metal structures and pre-engineered steel buildings can differ in both quality and cost, and obtaining permits can be tricky with both types.
Joisted Masonry
In commercial construction, joisted masonry is used in the construction of load bearing walls. These are the walls that carry the weight of the structure and help to stabilize it against the forces of wind and earthquakes.
The masonry that is used in joisted masonry construction is typically brick, stone, and concrete. However, it can be made from other materials as well.
Joisted masonry buildings are often a common construction technique in downtown areas because they are very sturdy and durable. They also look very attractive and can help to improve the resale value of a property.
As a result, these structures tend to be cheaper to build than other types of construction. They are also easier to transport and erect on sight, making them a good option for commercial construction.
One of the downsides to this type of construction is that it is not as fire resistant as other types. As a result, this type of construction can be more expensive to insure than other types of construction.
This is because frame construction tends to catch fire quickly and easily. The interiors may still be able to survive the fire, but the exteriors of these buildings can be severely damaged.
In addition to these fire hazards, a joisted masonry building is also susceptible to wind damage and earthquakes. As a result, this construction method is not a good choice for buildings that are in an area where earthquakes are a concern.
As you can see, the differences between different construction techniques are vast. It is important to understand these differences if you want to be safe and secure in your home or business.
Reinforced Concrete
The construction technique of reinforced concrete combines a mix of cement and stone aggregates with steel to produce a structural material that is stronger than plain concrete. Reinforced concrete is commonly used in large construction projects like bridges, dams, and piers as well as stadiums.
It is also used for domestic construction for the foundations and footings of smaller houses. It is a durable building material that requires little maintenance, and can last up to 100 years.
Reinforced concrete can withstand many types of forces including compression, tensile, and shear. It can resist the effects of water and chemicals dissolved in it, as well as corrosion without serious deterioration.
The strength of a reinforced concrete structure depends on the type of reinforcement used and how it is placed within the structure. The most common type of reinforcement is steel, but other options can be used.
Another form of reinforced concrete is prestressed concrete. This is a technique that involves adding pre-stressed steel rebar strands to the concrete.
In this method, the steel rebar strands are stretched or twisted before the concrete is applied to the structure. This prevents the concrete from cracking under external stress by balancing the stresses throughout the structure.
This technique is more effective for structures that need to withstand heavy loads and strong vibrations. It can be used in a variety of applications, such as shotcrete and tunnels.
Steel Frame
Structural steel framing is one of the most popular construction techniques used today. It’s a cost-effective, durable, reliable, and sustainable option for mid-rise, low-rise and high-rise building projects.
Typically, structural steel frames are composed of beams and columns that are riveted, bolted or welded together. They are erected to form the skeleton of buildings in accordance with applicable standards for instance American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and Canadian Standard Association (CSA).
The strength-to-weight ratio of steel frame components is higher than that of wood and concrete varieties. This is an important factor when it comes to evaluating the suitability of this type of structure for a particular project.
Another important benefit of steel frame structures is their adaptability to environmental conditions. They can withstand harsh weather such as snowfall, rain, and storms.
This is particularly useful in situations like earthquakes or heavy winds where a building’s structural integrity can be compromised.
However, steel frame structures are also less energy efficient than wood-framed facilities. This is largely due to the fact that steel is more conductive than wood, which means that heat flows quickly through the walls.
It’s possible to address this issue by using insulated steel frame walls and by adding insulation in the roof. This is an excellent way to save money on your building’s energy bills, and it will also help improve its efficiency overall.
Steel frame buildings can be fabricated into many different shapes, and they can be easily renovated or expanded when necessary. This flexibility is why they are often touted among architects and designers for creating structures that are both structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing.
