Essential Components of Building Construction

The primary elements of a construction include foundations, structures, walls, closing elements, vertical division components, vertical circulation elements, and decks or roofs.

Foundations and Structural Systems

The foundations serve as the basis upon which the building rests. The structure is the set of elements designed to withstand loads and transmit them to the foundations. Key structural elements include pillars, beams, and uprights. The material used for the structure depends on the construction type; for instance, wood, ceramic, or stone are commonly used in low-altitude housing.

Wall Classifications and Functions

Walls are vertical structures that isolate a construction site from the exterior. The arrangement of bricks is referred to as the bond. Scaffolding serves as a framework of strong vertical and horizontal elements. Walls are categorized as follows:

• External Walls: These define the facades and isolate the housing from the exterior.
• Interior Walls: Used for the internal division of space.
• Party Walls: These separate two immediate houses.

Architectural Openings and Arches

Openings in walls consist of several parts, including the lintel, jambs, frame, hinges, and leaf. An arch is a curved structure used to cover openings. It is composed of wedge-shaped stones called voussoirs, with the central stone known as the keystone. Arches are typically built using a temporary support called centering (cintra).

Floor Slabs and Forged Structures

A forged structure (or slab) is a resistant element that transmits vertical loads to the building's structural elements. It forms the ceiling for the lower floor and the floor for the upper level. These are often made of reinforced concrete covered with lightweight concrete and reinforcement. A lattice is formed by a wrought reinforced concrete slab with ribs.

Vertical Circulation: Staircase Components

Stairs provide a communication system between floors. Key components include:

• Stairwell: The limited space inside walls where the stairs are constructed.
• Landing (Entornpeu): The tough part where the stairs are supported.
• Headroom (Getaway): The vertical distance between the flat part of the step and the ceiling.
• Tread (Extended): The flat part where you set your foot.
• Riser (Contrapetja): The vertical part separating subsequent steps.
• Nosing (Volada): The part of the tread that protrudes from the step.

Roofing Systems and Covers

Covers must be built with impermeable, resistant, lightweight, and insulated materials. They consist of support elements (the structure) and cover elements (the outer layer). Common roof types include:

• Single-pitched (1 side)
• Gabled (2 sides)
• Hipped (4 sides)
• Pavilion
• Composed roofs