Different Building Types in Construction
When we drive past structures, whether its buildings, houses, apartments, barns, a local retail store or skyscraper, all fit into a category.
There are six different building types in construction, which gets used to classify the type of building that is being built.
What to consider when classifying a building type
- The size of the structure – It determines whether a light or heavier construction type is being built.
- The purpose of the structure – There are various questions regarding the purpose of the structure that needs to be considered, such as the design thereof and whether it needs to be constructed to support either several floors or just one floor.
- Load bearing constraints – This must be considered, to establish whether the construction type will be able to carry the load of the building.
- Environmental factors – The building must be built according to its surrounding environmental factors. For instance, if it gets build near the beach, it must be elevated.
- The budget and time-frame – The budget and provided time-frame, will determine the type of building that needs to be built.
The six classifications of construction types
- Light gauge steel frame buildings
Much like wood frame construction, light gauge steel construction is identified because of its c-shaped cross sectioned steel members. This type also makes use of heavier materials, which are used as structural pieces and protected by galvanized coatings.
- Wood frame buildings
As the oldest type, wood frame buildings are used up until this day, all because it is easy to work with, renewable and cost less than most types of construction. Wood frame buildings are built from lumber or timber. Every piece gets sheathed with paneling, drywall, and various other materials.
- Steel frame construction
Used in larger buildings, steel frame structures are primarily built from steel columns, to support roofs and floors. This construction building method is most popularly used in high rise buildings.
- Joisted and load-bearing masonry
This type of construction involves the use of concrete bricks or blocks, to build load-bearing walls. This type generally doesn’t get used in areas that are prone to earthquakes or natural disasters, as a result of being more rigid than others.
- Concrete frame construction
Mostly used in high rise buildings, elevated roadways, and parking garages, concrete frame construction makes use of concrete beams, slabs, and columns.
- Pre-engineered construction
Pre-engineered buildings are one of the simplest and fastest ways to construct buildings from start to finish. All the required parts are already finished, which might cost more, but allows for projects to be finished faster.
