FUNCTIONS OF FOUNDATIONS

COMPONENTS OF A BUILDING

A building has to basic parts :
1.) Sub-structure or foundations,
2.) Super-structure

Sub-structure or foundation is a lower portion of a building, usually located below the ground level, which transmits the loads of the super-structure to the supporting soil. A foundations​ is therefore photo structure which is in direct contact with the ground to which the loads are transmitted.

Super structure is that part of the structure which is above ground level, and which serves the purpose of its intended use. A part of super structure, located between the ground level andthe floor level is known as plinth.

Plinth is therefore defined as the proportion of structure between the surface of surrounding ground and surface of the floor, immediately above the ground. The level of the floor is usually known as the plinth level. The build-up covered area measure at the floor level is known as plinth area.

A building has the following components :
1.) foundations
2.) masonary units : walls and columns.
3.) floor structures
4.) roof structures
5.) doors, windows and other openings
6.) building finishes
7.) vertical transportation structures, sach as stairs, lifts, ramps etc.