From Blueprint to Structure: The 12 Essential Steps of Construction
The journey from a set of approved construction drawings to a finished building frame is a meticulous process. Once the paperwork is complete and a contractor is on board, the real work begins on site. This process can be broken down into twelve fundamental stages that transform an empty plot of land into the core shell of a structure, ready for architectural finishes. Here is a detailed look at each of those critical steps.
The 12 Stages of Construction
1. Clearing of the Ground
The first task is to clear the construction site of any obstructions and debris. Temporary facilities like site offices, labor quarters, and material storage are set up, and a perimeter fence is installed to secure the area.
2. Site Layout and Staking
Reference points and construction grid lines are established according to the approved plans. This is done using tools like a theodolite for large projects or traditional batter boards and strings for smaller ones, creating a guide for the entire build.
3. Excavation
With the layout set, excavation work begins. The depth is determined by soil investigation reports, typically going at least 1 meter below ground level. For deep excavations near existing structures, shoring support is essential for safety.
4. Compacting and Laying of PCC
The excavated surface is compacted to at least 95% of its maximum dry density, often with a layer of crushed gravel. Anti-termite treatment is applied, followed by the laying of a plain concrete cement (PCC) slab to prepare for reinforcement work.
5. Foundation Rebar and Column Starter Bars
Reinforcement bars for the foundations and any beams are laid according to the structural schedule, ensuring proper concrete cover. Starter bars for columns are installed at this time before any concrete is poured.
6. Concreting of Foundations and Column Rebar Installation
Foundations are concreted, with proper vibration to ensure even aggregate spread. The installation of column reinforcement on the starter bars continues, with careful attention paid to maintaining the correct concrete cover to protect against corrosion.
7. Concreting of Column and Bitumen Paint Application
After the substructure columns are concreted and dried, at least two coats of bitumen paint are applied to the footings and columns. This creates a damp-proof barrier to prevent moisture seepage from the soil.
8. Setting Up Perimeter Blocks
Solid blocks are installed along the project's perimeter to establish a clear boundary. This is especially useful when there's a significant height difference between the internal floor and external ground level. These are also painted with bitumen.
9. Back Filling and Compacting
The area around the completed foundations and perimeter blocks is backfilled. Compacting is done in partial layers to ensure the required density is met, working up to the bottom level of the tie beams.
10. Tie Beam Reinforcement, Grade Slab, and Concreting
Tie beam reinforcement is prepared and installed as per the drawing, followed by formwork. Once complete, concreting is done. The installation of the grade slab mesh and its concrete work follows afterward.
11. Rebar Works and Concreting of Columns
With the substructure complete, work moves above ground. Reinforcement and formwork for the ground floor columns are installed, ensuring they are vertically level and have standard concrete cover before concreting.
12. Beam and Slab Works
The final structural stage involves preparing for beams and the suspended slab. Reinforcement is laid, and formwork is properly anchored and checked. Once concreted, the core structural frame is complete. Step 11 is repeated for each subsequent floor until the entire shell of the structure is finished, after which architectural finishing work can begin.
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