A Visual Guide to Building Construction: Learn from Francis D.K. Ching's Illustrated Book

Francis D.K. Ching's Building Construction Illustrated: A Visual Guide to the Basics of Building Construction

If you are interested in learning about the principles and processes of building construction, you may have come across a book called Building Construction Illustrated by Francis D.K. Ching. This book is widely regarded as one of the best visual guides to the fundamentals of building construction, covering everything from site preparation to mechanical and electrical systems. In this article, we will explore who Francis D.K. Ching is, what Building Construction Illustrated is, why it is a valuable resource for architects, students and builders, and how you can access it for free online.

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Introduction

Who is Francis D.K. Ching?

Francis D.K. Ching is a renowned architect, author and professor emeritus at the University of Washington. He was born in Hawaii in 1943 and graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1966 with a degree in architecture. He has taught at several universities, including Ohio University, Clemson University, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Cornell University and University of Washington. He has also worked as a consultant for various architectural firms and organizations.

Ching is best known for his books on architecture and design, which have been translated into more than 20 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. His books include Architecture: Form, Space, and Order, A Visual Dictionary of Architecture, Architectural Graphics, Design Drawing, Interior Design Illustrated, A Global History of Architecture, Green Building Illustrated, Building Codes Illustrated, and of course, Building Construction Illustrated. His books are praised for their clarity, accuracy and elegance of presentation.

What is Building Construction Illustrated?

Building Construction Illustrated is a book that provides an introduction to the principles of building construction using clear and accurate drawings that illustrate the state of the art in construction methods and materials. The book was first published in 1975 and has since been updated and revised several times to reflect the latest developments in the field. The current edition is the sixth edition, which was published in 2020.

The book is organized into 12 chapters, each covering a major aspect of building construction. The chapters are as follows:

• The Building Site

• The Building

• Foundation Systems

• Floor Systems

• Wall Systems

• Roof Systems

• Moisture and Thermal Protection

• Doors and Windows

• Special Construction

• Finish Work

• Mechanical and Electrical Systems

• Notes on Materials

Each chapter begins with an overview of the topic, followed by detailed drawings and explanations of various components, systems and techniques. The book also includes appendices on building codes, sustainability, structural calculations, and glossary of terms.

Why is it a valuable resource for architects, students and builders?

Building Construction Illustrated is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn about the basics of building construction or refresh their knowledge on the subject. The book offers a comprehensive and accessible approach that covers all the essential concepts and skills needed to design and construct buildings. The book is especially useful for:

• Architects: The book helps architects understand how buildings are put together and how to communicate their design ideas effectively using drawings and specifications. The book also helps architects comply with building codes and standards, as well as incorporate sustainability and energy efficiency into their projects.

• Students: The book helps students learn the fundamentals of building construction and prepare for their exams and assignments. The book also helps students develop their visual literacy and spatial reasoning skills, as well as their creativity and problem-solving abilities.

• Builders: The book helps builders understand the design intent and requirements of architects and engineers, as well as the best practices and techniques for constructing buildings. The book also helps builders avoid common mistakes and errors, as well as improve their quality and productivity.

The Content and Structure of Building Construction Illustrated

The Building Site

The first chapter of the book covers the building site, which is the location where a building is constructed. The chapter discusses the factors that affect the selection and development of a site, such as topography, climate, soil, vegetation, utilities, zoning, codes, regulations, and environmental impact. The chapter also explains the different types of site surveys, site plans, grading plans, drainage plans, erosion control plans, utility plans, and landscape plans that are used to document and communicate the site conditions and design proposals.

The Building

The second chapter of the book covers the building, which is the structure that provides shelter and enclosure for human activities. The chapter discusses the basic elements of a building, such as form, space, order, enclosure, openings, circulation, function, structure, systems, materials, and finishes. The chapter also explains the different types of building configurations, such as linear, radial, clustered, grid, courtyard, atrium, high-rise, low-rise, etc., as well as the different types of building typologies, such as residential, commercial, institutional, industrial, etc.

Foundation Systems

The third chapter of the book covers foundation systems, which are the parts of a building that transfer loads from the superstructure to the ground. The chapter discusses the different types of loads that act on a building, such as dead loads, live loads, wind loads, seismic loads, snow loads, etc., as well as the different types of soil conditions that affect the foundation design, such as bearing capacity, settlement, frost heave, liquefaction, etc. The chapter also explains the different types of foundation systems, such as shallow foundations, deep foundations, mat foundations, pile foundations, caisson foundations, etc., as well as the different types of foundation components, such as footings, piers, columns, walls, slabs, beams, etc.

Floor Systems

The fourth chapter of the book covers floor systems, which are the parts of a building that support loads from occupants, furniture, equipment, etc., and provide horizontal surfaces for walking, sitting, working, etc. The chapter discusses the different types of floor systems, such as wood floor systems, steel floor systems, concrete floor systems, composite floor systems, etc., as well as the different types of floor components, such as joists, beams, girders, trusses, decks, slabs, etc. The chapter also explains the different types of floor finishes, such as carpeting, tile, wood flooring, vinyl flooring, etc., as well as the different types of floor accessories, such as stairs, ramps, elevators, escal Floor Systems

The fourth chapter of the book covers floor systems, which are the parts of a building that support loads from occupants, furniture, equipment, etc., and provide horizontal surfaces for walking, sitting, working, etc. The chapter discusses the different types of floor systems, such as wood floor systems, steel floor systems, concrete floor systems, composite floor systems, etc., as well as the different types of floor components, such as joists, beams, girders, trusses, decks, slabs, etc. The chapter also explains the different types of floor finishes, such as carpeting, tile, wood flooring, vinyl flooring, etc., as well as the different types of floor accessories, such as stairs, ramps, elevators, escalators, etc.

Floor systems can be classified according to their structural behavior, such as one-way or two-way spanning, or according to their construction method, such as cast-in-place or precast. Floor systems can also be designed to achieve different performance criteria, such as fire resistance, sound insulation, vibration control, thermal mass, etc. Floor systems can be connected to other structural elements using different types of connections, such as simple or pinned, semi-rigid or rigid.

Wall Systems

The fifth chapter of the book covers wall systems, which are the parts of a building that enclose and divide spaces, provide vertical support for floors and roofs, resist lateral loads from wind and earthquakes, and control heat, light, air, moisture and sound transmission. The chapter discusses the different types of wall systems, such as wood wall systems, steel wall systems, concrete wall systems, masonry wall systems, etc., as well as the different types of wall components, such as studs, plates, sills, headers, sheathing, cladding, insulation, vapor barriers, air barriers, etc. The chapter also explains the different types of wall openings, such as doors, windows, louvers, vents, skylights, etc., as well as the different types of wall accessories, such as trim, molding, siding, flashing, etc.

Wall systems can be classified according to their structural role, such as load-bearing or non-load-bearing walls; according to their location in relation to the building envelope; such as exterior or interior walls; or according to their configuration; such as solid or cavity walls. Wall systems can also be designed to achieve different performance criteria; such as fire resistance; sound insulation; thermal insulation; moisture protection; air tightness; etc. Wall systems can be connected to other structural elements using different types of connections; such as nails; screws; bolts; anchors; welds; etc.

Roof Systems

The sixth chapter of the book covers roof systems; which are the parts of a building that cover and protect the uppermost spaces from weather and environmental conditions. The chapter discusses the different types of roof systems; such as wood roof systems; steel roof systems; concrete roof systems; composite roof systems; etc.; as well as the different types of roof components; such as rafters; purlins; trusses; beams; girders; decks; slabs; etc. The chapter also explains the different types of roof shapes and forms; such as flat roofs; pitched roofs; curved roofs; domed roofs; vaulted roofs; etc.; as well as the different types of roof coverings and materials; such as shingles; tiles; metal; membrane; green; etc.

Roof systems can be classified according to their structural behavior; such as one-way or two-way spanning; or according to their construction method; such as cast-in-place or precast. Roof systems can also be designed to achieve different performance criteria; such as fire resistance; sound insulation; vibration control; thermal mass; etc. Roof systems can be connected to other structural elements using different types of connections; such as simple or pinned; semi-rigid or rigid. Moisture and Thermal Protection

The seventh chapter of the book covers moisture and thermal protection, which are the materials and systems that secure the outer surface of a building against air, thermal, and moisture penetration. Moisture and thermal protection contribute to the sustainability, durability, comfort, and energy performance of a building. The chapter discusses the different types of moisture and thermal protection, such as waterproofing, insulation, vapor barriers, air barriers, joint sealers, etc., as well as the different types of moisture and thermal protection components, such as membranes, coatings, boards, batts, blankets, foams, sprays, tapes, gaskets, etc. The chapter also explains the different types of moisture and thermal protection accessories, such as flashings, vents, drains, sumps, pumps, etc.

Moisture and thermal protection can be classified according to their function, such as water shedding or water resisting; according to their location in relation to the building envelope, such as above-grade or below-grade; or according to their application method, such as adhered or loose-laid. Moisture and thermal protection can also be designed to achieve different performance criteria, such as fire resistance, sound insulation, air tightness, vapor retardance, etc. Moisture and thermal protection can be connected to other structural elements using different types of connections, such as nails, screws, bolts, adhesives, etc.

Doors and Windows

The eighth chapter of the book covers doors and windows, which are the parts of a building that provide access, daylighting, ventilation, and views to the exterior or interior spaces. The chapter discusses the different types of doors and windows, such as swinging doors, sliding doors, folding doors, overhead doors, casement windows, awning windows, sliding windows, tilt-and-turn windows, etc., as well as the different types of door and window components, such as frames, sashes, panels, glazing, hardware, screens, shutters, etc. The chapter also explains the different types of door and window accessories, such as thresholds, weatherstripping, locks, latches, hinges, handles, etc.

Doors and windows can be classified according to their material composition; such as wood; metal; plastic; glass; etc.; according to their operation mode; such as fixed or operable; or according to their configuration; such as single or double; horizontal or vertical; etc. Doors and windows can also be designed to achieve different performance criteria; such as fire resistance; sound insulation; thermal insulation; moisture protection; air tightness; security; etc. Doors and windows can be connected to other structural elements using different types of connections; such as nails; screws; bolts; anchors; welds; etc. Special Construction

The ninth chapter of the book covers special construction, which are the structures and systems that are designed for a very specific end-use or function, such as greenhouses, vaults, domes, etc. The chapter discusses the different types of special construction, such as special facility components, special purpose rooms, special structures, integrated construction, and special instrumentation. The chapter also explains the different types of special construction components, such as air-supported structures, swimming pools, sound studios, planetariums, cold storage rooms, etc.

Special construction can be classified according to their material composition, such as wood, metal, plastic, glass, etc.; according to their operation mode, such as fixed or movable; or according to their configuration, such as linear or curved; horizontal or vertical; etc. Special construction can also be designed to achieve different performance criteria, such as fire resistance, sound insulation, thermal insulation, moisture protection, air tightness, security, etc. Special construction can be connected to other structural elements using different types of connections, such as nails, screws, bolts, anchors, welds, etc.

Finish Work

The tenth chapter of the book covers finish work, which are the materials and systems that provide the final appearance and function of a building interior or exterior. The chapter discusses the different types of finish work, such as gypsum board assemblies, plaster and stucco assemblies, tile and terrazzo assemblies, ceilings and soffits, flooring and carpeting, paints and coatings, etc. The chapter also explains the different types of finish work components, such as studs, tracks, furring channels, lathes, meshes, boards, panels, tiles, slabs, strips, planks, carpets, rugs, etc.

Finish work can be classified according to their material composition, such as gypsum, cement, clay, stone, wood, fiber, synthetic, etc.; according to their installation method, such as nailed, screwed, glued, grouted, troweled, sprayed, rolled, etc.; or according to their configuration, such as flat or curved; smooth or textured; solid or perforated; etc. Finish work can also be designed to achieve different performance criteria, such as fire resistance; sound insulation; thermal insulation; moisture protection; air tightness; abrasion resistance; corrosion resistance; etc. Finish work can be connected to other structural elements using different types of connections; such as nails; screws; bolts; adhesives; grouts; mortars; etc. Mechanical and Electrical Systems

The eleventh chapter of the book covers mechanical and electrical systems, which are the parts of a building that provide essential services and utilities for the occupants and equipment. The chapter discusses the different types of mechanical and electrical systems, such as heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, plumbing and fire protection systems, electrical power and lighting systems, communication and security systems, etc. The chapter also explains the different types of mechanical and electrical system components, such as boilers, chillers, pumps, fans, ducts, pipes, valves, sprinklers, switches, outlets, fixtures, wires, cables, panels, etc.

Mechanical and electrical systems can be classified according to their function, such as supply or distribution; according to their location in relation to the building envelope, such as interior or exterior; or according to their configuration, such as centralized or decentralized. Mechanical and electrical systems can also be designed to achieve different performance criteria, such as energy efficiency, reliability, safety, comfort, etc. Mechanical and electrical systems can be connected to other structural elements using different types of connections, such as flanges, couplings, fittings, clamps, connectors, etc.

Notes on Materials

The twelfth chapter of the book covers notes on materials, which are the basic substances that are used to construct buildings and their components. The chapter discusses the different types of materials, such as metals, wood, concrete, masonry, glass, plastics, composites, etc., as well as their properties, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. The chapter also explains the different types of material testing methods and standards that are used to evaluate their quality and performance.

Materials can be classified according to their origin, such as natural or synthetic; according to their structure, such as crystalline or amorphous; or according to their behavior, such as elastic or plastic. Materials can also be selected based on different criteria, such as availability, cost, durability, aesthetics, etc. Materials can be processed using different methods, such as casting, forging, rolling, extruding, molding, cutting, drilling, etc.

Conclusion

In conclusion,Building Construction Illustrated is a comprehensive and authoritative guide to the principles and practices of building construction. The book covers all the major aspects of building construction in a clear and concise manner using detailed drawings and explanations. The book is an invaluable resource for architects, students and builders who want to learn about the basics of building construction or refresh their knowledge on the subject. The book is also updated and revised to reflect the latest developments in the field and comply with the current codes and standards.

FAQs

Q: Who is the author of Building Construction Illustrated? A: The author is Francis D.K. Ching, a renowned architect, author and professor emeritus at the University of Washington