Lecture notes

1. After reading through notes of the first lesson, I have attained general knowledge
about the roles of the important positions in terms of designing. Engineers and
architects work together as a team along with other personnel such as a
contractor and the subcontractors. There are various building systems in design.
The concept of systems was introduced in the lesson. A system consists of
components that are interrelated through functions. The considered system in the
lesson is the building. A building has components and these components have
subcomponents. A component becomes a subsystem while a subcomponent
becomes a subsubsystem. The building has important components. These are the
walls, roofs, floors, and other structural parts.
A building has various systems. The structural system consists of the
superstructure which is the above ground level outside of the building and the
substructure which is under it. The substructure is made up of foundations—these
are the loads being supported by the ground. The superstructure on the other
hand usually take form as floor or roof decks accompanied by the members
holding them in place. Moving on, the next system is the system for enclosed
buildings. There are two types of enclosures— single-enclosure which extends
continuously from the floor to its peak. A good example for this enclosure is an
igloo. The second type is the multiple-enclosure which consists of walls and a
roof. Roofs and walls are built with openings in order to ventilate the building
which are windows, and doors. Lastly, there are interior walls and partitions.
Interior partitions does not require much strength and durability as the exteriors
structures because they are not affected by factors such as elements, hazards,
weather and such. They are usually easily shifted. Examples are glass walls,
sheathing, and other non-load bearing partitions.
2. Knowing about the basic concepts has given me an idea on the principles of
design, specifically buildings and its required parts. The notes have given me an
idea on analyzing, synthesizing, and studying the different systems of a building.
Beams and members supporting the building are also classified through their
applications in the structure. I am able to determine these kinds and what must be
used when supporting loads. The layers making up the exterior of the walls and
roofs should always be considered. Walls have sheathing, facing, and finish. Roofs
have roof decks, ceilings, and sometimes openings.
Enclosing structures must always be made up of parts to maintain the safety of a
building. The safety and convenience of the occupants of the building is always
considered and there are codes to be followed. HVAC is one which deals with the
health and comfort. Fire ratings has codes like the Fire Resistance Design Manual.
In designing, one must also consider the lighting, sound, plumbing, and electricity
of the building. The harmony of these factors is vital to how the building will
provide for occupants and how they will live. The building must be monitored and
must have the requirements. I should be able to consider all the factors as an
engineer to successfully make all the components of a system work fluidly.