Introduction to

Building Systems
Engr. Nurwin Adam Muhammad
Lecture Objectives
• Differentiate between structural and non-structural
building systems
• Explain and discuss the building systems
Introduction
• A system can be defined as an assembly of interrelated or
interdependent parts forming a more complex and unified
whole and serving a common purpose
• A building can be understood to be the physical
embodiment of a number of systems and subsystems that
must necessarily be related, coordinated and integrated
with each other
Structural Systems
• Foundation systems
• Floor Systems
• Wall-Column Systems
• Roof Systems
Structural Systems
Each Building has two main components.
The one component constructed above the
ground level is known as the super-
structure while another component that is
constructed below the ground level is
called the sub-structure.
Foundation Systems
• Foundation is a Structural supporting member which transfer loads
from the Building’s walls or Columns to the Earth. The loads from
Slab, Beam, Column, wall etc. should be safely transferred to the
Soil.
Types of Foundation
Floor Systems
• A floor system may be composed of a series of linear beams and
joists overlaid with a plane of sheathing or decking, or consist of a
nearly homogeneous slab of reinforced concrete
Floor Systems
Floor Systems
Floor Systems
Wall and Column System
• A column can be defined as a vertical structural member designed to transmit a
compressive load. A Column transmits the load from ceiling/roof slab and beam,
including its own weight to the foundation.

• Columns transfer these loads by using the crushing or compressive strength of the
concrete. However, the column is very weak in case of lateral load, buckling load or
shear load. Shear wall, on the other hand, is designed to resist lateral load by
shear strength or shear action
Wall and Column System
Wall and Column System
Roof System
Roof System
Roof System
• The term roof system refers to the air barrier or vapor retarder
(if present), roof insulation (if present), and the roof
membrane, flashing, and accessories.
Non-Structural Systems
• Enclosure and Protection
• Mechanical Systems
• Finishing Systems
• Fixtures and Furniture
Enclosure and Protection
• Partition Walls
• Insulation
• Curtain Walls
• Openings
Partition Walls
Insulations
Curtain Wall
A curtain wall is defined
as thin, usually aluminum-
framed wall, containing in-
fills of glass, metal panels,
or thin stone. The framing is
attached to the building
structure and does not carry
the floor or roof loads of the
building.
Mechanical Systems
• HVAC Systems
• Water Supply
• Sanitation
• Electrical and Lighting System
• Mechanical transportation system
HVAC System
Water Supply
Electrical and Lighting system
Mechanical Transportation System
Mechanical Transportation System
Finishing System
• Flooring
• Wall finishes
• Ceiling
• Fixture and Furniture
Flooring
Ceiling
Ceiling