building technology

1.1. Chapter : Foundation and Wall Construction

2.1 Types of Foundations in Kenyan Soils

a) Classification of Soils and Site Investigation

• Soil types: black cotton soil, red volcanic soil, sandy soils

• Soil testing methods: sieve analysis, bearing capacity tests

• Site surveys and environmental considerations

b) Foundation Types and Application

• Strip foundation: used for low-rise residential buildings

• Pad foundation: supports point loads (columns)

• Raft/mat foundation: suitable for poor soil conditions

• Pile foundations (briefly): for high-rise or special cases

• Issues in practice: rising damp, poor drainage, termite damage

2.2 Walling Techniques and Materials

a) Wall Construction Methods

• Load-bearing vs non-load-bearing walls

• Solid vs cavity walls

• Wet vs dry construction methods

b) Walling Materials and Their Suitability

• Burnt clay bricks, concrete blocks

• Stabilized Soil Blocks (SSB): manufacture and use

• Interlocking blocks: eco-friendly and cost-effective

• Timber and bamboo in walling: rural and temporary structures

• Waterproofing and insulation considerations