building technology
Chapter 1: Introduction to Building Technology in Kenya
1.1 Overview of the Construction Industry in Kenya
a) Historical Development
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Pre-colonial construction methods (e.g., mud huts, thatch roofing)
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Influence of colonial architecture (stone buildings, iron roofing)
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Post-independence trends and urbanization
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Role of Vision 2030 and infrastructure projects (e.g., Standard Gauge Railway, LAPSSET)
b) Key Stakeholders and Regulatory Bodies
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Government agencies: National Construction Authority (NCA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
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Professionals: Architects, Quantity Surveyors, Civil Engineers
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Artisans and fundis (local craftsmen)
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Construction codes: Kenya Building Code, NCA Act
1.2 Basic Construction Materials and Tools
a) Locally Available Materials
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Stone (coral stone, machine-cut stone)
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Timber (eucalyptus, cypress, mvule)
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Clay and soil-based materials (adobe, stabilized soil blocks)
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Cement, pozzolana, sand, ballast
b) Tools and Equipment
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Traditional tools: trowels, plumb lines, hammers, hand saws
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Modern equipment: concrete mixers, compaction tools, scaffolding
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Safety gear: helmets, gloves, boots
Chapter 2: Foundation and Wall Construction
2.1 Types of Foundations in Kenyan Soils
a) Classification of Soils and Site Investigation
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Soil types: black cotton soil, red volcanic soil, sandy soils
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Soil testing methods: sieve analysis, bearing capacity tests
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Site surveys and environmental considerations
b) Foundation Types and Application
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Strip foundation: used for low-rise residential buildings
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Pad foundation: supports point loads (columns)
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Raft/mat foundation: suitable for poor soil conditions
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Pile foundations (briefly): for high-rise or special cases
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Issues in practice: rising damp, poor drainage, termite damage
2.2 Walling Techniques and Materials
a) Wall Construction Methods
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Load-bearing vs non-load-bearing walls
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Solid vs cavity walls
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Wet vs dry construction methods
b) Walling Materials and Their Suitability
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Burnt clay bricks, concrete blocks
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Stabilized Soil Blocks (SSB): manufacture and use
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Interlocking blocks: eco-friendly and cost-effective
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Timber and bamboo in walling: rural and temporary structures
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Waterproofing and insulation considerations
Chapter 3: Roofing and Finishing in Kenyan Buildings
3.1 Roofing Systems in Kenya
a) Types of Roof Structures
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Pitched/gable roofs: popular for residential houses
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Hipped roofs: aesthetic and weather-resistant
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Flat roofs: commercial buildings and modern design
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Trussed roof systems: timber vs steel
b) Roofing Materials and Application
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Corrugated iron sheets (mabati): affordability and availability
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Clay and concrete roofing tiles: durability and aesthetics
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Makuti (palm thatch): coastal and traditional homes
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Gutters, fascia boards, roof drainage
3.2 Finishing Techniques and Sustainable Practices
a) Finishing Materials and Methods
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Plastering: sand-cement finishes, lime plaster
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Painting: emulsion, gloss, undercoats and primers
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Flooring: terrazzo, ceramic tiles, concrete screed
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Ceiling finishes: gypsum, timber panels
b) Sustainability in Building Finishes
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Use of local and renewable materials
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Passive design for energy efficiency (natural lighting, ventilation)
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Rainwater harvesting systems
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Waste management during and after construction
1. Chapter 3: Roofing and Finishing in Kenyan Buildings
3.1 Roofing Systems in Kenya
a) Types of Roof Structures
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Pitched/gable roofs: popular for residential houses
-
Hipped roofs: aesthetic and weather-resistant
-
Flat roofs: commercial buildings and modern design
-
Trussed roof systems: timber vs steel
b) Roofing Materials and Application
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Corrugated iron sheets (mabati): affordability and availability
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Clay and concrete roofing tiles: durability and aesthetics
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Makuti (palm thatch): coastal and traditional homes
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Gutters, fascia boards, roof drainage
3.2 Finishing Techniques and Sustainable Practices
a) Finishing Materials and Methods
-
Plastering: sand-cement finishes, lime plaster
-
Painting: emulsion, gloss, undercoats and primers
-
Flooring: terrazzo, ceramic tiles, concrete screed
-
Ceiling finishes: gypsum, timber panels
b) Sustainability in Building Finishes
-
Use of local and renewable materials
-
Passive design for energy efficiency (natural lighting, ventilation)
-
Rainwater harvesting systems
-
Waste management during and after construction