Detailed Guide for Site Engineers (As per Indian Standards)
Basic Knowledge for Site Engineers (As per Indian Standards)
1. Height of a Building (Floor to Floor)
The floor-to-floor height for residential buildings is typically 3.0 m to 3.15 m, including slab thickness. For commercial buildings, it can range from 3.5 m to 4.5 m depending on design and requirements.
Relevant Code: IS 875 (Part 2):1987 recommends a minimum clear height of 2.75 m for habitable rooms.
2. Height of Parapet Wall
The minimum height for parapet walls is 1 m. For safety in high-rise buildings, the height may increase to 1.2 m or more.
3. Height of Window Sill
Window sill height for residential spaces is typically 0.9 m from the finished floor level. For commercial spaces, it may range from 0.6 m to 0.75 m.
Relevant Code: IS 1038:1983.
4. Minimum Thickness of Slab
The minimum thickness of an RCC slab is 125 mm as per IS 456:2000. Thicker slabs are required for higher live loads in parking garages, warehouses, etc.
5. Minimum Thickness of Lintel
A lintel beam over doors and windows should be at least 150 mm thick for spans up to 2 m. For wider spans, the thickness must be increased based on structural analysis.
6. Thickness of Damp Proof Course (DPC)
The standard thickness of DPC is 25 mm (2.5 cm), typically provided at the plinth level using a 1:2:4 mix with water-proofing compounds.
Relevant Code: IS 3067:1988.
7. Minimum Diameter of Bars in Slab
As per IS 456:2000, the minimum diameter of reinforcement bars in slabs is 8 mm for HYSD bars. Secondary reinforcement bars may have a diameter of 6 mm.
8. Minimum Diameter of Bars in Beam
The longitudinal reinforcement in beams should have a minimum diameter of 12 mm to resist bending and shear forces.
9. Minimum Diameter of Bars in Column
The minimum diameter of bars for longitudinal reinforcement in columns is 12 mm, while lateral ties
