What Is Superstructures?
The portion above the ground level and below the ground floor level is known as a plinth. The portion above the ground floor level is known as super-structure.
It includes columns, walls, beams, floors, roofs, doors, windows, lintels, staircases, etc. In this article types of super-structures based on the method of load, a transfer is first presented and then the various components are discussed giving their functions and types.
Types of Super Structures
On this basis, there are two types
- Load Bearing Structures.
- Framed Structures.
What Is Load Bearing Structures?
In this type of structure, the load in the structure is moved vertically downward through walls. Loads from roof and floors get moved to wall and then the wall must transfer these loads as well as self-weight.
Such constructions are used in residential buildings in which the dimension of rooms is less. Residential buildings up to ground + 2 floors can be built economically with such structures.
What Are Framed Structures?
In this type of structure, a framework of columns, beams, and floors is built first. Then the walls are built to partition the living area.
The walls are subjected to self-weight only. This type of super-structures is needed when the number of stories in a building are more and also when larger areas must be covered free from walls.
Load-Bearing Vs Framed Structures
|
Sr. No.
|
Load Bearing Structure | Framed Structure |
| 1 | Cost is less. | Cost is more. |
| 2 | Suitable up to three stories. | Suitable for any number of stories. |
| 3 | Walls are thicker and hence floor area is reduced. | Walls are thinner and hence more floor area available for use. |
| 4 | Slow construction. | Speedy construction. |
| 5 | Not possible to alter the position of walls, after the construction | Position of walls may be changed, whenever necessary. |
| 6 | Resistance to earthquakes is poor. | Resistance to earthquake forces is good. |
| 7 | Taken deep into the subsoil foundation. | Only columns are taken deep into subsoil and provided with foundation footing. |
| 8 | Load Bearing Structure type of construction does not favor too many openings for windows, doors, ventilation, etc., in the ground floor as required for show room etc., as the load bearing length of wall is considerably reduced | The space between columns can remains as open space as the case with multi-storeyed residential flats where the ground floor is left with no walls for easy parking of vehicle. |
| 9 | In case of multi-storeyed buildings, the room area is reduced as we go down due to thicker walls. | Thickness of wall remains uniform, therefore the carpet area on any floor remains the same. |
| 10 | Plans for the different floors must be the same. Very little changes are only possible between one floor and the one above. | Plans of different floor are independent of each floor. The ground floor may have a commercial complex, first floor an office or a bank, and second floor onward of residential complexes of different types of plans and function within the same building. |
| 11 | May not withstand seismic forces and other forces and other types of vibration because composed of different blocks as bricks and stones being bonded together. | More rigid and withstand seismic forces because the entire frame of column, beam, and slabs act as one unit of R.C.C. |
| 12 | This construction was more labor-intensive. | This construction less labor-intensive, but it needs different skills. |
| 13 | In this Construction Life is not much affected even though some standards are not strictly followed. | In this Construction Life is reduced if not done with proper technique, and specifications i.e. codes are not strictly followed. |
| 14 | Construction of a load-bearing structure is cumbersome, particularly for earthquake-resistant structures. | Construction of a framed structure is otherwise simple. |
| 15 | Limitations for providing openings in walls, which will affect the light and ventilation in room. | Large openings in walls are possible. |
| 16 | Load-bearing structures can be constructed without expensive plants and machines as compared to a framed structure. | Framed structures require expensive plants and machines to construct. |
| 17 | Walls have to be built first as they support the slab/roof and hence all walls have to be built simultaneously which is time-consuming | Generally, RCC framed structure is constructed first and the external as well as partition walls are constructed later, hence speed is more. |
| 18 | In case of a load-bearing structure, large span areas are not possible. Limitation of span i.e. room sizes. | In case of a framed structure, large span areas are possible. No Limitation of span i.e. room sizes. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Load Bearing Structures vs. Framed Structures
What are load bearing structures and framed structures?
Load bearing structures transmit vertical loads through walls, while framed structures use a framework of columns, beams, and floors to support loads.
What are the main differences between load bearing and framed structures?
Load bearing structures are cost-effective for low-rise buildings with thick walls, whereas framed structures are suitable for any number of stories with thinner walls.
Load bearing structures have slower construction compared to the speedy construction of framed structures.
Load bearing structures typically have poorer resistance to earthquakes compared to the good resistance of framed structures.
Which type of structure is more versatile in terms of architectural design?
Framed structures offer more flexibility in architectural design as walls are not load-bearing, allowing for larger open spaces and easier alterations to floor plans.
How do load bearing and framed structures differ in terms of construction labor and machinery requirements?
Load bearing structures are more labor-intensive and can be constructed without expensive machinery, whereas framed structures require less labor but necessitate expensive machinery for construction.
Are there any differences in the longevity and maintenance requirements between these two types of structures?
Load bearing structures may have a longer lifespan if constructed properly, but framed structures may require less maintenance if built according to specifications.
Which type of structure is more suitable for seismic-prone areas?
Framed structures typically offer better resistance to seismic forces due to the rigidity of the frame, compared to load bearing structures which may be less resilient.
How do load bearing and framed structures differ in terms of space utilization and room sizes?
Load bearing structures may have reduced room sizes due to thicker walls, while framed structures allow for larger spans and more uniform room sizes.
Can load bearing and framed structures accommodate different types of architectural functions within the same building?
Framed structures are more adaptable for accommodating various functions on different floors, such as commercial, office, or residential spaces, compared to load bearing structures which may have limitations in altering floor plans.
What are the implications of each type of structure on the provision of openings for windows and doors?
Load bearing structures may have limitations on providing openings in walls, affecting light and ventilation in rooms, whereas framed structures allow for larger openings in walls.
How does the construction sequence differ between load bearing and framed structures?
Load bearing structures require simultaneous construction of all walls to support the roof, while framed structures typically involve constructing the frame first followed by walls, allowing for faster construction.
