The same building construction in Ontario can be done in many different ways. Among the changes, we can highlight those relating to the use of types of structures. The structure corresponds to the system responsible for keeping the building standing.
The choice of the structural system is one of the most relevant aspects of the project, profoundly impacting the budget and architectural language of the building. With the evolution and modernization of the industry, different types of structures in civil construction have emerged over time. Each structure is best suited for another building construction in Ontario. They all have pros and cons.
In this article, we will talk about using different types of structures in building construction in Ontario civil construction.
Reinforced concrete is the most used structural system in building construction in Ontario. Until the mid-19th century, buildings had a completely different appearance than they do today. You notice the thick walls when you visit a colonial mansion or old building. It occurred because these walls had a structural function, allowing less freedom to manufacture the internal elements.
It began to change in the second half of the 20th century with the invention of metallic structures and reinforced concrete. Reinforced concrete combines metal’s excellent resistance to traction and concrete’s good resistance to compression, making the element one of the best alternatives for structural systems.
Structural masonry refers to masonry bricks that have a structural function for the structures they comprise. The use of structural masonry nowadays in building construction in Ontario is carried out using concrete bricks, which provide more excellent quality and cost-benefit to the work. However, there are some limitations. The difficulty in carrying out renovations is one of the primary concerns, as breaking a wall is prohibited, as this action compromises the entire building structure. Another point is the need for greater integration, as a single error can result in the whole project needing to be redone. Furthermore, buildings produced with this system generally are at most five floors.
Metal was one of the materials responsible for breaking the monotony of structural systems from antiquity to the modern age. The robust response of this material to the stresses led it to be chosen for significant works and to bridge large gaps. In this way, it is possible to see the application of metallic structures in building construction in Ontario that needed to overcome significant gaps. One of the primary strategies for metallic structures to overcome large spans is trusses. The main ones are triangular truss, trapezoidal truss, and parallel flange truss.
The list of types of structures in building construction in Ontario also includes steel frames and wood frames. Both correspond to dry construction methods. They do not use water, which is very positive for sustainability. Furthermore, it has a lower waste rate than traditional construction methods. The difference between one and the other consists of choosing metal or wood. Installation of these structures occurs through assembly.