The course is aimed at familiarizing students with basic terminology, requirements, and design solutions in the field of building construction. The course covers building typology, design activities, the legal and regulatory framework for construction, basic structural elements, and building systems. Emphasis is placed on understanding the requirements for building structures and their application in the design of vertical and horizontal load-bearing and non-load-bearing structures, including structures connecting different height levels. The aim is to prepare students for the independent design and assessment of structural systems in accordance with technical standards and regulations.

Lecture outline

1. Introduction. Types of structures. Nomenclature and basic terminology of land structures. Project activities in construction. Methods of regulating and influencing construction – professional qualifications of workers, building law and regulations, Czech technical standards, technical requirements for structures, and modular coordination.
2. Basic requirements for building structures (mechanical resistance and stability, fire safety, health protection, environmental protection, safety and accessibility during use, operation and maintenance, energy saving, sustainable use of natural resources). Influences on building structures.
3. Structural elements. Requirements for the structural system of land structures. Stability and spatial rigidity of the structural system. Creation of a structural system. Types of structural systems (wall, skeleton, combined).
4. Vertical load-bearing structures – Wall structural system.
5. Vertical load-bearing structures – Skeleton structural system.
6. Vertical non-load-bearing structures. Lintels over openings and solutions for lintels.
7. Horizontal load-bearing structures – Vaults, monolithic ceiling structures.
8. Horizontal load-bearing structures – Semi-prefabricated and prefabricated ceiling structures.
9. Horizontal load-bearing structures – Wooden, steel and combined ceiling structures.
10. Connection of horizontal load-bearing structures to vertical load-bearing structures. Stiffening rings.
11. Overhanging and recessed structures – Balconies, loggias, galleries, bay windows, cornices, recessed floors, and terraces.
12. Structures connecting different height levels – Stairs – General principles for the design and normative regulations concerning the design of stair spaces, dimensions of stair treads and stair stringers.
13. Structures connecting different height levels – Stairs – Design of internal and external stairs. Types of stairs in wall and skeleton construction systems. Ladders, ramps, lifts, and escalators. Protective railings.

Practice outline

1. Introduction to exercises. Standards used for drawing building components. Modifications to drawings and studies. Technical font. Dimensions and layout of drawing sheets. Scales. Lines on drawings of buildings.
2. Drawing according to applicable standards – Marking materials in sections. Dimensioning. Marking references. Drawing fixtures. Marking floors and rooms.
3. Drawing according to applicable standards – Basics of typology. Module coordination (horizontal/vertical).
4. Drawing according to applicable standards – Drawing windows, doors and gates, cladding, chimney and ventilation ducts.
5. Drawing according to applicable standards – Floor plan and sections of a building without a basement with a first floor and habitable attic.
6. Drawing according to applicable standards – Individual assignment – floor plan of the first floor according to modular coordination and basics of typology.
7. Horizontal load-bearing structures – design of a monolithic ceiling above the first floor for individual assignment. Details of the ceiling's placement on vertical load-bearing structures (internal and external).
8. Horizontal load-bearing structures – design of a semi-prefabricated ceiling above the 1st floor for individual assignment. Details of the ceiling mounting on vertical load-bearing structures (internal and external).
9. Horizontal load-bearing structures – design of a prefabricated ceiling above the 1st floor for individual assignment. Details of the ceiling mounting on vertical load-bearing structures (internal and external).
10. Drawing according to applicable standards – Individual assignment – Section according to modular coordination.
11. Staircase design (slab, stringer). Drawing according to applicable standards.
12. Staircase design (spiral, mixed). Drawing according to applicable standards. Floor plan of staircases in a building with 1st to 3rd floors.
13. Completion, credit.

Learning outcomes

• Professional knowledge

Has knowledge of basic terminology, typology, and project activities in the field of building construction.

Is familiar with the legislative framework for construction (building law, decrees, ČSN) and technical requirements for buildings.

Understands the basic requirements for structures (mechanical resistance, stability, fire safety, health and environmental protection, sustainable use of resources).

Has an overview of structural elements and systems of building construction (wall, skeleton, combined).

Knows the principles of the creation and stability of structural systems and the influences acting on building structures.

Is familiar with the issues of individual types of load-bearing and non-load-bearing structures, including the details of their interconnection.

Knows the principles of designing horizontal structures (ceilings, vaults) and structures connecting different height levels (stairs, ramps, elevators).

• Professional skills

Able to apply knowledge in the design of structural systems for buildings.

Ability to analyse and evaluate basic requirements for building structures in terms of safety, stability, and operational characteristics.

Able to design a suitable type of structural system regarding the function of the building, material properties, and legislative requirements.

Able to design and dimension individual structural elements (walls, ceilings, staircases) in accordance with standards.

Able to interpret and use technical standards, project documentation, and technical regulations in the design of building structures.

• General competence

Is able to independently design and assess basic structural solutions for buildings in accordance with applicable legislation and technical standards.

Can work in a project team and effectively communicate designs and solutions to the professional public.

Is prepared to coordinate the design of individual structures within a comprehensive building design.

Can adapt to new technological and legislative changes in the field of construction.

Is able to continuously develop their knowledge and skills in the field of design and implementation of building structures.