"Important NOTE" Information Provided On This
Website Is Intended For "GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY" And Must Be
Only Be Used Only As A "GUIDE" It Must Not Be Used For Decision Making, Or
Be Used For Any Building Purposes Or Legal Proceedings. Refer To Our Policies On This Website.
WHAT BENEFITS DO SUSPENDED REINFORCED CONCRETE BALCONIES PROVIDE TO HOME
OWNERS.
In many aspects a balcony resembles the deck of a house. They do have differences in some key areas.
Decks are connected to the ground via load bearing pillars, balconies are attached to the side of the
building. Usually a balcony will have much less space than a deck.
Since it is attached to the side of the building, at a considerable height, care should be taken to ensure
that
the design and construction is safe and sound.
METHODS OF REINFORCEMENT:
Suspended steel reinforced concrete balconies are cantilevers and are attached only on one side. They
have to be tied onto a load bearing structure from the side of the building.
The concrete has to be reinforced to see that it can take the load of the maximum weight people and
furniture. Generally a suspended reinforced concrete balcony will be designed and planned at the
time
of initial construction.
There are many ways to reinforce the concrete in a balcony. The most commonly used method will be steel
reinforced concrete. The other methods include using reinforcement with ribs on the underside.
By using ribs, it imparts flexibility and the strength to the concrete but at the same time it reduces the
weight
of the balcony.
However, the aesthetic aspect has to be taken into account, depending on the exterior design of
the building.
Sharp angled ribs on the underside of the balcony, may not match a building with rounded exteriors.
Whereas, when the reinforcement is done by rebars, they are concealed.
FUNCTIONS OF A SUSPENDED REINFORCED CONCRETE
BALCONY:
A balcony is defined as a platform that projects from a building and is surrounded by rails, balustrade or
parapet walls. It is generally regarded as a fun space in the house.
Most people use the balcony to laze around and enjoy the elevated view. In many places a balcony is
used
for ceremonial purposes. In England, newly married Royalist, appear on a balcony of the palace,
to acknowledge the greetings of the crowds below.
In many ornate buildings, the shape of the balcony, gives the building its distinct identity. Many railing
styles can be used for the balcony. Rails which extend to all three sides with work in between.
The design is for aesthetic value, but it acts as a safety barrier to prevent people (especially children) from
falling over. The railings can be made from brass, stainless steel, wrought iron, a combination of
glass and
steel etc.
Due to constraints in space, balcony gardens have become very popular in urban areas. The plants are generally
grown in containers. Even growing vegetables on balconies have been taken up by some enterprising homeowners.
HOW DO YOU BUILD A SUSPENDED REINFORCED CONCRETE BALCONY:
Planning Stage:
This is the first important step in constructing a balcony. You have to decide where you want to put it,
what
its size and weight will be. A balcony as an addition will require a permit from the local building
authority.
All details regarding its design parameters have to be submitted. This is not a job for a do-it-yourself
enthusiast.
It is better to consult a structural engineer since the balcony will have to be tied to the main structure of
the building, after taking into consideration the design of the existing building.
This joint has to be strong to support the balcony at the same time should not weaken the existing building.
Support of the Balcony: The design, weight and support of the balcony are of crucial importance,
especially
if it is to be a suspended type reinforced concrete balcony.
If it has been incorporated in the initial design or if a provision has been made for adding a balcony at a
later stage, then it is an easy job. Otherwise every aspect of the balcony design has to be decided in great
detail
so that the balcony is a safe structure.
Building And Preparation Of A
Suspended Reinforced Concrete Balcony:
Once the design has been approved, the concrete can be cast on the ground and then fixed or it can be
cast in-situ.
If it is cast in-situ, the form work, reinforcement and the tie to the building must be in place, before
the
concrete is poured. As with all construction it should be started bottom up.
The concrete has to set and be cured completely before the form work is removed. The surface of the concrete
slab can then be finished.
The final work will be installation of the railing, balustrade etc. All safety checks must be carried out by engineers, before others are permitted to use the balcony.
|
Videos Are Under Construction They Will Be Uploaded
Soon |
|
Videos Are Under Construction They Will Be Uploaded
Soon |
"Important NOTE" Information Provided On This Website Is
Intended For "GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY" And Must Be Only
Be Used Only As A "GUIDE" It Must Not Be Used For Decision Making, Or
Be Used For Any Building Purposes Or Legal Proceedings. Refer To Our Policies On This Website.
|