One of the most common terms in any superstructure is plinth level. In simple words, the plinth level forms the foundation of a house. Apart from the plinth level, there are many more levels like the lintel level, sill level, etc. All of these levels are mandatory to provide stability to the structure.
Source: Pinterest
What is the plinth level?
The plinth level is basically the level that stays between the original ground level and the finished floor level of the building. The original ground level is the topmost layer of the soil present around the structure. This level is usually levelled up with a mechanical process or machinery use. On the other hand, the finished floor level is the ground floor level which is built inside the building.
The plinth level can also be understood by the level from which the superstructure starts and the substructure ends.
Another important term that comes within the context of plinth level is plinth height. Plinth height is the height of the plinth level from the original ground level. Usually, a height of 350 mm or 450 mm is used as the plinth height.
Source: Pinterest
What is the major importance of the plinth level?
The plinth level has a lot of functions:
- The plinth level is useful in maintaining the aesthetic view of the superstructure.
- The plinth level can work as a retaining wall.
- The plinth level is known for retaining backfill soil.
- The plinth level works as a load bearer which consumes the load coming from the superstructure. The plinth level sends a load of superstructure under the soil or ground.
What can be the proper height of the plinth level in a residential superstructure?
When a residential project is constructed, the proper plinth level is decided beforehand. But before the decision, there are lots of factors that help to take the measurement of the plinth level. Usually, the plinth level is dependent on the existing height of the road, construction type, economic development of the construction, etc.
The mandatory thing to be followed is that the plinth level is always more than the adjacent road level. This factor helps to keep away rainwater, especially in the monsoon.
If the plinth level becomes too high, it may also create difficulty in driving or the movement of transportation.
For a standard residential building, the plinth level varies from 350 mm to 450 mm. Overall, the plinth level can vary from 150 mm to 600 mm. A total of 3 to 5 stairs are enough to reach the plinth level of the building.
Source: Pinterest
What is the difference between the plinth level and the sill level?
-
Plinth level
-
- It is the part that stays between the original ground level and the finished floor level.
- The plinth beam is used at the plinth level.
- The height of the plinth can vary from 350 mm to 450 mm.
-
Sill level
-
- It is the part that stays between the lower part of the window and the finished floor level.
- A cement concrete bed is placed at the sill level.
- The sill level for normal rooms is usually 600 mm and for the washroom or toilet, the height is usually 1100 mm.
What is the difference between the plinth level and the lintel level?
-
Plinth level
-
- It is the part that stays between the original ground level and the finished floor level.
- It is used to prevent seepage in the building.
- The height of the plinth can vary from 350 mm to 450 mm.
-
Lintel level
-
- The Lintel level is part of the building which stays between the top slab and the uppermost section of the window or door.
- The Lintel level helps transfer the upper load to the adjacent walls.
- The lintel level is usually 2130 mm for all residential buildings and 2316 mm for all commercial buildings.
FAQs
What is the standard plinth height taken for a residential superstructure?
The standard plinth height taken for a residential superstructure is 350 mm or 450 mm.
What is a building code?
A building code is a collection of all kinds of rules and regulations that should be followed by all real estate companies or the public to build any kind of structure. In a building code, all kinds of minimum standards, quality of materials, use of materials, occupancy, safety precautions, maintenance of the building, etc., are mentioned.
What is the building code of India?
In India, the National Building Code, or the NBC, is the rulebook for building-related queries and standards.