INTRODUCTION

Although buildings are constructed based on the space requirement and safety needs, they are also to be protected from natural calamities such as action of termites, dampness, fire, lightening, earthquake, etc. Steps taken during construction itself to protect the buildings from the above calamities the durability and life of the building will be increased.

Termites are commonly found in tropical and sub-tropical countries. These termites are nothing but white ants which live in a colony and destroy textiles, woodwork, paper products, etc. As doors and windows and other cubboards and furnitures are of wood, it is essential to safeguard these from termite. Necessary steps should be taken during construction of the building.

One of the essential requirements of a building is that it should be dry. Dampness in building may occur due to several reasons such as improper design, faulty construction, use of poor quality materials, ground water position, etc. Dampness not only affects the life span of the building but also creates unhygienic conditions to the occupants. Damp prevention is considered to be one of the important items of work in the construction of a building.

Fire protection is another important requirement to ensure the safety of the building. Protection of a building against fire can be attained by the use of special materials and construction techniques which aim at giving adequate resistance to the spread of fire within the building. The building components should be fire resistant, at least for a few hours, so that the occupants can live safely. Also, there should be sufficient appliances available to stop fire from spreading.

Tall buildings and buildings constructed in open areas are to be protected from lightening failing which the building will be subjected to large quantity of electricity. This may cause electrification of occupants. Hence, necessary lightening-protection system should be provided in the building.

Buildings are also to be protected from the dangerous natural calamity, the earthquake.

Protection