Siting, Design and Selection of Materials for Residential Buildings in Hilly Areas - Guidelines

IS 14804 - Scope and Key Specifications

• Scope (Clause 1.2):
  Applicable to general residential, low-rise buildings on individual plots, either non-engineered or marginally engineered (Clause 3.2). Industrial/special buildings require additional provisions.

• Material Properties Matrix (Clause 10.3.2, Table 1):
  Presents the status of property determination for common building materials:

• Rounding Off (Clause None):
  Follow IS 2:1960 for rounding numerical values, keeping significant figures consistent with specified values.

Summary

• Use this standard for low-rise residential buildings.
• Material properties are rated qualitatively (Excellent, Poor, Fair, No info).
• Refer to IS 2:1960 for rounding rules.

flowchart LR
    A[IS 148

IS 14804 - Referenced Indian Standards: Key Points

• Scope: Applies to general residential, low-rise buildings on individual plots, mostly non-engineered or marginally engineered.
• Annex A: Lists Indian Standards referenced in IS 14804, forming integral provisions of this code.
• Edition Validity: Editions cited were valid at publication; users should check for latest revisions.
• Rounding Off: Follow IS 2:1960 for rounding numerical values, maintaining significant figures as per specified values.
• No ISO Equivalent: This standard is based on Indian field practices; no ISO counterpart exists.

Important Referenced IS Codes (examples from Annex A):

Summary:

• Always verify the latest editions of referenced IS codes.
• Use IS 2:1960 for rounding off test or calculation results.
• Annex A of IS 14804 is the authoritative list for referenced standards.

flowchart LR
    A[IS 14804] --> B[Annex A: Referenced IS Codes]
    B --> C[IS 456: Concrete Design]
    B --> D[IS 875: Loads]
    B --> E[IS 1893: Earthquake Design]
    B --> F[IS 13827: Strengthening]

IS 14804: Definitions & Material Properties Overview

• Scope (Clause 1.2): Applies to general residential, low-rise buildings on individual plots; excludes industrial/special buildings.

• Rounding Off (Clause None): Use IS 2:1960 for rounding test/analysis results; maintain significant figures as per specified values.

• Marginally Engineered Construction (Clause 3.2): Construction following general design rules of thumb and specifications for main elements.

Key Material Properties Matrix (Table 1, Clause 10.3.2)

Legend:

• • = Excellent
• 0 = Poor
• • = Fair
• x or × = No information

Notes:

• This matrix guides selection based on material properties.
• For design, use these qualitative indicators alongside IS code formulas and tables.
• Refer to IS 456 for concrete design and IS 800 for steel design for detailed formulas.

flowchart TD
    A[Material Selection] --> B{Check Properties}
    B -->|

IS 14804: Guidelines for Residential Buildings in Hilly Areas - Key Points on Landslides & Hazards

1. Risk Assessment (Clause 6.2.5.3)

• Data Collection: Use all available geological, hydrological, and historical landslide data.
• Local Conditions: Assess slope, soil type, vegetation, and rainfall to gauge risk severity.

2. Design Considerations

• Slope Stability: Avoid building on slopes >30°. If unavoidable, use retaining walls and proper drainage.
• Drainage: Design surface and subsurface drainage to prevent water accumulation and soil saturation.
• Foundation: Prefer deep foundations or stepped footings on slopes to prevent sliding.

3. Material Selection

• Use lightweight, flexible materials to reduce load and accommodate minor movements.

4. Typical Slope Stability Formula

[ F_s = \frac{c' + (\sigma - u) \tan \phi'}{\tau} ]

Where:

• (F_s) = Factor of Safety (should be >1.5)
• (c') = Effective cohesion
• (\sigma) = Normal stress
• (u) = Pore water pressure
• (\phi') = Effective angle of internal friction
• (\tau) = Shear stress

5. Recommended Slope Categories (Indicative)

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Site Survey] --> B{Slope > 30%?}
    B -- Yes --> C[High Risk: Avoid or Stabilize]
    B -- No --> D{Soil Type}
    D -->|Stable| E[Standard Design]
    D -->|Unstable| F[Use Retaining Walls & Drainage]
    E --> G[Select Materials]
    F --> G
    G --> H[Construct]

Summary: IS 14804 emphasizes thorough risk data use, slope analysis, drainage design, and material selection for safe residential construction in h

IS 14804: Climatic & Environmental Considerations for Residential Buildings in Hilly Areas

• Design Objective: Ensure thermal comfort by protecting occupants from prevailing climate (Clause 5.3).

• Key Design Factors (Clause 5.3.2):

  • Consider the dominant extreme temperature lasting longest in the year.
  • Design roof & wall thickness accordingly.
  • Optimize position and size of openings (windows, doors) to balance insulation and ventilation.
  • Account for small temperature swings between seasons and day/night in cool upland regions.

Practical Guidelines:

Thermal Comfort Formula (Simplified):

[ Q = U \times A \times \Delta T ]

• (Q) = Heat loss/gain (W)
• (U) = Overall heat transfer coefficient (W/m²K)
• (A) = Surface area (m²)
• (\Delta T) = Temperature difference (°C)

Design to minimize (Q) for cold climates by increasing wall/roof insulation (lower (U)).

flowchart LR
    Climate --> Design[Design Parameters]
    Design --> Wall[Wall Thickness & Material]
    Design --> Roof[Roof Design]
    Design --> Openings[Position & Size of Openings]
    Design --> Ventilation[Controlled Ventilation]
    Design --> ThermalComfort[Thermal Comfort Achieved]

Summary: Tailor building envelope and openings based on local temperature extremes and duration to maximize occupant comfort in hilly climates per IS 14804 guidelines.

IS 14804: Planning and Design Considerations for Residential Buildings in Hilly Areas

Key Points from IS 14804:

• Clause 3.2: Marginally Engineered Construction

  • Use simple, proven design rules.
  • Emphasize local materials and traditional construction techniques.
  • Focus on safety and durability with minimal engineering input.

• Clause 6.4: Roof Design

  • Roofs must withstand heavy rainfall and snow loads.
  • Steep slopes (minimum 30° to 45°) recommended for effective drainage.
  • Use lightweight, corrosion-resistant materials to reduce load.
  • Provide adequate overhangs (minimum 0.5 m) to protect walls from rain.

General Design Considerations:

Formula for Roof Load (simplified):

[ W = W_{dead} + W_{live} + W_{snow} ]

• (W_{dead}): Self-weight of roof materials
• (W_{live}): Maintenance load (usually 0.5 kN/m²)
• (W_{snow}): Snow load as per local climate data

flowchart TD
    A[Planning] --> B[Site Selection]
    B --> C[Material Selection]
    C --> D[Structural Design]
    D --> E[Roof Design]
    E --> F[Drainage & Overhangs]

Summary: IS 14804 emphasizes simple, robust design using local materials, steep roofs for drainage, and adequate overhangs to protect against harsh hilly climates.

IS 14804 - Site Selection Criteria (Clause 6.2 & 6.2.1)

Key objectives for site selection include:

• Developable Topography:

  • Prefer gentle slopes (typically < 15°) to minimize earthwork and ensure stability.
  • Avoid steep slopes prone to landslides or erosion.

• Proximity to Workplace:

  • Select sites close to daily work locations to reduce travel time and improve living convenience.

• Additional Considerations (from general practice in hilly areas):

  • Avoid areas prone to flooding, landslides, or seismic hazards.
  • Ensure good sunlight exposure and ventilation.
  • Accessibility to roads and utilities.

Typical Site Selection Parameters Table

Note: IS 14804 provides guidelines rather than strict formulas; site-specific geotechnical investigations are essential.

flowchart LR
    A[Site Selection] --> B[Developable Topography]
    A --> C[Proximity to Workplace]
    A --> D[Environmental Safety]
    B --> E[Slope ≤ 15°]
    D --> F[Avoid Landslides/Floods]
    D --> G[Good Drainage]

IS 14804 provides guidelines for disaster resistant construction but refers to other codes for detailed design and specifications.

Key Principles for Disaster Resistant Construction (per IS 14804):

• Professional Input: Use hydrology, weather forecasting, and modern materials knowledge.
• Limited Damage Objective: Aim for buildings that sustain only limited damage under disasters.
• Material Selection: Use new, field-tested materials suitable for the region, especially in hilly areas.
• Engineering Design: Apply engineering principles for disaster resistant planning, design, and supervision.

Recommended References for Detailed Codes:

• Earthquake Resistance: IS 1893 (Part 1)
• Wind Resistance: IS 875 (Part 3)
• Flood Resistant Design: IS 14458
• Cyclone Resistant Construction: IS 15498

Typical Disaster Resistant Design Considerations:

Summary Diagram of Disaster Resistant Construction Principles

graph TD
    A[Disaster Resistant Construction] --> B[Professional Input]
    A --> C[Material Selection]
    A --> D[Engineering Design]
    A --> E[Limited Damage Objective]
    B --> F[Hydrology & Weather Forecasting]
    C --> G[Field Tested Materials]
    D --> H[Refer IS Codes]
    H --> I[IS 1893 Earthquake]
    H --> J[IS 875 Wind]
    H --> K[IS 14458 Flood]
    H --> L[IS 15498 Cyclone]

Note: IS 14804 is a guideline document. Always consult relevant IS codes for detailed design formulas and tables.

IS 14804: Safety and Shelter Provisions - Key Points

1. Safety Measures Against High Wind and Snow Storms (Clause 9.2)

• Design must resist wind pressures as per IS 875 (Part 3).
• Snow loads should be considered based on local climatic data.
• Structural elements must have adequate strength and anchorage to prevent uplift and lateral forces.

2. Applicability (Clause 1.2)

• Applies to low-rise residential buildings on individual plots.
• Covers non-engineered or marginally engineered structures.
• Industrial/special buildings require additional specific standards.

3. Reference Standards (Annex A)

• IS 875 (Part 3): Wind Loads on Buildings.
• IS 875 (Part 4): Snow Loads.
• IS 1893: Earthquake Resistant Design (for hilly areas).

Typical Wind Load Calculation (IS 875 Part 3):

[ P = 0.6 \times V^2 \times C_d \times C_e \times C_s ]

Where:

• (P) = design wind pressure (kN/m²)
• (V) = basic wind speed (m/s)
• (C_d) = drag coefficient
• (C_e) = exposure coefficient
• (C_s) = size factor

Snow Load (IS 875 Part 4):

[ S = \mu \times S_0 ]

Where:

• (S) = design snow load (kN/m²)
• (\mu) = shape coefficient (depends on roof slope)
• (S_0) = ground snow load (from local data)

flowchart LR
    A[Site Selection] --> B[Siting Guidelines]
    B --> C[Design for Wind Loads]
    B --> D[Design for Snow Loads]
    C --> E[Use IS 875 Part 3]
    D --> F[Use IS 875 Part 4]
    E & F --> G[Structural Safety Checks]

Summary: Follow IS 875 for wind and snow loads, apply local climatic data, and ensure structural anchorage and strength for safety in hilly residential buildings.

IS 14804: Appropriate Building Materials - Key Points

1. Properties Matrix (Clause 10.3.2, Table 1)

• Symbols: *Excellent, 0 Poor, - Fair, x No info.

2. State-wise Material Usage (Clause 10.4.1, Table 2)

• Foundation: Stone or brick masonry with mud/cement/lime mortar.
• Walling: Burnt/unburnt bricks, stone, timber, bamboo with mud/cement/lime plaster.
• Roofing: Gable/hipped roofs with slate tiles, galvanized sheets, wooden planks, or thatch depending on region.

3. Recommendations:

• Use burnt bricks in cement mortar or cement concrete for structural strength.
• Timber and bamboo are suitable in hilly regions for flexibility and seismic resistance.
• Select materials based on availability and local climatic conditions (see Table 2 for regional guidance).

flowchart LR
    A[Material Selection] --> B{Properties}
    B --> C[Compressive Strength]
    B --> D[Tensile/She

IS 14804: Construction Techniques & Structural Systems - Key Points

1. Material Properties Matrix (Clause 10.3.2, Table 1)

Legend:
* Excellent, 0 Poor, - Fair, x No information

2. Traditional Construction Systems (Clause 10.4.1, Table 2)

IS 14804: Maintenance and Durability - Key Points

1. Important Material Properties (Clause 10.3.1)

• Unit Weight: Lighter materials preferred for seismic resistance.
• Strength: Compression, tension, shear including dynamic effects.
• Modulus of Elasticity: Including strain-rate effects.
• Damping: Higher damping at various strain levels improves durability.
• Lateral Load-Displacement: Plastic deformation capacity under reversed loading.
• Durability: Resistance to weathering, corrosion, insect attack.
• Fire Resistance: Essential for longevity.

2. Material Properties Matrix (Clause 10.3.2 - Table 1)

Legend:
* Excellent | 0 Poor | - Fair | x No Information

3. State-wise Material Usage in Hilly Areas (Clause 10.4.1 - Table 2)

• Foundation: Brick/stone with mud/cement/lime mortar.
• Walling: Burnt/unburnt bricks, stone, timber, bamboo.
• Roofing: Slate, galvanized sheets, wooden planks, thatch.

Summary for Maintenance & Durability:

• Use materials with high strength, elasticity, and damping.
• Ensure good weathering and insect resistance.
• Select roofing and walling materials suitable for local climate and seismic conditions.

IS 14804 references several Indian Standards essential for siting, design, and material selection in residential buildings in hilly areas. Key points:

• Applicability: General residential, low-rise buildings on individual plots; non-engineered or marginally engineered.
• Referenced Standards: Listed in Annex A (not provided here), these standards form integral provisions of IS 14804.
• Revision Note: Always verify and apply the latest editions of referenced standards.

Commonly Referenced IS Codes in Residential Building Design:

Note:

• For hilly areas, additional considerations include slope stability, drainage, and foundation design.
• Refer to Annex A of IS 14804 for exact standards and editions.

flowchart LR
    A[IS 14804 Guidelines] --> B[Annex A: Referenced IS Codes]
    B --> C[IS 456 - Concrete]
    B --> D[IS 875 - Loads]
    B --> E[IS 1893 - Earthquake]
    B --> F[IS 800 - Steel]
    B --> G[IS 13827 - Retrofitting]

Always cross-check the latest versions for compliance and safety.

IS 14804: House Forms and Patterns in Different Hilly Regions

Key Specifications & Patterns (Clause 6.1.4 & Annex B)

• Typology varies by region: North & North-East hilly states show distinct house forms.
• Common features: Storage spaces for fuel wood and granaries.
• Roof forms: Predominantly sharply inclined gable or hipped roofs to shed snow/rain.
• Walls: Use of stone, mud, bamboo, timber depending on local availability.
• Foundations: Stone or brick masonry in mud/cement/lime mortar.

State-wise Materials Usage (Table 10.5.3)

Design Tips for Hilly Houses

• Sharp roof slopes: ≥ 30° to prevent snow accumulation.
• Use local materials: Stone, timber, bamboo for sustainability.
• Raised platforms/stilts: In flood-prone or wet areas.
• Thick wall insulation: Mud plaster or lime for thermal comfort.

IS 14804 - Committee Composition Summary

• The technical committee composition is detailed in Annex C of IS 14804.
• The committee is chaired by Dr. Gopal Ranjan.
• Members represent diverse organizations such as:
  • Public Works Departments (e.g., Jammu & Kashmir)
  • Indian Institute of Remote Sensing
  • National Buildings Construction Corporation
  • Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Design Organization
  • Ministry of Surface Transport
  • Indian Roads Congress
  • Central Water Commission
  • Indian Meteorological Department
  • Building Materials & Technology Promotion Council
  • Forest Survey of India
  • Regional Research Laboratory
  • Ministry of Railways
  • G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development
  • School of Planning and Architecture
  • Central Building Research Institute
  • Geological Survey of India
  • Army Headquarters (Engineer-in-Chief's Branch)

This multi-disciplinary committee ensures comprehensive expertise in formulating the standard.

Key Points on Committee Composition (Annex C)

If you need specific formulas or tables related to technical content (loads, materials, construction), please specify the clause or topic. Annex C focuses solely on committee composition.