There is no single standard size of footing for a 2-storey house — size depends on column load, soil bearing capacity (SBC), and whether you use isolated, combined, or raft foundations. This page gives indicative starting points for budgeting before structural design. Typical isolated footing ranges (indicative) Light 2-storey load (~5–8 t/col), SBC 100 kN/m²:…

Gypsum plaster (often board-based or site-applied gypsum) gives a smooth paint-ready interior finish quickly. Neeru plaster (lime/sand traditional finish) is valued for breathable exteriors and heritage-style texture in South India. Broader plaster types: plaster finishes guide. Gypsum boards: gypsum board. Quick comparison Gypsum: Fast interior levelling; avoid chronic wet areas without membrane. Neeru: Traditional exterior…

Shear wall technology and Mivan shuttering are often compared on Indian project brochures, but they are not direct substitutes. Shear walls are structural elements; Mivan is a formwork system for casting RCC walls and slabs quickly. Key differences Shear wall: Lateral load-resisting RCC wall — see shear wall guide. Mivan: Aluminium formwork for rapid repetitive…

Tension piles resist uplift (pull-out). Compression piles carry downward structural load into the ground. The same physical pile can sometimes do both over its life, but design, reinforcement, and testing differ. Comparison table Factor Compression pile Tension pile Load direction Downward (gravity) Upward (uplift) Typical use Buildings, bridges Basements, towers, guy anchors Capacity mechanism End…

A stitch raft foundation (stitch slab or stitch beam between rafts) ties two or more adjacent mat foundations so they behave as one system under differential settlement and lateral load. It is common when a building straddles an existing structure or expansion joint. Why stitch rafts? Limit differential settlement between old and new blocks Transfer…

A toe wall and a retaining wall both resist soil pressure, but they solve different problems. Confusing the two is common on Indian sites — this guide explains roles, sections, and when each is specified. Quick comparison Factor Toe wall Retaining wall Main job Toe/key at base of footing or abutment Hold back soil mass…