Superstructure Walls Function of a wall A wall

  • Slides: 7
Download presentation
Superstructure - Walls

Superstructure - Walls

Function of a wall A wall performs a number of functions… • A walls

Function of a wall A wall performs a number of functions… • A walls main function is to transfer the loads of a building safely to the ground A walls also: • Reduces sound transmission • Provides shelter and security • Resists heat transfer – (prevents heat loss from a building)

Detailing a wall This is the process of producing a drawing that contains all

Detailing a wall This is the process of producing a drawing that contains all the details about the construction of a wall. • External walls - Mainly constructed as cavity walls using bricks and blocks. • Internal walls - Tend to be constructed using timber. Can be constructed in solid blockwork if they are to be load bearing. Can also be constructed as metal stud walls, made of aluminium, with glass panels

Constructing brick walls Materials used… There are many different bricks you can choose for

Constructing brick walls Materials used… There are many different bricks you can choose for the external skin of a brick wall. Styles and colour should be chosen carefully so that the finish looks as pleasing as possible. Thermalite Blocks or soild blocks are used for the internal skin of brick wall.

Constructing brick walls Materials used… Mortar is used to bond bricks and blocks together

Constructing brick walls Materials used… Mortar is used to bond bricks and blocks together Mortar is a mixture of: • building sand hydrated lime or • building sand, hydrated lime and cement. Hydrated lime make the mortar more workable but it is more porous, meaning it lets moisture through, and can allow frost to penetrate the brickwork and cause damage.

Wall finishes Rendering brickwork – this is a process similar to plastering. Render is

Wall finishes Rendering brickwork – this is a process similar to plastering. Render is applied to bare brick and block work and can be given different textures. Facing brickwork – is the brick work that you see when looking at a building Mortar joints are usually pointed to improve weather proofing and the appearance of the brickwork. There are four different types of finish that can be applied: Bucket handle Weathered Flush Recessed Bucket handle and weather struck give better weather resistance. Recessed and flush give a better appearance.

Wall openings Opening have to be included in walls to provide: • • Access

Wall openings Opening have to be included in walls to provide: • • Access Ventilation – the circulation of fresh air in a building Sunlight Aesthetics – makes a building look more attractive The two main openings are doors and windows Wall openings have different components. These components have different functions. Component Function Lintel A horizontal support across the top of a door or window. Supports loads above a wall opening Sill A piece of material below a door or window to allow rainwater to run off, away from the opening Threshold A strip of material forming the bottom of a doorway Cavity tray A damp-proof course inside a cavity tray, which funnels moisture out of the cavity through weep holes Cavity closure This closes off the cavity around a wall opening, reducing heat loss Weep hole A small opening in brickwork which allows moisture to escape