When creating a glazed wall, curtain walling is one solution (with prefabricated sections hung in place) or, alternatively, the glass itself can be hung from a frame. Using trusses to span a wall or building height, often along with diagonal bracing, the structure must be strong in tension but able to flex if struck by [...]
Skyscraper buildings are usually built by constructing a core column in the building that is load bearing and is the main support for the construction. On the core, the various floors are effectively ‘hung’ from that support and then curtain walling techniques are often used to clad the exterior.
When in use, this core also is [...]
Purpose
ensures uniform loading over ground
eliminates capillary void for damp
enables fill to required level
clean dry and level working surface
Includes…
brick/tile, clinker, gravel, quarry
waste, shale
Must not include…
plaster, timber, thermal block
Curtain Walling is a method of cladding a building using prefabricated materials that are brought to site and simply hung off the main structure. Often these skins are either profile steel sheeting, such as is seen on light industrial buildings, or glazed panels, such as on tall office buildings.
The process is very simple to do, [...]
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Design Detail
This stage requires an agreement by all concerned of the design, in order for full drawings to be made as well as a complete cost check on all parts and components, pulled together in the Bill of Quantities.
Tender
Developers will then usually [...]
Insulation has the benefits of increased thermal advantage in a building. It locks in heat or helps to keep it out under warmer temperatures. It is also likely to reduce energy requirements, and as such utility bills and CO2 usage.
Many consider it to be very cost effective with the pay-back-period often quite short with the [...]
The main purpose of insulation is to reduce the loss of heat through a building. By looking at which areas loose the most heat from a domestic dwelling, key areas for insulation can be identified.
The following give an illustration of approximate heat loss percentages…
Roof – 25%
Roofs are now largely insulated to some extent to reduce [...]
General insulation for walls or roofs can come in a variety of formats…
Loose Fill is made up of polystyrene beads or cellulose fibre and can be poured into spaces such as cavities.
Bat insulation is a semi-rigid insulation board often made up from compressed cellulose fibre, mineral wool or glass fibre.
Blanket insulation is [...]
It used to be commonplace to have a Vapour Control Layer (VCL) as part of the wall lining in timber buildings. It would stop vapour escaping from rooms and into the structure, where it may condense and cause rot to occur – especially in timber framed buildings. More modern timber buildings, however, have their structure [...]
