external walls Flashcards
What are the functional requirements of a wall?
Stability, strength, exclusion of wind and rain, durability, fire resistance, resistance to sound transmission and absorption, thermal properties
These requirements ensure walls perform effectively in various environmental conditions.
What should the external facade protect the interior occupants from?
Rainfall, sunlight, temperature, wind, frost
Most of this information can be found in approved document A.
Why must walls be designed to accommodate temperature differences?
To allow for expansion and contraction joints
This is especially important in buildings located in foreign countries with significant temperature variations.
What is cladding in the context of building construction?
The external part of a building
Cladding plays a crucial role in the building’s protection and aesthetic appeal.
What is the purpose of frames in buildings?
To provide stability between frames and protect from high winds
Frames are essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the building.
What is a rain screen?
A form of lightweight external wall in front of aluminium internal frames
It protects buildings from rain seeping in and is part of a system known as curtain walling.
What are the requirements for buildings regarding fire protection?
To protect the building from fire and not encourage fire with combustible materials
Buildings should not support fire due to the materials they contain.
What are non-loading parts of a building considered?
Unprotected areas
External cladding is treated as a non-loading part, which excludes it from certain requirements.
What is cold bridging?
A phenomenon in building construction where thermal energy is lost through structural elements
It can lead to increased heating costs and condensation issues.
What is a steel frame structure?
A type of construction that uses steel frames for support
These structures are known for their strength and stability.
What is the grid system in steel frame construction?
A layout designed by a site engineer for structural support
It ensures proper load distribution and stability.
What are columns in steel frame structures called?
Stanchions
Stanchions are designed to bear compression loads.
What is the role of tie beams in steel frame structures?
They are in tension
Tie beams help maintain the structural integrity by connecting columns.
What is a castellated beam?
A beam that increases depth for the same price while improving strength
This design is effective for enhancing structural performance.
What methods are used to connect steel structures?
Welding and bolting
Different types of welds are utilized based on the structure’s requirements.
What type of steel is most commonly used for columns?
Mild steel
Mild steel contains little carbon, making it suitable for structural applications.
How high are columns typically in a building?
Normally only two stories high
This height helps maintain structural stability and ease of construction.
What is reinforced concrete construction?
A construction method using concrete that is reinforced with steel bars
This technique enhances the strength and durability of concrete structures.
What is cross wall construction?
A method where walls are constructed monolithically
In this technique, walls between columns are not load-bearing.
Where is reinforcing usually placed in a beam?
In the bottom of the beam
This placement helps manage tension and compression forces effectively.
What types of reinforcing are mentioned?
- Cold rib twisting reinforcing
- Hot rib reinforcing
- Cold twisting square reinforcing
These methods enhance the structural integrity of concrete elements.
