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Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of the cavity in a cavity wall?
What is the primary purpose of the cavity in a cavity wall?
What are the two leaves in a cavity wall primarily constructed of?
What are the two leaves in a cavity wall primarily constructed of?
What is one of the primary advantages of cavity walls in terms of moisture?
What is one of the primary advantages of cavity walls in terms of moisture?
How does the cavity in cavity walls contribute to thermal insulation?
How does the cavity in cavity walls contribute to thermal insulation?
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Which material is often used to fill the cavity between the walls?
Which material is often used to fill the cavity between the walls?
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How thick should each leaf of a cavity wall ideally be?
How thick should each leaf of a cavity wall ideally be?
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Which of the following is a disadvantage of cavity walls?
Which of the following is a disadvantage of cavity walls?
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What happens when the outer leaf of a cavity wall becomes wet?
What happens when the outer leaf of a cavity wall becomes wet?
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What guideline should be followed concerning the cavity width for effective insulation?
What guideline should be followed concerning the cavity width for effective insulation?
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Which material is commonly used for making wall ties in cavity wall construction?
Which material is commonly used for making wall ties in cavity wall construction?
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What is a key feature of air in the cavity of a cavity wall?
What is a key feature of air in the cavity of a cavity wall?
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What occurs if the cavity is sealed at various points?
What occurs if the cavity is sealed at various points?
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What is one key function of wall ties in cavity wall systems?
What is one key function of wall ties in cavity wall systems?
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How did the perception of cavity walls change over time?
How did the perception of cavity walls change over time?
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What effect does the air in a cavity wall have on sound insulation?
What effect does the air in a cavity wall have on sound insulation?
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Which of the following is true concerning the strength of cavity walls?
Which of the following is true concerning the strength of cavity walls?
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What is the minimum width of the cavity in cavity walls?
What is the minimum width of the cavity in cavity walls?
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What is the recommended mortar mix ratio for the outer part of a cavity wall?
What is the recommended mortar mix ratio for the outer part of a cavity wall?
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What is the purpose of the damp-proof membrane in cavity walls?
What is the purpose of the damp-proof membrane in cavity walls?
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Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice for constructing cavity walls?
Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice for constructing cavity walls?
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What should be used to tie the outer and inner parts of the cavity wall together?
What should be used to tie the outer and inner parts of the cavity wall together?
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How far apart should bonding ties be spaced vertically in cavity walls?
How far apart should bonding ties be spaced vertically in cavity walls?
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What is the maximum thickness of the outer part of the cavity wall?
What is the maximum thickness of the outer part of the cavity wall?
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Which of the following statements about mortar projection is true?
Which of the following statements about mortar projection is true?
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Study Notes
Cavity Wall Overview
- A cavity wall consists of two walls (leaves) separated by an air space, enhancing structural integrity and thermal performance.
- Typical thickness of each leaf is at least 75mm (7.5 cm).
- The cavity can remain empty or filled with insulating and waterproofing materials.
Advantages of Cavity Walls
- Damp Prevention: Reduces moisture transfer, keeping the inner leaf dry.
- Thermal Insulation: Air in the cavity serves as a non-conductor, minimizing heat transmission between leaves.
- Sound Insulation: Cavity absorbs sound, providing soundproofing benefits to the internal space.
Disadvantages of Cavity Walls
- Increased construction costs.
- Requires skilled labor for proper installation.
- More time-consuming to construct compared to traditional walls.
- Potentially weaker in structural strength.
Cavity Width Regulations
- Minimum cavity width: 50mm; Maximum: 100mm, with regulations on spacing of wall ties.
- Ties should be no more than 900mm apart horizontally and 450mm apart vertically.
Wall Ties
- Essential for stabilizing the leaves of a cavity wall and preventing water passage from the outer to inner leaf.
- Typically made from non-ferrous metal or stainless steel.
- Must be kept clean from mortar during construction to maintain effectiveness.
Damp-Proofing Measures
- Recommended to install damp-proof membranes at critical points (reveals, heads of openings, sills) to prevent moisture ingress.
- Additional stability is encouraged by sealing cavities at roof levels to prevent dampness.
Construction Principles
- Use high-quality bricks for the outer leaf, laid with a cement mortar mix of 1:4.
- Keep outer wall thickness no less than 100mm.
- Ensure consistent cavity width throughout the wall’s height; standardized width is crucial for stability.
- Employ rust-resistant ties to connect inner and outer leaves, maintaining a water-tight barrier.
- Ties should be staggered, spaced appropriately (no more than 1000mm horizontally, three courses vertically).
Summary of Construction Considerations
- Optimize cavity design with adequate thickness and deep connections between walls.
- Regularly check for excess mortar during construction to ensure cavity cleanliness.
- Incorporate horizontal damp-proof courses as necessary to enhance moisture management.
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Description
Explore the fascinating world of cavity walls in construction. This quiz delves into the advantages and historical significance of cavity walls, showcasing how they have evolved from a medieval trend to a modern architectural standard. Test your knowledge and learn more about this unique aspect of building design.