Types of Walls in Construction: Quiz and Flashcards

Study Notes

Wall Construction and Types

Walls are a "reconciliation" of internal demands of buildings and external demands of the street.
Walls can be load-bearing or non-load-bearing, and may be divided into external or enclosing walls, or internal dividing or partition walls.

Functional Requirements of Walls

Walls must satisfy certain requirements:
- Strength and stability
- Weather resistance
- Fire resistance
- Thermal insulation
- Sound insulation

Strength and Stability

Measured in terms of resistance to stresses set up by its own weight, superimposed loads, and lateral pressure (e.g. wind)
Stability is resistance to overturning by lateral forces and buckling caused by excessive slenderness

Weather Resistance

External walls must provide adequate resistance to rain and wind penetration
Rain penetration can be resisted in three ways:
- Limited penetration into the wall thickness
- Preventing any penetration through the outer surface
- Interrupting the capillary paths through the wall

Fire Resistance

Walls are often required to act as a highly resistant fire barrier
Used to compartmentalize a building to separate specific fire risks and prevent the spread of fire

Thermal Insulation

External walls must provide a barrier to the passage of heat to maintain satisfactory internal conditions
This can be achieved through:
- Thickness
- Incorporation of cavities
- Insulation

Sound Insulation

Sound insulation is usually not very significant in wall design
Windows provide weak points for noise
In some situations, sound insulation may be required

Description

Explore the different types of walls used in building construction such as Rammed Laterite, Wattle and Daub, Brick, Sandcrete block, Stone, Concrete, and Timber. Learn about the significance of walls in defining internal and external spaces within a structure.