Walls and Brickwork Types

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Questions and Answers

Besides providing support, a key function of walls is to offer which of the following?

Weather exclusion (correct)

Load distribution to upper floors only

Flexibility

Acoustic bridging

What is the primary distinction between a stretcher bond and a header bond in brickwork?

Stretcher bond is structurally stronger than header bond.

Stretcher bond is used for curved walls, while header bond is for straight lines.

Stretcher bond features bricks laid with long face exposed, while header bond shows only short face of bricks. (correct)

Stretcher bond uses only header bricks, while header bond uses only stretcher bricks.

In a cavity wall, where is the preferred location for placing insulation?

Directly on the external skin of the wall

Within the cavity space itself (correct)

Over the cavity ties

Inside the internal skin of the wall

What is the main purpose of attached piers in brickwork or blockwork?

To add structural stability to the wall (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a damp proof course in a wall?

To prevent moisture from rising up the wall (B) Signup and view all the answers

In a timber frame wall what are the functions of vapour barriers and moisture barriers?

Vapour barriers prevent moisture from the inside reaching the insulation, while moisture barriers prevent external moisture entering the wall. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of lintels and arches above wall openings?

To support the weight of the wall above the opening (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which method is typically used for fixing galvanized iron, coated steel, or plastic sheets to steel-framed buildings?

Screwing or bolting (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which material is NOT typically used to enhance the fire resistance of walls?

Untreated timber (B) Signup and view all the answers

In brickwork, what is the primary difference between stretcher bond and header bond?

Stretcher bond has bricks laid lengthwise, while header bond has bricks laid with their short side visible. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of brick bond is characterized by alternating headers and stretchers within the same row?

Flemish bond (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which bond type is typically used for a half-brick thick wall?

Stretcher bond (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of cavity ties within a cavity wall?

To provide structural stability, connecting the inner and outer skins (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of placing insulation within the cavity of a wall?

It reduces thermal bridging and increases energy efficiency. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between steel and plastic cavity ties?

Steel ties are stronger but may corrode without galvanization, while plastic ties are corrosion-resistant but less strong. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between English and Flemish bond in terms of their structure?

English bond alternates header and stretcher courses, while Flemish bonds alternates headers and stretchers within each row. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of attached piers in brickwork or blockwork?

To provide additional strength, stability, and resistance to lateral forces (B) Signup and view all the answers

How are attached piers typically connected to a wall to ensure structural stability?

By interlocking the bricks or blocks of the pier with the main wall (D) Signup and view all the answers

At which location is a damp proof course usually NOT placed in a building?

In the attic ceiling (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does a damp proof course prevent moisture from rising in walls?

By creating a horizontal or vertical barrier that blocks the capillary action of water (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which component of a timber frame wall is responsible for protecting against the weather?

External cladding (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference in function between a vapour barrier and a moisture barrier in a timber frame wall?

The moisture barrier prevents water from entering the structure while the vapour barrier blocks moisture movement inside the wall (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the function of lintels in wall openings?

They are horizontal beams that support loads above an opening (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of using arches in the construction of wall openings?

To effectively distribute loads around the opening (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Walls - Functions

Walls provide support, strength, stability, insulation, fire resistance, weather exclusion, durability, and aesthetics.
Walls exclude weather elements like rain and wind to provide a barrier and achieve insulation by preventing heat loss or gain to maintain indoor temperatures.
Fire-resistant walls slow the spread of fire by using materials like concrete, brick, or fire-rated plasterboard.
Aesthetics of walls, including finishes, colors, textures, and patterns can impact the design's overall visual appeal.

Walls - Types of Brickwork Bonding

Stretcher bond: Bricks are laid lengthwise with their longer side (stretcher) visible.
Header bond: Bricks are laid with their shorter side (header) visible.
English bond: Alternates rows of headers and stretchers, maximizing strength.
Flemish bond: Alternates headers and stretchers within the same row; offers aesthetic appeal, but less strength compared to English bond.
Half-brick walls use stretcher bond.
One-brick walls use English or Flemish bond.
One-and-a-half-brick walls use English or Flemish bond with added thickness for strength.

Walls - Cavity Wall Construction

Cavity walls consist of two masonry skins separated by a cavity.
Cavity ties are positioned horizontally between the inner and outer skins to provide structural stability.
Insulation placed in the cavity reduces thermal bridging (heat loss) and increases energy efficiency.
Steel cavity ties are durable and strong but are prone to corrosion without galvanization.
Plastic ties are lightweight and corrosion-resistant but may not provide the same strength as steel.

Walls - Piers in Brickwork and Blockwork

Attached piers in brickwork or blockwork provide additional strength, stability, resistance to lateral forces (like wind).
Piers are bonded to the wall by interlocking bricks or blocks to ensure a solid connection for stability.

Walls - Damp Proof Courses

Damp proof courses (DPC) prevent moisture rising through walls, protecting against dampness and structural damage.
DPCs are typically located at ground level in walls, around door and window openings, beneath suspended floors and at abutments between single- and double-story sections.
DPCs prevent moisture ingress at openings or abutments by creating a horizontal or vertical barrier that blocks capillary action of water.

Walls - Timber Frame Walls

Timber frame walls consist of external cladding, moisture barriers, insulation, vapour barriers, and internal finishes (for aesthetics).
External cladding protects the wall against weather damage.
Moisture barriers prevent water penetration.
Insulation provides thermal resistance.
Vapour barriers stop condensation.

Walls - Openings in Walls

Openings in walls can be made using lintels, arches, cavity closers.
Thresholds provide a base for openings like doors and windows; Jambs provide vertical support.
Lintels are horizontal beams supporting loads above an opening.
Arches efficiently distribute loads around openings.

Walls - Fixing Sheets to Steel Frames

Galvanized iron, coated steel, and plastic sheets are fixed to small steel-framed buildings using screws, bolts, or clamps that are attached to the steel sections.
The type of fixing depends on the design and requirements.

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Description

This quiz explores the functions and types of walls, emphasizing their importance in providing support, aesthetics, and insulation. Learn about different brickwork bonding techniques, such as stretcher, header, English, and Flemish bonds, and how they affect the strength and appearance of walls.