walls Construction

Overview of Wall Construction

Foundations and Walls

  • Construction begins after the foundations are set.

  • Wall structures are critical components in buildings.

Classification of Walls

  • Types of Walls:

    • Solid

    • Cavity

    • Internal

    • External

    • Load Bearing

    • Non-Load Bearing

  • Load Bearing Walls: Support roofs and floors.

  • Non-Load Bearing Walls: Primarily divide spaces.

Main Functions of Walls

  • Structural Functions:

    • Strength: Provides resistance to loads.

    • Stability: Maintains structural integrity.

  • Environmental Functions:

    • Weather Exclusion: Protects against weather elements.

    • Thermal Insulation: Maintains indoor temperatures.

    • Sound Insulation: Reduces noise transmission.

  • Durability: Ensures long-lasting structures.

  • Fire Resistance: Provides safety against fire hazards.

  • Aesthetic Value: Enhances appearance of buildings.

Bonding of Brickwork/Blockwork

  • Definition of Bonding: Arrangement of brick/block to maximize overlap, minimizing vertical joints.

  • Importance of Bonding:

    • Maximizes strength and load distribution.

    • Ensures lateral stability.

    • Creates an acceptable visual appearance.

  • Risks of Unbonded Walls: More prone to failure under load or thrusts.

Load Distribution in Bonded Walls

  • Bonded Wall Characteristics:

    • Distributes loads evenly across the structure.

    • Greater resistance to lateral forces.

  • Standard Brick Sizes:

    • Length including mortar joint: 225mm

    • Width including mortar joint: 112.5mm

    • Height including mortar joint: 75mm

    • Mortar Joint Thickness: 10mm

Stretcher Bond

  • Description: Simplest and most common bond used for half-brick and cavity walls.

  • Construction Method:

    • Bricks overlap in successive courses.

Formation of Corners

  • Corner Construction: Specific techniques are used, including half bats for ends.

Wall Ties

  • Purpose of Wall Ties:

    • Connects outer and inner leaves of cavity walls.

    • Prevents moisture transfer between layers.

  • Materials Used: Commonly made from stainless steel or nylon.

Spacing of Wall Ties

  • Importance of ensuring no mortar accumulation on ties to avoid moisture bridges.

Construction of Cavity Walls

  • Definition: Comprised of two half-brick thick leaves with a cavity in between.

  • Functionality:

    • Outer leaf acts as a moisture barrier.

    • Inner leaf supports most vertical loads.

  • Variations: To support heavier loads, the inner leaf may be increased in thickness.

Cavity Wall with Insulation

  • Insulation Integration: Similar construction as previous but includes insulation for thermal efficiency.

Timber Stud Walls

  • Characteristics: Non-load bearing internal walls; used extensively in domestic buildings.

  • Construction Details:

    • Composed of 100 x 50mm or 100 x 75mm sole and head plates.

    • Vertical studs made from 100 x 38mm or 100 x 50mm, spaced at 400mm centers.

    • Cladding can vary for different finishes and properties.

  • Completion: Covered with plasterboard and finished with a plaster coat.