CURTAIN WALL

CURTAIN WALL

INTRODUCTION

A curtain wall is any exterior wall that is attached to the building structure and which does not carry the floor or roof loads of the building. This includes heavy wall types such as brick veneer and precast concrete panels. In common usage, curtain walls are often defined as thin, usually aluminum-framed walls containing in-fills of glass, metal panels, or thin stone. This chapter addresses this narrower definition of curtain walls. Aluminum framed wall systems date back to the 1930's, and developed rapidly after World War II when the supply of aluminum became available for non-military use.

(EXAMPLE OF BUILDING USED CURTAIN WALL)

Infill Panels Wall

Infill Panels Wall

Introduction

The functions of an infill panel are as listed previously for cladding panels in general. Infill panels are lightweight and usually glazed to give good internal natural day lighting conditions. Different from cladding wall because infill panels is fixing between structure in the framed structure. The panel layout can be so arranged to expose some or all of the structural members creating various optical impressions. For example, if horizontal panels are used, leaving only the beams exposed, an illusion of extra length and/or reduced height can be created. The design need infill panel walls are:

1) lightweight
2) resistance to fire
3) heat loss
4) high durability
5) rigid
6) less maintenance
7) sound penetration
8) interstitial condensation

Infill panels wall

A wide variety of materials or combinations of materials can be employed such as timber, steel, aluminum and plastic. Double-glazing techniques can be used to achieve the desired sound or thermal insulation. The glazing module should be such that a reasonable thickness of glass can be specified.

The jointing problem with infill panels occur mainly at its junction with the structural frame and allowance for moisture or thermal movement is usually achieved by using a suitable mastic or sealant. Masonry infill panels of contemporary cavity construction can be used to preserve traditional features and to attain high standards of sound and thermal insulation and fire protection. Masonry walls are tied to the structural frame with wall ties cast into the concrete columns or with a purpose-made cladding support system.

Most infill panels are supplied as a manufacturer’s modular system, since purpose-made panels can be uneconomic, but whichever method is chosen the design aims remain constant; that is, to provide a panel which fulfils all the required functions and has a low long-term maintenance factor. It should be noted that many of the essentially curtain-walling systems are adaptable as infill panels which gives the designer a wide range of systems from which to select the most suitable.

One of the maintenance problems encountered with infill panels and probably to a lesser extent with the concrete cladding, is the cleaning of the façade and in particular the glazing. All buildings collect dirt, the effects of which can vary with the material: concrete and masonry tend to accept dirt and weather natural, whereas impervious materials such as metals and glass do not accept and can corrode or become less efficient.

If glass is allowed to become coated with dirt its visual appearance is less acceptable, its optical performance lessens since clarity of vision is reduced and the useful penetration of natural daylight diminishes. The number of times that cleaning will be necessary depends largely upon the area, ranging from three-monthly intervals in non-industrial areas to six-weekly intervals in areas with a high pollution factor.

Access for cleaning glazed areas can be external or internal. Windows at ground level present no access problems and present only the question of choice of method such as hand cloths or telescopic poles with squeegee heads. Low and medium-rise structures can be reached by ladders or a mobile scaffold tower and usually present very few problems. High-rise structures need careful consideration. External access to windows is gained by using a cradle suspended from roof level; this can be in the form of a temporary system consisting of counterweighted cantilevered beams from which the cradle is suspended. Permanent systems, which are incorporated as part of the building design, are more efficient and consist of a track on which a mobile trolley is mounted and from which davit arms can be projected beyond the roof edge to support the cradle. A single track fixed in front of the roof edge could also be considered; these are simple and reasonably efficient but the rail is always visible and can therefore mar the building’s appearance.

Internal access for cleaning the external glass face can be achieved by using windows such as reversible sashes, horizontal and vertical sliding sashes, but the designer is restricted in his choice to the reach possible by the average person. It cannot be overemphasized that such windows can be a very dangerous hazard unless carefully designed so that all parts of the glazed area can be reached by the person cleaning the windows while standing firmly on the floor.

Introduction

The functions of an infill panel are as listed previously for cladding panels in general. Infill panels are lightweight and usually glazed to give good internal natural day lighting conditions. Different from cladding wall because infill panels is fixing between structure in the framed structure. The panel layout can be so arranged to expose some or all of the structural members creating various optical impressions. For example, if horizontal panels are used, leaving only the beams exposed, an illusion of extra length and/or reduced height can be created. The design need infill panel walls are:

1) lightweight
2) resistance to fire
3) heat loss
4) high durability
5) rigid
6) less maintenance
7) sound penetration
8) interstitial condensation

Infill panels wall

A wide variety of materials or combinations of materials can be employed such as timber, steel, aluminum and plastic. Double-glazing techniques can be used to achieve the desired sound or thermal insulation. The glazing module should be such that a reasonable thickness of glass can be specified.

The jointing problem with infill panels occur mainly at its junction with the structural frame and allowance for moisture or thermal movement is usually achieved by using a suitable mastic or sealant. Masonry infill panels of contemporary cavity construction can be used to preserve traditional features and to attain high standards of sound and thermal insulation and fire protection. Masonry walls are tied to the structural frame with wall ties cast into the concrete columns or with a purpose-made cladding support system.

Most infill panels are supplied as a manufacturer’s modular system, since purpose-made panels can be uneconomic, but whichever method is chosen the design aims remain constant; that is, to provide a panel which fulfils all the required functions and has a low long-term maintenance factor. It should be noted that many of the essentially curtain-walling systems are adaptable as infill panels which gives the designer a wide range of systems from which to select the most suitable.

One of the maintenance problems encountered with infill panels and probably to a lesser extent with the concrete cladding, is the cleaning of the façade and in particular the glazing. All buildings collect dirt, the effects of which can vary with the material: concrete and masonry tend to accept dirt and weather natural, whereas impervious materials such as metals and glass do not accept and can corrode or become less efficient.

If glass is allowed to become coated with dirt its visual appearance is less acceptable, its optical performance lessens since clarity of vision is reduced and the useful penetration of natural daylight diminishes. The number of times that cleaning will be necessary depends largely upon the area, ranging from three-monthly intervals in non-industrial areas to six-weekly intervals in areas with a high pollution factor.

Access for cleaning glazed areas can be external or internal. Windows at ground level present no access problems and present only the question of choice of method such as hand cloths or telescopic poles with squeegee heads. Low and medium-rise structures can be reached by ladders or a mobile scaffold tower and usually present very few problems. High-rise structures need careful consideration. External access to windows is gained by using a cradle suspended from roof level; this can be in the form of a temporary system consisting of counterweighted cantilevered beams from which the cradle is suspended. Permanent systems, which are incorporated as part of the building design, are more efficient and consist of a track on which a mobile trolley is mounted and from which davit arms can be projected beyond the roof edge to support the cradle. A single track fixed in front of the roof edge could also be considered; these are simple and reasonably efficient but the rail is always visible and can therefore mar the building’s appearance.

Internal access for cleaning the external glass face can be achieved by using windows such as reversible sashes, horizontal and vertical sliding sashes, but the designer is restricted in his choice to the reach possible by the average person. It cannot be overemphasized that such windows can be a very dangerous hazard unless carefully designed so that all parts of the glazed area can be reached by the person cleaning the windows while standing firmly on the floor.
EXAMPLE OF USE IN INFILL PANEL

ABOUT ROOF

ABOUT ROOF

• 
  
  Flat roof
  From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
  Jump to: navigation, search
  A flat roof is a type of covering of a building. In contrast to the sloped form of a roof, a flat roof is horizontal or nearly horizontal. Materials that cover flat roofs should allow the water to run off freely from a very slight inclination.
  Traditionally flat roofs would use a tar and gravel based surface which, as long as there was no pooling of water, was sufficient to prevent penetration. However, these surfaces would tend to fail in colder climates, where ice dams and the like could block the flow of water. Similarly, they tend to be sensitive to sagging of the roof reversing the subtle grading of the surface.
  Modern flat roofs tend to use a continuous membrane covering which can better resist pools of standing water. These membranes are applied as a continuous sheet where possible, though sealants and adhesives are available to allow for bonding multiple sheets and dealing with structures penetrating the roof surface. Far more expensive flat roof options include sealed metal roofs using copper or tin. These are soldered interlocking systems of metal panels.
  Modernist architecture often viewed the flat roof as a living area. Le Corbusier's theoretical works, particularly Vers une Architecture, and the influential Villa Savoye and Unité d'Habitation prominently feature rooftop terraces.
  Flat roofs tend to be sensitive to human traffic. Anything which produces a crack or puncture in the surface can quite readily lead to leaks. It is thus not generally advisable to use a flat roof as a living area unless steps are taken to protect the roofing membrane from those using the area, for example, by building a wooden deck over the surface or using paving stones or similar materials to protect the roof membrane.
  One of the more interesting (re)emerging methods of protecting the roofing membrane is to use a layer of topsoil and grasses. Care should be taken not to plant anything the roots of which will penetrate the membrane surface. The green roof interestingly enough, tends to trap moisture on the roof, but keeps it up in the soil and plants, rather than having it pool down on the membrane surface.
  [edit]
  Maintenance and Assessment of Flat Roofs
  The life expectancy of a flat roof can be proportional to the maintenance done on it. Some assessors use 10 years as an average life cycle, although this is dependent on the type of flat roof system in place. Some old tar and gravel roofers quietly acknowledge that unless a roof has been neglected for too long and there are many problems in many areas, a BUR (a built up roof of tar, paper and gravel) will last indefinitely. There are BUR systems in place dating to the early 1900's.
  Maintenance includes getting rid of ponding water, typically within 48-72 hours. This is accomplished by adding roof drains or scuppers for a pond at an edge or automatic siphons for ponds in the center of roofs. An automatic siphon can be created with an inverted ring shaped sprinkler, a garden hose, a wet/dry vacuum, a check valve installed in the vacuum, and a digital timer. The timer runs two or three times a day for a minute or two to start water in the hose. The timer then turns off the vacuum, but the weight of water in the hose continues the siphon and soon opens the check valve in the vacuum.
  Annual maintenance means inspecting protrusions like vents and edge cant strips. The sharp bends at such places can open up and need to be sealed with plastic cement, mesh and a small masons' trowel. Additionally, repairs to lap seams in base flashings should be made. Base flashings lead to approximately 90% of all roof leaks and failure. Another important maintenance item, often neglected, is to simply keep the roof drains free of debris. A clogged roof drain will cause water to pond, leading to increased "dead load" weight on building that may not be engineered to accommodate that weight. Additionally, ponding water on a roof will can freeze. Often, water will find it's way into a flashing seam. Water will also freeze into these seams.
  Maintenance also includes keeping the tar paper covered with gravel, an older method, currently being replaced with bituminous roofing membranes and the like, which must be 'glued' in place so wind and waves do not move it causing scouring and more bare spots. The glue can be any exterior grade glue like driveway coating.
  Maintenance also includes fixing blisters (delaminations) or creases that may not yet be leaking but will leak over time. They may need experienced help as they require scraping away the gravel on a cool morning when the tar is brittle, cutting open, and covering with plastic cement or mastic and mesh. Any moisture trapped in a blister has to be dried before being repaired.
  Infrared photography is being used to take pictures of roofs at night to find trouble spots. When the roof is cooling, wet spots not visible to the naked eye, continue to emit heat. Camcorders with night photography do not appear to be in the right part of the infrared spectrum to capture the shadow of such heat.
  Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_roof"
  
  

BUILDING PART TWO

BUILDING TWO (PART TWO)

Building two is a simple box – a single- story, flat- roofed, single-space building. The possible variations for the structural system and for the materials and details of individual components are quite extensive. If the building is built essentially for investment purpose, dictates of economy, local codes, and available local material would probably narrow the range of choice. We will show the design for two different solutions. The first is an all wod structure. The second is a structure with masonry walls and a steel framed roof.

Connection between rib and filler
· Construction Drawings for the steel and Masonry Structure

(DETAILS FOR THE INTRIOR BEARING WALL)

PART ONE BUILDING

Introduction
Designing structures for building involves the consideration of a wide range of factors. Building structural designers must not only understand structural behavior and how to provide for it adequately, but must also be knowledge able about building construction materials and processes, building codes and standards, and the economics of building. In addition, because the structure is merely a subsystem in the whole building .Structures should not only be logical in their own right, but should also relate well to the functional purposes of the building and to the other subsystems for power, lighting, plumbing, heating, and so on.
Formal education in structural design is usually focused heavily on learning the procedures for structural analysis and the techniques and problems of designing individual structural elements and systems in various materials. The whole problems of designing a structure for a building is not well documented, and learning it usually takes place primarily on the job in professional offices. Although this means of learning is valuable in some ways, it does not provide a good general understanding because it is usually limited to the highly specific situations of each design problem.
The procedure used in examples is to first present a general building design as a given condition, which is followed by the illustration of the selection and design of the various typical elements of the structural system. The buildings shown are not particularly intended as examples of good architectural design but merely as illustrations of common structural design situation.
Although most of the calculations shown are in reasonably complete form, it is assumed that the reader has previously mastered the fundamentals of analysis and design of simple structures. The word `` simplified`` implies some limit to the complexity of the work, and the general image for this limit is the level of complexity dealt .

BROCHURE

(http://www.unityestates.com/)

WHAT IS BUILDING AND STRUCTURE

• Description :Students team up with a partner. They set up their work area so they are sitting back to back and cannot see each other's work space. Each partner gets a bag of lego pieces (both partners have the identical pieces). They take turns building a structure and giving directions to their partners to build the identical structure. Compare and discuss. Do the activity at least twice per person.
  


• 
  
  Objectives: Students will be able to improve on their skills as the lesson progresses. The better their partner does constructing the legos according to the instructions given, the better job the partner is doing giving the directions.

(http://www.burjdubaiskyscraper.com/)

Dangerous Structures

• Under the Building Act 1984 local authorities are able to deal with a building or structure that is in a dangerous condition.
  The danger may have arisen from the condition of the property or from loads that a building or structure may be carrying.
  Every day of the year local authority Building Control Officers regularly investigate reports of possible ‘dangerous structures’ and decide whether there is in fact a danger, and if so, whether the danger is potential or imminent.
  Where a building or structure is considered to be in such a state or is carrying such loads as to be imminently dangerous and immediate action should be taken to remove the danger, the local authority may take such steps as are necessary for that purpose. Efforts would be made to contact the owner before this action is taken as the cost of such work is recoverable from the owner of the property.
  If the survey indicates a potential danger it is usual for building control to serve informal notice on the owner requesting that steps be taken to remove the danger and giving reasonable time within which to carry out the work.
  Where an owner fails to comply with an informal notice, steps can be taken by the local authority to apply to a Magistrates Court by way of complaint for an order.


• A court may make an order requiring the owner to carry out such work as may be necessary to remove the danger, stipulating a time within which the work must be done, or where the danger arises from overloading of the building or structure, restricting its use until a court is satisfied that any necessary work has been done.

(www.wirral.gov.uk/LGCL/100003/200085/600/ - 18k - )