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