This document discusses different types of commercial wall systems used in construction. It describes load bearing walls, which support vertical loads, and common materials used like cast-in-place concrete, tilt-up concrete, and concrete masonry units. Non-load bearing walls are also discussed, which only support their own weight and are used for interior partitions and exterior protection. Curtain walls are described as non-load bearing exterior walls often made of glass and metal. Examples of structures using different wall systems are provided along with their advantages.
This document discusses different types of commercial wall systems used in construction. It describes load bearing walls, which support vertical loads, and common materials used like cast-in-place concrete, tilt-up concrete, and concrete masonry units. Non-load bearing walls are also discussed, which only support their own weight and are used for interior partitions and exterior protection. Curtain walls are described as non-load bearing exterior walls often made of glass and metal. Examples of structures using different wall systems are provided along with their advantages.
This document discusses different types of commercial wall systems used in construction. It describes load bearing walls, which support vertical loads, and common materials used like cast-in-place concrete, tilt-up concrete, and concrete masonry units. Non-load bearing walls are also discussed, which only support their own weight and are used for interior partitions and exterior protection. Curtain walls are described as non-load bearing exterior walls often made of glass and metal. Examples of structures using different wall systems are provided along with their advantages.
This document discusses different types of commercial wall systems used in construction. It describes load bearing walls, which support vertical loads, and common materials used like cast-in-place concrete, tilt-up concrete, and concrete masonry units. Non-load bearing walls are also discussed, which only support their own weight and are used for interior partitions and exterior protection. Curtain walls are described as non-load bearing exterior walls often made of glass and metal. Examples of structures using different wall systems are provided along with their advantages.
Load Bearing Wall Supports vertical loads other than its own weight Often supports floors or roof above
Non-Load Bearing Supports only it own weight Typically used as Partition walls to separate interior spaces Protection from the elements
Load Bearing Walls
Common Construction Materials Low-rise commercial construction (three stories or less) may be similar to residential construction Wood
Precast Concrete
Light Gauge Steel
Load Bearing Walls
Other common commercial wall materials Cast-in-Place concrete Tilt-up Concrete Concrete Masonry Units (CMU)
Concrete
Courtesy of TCA
Concrete
Pictures courtesy construction photography
Advantages Strength (especially in compression) Durable Fire Resistant Pest Resistant Rot/Rust Resistant Low Maintenance Energy Efficient Thermal mass stores heat energy
Concrete is mixed at a plant . . .
. . . and transported to the site
of the pour.
Green Concrete? LEED credits earned for Using materials extracted, harvested, or recovered within a 500 mile radius from the site Using recycled aggregate Improved energy efficiency by taking advantage of thermal mass of concrete Reduced VOCs using concrete compared to other construction materials Generating less construction waste than wood or steel
www.usgbc.org
Cast-in-Place Concrete Concrete walls are formed, reinforced, and poured in place. Concrete is reinforced with steel bars to improve tensile and bending strength.
iStockphoto.com
iStockphoto.com
Cast-in-Place Concrete Typical Construction
WEEP HOLE Image Courtesy masonrysystems.org
Cast-in-Place Concrete Wall
with Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF) Concrete forms consist of insulating foam that stays in place as a permanent part of the wall assembly.
Courtesy TexAZ Commercial
Properties
155 N Wacker Chicago
Courtesy Portland Cement
Association
Courtesy Portland Cement Association
Burj Dubai United Arab Emirates
Tilt-up Concrete Concrete wall sections (with reinforcing) are poured horizontally on site, tilted vertically, and then anchored. Courtesy TCA
Courtesy Greg Thiel
Courtesy TCA
Tilt-up Concrete Can be formed into a variety of shapes and sizes Different surface treatments and form inserts can be used to create a wide variety of surface textures Relatively quick design and construction time Courtesy Tilt-up Concrete Association
Courtesy Tilt-up Concrete Association
Courtesy Tilt-up Concrete Association
Courtesy Greg Thiel
Form inserts give relief to the panels
Thin bricks are set in the form
before the concrete is cast
Typical Tilt-up Concrete Wall
Section
Austin Research Center for the
Homeless, Austin, TX
Bright House Networks,
St. Petersburg, FL
Boca Village Corporate Center
Boca Raton, FL
San Diego Childrens Museum,
San Diego, California All images courtesy Tilt-Up Concrete Association
Concrete Masonry Units (CMU)
Concrete is cast into hollow blocks that can be stacked and grouted to form walls. CMU load bearing walls are reinforced with steel bars to improve tensile and bending strength. Courtesy Masonry Systems.org
photo courtesy of constructionphotographs.com
iStockphoto.com
Courtesy Isle of Palms Recreation Center
Isle of Palms Recreation Center, SC
Courtesy Tilt-up Concrete Association
Courtesy Constructionphotographs.com
Commercial building under
construction
Tilt-up and CMU construction
RS+K Advertising Madison, WI
Non-Load Bearing Wall Supports only its own weight Typically used as
Curtain Walls Non-load bearing wall attached to the exterior of a building Often composed of glass and metal Provides visual appeal, daylight, and protection from the elements
Courtesy Lawrence C. Novak,
Portland Cement Association
Courtesy Tilt-up Concrete Association
Trump Tower
Courtesy Tilt-up Concrete Association
Wikipedia.com
Commercial Wall Systems
Load Bearing Walls Low Rise Green Concrete? Cast-in-Place Concrete Tilt-up Concrete Concrete Masonry Units
Non-Load Bearing Walls
Curtain Walls
Image Sources
Wikipedia.org Tilt-up Concrete Association TexAZ Commercial Properties, LLC Constructionphotographs.com Isle of Palms Recreation Center, Isle of Palms, SC Masonrysystems.org Connie Bertucci, Victor Senior High School, Victor, NY iStockphoto.com
