Different Material for Architecture

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eMAGAZINE Constrofacilitator

MARCH 2023

www.constrofacilitator.com

Knowledge and b2b portal for construction and infrastructure

Volume-05 eM-03

DIFFERENT MATERIAL FOR

ARCHITECTURE

Bio Materials in Architecture Architectural Facades; advantages & types Different Types of Insulation for Energy Efciency of the Building

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Curtain Wall - functions, advantages & types Dome Structures - types, famous monuments and applications Aluminium louvers; advantages, types and applications

DIFFERENT MATERIAL FOR ARCHITECTURE

Architectural materials are the essential tools that architects use to make their visions come to life. A diverse array of architectural materials are readily available today. From age-old natural materials like stone to new-age materials like carbon fiber, the list is endless. Every architectural material has different properties and techniques to be used to craft as a functional material. Techniques such as cutting, melting, pulverization, dividing, breaking, heating, manipulating, etc. In this edition of eMag, we have covered Bio Materials in Architecture, Architectural Facades; advantages and types, Different Types of Insulation for Energy Efficiency of the Building, Curtain Wall - functions, advantages and types, Dome Structures - types, famous monuments and applications, Aluminium louvers; advantages, types and applications.

March 2023 • Constrofacilitator

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04 Bio Materials in Architecture 10 Architectural Facades; advantages and types 13

Different Types of Insulation for Energy Efficiency of the Building

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Curtain Wall - functions, advantages and types

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Dome Structures - types, famous monuments and applications

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Aluminium louvers; advantages, types and applications

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Constrofacilitator • March 2023

BIO MATERIALS IN ARCHITECTURE

Bio Materials in Architecture

Er. Shamanth Kumar M, Managing Director, Skanda Group of Constructions

ABSTRACT Building construction has a huge effect on the environment, every step of construction involves a noticeable impact on the environment. In India, 35% of energy consumption is performed by the building sector. This increasing growth acts as a challenge for the designing of energy-efficient buildings. Due to lack of space and overpopulation in metropolitan cities, every construction project was taken up results in the emission of carbon dioxide, methane and many wastes. Architecture involves structure, function, design, and form most importantly material which is the backbone of building's construction, since building technology is advancing day by day. Bio-material is also used for building construction which provides us with a chance to capture and explore characters of nature provides certain performance. New Delhi is the capital of India witnesses' enormous construction all over the city. This article examines the properties of building construction materials and their impacts on the environment. Also explains how to deal with these impacts by using biomaterial and increase the quality of material in a polluted city like Delhi. The main interest in this article is not only to explore the development of a material database for sustainable buildings but also to reduce the pollution by absorbing the pollutants around the building by using bio-material for construction. The article gives a review of Mycoform technology which involves growing building material using mycelium, a type of fungal spores. The result is 100% organic involving minimum waste and energy. The material involves outstanding property like good strength, thermal compatibility,

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sound-absorbing, self-maintained and many more which is actually helpful as a material for future construction. INTRODUCTION Building construction has a huge impact on the environment, every step of construction involves a noticeable impact on the environment. With an increase in global warming, it is essential to know the impact of construction on the environment, how we can reduce it and calculate its impact in future. Construction projects involve many processes such as mining, transportation. Construction's impact on the environment shows climate changes, due to the process involved in construction projects. For over a decade we use the same material for building construction, whereas with the advancement of technology new materials have been introduced for construction which involves basic changes in designing of building, many other material systems were explored already such as not able to deal with biological matters for example hydro gel has been majorly used in tissue engineering and biotechnology industry, but its application is rarely in use for building construction. Delhi is one of the most populated and polluted metropolitan city in the world. It is difficult to design in Delhi due to its composite nature. Due to the lack of green spaces and over the construction of industries the PM rate is 2.5 which is the highest concentrated form of air pollution is supposed to be a very serious matter. The construction industry plays a very crucial role in energy conservation. Bio-material has the property of growing bacterial cellu-

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BIO MATERIALS IN ARCHITECTURE

lose and cellulose can grow in an only designed shape or fashion layer by layer and it requires no waste or energy. Bio-materials provide a chance to capture and explore characters of nature provide certain performance. The primary interest in the research is to explore how bio-material can reduce waste due to present usage of construction material, and also the biomaterial has good properties which will help to clean the damage outside, it is important to increase the quality of building construction. Bio-material have changing nature which is very helpful for building due to regular climate changes, they also have self-maintenance. Due to recent developments in construction, few studies focused on the durability of the material. Bio-based material used as a prefabricated cladding sheet which is fixed to the exterior as well as the interior of the building.

dioxide, methane and other waste products which pollutes the environment and contribute to global climatic changes, for example, the cement industry contributes 50% carbon dioxide emission. There are multiple sources on buildings to pollute water, also including diesel and other fossil fuels, paint, solvent and toxic chemicals. In the development of the world, there are often less stringent requirements for the disposal of toxic construction waste product, resulting in a significant local environmental damage following a building project. Building accounts for 40% of total energy usage worldwide. It is necessary to use green material because they can be synthetically produced, we could even recycle, eliminate the need to engage in destructive and costly mining practices that use a lot of fossil fuels, green material can be recycled and cause less environmental impacts.

The major aim of environment research is to check the work-ability and sustainable development of the material which is metabolic or distinctly biological. Usage of bio-material and recycled material for building construction can significantly reduce the effect of construction and wastes it generates. Also giving emphasis on bio-material, it can help to clean the air and absorb noise. By studying the situation in Delhi, this article focuses on various bio-materials which can be used for building construction in a composite climate like Delhi. It also lays focus on studying the impact of construction there, the article discusses the impact of the construction project on the environment, and how the contractors and firms can work to reduce these problems. Generally, bio-material shows less impact on the environment than traditional materials do. The research highlights development in sound transmission property of bio-based material also.

CLIMATIC CONDITION OF DELHI Delhi is located at 28°C 35' N latitude & 77° 12'E longitude geographically and at an altitude of 216 meters above sea level. Delhi is situated on the banks of Yamuna River. The climatic conditions of Delhi are so extreme. Delhi comes under composite climate are neither very hot & so dry nor warm and humid. The primary cause of pollution is the haphazard growth of the population is deteriorating the environment. In Delhi, the development of the industries and factories are so unplanned, 80% of industries are set up in the commercial and residential areas. Because of the metro, there has been a huge rise in traffic, air pollution and noise pollution. NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) reported that in Delhi 8,000m tones of solid waste are being generated every day. There has been no proper technology to treat such waste in the city.

HOW CONSTRUCTION PROJECT REACTS TO ENVIRONMENT?

WHAT IS BIO-MATERIAL?

The building construction process has many crucial impacts on the environment. With the change in climate scientists believe that the earth is getting warmer due to human activities such as the contribution of carbon dioxide through construction industries. Every stage of a construction project results in the emission of carbon

The present trend is of designing sustainable building and spreading environmental awareness which is reviving bio-architecture as an alternative to construction techniques. The primary advantages of bio-material are they result in a low impact on the environment due to renewability and numerous uses. Bio-materials enable prefabrication and fast installation. Their naturalness

March 2023 • Constrofacilitator

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BIO MATERIALS IN ARCHITECTURE

and other assets compatible with the human physiological derivation. Since trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store carbon in wood generates lower environmental impact in comparison with other building materials. Consequently, bio-materials have become recognized as an alternative to several traditional building materials. By comparison bio-material with traditional building material. Traditional materials show a noticeable impact in nature while Bio-materials have a tendency to absorb sound as well as carbon dioxide which is clear benefits of natural material on human health, childhood development. It should be mentioned, however, that industrial transformation, post-processing and modification may highly affect human perception of material “Naturalness". MYCOFORM TECHNOLOGY This is the time we need to get back to nature we have already explored many eco-friendly building materials like hemp and straw for insulation. This has been researched and found that mycelium could fill a form by growing in any shape layer by layer. Such as large blocks which are actually made of organic waste material and then it's heat-treated to kill the spore growth. This is totally economical as well as biodegradable need no maintenance. The mycoform building block production is low tech low energy process. Few inexpensive readily available tool and agricultural byproducts, 80 F humidity is all needed to compact and grow a mycelium building block. Mycelium needs at least need 10 days to grow in a shape.

Fig. 1. Mycelium spores

carefully controlling their expansion within prefabricated mould. The poly-pore fungal species Ganoderma lucidum processes enzymes that readily digest a wide variety of cellulose-based organic by-product. The rapid growth of branching mycelia results in a dense matrix capable of structural support. BIO-BASED BLOCKS One of the most important considerations for these days is green manufacture, investigating ecological ways to design sustainable buildings material. A company "Planetary One" experimenting by using mushroom roots to create Mycoform building mushroom roots create mycoform building blocks. They have created brick block mould with the combination of recycled aluminium sheet and grows mycelium spores inside the form. These blocks are strong as compared to traditional blocks but require a little amount of energy to create. The expected life of the blocks is 20-30years. These blocks are strong as compared to traditional blocks but

Mycelium is a fibrous material mainly composed of natural polymers as chitin, cellulose, protein, etc. Due to its unique structure and composition, we foresee the production of large amounts of mycelium based materials. Mycelium has been identified as the largest living organism on earth. Mycelium has good sound-absorbing property such as mycoform is also in use for insulation as well as for acoustic purposes. Mycoform structures are grown from stains into fungi specific 3d fabricated geometry. By combining fungal mycelia with varying types of organic substrates and

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Fig. 2. Mycoform from mushroom blocks

March 2023 • Constrofacilitator

BIO MATERIALS IN ARCHITECTURE

require a little amount of energy to create. The expected life of the blocks is 20-30 years.

cles and 100% of the dust. As the centre system is relatively inexpensive.

These blocks are strong as compared to traditional blocks but require a little amount of energy to create. The expected life of the blocks is 20-30years.

As given above, Mycelium has a suitable property for building blocks. These bricks are used to construct a building were grown, this organic brick structure known as "Hy Fi" tower which is constructed of 10,000 bricks and reached 40 feet in New York designed by David Benjamin. Mycoform brick is stronger than concrete brick so, if we use these bricks to construct our future building not only for making it sustainable but also to purify pollutants from the air by creating a vacuum in these bricks as same as breath brick as mentioned above. By using mycelium instead of concrete we can make our building more sustainable and can reduce air pollution from the environment as well. The making process of breath brick is mentioned above, so if we use Mycoform blocks instead of concrete for making breath brick will be more helpful for creating a sustainable environment. The visual portion of mycoform only shows a minute fraction of fungus, beside the surface Mycelium can grow out thread-like roots. Such that whatever shape we want them to grow in, it can be easily done.

BRICK BREATH The design of breath brick is done in such a way that building can get regular ventilation system, with a double-layered facade design. Bricks on the outside complemented by a standard internal layer providing insulation. Centre of a breath brick includes a function of cyclone filtration, inspired by the vacuum cleaner, which separates polluted particles from the air and drops them into a removable hopper at the base of the wall.

Breath bricks involve good ventilation inside the building. Mycelium also shows insulation property and Mycelium spores can make the building thermally compatible which is beneficial for future construction. Mycelium doesn't need any maintenance; it is self-maintained. BIO BASED FURNITURE'S

Fig. 3. Breath brick modules are connected via coupler that aids in collecting particles, protect the cyclone and facilitates modules alignment during construction. Image@ carmen Trudell & Natacha Schindler.

Breath brick composed of two parts. Concrete brick and recycled plastic coupler, help to create a route from outside into the centre of brick. The concrete bricks having a faceted feature which allows direct airflow into the system and create caving for inserting steel. Structure of this system and create a cavity for inserting a steel structure. This system can perform both mechanical and passive ventilation. As such brick simply delivers air into the plenum, this air can also be delivered to the interior of the building through mechanical equipment. In the wind tunnel test, the system filtered 30% of fine partiMarch 2023 • Constrofacilitator

Mycoform is also in use for furniture making, it's a combination of mushrooms, wood chips and oat bran toughened by a fungus called Ganoderma lucidum surrounded by an external skin of bacterial cellulose. This combination results in a hard polymer which is suitable for furniture designing. The designing of the furniture is

Fig. 4. Mycoform furniture

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BIO MATERIALS IN ARCHITECTURE

done by using digital programming which predicts the material behaviour and shape before designing it. The prototype form part of a series of experiment with biologically produced furniture that is grown rather than manufactured in the traditional sense. Mycelium spores are sound absorbing in nature, it is being researched that mycelium is one of the best agriculture by-product mixture best for furniture work as well as for future construction. Mycelium can easily deal with flexibility so it is easy to design furniture. In comparison to the traditional foam for insulation, the mycelium is more promising and low cost high performing alternative. Examination of the acoustic property of mycelium result as effective porous and sound absorbents. The sandwich panel is more useful to increase sound insulation. Bio-materials are naturally grown as it offers improved insulation and also absorbs carbon dioxide.

Fig. 5. A test comparing the audio apectrum, A-weighted with typical road noise execitation, between mycelium based acoustic absorption boards ranging from best to worst performers alongside a few traditional absorbers for reference, such as plywood and a typical 25mm thick polyurethane insulation board

According to the aim of the research, we need a material that can increase the quality of construction and clean the environment as well. Mycelium is good in absorbing sound, we can use mycelium to absorb sound inside and outside of the building as well. To reduce noise benches can be designed for streets made of mycelium, ultimately mycelium comes from byproduct so it is cheaper than tradition material. Mycelium stands as the best inexpensive material because it is easy to install and does not show any terrible impact on nature. Noise can be reduced by providing an insulation panel of mycelium in building facade. LIMITATION Bio-material having a property that is less understood

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and remains difficult to control. Bio-materials have the disadvantage of being combustible, thus they are perceived as less safe than steel and masonry. Biomaterials cannot be used for heavy structures because of the low strength and density as compared to concrete. Bio-material involves several properties, it is important to take precautions before and while operating. Bio-materials enable prefabrication and fast installation. SCOPE Give awareness among designers, contractors and common people. Show consideration about quality of construction materials, because traditional materials are not good enough to use in future. Bio-materials have several outstanding properties which not only help to design sustainable but also make the environment pollution free. Bio-material does not show any harmful impact on nature, as it is green material and easily available due to being cheap and a by-product of agriculture waste. A bio-material is aesthetically appealing we use building blocks, furniture, insulation panel and many more for buildings made of bio-materials. There's still research going on for more uses in the construction world. To reduce the impact of construction material we need to have a better substitute and bio-material is one of the wonderful solutions for increasing the quality of building material, which is important due to the present condition of the environment. Conclusion The article represents a brief study of bio-based material to construct better buildings for the future. The research specifically aims to illuminate the environmental possibilities, with mycoform one of the most excellent materials. It has been created as a prototype of building material that's grown from strains of fungi added precise and a compacted form of inert waste. The process involves a combination of parametric design with synthetic biology having curved shapes being a digitally cut and specific shape or design being grown. The combination of mycelium organic substrates leads to an expansion which we controlled by prefabricated alumiMarch 2023 • Constrofacilitator

BIO MATERIALS IN ARCHITECTURE

num sheets. The main objective is to establish a smart, sustainable, self-maintained self-sufficient construction technology. The result says 100% organic with minimum waste, energy expenditure and also easy lookout to developing the world. Mycoform can be decomposed back to nature. The resulting study shows that mycelium stands as a promising material for building block insulation as well as compared to traditional ones. Agriculture by-product is best for future construction, some recent results show mycelium has great flexibility and good strength in layers in any shape. Mycelium has both viability and also marketability this natural feature reduces the carbon footprint of the building and improves thermal insulation and acoustics as well. In a city like Delhi, buildings should be constructed of sustainable materials like mycelium, due to the detrimental condition of the environment. As such, there's no space left to continue construction we need to clean the environment rather than designing a sustainable

building. It is high time to be concerned about the cleaning of the environment the research says pollution can be reduced in Delhi by using bio-materials for building construction by doing this, organic waste can be reduced because mycelium is a byproduct of agricultural waste only. As mentioned above Delhi throws uncountable waste on a daily basis so if it is used for construction purpose which helps the environment both ways and could turntable as far as the pollution level of Delhi is concerned. Delhi is a city which is highly polluted and populated as well, the present environment affects the people living there so it is important to figure out the solution for such a dangerous situation. The article concludes that if we use a material like a mycelium for construction it will be helping to control air and noise pollution as well. Because mycelium involves useful property it is promising for future construction also. Mycelium blocks can be used as breath brick that can absorb dust from outside the building. Mycelium is also capable of giving thermal compatibility inside the building. It also involves self-maintenance.

Subscribe Now To Subscribe our eMagazine visit emagazine.constrofacilitator.com March 2023 • Constrofacilitator

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ARCHITECTURAL FACADES

Architectural Facades; Advantages and Types

T

he facade is the vertical face of a building envelope. It can enhance and transform the look of a building. It is often the most important aspect from a design standpoint and combines attributes of both appearance and energy efficiency by protecting against external weather conditions. It also has a crucial functional role in light transmittance, acoustic performance, and energy efficiency. The facade of your building is the first thing that strikes the eyes of people visiting you. It says a lot about your design choices. The kind of facade you opt for plays a major role in terms of making your building stand out both aestheti-

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cally and functionally. Advantages of facades Ÿ

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Facades have protective properties for both the building and the interior of the building against radiation and UV rays When it comes to a building's construction, energy efficiency is such an important factor, a well structured facade will make the most of the natural light and ventilation Facades provide mechanical resistance against wind-induced shaking, pressure and abrasion. The most important factor affecting the strength of this feature is the

Ÿ Ÿ

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coating material on the exterior walls Facades protect against wind, sun and rain Façades are incredibly popular for controlling temperature, weather exposure, and corrosion resistance Facades reduce noise pollution

Selection criterion for facades Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Energy Efficiency Durability Thermal properties Acoustic Comfort Impact on Daylight and Views Symmetry Climate and Facing March 2023 • Constrofacilitator

ARCHITECTURAL FACADES

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New or Existing Project? Natural ventilation Air permeability

Double-skinned façade

Different types of facades The façade not only acts as a barrier between the inside and outside but also has a distinct identity of its own. Discussed below are different types of facades. Curtain walling facade A curtain wall facade is a thin, lightweight, and usually aluminium-framed wall that forms the outer covering of a building. Curtain wall is non-structural i.e. they only carry their own weight and don't carry floor or roof loads of the building. It is made of assembly of factory-made components which are either made up into panels in the factory and the interlocking units brought to the site and installed (unitized curtain walling) or brought to site as components and assembled on the building (stick curtain walling).

façade panels. A high level of thermal and acoustic insulation can be provided.

A double-skin facade is composed of two glass facades that separate the ventilation gap or area. The two facades, often called "skins", are separated by an empty space (air gap), whose width can vary from a few centimetres to several metres. If mechanical shading systems are installed in the air gap, the outer skin also provides them protection against wind loads and dirt. The biggest advantage of the double facade over the single facade is that it requires less energy for cooling or heating the building.

Natural Stone facade Natural stone facade is one of the oldest and most popular types of facades used because of its durability. Natural stone is environmentally friendly because the stone's thermal mass provides natural insulation. Apart from enhancing your property's appearance, stone facades also help provide optimum insulation. Since rocks and natural stones have calcite and silicates, outside walls with stone cladding are ideal for standing up to harsh weather.Also, they're heat resistant and act as natural insulators, thus blocking heat, cold and moisture from entering your home. This keeps down your heating and cooling costs.

Precast concrete facade Precast concrete facades are used to clad all or part of a building facade or free-standing walls used for landscaping, soundproofing, and security walls, and some can be prestressed concrete structural elements. Precast concrete facade can be used in a wide range of applications. Besides its structural benefits, concrete cladding can be a great way to incorporate sculptured shapes and textures into exterior cladding systems.

Steel facade Steel facades come in a variety of colours and surface textures. Steel facade minimizes the loads on the supporting structure. It is also an installation in lesser times. As steel is noncombustible and robust to damage in March 2023 • Constrofacilitator

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ARCHITECTURAL FACADES

Kinetic facade Kinetic Façades are nothing but dynamic facades which change over time, rather than being static. Façade elements can be programmed to respond to climatic factors, to improve energy efficiency, to reduce solar heat again, or for aesthetic reasons as an art installation or to act as a live signage, etc. A kinetic façade can be used to manage light, air, energy, and even information. They can act to reduce solar gain as well as allowing the passage of fresh air into the building, helping to alter the interior environment. The moving elements of the façade can be programmed to respond to climatic or other environmental factors, time, levels and type of occupancy and so on to improve performance and efficiency.

end-user. The efficiency and long term benefit is far reaching. Selfcleaning surfaces have become a relevant product type because of photocatalytic coatings containing titanium dioxide (TiO) nanoparticles. Self-cleaning nano coatings have been used to treat everything from concrete and stone, to glass and ceramics, to textiles, wood, stainless steel, aluminium, and plastic. Closed cavity facade A variation of the traditional curtain wall system, closed cavity facades (CCFs) are a type of facade made with two types of glass for the exterior and interior with a cavity between them to prevent condensation. Inside the cavity, solar shading devices and controls monitor exterior conditions, control the shade, and regulate the flow of dry air into the cavity.

heat away from entering inside the building and helps to maintain a comfortable indoor climate naturally. Glass facade Glass facades can be made translucent or molded in different shapes. The glass facade is weather resistant so it can easily withstand different weather conditions like rains, sun and wind. It does not lose its shape or shine in any weather.It usually has a smooth surface and requires minimal cleaning. Glass façades require low maintenance and are abrasion resistant.

Self-cleaning facade A self- cleaning facade makes it easy for the applicator as well as for the

Clay facade Clay facades It can be used for the exterior walls of homes, offices, and even public buildings. Their weather resistance power makes them highly durable, lasting for decades. The clay facade is manufactured with advanced firing processes, and it is highly resistant to the exterior environment. Clay is readily a natural thermal insulator and along with that a combined benefit of a ventilated façade increases the insulation further. It helps to keep the

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Conclusion Discussed above are different types of facades that can be used for buildings. The facade type to be used depends upon your building requirement. March 2023 • Constrofacilitator

INSULATION FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF THE BUILDING

Different Types of Insulation for Energy Efficiency of the Building

Kapil Menghrani, Co-founder, Econaur Director, Prakriti Sustainable Building Services Private Limited

W

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hen insulating your home, you can choose from many types of insulation. To choose the best type of insulation, you should first determine the following:

between batts and framing. In addition, inspect insulation for a tight fit around building components that penetrate the insulation, such as electrical boxes. To evaluate sprayed or blown-in types of insulation, measure the depth of the insulation and check for gaps in coverage.

Where you want or need to install/add insulation The recommended R-values for areas you want to insulate

If you choose to install the insulation yourself, follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety precautions carefully and check local building and fire codes. Do-ityourself instructions are available from the fiberglass and mineral wool trade group. The cellulose trade group recommends hiring a professional, but if there isn't a qualified installer in your area or you feel comfortable taking on the job, you may be able to find guidance from manufacturers.

Installing Insulation The maximum thermal performance or R-value of insulation is very dependent on proper installation. Homeowners can install some types of insulation - notably blankets and materials that can be poured in place. (Liquid foam insulation materials can be poured, but they require professional installation). Other types require professional installation. When hiring a professional certified installer: Ÿ

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Obtain written cost estimates from several contractors for the R-value you need, and don't be surprised if quoted prices for a given R-value installation vary by more than a factor of two. Ask contractors about their air-sealing services and costs as well, because it's a good idea to seal air leaks before installing insulation.

The table below provides an overview of most available insulation materials, how they are installed, where they're typically installed, and their advantages. Types of Insulation

To evaluate blanket installation, you can measure batt thickness and check for gaps between batts as well as March 2023 • Constrofacilitator

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INSULATION FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF THE BUILDING

TYPE

MATERIAL

WHERE APPLICABLE

INSTALLATION METHODS

ADVANTAGES

Blanket: batts and rolls

FiberglassMineral (rock Unfinished walls, or slag) woolPlastic including foundation fibersNatural fibers wallsFloors and ceilings

Fitted between studs, Do-it-yourself.Suited joists, and beams. for standard stud and joist spacing that is relatively free from obstructions. Relatively inexpensive.

Concrete block insulation and insulating concrete blocks

Foam board, to be placed on outside of wall (usually new construction) or inside of wall (existing homes):Some manufacturers incorporate foam beads or air into the concrete mix to increase R-values

Require specialized skillsInsulating concrete blocks are sometimes stacked without mortar (drystacked) and surface bonded.

Insulating cores increases wall Rvalue.Insulating outside of concrete block wall places mass inside conditioned space, which can moderate indoor temperatures. Autoclaved aerated concrete and autoclaved cellular concrete masonry units have 10 times the insulating value of conventional concrete.

Foam board PolystyrenePolyisocyan Unfinished walls, uratePolyurethane including foundation or rigid wallsFloors and foam ceilingsUnvented lowslope roofs

Interior applications: must be covered with 1/2-inch gypsum board or other building-code approved material for fire safety. Exterior applications: must be covered with weatherproof facing.

High insulating value for relatively little thickness.Can block thermal short circuits when installed continuously over frames or joists.

Foam boards or foam Insulating blocks concrete forms (ICFs)

Installed as part of the building structure.

Insulation is literally built into the home’s walls, creating high thermal resistance.

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Unfinished walls, including foundation wallsNew construction or major renovationsWalls (insulating concrete blocks)

Unfinished walls, including foundation walls for new construction

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INSULATION FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF THE BUILDING

WHERE APPLICABLE

INSTALLATION METHODS

TYPE

MATERIAL

Loose-fill and blown-in

CelluloseFiberglassMin eral (rock or slag) wool

Enclosed existing wall or open new wall cavitiesUnfinished attic floorsOther hard-toreach places

Blown into place using special equipment, sometimes poured in.

Good for adding insulation to existing finished areas, irregularly shaped areas, and around obstructions.

Reflective system

Foil-faced kraft paper, plastic film, polyethylene bubbles, or cardboard

Unfinished walls, ceilings, and floors

Foils, films, or papers fitted between woodframe studs, joists, rafters, and beams.

Do-it-yourself.Suitable for framing at standard spacing. Bubble-form suitable if framing is irregular or if obstructions are present. Most effective at preventing downward heat flow, effectiveness depends on spacing.

Rigid fibrous or fiber insulation

FiberglassMineral (rock Ducts in unconditioned or slag) wool spacesOther places requiring insulation that can withstand high temperatures

HVAC contractors fabricate the insulation into ducts either at their shops or at the job sites.

Can withstand high temperatures.

Sprayed foam and foamed-in -place

CementitiousPhenolicP Enclosed existing olyisocyanuratePolyure wallOpen new wall thane cavitiesUnfinished attic floors

Applied using small spray containers or in larger quantities as a pressure sprayed (foamed-in-place) product.

Good for adding insulation to existing finished areas, irregularly shaped Construction Robotics areas, and around obstructions.

Structural insulated panels (SIPs)

Foam board or liquid foam insulation coreStraw core insulation

Construction workers fit SIPs together to form walls and roof of a house.

SIP-built houses provide superior and uniform insulation compared to more traditional construction methods; they also take less time to build.

March 2023 • Constrofacilitator

Unfinished walls, ceilings, floors, and roofs for new construction

ADVANTAGES

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INSULATION FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF THE BUILDING

Blanket: Batt and Roll Insulation Blanket insulation - the most common and widely available type of insulation - comes in the form of batts or rolls. It consists of flexible fibers, most commonly fiberglass. You also can find batts and rolls made from mineral (rock and slag) wool, plastic fibers, and natural fibers, such as cotton and sheep's wool. Batts and rolls are available in widths suited to standard spacing of wall studs, attic trusses or rafters, and floor joists: 2 inch x 4 inch walls can hold R-13 or R-15 batts; 2 inch x 6 inch walls can use R-19 or R-21 products. Continuous rolls can be hand-cut and trimmed to fit. They are available with or without facings. Manufacturers often attach a facing (such as kraft paper, foil-kraft paper, or vinyl) to act as a vapor barrier and/or air barrier. Batts with a special flame-resistant facing are available in various widths for basement walls and other places where the insulation will be left exposed. A facing also helps facilitate fastening during installation. See the table below for an overview of standard and high-performance (medium-density and high-density) fiberglass blankets and batts characteristics. Fiberglass Batt Insulation Characteristics This table is for comparison of fiberglass batts only. Determine actual thickness, R-value, and cost from manufacturer and/or local building supplier. THICKNESS (INCHES)

R-VALUE COST (CENTS/SQ. FT.)

3 1/2

11

12-16

3 5/8

13

15-20

3 1/2 (high density)

15

34-40

6 to 6 1/4

19

27-34

5 1/4 (high density)

21

33-39

8 to 8 1/2

25

37-45

8 (high density)

30

45-49

9 1/2 (standard)

30

39-43

12

38

55-60

and walls, and there are several ways to insulate them. If the cores aren't filled with steel and concrete for structural reasons, they can be filled with insulation, which raises the average wall R-value. Field studies and computer simulations have shown, however, that core filling of any type offers little fuel savings, because heat is readily conducted through the solid parts of the walls such as block webs and mortar joints. It is more effective to install insulation over the surface of the blocks either on the exterior or interior of the foundation walls. Placing insulation on the exterior has the added advantage of containing the thermal mass of the blocks within the conditioned space, which can moderate indoor temperatures. Some manufacturers incorporate polystyrene beads into concrete blocks, while others make concrete blocks that accommodate rigid foam inserts. In the United States, two varieties of solid, precast autoclaved concrete masonry units are now available: autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) and autoclaved cellular concrete (ACC). This material contains about 80% air by volume and has been commonly used in Europe since the late 1940s. Autoclaved concrete has ten times the insulating value of conventional concrete. The blocks are large, light, and easily sawed, nailed, and shaped with ordinary tools. The material absorbs water readily, so it requires protection from moisture. Precast ACC uses fly ash instead of high-silica sand, which distinguishes it from AAC. Fly ash is a waste ash produced

Concrete Block Insulation Concrete blocks are used to build home foundations

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March 2023 • Constrofacilitator

INSULATION FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF THE BUILDING

from burning coal in electric power plants.

Insulating Concrete Forms

Hollow-core units made with a mix of concrete and wood chips are also available. They are installed by stacking the units without using mortar (dry-stacking) and filling the cores with concrete and structural steel. One potential problem with this type of unit is that the wood is subject to the effects of moisture and insects.

Insulating concrete forms (ICFs) are basically forms for poured concrete walls, which remain as part of the wall assembly. This system creates walls with a high thermal resistance, typically about R-20. Even though ICF homes are constructed using concrete, they look like traditional stick-built homes.

Concrete block walls are typically insulated or built with insulating concrete blocks during new home construction or major renovations. Block walls in existing homes can be insulated from the inside. Go to insulation materials for more information about the products commonly used to insulate concrete block.

ICF systems consist of interconnected foam boards or interlocking, hollow-core foam insulation blocks. Foam boards are fastened together using plastic ties. Along with the foam boards, steel rods (rebar) can be added for reinforcement before the concrete is poured. When using foam blocks, steel rods are often used inside the hollow cores to strengthen the walls.

Foam Board or Rigid Foam Foam boards - rigid panels of insulation - can be used to insulate almost any part of your home, from the roof down to the foundation. They are very effective in exterior wall sheathing, interior sheathing for basement walls, and special applications such as attic hatches. They provide good thermal resistance (up to 2 times greater than most other insulating materials of the same thickness), and reduce heat conduction through structural elements, like wood and steel studs. The most common types of materials used in making foam board include polystyrene, polyisocyanurate (polyiso), and polyurethane.

The foam webbing around the concrete-filled cores of blocks can provide easy access for insects and groundwater. To help prevent these problems, some manufacturers make insecticide-treated foam blocks and promote methods for waterproofing them. Installing an ICF system requires an experienced contractor, available through the Insulating Concrete Form Association.

Loose-Fill and Blown-In Insulation Loose-fill insulation consists of small particles of fiber, foam, or other materials. These small particles form an insulation material that can conform to any space without disturbing structures or finishes. This ability to conform makes loose-fill insulation well suited for retrofits and locations where it would be difficult to install other types of insulation. The most common types of materials used for loose-fill insulation include cellulose, fiberglass, and mineral (rock or slag) wool. All of these materials are produced March 2023 • Constrofacilitator

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INSULATION FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF THE BUILDING

miculite, and perlite are typically poured.

using recycled waste materials. Cellulose is primarily made from recycled newsprint. Most fiberglass products contain 40% to 60% recycled glass. Mineral wool is usually produced from 75% post-industrial recycled content. The table below compares these three materials. Recommended Specifications by Loose-Fill Insulation Material CELLULOSE FIBERGLASS ROCK WOOL Density in lb/ft3 (kg/m³)

1.5–2.0 (24–36)

0.5–1.0 (10–14)

1.7 (27)

Weight at R-38 in lb/ft² (kg/m²)

1.25–2.0 (6–10)

0.5–1.2 (3–6)

1.6–1.8 (8–9)

For Attic Applications CELLULOSE FIBERGLASS ROCK WOOL OK for 1/2″ drywall, 24″ on center?

No

Yes

No

OK for 1/2″ drywall, 16″ on center?

Yes

Yes

Yes

OK for 5/8″ drywall, 24″ on center?

Yes

Yes

Yes

Some less common loose-fill insulation materials include polystyrene beads and vermiculite and perlite. Loose-fill insulation can be installed in either enclosed cavities such as walls, or unenclosed spaces such as attics. Cellulose, fiberglass, and rock wool are typically blown in by experienced installers skilled at achieving the correct density and R-values. Polystyrene beads, ver-

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The Federal Trade Commission has issued the “Trade Regulation Rule Concerning the Labeling and Advertising of Home Insulation” (16 CFR Part 460). The Commission issued the R-value Rule to prohibit, on an industrywide basis, specific unfair or deceptive acts or practices. The Rule requires that manufacturers and others who sell home insulation determine and disclose each products' R-value and related information (e.g., thickness, coverage area per package) on package labels and manufacturers' fact sheets. R-value ratings vary among different types and forms of home insulations and among products of the same type and form. For loose-fill insulation, each manufacturer must determine the R-value of its product at settled density and create coverage charts showing the minimum settled thickness, minimum weight per square foot, and coverage area per bag for various total R-values. This is because as the installed thickness of loose-fill insulation increases, its settled density also increases due to compression of the insulation under its own weight. Thus, the R-value of loose-fill insulation does not change proportionately with thickness. The manufacturers' coverage charts specify the bags of insulation needed per square foot of coverage area; the maximum coverage area for one bag of insulation; the minimum weight per square foot of the installed insulation; and the initial and settled thickness of the installed insulation needed to achieve a particular R-value. Radiant Barriers and Reflective Insulation Systems Unlike most common insulation systems, which resist conductive and sometimes convective heat flow, radiant barriers and reflective insulation work by reflecting radiant heat. Radiant barriers are installed in homes usually in attics - primarily to reduce summer heat gain, which helps lower cooling costs. Reflective insulation incorporates radiant barriers - typically highly reflective aluminum foils - into insulation systems that can include a variety of backings, such as kraft paper, plastic film, polyethylene bubbles, or cardboard, as well as thermal insulation materials. Radiant heat travels in a straight line away from any surMarch 2023 • Constrofacilitator

INSULATION FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF THE BUILDING

high temperatures. These products come in a range of thicknesses from 1 inch to 2.5 inches.

face and heats anything solid that absorbs its energy. When the sun heats a roof, it's primarily the sun's radiant energy that makes the roof hot. A large portion of this heat travels by conduction through the roofing materials to the attic side of the roof. The hot roof material then radiates its gained heat energy onto the cooler attic surfaces, including the air ducts and the attic floor. A radiant barrier reduces the radiant heat transfer from the underside of the roof to the other surfaces in the attic. To be effective, it must face an air space. Radiant barriers are more effective in hot climates, especially when cooling air ducts are located in the attic. Some studies show that radiant barriers can lower cooling costs 5% to 10% when used in a warm, sunny climate. The reduced heat gain may even allow for a smaller air conditioning system. In cool climates, however, it's usually more cost-effective to install more thermal insulation. Rigid Fiber Board Insulation Rigid fiber or fibrous board insulation consists of either fiberglass or mineral wool material and is primarily used for insulating air ducts in homes. It is also used when there's a need for insulation that can withstand March 2023 • Constrofacilitator

Installation in air ducts is usually done by HVAC contractors, who fabricate the insulation at their shops or at job sites. On exterior duct surfaces, they can install the insulation by impaling it on weld pins and securing with speed clips or washers. They can also use special weld pins with integral-cupped head washers. Unfaced boards can then be finished with reinforced insulating cement, canvas, or weatherproof mastic. Faced boards can be installed in the same way, and the joints between boards sealed with pressure-sensitive tape or glass fabric and mastic. Sprayed-Foam and Foamed-In-Place Insulation Liquid foam insulation materials can be sprayed, foamed-in-place, injected, or poured. Foam-in-place insulation can be blown into walls, on attic surfaces, or under floors to insulate and reduce air leakage. Some installations can yield a higher R-value than traditional batt insulation for the same thickness, and can fill even the smallest cavities, creating an effective air barrier. You can use the small pressurized cans of foam-in-place insulation to reduce air leakage in holes and cracks, such as window and door frames, and electrical and plumbing penetrations. Types of Foam Insulation Today, most foam materials use foaming agents that

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INSULATION FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF THE BUILDING

don't use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which are harmful to the earth's ozone layer.

be poured from a container. Installation of most types of liquid foam insulation requires special equipment and certification and should be done by experienced installers. Following installation, an approved thermal barrier equal in fire resistance to half-inch gypsum board must cover all foam materials. Also, some building codes don't recognize sprayed foam insulation as a vapor barrier, so installation might require an additional vapor retarder.

There are two types of foam-in-place insulation: closedcell and open-cell. Both are typically made with polyurethane. With closed-cell foam, the high-density cells are closed and filled with a gas that helps the foam expand to fill the spaces around it. Open-cell foam cells are not as dense and are filled with air, which gives the insulation a spongy texture.

Costs

The type of insulation you should choose depends on how you will use it and on your budget. While closed-cell foam has a greater R-value and provides stronger resistance against moisture and air leakage, the material is also much denser and is more expensive to install. Open-cell foam is lighter and less expensive but should not be used below ground level where it could absorb water. Consult a professional insulation installer to decide what type of insulation is best for you.

Foam insulation products and installation usually cost more than traditional batt insulation. However, foam insulation has higher R-values and forms an air barrier, which can eliminate some of the other costs and tasks associated with weatherizing a home, such as caulking, applying housewrap and vapor barrier, and taping joints. When building a new home, this type of insulation can also help reduce construction time and the number of specialized contractors, which saves money.

Available foam insulation materials include:

Structural Insulated Panels

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Cementitious Phenolic Polyisocyanurate (polyiso) Polyurethane.

Some less common types include Icynene foam and Tripolymer foam. Icynene foam can be either sprayed or injected, which makes it the most versatile. It also has good resistance to both air and water intrusion. Tripolymer foam-a water-soluble foam-is injected into wall cavities. It has excellent resistance to fire and air intrusion. Installation Liquid foam insulation - combined with a foaming agent - can be applied using small spray containers or in larger quantities as a pressure-sprayed (foamed-in-place) product. Both types expand and harden as the mixture cures. They also conform to the shape of the cavity, filling and sealing it thoroughly. Slow-curing liquid foams are also available. These foams are designed to flow over obstructions before expanding and curing, and they are often used for empty wall cavities in existing buildings. There are also liquid foam materials that can

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Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are prefabricated insulated structural elements for use in building walls, ceilings, floors, and roofs. They provide superior and uniform insulation compared to more traditional construction methods (stud or “stick frame”), offering energy savings of 12% to 14%. When installed properly, SIPs also result in a more airtight dwelling, which makes a house quieter and more comfortable. SIPs not only have high R-values but also high strengthto-weight ratios. A SIP typically consists of 4- to 8-inchthick foam board insulation sandwiched between two sheets of oriented strand board (OSB) or other structural facing materials. Manufacturers can usually customize the exterior and interior sheathing materials to meet customer requirements. The facing is glued to the foam core, and the panel is then either pressed or placed in a vacuum to bond the sheathing and core together. SIPs can be produced in various sizes or dimensions. Some manufacturers make panels as large as 8 by 24 feet, which require a crane to erect. The quality of SIP manufacturing is very important to the long life and performance of the product. The panMarch 2023 • Constrofacilitator

INSULATION FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF THE BUILDING

els must be glued, pressed, and cured properly to ensure that they don't delaminate. The panels also must have smooth surfaces and edges to prevent gaps from occurring when they're connected at the job site. Before purchasing SIPs, ask manufacturers about their quality control and testing procedures and read and compare warranties carefully. SIPs are available with different insulating materials, usually polystyrene or polyisocyanurate foam. Installation SIPs are made in a factory and shipped to job sites. Builders then connect them together to construct a house. For an experienced builder, a SIPs home goes up much more quickly than other homes, which saves time and money without compromising quality. These savings can help offset the usually higher cost of SIPs. Many SIP manufacturers also offer “panelized housing kits.” The builder need only assemble the pre-cut pieces, and additional openings for doors and windows can be cut with standard tools at the construction site. When installed according to manufacturers' recommendations, SIPs meet all building codes and pass the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards of safety. In buildings constructed of SIPs, fire investigators have found that the panels held up well. For example, in one case a structure fire exceeded 1,000°F (538°C) in the ceiling areas and 200°F (93°C) near the floors, and most wall panels and much of the ceiling remained intact. An examination of the wall panels revealed that the foam core had neither melted nor delaminated from the skins. In similar cases, a lack of oxygen seemingly caused the fire to extinguish itself. The air supply in an airtight SIP home can be quickly consumed in a fire.

Areas of Concern Fire safety is a concern, but when the interior of the SIP is covered with a fire-rated material, such as gypsum board, it protects the facing and foam long enough to give building occupants a chance to escape. As in any house, insects and rodents can be a problem. In a few cases, insects and rodents have tunneled throughout the SIPs, and some manufacturers have issued guidelines for preventing these problems, including: Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Applying insecticides to the panels Treating the ground with insecticides both before and after initial construction and backfilling Maintaining indoor humidity levels below 50% Locating outdoor plantings at least two feet (0.6 meters) away from the walls Trimming any over-hanging tree limbs

Boric acid-treated insulation panels are also available. These panels deter insects, but are relatively harmless to humans and pets. Because it is so airtight, a well-built SIP structure requires controlled fresh-air ventilation for safety, health, and performance, and to meet many building codes. A well-designed, installed, and properly operated mechanical ventilation system can also help prevent indoor moisture problems, which is important for achieving the energy-saving benefits of an SIP structure. About the author: The author is the co-founder of Econaur and Director – Prakriti Sustainable Building Services Private Limited. He is an experienced consultant providing sustainability strategies for the Construction Industry. He specializes in AutoCAD, Green Buildings, and Market Research.

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March 2023 • Constrofacilitator

21

CURTAIN WALL

Curtain Wall; Functions, Advantages and Types

A

curtain wall is the exterior cladding of a building in which the outer walls are attached to the building structure and used to anchor against harsh weather. It is non-structural and can be made of lightweight materials such as glass and aluminium. A curtain wall provides maximum fenestration and resistance to temperature, air, rain, condensation etc. Cur-

22

tain walls are manufactured based on your project customised requirement. Curtain walls provide resistance against air and water and allow light to enter the interior space. These walls are not structural, and can only carry their own weight, while transferring the load of the wind and gravity of a building. Curtain walls are available in three main systems: facesealed, water-managed, and pressure-equalised. It is installed in front

of the concrete slabs so they are more waterproof and uniform. The curtain wall system comes with a pressure balance. That keeps water and air inlets out of the building. The curtain walls of a building are subject to several exterior hazards and thus require a careful choice in insulation to minimise condensation. Curtain walls function as follows: Ÿ Ÿ

Structural integrity Movement (thermal, seismic, March 2023 • Constrofacilitator

CURTAIN WALL

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

and differential) Weather tightness Condensation Thermal insulation

The curtain wall comes in the form of modules, which are manufactured under controlled factory settings and then transported to the site ready with all the components. Once the module arrives on site, the installation is done. Components of a curtain wall: Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Transom Mullions Vision Glass Anchor

March 2023 • Constrofacilitator

Advantages of the curtain wall Aesthetics: A curtain wall adds aesthetics to the building. With the installation of customised curtain walls, your building design stands out and also meets the standard demands of modern architectural structures and design.

can quickly meet the project criteria and design choices. Supports its weight: The curtain walls support their weight without taking support from the building.

Durable: Curtain walls are manufactured with durable materials such as aluminium, which is low in weight yet strong and robust.

Reduces power consumption: Installing curtain walls reduces power consumption. It helps stabilise the building temperature. It also increases lighting efficiency, thereby reducing lighting bills and mitigates UltraViolet rays.

Flexibility in design: If you want a customised look for your structures, you can get that with a curtain wall. There are no design obstructions; it

Protects against Fire: Curtain walls create a buffer between the compartments of the building and reduce the spread of fire in facilities. Specially de-

23

CURTAIN WALL

signed laminated glass used in curtain walls can also be blast resistant and withstand forces so that the interior of the buildings stay protected. Eliminates water and pollutant infiltration: The curtain walls stop water infiltration during precipitation and block the entry of air pollutants.

snowfall. These walls are manufactured with coatings that can withstand weather extremes. It can also bear a sufficient seismic load without causing fatal damage to the building structure.

Ÿ

Common Curtain Wall Materials

Unitized Curtain Wall System:

Ÿ

Protection against winds: Curtain walls provide resistance and protection by distributing the kinetic force along the building surface.

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Protect against harsh weather: The curtain walls protect from rainfall or

24

Ÿ Ÿ

Aluminium Glass Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) Spandrel glass Stone veneer Fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) Louvres or vents

Types of Curtain Wall Systems Curtain wall types include: Ÿ

Stick Curtain Wall System Unitized Curtain Wall System

Unitized curtain walls are manufactured in the factory. The components are installed and brought as a single unit from the factory to the site. The units are assembled and glazed at a manufacturing facility, then shipped to the work site for installation. The on-site installer connects the units to-

March 2023 • Constrofacilitator

CURTAIN WALL

gether using different anchors and mullions. As these units are manufactured off-site, the units tend to be extremely uniform. Unitized systems can handle environmental stress, allow thermal expansion and contraction, differential movement between floors and seismic movement. Stick Curtain Wall System: Stick curtain wall systems components are assembled at site. All the constituent components are embed-

March 2023 • Constrofacilitator

ded in bracket systems, support frame systems and sheet systems, This curtain wall system is mainly used for low-rise buildings or in small regions. This type of system provides flexibility as it allows for onsite adjustments. This type of curtain wall system can be manufactured with glass, metal plate, stone, and artificial plates as its finish materials. Because these wall systems are delivered in pieces, the components of a stick curtain wall can be assembled and sealed to meet project specifications.

Its frame assembly requires the use of specialised connections to ensure proper installation. Conclusion Discussed above are the advantages of curtain walls. Glass curtain walls are a popular choice of construction in the modern world, and they can be found in different commercial and residential buildings

25

DOME STRUCTURES

Dome Structures Types, Famous monuments and applications

A

dome is a type of hemispherical structure used as a roof that resembles the hollow upper half of a sphere. It is supported by columns or piers. Traditionally the dome got an important symbolic, and religious significance, a physical representation of the sky and the infinite. They can be put to multiple uses, not just as protection from the elements or to provide a huge, open space for aesthetic purposes. The dome-shaped structures generally do not require much internal support which makes them suitable for the im-

26

plementation of diverse floor plans. Since these structures conserve the heart and airflow inside the structure with minimal effort. They are highly resistant to natural elements such as fire, water, and wind. Domes can be constructed from mud, snow, stone, wood, brick, concrete, metal, glass, and plastic over the centuries. More recently, the use of newer materials such as reinforced concrete slab, has made the construction of domes even more popular.

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Advantages of domes

Ÿ

Ÿ

Self-supporting, stabilised by the force of gravity acting on their

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

weight to hold them in compression Can span large areas and require no intermediary columns Resistant to high wind conditions Acoustic qualities, Can be constructed from a variety of materials Minimum Maintenance Aesthetics and comfort Fire-resistant The load is evenly distributed in all directions. Does not require scaffolding supports

Different types of domes March 2023 • Constrofacilitator

DOME STRUCTURES

Geodesic Dome

Onion Dome:

Geodesic Dome is a spherical structure that is constructed out of interconnecting lines rather than out of curved surfaces. The geodesic structure uses a series of short, interconnected straight lines to approximate a spherical or rounded surface. The spherical shape of the dome allows for maximum solar gain, which can be harnessed to provide natural light and heat. The dome's shape and ventilation system can help to reduce the need for artificial heating and cooling. It is used in a wide range of architectural projects, from small residential homes to large commercial and community buildings.

Onion domes come with a pointed top and an ogee shape.

their meridians. There are many uses for this geometric shape and are used in old churches, libraries etc. Beehive Dome: Beehive Dome consists of layers that cantilevered toward the center until a point is reached where all the layers come together. Saucer Dome A saucer dome is a dome that has a rise much smaller than its span, giving it a flatter, upturned saucer shape.

Cable Net Domes Cable net domes comprise pin-jointed cables and struts that balanced by ring beams and walls or columns along the perimeter. In the installation of roofs for large areas like indoor stadiums and arenas, the cable dome is the most effective.

Sail Dome

Monolithic Dome: Monolithic domes consist of thin shells. The form may be permanent or temporary and may or may not remain with the structure when finished.

Sail domes have the intersection of a spherical cap or a semi-sphere. They are also known as pendentive domes and byzantine domes.

Hemispherical Dome Hemispherical Domes are half-circled domes vertically compressed along March 2023 • Constrofacilitator

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DOME STRUCTURES

Parabolic dome A parabolic dome is formed by the rotation around a vertical axis of a sector of a parabola. These domes have circular bases and horizontal sections.

rounded by a veranda of arches with carved sandstone brackets and the interior of the tomb has glazed tile decorations and painted stucco work. Famous dome structures in India Taj Mahal The Taj Mahal in Agra is an immense mausoleum of white marble, built between 1632 and 1653 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The most spectacular feature of the Taj Mahal is the marble dome that surmounts the tomb. Its height of around 35 meters (115 ft) is about the same as the length of the base, and is accentuated as it sits on a cylindrical drum. The top of the famous dome is decorated with a lotus design.

Alai Darwaza This monumental gateway was built by Alauddin Khalji and served as one of the main entrances to the Quwwat-ulIslam mosque. It is the oldest standing gateway in Delhi with a unique dome that houses a small cupola on top of the larger dome. The gateway built of red sandstone and white marble is extensively decorated with jaali (latticescreen) patterns, and geometric and floral designs.

tall. The temple has a diameter of 70 m. The surface of the House of Worship is made of white marble from Penteli mountain in Greece, the same marble used in the construction of many ancient monuments. Bijapur Gol Gumbaz Bijapur Gol Gumbaz is inspired by the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. The dark grey basalt stone gives it a rustic yet elegant look. It also houses one of the biggest chambers in the world measuring 18,000 sq. ft. It has a 144 ft high roof with a 156 ft cube on either side. Beneath this, it has eight arches traversing the two squares and interlocking together at the base of the dome.

Rashtrapati Bhavan Lodi Garden

Lotus Temple

The Lodi Garden is named after the Lodis, the tomb of whose second ruler, Sikandar Lodi was built by his successor Ibrahim Lodi. Built within a high walled enclosure, the tomb is notable for its battlements and fortification. The octagonal tomb stands within a char bagh layout, the first of its kind in Delhi. The inner chamber is sur-

The Lotus Temple in New Delhi is one of 7 temples of the Baha'i faith in the world. The building is made up of 27 free-standing marble petals arranged to form the 9 sides of the temple. The central worship hall inside is 40m high and has a capacity for 2,500 people. The nine doors of the Lotus Temple open onto a central hall 34.3 meters

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The Dome that crowns Rashtrapati Bhavan is one of the most distinctive features of the building. Fifty-five metres above the level of the Forecourt, it has the National flag hoisted from its peak. The Central dome is twice the height of the building. Bordering the dome are miniature pavilion roofs called chattris and inverted half dome fountains. March 2023 • Constrofacilitator

DOME STRUCTURES

to become the leitmotif of subsequent Mughal architecture. The tomb is built chiefly with red sandstone and white marble. The marble and stone inlay ornamentation used in numerous geometrical and arabesque patterns came to influence the Taj Mahal and Safdarjung's Tomb. Application of domes Humayun's Tomb

Global Vipassana Pagoda

Humayun's Tomb is the first major mausoleum built by the Mughals in India and the first to adopt the Persian 'charbagh' layout of gardens that was

The centre of the Global Vipassana Pagoda contains the world's largest stone dome built without any supporting pillars. The height of the dome is approximately 29 metres, while the height of the building is 99.06 metres, The external diameter of the largest section of the dome is 97.46 m and the shorter sections are 94.82m. The internal diameter is 85.15 m. The inside of the pagoda is hollow and serves as a very large meditation hall with an area covering more than 6000 m2 (65,000 ft).

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Tombs Sport halls Theatres, Concert halls Oil tanks, silos Shopping malls Mosques, Churches etc

Conclusion Discussed above are a few of the construction mobile apps used to track project progress, generate regular business reports, estimate the total construction cost etc. With a construction mobile app, you can have your entire workspace, from foreman to top-level managers, in a single window.

Christopher Scott Constructs Architectural Designs, Virtual Environments With NVIDIA Omniverse Growing up in a military family, Christopher Scott moved more than 30 times, which instilled in him “the ability to be comfortable with, and even motivated by, new environments,” he said. Today, the environments he explores and creates - are virtual ones. As chief technical director for 3D design and visualization services at InfiniteCompute, Scott creates physically accurate virtual environments using familiar architectural products in conjunction with NVIDIA Omniverse Enterprise, a platform for connecting and building custom 3D pipelines. With a background in leading cuttingedge engineering projects for the U.S. Department of Defense, Scott now cre-

March 2023 • Constrofacilitator

ates virtual environments focused on building renovation and visualization for the architecture, engineering, construction and operations (AECO) industry. These true-to-reality virtual environments whether of electrical rooms, manufacturing factories, or modern home designs - enable quick, efficient design of products, processes and facilities before bringing them to life in the real world. They also help companies across AECO and other industries save money, speed project completion and make designs interactive for customers - as will be highlighted at NVIDIA GTC, a global conference on AI and the metaverse, running online Sept. 19-22. “Physically accurate virtual environments help us deliver client projects faster, while

maintaining a high level of quality and performance consistency,” said Scott, who’s now based in Austin, Texas. “The key value we offer clients is the ability to make better decisions with confidence.” Source: blogs.nvidia.com

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ALUMINIUM LOUVERS

Aluminium louvers Advantages, Types and Applications

A

luminium louvers are window blinds and shutters with horizontal slats that can be used at different angles to shade buildings from the sun. They are used for inflow of air and light and keeping sunshine or moisture out. The adjustable blades of louver windows allow you to better control a more evenly distributed airflow in-

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side your home, by tilting the glass blades upwards or downwards. Any kind of commercial or residential type building with a space that requires good ventilation is suitable for aluminium louvers. The aluminium louvers can endure all harsh natural elements and can still retain their strength. It is one of the sturdiest materials that can be used, so its lightweight property combined with its durability gives it a high

strength-to-weight ratio. They are manufactured from high-quality aluminium profiles, which are made from a series of processing, that includes punching and electrostatic powder spraying . Aluminium louvers are supplied either mounted on concealed mullions for a continuous appearance or as individually framed panels. It can be made to any practicable size or shape. Advantages of Aluminium louvers March 2023 • Constrofacilitator

ALUMINIUM LOUVERS

Lightweight

Protection from severe weather

When designing the facade of your building aluminum will be a effective cost saver due to its easy installation compared to heavier metals.

Aluminium louvers are a great advantage if you live in an area prone to severe weather, as they help to protect your home and office from high winds, rain and hail.

Corrosion-resistant

differently depending on what you want to let in and what you don't. If you need your building to be shielded from insects, rain, dirt and debris from outside, this can all be achieved simply by changing the angles and spacing of the blades of the louver.

Aesthetic Aluminium louvers come with an oxide coating that protects them from corrosion naturally. This is a great advantage to any building. Improved ventilation and airflow Aluminium louvers allow you to control the ventilation and airflow in your home or office over how much fresh air enters the space.

Insulation Aluminium louvers have a modern and sleek appearance that can improve the overall aesthetic. Customized aluminium louvers can help you achieve a contemporary or more traditional look, proving to be quite versatile in their appearance. Shielding from insects and rain The blades on louvers can be angled

Aluminium is an excellent heat reflector. It can keep the heat entrapped during winter. Light Diffusion An opening roof system with outdoor louvers is an essential benefit of controlling the amount of natural light getting into your home. Types of Aluminium louvers Rain defence louvers Rain defence louvers are used to provide protection from rain penetration and harsh weather. It is available in a choice of blade configurations, can be hidden behind attractive perforated screens, or feature different blade depths to integrate beautifully with your building. The louver blades are aerodynamically shaped with no sharp edges or protrusions, to ensure the highest efficiency airflow performance.

March 2023 • Constrofacilitator

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ALUMINIUM LOUVERS

tioning (HVAC) systems. They are also used to provide a secure way to limit the visibility of the premises and prevent people from intruding. Not only that, but they also protect from water ingress without preventing airflow to equipment and machinery.

Applications of Aluminium louvers; Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Acoustic louvers Ventilation louvers Ventilation louvers allow air in and out while protecting from wind and rain. They offer high levels of airflow with the low-pressure drop, whilst still delivering some weather protection. Continuous line or modular mullion options can be specified to fit with desired facade design. These are manufactured either from extruded aluminium sections or folded sheet products in a variety of base metals. The applications of ventilation louvers include penthouses, building air intake areas, car park ventilation, plant rooms, cooling tower etc.

Ÿ Ÿ

Acoustic louvers are used as part of the exhaust/intake air system of different types of buildings. They are used in Cooling towers, Chillers, blowers etc. Different Models are available in varying depths, percent open area, and types of blade configurations yielding various pressure loss and noise reduction performances. Acoustic louvers can be installed as standalone screens or can be integrated into building façades. They can also be used in combination with any of our rain defense or ventilation models if required.

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Hospitals Industrial and Commercial buildings Education centres Airports Car-Parks Cooling tower Shopping Centers Schools Warehouse etc.

Conclusion Aluminium louvers come with a variety of blade sizes and pitches. They are fabricated using special connectors and blade support systems that allow simple fabrication yet long long life once installed. They are used for outdoor, air conditioning ventilation, rain prevention and decorative purposes.

Screening louvers Screening louvers are used on the top of buildings to conceal unsightly heating, ventilation, and air condi-

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March 2023 • Constrofacilitator

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