TYPES OF WALLS

 TYPES OF WALLS

Walls as we all know have been the defining points of any and all kinds of structures. Walls represent the extent of any structure ( horizontally and vertically ). However, not all walls are the same. They differ based on need and use. 

So, let's look at the different types of walls:

• CAVITY WALL: As the name suggests, the wall consists of two leaves with space between them. These two leaves are joined with metal ties to make them function as one. As for the cavity, it is left free to impart insulation properties to the wall.
• CURTAIN WALL: This type of wall cannot bear the structure's load, so they are paired with vertical or horizontal members who act as load distributors. 
• LOAD BEARING WALL: This wall is designed to carry the load of the structure along with its self-weight.
• PANEL WALL: This type of wall is installed to withstand lateral loads and wind loads. Aside from that, they cannot bear the load of the structure.
• PARTITION WALL: This is an interior, non-load bearing wall which is usually one story or half story high. 
• SHEAR WALL AND CROSS WALL: This type of wall is designed to withstand only horizontal loads. The walls normal to shear walls are called Cross walls.

HOISTING EQUIPMENTS

 HOISTING EQUIPMENT AND THEIR TYPES

Hoisting refers to the operation of lifting a certain type of load. The equipment used for hoisting lift the load, keep it suspended during the transfer and place it on the required location.

TYPES OF HOISTING EQUIPMENT

• PULLEY: Pulley consists of the lifting of the load using either steel chain or rope. They are generally used for lifting heavy loads.
• CHAIN HOISTS: These can lift loads up to 50 tonnes. 
• WINCH: Winch consists of gears, clutches, and brakes, and they are used in lifting railway gates.
• CRANES: These are the most common lifting machinery, and they can lift weights up to 500 tonnes.

NEW AGE OF CONSTRUCTION AND CONCRETE BLOCKS

 CONCRETE BLOCKS

Construction, as we know has come a long way thanks to the technological advancements giving us an upper edge to reinvent many construction materials. These upgrades have provided better strength and rigidity to the materials prolonging their age. 

One such advancement is Hollow Concrete Blocks. These have been inspired by the idea of providing heat and electrical insulation in buildings. As the name suggests, their core element is concrete and they are hollowed out from the middle. 

These blocks are available in the following sizes:

• 39 X 19 X 30 cm ( standard size )
• 39 X 19 X 20 cm
• 39 X 19 X 10 cm 

Apart from imparting insulation, their smaller size and hollow middle allow more room space. Furthermore, the blocks are pre-cast, making their surface smooth and removing the need for plastering. 

In order to use these blocks in construction, the overall length and height of the wall are fixed accordingly so that a single block is used.

Hollow blocks are replacing the traditional use of bricks and stones, hence proving to be economic. 

PARAPET WALL

 

 Word of the Day#2 

Parapet Wall:

A parapet wall is built when the outermost walls of a structure extend higher than the roof level around the edges, usually by a few feet.

The parapet wall can be seen in almost all structures like buildings, bridges, and roadways. These walls can be built using a variety of materials such as reinforced cement concrete, glass and steel, etc.