CAVITY WALLS

Cavity wall consists of two walls with a 5cm to 8cm cavity between
them.
The outer wall also known as outer leaf, consists of a 10 cm (half brick)
thick wall and the inner wall is sufficiently thick and strong to carry the
imposed load safely.
The minimum thickness of the inner wall is restricted to 10cm (half
brick).
The provision of a continuous cavity in the wall efficiently prevents the
transmission of dampness to the inner wall.
 ADVANTAGES
▪ As there is no intimate contact between the two leaves except at the
wall ties (which are of impervious materials), there is no possibility of
the moisture travelling from the outer leaf to the inner
▪ The layer of air in the cavity being non-conductor of heat reduces the
transmission of heat from the external face to the internal one.
▪ Tests have revealed that cavity walls have 25% greater insulating
value than solid walls.
▪ They have good sound insulating property
▪ They are economical
 POSITION OF CAVITY
▪ The cavity should start near ground level
▪ The cavity should preferably start 15 cm below the damp-proof
course level. This has the advantage of draining any condensed
moisture below the level of damp-proof course
▪ Similarly, to prevent infiltration of moisture, the bottom of cavity
should lie at least 15 cm above the out side ground level
▪ The damp-proof course for the two leaves is laid separately, although
at the same level
▪ This is necessary to continue the cavity below damp-proof course
▪ The cavity is kept fully ventilated by providing air bricks in the external
wall immediately above damp-proof course.
 WALL TIES
▪ The two walls are tied together with metallic or terra-cotta
ties to obtain structural stability
▪ They are spaced 90 cm apart horizontally and 30 to 45 cm
apart vertically in staggered positions.
 PRECAUTIONS

▪ As far as possible there should be no intimate contact

between the two leaves of the cavity wall
▪ The half brick thick leaf of the cavity wall should be
constructed with stretcher bond
▪ The damp-proof course layer should be laid separately for
the two leaves
▪ The horizontal damp-proof course layer should be laid at
least 15 cm above the bottom of the cavity
 PRECAUTIONS

▪ The cavity should be properly drained and ventilated by

providing weep-holes immediately below the main
horizontal damp-proof course.
▪ Ties used should be rust proof and should preferably be
protected by galvanizing
▪ Special attention should be paid to see that the vermin or
mosquitoes do not find access to the cavity.