MATERIALS AND METHODS IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION-VIII

ENCLOSURE SYSTEMS:
Types, properties and materials

ENCLOSURE SYSTEMS INTRODUCTION

Sem 8 A, B.Arch,15ARC 8.2

ENCLOSURE SYSTEMS
Enclosure is the term given to any part of a building that physically separates the

MATERIALS AND METHODS IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION-VIII

external from the interior environment. It is often referred to as the ‘building
envelope’, although ‘enclosure’ is considered the more precise term.
The physical components of the building enclosure include:
i. The roof system.
ii. The above-grade wall system (including windows and
doors).
i. The below-grade wall system.
ii. The base floor system.

ENCLOSURE SYSTEMS INTRODUCTION

Sem 8 A, B.Arch,15ARC 8.2
TYPES OF ENCLOSURE SYSTEMS IN HIGH RISE BUILDING

MATERIALS AND METHODS IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION-VIII

i. Barrier wall
• Barrier wall systems offer a single line of defense against
moisture penetration.
• They require more sophisticated design and
constructability efforts, including workmanship in the field.

ii. Double Skinned Façades

• A Double Skin Façade is a system consisting of two glass
skins placed in such a way that air flows in the intermediate
cavity.
• The glass skins can be single or double glazing units with
a distance upto 6ft.
• Often, for protection and heat extraction reasons during
the cooling period, solar shading devices are placed inside
the cavity.

ENCLOSURE SYSTEMS INTRODUCTION

Sem 8 A, B.Arch,15ARC 8.2
iii. Pressure-equalized Rain Screens
• The concept behind pressure equalized rain screens is

MATERIALS AND METHODS IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION-VIII

to create air pressure chambers behind the cladding by
compartmentalizing the air space with baffles.
• Wind pressures would be neutralized in these pressure
equalization compartments, thus eliminating a driving
force for rain penetration.

iv. Unitized curtain wall systems-

• The whole components are bought together as a single
unit from the factory.
• This does not require exterior supports like cranes or
scaffolding. Only mini cranes or a temporary hoist can be
held over floor to keep it help during installation.
• This system gains advantage of faster construction and
higher quality because of factory manufacturing.
• But it gains high shipping charge as mentioned due to
requirement of larger protection during transportation.

ENCLOSURE SYSTEMS INTRODUCTION

Sem 8 A, B.Arch,15ARC 8.2
FUNCTIONS OF ENCLOSURE SYSTEMS
i. Support: To support, resist and transfer all structural forms of loading imposed

MATERIALS AND METHODS IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION-VIII

by the interior and exterior environments.
ii. Control: To control, air transfer, heat, sound, access and security, privacy, the
provision of views and daylight, and so on.
iii. Finish: To finish the enclosure surfaces in terms of visual, aesthetic, durability,
and so on.
iv. Distribute: To distribute services or utilities such as electricity, communications,
water, and so on.

FACTORS AFFECTING ENCLOSURE SYSTEMS

i. Gravity (i.e. structural loads).
ii. Climate and weather.
iii. Seismic forces.
iv. Noise and vibration.
v. Soil type.
vi. Topography.
vii. Organic agents
viii. Inorganic agents

ENCLOSURE SYSTEMS INTRODUCTION

Sem 8 A, B.Arch,15ARC 8.2
PROPERTIES OF GOOD ENCLOSURE SYSTEMS
i. Good strength and rigidity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION-VIII

ii. Control of heat flow.
iii. Control of air flow.
iv. Control of water vapor flow.
v. Control of liquid water movement.
vi. Stability and durability of materials.
vii. Fire resistance.
viii. Aesthetic considerations.
ix. Cost efficient.

ENCLOSURE SYSTEMS INTRODUCTION

Sem 8 A, B.Arch,15ARC 8.2
 MATERIALS USED

MATERIALS AND METHODS IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION-VIII

Zinc
- A lightweight material par excellence, Zinc is a
non-ferrous metal that provides an effective
solution for coating buildings exposed to
adverse weather condition while
simultaneously delivering a creative response
to the requirements of the program and the
users of the project.
- Zinc panels can adapt to complex shapes and
be precisely perforated
- Zinc responds to the environment and
protects itself over time
- Striated panels increase rigidity and avoid
deformations in the material

INTRODUCTION
Sem 8 A, B.Arch,15ARC 8.2
Glass reinforced concrete

MATERIALS AND METHODS IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION-VIII

- Glass reinforced concrete (GRC), or glass-fibre
reinforced concrete (GFRC), is a construction
material that is commonly used to form
exterior cladding panels. It has grown in
popularity with architects and engineers
because of its ability to be formed into virtually
any size, shape or profile
- GRC is typically manufactured in thin
sections, by machine-spraying an enriched
ordinary Portland cement and aggregate mix
with glass fibres dispersed throughout. These
fibres serve a similar purpose to steel rebar in
reinforced concrete, but are not susceptible to
rust.

INTRODUCTION
Sem 8 A, B.Arch,15ARC 8.2
Prestressed concrete

MATERIALS AND METHODS IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION-VIII

- Prestressed concrete is a structural
material that allows for predetermined,
engineering stresses to be placed in
members to counteract the stresses that
occur when they are subject to loading. It
combines the high strength compressive
properties of concrete with the high
tensile strength of steel.

- Steel used for prestressing may be in the

form of wire or tendons that can be grouped
to form cables. Solid bars may also be used
- The process of prestressed concrete can be
either through pre-tensioning or post-
tensioning.

INTRODUCTION
Sem 8 A, B.Arch,15ARC 8.2