Cross Wall Construction http://www.precaststructures.com/crosswall.asp  This method of construction was developed to facilitate swift and adaptable residential buildings such as hotels, student residences, prisons and military barracks. Benefits Crosswall buildings are durable, have good acoustic values and are virtually maintenance free. They are quick to erect, so buildings can be used quickly. The precast components are brought to site ready to be placed within the structure. Sustainability Crosswall fully utilises the thermal mass that concrete enables through having minimum finishes which allows full exposure of the concrete surface. Fire resistance Concrete’s inherent fire resistance meets and often surpasses the requirements for structural integrity for the prescribed fire duration Finishes Good surface finishes to wall and floor units minimise site works in making good and necessary additional finishes. It is possible to simply give a skim finish. This has the benefit of fast and cost-effective construction and skim-finished walls and ceilings need a minimum of ongoing maintenance http://www.concretecentre.com/technical_information/building_solutions/loadbearing_walls/crosswall.aspx

What is cross wall construction? Cross-wall is a generic method of building construction using a series of division or party walls which transfer the floor loads through the building to foundation or transfer slab level. Precast Structure's system of cross-wall incorporates vertically cast walls providing two faces of formwork-cast concrete suitable for direct decoration, with only minor pre-decoration treatment. THE WALLS ARE LOAD BEARING

Flats Hotels Car Parks Prisons The bare concrete structure can be clad externally to provide a more aesthetic appearance. Minimum finishing is required to create a good wall finish. Panels are factory made to exact shapes and sizes from reinforced concrete. This means high levels of accuracy and less time needed for on-site constructing reducing building costs and environmental impact. Flats Hotels Car Parks Prisons

Cavity wall sections can be created for use in cross wall construction. Precast stair wells and lift wells can be built into the building. Increasing the speed of construction. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jenYP9Acivg&safe=active Video of wall manufacture https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOOHHcuWIRs Video of building construction

Construction Load bearing walls are attached to the floor slab. Floors are lowered into place and secured to the walls. The next set of walls can then be installed.

1. Explain five benefits of crosswall construction. 2. What kinds of buildings are constructed using the Crosswall technique? Why is this an appropriate method of construction for these buildings? 3. Are crosswalls load bearing or not? Explain what this means. 4. Explain the term prefabricated. How does this relate to crosswall construction?