1. Common Structural Forms
Unit 1 – Lesson 10

2. Common structural forms
Cavity wall construction
A traditional construction method, typically built with two leaves of brick and block, with insulation in between the leaves.
Cross-wall construction
Concrete slabs, monolithically poured to make a continuous structure of floors and walls.
Panel and cladding systems
A double-wall construction that uses an outer layer to keep out the weather, whilst the inner walls are insulated to achieve thermal performance.
Timber-framed construction
A modern method that uses prefabricated timber wall panels and floors, along with membranes, insulation and vapour barriers to achieve structural performance.
Teacher/tutor notes (PS 4):
Click once to introduce all four common structural forms. Then click once to introduce each description (i.e. four clicks to bring up all four descriptions).
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4. Traditional cavity wall construction

5. Concrete can be cast into many different shapes/products – not just walls.

6. Panel and cladding construction

7. Panel and cladding construction

8. Timber Framed Construction

11. This doesn’t seem to be included in any of these construction methods but worth knowing about:

13. Topic A.2: Common structural forms for low-rise construction
Traditional cavity wall construction:
load-bearing elements
blockwork outer and blockwork inner with external rendered finishes.
Cross-wall construction:
load-bearing cross-wall element
relationships of connecting floors
prefabricated concrete cross wall
use of cross-wall construction in accommodation units.
Panel and cladding construction:
structural insulated panels (SIPS)
panel finishes
panel function (panel design to support load), position of insulation.
Timber-framed construction:
the use of timber framing
position of insulation and vapour/moisture barriers, including damp-proof membranes
the position of plywood on panels and connection binder details
external brick cladding and methods of tying external finish to supporting panel
the formation of openings
panel or secondary finishes
panel function (panel design to support load).