““CAVITY WALLS”CAVITY WALLS”

Under guidance of:Under guidance of:

Dr.M.U.ASHWATHDr.M.U.ASHWATH

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION The term The term «cavity wall»«cavity wall» is applied to a type is applied to a type

of masonry wall construction in which a of masonry wall construction in which a continuous air space or cavity is provided continuous air space or cavity is provided inside the wall. inside the wall.

A cavity wall therefore is actually two A cavity wall therefore is actually two walls separated by an air space, but joined by walls separated by an air space, but joined by means of metal ties for structural strength. means of metal ties for structural strength. They are extensively used in European They are extensively used in European countries, particularly Great Britain, where countries, particularly Great Britain, where they have been developed as a means of they have been developed as a means of obtaining protection from penetration of rain obtaining protection from penetration of rain through masonry walls. through masonry walls.

In recent years in North America many In recent years in North America many important buildings have been constructed important buildings have been constructed with cavity walls.with cavity walls.

METHODOLOGYMETHODOLOGY

In the construction of a cavity wall In the construction of a cavity wall there are no changes required in there are no changes required in basic bricklaying techniques, only basic bricklaying techniques, only modifications of practices commonly modifications of practices commonly used in the construction of any brick used in the construction of any brick masonry wall. masonry wall. The fundamental principle in a cavity The fundamental principle in a cavity wall is that there shall be no bridge of wall is that there shall be no bridge of solid material capable of carrying solid material capable of carrying water across the minimum 2-in. (50-water across the minimum 2-in. (50-mm) cavity space.mm) cavity space.

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WORKMANSHIP:WORKMANSHIP:

The importance of the workmanship The importance of the workmanship used in constructing masonry has been used in constructing masonry has been stressed by many, sometimes to the point stressed by many, sometimes to the point that it may appear that workmanship alone that it may appear that workmanship alone is responsible for the performance of is responsible for the performance of masonry walls, regardless of the wall masonry walls, regardless of the wall design, detailing, or the materials used. design, detailing, or the materials used. While this is by no means true, good While this is by no means true, good workmanship is a very important factor in workmanship is a very important factor in the construction of high performance the construction of high performance masonry.masonry.

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KEEPING THE CAVITY CLEAN:KEEPING THE CAVITY CLEAN:

It is vital that the cavity be kept clean of mortar It is vital that the cavity be kept clean of mortar droppings and other foreign materials. If mortar falls droppings and other foreign materials. If mortar falls into the cavity, it may form "bridges" for moisture into the cavity, it may form "bridges" for moisture passage, or it may fall to the flashing, blocking the passage, or it may fall to the flashing, blocking the weep holes.weep holes.

Over the years many methods have been Over the years many methods have been developed and considerable time and discussion have developed and considerable time and discussion have been devoted to the proper method to use in keeping been devoted to the proper method to use in keeping the cavity clean. One method is to take a wooden or the cavity clean. One method is to take a wooden or metal strip, slightly smaller than the cavity width, and metal strip, slightly smaller than the cavity width, and place it in the air space. This strip rests on the wall place it in the air space. This strip rests on the wall ties as the wall is built. Wire or rope is attached to ties as the wall is built. Wire or rope is attached to the strip. Then, as the brick mason builds the wall, the strip. Then, as the brick mason builds the wall, this strip is easily lifted out. Before the next row of this strip is easily lifted out. Before the next row of ties is placed, any mortar which may have fallen into ties is placed, any mortar which may have fallen into the cavity is removed (Figure 1).the cavity is removed (Figure 1).

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Cont…Cont… In addition to the above mentioned methods of In addition to the above mentioned methods of

cleaning the cavity, the brick mason can use cleaning the cavity, the brick mason can use techniques that, if properly applied, should techniques that, if properly applied, should eliminate a considerable amount of mortar falling eliminate a considerable amount of mortar falling into the cavity in the first place (Figures 2 through into the cavity in the first place (Figures 2 through 7).7).

After spreading the mortar bed, the After spreading the mortar bed, the brick mason should bevel the cavity edge with the brick mason should bevel the cavity edge with the flat of the trowel (Figure 2). When mortar is spread flat of the trowel (Figure 2). When mortar is spread in this manner, very little will be squeezed out of the in this manner, very little will be squeezed out of the bed joints into the cavity when the units are laid bed joints into the cavity when the units are laid (Figure 3). (Figure 3).

The brick units are next rolled into place, keeping The brick units are next rolled into place, keeping most of the mortar on the outside most of the mortar on the outside (Figures 4, 5 and 6).(Figures 4, 5 and 6).

After the brick mason has placed the unit on the bed After the brick mason has placed the unit on the bed joint any mortar fins protruding into the cavity joint any mortar fins protruding into the cavity should be flattened over the backs of the unit, not should be flattened over the backs of the unit, not cut off (Figure 7). This prevents the mortar from cut off (Figure 7). This prevents the mortar from falling into the cavity and provides a smooth falling into the cavity and provides a smooth surface, which will not interfere with insulation surface, which will not interfere with insulation materials, which may be placed in the cavity.materials, which may be placed in the cavity.

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TOOLING:TOOLING:Weather tightness and textural effect are Weather tightness and textural effect are the basic considerations of mortar joint the basic considerations of mortar joint finish selection and execution. finish selection and execution. Properly "striking" or "tooling" the joint Properly "striking" or "tooling" the joint helps the mortar and brick units bond helps the mortar and brick units bond together and seal the wall against moisture. together and seal the wall against moisture. Nine common joint finishes are shown in Nine common joint finishes are shown in Figure 8 in order of their decreasing Figure 8 in order of their decreasing weather tightness. weather tightness. Compression of the mortar makes the Compression of the mortar makes the concave, V, and grapevine joints the most concave, V, and grapevine joints the most weather tight and acceptable to use. The weather tight and acceptable to use. The remaining six joint types are not remaining six joint types are not recommended for exterior use. All holes in recommended for exterior use. All holes in the mortar joints should be filled. Joints the mortar joints should be filled. Joints should be tooled when the mortar is should be tooled when the mortar is "thumbprint" hard."thumbprint" hard.

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WEEP HOLES:WEEP HOLES:

Weep holes must be placed at the base of the Weep holes must be placed at the base of the cavity and at all other flashing levels. They provide a cavity and at all other flashing levels. They provide a means of draining away any moisture that may have means of draining away any moisture that may have found its way into the cavity. Weep holes must found its way into the cavity. Weep holes must provide a clear access to the cavity and must be provide a clear access to the cavity and must be placed directly on the flashing for proper drainage. placed directly on the flashing for proper drainage.

Weep holes can be easily created or installed by Weep holes can be easily created or installed by various methods. In order of effectiveness these are:various methods. In order of effectiveness these are:

Eliminating each second or third head joint.Eliminating each second or third head joint. Inserting oiled rods, rope or pins in the head joint at Inserting oiled rods, rope or pins in the head joint at

a maximum of 16-in. (410-mm) and removing before a maximum of 16-in. (410-mm) and removing before final set of the mortar.final set of the mortar.

Placing metal or plastic tubing in the head joint at a Placing metal or plastic tubing in the head joint at a maximum of 16-in. (410-mm).maximum of 16-in. (410-mm).

Placing sash cord or other suitable wicking material Placing sash cord or other suitable wicking material in the head joint at a maximum of 16-in. (410-mm).in the head joint at a maximum of 16-in. (410-mm).

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TIE PLACEMENT:TIE PLACEMENT: In a properly constructed cavity wall, both In a properly constructed cavity wall, both Wythe of masonry must be adequately and Wythe of masonry must be adequately and properly tied together. The main concern to the properly tied together. The main concern to the designer is assurance that all of the ties are in designer is assurance that all of the ties are in place and remain operative, firmly embedded in place and remain operative, firmly embedded in and bonded to the mortar. and bonded to the mortar. To achieve this, the two Wythe of the cavity must To achieve this, the two Wythe of the cavity must be laid with completely filled bed joints, and the be laid with completely filled bed joints, and the ties must be in the correct position so that later ties must be in the correct position so that later disturbance of the wall assembly is unnecessary. disturbance of the wall assembly is unnecessary. There exists extensive data showing There exists extensive data showing that wall ties have excellent tying capacity if that wall ties have excellent tying capacity if they are well embedded in the masonry, and also they are well embedded in the masonry, and also that the cavity wall is a weak structural member that the cavity wall is a weak structural member if few working ties must do the job of many if few working ties must do the job of many (Figure 9).(Figure 9).

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From a performance standpoint, the From a performance standpoint, the most important factors for wall ties are:most important factors for wall ties are:

Being corrosion resistant.Being corrosion resistant. Placing ties at proper spacing. Spacing of Placing ties at proper spacing. Spacing of

ties should be reduced by one half for ties ties should be reduced by one half for ties with drips. Crimping of the metal ties to with drips. Crimping of the metal ties to form a drip is not necessary, and will form a drip is not necessary, and will decrease the strength of the tie. decrease the strength of the tie.

Full bedding of the bed joint and placing the Full bedding of the bed joint and placing the wall tie in the mortar 5/8 in. (16 mm) wall tie in the mortar 5/8 in. (16 mm) from either edge of the brickfrom either edge of the brick

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PROTECTION OF WALLS:PROTECTION OF WALLS:Masonry walls exposed to weather and Masonry walls exposed to weather and unprotected during construction can unprotected during construction can become so saturated with water that they become so saturated with water that they may require weeks, or even months may require weeks, or even months (depending upon climatic conditions), to dry (depending upon climatic conditions), to dry out. This prolonged saturation may cause out. This prolonged saturation may cause many of the slightly soluble salts to go into many of the slightly soluble salts to go into solution, thus raising the possibility of solution, thus raising the possibility of efflorescence. Such conditions may also efflorescence. Such conditions may also contribute to the contamination of the contribute to the contamination of the masonry with soluble salts from elsewhere masonry with soluble salts from elsewhere in the construction (concrete, concrete in the construction (concrete, concrete block, plaster, trim, etc.).block, plaster, trim, etc.).

DESCRIPTIONDESCRIPTIONConstruction of Cavity Walls:Construction of Cavity Walls:

Cavity walls do not require special masonry units. Cavity walls do not require special masonry units. Conventional ones are employed although metallic Conventional ones are employed although metallic instead of bonding units tie the masonry together. instead of bonding units tie the masonry together. The outer part of the cavity wall is usually brick The outer part of the cavity wall is usually brick masonry. The inner wall may also be of brickwork, masonry. The inner wall may also be of brickwork, but it is often constructed of structural clay tile, but it is often constructed of structural clay tile, concrete blocks, or plain or reinforced concrete.concrete blocks, or plain or reinforced concrete.

When a cavity wall is constructed on a foundation When a cavity wall is constructed on a foundation wall it is essential that a properly-designed gutter be wall it is essential that a properly-designed gutter be installed between the foundation and the wall The installed between the foundation and the wall The metal flashing which forms the gutter is placed metal flashing which forms the gutter is placed beneath the outer part of the wall, and is shaped so beneath the outer part of the wall, and is shaped so that it turns up behind the outer wall and is carried that it turns up behind the outer wall and is carried into a mortar joint of the inner wall. A typical into a mortar joint of the inner wall. A typical arrangement is shown in Fig. 1.arrangement is shown in Fig. 1.

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TIES:TIES:

It is the function of ties to anchor the two parts It is the function of ties to anchor the two parts of the cavity wall together so that adequate strength of the cavity wall together so that adequate strength may be obtained from the wall assembly. may be obtained from the wall assembly.

The tie must be strong in itself, and enough of it The tie must be strong in itself, and enough of it must be embedded in mortar to provide adequate must be embedded in mortar to provide adequate anchorage. anchorage.

It should be at least 3/16 inch in diameter and It should be at least 3/16 inch in diameter and should be bent at both ends to form 2-inch legs. In should be bent at both ends to form 2-inch legs. In addition, it must be corrosion-resistant so that it is addition, it must be corrosion-resistant so that it is not destroyed by rusting in service; for this reason not destroyed by rusting in service; for this reason the use of non-ferrous ties is desirable. Copper and the use of non-ferrous ties is desirable. Copper and bronze are suitable materials, as is steel with copper bronze are suitable materials, as is steel with copper welded to the surface or steel that bas been welded to the surface or steel that bas been galvanized by hot dipping.galvanized by hot dipping.

Shapes of cavity wall ties.Shapes of cavity wall ties.

ADVANTAGESADVANTAGES The most obvious advantage of cavity walls over The most obvious advantage of cavity walls over

those of solid masonry is the possible reduction in those of solid masonry is the possible reduction in the amount of masonry used in construction, but the amount of masonry used in construction, but other advantages such as improved thermal other advantages such as improved thermal insulation are obtained from them.insulation are obtained from them.

The most important advantage of cavity over solid The most important advantage of cavity over solid masonry walls, however, is the positive protection masonry walls, however, is the positive protection against rain penetration which cavity walls can against rain penetration which cavity walls can provide.provide.

All materials required are usually available locally.All materials required are usually available locally. Cavity walls are energy efficient when considering Cavity walls are energy efficient when considering

life cycle cost of a building.life cycle cost of a building. Masonry construction is very economical with Masonry construction is very economical with

respect to long term maintenancerespect to long term maintenance

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION Cavity walls provide an important advantage over Cavity walls provide an important advantage over

walls of solid masonry in that they can afford complete walls of solid masonry in that they can afford complete protection against rain penetration even when protection against rain penetration even when exposed to conditions of severe wetting by wind-exposed to conditions of severe wetting by wind-driven rain.driven rain.

There are three essential requirements for cavity wall There are three essential requirements for cavity wall construction: the cavity wall must have a gutter at its construction: the cavity wall must have a gutter at its base to collect leakage water and drains to direct base to collect leakage water and drains to direct water out of it; the two parts of the wall must be water out of it; the two parts of the wall must be anchored together with metal ties that are corrosion anchored together with metal ties that are corrosion resistant and adequately strong; the wall must have a resistant and adequately strong; the wall must have a cavity free of mortar or other material that may form a cavity free of mortar or other material that may form a water bridge across it. water bridge across it.

Cavity walls have been used in many countries over a Cavity walls have been used in many countries over a long period of time and have established their long period of time and have established their excellent performance record under widely varying excellent performance record under widely varying conditions.conditions.