WALLS AND PARTITIONS

General Features to be Considered.— Some important factors that influence the selection of the materials and construction of walls for buildings are the following:

1. Architectural Appearance.— Although the shape of an industrial building may affect its aesthetic value considerably, the exterior walls are generally the features that determine whether or not its appearance is pleasing. Of course, along with the texture, color, and pattern of the exterior surface of the wall material must be included the pilasters, paneling, and any other elements that contribute to the total effect of the ensemble. For example, a high, long, blank wall almost certainly will be unattractive regardless of the nature of the surface of the material of which it is made. Shadow lines, vertical and horizontal offsets, changes in color and texture, arrangement of windows, and the details of the trim are some means whereby an architect may skilfully enhance the appearance of a structure. Architectural elevations and perspective drawings are extremely useful in helping one to determine and to judge what are the best answers to these problems.

2. Cost.— The cost of, the material used for the solid portions of the exterior walls is usually a relatively small part of the total cost of a building; the difference in cost of one desirable material over that of a less desirable one is still less important. Nevertheless, the aesthetic effect produced by the structure is permanent and will continue long after any reduction of initial expenditure is forgotten. On the other hand, 12-in. brick walls naturally cost more than corrugated metal or transite coverings. The engineer should consider all important features, then make his choice upon the basis of value received, both real and intangible.

3. Suitability.— Associated with these matters of appearance and cost should be that of the general suitability of the wall material for the structure in which it is to be used, and that of its harmony with, neighboring structures. It is difficult to define the former quality because of the varying uses to which structures may be put, the climate of the region, the availability of materials, insulating properties, and the different kinds of construction that may be desirable and practicable. For instance, a 60- by 200-ft. building with walls of neat yellow face brick may appear out of place among buildings with corrugated metal siding, not because the new building of itself is unsightly but because it emphasizes the difference between the new and the old. It is even more self-evident that a building with corrugated, galvanized metal siding may appear incongruous when set among others having attractive walls of red bricks, concrete, or stucco.

4. Strength. — Aside from wall-bearing structures and those erected in regions that are subjected to earthquakes, the strength of wall materials is seldom critical unless the structural supports are improperly designed, or the walls are too thin and tall. Resistance to wind should be provided for, and buckling of thin walls under their own weight should be prevented. It is the structural frame rather than the wall itself that should generally be relied upon to hold a thin, flimsy wall in place.

5. Weight.— The weight of a wall may be especially worthy of consideration when continuous windows are used, because the lintels and any spandrel beams must carry to the columns all the. wall loads supported by these members. Heavy brick or masonry walls may there fore add considerably to the cost of the framing. Even in other cases, lightness is often advantageous.

6. Resistance to Fire.— Combustible materials, such as wood, may be well adapted to use as walls except for the hazard of fire; irrcornbustible materials like steel may be fire-resistant although not truly fireproof. The inherent dangers and the risks involved should be studied in each case before anyone makes his selection of the material to be used.

It is difficult for one to illustrate and compare all—or even nearly all — possible types of wall construction. In this text the endeavor is to give the reader considerable information by showing several common types of wall construction used in industrial buildings.

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