Design and construction recommendations for brick enclosures with continuous air chamber

Abstract

Brick façades enclosures traditionally used in residential architecture in Spain generate stability, insulation and waterproofing problems. Self-supporting enclosures with continuous air chamber solve these problems. The aim of this study is to analyze the mechanical behaviour of enclosure with continuous air chamber to define design recommendations. The study of a standard three-story façade using the Finite Element Method shows the stresses, displacements and cracking. The areas subjected to greater stresses are located on the top floor wall, concentrated around the openings and close to connection keys. Constructive solutions are proposed to build this enclosure from the foundation to the top of the building taking into account the requirement of stability, insulation and waterproofing. The addition of steel reinforcement in the horizontal mortar joints in cracked areas and connection keys at the top of the building solves the requirement of stability. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.