shear wall technology

RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS USING SHEAR WALL TECHNOLOGY

In recent times due to globalization, the construction industry has started focusing on new innovative ways of working. The construction industry has started adopting new technologies and approaches in order to increase the overall efficiency of the project. This report is about the modern methods of construction and smart materials that can be used to improve the overall construction process.

The first half of the report is on the “aluminum formwork systems” (Milan System) which is used for mass housing construction. This system of aluminum forms is fast, durable, cost effective and also produces quality work which requires minimum maintenance. The second half of the report is on “green roofs” a smart material which is a replacement for traditional roofs. Today in this modernized world where global warming is the major concern for all countries, green roofs can be one of the innovative ways to reduce the energy consumption which ultimately helps in reducing the CO2 emissions.

The construction industry is one of the biggest industries in the whole world. The contribution of this industry towards the global GDP is enormous. The panels of aluminum form work are made from high strength aluminum alloy, with the face or contact surface of the panel, made up of 4 mm thick plate, which is welded to a formwork of specially designed extruded sections, to form a robust component. The panels are held in position by a simple pin and wedge arrangement system that passes through holes in the outside rib of each panel. The panel fits precisely, securely and requires no bracing. The walls are held together with high strength wall ties, while the decks are supported by beams and props.

            Since the equipment is made of aluminum, it has sections that are large enough to be effective, yet light enough in the weight to be handled by a single worker. Individual workers can handle all the elements necessary for forming the system with no requirement for heavy lifting equipment or skilled labor. By ensuring repetition of work tasks on daily basis it is possible for the system to bring assembly line techniques to construction site and to ensure quality work, by unskilled or semi-skilled workers.

            Trial erection of the formwork is carried out in factory conditions which ensure that all components are correctly manufactured and no components are missed out. Also, they are numbered and packed in such a manner so as to enable easy site erection and dismantling.