Masonry curtain walls employ brick or stone veneers supported by the building's structure to form an external cladding system that is both aesthetically appealing and functional. These walls are erected through two principal techniques, first by traditional layering of masonry units and second by using prefabricated panels. Traditional construction relies on steel shelf angles attached to the spandrel beam for support, with high-bond mortars ensuring secure attachment of masonry veneer units.

Mortar joint deterioration is a significant concern in masonry structures, with water accumulation in the joints leading to damage from freeze-thaw cycles. The repeated expansion of water during freezing and its melting during thawing develop and propagate cracks in the masonry joints. Eventually, this leads to the spalling of mortar from the joints, loosening masonry units and weakening the structure. The deteriorated mortar joints are also vulnerable to moisture intrusion into the walls.
The...

Cavity walls feature a hollow space between the outer and inner wythes, connected only by corrosion-resistant metal ties. When water seeps through the outer wythe, it descends within this cavity, intercepted by flashing and eventually exiting through weep holes. To enhance moisture resistance, the inner wythe's cavity side often receives damp-proofing, doubling as an air barrier. The cavity can also house insulation to mitigate heat transfer.
Maintaining a clean cavity during construction is...

Post-tensioned masonry walls use high-strength steel rods or flexible tendons to enhance the strength and efficiency of masonry structures. These elements are securely anchored to the foundation and extend vertically either within the cores of the masonry units or between the masonry wythes. The construction process involves building the wall with these tensioning elements in place and allowing the mortar to fully cure.
Following the curing process, the tensioning begins. Steel rods are...

Shotcrete is a specialized technique where mortar or small aggregate concrete rich in cement content is sprayed onto a surface at high velocity. The force of impact compacts the material and enables it to cling to vertical or overhead areas without sagging. The technique involves layering the shotcrete in stages until it reaches approximately 4 inches in thickness. Operator skill in nozzle management is pivotal in deciding the quality of the shotcrete. Shotcrete is used in constructing tunnel...

Masonry load-bearing walls, constructed from materials like brick, stone, or concrete masonry units, serve as a crucial component in building structures by supporting the loads from floors and roofs and transferring them to the foundation. These walls, known for their compressive strength, can be reinforced or unreinforced to suit different building needs, accommodating both the dead and live loads while maintaining safety through lower working stresses compared to the materials' ultimate...