Transferring load to the secondary steelwork.Separating the enclosed space from the external environment.The roof and wall cladding, whose functions include some or all of the following:.To restrain the primary steel frame members.To transfer load from the cladding to the primary steel frame.The secondary steelwork, consisting of side rails and purlins for the walls and the roof respectively.The example shown is a portal frame, however, it is equally applicable to other types of structural frames. The primary steel frame, consisting of columns, rafters and bracing.There are essentially three layers to the structure: The principal components of a modern, metal clad industrial type building are shown. In addition to satisfying the functional requirements, the aesthetics of the building envelope is an important issue as the buildings appearance will need to reflect its location and the surrounding environment and meet any local planning requirements.Īrrangement of a typical single-storey building Where such restraint is assumed (as is often the case in the purlin and side rail manufacturers’ load/span tables), it is essential that the cladding is capable of providing this restraint in practice. In addition to forming the building envelope, the roof and wall cladding may also have an important role to play in the structural performance of the building, by providing restraint to the secondary steelwork against lateral torsional instability.

This is particularly the case for large distribution warehouses which can contain goods worth millions of pounds. With pressure to reduce operational energy consumption now being placed on the construction industry, the building envelope has never before been under such close scrutiny.Īn important requirement of the building envelope is also to provide adequate security. The design of the building envelope is an important factor in specifying the Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) plant and in determining the energy performance of the building. Generating and maintaining a controlled internal environment is a complex process, requiring a combination of mechanical and electrical services to heat and/or cool the building and a well designed building envelope to regulate heat gains and losses. The requirements of the internal environment will depend on the intended use of the building and this will naturally determine the requirements for the building envelope. The function of the building envelopeĪll buildings, whatever their use, must provide a controlled internal environment that is protected from the variable and uncontrollable external climate.

5.7 Restraint of purlins and cladding rails.

5.6 Restraint provided to the rafters and columns.

5.2.7 The use of side rail supports for wall cladding.

5.2.6 The use of anti-sag rods for purlins.

5.2.5 Double span lengths-sleeved system.

5.2.4 Double span lengths–non sleeved system.

5.2.3 Single span lengths - overlapping system.5.2.2 Single span lengths - butted system.5.2.1 Single span lengths - sleeved system.5.2 Purlins and side rail layout options.4.4.4 Noise associated with building services equipment.3.7 Transpired solar collector wall cladding.3.6 Structural deck and membrane roof systems.3.3 Insulated (composite or sandwich) panels.1 The function of the building envelope.

Components of building envelope