Walls

Walls are constructed in different forms and various materials to satisfy several functions. A wall is a permanent upright construction with it’s length much grater than it’s thickness. It can be a continuous surface or a pierced one. Types of walls: Load bearing: supports its own weight and vertical and lateral forces. Non bearing: it supports only its own weight. The use of materials depends on the type of wall. In load bearing walls is very common to use brick, concrete (pretensed, precast, etc) and wood. Non bearing walls are often made out of glass, plastic, metal alloys and other light materials. Walls in architecture are used to divide spaces and to protect from environmental effects. Non bearing walls are also used to divide spaces when there is no need for structural support, and as a surface veneer. Walls in urban planning are used as open air walls with defensive purpose and to separate lots and exterior spaces. Conclusion: walls are a very important part of a building, beyond their structural function, because they have other important functions such as the division of spaces and the covering of facades.
 * Walls **