What is an envelope structure? This is a part of the building separating its inner space from the external environment and/or separating its adjacent rooms (partitions, walls). Envelope structures are installed in order to protect the interior from natural and anthropogenic factors that may play a negative role. First of all, they are dust, moisture, wind, temperature extremes, noise (internal and external) and much more. Based on its location, envelope structures can be divided into outer (external) and inner (internal). It is also important to note that building envelope is not a bearing structure. Therefore, while the building is being erected a steel or concrete bearing frame is to be built first.
Depending on manufacturing method, envelope structures are divided into prefabricated and cast-in-place/solid ones. Cast-in-place/solid envelope structures are made of concrete, bricks or reinforced concrete. Envelope structures can also be either single-layered or multilayered. Single-layered ones, as the name implies, consist of one material, for example, concrete or brick, they are simpler and cheaper. While the multilayered ones can include, for instance, external cladding, insulation and interior paneling.
Our company offers envelope structures with a steel frame (LSTK), which by their characteristics (strength, thermal conductivity, etc.) are much superior to other types including even cast-in-place/solid ones (concrete and brick). Just compare the level of heat insulation of a 200 mm thick LSTK structure and the level of heat insulation of a 2 m thick brick wall!
The advantages of modern envelope structures made of LSTK in comparison with other types:
- High speed of installation, which greatly accelerates the pace of construction of the facility
- LSTK are fire resistant because they comprise only light, durable, and fireproof materials
- Easy to install - construction worker skills can be quite low without compromising on quality
- A considerable reduction of labor during installation
- Lifting equipment is used to a small extent, just to lift the packaged pieces on the floor. Envelope structures are assembled in-situ.
- All-year-round installation. Since there are no processes involving moisture evaporation, it is possible to install the structures during the whole year without winter increases of construction costs.
- High ecological compatibility since all the materials are eco-friendly, without hazardous emissions
- No mold and mildew on the walls and no wall freezing in winter either since the dew point is moved out of the wall
- Variability of finishes: the facade can be decorated with any materials, their selection is limited only by imagination of the Client
- Increased interior space due to thinner walls
- Immediate readiness of internal walls for final finishing
Installation of envelope structures can be of two basic types:
- The use of prefabricated sandwich panels fastened directly to the joists by self-tapping screws, while the joints between the panels are closed by special flat strips.
- Sheet by sheet assembly, when the walls and the roof are cladded with profiled sheets and the middle is filled with Ecowool insulation. This method is cheaper yet maintains the same level of quality.
Building technology of envelope structures is also very economical, which is one of the most important selection factors for the client. Our company also ensures high reliability. In terms of effective thermal resistance, air permeability and water vapor resistance, the buildings, during the construction of which we carried out frame structures installation using LSTK, fully comply with the requirements of SNIP II-03-79.
Modern construction industry is characterized by construction time reduction. This trend is driven by new materials and technologies allowing a considerable cost and time reduction during the construction of buildings and structures along with improved quality of the construction works. In this regard, speedily erected pre-fabricated buildings whose construction involves steelwork, including envelope structures, have become widely spread nowadays. Active application of these new technologies in construction allows the erection of buildings of unprecedented shapes, dimensions and heights. Moreover, such buildings are reliable, their service life is comparable and sometimes even higher than that of the buildings made of traditional materials, but the costs of design, installation, operation and subsequent removal are reduced by 40%.
