A faced wall is a type of wall construction where the outer facing and the inner backing are made from two different materials that are securely bonded together.
According to the provided reference:
This is the wall facing and backing of two different materials are bonded together for ensuring common action under load.
This definition highlights the essential characteristics of a faced wall:
- Composition: It consists of two primary layers – a facing layer and a backing layer.
- Materials: These two layers are constructed from different materials. For instance, the facing might be brick and the backing might be concrete blocks or rubble stone.
- Bonding: The crucial aspect is that these two layers are bonded together. This is typically achieved through specific tying mechanisms, header courses (using facing material bricks that extend into the backing), or mortar bonds that integrate the two parts structurally.
- Function: The purpose of this bonding is to ensure common action under load. This means that when the wall is subjected to vertical weight or lateral forces, the facing and backing work together as a single, unified structural unit, rather than two independent layers simply standing next to each other.
Understanding Common Action Under Load
The concept of "common action under load" is vital. Without effective bonding, the facing and backing might behave independently under stress. This could lead to instability, cracking, or even collapse of the wall. Proper bonding ensures that loads are distributed across both materials, leveraging their combined strength and stability.
Key Characteristics Summarized
- Two distinct layers: Facing (exterior) and Backing (interior).
- Layers made of different building materials.
- Layers are structurally bonded together.
- Bonding enables the entire wall structure to act cohesively under applied forces.
Faced walls are often constructed for both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal, combining the strength or cost-effectiveness of one material with the durable or visually pleasing qualities of another.
