Modern Lightweight Energy-Saving Frame-Sheathing Exterior Walls and Possibilities of Using Thereof in Construction of the Multi-Storey Reinforced Concrete Frame Buildings in Uzbekistan

Introduction. Energy consumption and energy efficiency enhancement of buildings are among the most expedient objectives of the modern construction. Research is conducted on a wide range of issues within this field resulting in development of the efficient enclosure systems. One of the kind of such systems are the lightweight frame-sheathing enclosure walls, which allow enhancing the heat insulation of a building. The load-bearing members of such an enclosure are the light-gauge profiles encasing the low density heat-insulating material. In low-storey construction, the application of this technology allows using the steel profiles in both load-bearing and enclosure systems. In multi-storey buildings, the lightgauge steel structures (hereinafter referred to as LGS-structures) are used as the non-load-bearing enclosures — framesheathing walls. The present paper seeks to present the information about the new frame-sheathing wall systems (hereinafter referred to as FSW-systems) made using the LGS-structures, and possibilities for them to serve as the enclosures in construction of the multi-storey reinforced concrete frame buildings in the temperature, climatic and seismic conditions of Uzbekistan.

Materials and Methods. The systems under study are: a multilayer combined structural system consisting of a frame (skeleton frame) and materials for thermal /sound insulation; structures made of the roll-formed light-gauge galvanized steel profiles; frame-sheathing walls with the frames made of the roll-formed galvanized steel profiles; an external enclosure system of a building; a frame beam (channel profile) of the non-load-bearing structure; a horizontal member of the wall frame, which connects and closes up the vertical studs of the wall frame and serves to fasten the filling material and to transfer the loads to the vertical studs of the wall frame. The parameters of the exterior non-load-bearing walls have been studied by location, wall component composition, installation method and procedure. The classification of the exterior non-load-bearing wall connections to the members of the FSW building has been provided in the article. The classification by the exterior wall manufacturing method has been given.

Results. As a result of the study, the main advantages of the energy-saving frame-sheathing exterior walls have been identified. The durability of the exterior FSW-systems is ensured by:

1. Constructive solutions of the wall composition, the optimal layout of the thermal insulation, vapour barrier and wind protection inside the FSW cross section.
2. Sufficient corrosion protection of the roll-formed galvanized steel profiles, parts and connections.
3. Durability of each of the wall component in the exterior FSW-system.

The service life of the walls in a FSW building depends on the steel frame they are made of. In case of using the perforated profiles, the LGS-structures have a long service life, as well as low specific gravity.

Discussion and Conclusion. Upon the result of the work carried out, it has been acknowledged that due to the lack of research, even though the advantages of the FSW-systems are obvious, these systems are not widely used in the multistorey construction, including in Uzbekistan, because to be able to use the FSW-systems as the external enclosures (walls) of the multi-storey frame buildings, it is necessary to investigate and prove the expediency and possibility of using them in such a function. To do so, it is necessary to carry out the reliable modeling of a frame building with the exterior walls made of FSW-systems, taking into account spatial interaction between them under the impact of static and dynamic loads. 

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