Week 9 Journal‘ In Detail continued’

The interrogation of the detail:With the detail continued and made as a whole we can understand the purpose and the section as a whole. The detail I had was missing some cross referencing, however there was enough information to tell us the glass block panel finished at a column.

Identification of waterproofing elements:The detail contains –folded metal flashing and sarking. The sarking is like a reflective foil that stops any moisture from penetrating the building. Any moisture that meets the sarking drips down to the folded metal flashing which would then evaporate or leave via the weep hole.

Flashing is very common as a waterproofing element and can be used in many positions. The detail below shows flashing on top of a roof and how there is over flashing which provides extra protection at joints and areas where water is more likely to penetrate.

Economic Implications of Decision:As the glass is blockwork it could only span a certain distance before a control joint or column was required. This form of glass would be cheaper than to employ an opaque glass curtain wall which would allow for continuous glass but at a much higher cost.

Pros of this detail:Cheaper and stronger than curtain wall design.

Cons:Aesthetics mightn’t look as good as it could have.

Where and why things go wrong:There is more possible chance of seepage of water at the join of the glass block wall and the column. This joint must be caulked watertight if not water will again damage the internal materials.