Defects of sandwich walls

Institute of Building Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Development Engineering and Geodesy, Wrocław University of Environment and Life Sciences, pl. Grunwaldzki 24, 50-363 Wrocław, Poland

^* Corresponding author: bohdan.stawiski@upwr.edu.pl

Abstract

Thermal protection of spaces contributes to the fact that sandwich walls dominate in heated buildings. Their design requires knowledge regarding the operating principles of sandwich systems. Without knowledge of these principles, numerous mistakes are made. The study describes mistakes encountered made during erection of triple-layer and double-layer walls. The effects of a shortage and excess of connecting pieces in triple-layer walls are presented. For double-layer walls, the necessity of insulation expansion joints is shown using an example. Using the tests, it is proven that the strength of the adhesive layer created during the autumn/winter transitional period is very heavily decreased, even more than 50%, which in connection with over-stiffened anchors leads to very numerous cracks, to the destruction of the external layer of insulation. High diffusion resistance of the external layer of insulation with low diffusion resistance (mineral wool) also leads to the destruction of the adhesive & plaster layer. Furthermore, the considerable significance of the use of good quality reinforcing, anchoring, gluing and painting & plastering materials was emphasized.