Construction of a Semi‐Prefabricated Masonry Facade

Abstract

One of the crucial problems that faces designers, construction managers, general contractors, and subcontractors is creating the most appealing facade of a building at the most cost‐effective price, while satisfying an owner's goal of exploiting the enclosed space to maximum advantage. A brick facade has long been considered a durable and aesthetic solution for the exterior walls. A stud wall with gypsum board sheathing is today's most economical and widely used interior perimeter material. The development of innovative construction techniques that combine this exterior facade with interior perimeter materials in the most cost‐effective and time‐effective manner is the object of continuing trial and error. The industrialization of construction components has long been considered but, as yet, is not widely used, although its future appears bright. This paper analyzes the advantages of a semi‐prefabricated facade based on specific experience.