Unveiling the Purpose and Benefits of Lipped Bricks in Building Assembly Design
Introduction:
In the realm of building assembly design, lipped bricks play a dual role, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. This blog post will delve into the significance of lipped bricks, highlighting their ability to conceal relieving angles supporting veneer walls and hide loose lintels above building openings. By understanding the advantages and practices associated with lipped bricks, architects can enhance the overall design and visual appeal of their projects.
Concealing Relieving Angles: When building a veneer wall, a relieving angle is often needed to support the weight of the brickwork over an opening or across the entire wall. To maintain a consistent appearance in the joint size along the wall, lipped bricks can be used to hide the relieving angle. By flipping the lipped bricks, they can be used for the last course below the angle and continue with regular coursing above it. This technique conceals the relieving angle and creates a uniform look on the veneer wall.
Hiding Loose Lintels: A horizontal structural component known as a lintel is present above windows and doors. Its purpose is to bear the weight of the veneer situated above it. Occasionally, a loose lintel may be used, which is not an integral part of the structural frame. To improve the appearance of the veneer wall and create a cohesive, uninterrupted brick look, lipped bricks can be used to conceal the loose lintel visually.
Achieving Seamless Design: By strategically incorporating lipped bricks, architects can achieve a more seamless and visually pleasing design for veneer walls. These bricks hide structural elements and maintain consistent joint sizes, contributing to an aesthetically appealing appearance. It is crucial to collaborate with structural engineers to ensure proper support from relieving angles and lintels.
Installation Techniques and Considerations: During the construction process, following proper installation techniques is vital to ensure secure attachment and alignment of lipped bricks with the rest of the brickwork. This includes using suitable mortar, accurate brick placement, and proper leveling. It is essential to coordinate the use of through-wall flashing and weeps at all lipped brick locations to ensure proper moisture management.
Conclusion:
Lipped bricks offer numerous advantages in building assembly design, both functionally and aesthetically. Architects can achieve a cohesive and visually appealing veneer wall by concealing relieving angles and loose lintels. Collaboration with structural engineers, adherence to installation techniques, and compliance with project requirements and local building codes are crucial for successful lipped brick integration. Incorporate these insights to elevate the design and performance of your architectural projects.
Written by D.TO: Design TOgether
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