Carcassing

The World Trade Center Transportation Hub in Lower Manhattan replaces the PATH train station that was destroyed in the 9/11 attacks. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava to resemble a dove taking flight, the structure is formed by softly-curving, white, steel ribs that rise from the ground to form an elliptical dome over a vast concourse. The project has not been without its criticism, both for the long delays in delivery, and the design which some likened to the carcass of a turkey.

Carcassing refers to the main shell, frame or skeletal structure of a building. It may or may not be the overall structural or load-bearing element of a building as it also refers to individual elements rather than only to the whole.

It is included in section G of the common arrangement of work sections classification (CAWS) along with structural elements as Structural / Carcassing Metal (G1) and Structural / Carcassing timber (G2) with subsections covering various different elements in metal;

• G10 Structural steel framing
• G11 Structural aluminium framing
• G12 Isolated structural metal members
• G13 LSF Light Steel Frame

and in timber

• G20 Carpentry/Timber framing/First fixing
• G21 Load-bearing timber blockwork
• G22 CLTP Cross Laminated timber panel system
• G23 Post and Beam frame
• G24 Laminated timber frames
• G25 LTF Light Timber Frame
• G26 SIPS Structural Insulated Panel Systems
• G27 ISPS insulated structural panel system
• G28 Dowelled/Nailed stacked wood panel systems

By example, other items that also come under section G but are not necessarily structural / carcassing elements are;

• G3 Metal/ Timber decking
• G30 Metal profiled sheet decking
• G31 Prefabricated timber unit decking
• G32 Edge supported/Reinforced woodwool slab decking

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Braced frame.
• Carcass.
• Carpentry.
• Concept structural design of buildings.
• Concrete frame.
• Concrete-steel composite structures.
• Girder.
• Light gauge steel framing systems.
• Portal frame.
• Shell and core.
• Skeleton frame.
• Steel frame.
• Structural steelwork.
• Timber frame.
• Types of frame.
• Types of steel.