Carcassing
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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
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