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
Featured articles and news
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.