Which construction approach is most associated with rapid exterior completion of high-rise buildings?

Which construction approach is most associated with rapid exterior completion of high-rise buildings?

• A. Curtain Wall construction
• B. Balloon frame
• C. Timber framing
• D. Structural insulated panels

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that a curtain wall provides a fast, weather-tight exterior shell for tall buildings. Curtain walls are non-load-bearing facades hung from the structural frame, so they can be installed quickly as the core and frame rise. Because panels can be prefabricated or unitized, large sections of the exterior can be installed in parallel with interior work, speeding up exterior completion without waiting for the entire structure to finish. Balloon framing and timber framing are traditional wood methods not typically used for high-rise construction, due to height, fire, and structural considerations. Structural insulated panels can speed up exterior enclosure, but they are less associated with the rapid, tower-wide exterior finish that curtain wall systems provide on modern high-rises.

The main idea here is that a curtain wall provides a fast, weather-tight exterior shell for tall buildings. Curtain walls are non-load-bearing facades hung from the structural frame, so they can be installed quickly as the core and frame rise. Because panels can be prefabricated or unitized, large sections of the exterior can be installed in parallel with interior work, speeding up exterior completion without waiting for the entire structure to finish.

Balloon framing and timber framing are traditional wood methods not typically used for high-rise construction, due to height, fire, and structural considerations. Structural insulated panels can speed up exterior enclosure, but they are less associated with the rapid, tower-wide exterior finish that curtain wall systems provide on modern high-rises.