04 Types of Parapet Wall

Parapet walls can be constructed using different materials like reinforced cement concrete, steel, aluminum, glass, etc.

In this article, you will learn about different types of parapet walls and their application; 

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Types of Parapet Walls

Classification Based on Appearance

Different types of parapet walls can be identified as follows:

1. Plain Parapet Walls
2. Perforated Parapet Walls
3. Embattled Parapet Walls
4. Paneled Parapet Walls

1. Plain Parapet Walls

• It is a general type of parapet which is specially provided for safety concerns.
• Concrete coping is provided at top and corbel below it.
• Easy to construct and requires low maintenance.
• The plain parapet generally looks dull in appearance.

parapet wall

2. Perforated Parapet Walls

• The perforated parapet wall is also an extension of the wall like plain parapet but in this case, the extended wall portion is perforated with different sized openings considering the aesthetic appearance of the structure.
• Differently designed perforations such as circles, trefoils, flower shapes, etc. are used.

3. Paneled Parapet Walls

• The Paneled parapet walls are similar to plain parapets but the difference is paneled parapets are ornamented with a series of panel designs on the outside of the parapet wall.
• The panels may be oblong or square but no perforations are provided in this case.
• This type of parapets is more prevalent since it provides a beautiful appearance to the structure and at the same time doesn’t cost much and provides ease in construction.

4. Embattled Parapet Walls

• The Embattled parapets were widely used in olden days especially for castles, forts, etc.
• Alternative low and high portions and perforations are provided in the parapet. In ancient periods, these perforations were generally used by arrow shooters to shoot arrows through it while defending the castle.
• Because of their beautiful appearance and uniqueness, embattled parapets are being constructed nowadays to enhance the aesthetic aspects of the structures.

embattled parapet wall

Classification Based on Shape and Configuration

Also, parapet walls are divided based on the shape and configuration as follows:

1. Sloped Parapet Wall
2. Stepped Parapet Wall
3. Flat Parapet Wall
4. Curved Parapet Wall

1. Sloped Parapet Wall

Sloped parapet walls are provided for sloped roof structures such as industrial structures, trussed structures, etc.

2. Flat Parapet Wall

Flat parapet walls are recommended for flat roof structures.

3. Stepped Parapet Wall

Stepped parapet walls are also used for inclined roof structures. In this case, the wall is constructed in a staircase-type design as shown in the figure below.

stepped parapet wall

4. Curved Parapet Wall

Curved parapet walls also called arched parapet walls are recommended for both flat and inclined rooftops.

curved parapet wall

Miscellaneous parapet wall types

• Several modern types of parapet walls are replacing the above-mentioned types because of their dominance in all categories such as safety, appearance, economy, etc.

Uses of Parapet Walls

Parapet walls constructed have various uses. Some of them are :

• To provide safety for humans when they are on the rooftop and in case of bridges to prevent vehicles from falling off the bridge.
• To hide and prevent the equipment and machinery on the rooftop.
• To prevent the entrance of dust through the air on the rooftop.
• To prevent the falling of debris gathered on the rooftop.
• To prevent high wind loads coming on to the rooftop.
• Perforated parapets can be useful for defense measures in military areas.

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