Relatively new method of construction that allows the exterior of the building to be completed rapidly?

• A. Balloon frame
• B. Masonry veneer
• C. Reinforced concrete shear walls
• D. Curtain Wall construction

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is curtain wall construction, a lightweight, nonload-bearing outer skin hung on a building’s frame. Because the exterior is not carrying structural loads, panels—often glass and metal—can be prefabricated and installed quickly, while interior work and the structural frame continue. This lets the exterior envelope be completed much faster than traditional methods, improving weatherproofing sooner and offering design flexibility. The other options rely on the exterior to bear loads or involve more on-site, labor-intensive work: balloon framing is an older wood method with gradual exterior buildup; masonry veneer requires substantial backing and masonry work; reinforced concrete shear walls are structural elements, not rapid exterior enclosure. Curtain wall construction best fits the description of a relatively new method that accelerates exterior completion.