ACCESS

Abstract

A system used for cladding new or existing buildings with an aluminium carrier support framework, providing a fixing grid for application of a variety of pressure equalised rainscreen panels. The unique flexibility of the components provides the opportunity to design a full carrier grid for direct application to the building structure or a partial secondary support to various alternative primary systems which may form part a through wall design. The system has two standard methods of construction: 1. Fabrication on site from standard components using the I section for primary support, 2. Pre-assembly at works to a repetitive grid format, utilising the ‘hollow box section’ and associated components for primary support, improving overall speed of installation and assisting fast-track programme—‘The Ladder System’. The unique versatility of the BX horizontal rail and straps are common to both methods.

Description

A system for cladding the elevations of a structure, mainly external but can be used internally, usi g an aluminium grid attached to the structure upon which Ceramic Grante panels using concealed fixings are applied. A pressure equalisation rainscreen cladding system.

The components are:

• • 1. Fixing brackets for the vertical ‘T’—Profile E
  • 2. Fixing bracket for the vertical hollow section—Profile G
  • 3. Main vertical ‘T’—Profile F
  • 4. Main vertical hollow section—Profile H
  • 5. Secondary cross rail—Profile BX
  • 6. Top cross rail—Profile Z
  • 7. Inner the strap—Profile C
  • 8. Outer the strap raffle D
  • 9. Undercut anchor bolt
  • 10. Stainless steel fixing screw
  • 11. Stainless steel pop rivet
  • 12. PVC foam pads

The system has two methods of application:

• • 1. The components are delivered to site and assembled piecerneal.
  • 2. The aluminium framework is assembled in sections of site and delivered to site in prefabricated panels for erection on site thereafter the cladding panels are attached in the normal manner.

The system is made up of a series Of brackets (profile E & G) which are attached to the structure into which the vertical rails are inserted and set to the correct face line then riveted to the bracket. These rails are ‘T’ section (profile F) for the on site fabrication method and rectangular hollow section (profile H) for the of site prefabrication.

The Ceramic Granite panels are pre-drilled with undercutholes. An aluminium strap of two interlocking sections (profile C & D) is attached to the Ceramic Granite panel using special undercut anchors. Compressable PVC foam pads are inserted between the outer section the strap (profile D) and the Ceramic Granite panel.

The assembled Ceramic Granite panel is offered up to the framework slotting the lower ends of the straps (profile C) into the slot in the secondary cross rails (profile BX) The upper protruding end of the strap (profile C) is set against the flat surface of the secondary cross rail (section BX) above. The joints between the panels are regulated and the upper end of the straps (profile C) are fixed in position using self drilling stainless steel screws.

It is a design feature of this system that t e fixing screws on the straps (profile C) are directly in line with the horizontal joint between the Ceramics Granite panels. This allows individual Ceramic Granite panels to be removed should the need arise, without disturbing the adjacent panels.

The unique design of the cross rail (section BX) in the way the slot is arranged to allow easy introduction of the tile strap whilst positioning the the but to give a secure hold when the tile is fixed into position, is an ingenious security technique used in the Access system.

A further innovation of the cross rail (section BX) is the perforated lip which dispenses with the need for separate fixing brackets and allows direct fixing to the main supports.

The prefabricated Access system is unique in that the pre-assembled grids constructed off site can be brought to the installation point and hoisted accurately into position easily due to automatic location of the vertical members by the introduction of a special mating link component.

The cross rails (section BX) are also aligned by use of a special sleeve to connect them. This is fixed on one side only to allow thermal movements.

The support brackets have circular and slotted holes used to attach them to the vertical members enabling them to be used as a support bracket or a restraint bracket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF VIEWS OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. Typical elevation arrangement of facade

FIG. 2. Typical undercut anchor hole to locations in cladding panel

FIG. 3. Typical arrangement of Access support sub structure

FIG. 4. Typical arrangement of Access support sub structure with cladding panel

FIG. 5. Typical vertical section detail

FIG. 6. Typical vertical through BX horizontal rail detailing the attachment of inner strap Profile C

FIG. 7. Typical horizontal section detail with box profile vertical support

FIG. 8. Typical horizontal section detail with T profile vertical support

FIG. 9. Section through facade panel showing undercut anchor fixing

FIG. 10. BX cross rail dimensions and typical punching arrangement

FIG. 11. C and D profile dimensions and horizontal section through undercut anchor belt

FIG. 12. Vertical section showing removal of facade panel and typical installed facade

FIG. 13. Fixing bracket for main vertical T profile section and isometric

FIG. 14. Fixing bracket for main vertical hollow section profile

FIG. 15. Section through main vertical profile F

FIG. 16. Horizontal top rail profile section with dimensic ns

KEY

• A=Ceramic Granite Cladding
• B=Compression Pad
• C=C Profile Aluminium Section
• D=D Profile Aluminium Section
• E=Undercut Anchor
• F=Flashing Receiver
• S=Soffit Flashing
• 1=Building Structure
• 2=Support Bracket E Profile
• 3=Expanding Anchor Fixing
• 4=Vertical Primary Tee F Profile
• 5=Self Tap Fixing
• 6=Pop Fixing
• 7=insulation
• 8=Air Void
• 9=Horizontal “Bx” Profile
• 10=Vert.Primary Hollow Section “H” Profile
• 11=Support Bracket “G” Profile
• 12=Bx Rail Joint Sleeve
• 13=4 mm Diam. Holes
• 14=4 mm×13 mm Slotted Holes
• 15=12.5 mm×20 mm Slotted Holes
• 16=12.5 mm Diam. Holes
• 17=Horizontal Top Rail “J” Profile

Claims

1. The unique design of the BX rails profile simplifies installation procedures for a ventilated rainscreen cladding panels, allowing individual panel removal for access to services or for repair.

2. The concept of the system is to provide a versatility of common use for the majority of the components to create the ability to maintain a pressure equalised void and further space for insulation enhancement.

3. A full range of standard brackets of various sizes, provides the opportunity to accommodate most building ‘design zones’ which are based upon engineering criteria specific to each building on an individual basis.