BS 8297:2017

This standard BS 8297:2017 Design, manufacture and installation of architectural precast concrete cladding. Code of practice is classified in these ICS categories:

• 91.060.10 Walls. Partitions. Façades

This British Standard gives recommendations and guidance for the design, manufacture, transport and installation of architectural precast concrete units in the form of:

1. units supported by and fixed to a structural frame or wall to perform a cladding role;

   NOTE These might be part of the external envelope or separate elements, such as columns and balconies.

2. units which may neither be associated with, or form part of, a building;

3. units used as permanent formwork in part or in whole, but limited to architectural elements; and

4. the architectural function of a sandwich panel (see 3.7.3).

It includes recommendations on the measures which are to be taken to provide for permanent and temporary movements and tolerances of the structure, to enable the cladding to perform its function satisfactorily. It gives the minimum standards needed and the materials and methods of fixings most frequently used. It applies to new buildings but many provisions might be applicable to alterations or refurbishment of existing buildings.

Guidance is given on the quality of the finished product and verification of performance. The design recommendations given in this British Standard are based on limit state design principles.

This British Standard is intended to be used in conjunction with BS EN 13369:2013 and BS EN 13670, but provides comprehensive guidance specifically in relation to architectural precast concrete cladding and therefore takes precedence in the items addressed.

This British Standard does not provide recommendations relevant to units incorporating glass fibre reinforced concrete (GFRC/GRC), semi-dry or small wet-cast masonry units instead of larger architectural wall cladding panels (see BS 1217), nor the design of the supporting structure to which the units might be attached.