Building Construction Handbook, Eighth Edition

Concrete Cladding Panels ~ these are usually of reinforced precast

concrete to an undersill or storey height format, the former being

sometimes called apron panels. All precast concrete cladding panels

should be designed and installed to fulfil the following functions:-

1. Self supporting between framing members.


2. Provide resistance to penetration by the natural elements.


3. Resist both positive and negative wind pressures.


4. Provide required degree of fire resistance.


5. Provide required degree of thermal insulation by having
   the insulating material incorporated within the body of the
   cladding or alternatively allow the cladding to act as the
   outer leaf of cavity wall panel.


6. Provide required degree of sound insulation.

Undersill or Apron Cladding Panels ~ these are designed to span

from column to column and provide a seating for the windows

located above. Levelling is usually carried out by wedging and

packing from the lower edge before being fixed with grouted

dowels.

Typical Details ~

Concrete Cladding--Apron Panels