Panelam® Applications

With effect from 1st December 2004 the Building Regulation and Approved Document A for England and Wales relating to disproportionate collapse has been revised and come into force. In practical terms the designer and contractor must have regard to the social risk factor applicable to a structure whether that be a flat, single occupancy house or commercial building, and then ensure that in the event of an accident the building will not suffer collapse disproportionate to the cause. Whilst in many cases, such as a two storey platform timber frame no additional design check is required above the normal design processes, in structures with a higher design risk e.g. residential buildings above four storeys additional thought must be given to providing effective ties of suspended floors to walls.

Whilst there is no obligation to adopt a particular solution it is accepted practise to use an edge binder or rim board to act as a continuous tie on the perimeter of a floor. To this end we have developed Panelam® an engineered timber solution providing beams of up to 12 metres long. These beams are available in widths of 38mm, 43mm, 75mm and 90mm and in depths to match: all of the standard solid joists; I Beam and metal web manufacturers.

If you wish to discuss a specific project or design issue please contact us.