AU2015255307A1 - Facade System - Google Patents

Abstract

A panelised facade system for mounting facade panels adjacent to a surface to be concealed on a building structure, the system comprising: a plurality of support members spaced away from each other wherein one or more the support members are adapted for supporting an interior mounting face of one or more facade panels, a plurality of mounting members wherein one or more of the mounting members are positioned upon said one or more support members and wherein the one or more mounting members having an engaging formation for receiving said at least one facade panel; the plurality of mounting members comprising: a first set of mounting members arranged along a direction that is transverse relative to a general direction of the plurality of support members; and a second set of mounting members arranged along the general direction of the plurality of support members. 111 222 25 20 50A 50A iO 50A 1000 ----- 10 Figure 1

Description

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FACADE SYSTEM 2015255307 13 Nov 2015

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a panelised cladding or facade system using panels that are fastened onto a building structure.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Expressed joint panelised facade systems, having a pattern of discrete panels with feature joints formed therebetween are well known in the commercial building industry. Many multi-storey buildings are constructed whereby the facade is affixed to an underlying building structure, to define the exterior of the building. Such facades can be constructed almost entirely of panels such as glass panels or metal panels or panels made of other materials. In some arrangements, the glass and metal panels may also be arranged in an alternate manner.

[0003] Facade systems known in the prior art typically include large sized high density panels that are installed on specially designed complex metal support framing structures. These framing systems comprise numerous components including joining battens, intermediate battens, sealing strips, comer brackets, window and door opening fixtures and the like. Most facade systems require a supporting frame for each facade (e.g. from steel).

[0004] Various attempts have been made during the installation process to ensure that the panels can accommodate movement arising from thermal expansion/contraction of the panels, and movement arising from acting under load. However, problems exist with maintaining a weatherproof performance, especially when facade panels are comprised of more than one material which results in different thermal expansion/contraction characteristics. Another issue with facade panels relates to combustibility and non-combustibility of facade panels is highly desirable for mitigating risk of fire in buildings. Therefore, a non combustible facade panel that also complies with various building safety standards is highly desirable.

[0005] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. 2

SUMMARY OF INVENTION 2015255307 13 Nov 2015 [0006] The present invention is directed to a panelised facade system, which may at least partially overcome one or more of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0007] In a first aspect, the invention provides a panelised facade system for mounting facade panels adjacent to a surface to be concealed on a building structure, the system comprising: a plurality of support members spaced away from each other wherein one or more of the support members are adapted for supporting an interior mounting face of one or more facade panels, a plurality of mounting members wherein one or more of the mounting members are positioned upon said one or more support members and the one or more mounting members having an engaging formation for engaging said at least one facade panel; the plurality of mounting members comprising: a first set of mounting members arranged along a direction that is transverse relative to a general direction of the plurality of support members; and a second set of mounting members arranged along the general direction of the plurality of support members.

[0008] The applicants have found that the facade system described herein addresses some of the issues associated with the prior art panels. One of the advantages afforded by the present invention is the ease of installation. The aforementioned configuration of mounting members allows facade panels to be mounted more efficiently by requiring lesser time for installation, when compared with prior art panel systems. The invention also provides sufficient flexibility for mounting the facade panels in various different positions or configurations, as desired.

[0009] In at least some embodiments, the first set of mounting members provides protection to a peripheral or edge portion of the facade panel during use. The configuration of the second set of mounting members provides improved weight bearing characteristics.

[0010] Furthermore, thermal expansion and contraction of panels that may arise due to movements under load or due to changes in weather. Specifically, the provision of the first set of mounting members along the transverse direction and the second set of mounting members along 3 2015255307 13 Nov 2015 the direction of the supporting members, in the above mentioned configuration, at least in part, assists in accommodating changes in dimension of the installed panels and helps in avoiding failure of the panels during prolonged use.

[0011] Preferably, the mounting members are positioned for receiving a peripheral or edge portion of the said at least one facade panel. Positioning the edge or peripheral portion of the panel into the engaging portion of the mounting member is particularly advantageous in preventing bending of the panels at their peripheral regions. The applicants have found that facade panels, particularly panels with a metal shell or made wholly of metal are susceptible to warping or bending at the peripheral regions. Therefore, the provision of the mounting members in the aforementioned configuration is beneficial in alleviating some of the issues associated with mechanical failure of panels at their respective peripheral or edge portions.

[0012] In some embodiments, at least some of the mounting members comprise two of the engaging portions such that each engaging portion is adapted to receive a discrete facade panel. Such mounting members with two engaging portions assist in positioning two discrete panels alongside each other on the building structure.

[0013] Preferably, the engagement portion comprises at least one and preferably two panel engaging surfaces for engaging an end or peripheral portion of the panel during use. In at least some embodiments, a first engaging surface is positioned for engaging a face portion of the panel; and a second engaging surface is positioned for engaging an edge portion of the panel. More preferably, the first and second engaging surfaces are substantially orthogonal relative to each other.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second engaging surface is adapted to not extend beyond an outwardly exposed face of the panel. The provision of this feature allows the mounting members to be substantially concealed behind the exposed face of the panel.

[0015] In some embodiments, at least a part of the engagement portion is resilient for allowing limited relative movement between the panel and the mounting members thereby facilitating a releasable connection between the mounting member and the panel. Allowing limited relative movement between the panel and amounting member also allows for slight changes in dimension of the panels (particularly but not exclusively metal or metal composite panels). 4 2015255307 13 Nov 2015 [0016] Preferably, said one or more of the mounting members are fastened onto said plurality of support members by way of fasteners such as adhesives. For example, adhesives such as 3M 550 FC external polyurethane adhesive may be applied for fastening the mounting members onto support members. An adhesive with suitable viscosity for spraying or rolling application is highly desirable. The applicant also envisions other alternative means for fastening the mounting members onto said support members without departing from the invention.

[0017] A fastening mechanism may also be provided for fastening the one or more of the support members onto the building structure. The support members may include supporting members such as battens or top hats of varying configurations which may be fastened to the building structure. For example, top hats or battens may be fastened onto steel girts by way of using fasteners such as self-drilling screws.

[0018] In at least some embodiments, a spacer member may be provided for being positioned in between two adjacent panels. The adjacently located panels may be positioned in the same plane or in mutually intersecting planes and the spacing member may be provided with receiving portions for receiving each of the adjacently located panels.

[0019] In at least some embodiments, the mounting members may be configured for mounting two adjacent facade panels in a spaced apart configuration. Preferably, the panel engagement portion may be configured to position two adjacently located edges of two discrete panels with linear separation of at least 5mm and preferably 10mm. The applicants have found that the provision of such spacing in combination with the configuration of the engagement portion(s) facilitates relatively quicker and easier installation (and uninstallation) of the panels.

[0020] It is important to appreciate that the aforementioned configuration of the mounting members in combination with the support members provides a facade system which is quicker and easier to install. This in turn reduces the amount of time and resources expended in installing these facade panels when compared with facade and cladding systems of the prior art. Therefore, the present invention in at least some embodiments result in reduction of building costs whilst also providing a facade system which is less susceptible to the thermal expansion and contraction.

[0021] In at least some embodiments, each of the mounting members or the spacer member 5 may be provided in the form of a unitary body extruded from metals such as aluminum. 2015255307 13 Nov 2015 [0022] For example, the spacer members may be positioned at external or internal corners of the building structures whereby two panels are mounted on intersecting planes. The spacer member may be fastened onto adjacently located edge portions of the respective panels.

[0023] In at least some embodiments, the panels may be in the form of a composite metallic panel comprising a non-metallic core portion enclosed in a metallic outer shell. For example, the composite panels may be provided with steel on both outer faces with a variety of possible core materials therebetween - such as high density calcium silicate board, or fibre cement board, or magnesium oxide board, or other boards suitable for use in facade panels, and suitable non combustible or fire resistant constituents. Whilst, the invention is in way limited to being suited for any specific panels, in at least some embodiments, the steel on the outer shell may have a thickness of preferably 0.4 or 0.55 or 0.6mm.

[0024] In at least some embodiments, the metallic outer shell may be laminated onto the core of the panel and subsequently sized appropriately in accordance with specific building requirements.

[0025] In another aspect, the invention provides a facade panel comprising a metallic outer layer and a core wherein the core comprises a fire-resistant material.

[0026] Preferably, the fire resistant material comprises calcium silicate. The core may also comprise calcium silicate hydrate; entrained air and density modifiers, or any combination thereof: inorganic hollow or foamed microparticles or other additives.

[0027] In an embodiment, the core comprises a thickness in the range of 3mm to 8mm, preferably 4mm to 7mm and more preferably about 6mm.

[0028] In some embodiments, the metallic outer layer forms each of the major outer surfaces of the facade panel and wherein the outer layer has thickness in the range of 0.2mm to 1mm, preferably 0.3mm to 0.8mm and more preferably in the range of 0.5mm to 0.6mm. a [0029] Preferably, the nominal density of the core is in the range of 1000 kg/m to 1600 3 3 3 kg/m , preferably in the range of 1200kg/m to 1500 kg/m and more preferably in the range of 6 1350kg/m3 to 1450kg/m3. 2015255307 13 Nov 2015 [0030] Preferably, the core is sandwiched in between two metallic outer layers. Even more preferably, the metallic outer layer is fastened onto the core by way of one or more fastening means. The fastening means may comprise an adhesive, such as a polyurethane based adhesive and preferably applied at an application rate in the range of 5m /L to 15m /L and more preferably about 10m2/L.

[0031] The metallic outer layer may comprise steel such as Colourbond AM-100 steel.

[0032] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0033] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: [0035] Figure 1 is a breakaway perspective view of a first embodiment of the facade system assembled in a vertical configuration in accordance with the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 is a breakaway perspective view of the facade system assembled in a horizontal configuration in accordance with the present invention.

[0037] Figure 3 is a detailed sectional view of mounting mechanism 111 of the facade system.

[0038] Figure 4 is a detailed sectional view of mounting mechanism 222 of the facade system.

[0039] Figure 5 is a detailed sectional view of mounting mechanism 333 of the facade 7 system. 2015255307 13 Nov 2015 [0040] Figure 6 is a detailed sectional view of mounting mechanism 444 of the facade system.

[0041] Figure 7 is a detailed sectional view of mounting mechanism 222 of the facade system.

[0042] Figure 8 is a sectional view of a first mounting arrangement of the facade system for mounting facade panels at an exterior corner of a building structure.

[0043] Figure 9 is a sectional view of a second mounting arrangement of the facade system for mounting facade panels at an exterior comer of a building structure.

[0044] Figure 10 is a sectional view of a third mounting arrangement of the facade system for mounting facade panels at an exterior comer of a building stmcture.

[0045] Figure 11 is a sectional view of a first mounting arrangement of the facade system for mounting facade panels at an internal corner of a building structure.

[0046] Figure 12 is a sectional view of a second mounting arrangement of the facade system for mounting facade panels at an interior comer of a building stmcture.

[0047] Figure 13 is a sectional view of the facade system for use in conjunction with a window jamb.

[0048] Figure 14 is a sectional view of the facade system for use in conjunction with a window sill.

[0049] Figure 15 is a graphical illustration of uniform pressure testing conducted on an exemplary embodiment of a facade panel in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0050] In the drawings, the same reference numerals identify components that are the same 8 or functionally the same. 2015255307 13 Nov 2015 [0051] Figures 1 and 2 represent breakaway perspective views of cladding or facade system 1000 in vertical and horizontal mounting configurations respectively. The system 1000 comprises a support framework over the wall to be concealed. This framework includes a plurality of horizontally arranged steel channels or girts 10. On an exterior side of these girts 10 a plurality of mutually parallel support members or “top hats” 20 with a width of 100mm are arranged in a vertical orientation. Intermediate top hats 25 with a slightly reduced width of 40mm are positioned at an intermediate location in between two top hats 20. The top hats 20 are fastened on the grit by way of fasteners 27.

[0052] The facade panels 100 are provided in the form of composite panels comprising a non-metallic core portion laminated by a metallic shell. The panels 100 are rectangular in shape (with a first peripheral edge portion that is longer in length relative to a second peripheral edge portion) and may be positioned in two mounting configurations. Referring to Figure 1, panels 100 are mounted in a vertical configuration such that the longer edge portion of each of the panels 100 is substantially aligned along the direction of the support members 20 and 25. Referring to Figure 2, the panels 100 may alternatively be positioned in a horizontal configuration such that the longer edge of each of the panels 100 is positioned across the vertically positioned support members 20, 25.

[0053] An optional moisture resistant barrier 30 in the form of building paper or sarking with a thickness (such as 0.6mm) may be provided to shield the steel girts 10. The joints between different sheets of the resistant barrier may also be sealed by way of providing appropriate flashing.

[0054] The next step in assembling the facade system 1000 comprises the positioning of mounting members 50 upon the top hats 20. Specifically two sets of mounting members 50 are provided for mounting Facade panels 100 relative to the building structure. A first set of mounting members 50A is provided along a substantially vertical direction along the direction of the top hats 20. A plurality of elongate mounting members, specifically the first set of mounting members 50A are positioned in a spaced apart vertical orientation to substantially align with vertical edge portions of facade panels 100. A second set of mounting members 50B is provided along a substantially horizontal direction relative to the top hats 20. The elongate mounting 9 2015255307 13 Nov 2015 members 50B are positioned in a spaced apart horizontal orientation to substantially align with horizontal edge portions of facade panels 100.

[0055] As evident from the detailed drawings, each of the mounting members 50 comprises an elongate configuration. The mounting members 50 may be provided in various lengths for being positioned onto the top hats 20 with varying dimensions. The mounting members 50 may be fastened onto top hats 20 by way of using an adhesive 32 such as a commercially available polyurethane based adhesive. For example, vertically oriented mounting members 50A may be adhesively fastened along the length of each top hat 20. Similarly, several lengths of mounting members 50B may be mounted across the top hats 20 in a horizontal configuration. As illustrated, each of the mounting members 50A in the vertical configuration may intersect with one or more of the mounting members 50B positioned in a horizontal configuration. An interlocking mechanism may be provided for securing the mounting members 50A and 50B to each other at the various intersection joints. During installation, these intersecting joints are typically located at or adjacent the top hats 20. Additionally, adhesive or structural tape 34 may also be used for fastening a part of the interior mounting face of the panels 100A and 100B directly onto the top hat 20 for further reinforcement. In the presently illustrated embodiment, the intermediate top hats 20 are fastened directly to panels 100 with polyurethane based adhesives. However, in alternative embodiments mounting members 50 may be used for engaging and thereby mounting panels 100 onto the intermediate top hats 25. This direct mounting of the panels 100 onto the intermediate top hats 25 is illustrated in further detail in Figures 4 and 6.

[0056] Turning to the mounting members 50, each mounting member 50 comprises a panel engaging portion that includes at least two panel engaging surfaces 54 and 56. The first panel first engaging surface 54 is positioned for engaging an inner face portion of the panel 100. The second panel engaging surface 56 is positioned for engaging an edge portion of the panel 100. The panel engaging surfaces 56 and 58 are relatively orthogonal to each other and are therefore configured to receive an edge portion of the panel 100. Specifically, arranging the mounting members along the peripheral edge portions in the vertical and horizontal configurations prevents the facade panels 100 from being subjected to movement due to thermal expansion/contraction of the panels or movements arising under load. The mounting members 50 are also constructed from resilient material such as aluminum which is able to flex up to a certain extent to accommodate any minor variations in the dimensions of the panel during period of expansion or contraction due to variation in temperatures. Advantageously, the second panel engaging surface 56 is structured such that it does not extend beyond an outwardly exposed face ίο 2015255307 13 Nov 2015 of the panel 100. Providing such a mounting configuration allows the mounting members 50 to be substantially concealed once the panel 100 is positioned or mounted on the mounting members 50.

[0057] Details of the specific mounting mechanisms 111, 222, 333, 444 and 555 from Figures 1 and 2 have been illustrated in greater detail in Figures 3 to 7.

[0058] Referring to Figures 3 and 5 mounting members of a first type 501 may be provided with two panel engaging portions 57 and 59 each of which is adapted for mounting respective edge portions of two discrete and adjacently located panels 100A and 100B. Each of the panel engaging portions 57 and 59 is provided with two panel engaging surfaces that engage an inner face portion and a peripheral edge portion of adjacently located panels 100A and 100B. The panel engaging portions 57 and 59 provided on mounting member 50 are spaced apart to form a channel or a groove 58 which also functions to space two adjacently located panels away from each other. As discussed in earlier sections, the engaging portions 57 and 59 may be resilient in nature and therefore may be adapted to flex during period of expansion or contraction. The provision of the groove 58 in between the two engaging portions 57 and 59 allows the panels to slightly contract or expand thereby accommodating slight changes in dimensions of the adjacently located panels 100A and 100B.

[0059] Referring to Figure 7, mounting members of a second type 502, with only one engagement portion are provided for mounting and supporting a lower peripheral portion of a panel 100. As discussed in earlier sections, this mounting member 502 comprises two panel engaging surfaces 54 and 56 such that the first panel first engaging surface 54 is positioned for engaging an inner face portion of the panel 100 and the second panel engaging surface 56 is positioned for engaging an edge portion of the panel 100.

[0060] The facade system 1000 may also be used to form internal and external expressed comer joints. The top hats 20 or other appropriate supporting members in combination with the mounting members 50 may be used to form the joint between vertical and horizontal surfaces on a building structure to form a corner joint at the junction.

[0061] Figures 8 to 10 illustrate several possible mounting arrangements for mounting facade panels at an exterior comer of a building structure. Reference numerals referred to in 11 2015255307 13 Nov 2015 previous sections denote similar features that have been previous discussed in the preceding passages.

[0062] In a first possible external comer mounting arrangement (say “option 1”) shown in Figure 8, spacing members 80 may be positioned in between two adjacently located panels 100P and 100Q that are mounted on respective mounting members 50P and 50Q and positioned across top hats 20P and 20Q located at an external comer of a building structure. An additional angular structural angle 23 is provided for the top hat 20 located in the vicinity of the exterior comer of the building structure. Specifically, spacing member 80 is provided with an elongate and extruded configuration for positioning and spacing the adjacent panels 100P and 100Q that lie in mutually intersecting planes. An angled member 70 is also positioned in between the adjacent panels 100P and 100Q to maintain the panels in position.

[0063] In a second possible external comer mounting arrangement (say “option 2”) shown in Figure 9, the adjacently located facade panels 100P and 100Q are mounted on respective mounting members 50P and 50Q. Once again, the mounting members 50P and 50Q are similar in functionality and structure to the mounting members 50 that are positioned in a horizontal configuration across the top hats 20P and 20Q. Once again, an additional angular structural angle 23 is provided for the top hat 20 located in the vicinity of the exterior comer of the building structure. An angled member 70 is positioned in between the adjacent panels 100P and 100Q. The angled member 70 comprises a first face 71 which is configured to be level or flush with an exterior face of panel 100P. The angled member 70 also comprises a second face 72 which is configured to be level or flush with an exterior face of panel 100Q.

[0064] In a third possible external mounting arrangement (say “option 3”) shown in Figure 10, a flashing member 90 may be provided. The flashing member 90 may extend over the adjacently located end portions of the panels 100P and 100Q. The flashing member 90 may also be adapted to be fastened onto an end portion of the respective mounting members 50P and 50Q.

[0065] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate several mounting arrangements for mounting facade panels at an interior comer of a building structure. Once again reference numerals referred to in previous sections denote similar features and detailed explanation.

[0066] In a first possible internal comer mounting arrangement (say “option 1”) shown in Figure 11, spacing members 85 may be positioned in between two adjacently located panels 12 2015255307 13 Nov 2015 100M and 100N that are mounted on respective mounting members 50M and 50N and positioned across top hats 20M and 20N located at an internal corner of a building structure. Specifically, spacing member 85 is provided with an elongate and extruded configuration for positioning and spacing the adjacent panels 100M and 100N that lie in mutually intersecting and perpendicular planes. An angled member 75 is also positioned in between the adjacent panels 100P and 100Q to maintain the panels in position.

[0067] In a second possible external comer mounting arrangement (say “option 2”) shown in Figure 12, the adjacently located facade panels 100M and 100N are mounted on respective mounting members 50M and 50N. Once again, the mounting members 50M and 50N are similar in functionality and structure to the mounting members 50 that are positioned in a horizontal configuration across the top hats 20M and 20N. An angled member 75 is positioned in between the adjacent panels 100M and 100N. The angled member 75 comprises a first face 76 which is configured to be level or flush with an exterior face of panel 100M. The angled member 75 also comprises a second face 77 which is configured to be level or flush with an exterior face of panel 100N.

[0068] Referring to Figure 13, a cross-sectional plan view of the facade system 1000 for use adjacent to a window jamb 200 in accordance with the present invention, showing a panel 100 mounted on a support member such as a top hat or a batten 20 with an end sealing component 120 which seals the gap in between the panel and the window mullion.

[0069] Referring to Figure 14, a cross sectional plan view of the facade system 1000 in a second mounting configuration is depicted for use in conjunction with a window' will 300. Panel 100 is supported on a vertical top hat 20. An end portion 1.001 of the panel 100 extends underneath the window sill 300.

[0070] Example 1- A fibre cerement panel (comparative example -Panel No. 1) and a facade Panel (denoted by Panel No. 2 hereafter, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention were tested under uniform air pressure.

Panel Construction:

Panel No 1: 9mm Fibre Cement Board 1600kg/m3. (Comparative Example)

Panel No2: 6mm calcium silicate board 1400kg/m3 with 055mm bmt G550 Colorbond skin both sides, 13 2015255307 13 Nov 2015

Panel Dimensions:

Panel No 1: 1960mm length x 1200mm width x 9mm thick,

Panel No 2: 1960mm length x 1200mm wide x 8mm thick.

Test Area: 1960mm x2400mm.

Batten Supports: C15019 purlins fixed at 1200mm centres.

Batten Dimensions: 135/70mm x 20mm BlueScope top hat 12mm bmt galvanized.

Battens fixed at 600mm centres with 2(12-14x20) Buildex hex head teks at each fixing point.

Panel to Batten Fixture: Panels are fixed to the battens with a continuous 10mm bead of Bostik sealant matrix fast cure black adhesive and a strip of double sided 3M VHB tape 15 mm wide x 2.3mm thick. Panels were allowed to cure for a minimum 24 hours prior to testing.

The maximum pressure recorded during testing was 7.05 kPa. During the tests, Panel No. 1 failed to withstand pressures and was detached from the supports. In comparison Panel No. 2 exhibited greater tolerance to pressures as demonstrated in Figure 15. Figure 15 demonstrates that deflection in Panel No. 2 was in direct co-relation to increase in uniform air pressure.

Example 2- A facade panel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with similar characteristics as Panel No. 2 was subjected to a fire test.

Layer 1: 0.55 mm thick steel facing;

Layer 2: 6 mm calcium silicate board;

Layer 3: 0.55 mm thick steel facing.

The steel facing comprises 0.55 BlueScope Steel skins laminated to the outer and inner face of the panel. The top coat of the outer face is coated in 100% flour polymer paint system.

The outer skins were laminated to the core via a specially developed batch lamination process. Adhesion performance is a direct function of the lamination process and the adhesive properties. The steel facing was adhered onto the board using Bostik AV 510 Polyurethane (PU) adhesive with an application rate of 10 m2/L.

Nominal total thickness: 7 mm

Nominal density of calcium silicate board: 1400 kg/m3 Nominal total mass: 19.5 kg/m2

Colour: white 14 2015255307 13 Nov 2015

Six samples were tested in accordance with Australian Standard 1530, Method for fire tests on building components and structures, Part 3: Simultaneous determination of ignitability, flame propagation, heat release and smoke release, 1999. For the test, each sample was clamped to the specimen holder in four places.

The following means and standard errors were obtained:

Parameter Mean Standard Error Ignition Time (min) n/a n/a Fiame Spread Time (s) n/a n/a Heat Release Integral (kJ/m2) n/a n/a Smoke Release (logssD) -1.838 0.122

For regulatory purposes these figures correspond to the following indices: ignitability index (0-20) 0

Spread of Flame index (0-10) 0

Heat Evolved index (0-10) 0

Smoke Developed Index (0-10) 2 [0071] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0072] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0073] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (25)

1. A panelised facade system for mounting facade panels adjacent to a surface to be concealed on a building structure, the system comprising: a plurality of support members spaced away from each other wherein one or more of the support members are adapted for supporting an interior mounting face of one or more facade panels, a plurality of mounting members wherein one or more of the mounting members are positioned upon said one or more support members and the one or more mounting members having an engaging formation for receiving said at least one facade panel; the plurality of mounting members comprising: a first set of mounting members arranged along a direction that is transverse relative to a general direction of the plurality of support members; and a second set of mounting members arranged along the general direction of the plurality of support members.

2. A panelised facade system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the mounting members are positioned for receiving a peripheral or edge portion of the said at least one facade panel.

3. A panelised facade system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one of the mounting members comprises two of the engaging portions such that each engaging portion is adapted to receive a discrete facade panel.

4. A panelised facade system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the engagement portion comprises at least one panel engaging surface for engaging an end portion of the panel during use.

5. A panelised facade system in accordance with claim 4 wherein the engagement portion comprises two of the engaging surfaces such that: a first engaging surface is positioned for engaging a face portion of the panel; and a second engaging surface is positioned for engaging surface for engaging an edge portion of the panel.

6. A panelised facade system in accordance with claim 5 wherein the first and second engaging surfaces are substantially orthogonal relative to each other.

7. A panelised facade system in accordance with claim 5 or claim 6 wherein during use the second engaging surface does not extend beyond an outwardly exposed face of the panel.

8. A panelised facade system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein at least a part of the engagement portion is resilient for allowing limited relative movement between the panel and the mounting members thereby facilitating a releasable connection between the mounting member and the panel.

9. A panelised facade system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein said one or more of the mounting members are fastened onto said plurality of support members by way of fasteners such as adhesives.

10. A panelised facade system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims further comprising a fastening mechanism for fastening the one or more of the mounting members onto the one or more support members.

11. A panelised facade system in accordance with claim 10 wherein the fastening mechanism comprises one or more fasteners adapted for fastening the mounting members onto the supporting members.

12. A panelised facade system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims further comprising spacing members for being positioned in between two adjacently located panels.

13. A panelised facade system in accordance with claim 12 wherein the adjacently located panels are either positioned in the same plane or intersecting planes and the spacing member comprises receiving portions for receiving each of the adjacently located panels.

14. A panelised facade system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims comprising the panels wherein each panel is a composite metallic panel comprising a nonmetallic core portion enclosed in a metallic outer shell.

15. A panelised facade system in accordance with claim 14 wherein the metallic outer shell is laminated.

16. A facade panel comprising a metallic outer layer and a core wherein the core comprises a fire-resistant material.

17. A facade panel in accordance with claim 16 wherein the fire resistant material comprises calcium silicate.

18. A facade panel in accordance with any one of claims 16 or 17 wherein the core comprises calcium silicate hydrate; entrained air and density modifiers, inorganic hollow or foamed microparticles or other additives or any combination thereof.

19. A facade panel in accordance with any one of claims 16 to 18 wherein the core comprises a thickness in the range of 3mm to 8mm, preferably 4mm to 7mm and more preferably 6mm.

20. A facade panel in accordance with any one of claims 16 to 19 wherein the metallic outer layer forms each of the major outer surfaces of the facade panel and wherein the outer layer has thickness in the range of 0.2mm to 1mm, preferably 0.3mm to 0.8mm and more preferably in the range of 0.5mm to 0.6mm.

21. A facade panel in accordance with any one of claims 16 to 20 wherein nominal density of 3 3 3 the core is in the range of 1000 kg/m to 1600 kg/m , preferably in the range of 1200kg/m to 3 3 3 1500 kg/m and more preferably in the range of 1350kg/m to 1450kg/m .

22. A facade panel in accordance with any one of claims 16 to 21 wherein the core is sandwiched in between two metallic outer layers.

23. A facade panel in accordance with any one of claims 16 to 22 wherein the metallic outer layer is fastened onto the core by way of one or more fastening means.

24. A face panel in accordance with claim 23 wherein the fastening means comprises an adhesive, preferably a polyurethane based adhesive and preferably applied at an application rate in the range of 5m /L to 15m /L and more preferably 10m /L.

25. A panelised facade system in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 15 comprising a facade panel in accordance with claims 16 to 25.