Panelized Wall Systems: Making the Connections (August 2006, 70 p.)
The broad purpose of this research is to understand and document
the connection systems of panelized home construction systems
currently on the U.S. market with the goal of developing Performance
Standard Criteria to help builders and manufacturers. Such criteria
can also aid in the development of new panel systems and in the
coordination among different types of panel systems.
The Performance Standard Criteria are based on a careful study of
existing panel systems. Approximately 30 panelized construction
systems were reviewed and 12 were selected for further study. The
systems include concrete panels, metal panels, wood structural
insulated panels (SIPs), and wood open-wall panels. Performance
information on the 12 different systems was collected and then
analyzed to develop the criteria. The criteria cite performance
standards based on current codes as benchmarks for connections
and system performance. Conventional construction practice is
considered as the implicit performance baseline at the system level.
The criteria format makes it easy for builders or manufacturers to
compare and contrast different system types and the performance of
the various elements of the connection systems. A key to maximizing
the use of the criteria is to provide builders and panel manufacturers
with easy access to the information, through outlets such as the PATH
website and trade organizations.
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