Concrete Panel Cladding to Load bearing wall.

[civeng80]

Hi all,
I have a portal framed building with concrete panels in 2 layers which are non load- bearing (used only as cladding) and built on a boundary wall. The height of each panel is 3.25m (11’). Total height is 6.5m (22’) with a portal framing of 8.5m (24’).
The client owns the land adjacent, his original idea was to build a mirror image of the built building and use the wall as a party wall. Now he wants a completely different building but still wants the party wall and used as a load bearing wall.
I wonder if anyone has designed from non load bearing to loadbearing ? Also is it permissible to drill in chemset anchors or other drill in anchors to support the roof beams?

 

[apsix]

As I read it, if the first building catches fire and collapses it will pull the second building down with it.
That can't be good!

There has to be separation at the boundary to allow each building to stand-up in its own right.

 

[civeng80]

apsix
I know its not ideal, but its allowable under the Building code of Australia. The party wall is a fire rated wall from both sides.

But thanks for the thought.

 

[Ron]

civeng80...many codes allow party walls; however, the codes I work with in the US do not allow cladding to be used as a structural component. You might consider removing the cladding and increasing the capacity of the common load bearing wall.

 

[apsix]

civeng80

I'd definitely get a Building Surveyor on board before proceeding with design on this.

I still find it hard to believe that the definition of Party or Common Wall doesn't include (or imply) the requirement to not collapse and thereby cause the collapse of the building on the adjacent property.

At the very least the Party Wall must have a FRL for the building class with the most onerous requirements. This may be a problem if the new building is of a different class.

As to converting to a load-bearing wall, it should be enough if you can show that it will work structurally. You may need to pack the horizontal joint with grout rather than sealant and you will always have to rely on the existing portal column for lateral restraint at the joint.

Any rafter to wall panel connection will have to have the required FRL.

 

[rowingengineer]

civeng80,
I agree with apsix, get the certifier on board, I don't think your interpretation is 100% on the money.


An expert is a man who has made all the mistakes which can be made in a very narrow field

 

[asixth]

I wouldn't be using chemset anchors but would go with either mechanical anchors or cast-in ferrules. You should get in contact with a ramset representative and question the performance of the adhesive when it is heated up under fire conditions.

 

[civeng80]

asixth

The building Surveyor doesn't have a problem with the construction and I would never consider the problem structurally if I wasn't given the OK from him. In fact Ive done this before on an office building where it was recommended by the Building Surveyor in the first place.

 

[apsix]

I guess it comes down to interpretation of the BCA - I'm no expert in that.

Can I ask which city you are in?

 

[civeng80]

apsix, (apologies for calling you asixth!)

The job is in Geelong (Victoria) and the Building Surveyor is the City of Greater Geelong.

Cheers.

 

[civeng80]

apsix,

Incidentally, its very difficult if not impossible to convince the client to erect another wall immediately adjacent to the existing when the building surveyor approves of the party wall, the client will be saving about $100000 and this alone is enough to proceed with the party wall.

But I know what your saying and I really appreciate your thoughts on this topic.

Cheers !