All foundations must comply with the relevant standards and local authority requirements, with appropriate consideration given to soil type. QT EcoSeries Wall Panel is suitable for construction on concrete slab or suspended floors. The concrete slab can either be rebated or non-rebated. The slab rebate will need to be a minimum of 50mm below floor level and 100mm above paved level or 150mm above ground level (See local standards). To ensure a flush finish, the width of the slab rebate needs to allow for the thickness of the coating system, the thickness of the panel (40mm or 50mm), and the size of the extended wall cavity 20 – 50mm (30mm nom). Minimum ground clearances, must be maintained at all times during the life of the building. Insufficient clearance from the ground to the bottom of the wall panels will affect long-term durability.

4.2 Termites

The Building Code of Australia in conjunction with AS 3660 specifies the requirement for termite risk management. (See local standards). The edge of a slab-on-ground may be used as a visual perimeter barrier. Provided that the slab edge is left exposed not less than 75mm above finished ground or paved level. The face of the perimeter must not be concealed by a flashing, rendered, tiled or clad.

The exposed edge of the slab must be kept clean and free of debris and regularly visually inspected for termite activity. QT EcoSeries Wall Panel does not hold any nutritional value for ants or rodents.

4.3 Windows

Wherever possible windows and associated flashings should be installed prior to the installation of the QT EcoSeries Wall Panel. When ordering the window frame it is essential to plan where the window flange will be positioned either flush with the stud frame, flush with battens or even over the panel.

All materials that are susceptible to deterioration due to plastics migration or alkalinity of cement base products must be protected (check with product manufacturer).

To provide added design flexibility, decorative mouldings or features can be made using QT EcoSeries Wall Panels. The panel can be cut into bands or laminate multiple layers and shape to achieve the desired profile. Once installed, a coating system would then be applied. Alternatively, a wide range of decorative mouldings are available from various manufacturers.

To provide added design flexibility, decorative mouldings or features can be made using QT EcoSeries Wall Panels. The panel can be cut into bands or laminate multiple layers and shape to achieve the desired profile. Once installed, a coating system would then be applied. Alternatively, a wide range of decorative mouldings are available from various manufacturers.

QT EcoSeries Wall Panels can be cut into bands that can be installed around windows, doors, along horizontal control joints, etc to enrich the aesthetics of the project. They are installed so the top and bottom edge (bevelled at 15 degrees) falls away from the wall. Where bands meet, they should be cut at a 45˚ angle, across the face of the corbel to help conceal the join and increase the adhered surface bond. Bands are bonded into place with polyurethane foam and corbel screws or nails to mechanically fix the bands until the foam is set.

4.4 Decorative Mouldings

To provide added design flexibility, decorative mouldings or features can be made using QT EcoSeries Wall Panels. The panel can be cut into bands or laminate multiple layers and shape to achieve the desired profile. Once installed, a coating system would then be applied. Alternatively, a wide range of decorative mouldings are available from various manufacturers.

QT EcoSeries Wall Panels can be cut into bands that can be installed around windows, doors, along horizontal control joints, etc to enrich the aesthetics of the project. They are installed so the top and bottom edge (bevelled at 15 degrees) falls away from the wall. Where bands meet, they should be cut at a 45˚ angle, across the face of the corbel to help conceal the join and increase the adhered surface bond. Bands are bonded into place with polyurethane foam and corbel screws or nails to mechanically fix the bands until the foam is set.

4.5 Doors

Door framing must be fixed in position prior to the installation of the QT EcoSeries Wall Panels. The door framing will allow the panel to be cut and installed neat but independent of the frame. Door frames must be fixed to the structural framing. Decorative mouldings can be used to emphasize the door opening.

All materials that are susceptible to deterioration due to plastics migration or alkalinity of cement base products must be protected (check with product manufacturer).

4.6 Parapets

Parapets are generally used to conceal or to emphasize features of a building. The top of the parapet must be designed and installed to shed water and maintain the weatertighness of the building below.

4.7 Wall to Roof

Wall to roof details can often be unsightly as they are easily seen and hard to conceal without compromising the weathertighness of the dwelling. Because of its visibility, it is essential to create clean straight lines either by using a uPVC moulding or cover flashings.

4.8 Soffit & Eaves

The eaves or roof overhang play a significant role in the comfort performance of the building. Eaves or overhangs are used to shade the walls from the summer sun, while capturing the sun’s heat in the winter. Eaves will reduce glancing light, which highlights the wall surface. Glancing light is the light that is nearly parallel to the surface of the wall and casts visible shadows and uneven projections of the surface finish QT EcoSeries Wall Panels can be installed to suit various soffit designs and details.

In dry areas, tiling may be applied directly onto BGC Ceramic Tile Floor Underlay to form an impervious, easily cleaned surface. In wet areas and areas subject to accidental flooding or water splash, the installation of a waterproof membrane between the BGC Ceramic Tile Floor Underlay and the tiling is required.

Compressed Tile Floor Underlay:

• can be installed over new or existing floorboards
• can be used in both wet and dry areas
• provides a stable substrate from slate or ceramic floor tiles

*some sizes may not be available in all states, please check with your local BGC office for availability.

The Hebel PartyWall system can be either a loadbearing or non-loadbearing wall. The Hebel PowerPanel within the wall system is non-loadbearing with the exception of self weight.

9.2 Construction Loadings

During construction, the Hebel PowerPanel could be subject to wind loading. The builder shall provide the necessary temporary bracing of the panel until both structural frames are installed.

Note: The screw connections may not be adequate to stabilise the panel against construction loadings.

9.3 Cutting of Hebel PowerPanel

The standard Hebel PowerPanel can be reduced in length by cutting 150mm maximum from each end, and to a minimum width of 270mm. All exposed steel reinforcement shall be liberally coated with the Fentak anti-corrosion coating available through CSR Hebel.

9.4 Wall Frame

The wall framing presented in this Design Guide for various wall systems are nominated for the acoustic and fire performance values. It is the designer’s responsibility to determine an appropriate wall framing system to satisfy structural adequacy. Several items the designer must allow for are:

• lateral loadings
• wall height
• deflection limits
• offset distance (gap) from the panel
• building movement
• control joint locations

9.5 Wall Height

The overall wall height limit is 12m for both 75mm Hebel Intertenancy 001 and 75mm Hebel Intertenancy 002. The wall shall be constructed of Hebel PowerPanel of 3000mm maximum length. Walls constructed with panel lengths exceeding 3000mm are outside the scope of this guide.

9.6 Earthquake Loading

Earthquake loading has not been considered in this design guide. It is the designer’s responsibility to ensure the connection system has adequate capacity to resist any imposed earthquake loading.

9.7 Fixings

Fasteners & Fixings

Most screw fixings are timber type, which is sufficient for penetrating the metal thicknesses outlined in this design guide. Connections that have larger metal thicknesses may require a metal type screw and will need to be designed and approved by the project engineer.

Fixings – Deflection head track to substrate

The fixing to secure the angles and tracks to the concrete slab shall be capable of withstanding a shear load of 0.75kN. For high wind pressures during construction, the designer shall determine if mechanical fasteners are required:

• Drive pins and concrete nails (check size and suitability for fire rated situations with the manufacturer);
• 8mm diameter mechanical fasteners.

Table 9.1 outlines the connection type and requirements for constructing 75mm Hebel Intertenancy 001 and 75mm Hebel Intertenancy 002 detailed in this design guide.

table 9.1:Fixings