Technical introduction
General
A-Metal's professional approach to cladding fixing anchor design has led to the development of a compressive range of standard fixing that will cover most requirements. The catalogue shows the various types with their physical and mechanical characteristics. For situations where a special fixing is required, A-Metal's design department will develop suitable solutions. Whether it be thin cladding Marble Granite, or heavier section Limestone or Sandstone or other cladding material, A-Metal can provide a fixing to suit.

Basic Principles
There are 3 different functions of Fixing used for securing cladding panels, namely:

Restraint		Support		Combined Support    and Restraint

The symbols shown are used throughout this catalogue to assist the reader in identifying the Function of Fixing anchors shown

Design
The design of fixings is based upon guidance from UK standards, BS 90 structural use of steelwork in building and related standard and BS 29 design and installation of natural stone cladding and lining. since a-Metal provide fixings worldwide, certain countries may have different standards and where possible these will be taken in account when evaluating a fixing solution, Wind loading for example can be significantly higher in certain areas and may alter significantly a fixing requirement.sesmic loading too may become an important factor. A-Metal's computerized designs easily account for these variations as long as they are identified at the design stage.

Testing
Where appropriate fixing are tested by UK NAMMAS Accredited independent laboratories. Copies may be obtained subject to consent.

When designing a fixing system the following should be considered:
Methodology

Diagram Showing Basic Fixing applied Forces

Standards
The following is a summary of British Standards relating to Fixing materials and design codes.

The following is a summary of British Standards relating to Fixing materials and design codes:

Select the two matels that are to be used in combination. Compare the NOBEL/ACTIVE potential difference between those metals to determine if Isolation is required. The metal with the greater negative value (Active) may corrode. Example: Stainless Steel type 304 is to be used in conjunction with Mild Steel. Mild Steel -0.6 and stainless Steel -0.1. The Mild Steel will therefore corrode and isolation is required. See the details showing various techniques to achieve isolation between the two metals.

General
The following systems shown as Systems 1 and 2 indicate the two fundamental systems of stone panel anchorage commonly used. The architectural requirements for joints sizes and type of backing structure will dictate generally which system is adopted.