What determines support spacing for sandwich wall panels?

Corner and edge zones may have different conditions from the centre of a wall. A neighbouring building of similar height is insufficient evidence for copying its support spacing. Exposure and large openings can change the loads. Use design inputs for the actual site and intended use.

Match the table to the panel type, core, thickness and facings. Check profiling and the scope of the document. Even at the same nominal panel thickness, another facing sheet can change performance. Similar names or colours are insufficient to identify equivalent variants.

Read the instructions for using the tables. Establish whether loads are characteristic or design values and which factors have already been included. Apply factors in line with the document and the structural calculation so they are neither omitted nor counted twice.

A panel resting on two supports behaves differently from one that continues over an intermediate support. Determine whether the actual panel spans one, two or several bays. The positions of the supports and the continuity of the panel establish which row of the table applies.

Bearing widths and panel end details matter. Two lengths meeting above a column do not necessarily act like one continuous panel. Openings and cuts may change local behaviour. Design these areas together with the framing around them.

At the ultimate limit state, the panel must carry the design loads within the applicable resistance criteria. Serviceability includes limits on deformation. A panel can have sufficient strength yet deflect too much for its intended use. Check both conditions.

Where separate permissible spans are given, use the more restrictive result. Check the assumed deflection criterion and have any proposed change assessed against the design. Deformation affects façade appearance and the interaction between joints and adjacent envelope components.

The outer facing may reach a different temperature from the inner facing. Colour and solar exposure affect that difference. Tables and guidance may distinguish colour groups and restrict particular span arrangements. Switching a finished design from a light to a dark façade can therefore require a new check.

Check length and support arrangement limits for the finish being ordered. A thicker core does not eliminate thermal actions. On existing buildings, new canopies or equipment may change patterns of sunlight and shade. Base the selection on actual exposure.

Coordinate the selected span with façade divisions, doors and windows. Check the bearing surfaces and whether every panel end can be fixed as designed. The tables may also specify fastener requirements. A maximum support spacing alone does not prove that the connection to the subframe can transfer the load.

Produce a support and fixing drawing identifying the exact panel. Changes to facing thickness, colour or length require a check against the calculations. Give the installation crew the drawing before work starts so the completed arrangement can be inspected against the design.

Measure spacing as defined in the documentation, for example between support centrelines. Distinguish this from the clear distance between their edges. With wide supports the difference may be significant. Show which dimension is used by the calculation and the system table.