Light Steel Infill Walling Systems

In multi-storey framed construction light steel external walling systems are used extensively to create a rapid dry building envelope on a range of building types and are an economic and efficient method of providing facade walls. There are two common types of walling systems – infill and oversail walls, also known as continuous walling.

Sigmat

Infill Walling is a term for external walls that are built between the floors of the primary structural frame of a building which provide support for the cladding system. Much lighter and thinner than conventional block work, light steel infill walls do not apply heavy line loads to floors.

Infill walls do not support floor loads, but they resist wind loads applied to the facade. Light steel infill walls using vertical C section studs are prevalent within both steel and concrete-framed buildings and have largely replaced masonry or timber alternatives.

The C section size and spacing selected depend on the structural requirements. The spacing is also selected to be compatible with the external facade materials. With layouts engineered to support windows and openings and additional studs around openings for lateral tie back for brick tie channels and brackets for facades. The panels which fit between the elements of the primary structural frame consist of a bottom track attached to the floor and a head track attached to the underside of the floor above and allowing for building deflection. Wall panels can be prefabricated as storey-high units offsite or site assembled from C sections that are delivered cut-to-length. So reducing noise and risk on-site as no cutting is required.

Light steel infill walling systems can be used with a range of cladding types including ‘heavy’ cladding, such as brickwork, or ‘lightweight’ claddings such as insulated renders and rain-screens.

Preassembled frames offer site saving on install times of up to 30%.

KEY BENEFITS

Light weight, speed and ease of installation are important constructional advantages Rapid installation permits much earlier access for follow-on trades Installation process is ‘dry’ so shrinkage and other drying-out problems are eliminated Large windows, parapets and other architectural features can be incorporated 120 minutes fire resistance can be achieved with certain boarding systems Can achieve excellent acoustic performance when combined with facade elements High levels of thermal performance can be achieved with proprietary insulation, as per system data Complete infill panel systems are now available which have been tested from inside room to cavity and cavity to inside which offer system warranties and ‘golden thread’ assurance removing risk for client, developer, main contractor and insurer