Practice Note for Authorized Persons,

Buildings Department Registered Structural Engineers and APP-16

Registered Geotechnical Engineers

Cladding

Cladding means a facing or architectural decoration additional to the

structural elements of a building, e.g. aluminium or metal cladding, polished granite
slabs or limestone cladding, marble facing and the like. Cladding should comply with
the performance requirements stipulated in sections 3 and 28 of the Building
(Construction) Regulation in respect of materials, fixings, strength, durability, means of
access for maintenance or repair, etc.

2. Cladding should be provided with sufficient permanently flexible joints

horizontally and vertically to allow differential movement between the cladding and the
structure of the building to which it is attached. All external anchors, dowels and
fixings should be of stainless steel or other corrosion resistant materials. Any metal
dowels and fixings securing the cladding panels should be suitable, permanent and
adequately protected from corrosion. Requirements on testing of anchors and cladding
panels are given in paragraphs 9 to 15 below.

Design and Construction Standards

3. Standards commonly used for the design and construction of cladding

______ works, which are acceptable to the Building Authority (BA), are given in Appendix A.

Submission of Cladding Plans

4. Where cladding is to be affixed to any part of the exterior of a building,

details such as the location and material should be shown in the general building plan
submitted to the BA for approval. When the cladding to be installed is above 6 metres
from the adjoining ground level or adjoining floor, in addition to the building plans,
details such as the thickness, strength, durability, and type of the cladding, material of
fixings and layout of the support to the cladding should be shown in the structural plans
submitted to the BA for approval. Failure to do so may result in delay in or refusal of
approval/consent of the cladding plans. As regards the fixings of stone cladding,
sand/cement bedding and/or epoxy bonding alone is not considered a suitable and
permanent fixing.

5. The following details are required to be included in the structural plans for
cladding for submission to the BA for approval:

(a) structural framing and details of structural elements

excluding any unnecessary shop fabrication details;

(b) elevations including location of expansion joints;

/(c) …
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(c) anchors and support details;

(d) design standards and codes of practice;

(e) material specifications for structural steel, aluminium alloy,

granite/marble/limestone and anchors;

(f) workmanship specifications for welding, corrosion protection

(e.g. galvanisation) and measures to overcome bi-metallic
effects; and

(g) structural calculations comprising design check on the parent

structure, analysis on the structural adequacy and stability of
the proposed cladding system, element design for
granite/marble/limestone, aluminium or metal cladding and
deflection check on major load carrying members, if
applicable.

Separate Registered Structural Engineer

6. In view of the speciality of cladding works, a separate registered structural

engineer (RSE) may be appointed to prepare the design and to supervise the carrying out
of such works. Under such circumstances, Forms BA4 and BA5 indicating the
appointment of the separate RSE and the scope of works for which he/she is responsible
are required to be submitted together with the plans submitted for approval. Upon
completion of the cladding works, the separate RSE so appointed is required to certify
satisfactory completion of the works in accordance with regulation 25(3) of the Building
(Administration) Regulations.

7. When structural details for cladding works are submitted by the separate
RSE, the submission should be accompanied by an assessment report prepared by
him/her giving an account of the effect of the proposed works to the parent structure.
The assessment report should be appended with a statement signed by the project RSE
to confirm that he/she is fully aware of the connection details and the effect of the works
on the parent structure.

8. The separate RSE who is appointed for the cladding works should be
responsible for the supervision of the construction of such works, including the
installation of any cast-in anchorage, e.g. anchor plates, cast-in embeds and through
bolts, etc., in the parent structure except in the event where the cast-in anchorage has
been pre-installed in the parent structure prior to his/her appointment. For such cases,
the structural details and layout of the pre-installed parts should be given in the
superstructure plans to be submitted by the project RSE to the BA for approval. The
project RSE should then be responsible for the supervision of the installation of such
parts. The separate RSE should refer to the pre-installed connection details when
designing the cladding works and should co-ordinate with the project RSE for necessary
amendment if different connection details are to be used.

/Tests …
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Tests on Anchors and Cladding Panels

Anchors

9. On-site strength tests should be carried out on a representative number of

each type and size of drilled-in anchors for those parts of the cladding to be installed
above 6 metres from the adjoining ground level or adjoining floor. Such tests are
necessary for verifying the performance and workmanship of the anchors installed and
should be carried out under the direction of the RSE or authorized person (AP).

10. Each representative anchor should be tested by pull-out test to demonstrate

that its pull-out capacity is not less than 1.5 times the recommended tensile load as
specified by the anchor manufacturer. The tested anchor should be considered
satisfactory if it does not show any signs of separation, plastic deformation or
deleterious effect during the test.

Stone Cladding Panels

11. Stone cladding is a natural material. The mechanical properties, physical

properties and chemical properties can vary considerably between different types and
grades of stones. Tests on stone cladding panels are required to be carried out to verify
the average and characteristic strengths adopted in the design and to form part of the
quality assurance and control during construction. The RSE and registered contractor
(RC) responsible for the cladding works should appoint a grade T3 technically
competent person (TCP) under the RSE’s stream and a grade T1 TCP under the RC’s
stream respectively on site to detect any deleterious or potentially unstable constituents
such as clay-like minerals, iron minerals or veins on the stone panels delivered to site.

12. When stone cladding is to be used, the following tests are required to be
carried out for each type of stone, the test results of which should be checked against the
acceptance criteria given in Appendix B:

(a) flexural strength test of dimension stone to ASTM C880 –

Standard Test Method for Flexural Strength of Dimension
Stone or to BS EN12372 – Natural Stone Test Methods,
Determination of Flexural Strength under Concentrated Load
or to other appropriate equivalent standards; and

(b) strength test of individual stone anchorage to ASTM C1354 –

Standard Test Method for Strength of Individual Stone
Anchorages in Dimension Stone or to other appropriate
equivalent standards.

/13. …
 -4-

13. As limestone is highly susceptible to acid rain and may deteriorate quickly
when being used as exterior cladding material, in addition to the tests required in
paragraph 12 above, aged strength testing to simulate weathering due to extreme
temperature change and extreme moisture content change should be carried out for
limestone cladding to demonstrate that the residual flexural and anchorage capacities are
not less than 80% of those obtained in the standard tests specified in paragraph 12
above. The aim of aged strength testing is to simulate the conditions in which limestone
panels are fully saturated and return to their driest conditions and to simulate the critical
temperature changes during their intended life. Details of the aged strength test are
______ given in Appendix B.

14. At least 5 test specimens should be selected at random from batches of

stone delivered to site for each of the test specified in paragraphs 12(a), 12(b) and 13
above.

15. The test should be carried out by or under the direction and supervision of
a testing agency independent of the supplier of the stone cladding. The test results
should be certified by the testing agency, and endorsed by the AP/RSE to confirm that
the test results have reached the required characteristic strengths adopted in the design.
The test reports should be submitted to the BA prior to the application for occupation
permit.

Minor Works Relating to External Cladding

16. Under the Minor Works Control System, certain minor building works
relating to erection, repair, replacement or removal of cladding are designated as minor
works, which may be carried out under the simplified requirements as an alternative to
obtaining prior approval and consent under the Buildings Ordinance. Reference can be
made to Schedule 1 of the Building (Minor Works) Regulation and Practice Note for
Authorized Persons, Registered Structural Engineers and Registered Geotechnical
Engineers APP-147 regarding the list of minor works items and the simplified
requirements respectively.

( YU Tak-cheung )
Building Authority

Ref. : BD GP/BREG/C/6 (VI)

This PNAP is previously known as PNAP 59

First issue May 1979
Last revision October 2012
This revision March 2021 (AD/NB2) (General revision)
 Appendix A
(PNAP APP-16)

Standards Commonly Used for the

Design and Construction of Cladding Works
Acceptable to the Building Authority

Reference Standards

The standards listed in this appendix are intended to provide reference

information only for the purpose of design and construction of cladding works. It
should be noted that:

(a) the standards listed are not meant to be exhaustive;

(b) national standards and codes of practice of various countries,

though similar in major aspects, do not have exact equivalence to
one another;

(c) should a certain design standard be adopted, it should be applied

to the design consistently; and

(d) Buildings Ordinance and its subsidiary regulations always take

precedence over other design standards should there be a conflict
between them.

A. Material and Workmanship

Material and
Standard Title
Workmanship

Steel Hong Kong Code of Code of Practice for the Structural Use of
Practice Steel 2011

Aluminium BS 1161:1977(1991) Specification for aluminium alloy

sections for structural purposes

BS EN 515:2017, Specification for wrought aluminium and

BS EN 485-3:2003, aluminium alloys for general engineering
BS EN 573-4: 2004, purposes: plate, sheet and strip
BS EN 573-2:1995,
BS EN 485-2:
2016+A1:2018

BS 1473:1972(2002) Specification for wrought aluminium and

aluminium alloys for general engineering
purposes – rivet, bolt and screw stock

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 Material and
Standard Title
Workmanship

Aluminium BS EN 573-4:2004, Specification for wrought aluminium and

BS EN 573-3:2019, aluminium alloys for general engineering
BS EN 755-6:2008, purposes: bars, extruded round tubes and
BS EN 755-3:2008, sections
BS EN 755-4:2008,
BS EN 755-2:2016,
BS EN 755-8:2016,
BS EN 755-7:2016,
BS EN 12020-2:2016,
BS EN 755-9:2016

BS EN 1011-4:2000 Specification for MIG welding of

aluminium and aluminium alloys

BS EN 1999-1- Structural use of aluminium –

1:2007+A2:2013 Specification for materials, workmanship
and protection

Stainless Steel BS EN 10259:1997, Specification for stainless and heat-

BS EN 10095:1999, resisting steel plate, sheet and strip
BS EN 10048:1997,
BS EN 10258:1997,
BS EN 10029:2010,
BS EN 10051:2010

BS 6105:2016 Specification for corrosion-resistant

stainless steel fasteners

BS EN 1011-3:2018 Specification for fusion welding of

austenitic stainless steels

Sealant BS 6213: Selection of construction sealants. Guide

2000+A1:2010

B. Design and Reference

Design Standard/Reference Title

Steel Hong Kong Code of Code of Practice for the Structural Use of
Practice Steel 2011

Aluminium BS 8118-1:1991 Structural use of aluminium – Code of

practice for design

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 Design Standard/Reference Title
Natural Stone BS 8298-4:2010, Code of practice for design and
BS 8298-3:2010, installation of natural stone cladding &
BS 8298-2:2010, lining
BS 8298-1:2010

Reference “Guide to the Selection & Testing of

Stone Panels for External Use” published
by Center for Window and Cladding
Technology, University of Bath (1997)

Design for Safety Hong Kong Code of Code of Practice on Access for External
Practice Maintenance 2021

C. Testing

Testing Standard Title

Sealant BS 3712 Building and construction sealants

Part 1:1991(1996) Part 1 : Methods of test for homogeneity,

relative density and penetration

Part 2:1973(2000) Part 2 : Methods of test for seepage,

staining, shrinkage, shelf life and
paint ability

Part 3:1974(2000) Part 3 : Methods of test for application

life, skinning properties and
tack-free time
Part 4:1991(1996)
Part 4 : Method of test for adhesion in
peel

BS 5080 Structural fixings in concrete and

masonry
Part 1:1993
Part 1 : Method of test for tensile loading
Part 2:1986(1993)
Part 2 : Method for determination of
resistance to loading in shear

(Rev. 3/2021)

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 Appendix B
(PNAP APP-16)
Stone Cladding Panels

Acceptance Criteria for Tests on Stone Cladding Panels

1. The tests carried out in accordance with paragraph 12 of this practice note
are considered acceptable if the test results comply with the following requirements:

(a) the characteristic flexural strength is greater than 3 times the

design allowable flexural strength;

(b) the average flexural strength is greater than the design

allowable flexural strength multiplied by the flexural safety
factor (FSF);

(c) the characteristic anchorage strength is greater than 4.2 times

the design allowable anchorage strength; and

(d) the average anchorage strength is greater than the design

allowable anchorage strength multiplied by the anchorage
safety factor (ASF).

2. In respect of paragraph 1 above, the following applies:

(a) Characteristic strength = Average strength – K × σ

where
K is the K-factor for at least 5 test specimens and may be
taken as 3.41 (K-factor corresponding to larger numbers
of test specimens may be used if appropriate); and
σ is the standard deviation.

(b) FSF and ASF may be obtained as follows:

FSF = variation factor (VF) × durability factor (DF)

ASF = FSF × 1.4

where VF and DF are obtained from the tables below:

Coefficient of variance VF
Granite Limestone Marble
0% - 5% 2.0 3.0 2.5
5% - 10% 2.5 3.5 3.0
10% - 20% 3.0 4.0 3.5
above 20% 3.5 4.5 4.0

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 Fraction of DF
Initial Flexural Strength
100% 1.0
95% - 75% 1.2
75% - 60% 1.5
Less than 60% 1.8

Where substantiation is not available, the coefficient of variance

should be taken as 10% - 20%, and the fraction of initial flexural
strength should be taken as (a) less than 60% for limestone and
marble, and (b) 75% - 60% for granite. Accordingly, the FSF and
ASF evaluated for various types of stone panels are summarised
below:

FSF ASF
Granite 3.0 × 1.5 = 4.5 4.5 × 1.4 = 6.3
Limestone 4.0 × 1.8 = 7.2 7.2 × 1.4 = 10.08
Marble 3.5 × 1.8 = 6.3 6.3 × 1.4 = 8.82

Procedures for Aged Strength Tests for Limestone Panels

3. The following procedures for aged strength tests for limestone panels may
be adopted on the condition that the fraction of initial flexural strength for assessment
of FSF and ASF shall be taken as less than 60%:

Artificial ageing of 50 thermal cycles

(a) Samples to be tested will be dried for 4 hours at 77°C (±2°C).

The samples will be removed from the oven and cooled for 4
hours at 0°C (±2°C) in a chamber. Repeat the procedures for 50
cycles, then inspect and record the samples for any sign of
damage.

Artificial ageing of 50 wet/dry cycles

(b) Samples to be tested will be immersed in water for 4 hours at

23°C (±2°C). The samples will be removed form the water tank
and placed under forced air drying (or drying by oven) for 4 hours
at 23°C (±2°C). Repeat the procedures for 50 cycles, and then
inspect and record the samples for any sign of damage.

Carrying out strength testing

(c) Strength testing of the samples should be carried out after

completion of the artificial ageing of 50 thermal cycles and 50
wet/dry cycles to demonstrate that the residual strengths comply
with the requirements specified in paragraph 13 of this practice
note.

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4. Alternatively, the RSE responsible for the cladding works may propose
testing procedures for acceptance by the BA prior to the commencement of the test.

(Rev. 3/2021)

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