December 2001
General
Model Guidelines for Design, Fabrication, and Installation of Engineered Panelized Walls provides technical information and specifications for the design and construction of panelized light-frame walls that are produced and delivered as engineered, prefabricated structural assemblies.
APPLICABILITY
The provisions of this guide apply to the design, fabrication, and installation of panelized light-frame wall systems that include framing members, sheathing, fastenings, openings for doors and windows, and other elements necessary to form a complete structural wall system. Although this guide focuses on a manufactured assembly approach, the provisions also include specific guidance that is applicable to site-built wall constructions. The provisions are intended to be applied by qualified design professionals, manufacturers, and contractors in accordance with all applicable regulations, governing building codes, and accepted practices.
SCOPE
These provisions address the structural design, fabrication, and installation of light-frame walls, including its components and subassemblies, fabricated using wood or cold-formed steel members in platform-frame building constructions. The guidelines do not address non-structural and other design considerations such as thermal insulation, exterior and interior finishes, fire resistance ratings, or sound transmission ratings.
BUILDING CODE COMPLIANCE
These provisions allow several options for attaining building code compliance, including the use of the governing building code provisions or prescriptive construction provisions for light-frame walls. The user is responsible for assuring compliance with the governing building code. Where the provisions of this guide depart from the governing building code, the user shall be responsible to make all necessary modifications to attain compliance or to seek the necessary approval as an alternate means and method.
Prepared for:
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Office of Policy Development and Research
Prepared by:
NAHB Research Center
Upper Marlboro, MD
32 pages
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