Abstract
The successful quality management of the external stone cladding system in production and installation stages is of vital importance to ensure the high quality of the completed system. Nevertheless, little research has been conducted in this area. This research aimed to report the current status of the external stone cladding system in the production and installation stages in Hong Kong. To do so, this paper examines its current practices and major issues occurred through case studies, questionnaire surveys, and interviews. The results revealed the insufficiency in control mechanism and quality control in the system in Hong Kong. Furthermore, the factors to ensure the quality of the two stages were determined. Lastly, this research suggested recommendations on the possible measures to improve the system quality: pre-testing of stone materials and anchorage system, quality assurance of suppliers and manufacturers, regular inspections and audits on production, and continuous site quality supervision and checklist. The findings and outcomes of the research could lead to actions to guarantee steady quality for the stone cladding façade.
Highlights
External stone cladding is made use of a thin stone panel affixed to building surfaces enclosing the building structures as architectural decoration added to the external building facades [1]
The evolution of stone cladding facades closely parallels to the modernism of building construction and technologies [3]
A questionnaire method was introduced in this research to obtain valuable opinions on the local industry practices and current statutory control mechanism of the external stone cladding system at the two stages: production stage and installation stage
Summary
External stone cladding is made use of a thin stone panel affixed to building surfaces enclosing the building structures as architectural decoration added to the external building facades [1]. It is usually installed on the building structures through mechanical anchorage systems or direct application of cement-based materials on its rear surface to a structural substrate. The knowledge gap between architects and engineers was one of the leading causes of cladding failures. Different anchorage methods were designed to hold the stone panels within the curtain walls and independent stone cladding system. The increased resurgence and economic competitiveness of stones have made them broadly and continuously utilized in the past several decades as a cladding material for dressing building façades
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
