Dimension-stone cladding design with dowel anchorage

Abstract

One of the most important aspects of designing dimension-stone cladding involves determining the configuration, size and spacing of the panels and anchorages that will affix the stone panels to the underlying building substrate. A laboratory study was carried out in order to determine the mechanical and physical behaviour of medium size granite panels. A significant number of samples were subjected to transverse pull out tests in accordance with EN 13364:2001, so that the breaking load at the dowel hole could be determined. The material strength was evaluated by determining flexural strength under a concentrated load (in accordance with EN 12372) and a under constant moment (in accordance with EN 13161). The flexural resistance and dowel force anchorage data were then processed and used to build a semi-empirical model for determining the value of the forces obtained. Finite-element computer analyses of the stress states induced in the stone panels by the dowels were also carried out. Recommendations are made for design formulae and the procedure to be used in the prediction of design resistance in granite stone cladding panels showing similar behaviour.