Step 1: Identify each panel loca
tion using the ENDUROCADD®-software generated Panel Layout supplied. Unpack the panels and lay them near their required positions to avoid unnecessary handling. (Figure 7.2)
Walls are generally constructed by working across the whole building, not around the perimeter. Doing this avoids trying to fit interior walls after the perimeter is finished. Wall numbers assigned by ENDUROCADD® software help to identify location.
Figure 7.3 Consult plan layout before starting.
Step 2: Starting from one corner of the building, mark the position of walls on the slab or platform floor using the chalk line. Ensure all lines are square before proceeding. Generally external walls are detailed to maintain 150mm from the outside face of the brick and cavity with 75 mm studs. However, you should check the architectural drawings as this can vary. (Figure 7.3)
Step 3: Stand the first wall frame on the location points. (Figure 7.4)
Step 4: Stand the next wall section in position and fix it to the first section using #10-16x16 hex. head screws. Complete each junction before proceeding to next panel. Butt joints are made by screwing the adjacent studs at the bottom and mid points, using #10-16x16 hex. head screws. Butt joints are normally only used to connect two walls where there is no junction. (Figures 7.6 & 7.7) Temporary bracing should be used to secure the end of the wall which is not fixed to the second (or subsequent) walls. Use a piece of channel and secure to the wall frame. (Figures 7.8 & 7.9)
Figure 7.5 Place second wall in position using chalk line as a manual and flush against first wall.
Figure 7.6 Fix with a butt joint at corner midway up the wall.
Figure 7.7 Fix using a butt joint at base of wall.
Figure 7.8 Affix temporary bracing as required.
Figure 7.9 Structure with temporary bracing.
Step 5: Ensure all interior wall panels are erected before completing the perimeter. (Figure 7.10 & 7.11) After all wall panels are erected, move the frames in to the positions indicated by the chalk lines. Ensure rooms are square by measuring and comparing diagonals and fix down using recommended fixings shown in the plan drawings. (Fig.7.12) The fixings are installed next to opening jamb studs, at points where tension bracing attaches to the bottom plate and for trusses with sheet roofs, next to the studs carrying roof loads.
Figure 7.10 Place interior walls using chalk lines as manual.
Figure 7.11 Interior walls are fixed into position.
Figure 7.12 Use clamp to hold temporarily in position.
Figure 7.13 End and interior walls are fixed into position.
Figure 7.14 End wall placed into position and temporarily braced using clamps and/or TOPSPAN battens.
Step 6: Position the final assembled wall frame on the chalk line and remove temporary bracing.Join walls at the corner at bottom and mid-height using the extended drill bit.
Step 7: The walls should now be moved into their exact positions using the chalk lines which were drawn on the floor from the layout drawings. Once in position, the walls can be fixed to the floor through the bottom plate of the frame using the hold downs at the spacings specified by the Detailer.
Figure 7.15 Position final wall.
Figure 7.16 Remove last of the temporary bracing.
Figure 7.17 Join walls at corner using extension bit.
Figure 7.18 Position and fix final wall using extension bit.
Figure 7.19 Align walls with chalk marks and put into final position before fixing.
Figure 7.20 Screw bottom plate into final position on floor.
Step 8: Measure diagonals and ensure structure is square.
Step 9: Use a spirit level and straight edge to check if the frame is true. Suitable temporary braces should be used to align and plumb long walls until the roof is completed. Plumb the frame by adjusting the bracing tensioners. Tighten one strap and loosen the other to rack the wall until the studs are plumb.
Step 10:Fasten the bracing straps at each stud to provide nogging bracing and to prevent rattle within the walls after lining. Ensure #10-16x16 wafer head screws are used where walls are to be lined or clad. On external walls use #10-16x16 hex. head screws in brick veneer construction.
Step 11:Where specified on the Panel Layout, additional permanent bracing may require site fitting.
Figure 7.21 Check walls for plumb.
Figure 7.22 Measure lengths at bottom and top of wall to check frame is square.
Figure 7.23 use tensioner on strap bracing to bring the wall into square.
Figure 7.24 Check plumb and square and adjust as required.
7.5 Wall Bracing
The original means of bracing uses diagonal straps of G250/300 material screwed to the frame using #10-16x16 wafer head screws to each end. The bracing is detailed with a tensioner set that enables the site erection crew to tension the strap brace pair on site which can rack the wall enabling the walls to be made plumb (studs vertical in both directions).
Temporary bracing, using TOPSPAN® battens can be used to hold the frame in position while permanent strap bracing is used to adjust the frame for plumb and square.
When the wall is true, the temporary bracing is removed.
Step 12: The stud, plate connection requires screw fixing as specified/ designed for specific site conditions.
Figure 7.27 Once the frame is plumb and square, fix at the top of the wall.
Figure 7.26 Use a length of Topspan batten to hold the frame square until bracing can be tensioned.
Figure 7.28 Use strap bracing and tensioner to set frame square and plumb. Note vice grips at mid-span.
Figure 7.29 Wall up, plumbed, squared and fixed - ready to fit roof trusses