CROSS Safety Report
Cladding fixed to stainless steel
This report is over 2 years old
Overview
Cladding panels fixed to a stainless steel supporting angle with stainless steel screws failed.
Key Learning Outcomes
For civil and structural design engineers:
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Connections can often be the weak link in structures and attention to detail is required
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Careful consideration is required for connections, particularly at interfaces between different materials. The role of tolerances should not be overlooked
Full Report
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The Full Report below has been submitted to CROSS and describes the reporter’s experience. The text has been edited for clarity and to ensure anonymity and confidentiality by removing any identifiable details. If you would like to know more about our secure reporting process or submit a report yourself, please visit the reporting to CROSS-UK page.
A problem occurred with the failure of some cladding panels fixed to a stainless steel supporting angle with stainless steel screws. According to the reporter stainless steel strain hardens very rapidly and self-tapping screws bind up. On this occasion large pilot holes had been drilled and the screws were so loose that they unwound with air pressure fluctuations on the cladding allowing the cladding panels to fall off.
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Expert Panel Comments
Expert Panels comment on the reports we receive. They use their experience to help you understand what can be learned from the reports. If you would like to know more, please visit the CROSS-UK Expert Panels page.
CROSS has previously received reports on problems with stainless steel in structural situations and further examples will be welcome.