CI/SfB 81 28.

6 Hh2 (e4)

IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD

CERTIFICATE NO. 17/0391
Vision Built Manufacturing Ltd,
Unit 1, Deerpark Industrial Estate,
Oranmore, Galway, H91 V6PF,
Ireland.

E: www.vision-built.com
T: (091) 795505

Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

Systèmes pour constructions
Bausystem

NSAI Agrément (Irish Agrément Board) is designated by Government to carry out European Technical Assessments.
NSAI Agrément Certificates establish proof that the certified products are ‘proper materials’ suitable for their intended
use under Irish site conditions, and in accordance with the Building Regulations 1997 to 2017.
1.1

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Site erection is carried out by approved installers

This Certificate relates to the Vision Built Steel employed by Vision Built or specialist sub-
Frame Building System, for the manufacture and contractors under the supervision of Vision Built.
erection of structural cold-formed Light Gauge
Steel (LGS) Frame Buildings. The Vision Built USE:
Steel Frame Building System is certified to be The system is certified for the following
used in the following purpose groups 1(a), 1(b), applications:
1(c), 1(d), 2(a), 2(b), 3, 4(a) and 5 as defined in 1. To provide the structure of a building up to 10
Technical Guidance Document B of the Building storey’s in height, which can accommodate
Regulations 1997 to 2017. The system is used for either a composite concrete profile metal deck
structural walls and floors in the above purpose or a cold formed section floor.
groups up to ten storeys in height or as part of a 2. The system can also be used as the top
building not more than 30m in height, where the storeys (Penthouse) of a building more than
full structure is designed, manufactured, supplied 30m in height. The Vision Built Steel Frame
and erected by Vision Built. The system can element of the building must be constructed
accommodate a wide range of custom designs. off a concrete floor or non-combustible
podium/transfer slab.
The Vision Built System is also assessed for use 3. Vision Built Structural Steel Frame (SFS) non-
in non-loadbearing infill panels. The infill panels loadbearing infill panels can be used in
are used within reinforced concrete, steel frames building more than 30m in height. The infill
and traditional construction that possess their panels can be incorporated in concrete or
own independent lateral stability systems. steel framed building systems which possess
their own independent lateral stability
systems.

Readers are advised to check that this Certificate has not been withdrawn or superseded by a later issue by
contacting NSAI Agrément, NSAI, Santry, Dublin 9 or online at www.nsai.ie
DESIGN:
The Vision Built Steel Frame Building System is
intended for use where architect’s finalized
construction and fire strategy drawings are
available and satisfy the Building Regulations
1997 to 2017. The architect and engineer design
team of the developer (the client) is responsible
for the architectural drawings and overall building
design to comply with the Building Regulations.

The Vision Built Chartered Structural Engineer is

responsible for the final design of the Vision Built
Steel Frame Building System. The system is
designed for use in permanent buildings with a
brick/block external wall finish with a wide range
of traditional roofing finishes.

The system may also be designed to incorporate

NSAI Agrément approved or equivalent
alternative roofing and external wall cladding
systems. However, written approval must be
sought from Vision Built Chartered Structural
Engineer on the use of such claddings. The
buildings are assembled using a panelised
system, factory made and site assembled.

MARKETING, DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE:

The product is designed and manufactured by:

Vision Built Manufacturing Ltd,

Unit 1,
Deerpark Industrial Estate,
Oranmore,
Galway,
H91 V6PF,
Ireland.
www.vision-built.com
Tel (091) 795505

The product is marketed and erected by:

Vision Built Structures Ltd,

Unit 1,
Deerpark Industrial Estate,
Oranmore,
Galway,
H91 V6PF,
Ireland.
www.vision-built.com
Tel (091) 795505

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

1.1 ASSESSMENT
In the opinion of the NSAI (National Standards B4 – External Fire Spread
Authority of Ireland) Agrément Board, the Vision External masonry walls have a Class 0 surface
Built Steel Frame Building System if used in spread of flame rating and when installed and
accordance with this Certificate can meet the used in the context of this Certificate will provide
requirements of the Building Regulations 1997 to adequate resistance to the spread of flame over
2017, as indicated in Section 1.2 of this the external walls and roofs and can satisfy the
Agrément Certificate. relevant requirements of this Regulation as
indicated in Section 4.1 of this Certificate.
1.2 BUILDING REGULATIONS 1997 to
2017 Part C – Site Preparation and Resistance to
Moisture
REQUIREMENTS: C3 – Dangerous Substances
Part D – Materials and Workmanship Each dwelling ground floor must include a radon
D3 – Proper Materials sump and provide the facility for radon
The Vision Built Steel Frame Building System, as extraction. Where it is shown that protection
certified in this Certificate, is comprised of from dangerous substances e.g. radon, is
‘proper materials’ fit for their intended use (see required, an approved gas resistant membrane
Part 4 of this Certificate). and gas handling system must be provided under
the ground floor. Vision Built Steel Frame
D1 – Materials & Workmanship Building System permits the incorporation of the
The Vision Built Steel Frame Building System, as appropriate membrane, sump and gas handling
certified in this Certificate, can meet the system.
requirements for workmanship.
C4 – Resistance to Weather and Ground
Part A - Structure Moisture
A1 – Loading Vision Built Steel Frame Building System has
The Vision Built Steel Frame Building System adequate damp-proof courses and membranes to
once appropriately detailed, designed and resist the passage of moisture from the ground.
constructed has adequate strength and stability
to meet the requirements of this Regulation (see Roof and external walls above site Damp Proof
Part 3 of this Certificate). Course (DPC) level will have adequate weather
resistance in all exposures to prevent the
A2 – Ground Movement passage of moisture from the external
An appropriately designed ground floor or podium atmosphere into the building as specified in
slab can safely sustain the combined dead, section 4.6 of this Certificate.
imposed and wind loads of the system into the
foundation structure without causing undue Part E – Sound
deflection to any part of the building. E1 – Airborne Sound (Walls)
Walls can be appropriately detailed and
Part B – Fire Safety constructed to meet the airborne sound level
B1 – Means of Escaped in Case of Fire performance outlined in Table 1 of TGD E of the
Windows in the ground or higher floors may be Building Regulations 1997 to 2017, provided
used as a means of escape in the case of fire. good workmanship is adhered to onsite. (See
also Section 4.5, Figure 13 and Figure 14 of this
B2 – Internal Fire Spread (Linings) Certificate).
The plasterboard side of walls and ceilings is
designated Class 0. It may therefore be used on E2 & E3 – Airborne and Impact Sound
the internal surfaces of buildings of every (Floors)
purpose group without restriction. Separating floors can be constructed to meet the
airborne and impact sound level performance
B3 – Internal Fire Spread (Structure) outlined in Table 1 of TGD E 1997 to 2017,
The Vision Built Steel Frame Building System is provided good workmanship is adhered to onsite
designed and constructed so that its stability will (see Figure 15, Figure 17 and Figure 18).
be maintained for a reasonable period in the
event of fire in compliance with Section B3 of
TGD B to the Building Regulations 1997 to 2017.

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

Part F – Ventilation bridging at junctions and around openings” and
F1 (a) – Means of Ventilation BRE report BR 479 “Conventions for calculating
Adequate ventilation openings are provided in linear thermal transmittance and temperature
internal and external walls and in roofs to meet factors” and IS EN ISO 10211:2007 Thermal
this requirement. Walls and roofs used in the Bridges in Building Construction - Heat Flows and
system can be designed and constructed to Surface Temperatures – Detailed Calculations. As
prevent any harmful effect from interstitial or a result, best practice has been observed to limit
inner surface condensation, to comply with the heat loss due to thermal bridging and minimising
requirements of BS 5250:2011+A1:2016 Code of the risk of mould growth due to surface
practice for the control of condensation in condensation.
buildings.
Part M – Access for People with Disabilities
F1 (b) – Limiting the concentration of M1 – Access and Use
harmful pollutants in the air within the Buildings can be designed to meet the access,
building circulation and facilities requirements of this
The ventilation rate is required to be designed to Regulation (see Section 4.6 of this Certificate).
meet the level of air pollutants present in the
building. This will be based on the project specific M2 – Sanitary Conveniences
design. Buildings can be designed to meet the installation
requirements for sanitary conveniences for
F2 – Condensation in Roofs people with disabilities (see Section 4.6 of this
Adequate ventilation is provided in roofs to meet Certificate).
this requirement (see Section 4.4.2 of this
Certificate).

Part J – Heat Producing Appliances

J1- Air Supply
The system can provide an adequate supply of
permanent combustible air by means of air ducts,
to obviate draughts, within the room in which the
fireplace is located.

J3- Protection of Building

When used in accordance with Section 4.1.4 of
this Certificate, wall lining insulation and
separation distances meet the Building
Regulation requirements.

Part L – Conservation of Fuel and Energy

L1 – Conservation of Fuel and Energy
All building elements of the Vision Built Steel
Frame Building System can be readily designed
to incorporate the required thickness of insulation
to meet a wide range of required elemental U-
values. The elemental U-values are calculated
using the elemental heat loss method calculations
for walls as per TGD to Part L of the Building
Regulations 1997 to 2017 (see Section 4.2 and
Table 5).

The system can readily be detailed to

accommodate a wide variety of plan forms and
users of the system must ensure that Building
Regulation requirements (avoidance of cold
bridging) that are affected by plan form and
internal sub-division of the building are complied
with.

Thermally bridged junctions have been assessed

for both their linear thermal transmittance (i.e.
Psi-value (ψ-value) and their temperature factors
(fRsi) in accordance with the procedures outlined
in IP 1/06 “Assessing the effects of thermal

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

2.1 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION cavity width of 50mm in accordance with IS 325-
This Certificate relates to the Vision Built Steel 1:1986. The cavity width is defined as the
Frame Building System for the design, distance between the outer surface of the rigid
manufacture and erection of cold-formed light board insulation and the inner surface of the
gauge steel frame buildings. Buildings using this masonry leaf. The wall tie system comprises of
system are erected on site using a panelised two parts, the channel incorporates a slot and is
system factory made and site assembled with all factory fitted through the rigid board insulation
major custom components being manufactured at with the required depth of tech screw directly into
a Vision Built production facility. the flange of the cold formed studs. The tie
channels are fitted at each cold-formed steel
Vision Built produces all cold-formed steel sections studs at a frequency that can accommodate the
using (CNC) computer numerically controlled requirements for wall tie spacing as outlined in IS
plant. Rigid insulation board is placed on the EN 1996-1-1:2005 Eurocode 6.
cavity side of the cold formed steel studs and the
rigid insulation board serves to encase the cold
formed steel sections thus creating a
"warmframe" environment for the steel frame.

2.1.1 External Walls

The external walls can be load bearing or non-load
bearing. Rigid Polyisocyanurate (PIR) or Phenolic
insulation boards are fitted to the cavity side of
the cold formed steel studs. A minimum of 4.2mm
spray polyurethane (PUR) insulation is applied
between the studs to the back of the rigid
insulation board and the remainder of the wall
panel is filled with stone mineral wool between the
studs for additional acoustic and fire properties
(Figure 1). The wall panels are then clad with the
required thickness and grade of plasterboard as
per Table 4 to achieve the appropriate fire
performance rating required for the building. The
plasterboards are screw fixed to the cold formed
steel stud and track members.

The requirements for the provision of an Air and

Vapour Control Layer (AVCL) on external walls are
outlined in section 4.4 of this certificate.
Figure 1: External wall detail illustrating how
2.1.2 External Cladding and Wall Ties wall tie system and insulation is fixed to
The external leaf of the Vision Built Steel Frame steel frame
Building System is generally of traditional
brick/block masonry to IS 325-1:1986 Code of Using this channel system allows for variations
practice for use of masonry – Structural use of within block/brick courses. Around openings,
un-reinforced masonry and IS EN 1996-1-1:2005 channels are positioned within 150mm of the
Eurocode 6 Design of Masonry Structures - Part 1- opening, and line up with the steel studs. The slot
1: General Rules for Reinforced and Unreinforced in the wall tie bracket enables a wall tie to be
Masonry Structures (including Irish National adjusted vertically for variations in mortar
Annex) or other claddings approved by the NSAI thickness during construction of the masonry
Agrément. The masonry outer leaf is tied to the outer leaf. Additional wall ties are provided at
Vision Built Steel Frame Building System with a 225mm centres around all openings, corners and
stainless-steel slot and channel cavity wall tie movement joints, such that there is a tie for each
system in accordance with IS EN 845-1:2013 225mm of perimeter of opening or either side of
Specification for ancillary components for masonry each movement joint/corner. Wall ties are
Part 1: Wall Ties, Tension Straps, Hangers and available as standard flat ties.
Brackets. The tie is intended to be used in
masonry to studded applications, with a design

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

 Figure 3: Masonry Support Detail
Figure 2: Window Opening illustrating All internal load bearing panels must be
different construction elements sufficiently supported directly under the panels
with rising blockwork or equivalent. Plasterboard
The wall ties have been assessed and meet the specifications on the steel panels should be in
performance requirements given IS EN 845:2013 accordance with Table 4 of this certificate, which
for a Type 6 wall tie and designed in accordance shows the plasterboard fire resistance
with IS EN 1996-1-1:2005+A1:2012. Where requirements for wall, floor and ceiling elements.
masonry cladding is being used over 4 storeys’ The plasterboard and AVCL linings are fixed to the
(12m) in height, a Type 1 wall tie in accordance walls and ceilings by means of self-drill/self-tap
with IS EN 845:2013 must be used. The wall tie screws; all joints are then taped and filled. This
and channel are made from minimum Grade 304 method of fixing the plasterboard eliminates nail
austenitic stainless steel. Figure 1 and Figure 2 popping.
illustrates how the wall tie system is fixed to steel
frame. 2.1.4 Compartment Floor
Compartment floors as described in Table 4 of this
The cavity in the external wall must be maintained certificate will have a prescribed fire-resistant
and kept clear of construction debris to 150 mm classification which can be used in the separation
below DPC level. Masonry claddings must have of one fire compartment from another.
adequate weep holes along their base and over
openings to allow moisture exit the cavity. Vertically distributed services, such as waist pipes,
ventilation ducts and electrical cabling can be
2.1.3 Internal Walls accommodated in compartment floors. Service
The internal load bearing and non-load bearing penetrations through a compartment floor needs
wall panels are made from cold-formed LGS. to be adequately protected by sealing or fire-
When internal wall panels provide racking stopping so that the fire resistance is not impaired
resistance to external walls, diagonal wind bracing in accordance with TGD B of the Building
members can be incorporated into the panel to Regulations 1997 to 2017.
successfully transfer the horizontal loads safely
through the building structure in accordance with Horizontal distribution of services can be
structural design requirements. The bracing also accommodated within a service cavity created
serves to keep the frames square during erection. external to the un-breached linings of the fire-
resistant compartment floor on the underside of
the ceiling below as illustrated in Figure 4.

For additional acoustic performance, resilient bars

may be added where specified and are fixed to
the underside of the floor joists to facilitate the
fixing of plasterboard lining to the required
specification.

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

 2.1.6 Roof Structure
The roof trusses can be either a traditional timber
cut roof or prefabricated roof truss made from
timber or steel. The site fitted roof trusses are
attached to timber wall plates, which are bolted
on site to the top wall track of the load bearing
Vision Built wall panel. Vision Built cold formed
roof trusses can be fixed down directly with a
thermal break onto the top wall track of the load
bearing Vision Built wall panel.

Figure 4: Truss separating floor with services

accommodated in service cavity to the
underside of the fire resisting plasterboard.

2.1.5 Domestic Floor 30 minutes Fire

Resistance
The floor consists of galvanised cold formed steel
trusses at maximum 600mm centres fixed to a
perimeter galvanised cold formed ‘Z’ or ‘C’
section, with a minimum covering of 22mm
tongued and grooved (T&G) WBP plywood or
OSB3. The floor trusses are project specifically
designed, and are typically formed from the range
of section sizes and thicknesses outlined in Table
2.

Figure 6: Cold roof eaves detail with thermal

break at wall plate

Typically roof trusses are aligned with the wall

studs of the story below. In situations where the
roof truss does not align with the wall studs, a top
track beam is provided across the top of the wall
studs to allow the roof truss load transfer to the
wall studs. Figure 6 and Figure 7 show typical
eaves detail for a cold roof with both steel and
timber roof truss fixed in position.

Roofs may be clad with concrete or clay

interlocking tiles or slates imposing a load not
Figure 5: 30-minute domestic truss floor exceeding 0.55kN/m2.
with a single layer of appropriate
plasterboard as per Table 3. 2.1.7 Chimney Construction
Vision Built Steel Frame Building System can
The chosen floor sheeting is to be fixed to the incorporate both traditional block/brick chimney
floor trusses using self-drill/self-tap screws at max construction or an NSAI Agrément approved pre-
300 centres internally and 150mm centres around fabricated chimney system in accordance with its
the perimeter for diaphragm action. NSAI Certificate and the Building Regulations
1997 to 2017.
Where trusses are supporting load bearing walls
overhead, web stiffeners are fitted as required for
structural stiffness to support the loads tracking
from above to avoid crushing. Floors are not
allowed to run through the party wall (separating
wall).

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

 lengths is specified for both concrete slab level
and horizontal dimensions. Where variations in
slab level occur, such variations are catered for
using galvanised steel spacers or thermally
broken (shims) located directly below the studs as
required. However, the use of such shims should
be kept to a minimum. The remaining gaps below
the steel frame panel sole plate are filled using
structural grade non-shrink grout.

Note: The construction of the foundations and

ground floor slab are the responsibility of the main
contractor, and should be constructed in
accordance with the Client’s engineering
specifications. Due to the low tolerances of the
steel frame manufacture, the foundation and
ground floor slab must be constructed accurately,
i.e. correct dimensions, square and level so that
the steel frame system can be assembled and
Figure 7: Cold roof eaves detail with timber erected properly within the specified tolerances.
trusses

2.1.8 Internal Linings and Finishes

Linings to walls and ceilings are of plasterboard of
Type F as specified in Table 4, manufactured to IS
EN 520:2005 Gypsum plasterboard. Definitions
and test methods. They are attached by means of
self-drill/self-tap screws into steel members. In
areas prone to high levels of humidity, moisture
resistant plasterboard should be used. Joints in
plasterboard can be taped and filled in accordance
with the plasterboard manufacturers’ instructions
for direct decoration. Alternatively skim coat
plaster can be applied. Any wall mounted fitting to
the wall other than lightweight items, e.g. framed
pictures, must be fixed into a vertical stud behind
plasterboard using appropriately sized proprietary
fixings. The fixings should be appropriate for
fixing to 2-3mm LGS. To accommodate larger wall
mounted fittings such as kitchen units, timber
grounds can be provided between LGS studs.
Figure 8 illustrates a typical timber ground
between studs in an internal wall to provide
support for a socket.

2.2 GENERAL BUILDING STRUCTURE

Figure 8: Typical Grounds for Services
2.2.1 Foundations
Foundations are outside the scope of the
certificate. Based on finalised layouts, the Vision
2.2.2 Ground Floor
Built structural engineer can carry out a load take
An in-situ concrete slab may be used to form the
down calculation and provide the client appointed
ground floor. Below the concrete slab, insulation is
structural engineer with accurate line loads which
provided to meet the requirements of TGD to Part
they can accommodate into their foundation
L of the Building Regulations 1997 to 2017,
design.
including the avoidance of cold bridging. An NSAI
or equally approved radon resistant membrane is
Vision Built Steel Frame Building System may be
installed in accordance with Clause 8 of IS EN
used with a variety of foundation types,
1996-1-1:2005 Eurocode 6 and BS 8102:2009
depending on the ground conditions encountered
Code of practice for protection of below ground
on site. A site investigation should be carried out
structures against water from the ground, to
by an appropriately qualified and experienced
protect the floor and bottom channels of the steel
engineer to determine the maximum bearing
studs from rising damp. Alternatively, a
pressure the soil can carry. Once this is
proprietary suspended ground floor may be used,
established a suitable foundation type can be
provided it is approved by the Vision Built
selected. A tolerance of ±5mm in 10 meter

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

Structural Engineer for use with the Vision Built equipment, corresponding to their subsequent
Steel Frame Building System to meet the required handling in the assembly process. Assembly of the
structural loads criteria (dead load, uplift, etc.). components can commence in the factory directly
The structural design of the ground floor should after it has been roll-formed or the components
be in accordance with Part 3 of this Certificate. can be transferred in flat pack form for assembly
elsewhere by Vision Built approved installers.
2.2.3 Concrete Podium Slab (Transfer Slab)
Where the Vision Built Steel Frame Building 2.3.3 Wall Panel Assembly
System is constructed off a concrete podium slab, The steel frame panels are composed of
a tolerance of ±5mm is required on the podium galvanised mild steel manufactured from
slab line and level. Procedures for variations in galvanised coil as described in Section 2.4.2. All
slab are as described in Section 2.2.1 above. The profiles are designed in accordance with IS EN
construction of the podium slab is the 1993-1-3 Eurocode 3: Design of Steel Structures -
responsibility of the main contractor and the Part 1-3: General Rules – Supplementary Rules
design is the responsibility of the client’s engineer, for Cold-Formed Members and Sheeting. Section
who will require line loads from the Vision Built properties comply with IS EN 10162:2003 Cold
Structural Engineer. Vision Built Structural Rolled Steel Sections - Technical Delivery
Certification applies from transfer slab level Conditions - Dimensional and Cross-sectional
upwards. Tolerances. The wall panels have vertical, C-
channel studs at maximum 600mm centres, which
2.3 DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE are fixed to top and bottom horizontal channels
2.3.1 Design Process using self-tapping screws. The screws are
Before a Vision Built Steel, Frame Building can be precisely located in pre-punched holes in the
manufactured a Chartered Structural Engineer studs, which match holes in the top and bottom
must complete the structural design including the channel. The pre-punched holes in the studs are
specification of all members. The client’s dimpled which allows the flat-topped self-tapping
architectural drawings are received by Vision Built screw to be flush with the metal surface. These
and converted into a 3D structural computer aided dimples also mate with the dimples in the
design model (CAD/CAM). This system horizontal channel, which increase the shear
automatically calculates all framing requirements strength of the joint.
for walls, floors, roof trusses, and allows for all
openings such as doors and windows. Each 2.3.4 Floor Cassette Assembly
individual frame member is allocated a unique The use of floor cassettes is project specific, with
identification number and has its length cassettes often being used for mid-rise multi-
calculated, along with the position of any cut-outs, storey buildings.
punch holes or bracket positions. The Vision Built
Structural Engineer checks and signs off all Floor cassettes are factory assembled and
drawings to ensure structural compliance before delivered to site. The components of the floor
any drawing are transferred to production. Once cassette are connected using self-tapping screws.
the drawings have been cleared for production A floor decking is screwed to the top of the
they are transferred to the computer which cassette and the joints glued.
operates the roll-forming equipment.
The floor cassettes are either hung on Z-hanger
Elements Tolerance end tracks that are connected to the supporting
walls or the platform floor cassettes sit between
Length ±2mm in 10m lengths the walls. The solution adopted is chosen by the
project structural engineer.
Opening position ±2mm

Size of openings +5mm –0mm 2.3.5 Quality Control Production

Quality control carried out during manufacture
Frame squareness ±2mm includes visual inspection of steel coiled raw
Table 1: Manufacturing Tolerances material, calibration of roll forming equipment
daily, cross checking of all in-house production
2.3.2 Roll-Form Production drawings, and checks on production dimensions
The roll-formers use computer aided (length, width, and steel thickness) and on the
manufacturing (CAM) techniques to process the dimensions and squareness of finished panels.
data, which has been transferred from the design Each panel is labelled with a QC sticker confirming
office to the roll former. The steel coil is then it has passed final inspection. Vision Built operates
formed into the required shapes, with the position a full in-house quality control system, which
of cut-outs, punch-holes etc. being accurately outlines procedures on material specification,
located within a tolerance of ±2mm per 10m quality control in production, purchasing of raw
length. Individual members are grouped into materials, design and assembly.
bundles as they come off the roll-forming

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

2.4 STRUCTURAL PRINCIPLES Technical Delivery Conditions, (min. yield stress
2.4.1 Steel Frame Structure 350 N/mm2) with 275 g/m2 zinc protection. All
The basis of the typical Vision Built structure is a cold formed section properties are calculated
cold-formed light gauge steel frame, which is using design core thickness of steel (excluding
assembled into units in the factory and installed coatings) in accordance to IS EN 1993-1-1
on site. The design, manufacture, assembly and NA:2007 and IS EN 1993-1-5 NA:2010.
erection of the system is based on the combined
services of BIM (Building Information Modelling) In additions to the steel members in the system
and CNC software, which feeds the required code being protected by zinc rich protective coatings,
into the proprietary roll-formers and produces the further protection against corrosion and longer
documentation required to manufacture and design life is given to the steel by providing the
install accurately. following:

The panels are fabricated from suitably coated • The bottom channel on all ground floor steel
steel coil as described in section 2.4.2 which is frame panels is additionally protected by a
formed into the required shapes by proprietary 100mm wide DPC from the floor slab.
roll-forming equipment. The frequency and size of • The rigid board insulation keeps the steel in a
the structural elements will depend on the “warmframe” environment, which, in
individual panel and truss design. The individual conjunction with the external breathable
elements manufactured are then assembled by membrane and internal air tight barrier,
trained personnel on the floor to produce the prevents the formation of condensation within
required wall or truss required with fixings as the wall structure.
specified by the structural engineer. • The metal and timber in the roof trusses is
kept free from prolonged moisture build up, by
The wall panels will also have ancillary elements means of free air circulation in the roof space,
assembled into the panel such as strap or ‘K’ using ventilation methods in accordance with
bracing, lintel trusses over openings and rigid Part F2 of TGD to Part F of the Building
insulation on the external walls which are Regulations 1997 to 2017.
described in this certificate. • Where steel is cut on site or where the coating
of the steel becomes damaged, it is protected
Typically, when it comes to traditional roofs, by the application of a zinc rich paint.
prefabricated timber roof trusses are typically • All fasteners have been assessed and tested
utilised in Vision Built structures where required. for use with the system, to ensure the
Timber Roof trusses are designed and supplied by minimum 60-year design life of the system.
others. However, there are occasions where the
roof truss is supplied as a cold rolled truss system
designed and manufactured by Vision Built. This
would be produced using the typical sections
produced by Vision Built and the fixings specified
by the structural engineer.

The grades of steel and dimensions of sections

used are selected and specified by a Vision Built
Chartered Structural Design Engineer in
accordance with design requirements. Table 3
shows typical section sizes utilised for both load
bearing walls and trusses for the cold formed steel
elements of their system.

Section properties are calculated using design

core thickness of steel (excluding coatings) in
accordance to IS EN 1993-1-1 NA: 2007 Design of
steel structures – Part 1.1: General rules and
rules for Buildings, IS EN 1993-1-3 and IS EN
1993-1-5 NA: 2010 Design of Steel Structures -
Part 1-5: Plated Structural Elements.

2.4.2 Protective Coatings

The steel frame members are all coated with a
protective zinc-rich metal coating. The steel frame
members are manufactured from galvanized coil
steel to IS EN 10346:2015, Continuously Hot-dip
Coated Steel Flat Products for Cold Forming -

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

 Grade Typical Section Dimensions
Component Type of
Depth Width Lip Thickness1
Steel
(h) (b) (c) (t)
S350
Wall Stud/Lattice truss S390 89 46 10 – 12 0.96 –1.96
S450
S350
Wall Stud/Lattice truss S390 100 46 10 – 12 0.96 –1.96
S450
S350
Wall Track/Noggin2 S390 90 46 0 - 10 0.96 – 1.96
S450
S350
Wall Stud S390 150 50 0 – 12 1.16 – 2.46
S450
1
The range of thickness of cold formed section available = 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5mm.
2
Range of Depth (h) and Width (b) available to allow for uniform cross section of structural zone.
3
These profiles are standard; other special profiles are available on request.

Table 2: Typical Sized of Elements in the Steel Frame System

Figure 9: Channel with and without Lip

2.4.3 Fasteners and Connection Joints 2.4.4 Load Bearing Walls Structural
The unique design of the Vision Built Steel Frame Principles
Building System allows for no welding of joints in The perimeter walls can be the primary load
the system. The system is assembled using bearing elements of the structure and are
fasteners such as self-piercing rivets, screws or therefore designed to bear on the walls of the
bolts. All fasteners used in the steel frame system panels below, i.e. permanent and variable
are adequately protected against corrosion i.e. imposed loads are transferred by load bearing
galvanising/zinc coating and made from a suitable external wall panels and if required load bearing
metal to ensure the design life of the system is internal wall partitions where necessary.
maintained. Vision Built provide a full specification
of all fasteners, where they are to be used and The load bearing wall panels are comprised of
how they are to be installed during the vertical studs, fixed to horizontal head and bottom
construction of the system. Only system fasteners channel sections. Horizontal noggins are fitted at
approved or supplied by Vision Built may be used the mid-height of all panels where required to
with the system. It is important to ensure that provide additional strength and where particularly
protective coatings on fasteners are not removed, high vertical loads occur. Studs can interlock
i.e. to assist the fitting of a connection, as this together to form box sections as required under
would severely compromise the corrosion high concentrated loads. Typically, roof trusses
performance of the fastener. Where a building is are aligned with the vertical studs, which in turn
located within one kilometre of the coastline and are aligned above studs in the wall below. Where
has a steel roof, all fasteners at the eaves shall be windows are present or where roof trusses change
coated with a zinc rich paint to protect against centres a cold formed lintel or hot rolled section is
coastal spray or fasteners used that have the provided to allow the load to transfer to the
required salt spray test for this application. vertical wall studs. The design loads from each
level are transferred through the primary load

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

bearing elements into the substructures /
foundations. Perimeter steel Z or C sections can
be used to support floor joists before permanent
fixing and can also be designed to act as a lintel
over openings.

HRS (Hot Rolled Steel) structural members may

also be incorporated into the design of the wall
panels as required to accommodate more complex
structural designs. Any HRS structural members
used as part of the Vision Built Steel Frame
Building System must be fabricated in accordance
with IS EN 1090-1:2009 Execution of Steel
Structures and Aluminium Structures Part 1:
Requirements for Conformity Assessment of
Structural Components and in accordance with
execution class specified in the project specific
design. Figure 9 shows a HRS beam protected by
plasterboard supporting a composite concrete
steel separating floor.

Figure 11: Typical Fixing Detail of Bottom

Channel to Concrete Slab with Proprietary
Anchor Bolt

Figure 10: Illustrates integration of (HRS)

structural steel with Light Gauge Steel to
provide additional strength.

2.4.5 Racking
Resistance to horizontal loading (racking) is
provided by the horizontal diaphragm action of
the approved floor sheeting and roof in
conjunction with the metal diagonal cross-bracing
members on specific external inner leaf and
internal walls. All cross bracing is pre-assembled
in the factory and has the dual function of
ensuring squareness of factory produced panels in
addition to providing lateral stability for the
overall structure. Vision Built use both strap and K
Figure 12: Detail of Steel Frame Connected
bracing.
to Blockwork rising wall

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

2.4.6 Holding Down the Vision Built construction details. Where
To provide resistance to uplift, the bottom channel services are required in a party wall, they can be
of the external panels is fixed to the ground floor accommodated by additional dry lining to the
slab, podium slab or rising wall with anchor bolts. party wall with battens and plasterboard. All
The type of anchor bolt used to hold down the Battens used with the Vision Built system are
external panels of the system will be dependent treated in accordance with BS 8417:2011
on what substrate the anchor is being fixed to. +A1:2014 Preservation of wood. Code of practice.
These post fixed anchors are designed by Vision Design must comply with the requirements of
Built Structural Engineer and are installed in Section 3.5 of TGD B 2017 Volume 2 of Building
accordance with the Code of Practice for the Regulations 1997 to 2017 for purpose class 1(a),
Design and Installation of Anchors in accordance 1(b) & 1(d) and in accordance with Section 3.2.5
with section 60 of the Safety, Health and Welfare of TGD B 2006 of Building Regulations 1997 to
at Work Act 2005. The positions of the anchors 2017 for all other purpose classes to which this
are project specific and are determined by Vision certificate applies.
Built’s Chartered Structural Engineer and are
factory positioned in the bottom channel member.

Figure 11 shows the preferred option of fixing the

steel frame bottom channel to a reinforced
concrete slab with a proprietary anchor. In
addition to the internal leaf of the external wall
being fixed to the foundation all internal panels on
the ground floor are fixed to the concrete slab
with proprietary approved anchors. The
plasterboard is site applied allowing access for the
anchor to be installed on site.

Figure 12 illustrates the detail of fixing the steel

frame to a concrete block rising wall.

2.5 COMPARTMENTATION
2.5.1 Separating Wall (Party Wall)
Separating walls (party walls) are constructed
using a minimum of two independent cold formed
steel framed leaves (studs at 600mm centres
max.) two layers of 15mm gypsum soundbloc or
two layers of 15mm type 5 plasterboard internal
lining on each side, fixed with the joints
Figure 13: Party wall detail (Option 1) at
staggered. This cavity is then full filled with stone
junction with external masonry wall
mineral wool batts of minimum 24kg/m3 density.
These wool batts are continuous from ground floor
to the upper floor ceiling level and provide the
required acoustic properties.

Where the attic space is habitable the mineral

wool fibre must go up to the underside of the roof
for acoustic purposes. Where the party wall abuts
an external wall, the mineral wool within the
cavity of the party wall extends through the inner
leaf of the external wall and abuts the cavity
closer as shown in Figure 13 and Figure 14,
respectively. This detail seals air gaps and
minimises flanking sound transmission.

At the junction of the compartment floor and the

party wall, an additional 500mm section of
mineral wool insulation is provided within the cold
formed section zone each side of the cavity
mineral wool to minimise flanking and direct
sound transmission and provide additional fire Figure 14: Party wall detail (option 2) at
protection. The head of the party wall must also junction with external masonry wall
be fire stopped and cavity closed as specified by

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

2.5.2 Single Frame Compartment Walls in accordance with Section 3.2.5.7 and 3.4 of TGD
A compartment wall within the Vision Built Steel B 2006 for all other purpose classes to which this
Frame Building System can be constructed of a certificate applies. Services may be surface
single steel frame wall. This wall can be used in mounted or accommodated in service ducts or
situations where a building is sub-divided into within service cavities created external to the un-
different compartments but this compartment wall breached linings of the fire-resistant compartment
must not be used where a wall is common to two floor.
or more buildings (separating wall) or where a
compartment wall is used to separate dwellings
from each other within a building. The single
frame panel must be designed and specified to
meet the acoustic, fire and structural
requirements required by the wall within the
building to meet the requirements of TGD B 2017
Volume II of Building Regulations 1997 to 2017
for purpose class 1(a), 1(b) & 1(d) and TGD B
2006 of Building Regulations 1997 to 2017 for all
other purpose classes to which this certificate
applies.

No services are allowed within the compartment

wall and where services are required in a
compartment wall, they can be accommodated by
battening out the wall with timber battens or with
resilient bar similar to accommodating services in
a party wall. Services however can pass through a
compartment wall but they must be appropriately
protected in accordance with the
recommendations in be in accordance with
Section 3.5.4.1 of TGD B 2017 Volume 2 of Figure 15: Truss compartment floor junction
Building Regulations 1997 to 2017 for purpose
class 1(a), 1(b) & 1(d) and in accordance with Mechanical Ventilation extraction ducts are
Section 3.2.5.7 and 3.4 of TGD B 2006 of Building allowed to pass vertically through the floor but
Regulations 1997 to 2017 for all other purpose must be appropriately fire sealed where they
classes to which this certificate applies. Services enter and exit and comply with the
passing through compartment walls should be recommendations contained within BS 9999:2017
kept to a minimum and avoided where possible. Fire Safety in the Design, Management and Use of
Buildings - Code of practice. Where pipes pass
2.5.3 Compartment Floors through a compartment floor (unless the pipe is in
The compartment floor can be designed to provide a protected shaft) they should comply with section
60 or 90 minutes’ fire resistance from the 3.5.4.1 of TGD B 2017 Volume 2 of Building
underside. There are two forms of compartment Regulations 1997 to 2017 for purpose class 1(a),
floors used with the Vision Built Steel Frame 1(b) & 1(d) and in accordance with Section
Building System: 3.2.5.7 and 3.4 of TGD B 2006 of Building
Regulations 1997 to 2017 for all other purpose
a) Steel Lattice Joist protected with classes to which this certificate applies.
Plasterboard.
b) Steel Concrete Composite Deck. 100mm of mineral wool insulation is installed
between each cold formed lattice truss for
2.5.3.1 Compartment Floor Steel Lattice additional acoustic performance. A resilient layer
Joists Protected with Plasterboard provides acoustic properties to ensure compliance
The structure of a compartment floor used with with the requirements of Part E of the Building
the Vision Built Steel Frame Building System
Regulations 1997 to 2017. Further improvements
consists of 200mm to 350mm deep cold formed
to acoustic reductions can be achieved by using
steel lattice joists, Figure 15.
resilient bars between the ceiling cassettes and
the plasterboard. Each 22mm sheet of plywood
Electrical installations and recessed lights cannot floor sheeting is placed such that the joint in the
be accommodated within a compartment floor. All sheets are staggered and each sheet is
electrical installations must be accommodated by individually screwed at each cold formed lattice
creating a separate service void under the
truss location. The first sheet of OSB board is run
compartment floor all installed services must be in
over the supporting wall and fixed as required to
accordance with Section 3.5.4.1 of TGD B 2017
the head beam of the wall (Figure 15).
Volume II for purpose class 1(a), 1(b) & 1(d) and

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

 Figure 18: Floor Treatment on Concrete Floor
Figure 16: Joist Floor with Services in
Slab, Ceiling provided to underside of
Trusses
Concrete Slab (TGD E Type 2 Floor)
Where a lattice type floor is supplied as a non-
2.5.3.3 Fire Resistance of Steel/Concrete
compartment floor, services can be catered for
Composite Deck
through the lattice diagonals as illustrated in
The fire resistance of the composite deck is
Figure 14. However, if these services enter
provided from the underside of the deck. The
compartment walls or floors, the penetrations
composite deck can provide up to 90 minutes’
need to be adequately fire stopped.
load bearing fire resistance from a combination of
the bars within the trough of the decking and
2.5.3.2 Compartment Floor Steel Concrete
adequate concrete cover to the bars in question.
Composite Deck
The floor is constructed of a composite profiled
The 12.5mm moisture resistant plasterboard will
metal deck which is fixed to the head track of the
provide additional fire protection but is not
supporting load bearing walls; reinforcement bars
considered in the fire resistance performance. The
and in-situ concrete are added to the deck as
composite deck compartment floor is suitable for
required by design. An additional layer of resilient
buildings of purpose class 2(a) and all other
material is added to the top of the composite slab
purpose classes to which this certificate relates
to meet the requirements Floor Type 1 (Figure 17)
(2(b), 3, 4(a) and 5).
and Type 2 (Figure 18) as outlined in Section 4.4
of TGD to Part E of the Building Regulations 1997
The composite deck compartment floor has not
to 2017. The underside of the deck is fitted with
been assessed for use for purpose groups 1(a),
12.5mm moisture resistant plasterboard.
1(b) and 1(d) of TGD B Fire Safety Dwelling
Houses Volume 2 of Building Regulations 1997 to
2017.

All electrical and ventilation services are installed

to the underside of the deck. The fire stopping of
holes in the composite deck floor slab to
accommodate pipes passing through a
compartment floor (unless the pipe is in a
protected shaft) should comply with Section 3.4.2
of the TGD to Part B 2006 of the Building
Regulations 1997 to 2017.

2.5.4 Forming Holes in Profiled Decks

When holes or opes to accommodate service
Figure 17: Resilient material bonded to
penetrations are required, these can be
concrete Slab (TGD E Type 1 Floor)
incorporated in the composite concrete slab
design prior to pouring the structural concrete.
When additional opes are required, the size and
exact location must be signed off by the structural
engineer who designed the concrete slab.

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

 • Horizontal fire stops shall be placed within
separating walls (and double leaf compartment
walls) at all floor levels and (unless cavity
barriers are appropriate) at roof ceiling level.
The fire stops shall extend the full length of the
separating/compartment wall and shall tightly
abut the rear of the vertical fire stops at the
ends of the separating/compartment wall and
the non-combustible board at the top of the
separating/compartment wall. These fire stops
shall cover the full floor depth as well as the
bottom rails of the upper wall panel and the
head plates of the lower wall panel.
• A fire stop shall cover the full ceiling depth as
well as the upper wall panel rail and lower wall
panel head plate.
• Eaves boxes shall be provided at the junctions
of separating wall and compartment walls with
external walls to reduce the risk of fire passing
across these junctions.
• Cavity barriers are required around all
openings in external walls such as doors,
windows, vents, extractor fans, meter
cupboards, etc.

Figure 6, Figure 7, Figure 13, Figure 14 and Figure

Figure 19: Steel concrete composite deck 19 show typical details on the proper installation
compartment floor junction with external of cavity barriers and fire stops in the Vision Built
wall with cavity barrier Steel Frame Building System.

2.5.4 Exposure of Metal Decks 2.6 DELIVERY, STORAGE AND SITE

Steel concrete composite decks are intended for HANDLING
internal use within the building envelope. Where 2.6.1 Delivery of Panels
design requires the metal deck to be exposed to The frame panels are delivered to site in packs
the external environment, such as in a balcony that can be off-loaded by mechanical means or by
situation, the metal deck needs to be thermally hand. Where lifting points are required, they are
insulated to provide required u-value and limit located, designed and certified by the structural
thermal bridging. In addition, it should be suitably engineer, taking into account the unit weight and
weather protected in accordance with the project dimensions and the distance of lift required. They
specific design. will conform to the requirements of the Safety,
Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the
2.5.5 Cavity Barriers and Fire Stops Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction)
To meet the requirements of TGD to Part B of the Regulations 2013. All off-loading and erection
Building Regulations 1997 to 2017, the correct should be in accordance with the Vision Built
specification and placement of cavity barriers and Method Statement and erection procedures.
fire stops shall be detailed and shown on a Erection tools such as spanners and drill bits
schedule for the project. Typically, cavity barriers should be of suitable quality to avoid surface
and fire stops should be provided in the contamination.
construction of steel frame walls as follows:
• Separating walls shall have a vertical fire stop All lifting shall be carried out by competent
sealing the cavity at the wall ends, running personnel in accordance with the Vision Built
from DPC level to the underside of the fire Erection Manual and site-specific safety
stopping at the top of the wall. statement. Care is needed to avoid scratching the
• At a separating wall junction with the external surface of any exposed steel frame members or
wall, vertical cavity barriers shall be placed in contamination from carbon steel during pick-up.
the external wall on either side of the
separating wall junction (Figure 12). The use of protective gloves when handling the
• An alternative approach where a vertical fire LGS panels is necessary, as steel members
stop across the full width of the party wall is formed from cut or sheared sheet can have sharp
used in the external wall as well as a fire stop edges and care should be taken when handled, to
in the separating wall ends (Figure 13). The avoid injury. The exposed steel frames members
fire stop must be in compression and tightly must be kept out of contact with dry cement and
sealed to the external wall cavity. lime.

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

Frame paned are transported vertically on or podium slab within the tolerances specified by
stillages or similar sized panels can be stacked Vision Built. Once the floor slab is within the
horizontally using timber skids, prior to strapping tolerance range, erection of the Vision Built Steel
down and transporting to site. In general, panels Frame Building System can commence. If floor is
are craned into position, large panels require outside the specified tolerances when Vision Built
designed lifting pins while smaller panels may be arrives on site to commence erection, the
manually manoeuvred into position. remedial works (grinding etc.) will be the
responsibility of the Main Contractor. When the
Frames must be stored on a dry, clean, level base panels are completely erected brick/block laying
with a suitable packing to prevent damage and trades can commence. The main contractor on
must not be dropped or allowed to rest on site is responsible for providing scaffolding and
projecting objects. Panels are lifted in a sequential site-specific fall arrest to wall plate level and all
manner with a mechanical lifting device. The access necessary for the safe erection of the
maximum weight of any single panel should not structure. Vision Built also provide the main
be more than 200kg. Larger panels will require contractor with project specific building details on
mechanical lifting. the construction of their steel frame system.

Flooring and other ancillary items such as 2.7 INSTALLATION

insulation and fire stops must also be kept dry 2.7.1 General
and stored on a firm level base. Installation is carried out in accordance with the
requirements of this Certificate and all relevant
2.6.2 Traceability codes of building practice, regulatory Health &
The Vision Built System uses a specifically Safety requirements and the manufacturer’s
designed barcoding system which ensures full instructions contained in the Vision Built
traceability can be achieved between design, Installation Manual, a copy of which must be
production and site assembly. Steel coils delivered available on each site. Site erection must only be
to the factory are labelled with a barcode which is carried out by a Vision Built approved installer or
scanned when the coil is loaded to the roll forming a specialist sub-contractor under the supervision
machine. This ensures panels produced can be of Vision Built and in accordance with the Vision
traced to individual coils of steel. Each assembly Built Installation Manual. Installers are approved
drawing also contains a unique barcode. This once they have undergone on-site training,
barcode is scanned at the roll forming station, understand the fundamental structural principles
panel assembly station, insulation station and of the system, fire stopping requirements,
dispatch station. Each time the barcode is tolerances, importance of weathering, storage and
scanned, information is automatically updated on handling of the panels and all other relevant
a traceability program designed by the company. information. Installers should have installed
All production and design information for each panels under the guidance of a qualified installer
individual panel can be accessed using this system and have a signed record of this training. All off-
if required. Site assembly drawings also use this loading and erection should be in accordance with
barcode reference so that each panel can be the Vision Built Method Statement and erection
unloaded to the relevant part of the site and can procedures. Care must be taken to avoid any
be easily identified for site installation. The first damage to the steel frame components during
letter of the barcode also signifies the end use of lifting and connecting brackets during
each panel. Barcodes which begin with the letter E transportation and installation.
are external walls, I are internal walls and P are
partition walls. To achieve adequate protection from ground
moisture, a continuous damp proof membrane
2.6.3 Typical Material List Supplied to Site (DPM) must be included at foundation level. If the
With each customised delivery to site, a site location necessitates the provision of a radon
comprehensive bill of materials is supplied. This barrier, a correctly installed radon barrier will also
bill of materials gives a detailed list of all act as a DPM.
components delivered to site to complete the
installed steel frame building. All panels are All structural connections to the foundation must
individually numbered using the pre-marking be installed in accordance with the structural
system during production to correspond with the design details, independently checked by qualified
erection drawings supplied with the bill of members of the installation team and formally
materials. This pre-marking system gives the recorded on the Vision Built site quality control
advantages of both speed and accuracy during records.
assembly and erection on site.
It should be noted that, as outlined in Figure 10
2.6.4 Main Contractor Responsibilities and Figure 11, the DPC is penetrated with the
The main contractor is responsible for the proper holding down bolts for the system however, the
construction of the foundations, ground floor slab DPM and radon barrier (which often acts as the

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

DPM) is not penetrated. As the DPC is installed as • The steel frame should not be erected unless
an element of good practice, as opposed to an any inaccuracies in the floor slab have been
essential construction element, there is no risk to corrected.
the system if the holding down bolts penetrates • The ground floor layout is properly marked out.
the DPC. • DPC and DPM are correctly installed in
accordance with BS 8102:2009
2.7.2 Site Supervision • DPC course is laid under all ground floor
The approved installation contractors are subject panels, as a good practice measure between
to supervision by the Vision Built site manager. steel and concrete, both internally and
Typically, the Vision Built site manager will agree externally.
a schedule of inspections with the erection • Panels are in line and plumb and in accordance
contractor. The supervisor of the erection crew is with the Vision Built panel layout.
responsible for the quality and productivity of • Rooms are checked for squareness.
work carried out by the erection crew. The • All ground floor steel frame panels are
erection supervisor reports directly to the Vision correctly anchored into position (penetrating
Built site manager to ensure all work follows the the DPC but not penetrating the DPM) in
requirements of the design drawings and the accordance with the erection drawings.
requirements of Vision Built Structural certification • All insulated wall panels are free from damage
for the building. after erection.
• All horizontal and vertical joints are correctly
Vision Built employ a full-time site manager who detailed.
works very closely with the erection supervisor, • All bottom tracks are free of construction
and the main contractor responsible for providing debris.
the concrete substructure. The site manager is • Wall ties are correctly spaced and positioned.
responsible for ensuring all concrete slabs are • Horizontal DPCs are correctly turned up against
within the engineer’s specified tolerances before the bottom channel upstands as dry lining
panels are installed on site. No panels are proceeds.
installed until the Vision Built site manager • Joints in floor decking occur on the centre line
approves the concrete base that the panels are of the joists and all T&G joints run
being fixed too. All fixings and brackets between perpendicular to the floor trusses. Decking
panels are visually inspected, periodically sheet joints must be staggered.
photographed and recorded on the assembly • If floor is exposed to weather for prolonged
quality control sheet for structural connections. periods then it will need to be protected with a
Each building has its own quality control sheet for weatherproof cover.
structural connections, which is kept on site by • Floor is screwed at the correct centres i.e.
the Vision Built site manager. The site manager 150mm at openings, edges and 300mm
also inspects fire stopping and cavity closing of all everywhere else.
panels, service shafts and then records this • Grommets are installed where necessary in
information on the fire stopping within the Vision service holes as per Vision Built drawings.
Built steel frame check sheets which are recorded • All bracing is properly tensioned.
for each floor of each building. Any defects noted • Check for requirement of web stiffeners when
are recorded, photographed where possible and floor joists/truss are continuous over internal
notified in writing to the erection supervisor. The load bearing support walls against Engineers
site manager will inspect and approve the drawings.
remediation before work can proceed. • Cavity barriers and fire stops are installed as
specified and in accordance with the Building
The approved steel frame erection contractors are Regulations 1997 to 2017.
subject to continuous supervision by the Vision • Roof trusses are installed plumb and per
Built site manager. The following checklist is layout.
provided to offer guidance to clients who intend to • Roof bracing installed where required.
carry out their own additional site supervision. • Steel frame at all floor levels is correctly
The items listed are of a general nature and are in electrically earthed at one point and all earth
addition to all other building requirements. returns are connected back to that point.
• Where galvanised steel section is cut or where
• All components delivered to site comply with any damage occurs to the steel frame a coat of
the Bill of Materials. zinc rich paint or galvanised spray is applied to
• Components are not damaged and are properly exposed surfaces.
pre-marked for erection. • All fasteners supplied or approved by Vision
• The substructure is set out accurately and level Built.
within the tolerance specified by Vision Built • No modification i.e. cutting of the steelwork is
before the wall panels are positioned. allowed without prior written permission by a
Vision Built Chartered Structural Engineer.

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

• Always maintain a minimum 30mm between • The permissible deflection of the primary
the two leaves of the party wall. structure to ensure the steel frame infill panels
• Absorbent quilt in the cavity in the party wall are allowed to remain within the deflection
has been laid horizontally with no gaps. limits set out by the design.

2.8 INFILL PANEL INSTALLATION

Structural Frame System (SFS) Infill panels can
be designed for buildings in two ways:
1 Made to Measure: A Vision Built site manager
takes actual site measurements of the existing
structural frame and design panels to suit.
2 Designed Off Drawings: Vision Built design
panels from the construction drawings with a
built-in allowance for site tolerance.

The Vision Built SFS infill panel is installed on a

clean structural slab which has a level tolerance of
±5mm. Vision Built approved installers install the
panels.

For infill panels the bottom track of the SFS infill Figure 20: Deflection Head Detail for Infill
panel is secured to the slab with holding down Panel
bolts at the specified locations identified on the
Vision Built drawings. For infill panels, brackets
with a deflection allowance will allow the studs to
face fix to the superstructure in question (Figure
20).

Vision Built SFS infill panels are designed to resist

lateral loads only to the required deflection limit
depending on the façade finish. It is critical that
no permanent or variable loading from the
superstructure is transferred into the infill
sections. Infill panels can be designed and
detailed to transfer horizontal loads, satisfactorily
into the primary structure, while incorporating a
soft top joint which will allow vertical deflection
(See Figure 20) of the primary structure to occur
but will not transfer vertical load into the LGS
panel.

All vertical and horizontal fire stopping is carried

out in accordance with the Vision Built Standard
Erection Manual details.

2.8.1 Infill Panel Structural Design

The steel panel studs within the infill panel frame
are designed to resist wind loading due to the
action of wind on the building’s cladding. The infill
panels are not designed for vertical loads to be
transferred to them. The Vision Built Infill panel
can only be used within framed buildings that
possess their own independent lateral stability
systems and as a result a soft joint is incorporated
to ensure that no load transfer occurs (Figure 20).

The design of the superstructure is to be the

responsibility of the clients’ structural engineer.
Before carrying out this design, the clients
engineer will need to liaise with Vision Built
Structural Engineer, who will provide the following
information:
• Load take down for Vision Built infill panel.

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

3.1 STRENGTH AND STABILITY This structural design certificate should cover the
3.1.1 Certificate of Structural Compliance adequacy of all the cold formed and hot rolled
The Vision Built Steel Frame Building System is elements within the structure in question. It
intended for use where Architect’s drawings are should also address the dimensions and thickness
available and satisfy the Building Regulations of each element and member making up the steel
1997 to 2017. The Architectural and Engineering frame superstructure, and assess the suitability of
design team of the client are responsible for the the interface between the superstructure and the
architectural drawings and overall building design external cladding. The structural certificate of
to comply with the Building Regulations. Vision compliance must also confirm that there is
Built using an experienced Chartered Structural sufficient uplift resistance and that there is
Engineer, are responsible for the structural design adequate racking and load bearing capacity to
of the Vision Built Steel Frame Building System. either side of any opening to ensure the stability
of the wall. Dwellings designed and constructed in
Building Control (Amendment) Regulations (S.I. accordance with this Certificate will have adequate
9) of 2014 (BCAR) came into action from 1st strength and stability as per the building codes
March 2014. The Vision Built system certification and standards. Vision Built also undertake the
will typically be supplied as a sub-contractor role structural design of every building constructed
under BCAR projects which will require Vision Built with the Steel Concrete Composite Deck and the
to furnish the relevant ancillary certification per certificate should address this also as required.
project. The appointed person within Vision Built
will liaise with the Assigned Certifier 3.1.3 Substructure Design
(AC)/Employers Representative (ER) and the The design of the building’s substructure is
Design Certifier where applicable, furnishing the outside the scope of this certificate. The design of
relevant Commencement Notice data, within the the substructure is to be the responsibility of the
timeframe requested, along with an inspection Client’s engineer. The Engineer will need to be a
notification framework summary and completion suitably qualified Chartered Engineer and the
ancillary certificate as and when required. design will need to be in accordance with the
relevant codes and standards, i.e. Foundation’s
It is imperative that all design team members are must be designed in accordance with IS EN 1997-
clear in relation to what elements of the project 1:2005 Eurocode 7 Geotechnical Design – Part 1:
Vision Built are responsible for and what the General Rules. Vision Built’s engineer will be
ancillary certificate relates to. responsible for undertaking a load take down for
the structure and providing this information to the
Buildings constructed using the Vision Built Steel Client’s Engineer for use in the design of the
Frame Building System shall be certified by a substructure. The Vision Builts’ Engineer will also
competent, Chartered Engineer as being in need to provide the Clients Engineer with the
accordance with Part A of the Building Regulations permissible deflection of the ground floor slab
1997 to 2017. under the Vision Built Steel Frame line loads and
podium slab level loading.
3.1.2 Superstructure Design
The Vision Built Building System can be designed 3.1.4 Design Loads
to comply with the requirements of Part A of the The design of a typical building has been
Building Regulations 1997 to 2017 regarding the examined by the NSAI Agrément and
Design to Avoid Disproportionate Collapse. demonstrates compliance with the following Codes
of Practice. In general, the wall panels, floor
The structural assessment of the Vision Built trusses and roof truss are designed in accordance
Building System shall be site and project specific with:
and a Structural Design Engineer suitably • IS EN 1993-1-1 NA: 2007 and timber roof
experienced in this type of structure shall trusses to IS EN 1995-1-1:2004 Eurocode 5:
undertake the structural engineering of every Design of Timber Structures Part 1-1. General
building element designed by Vision Built. In - Common rules and rules for Buildings
accordance with IS EN 1990:2002, Eurocode – • IS EN 1991-1-1:2002 Eurocode 1: Actions on
Basis of Structural Design, a DSL2 (Design Structures Part 1-1: General actions -
Supervision Level) should be employed to check Densities, self-weight, imposed loads for
the design in line with good practice. buildings.

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

• IS EN 1991-1-4:2005 Eurocode 1: Actions on is fixed. Steel reinforcement bars and mesh
Structures Part 1-4: General Actions - Wind should be placed into position using concrete
actions. cover spacers, wheels and tying as required.
• IS EN 1991-1-3:2003 Eurocode 1 - Actions on
Structures Part 1-3: General Actions. Snow The concrete mix must be specified in accordance
Loads. with project specific design to IS EN 1992-1-
1:2005 Eurocode 2: Design of Concrete Structures
Design wind and snow loads should be based on Part 1-1: General Rules and Rules for Buildings
Diagrams 1 and 14 of TGD to Part A of the and should be supplied and manufactured in
Building Regulations 1997 to 2017. accordance with IS EN 206:2013 and National
Annex 2015 – Concrete – Specification,
Non-load bearing partitions and walls are Performance, Production and Conformity. The
designed in conformance with the criteria set out concrete must be supplied and laid in accordance
in BS 5234-1:1992 Partitions (including matching with BS EN 1992-1-1:2004+A1:2014 Eurocode 2:
linings). Code of practice for design and Design of Concrete Structures – Part 1-1: General
installation, IS EN 10143:2006, Continuously Hot- Rules and Rules for Buildings. The concrete should
dip Coated Steel Sheet and Strip - Tolerances on be dispensed across the decking to avoid ‘heaping’
Dimensions and Shape. Typical design loads, in and the surface levelled in accordance with the
the absence of client specified, project specific decking manufacturer’s recommendations.
loads, are:
The results of concrete cube compressive test
• Imposed load on floor of 1.5kN/m2 plus an must be supplied to the Vision Built Structural
allowance of 0.32kN/m2 for internal partitions. Engineer to ensure that the actual concrete
• Roof imposed loads of 0.60kN/m2 with an strength attained, achieve the strengths required.
allowance of 0.25kN/m2 distributed load over a
loft space with access, along with a Concrete run-off and spillage should be minimised
concentrated load (point load) of 0.9kN i.e. and build-up of debris in base tracks should be
water tank. avoided. In cold weather, the concrete should be
• Wind loads based on IS EN 1991-1-4:2005. protected from the effects of frost and rain until
adequately cured. Props are not to be removed
Greater loads can be accommodated by request. until concrete has reached required strength,
curing period and approval is given by Vision Built
3.1.5 Steel Concrete Composite Deck Structural Engineer to remove props.
Design
Vision Built Structural Engineer is responsible for 3.1.6 Structural Testing
the structural design of all profiled steel composite Where it is required, structural testing has been
concrete decks. The Vision Built Engineer is also used to verify the relevant aspects of the
responsible for design of the propping of this deck structure where the design falls outside the scope
and the design of the procedure to remove the of IS EN 1993-1-1 NA: 2007.
propping. A method statement for the propping of
the slab must be agreed between the Clients 3.1.7 Wind Load
Engineer and Vision Built’s structural engineer and Buildings designed in accordance with the Vision
needs to be strictly adhered too on site. Built Building System Design Manual will have
adequate resistance to wind load in areas as
The profiled steel deck and all accessories such as outlined in Figure 1 (a) Map of wind speeds (v) in
slab edge trim, restraint strap and closures etc. m/s of TGD to Part A of the Building Regulations
are installed by Vision Built trained erectors. All 1997 to 2017). For very exposed sites on hills
propping and reinforcement is done to Vision Built above the general level of the surrounding terrain,
propping and deck reinforcement plans. The the system can be specifically designed to meet
execution of the propping and reinforcement plan the requirements as defined in IS EN 1991-1-
is the responsibility of the main contractor or 4:2005. The system can be designed to be used in
Vision Built installers if included in their scope of all locations in Ireland.
works.
3.2 STRUCTURAL FIRE SAFETY
The Vision Built Structural Engineer and Vision Any dampers, ductwork, and sealing of gaps
Built Site Manager inspect the installation of all formed by services that pass through the
decks prior to pouring of concrete to ensure the compartment walls and floors will involve suitable
supporting structure, including temporary props, tested systems which have included appropriate
all reinforcement, screw fixings, shutters and fire resistance testing for the required time
straps are installed correctly. The metal deck is duration. Details around penetrations and
designed to bear on to the top of the head track openings such as doors and windows shall avoid
and must have a minimum end bearing (typically any excessive heat ingress into the wall cavities.
50mm) suitable to the profile being used before it

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

All materials such as cavity barriers and fire stops, IS EN 1364-1:2015, IS EN 1365:2-2014 and BS
used in the construction comply with IS EN 476-21:1987 Fire Tests on Building Materials and
13501-1: 2007 Fire Classification of Construction Structures – Part 21: Methods for determination
Products and Building Elements Part 1: of the fire resistance of loadbearing elements of
Classification Using Data from Reaction to Fire construction. Table 4 contains fire resistance tests
Tests. They shall be detailed as described in to 30, 60 and 90 minutes.
Section 2.5.6 (of this Certificate) and as specified
in the Vision Built fire stopping details in line with 3.3 IMPACT RESISTANCE
the supporting documents to the Building The interaction of components is such that, if
Regulations 1997 to 2017. subjected to exceptional impacts causing local
failure, the overall stability of the structure will
Any compartment or separating wall providing fire not be dangerously impaired.
compartmentation shall be carried up through any
roof space and brought up to the underside of the
roof cladding to provide adequate fire stopping.
No services can pass through a separating
wall. Services are permitted within all internal
and external loadbearing and non-loadbearing
walls of the Vision Built Steel Frame Building
System provided the wall is not a compartment
wall.

All fire testing on the Vision Built walls has been

carried out with services penetrations in the wall
to accurately test the system.

3.2.1 Structural Fire Safety Purpose Groups

(Vol 2)
The buildings in purpose class 1(a), 1(b) & 1(d)
are now covered under TGD B Fire Safety Dwelling
Houses Volume 2 of the Building Regulations 1997
to 2017. Under this revision buildings designed in
accordance with the Eurocodes require the
structural fire resistance performance specified, to
be achieved in accordance with European test
methods. The European tests required to be used
are IS EN 1364-1:2015 Fire resistance tests for
non-loadbearing elements, Part 1 – Wall, IS EN
1365-1:2012 Fire resistance tests for loadbearing
elements, Part 1 – Walls, IS EN 1365-2:2014 –
Fire resistance tests for loadbearing elements,
Part 2 – Floors and roofs.

The load-bearing and non-loadbearing elements of

the above purposed classes have a fire resistance
performance in accordance with the required
European test method Table 4 outlines a
combination of 30, 60 and 90-minute fire
resistance tests.

3.2.2 Structural Fire Safety Purpose Group

2006
The other purpose classes (1(c), 2(a), 2(b), 3,
4(a) and 5) to which this certificate relates are
covered under TGD B 2006 Fire Safety of the
Building Regulations 1997 to 2017. Under this
TGD the National Tests (BS 476) are acceptable
as a means of specifying the required fire
resistance performance.

Therefore, the fire resistance performances of

elements of non-loadbearing and loadbearing
structure are given in Table 4 as a combination of

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

4.1 BEHAVIOUR IN RELATION TO FIRE Accommodation of Services in Compartment
4.1.1 Fire Resistance Walls/Floors and Separating Walls must be in
Assessment of test results show that buildings accordance with Section 3.5.4.1 of TGD B 2017
constructed using the Vision Built Steel Frame Volume 2 of Building Regulations 1997 to 2017 for
Building System can meet the Building Regulation purpose class 1(a), 1(b) & 1(d) and in accordance
requirements in relation to fire resistance as with Section 3.2.5.7 and 3.4 of TGD B 2006 of the
shown in Table 4. The tests have demonstrated Building Regulations 1997 to 2017 for all other
the ability of the Vision Built Steel Frame Building purpose classes to which this certificate applies.
System to withstand severe fire exposure for the Services may be surface mounted or
period required for compliance with the Building accommodated in service ducts or within service
Regulations in terms of fire performance. Tests cavities created external to the linings of the fire-
have been conducted on behalf of Vision Built to resistant compartment walls or floor.
meet fire test requirements IS EN 1364-1:2015,
IS EN 1365-1:2012 and BS 476-21:1987. The test The system can be designed to accommodate
required is dependent upon the purpose class of sub-divided fire resisting construction in
the building being designed and constructed. accordance with a Fire Safety Certificate where it
is necessary to inhibit the spread of fire within the
The Vision Built Steel Frame Building System must building.
be designed with the required boarding
specification to meet the minimum requirements The building details of the system incorporate
of Table A1 of TGD B 2017 Volume II of the suitable cavity barriers and fire stops, in
Building Regulations 1997 to 2017 for purpose accordance with IS EN 13501-1:2007, to satisfy
class 1(a), 1(b) & 1(d), to meet the minimum the requirements of section 3.3 to Part B of the
requirements of Table A1 and Table A2 of TGD B TGD to the Building Regulations 1997 to 2017
2006 of the Building Regulations 1997 to 2017 for (See Figure 6, Figure 7, Figure 13, Figure 14 and
all other purpose classes to which this certificate Figure 19).
applies, and any other building specific structural
fire performance requirements. Table 4 of this An apartment, a house in a terrace and a semi-
Certificate provides a table of tested fire results detached house are treated as separate buildings
which provide a variety of boarding specifications and therefore must be separated by a separating
and their associated fire resistance performance wall (party wall), as shown in Part B of the TGD to
that will have its stability maintained for the the Building Regulations 1997 to 2017 as
minimum required period in the event of fire. illustrated in Figure 13 and Figure 14,
respectively. Where a window is required to
There shall be two leaves in a steel frame provide an alternative means of escape in a
separating wall with a minimum of 40mm clear dwelling house or apartment, it must provide an
cavity distance between the two leaves unobstructed opening of at least 0.33m2 with a
maintained throughout the cavity. Services shall minimum width and height of 450mm. The
not be placed in the cavity or penetrate the wall opening section should be capable of remaining in
linings of separating walls. Where services are the position, which provides the minimum clear
required, an additional service cavity shall be area. The window should be positioned as
provided so that the integrity of the fire lining is required by BS 9991:2015 Fire Safety in The
maintained. Design, Management and Use of Residential
Buildings – Code of Practice, and BS 9999:2017,
Services shall not be placed in the cavity of a and in accordance with Part B1 of Technical
compartment wall. Where services are required to Guidance Document (TGD) B of the Building
penetrate a compartment wall, all such Regulations 1997 to 2017. Any restrictor fitted on
penetrations shall be kept to a minimum and shall the window, must be easy to operate.
be fire stopped. Where services (e.g. light
switches and sockets) are placed on a The fire resisting elements of the construction that
compartment wall, a service cavity shall be are specified in Table 4 of this Certificate provide
provided so that the integrity of the fire lining is for 30, 60 and 90 minutes’ fire resistance from
maintained. Where a compartment wall has two either side, for a range of specifications.
separate leaves, a minimum of 40mm clear
distance shall be maintained throughout the wall 4.1.2 Plasterboard Installation
cavity. The proper application of plasterboard to the steel
frame members is critical for both fire and sound

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

performance. Attention shall to be given to proper
and practical detailing on the part of the designer 4.1.5 Roof Designation
and a high standard of workmanship on behalf of All tiles or slates used in the roof in conjunction
the contractor. Plasterboard in addition to all with the system are designated AA in accordance
cavity barriers and fire stops on all structural and with TGD to Part B of the Building Regulations
separating walls must be fully checked on site and 1997 to 2017 (see Table A5 notional designations
signed off by main contractor in accordance with of roof coverings). Other NSAI Agrément
project specific construction details. All approved roof coverings may also be used with
plasterboard that provides fire resistance must the system under the guidance of a Vision Built
conform to the requirements of Type F to IS EN Chartered Engineer.
520:2005 and must be installed in accordance
with the specification given in Table 4. If 4.1.6 Cavity Barriers
alternative boarding is proposed, then an The Vision Built system can incorporate both
independent fire test report from an Accredited horizontal and vertical cavity barriers and fire
Laboratory needs to be provided and assessed by stopes to comply with the fire strategy drawings
a competent Fire Engineer. supplied by the Clients fire consultant. The main
contractor is responsible for ensuring all fire
4.1.3 Surface Spread of Flame stopping/cavity closers are installed in accordance
An external cladding of brick/block has a with Vision Built construction drawings. The Vision
designated Class 0 surface spread of flame as Built site manager shall inspect and record all
shown in Table 3. For a more comprehensive list cavity closers/fire stopping at each floor level on
of material and product fire performance ratings, the fire stopping check sheet supplied by Vision
reference should be made to Table A6 of TGD to Built, which are kept on site for inspection. The
Part B of the Building Regulations 1997 to 2017. site manager will inspect all cavity barriers and
The Classes defined in accordance with BS 476- fire stops prior to the closing up of the cavities.
7:1997 Fire tests on building materials and
structures – Method of test to determine the 4.2 THERMAL INSULATION
classification of the surface spread of flame of The panels are designed as hybrid warm frame
products. system where the LGS sections are located on the
warm frame side of the insulation. Some building
Fire elements, namely the roof, ground floor, windows
Material
Rating and doors may be site and project specific.
Brickwork/Blockwork Class 0 Therefore, the U-value of these elements must be
Timber Boarding Class 3 calculated before overall compliance with Part L of
Internal Plasterboard before decoration Class 0 the Building Regulations 1997 to 2017 can be
Slates/Tiles AA determined. The Vision Built system can be
Table 3: Surface Spread of Flame provided for a wide range of required elemental u-
Characteristics values.

4.1.4 Protection of Building TGD Part L of the Building Regulations 1997 to

Combustible material e.g. insulation, should be 2017 directs users to Digest 465 “U-values for
separated from the flue of a masonry chimney by light steel construction” published by BRE. A more
at least 200mm, or at least 40mm from the outer precise result is obtained by using a numerical
surface of the chimney. Details are given in method which conforms to IS EN ISO
Section 2 and diagrams 2 – 6 of TGD to Part J of 10211:2007.
the Building Regulations 1997 to 2017. The
separation from a heating appliance to Table 5 of this certificate, gives a range of
combustible wall insulation material should be as elemental U-values for Vision Built external wall
per Clause 2.5.6 and Diagram 6 of TGD to Part J with brick outer leaf and a 50mm unventilated
of the Building Regulations 1997 to 2017. For cavity. In addition, sample U-value for ground
chimneys, covered by IS EN 1859:2009 Chimneys floor slab for a range of perimeter to area (P/A)
– Metal chimneys – Test methods, separation ratios are provided in Table 8. With the
between this product and the external surface of appropriate amount of insulation outside of the
the chimney is determined in accordance with steel frame, the system meets and exceeds the
Clause 2.5.7 to 2.5.8 and in accordance with maximum back-stop elemental U-value
diagram 7 of Part J of the Building Regulations requirements of Table 1 of TGD Part L of the
1997 to 2017. Building Regulations 1997 to 2017.

Combustible material in proximity to a 4.2.1 Limiting Thermal Bridging

constructional hearth must be protected by The linear thermal transmittance ψ-value (Psi-
250mm of solid concrete or as detailed in Diagram value) describes the heat loss associated with
8 of TGD to Part J of the Building Regulations junctions and around openings. The certificate
1997 to 2017.

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

holder has carried out ψ-value calculations for a Table 9 of this certificate gives internal surface
range of thermally bridged junctions. temperatures factors (fRsi) for a range of building
junctions and their corresponding flanking
Table 9 of this certificate gives ψ-value for a elemental U-value.
range of Vision Built Steel Framed Building
System junctions and their corresponding flanking The Vision Built Steel Frame Building System has
elemental U-value. When flanking elemental U- been assessed and when detailed in accordance
values deviate by an aggregated 20% from the with this certificate, these thermally bridged
target U-values given in Table 9 the ψ-values no junctions comply with the requirements of Section
longer remain valid and guidance must be sought D.2 of appendix D of TGD to Part L of the Building
from the Certificate holder. A full listing of ψ-value Regulations 1997 to 2017.
calculations, along with the building details on
with calculations are based, are contained within 4.3 VENTILATION
the certificate holder’s technical data sheets for 4.3.1 Un-designed Air Infiltration
‘Ψ’ values . Air permeability can be measured by means of a
pressure test and this is now a mandatory
Bridged junctions where thermally modelled in requirement under TGD to Part L of the Building
accordance with BRE IP 1/06 “Assessing the Regulations 1997 to 2017 to show compliance
effects of thermal bridging at junctions and with the backstop air permeability index of 7
around openings” and BRE Report BR 497 m3/(hr.m2) at a pressure differential of 50Pa
“Conventions for calculating linear thermal across the building envelope.
transmittance and temperature factors” by NSAI
Certified Thermal Modellers. When inputting values into DEAP, the measured
air permeability index at a pressure differential of
The Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure 50Pa across the building envelope is divided by 20
(DEAP) used to produce the Building Energy to determine an air permeability value which is
Rating (BER) for a dwelling takes account of the more representative of the actual pressure
total effects of thermal bridging through the input differential across the building envelope under
of the “y” value, with is a multiplier applied to the normal conditions.
total exposed area of the building.
The procedure for testing is specified in I.S. EN
Where limited provisions are made to eliminate ISO 9972:2015 - Thermal Performance of
any risk of surface condensation or mould growth, Buildings – Determination of Air Permeability of
the default “y” value of 0.15 should be taken. Buildings – Fan Pressurization Method.
When all building junctions are demonstrated to
be equivalent to or better than the corresponding On each development, an air pressure test should
Acceptable Construction Details (ACD), then the be carried out on at least one unit of each
“y” value can be taken as 0.08. dwelling type. The basic or minimum number of
air pressure tests for each dwelling type is
Alternatively, the transmission heat loss described in Table 4 of TGD to Part L of the
coefficient due to thermal bridging (HTB) can be Building Regulations 1997 to 2017. When using
calculated out by summing up the ψ-values for this method to demonstrate compliance for a
each junction and multiplying by the linear length multi-unit development, then the backstop air
of each junction. The “y” value is calculated by permeability index of 7 m3/(hr.m2) must be
dividing HTB by the exposed surface area. entered in DEAP for all untested units.

‘Ψ’ values for other junction outside the scope of When using air permeability values better than
this certificate should be assessed in accordance the backstop values of 7 m3/(hr.m2), a test must
with the BRE IP 1/06 and BRE Report BR 497 in be performed on each unit.
accordance with appendix D of TGD to Part L of
the Building Regulations 1997 to 2017. When air permeability values better than 5
m3/(hr.m2) are achieved, the guidance given in
4.2.2 Internal Surface condensation Clause 4.3.2 of this certificate should be
As part of the assessment carried out to considered.
determine the ψ-values, internal surface
temperatures factors (fRsi) are also checked. When The Vision Built Steel Frame Building System can
internal surface temperature are greater than be designed to provide the required project
15°C, best practice will have been adopted to safe specific airtightness requirement and can be
guard against the risk of surface condensation achieved in practice due to its offsite production
occuring under normal occupancy and humidity process, hybrid construction build up and the
class levels. quality of product produced in a factory-controlled
environment. The Vision Built Steel Frame
Building System will therefore significantly

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

contribute to the reduction of air permeability It is recommended to provide an AVCL behind the
from a building. To enhance the airtightness plasterboard to protection against interstitial
performance an AVCL can be installed on all condensation. This can be either in the form of a
external walls and ceiling lines but this must be foil backed plasterboard or a continuous AVCL
done at design stage to maximize performance as membrane with joints sealed. In situations where
part of airtightness strategy and reduce a AVCL is omitted, a condensation risk calculation
penetrations of the airtightness line for the must be provided by the Certificate holder to
building. To avoid excessive heat losses due to assess the build-up proposed, considering the
un-designed air infiltration, it is necessary to location of the building, the buildings occupancy
install peripheral seals around windows, doors, and purpose class.
services, floors, roof and all building junctions
which penetrate the envelop of the building 4.4.2 Condensation in Roof
component relied upon to perform the air sealing In both cold (insulation at ceiling level) and warm
function of the building. (insulation along the slope) roofs, it is
recommended that an AVCL is provided on the
4.3.2 Designed Ventilation warm side of the insulation to limit the migration
TGD to Part F of the Building Regulations 1997 to of moisture laden air from the dwelling, entering
2017 prescribes ventilation requirements to meet the roof structure through diffusion. The AVCL can
needs of occupants within the building. This can double as the air tight barrier.
be achieved by limiting moisture content of the air
within the building so that it does not contribute Roof ventilation should be carried out in
to condensation and mouth growth and to limit accordance with TGD Part F of the Building
the concentration of harmful pollutants in the air Regulations 1997 to 2017 and the
within the dwelling. recommendations of BS 5250:2011+A1:2016. It
is important to ensure that the ventilation is not
In addition to ventilation requirements within the obstructed by roof insulation at eaves level. When
dwelling living space, TGD to Part F makes roof insulation is packet into the eaves space,
provisions for ventilation requirements in roofs proprietary eaves tray may be provided to
and roof voids above the insulation line. These maintain ventilation at the eaves.
provisions will allow for the removal of moisture
laden air or condensation which may enter the In the case of cold flat roofs, a cross-ventilated
roof structure from the dwelling either through void, not less than 50mm deep, between the slab
diffusion or exfiltration. or deck and insulation should be provided in
conjunction with the AVCL being provided on the
When air permeability values better than 5 warm side of the insulation. Ventilation openings
m3/(hr.m2) are achieved, the basic provisions for should be provided to every roof void along two
background ventilators shall be increased as opposite sides of the roof and should be
described in Clause 1.2.2.1 of TGD to Part F of the equivalent in area to a continuous opening of not
Building Regulations 1997 to 2017. less than 25mm at each side. It should also be
noted that the dimensions of the cross-ventilated
When continuous mechanical ventilation systems void and the ventilation depends on the size of the
are being considered, low air permeability values roof.
will be required for the energy efficient operation
of the mechanical systems. In the case of warm flat roofs, the risk of surface
condensation is dependent on the nature of the
4.4 INTERSTITIAL CONDENSATION supporting structure. With all flat roofs, there is a
4.4.1 Condensation in Walls risk of interstitial condensation forming between
Calculations to BS 5250:2011+A1:2016 have the thermal insulation and the waterproof
been carried out for all possible wall build ups as covering. To avoid this risk, an AVCL should be
covered by this certificate and predict no provided immediately above the supporting
interstitial condensation within the external wall structure.
and pass the risk criteria in IS EN ISO
13788:2012 Hygrothermal performance of In the case of inverted flat roofs, it is essential
building components and building elements and that the thermal insulation used resists water
building elements – Internal surface temperature absorption and is sufficiently load bearing to
to avoid critical surface humidity and interstitial support the protective finish of ballast, paving or
condensation – Calculation Methods. soil.

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

 Table 4: Fire Protection Requirements for Loadbearing Wall, Floor and Ceiling Elements
Test Purpose
Type Element: Results
Standard Class
External & Internal Load Bearing Walls
External Load Bearing Partition Wall up to 10kN per
Stud 30 mins
IS EN 1(a), 1(b), 1(c),
Steel C-Studs (65 to 150mm deep) with a single layer 1365-1: from
1 1(d), 2(a), 2(b),
12.5mm Firecheck board fixed to the face exposed to the 1999 exposed
3, 4(a) and 5
fire and 48.5mm thermal sheeting to non-fire side with side
60mm mineral wool insulation between studs
External Load Bearing Partition Wall up to 10kN per
Stud 60 mins
IS EN 1(a), 1(b), 1(c),
Steel C-Studs (103mm deep) with a double layer 12.5mm from
2 1365-1: 1(d), 2(a), 2(b),
Firecheck board fixed to the face exposed to the fire and exposed
1999 3, 4(a) and 5
50mm Kingspan Thermapitch to non-fire side with 50mm side
mineral wool between studs.
External Load Bearing Partition Wall up to 10kN per
Stud 60 mins
Steel C-Studs (90 x36x1.2mm) with a single layer 15mm BS 476- from 1(c), 2(a), 2(b),
3
Megadeco board fixed with self-drilling screws to studs. 21:1987 exposed 3, 4(a) and 5
Stud filled with 50mm Rockwool 45kg/m3 density. side
Unexposed face clad with 12.5mm GTEC Weather Defence.
Load Bearing Partition Wall up to 10kN per Stud
IS EN 30 mins 1(a), 1(b), 1(c),
4 Steel C-Studs (65 to 150mm deep) with a single layer 1365- from 1(d), 2(a), 2(b),
12.5mm Firecheck board fixed to both faces with 25mm 1:1999 either side 3, 4(a) and 5
mineral wool between studs.
Load Bearing Partition Wall up to 10KN per stud
Steel C Stud 100 x 44 x 1.2mm with a single layer (2) of
15mm Type F plasterboard. (GTEC Fire Board). Note 60 mins
BS 476- 1(c), 2(a), 2(b),
5 loadbearing performance is affected by horizontal joints from
21:1987 3, 4(a) and 5
therefore horizontal joints require a steel backing strip or either side
full height board may be used. Alternative two layers of
12.5 Type F board can be used.
Load Bearing Partition Wall up to 10KN per stud
Steel C Stud 100 x 44 x 1.2mm with two layers (2) of 90 mins
BS 476- 1(c), 2(a), 2(b),
6 15mm Type F plasterboard. (GTEC Fire Board). 75mm from
21:1987 3, 4(a) and 5
Rockwool Flexi Batt at 33kg/m3 between studs. All boards either side
staggered
Separating Walls
Load Bearing Partition Wall up to 10kN per Stud
IS EN 60 mins 1(a), 1(b), 1(c),
7 Steel C-Studs (100 to 150mm deep) with a 15mm sound 1365- from either 1(d), 2(a), 2(b),
resistant board and 15mm Megadeco fixed to both faces 1:1999 side 3, 4(a) and 5
with 50mm mineral wool between studs.(1)
Load Bearing Partition Wall up to 13kN per Stud
Double Steel C-Studs (75mm deep) separated by 50mm IS EN 60 mins 1(a), 1(b), 1(c),
8 gap and connected using steel V-ACB brackets with a 1365- from either 1(d), 2(a), 2(b),
15mm standard wallboard and 15mm Firecheck board 1:1999 side 3, 4(a) and 5
fixed to both faces with 50mm mineral wool between
studs. (1)
Non-Load Bearing Walls
Steel C-Studs (90mm deep) with single layer of 15mm IS EN 60 mins 1(a), 1(b), 1(c),
9 Type F plasterboard fixed to both faces with no glass wool 1364- from either 1(d), 2(a), 2(b),
between studs. 1:1999 side 3, 4(a) and 5

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

 Steel C-Studs (90mm deep) double layer of 12.5mm thick IS EN 120 mins 1(a), 1(b), 1(c),
10 Firecheck board fixed to both faces. 25mm 16kg/m3 glass 1364- from either 1(d), 2(a), 2(b),
mineral wool between studs. 1:1999 side 3, 4(a) and 5
Compartment floors: Loaded Floors Joist or Truss
Floor supporting an imposed load of 1.5kN/m2 with
ceiling protection Steel lattice beam joists (228mm deep
IS EN 30 mins 1(a), 1(b), 1(c),
x 65mm wide) with 50mm mineral insulation between
11 1365- from below 1(d), 2(a), 2(b),
joists, 19mm T&G chipboard screwed to top of joists,
2:2000 ceiling level 3, 4(a) and 5
protected on the underside with single layer of 12.5mm
Firecheck board.
Steel C joists (200mm deep x 63mm wide x 1.6mm thick)
with joists at 600mm intervals. Resilient bar was fixed to
underside of joist at 400mm centres running perpendicular IS EN 30 mins 1(a), 1(b), 1(c),
12 to joists. One layer of 12.5mm Type F fire resistant 1365- from below 1(d), 2(a), 2(b),
plasterboard fixed to underside of resilient bars. A layer of 2:2000 ceiling level 3, 4(a) and 5
100mm mineral insulation fitted between joists. 22mm
T&G chipboard screwed to top of joists.
Steel C joists (200mm deep x 63mm wide x 1.6mm thick)
with joists at 600mm intervals. Resilient bar was fixed to
underside of joist at 400mm centres running perpendicular IS EN 60 mins 1(a), 1(b), 1(c),
13 to joists. Two layers of 15mm Type F fire resistant 1365- from below 1(d), 2(a), 2(b),
plasterboard fixed to underside of resilient bars. A layer of 2:2000 ceiling level 3, 4(a) and 5
100mm mineral insulation fitted between joists. 22mm
T&G chipboard screwed to top of joists.
Floor supporting an imposed load of 250kg/m2 with
ceiling protection
Steel C joists (200mm deep x 63mm wide x 1.6mm thick)
with joists at 400mm intervals. Resilient bar was fixed to IS EN 90 mins 1(a), 1(b), 1(c),
14 underside of joist, running perpendicular to joists. Three 1365- from below 1(d), 2(a), 2(b),
layers of 12.5mm Type F fire resistant plasterboard fixed 2:2000 ceiling level 3, 4(a) and 5
to underside of resilient bars. All joints in boards were
staggered. A layer of 100mm mineral insulation fitted
between joists. 18mm T&G chipboard screwed to top of
joists.
Compartment floors: Loaded Floors Composite Metal Deck
Loaded Floor supporting uniformly distributed load
of 6.7kg/m2. 60 mins
BS 476- 1(c), 2(a), 2(b),
15 140mm normal weight concrete on 0.9mm Multideck 60. from below
21:1987 3, 4(a) and 5
Concrete reinforced with A 142 mesh with a minimum deck
25mm cover below the upper surface.
Loaded Floor supporting uniformly distributed load
of 6.7kg/m2. 90 mins
BS 476- 1(c), 2(a), 2(b),
16 150mm normal weight concrete on 1.2mm Multideck 80. from below
21:1987 3, 4(a) and 5
Concrete reinforced with A252 mesh with a minimum deck
25mm cover below the upper surface.
Notes:
(1)
Please note a minimum of 2 x15 mm boards are required for separating walls from each room side.
Where services are placed on a separating wall, a cavity shall be provided so that the integrity of fire
lining is maintained.
(2)
For load-bearing walls the load ratio should be less than 0.4. For higher load ratio 3 layers of 12.5mm
boards may be required.
• It is assumed that the composite decks are adequately supported by a suitable fire-resisting structure.
Supporting structure must be fully protected to underside of composite deck including any concealed
cavities. For load/span conditions deck manufactures guidance must be strictly followed.
• Residential (Dwellings) Group 1(a)(1)(2), 1(b)(1)(2), 1(d)(1) All fire testing must be to relevant EN standard
to meet requirements of TGD B 2017 Fire Safety Dwelling Houses Volume 2.

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

 External walls U-value for variable PIR thickness

Wall build-up:
Layer 1: Brick/masonry cladding
Layer 2: 50mm low E cavity
Layer 3: Variable PIR layer (2)(3) (see below)
Layer 4: LGS/PUR insulation (1)
Layer 5: LGS/MW insulation (1)
Layer 6: 15mm Plasterboard on AVCL

Wall thickness PIR variable thickness: Calculated U-value (W/m2K)

320mm 60mm 0.21
330mm 70mm 0.19
340mm 80mm 0.18
350mm 90mm 0.17
360mm 100mm 0.16
370mm 110mm 0.15
380mm 120mm 0.14
390mm 130mm 0.13
Calculation comply with BRE Digest 465 U-values for light steel-frame construction
(1)
Corrections have been made for 1.5mm LGS studs @ 600mm c/c bridging layer 4 & 5.
(2)
A level 1 correction for air voids has been applied to layer 3, 4 & 5 (IS EN ISO 6946 Table D.1)
(3)
Correction for mechanical fasteners have been applied to layer 5 equating to 6 No. 5.4mm Ø
Stainless steel fixing per m2 to connect brick tie channel to LGS section.
Table 5: Typical External Wall U-Values

Sample U-value Calculation for 80mm PIR

Thermal Thermal
%
Layer

Description Thickness conductivity resistance

Bridged
[mm] λ R
[W/m K] [W/m2K]
Rse 0.040
1 Brickwork 102.5 0.77 0.133
2 Cavity Low-e (0.9, 0.06) 50 0.078 0.644
3 PIR Insulation 80 0.023 3.478
4 PUR Spray Foam 0.9975 4.2 0.029 0.145
Steel Stud 0.0025 4.2 50 0.0001
5 Mineral Wool 0.9975 84.8 0.040 2.120
Steel Stud 0.0025 84.8 50 0.0017
6 Firecheck Plasterboard 15 0.25 0.060
Rsi 0.130
Ru Total = 6.741
RL Total = 5.026
From BRE Digest 465 P = 0.681, RT = pRmax + (1 – p)Rmin = 6.194
Correction term, ∆U = 0.01596
Corrected U-Value (2DP) = 0.18 W/m2K
Correction as described in Table 5 apply
Table 6: Sample U-value calculation for 80mm PIR

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

 Effect on 0.18 W/m2K (80mm PIR) U-value for variations in LGS thickness and centres
Centres of LGS Thickness (Gauge)
studs 0.8m 1.0mm 1.2mm 1.5mm 2.0mm 2.5mm
300mm 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.20 0.20 0.20
400mm 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.19 0.19 0.19
600mm 0.17 0.17 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.18
Table 7: Effect on U-value for variations in LGS thickness and centres

Ground Floor slab U-value for varying P/A ratio

P/A Ratio 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30 0.35 0.40 0.45 0.50 0.55 0.60
U-value 0.086 0.097 0.105 0.11 0.114 0.116 0.119 0.12 0.122 0.123 0.124
Floor U-values based on 150mm RC Slab on 150mm PIR insulation (λ=0.022) on soil (λ=2.0).
P/A Ratio = Exposed perimeter of the floor to total ground-floor area ratio.
Table 8: Typical Ground Floor U-Values

Target linear thermal transmittance (ψ) for different types of junctions.

Temperature Factor Ψ-value
ACD Ref: Junction Description
fRsi (Min = 0.75) (W/m.K)
5.02 Ground Floor - Insulation below slab(2) 0.757 0.21
5.03 Intermediate Floor 0.953 0.01
5.04 Separating Wall edge (plan)(1)(2) 0.890 0.05
5.05 Separating Wall top (section)(1) 0.890 0.056
Eaves Detail, plastic isolation plates, PIR
5.07/5.08 0.800 0.108
between farrat plates over wall plate(2)
(2)
5.15 Gable end detail 0.810 0.088
5.19 Ope - Lintel - Mineral wool Cavity Closer(2) 0.750 0.04
(2)
5.20 Ope - Jambs - Mineral wool Cavity Closer 0.929 0.026
Ope - Sill - pressed metal sill, Prop. Cavity
5.21 0.859 0.132
Closer(2)
Steel Frame Separating Wall through
5.22.1 0.880 0.069
ground floor (base)(1)
(2)
5.23.1 Corner Detail 0.860 0.056
5.23.2 Inverted Corner Detail 0.960 -0.043
(1)
Value of ψ is applied to each dwelling.
(2)
Some ψ-values do not meet the default ψ-values, however all junctions pass fRsi assessments.
(3)
Flanking element U-values for walls, roof and floor thermal models above were based on,
UW = 0.15 W/m2k, UF = 0.11 W/m2k, UR = 0.082 W/m2k

Table 9: Typical ψ-Value W/mK

4.5 SOUND requirements of Part E of the Building

4.5.1 Party Wall Regulations 1997 to 2017.
The acoustic performance of the party wall
specified in Section 2.5.1 has been assessed by The specification for the separating wall achieves
both on site testing and comparison with Robust airborne sound insulation through the following:
Standard Details for Separating Wall - E-WS-1 • Structural isolation is achieved by leaving a
and SCI Publication P 372 Acoustic Detailing for minimum 30mm cavity between the two steel
Steel Construction (Separating wall twin light frames.
steel frames) and through adopting best practice • This cavity is then full filled with stone mineral
at salient junctions to minimise the effects of wool of minimum 24kg/m3 density. These
airborne, impact and flanking sound. In respect wool batts are continuous from ground floor to
of party walls (separating wall) an examination the upper floor ceiling level and provide the
was also carried out of the key junctions in the required acoustic properties.
external walls to ensure compliance with the • Mass is achieved using dense wall linings.
Each steel frame is boarded with two layers of

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

 15mm sound check or Fire grade plasterboard resilient layer beneath different floor finishes
which provided the minimum 60 minutes’ fire such as vinyl, carpet, timber flooring, tiles etc.
resistance required. All Joints between the
outer layer of plasterboard layer are In the Type 2 floor with a concrete base and a
staggered, taped and filled in accordance with floating layer, the floating layer reduces the
manufacturers specifications. transmission of impact sound to the base and to
• Prevention of flanking sound by sealing the surrounding construction.
between the end of the separating wall frames
and the outer masonry leaf as shown in Figure 4.5.4 Lightweight Floating Floors on
13 and Figure 14. Compartment Floors
• At the junction of the compartment floor and A lightweight floating floor consists of a floating
the party wall, an additional 500mm section of layer and resilient layer. A floating floor uses a
mineral wool fibre insulation is provided within resilient layer to isolate the walking surface from
the cold formed section zone each side of the the base and this isolation contributes to both
70mm stone mineral wool layer to minimise airborne and impact sound insulation. There are
flanking and direct sound transmission. two principal floating floor systems that have
been assessed. The joist and steel concrete
The separating wall (party wall) in the Vision composite deck compartment floor systems have
Built Steel Frame Building System has been been assessed with both an approved batten
assessed and when constructed in accordance system and an acoustic flooring grade Rockwool
with this certificate can meet the requirements of product.
TGD to Part E of the Building Regulations 1997 to
2017. 4.5.5 On Site Testing
Sound insulation testing is now a mandatory
4.5.2 Compartment Floor Truss requirement to comply with TGD to Part E of the
The acoustic performance of the compartment Building Regulations 1997 to 2017. All flooring
floor specified in Section 2.5.3.1 has been systems have been acoustically field-tested and
assessed by both on site testing and comparison meet the requirements set out in TGD to Part E.
with Robust Standard Details for Separating
Floor-Metal Joist E-FS-3 and SCI Publication P Sound insulation testing was carried out in
372 Acoustic Detailing for Steel Construction accordance with IS EN ISO 16283-1:2014
(Separating floor Light steel lattice truss with Acoustics - Field Measurement of Sound
acoustic boarding). Best practice has been Insulation in Buildings and of Building Elements
adopted at salient junctions to minimise the Part 1: Airborne Sound Insulation and IS EN ISO
effects of airborne, impact and flanking sound. In 16283-2:2015 Acoustics - Field Measurement of
respect of compartment floor (separating floor) Sound Insulation in Buildings and of Building
an examination was also carried out of the key Elements Part 2: Impact Sound Insulation.
junctions with the external walls to ensure
compliance with the requirements of Part E of the Vision Built Steel Frame Building System
Building Regulations 1997 to 2017 (See Figure separating wall and floor details have been
15). assessed and when constructed in accordance
with this certificate, can meet the minimum
4.5.3 Compartment Floor Steel Concrete sound level performance outlined in TGD to Part
Composite Deck E of the Building Regulations 1997 to 2017.
The composite deck can meet either the
requirement of a Type 1 (Figure 17) floor 4.6 ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH
concrete base with a soft covering or a Type 2 DISABILITIES
(Figure 18) floor concrete base with a floating 4.6.1 Access and Use
floor as described in section 4 of TGD to Part E of Building designs can accommodate minimum
the Building Regulations 1997 to 2017. dimensions for doors/corridors/rooms and
circulation spaces to provide access for people
In both floor types, the resistance to airborne with disabilities as indicated in Diagrams 5 – 12
sound depends mainly on the mass of the of TGD to Part M of the Building Regulations 1997
concrete base, plasterboard ceilings and good to 2017.
flanking detailing. In Type 1 the soft covering
reduces the impact sound at source. The mass 4.6.2 Sanitary Conveniences
per unit area of the floor, coverings and ceilings Buildings can be designed to meet the installation
meet the specification for a Type 1 separating requirements for all necessary and special
floor. The impact sound reduction is achieved sanitary conveniences for people with disabilities.
with the use of a 5mm layer of soft floor
covering. This covering is not intended to be the
final finished floor but is intended to act as

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

4.7 WEATHERTIGHTNESS AND DAMP
PROOFING
Suitable precautions must be undertaken when
preparing the site for the installation of the
system so that water cannot flow or pond under
the substructure. Unless a peripheral drainage
system is to be used, the finished ground level
adjacent to the building must be maintained at a
minimum of 150mm below the DPC, which must
not be bridged.

Thresholds shall be detailed to allow level access

(as required), while protecting the steel frame
from weather and ground moisture. Weep holes
and cavity vents should be avoided in immediate
threshold areas and should be placed on either
side of the threshold.

4.7.1 Floor Damp Proofing

The system has adequate DPCs and DPMs to
resist the passage of moisture from the ground. Figure 21: Stepped DPC Detail preventing
ingress of moisture from outer inner leaf of
4.7.2 Roof Cladding Construction
Roof coverings will provide adequate weather
resistance in all situations covered by Section 3 4.7.4 Windows and Doors
of this Certificate, when completed in accordance This Certificate does not cover the installation or
with this Certificate and the manufacturer’s performance of windows and doors. However, the
instructions. detailing at window and door openings has been
assessed and is considered adequate to ensure
4.7.3 External Cladding that water penetration will not occur at these
The external wall with masonry/brick outer leaf locations assuming conventional window frame
incorporates a 50mm clear cavity, when correctly profiles and sealing arrangements are used.
constructed with well filled perpends and mortar- Figure 2 and Figure 22 show typical details that
free cavity ties, will minimise the risk of water can be used with the system.
reaching the cavity face of the inner leaf. For
other NSAI Agrément approved wall cladding Window sills and external thresholds must either
systems in exposed areas, a water barrier is fixed be impervious, run the full width of the cavity
behind the 25mm (clean) cavity between inner and be suitably jointed to a horizontal,
leaf and external cladding, and this minimises the continuous cavity tray or DPC which is preferably
risk of water reaching the inner leaf. Joints, in flexible or a cavity tray must be provided under
the insulating lining to the inner leaf, are the opening provision. Good attention to detail
weatherproofed and any penetrations are sealed. must be given to ensuring that, when installing
Wind-driven rain, which may cross the cavity the horizontal cavity tray or DPC below an
under adverse conditions, will be effectively external window board, provision for any
prevented from penetrating the inner leaf. condensation that may occur on the window is
The construction of the external panels also deflected into the cavity and away from the
keeps the galvanised steel frame members in a steelwork. The windows and doors are made to
“warmframe” environment, which prolongs the order by the window manufacturer using the
life of the steel. Stepped DPC must be provided dimensions provided by the Vision Built design
over window and door heads to deflect moisture office.
that enter the cavity from entering the
dwelling/building. Good building practice such as
stepped DPC (Figure 22) and weep-holes are
essential to ensure that moisture within a cavity
is deflected to the outside of the building.

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

 4.8 ELECTRICAL AND PLUMBING
SERVICES
Electrical and plumbing services are outside the
scope of this Certificate. However, in designing
and installing these services it is essential that
the following procedures are followed and
precautions are taken to minimise the risk of
long-term damage to the steel frame or the
services.
• At the design stage, it is useful if the positions
and sizes of services can be established in
advance, as special holes may be cut in the
factory to help with the rapid and economic
installation of services. A considerable amount
of services is generally required in bathroom,
hot press and utility areas.
• In general, the steel frame at each floor level
must be connected directly onto the main
earthing terminal in the main fuse box and all
earth connections in the circuit wired back to
this point. This measure is necessary to
control the flow of electric current to earth
without the risk of corrosion of critical
structural components. However, the earthing
system must be installed in accordance with
the National Rules of the Electro Technical
Figure 22: Window Head Detail Showing Council of Ireland E.T. 101 (current version).
DPC • All unswaged service holes in the steel frame
members must be fitted with rubber or plastic
grommets to avoid damage to services. To
ease the installation of services, particularly
electrical cables, these purpose-made rubber
or polyethylene grommets form the inner face
of the openings. The service holes may
alternatively be formed by swaging which is
fully rounded to offer a non-sharpened surface
to the services. Where plastic coated electrical
wiring is in contact with insulation, then the
cables must be enclosed in a suitable conduit,
e.g. PVC as outlined in the National Rules of
the Electro Technical Council of Ireland E.T.
101 (current version).
• Under no circumstances should electrical
cables be placed within compartment floors,
walls and/or party walls. Walls must be
battened out to provide a false service zone in
which to distribute electrical services on these
fire rated build-ups.
• The enclosure of cold water pipe work within
the external wall should be avoided as
condensation on the pipe work could lead to
wetting of the steel frame with a consequent
risk of corrosion. If enclosure is unavoidable,
the cold-water pipework must be insulated
with tubular plastic insulation, which must be
Figure 23: Window Sill Detail showing DPC accurately cut at junctions and at changes of
direction and held firmly in place with
adhesive tape. Where hot water pipework is
4.7.5 Rain Water Goods enclosed in the inner leaf of the wall, contact
Buildings constructed using the Vision Built Steel between copper pipes and the galvanised
Frame Building System can readily accommodate frame must be avoided using rubber or plastic
adequate rainwater gutters and down pipes. grommets.

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

• Additional slots, notches or holes should not The joints in windows and doors may require
be cut through any steel member without the resealing at approximately 10 year intervals.
approval of the Chartered Structural Engineer
responsible for the overall design of the 4.11 TESTS AND ASSESSMENTS WERE
structure. CARRIED OUT TO DETERMINE THE
FOLLOWING
4.9 DURABILITY The following is a summary of the tests and
The steel frame structure and wall cladding has assessments which have been carried out on the
been assessed as capable of achieving a Vision Built Steel Frame Building System:
minimum design life of 60 years. The steel
structure is constructed from steel members • Structural strength and stability (racking
having a minimum 275g/m2 Zinc galvanised resistance, load bearing capacity).
coating which will provide adequate protection to • Behaviour in relation to fire.
the steel members. In addition to this, the steel • Acoustic performance, resistance to airborne
is kept in a “warmframe” environment, which and impact sound transmission.
should prolong the life of the steel. The DPC and • Thermal insulation performance.
the galvanising will provide adequate protection • Corrosion of fasteners in normal conditions
to ensure that the bottom channel has a life with a view to a minimum 60-year design life.
equal to that of the other frame members. • Compatibility with other materials.
• Risk of condensation both surface and
The rigid PIR and mineral wool insulations are interstitial.
durable materials and will remain effective as an • Pre-completion airtightness testing.
insulant for the life of the building. The roof, • 3D thermal modelling of junction details in
internal wall and ceiling linings and the outer leaf accordance with BRE IPI/06
of the external wall are all constructed from • The Vision Built Building System Erection
conventional durable materials. Manual

Buildings constructed using the Vision Built Steel 4.11.1 Other Investigations
Frame Building System will, when constructed in Existing data was examined to assess:
accordance with Vision Built Erection Manual and • Adequacy of weather tightness of building
the requirements of this Certificate along with all constructed using the system.
relevant codes of practice will have a minimum • Durability of the system.
design life of at least 60 years in accordance with • Requirements for maintenance.
BS 7543:2015 Guide to durability of buildings
and building elements, products and 4.11.2 Production Audits
components. Production audits were carried out at the Vision
Built factory to examine the process of structural
4.10 MAINTENANCE design, steel frame fabrication, assembly and to
Maintenance will be required at a level assess the adequacy of the methods adopted for
comparable with that for buildings of traditional quality control.
construction. The elimination of wet trades in the
construction of the inner leaf of external walls 4.11.3 Site Erection Visits
reduces drying time and can reduce the incidence Buildings under construction were visited to
of superficial cracking early in the life of the assess the practicability of construction (erection)
building. and the adequacy of Vision Built site supervision
arrangements.
As the plasterboard is screwed into the steel
structure, there is no nail popping in plasterwork,
which results in less maintenance of plasterwork,
than that of a traditionally constructed building.

Repainting should be carried out in accordance

with the relevant recommendations of BS
6150:2006+A1:2014 Painting of buildings. Code
of Practice. Timber boarding, fascia’s, soffits etc.
where used, should be treated with an
appropriate paint system or translucent stain and
should be maintained by periodic re-coating
using a paint or stain suitable for external
applications, applied in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

5.1 National Standards Authority of Ireland 5.3 In granting Certification, the NSAI makes
("NSAI") following consultation with NSAI no representation as to;
Agrément has assessed the performance and
method of installation of the product/process and (a) the absence or presence of patent rights
the quality of the materials used in its subsisting in the product/process; or
manufacture and certifies the product/process to
be fit for the use for which it is certified provided (b) the legal right of the Certificate holder to
that it is manufactured, installed, used and market, install or maintain the product/process;
maintained in accordance with the descriptions or
and specifications set out in this Certificate and in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions (c) whether individual products have been
and usual trade practice. This Certificate shall manufactured or installed by the Certificate
remain valid for five years from date of issue or holder in accordance with the descriptions and
revision date so long as: specifications set out in this Certificate.
5.4 This Certificate does not comprise
(a) the specification of the product is unchanged. installation instructions and does not replace the
manufacturer's directions or any professional or
(b) the Building Regulations 1997 to 2017 and trade advice relating to use and installation which
any other regulation or standard applicable to the may be appropriate.
product/process, its use or installation remains
unchanged. 5.5 Any recommendations contained in this
Certificate relating to the safe use of the certified
(c) the product continues to be assessed for the product/process are preconditions to the validity
quality of its manufacture and marking by NSAI. of the Certificate. However, the NSAI does not
certify that the manufacture or installation of the
(d) no new information becomes available which certified product or process in accordance with
in the opinion of the NSAI, would preclude the the descriptions and specifications set out in this
granting of the Certificate. Certificate will satisfy the requirements of the
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, or
(e) the product or process continues to be of any other current or future common law duty
manufactured, installed, used and maintained in of care owed by the manufacturer or by the
accordance with the description, specifications Certificate holder.
and safety recommendations set out in this
certificate. 5.6 The NSAI is not responsible to any person
or body for loss or damage including personal
(f) the registration and/or surveillance fees due injury arising as a direct or indirect result of the
to NSAI Agrément are paid. use of this product or process.

5.2 The NSAI Agrément mark and 5.7 Where reference is made in this
certification number may only be used on or in Certificate to any Act of the Oireachtas,
relation to product/processes in respect of which Regulation made thereunder, Statutory
a valid Certificate exists. If the Certificate Instrument, Code of Practice, National Standards,
becomes invalid the Certificate holder must not manufacturer's instructions, or similar
use the NSAI Agrément mark and certification publication, it shall be construed as reference to
number and must remove them from the such publication in the form in which it is in force
products already marked. at the date of this Certification.

Certificate No. 17/0391 / Vision Built Steel Frame Building System

THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH
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This Certificate No. 17/0391 is accordingly granted by the NSAI to Vision Built
BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH
Manufacturing
AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD Ltd. onAGRÉMENT
THE IRISH behalf BOARDofTHE
NSAI Agrément.
IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT
BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH
AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT
Date
BOARD THE IRISH of BOARD
AGRÉMENT Issue: June
THE IRISH 2017
AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH
AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT BOARD THE IRISH AGRÉMENT
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Signed
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