BS 8298:1994:1995 Edition

This British Standard gives recommendations for the design, installation and maintenance of mechanically fixed facing units of natural stone as a cladding and lining:

1. held to a structural background by metal fixings;

2. to precast concrete units (i.e. stone faced concrete cladding units).

Loadbearing cladding or cladding held only by adhesion is not included, nor is any type of cladding supported or held in position around the perimeter of stones or series of stones by metal framing. Recommendations concerning traditional stone masonry including ashlar are given in BS 5390.

Movement of the structure may occur due to one or more reasons and recommendations are included to accommodate such dimensional changes (see 3.13). As it is virtually impossible to provide for this movement if the attachment of the stone cladding to the structure is too rigid, the use of stone cladding as permanent formwork to in situ concrete is not included (but see 3.8.5).

This code does not include the testing of materials and components except in cases where there is a relevant British Standard.

NOTE Unless the requirements differ, the term cladding refers to both cladding and lining. The general principles for cladding also apply to soffits and sloping surfaces (see 3.10.6).