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testing and restrict cladding systems for new builds, refurbishments and re-clads to multi layered systems that have been proven to perform, and make a change now, rather than waiting for regulations to catch up. Noone wants to witness another Grenfell. Incredibly, it seems that there is still a bias in the industry to use the quickest, cheapest routes to compliance for current regulations, which poses an extra obstacle to change.
Routes to compliance
Four routes to compliance exist: the linear, performance based, desktop studies and holistic engineering routes.
Linear route The simplest is the linear route, but unfortunately this does not necessarily ensure delivery of the safest multi layered wall solutions. It allows the use of materials that are of ‘limited combustibility’ (in England and Wales) or better, without consideration to their performance as component parts of a multi layered wall assembly. It does not consider how other elements of that system will interact.
Performance based This is a more reliable route, leaving less to chance. It uses data from large scale
50 JUNE 2018
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fire tests comprising the entire external cladding system, built exactly as the proposed system is to be supplied and constructed for any particular element of a project. It is however an expensive route, as multiple assemblies may have to be tested for any one project and there are limited testing facilities, so there is currently a capacity issue in the industry associated with this route.
Desktop study A third route is to obtain a desktop study report (DTS) from a suitably qualified independent UKAS accredited testing body. This should state whether, in its opinion, BR 135 criteria would be met by the proposed system. A DTS is a comparative assessment
between a system or systems that have been tested and the system that is fixed or proposed, showing that there is no adverse impact on the fixed or proposed system based on the differences in construction and/or materials. Such an assessment will be required if combustible materials are included as any major element of the multi layered wall and/or if there is any variance between the system proposed and any system tested. These variances could include, but are not limited to: panel material type and brand; panel modules; panel system; panel joints; cavity size;
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