Strongback

Strongback cladding systems have a sub-frame that supports thin cladding panels. Units are normally storey height and up to 6 - 9 m wide. They are fixed either to the edge of the floor slab or to the floor edge beams or to columns. The supporting frame is usually constructed from either hot rolled or cold-formed steel sections, or from stainless steel. Cladding materials include stone, coated steel and stainless steel.

Panels are normally fixed to the building at four points (two points at the top of the panel and two at the bottom). They may be either hung from the top connections or may bear on the bottom connections. Connections carrying the self-weight of the panel are termed structural. Other connections act as wind restraints and prevent swaying, or overturning of the panel, depending upon whether the panel is top hung or bottom supported. Provision is made at the fixings for building movements and tolerances.

Since panels can be relatively large, it is possible to clad buildings rapidly by using storey-high units.