The lengthy time taken to construct residential homes in Australia using conventional building systems such as brick veneer is one of the most important challenges facing the housing market today. After all time costs money. Delays associated with conventional on-site construction methods include the availability of trades and weather delays. All can be major impediments to improving housing affordability,

In response to this, Carter Holt Harvey has developed the Panelised Building System (PBS), which consists of cost-competitive, lightweight and strong prefabricated building elements. PBS solutions are especially suited for construction in remote and regional areas. PBS can also be used to build faster in metropolitan areas and for high performance floor systems in residential two storey homes.

Benefits of the PBS include:

• Up to 40% faster construction time.
• Suitable for slab on-ground, raised subfloor and sloped site construction.
• Flexibility in final finished, both interior and exterior.
• Lower on-site waste.
• Easy installation and integration of services.
• Integrated engineering utilising quality Carter Holt Harvey products.
• Can utilise the Terminator protection system with 25 year guarantee*.

*The guarantee is provided by the chemical supplier for the benefit of the property owner. It is a limited and conditional guarantee covering the provision of replacement product in Australia. The full terms and conditions are available at www.chhwoodproducts.com.au/guarantees/

Panel Configuration and sizing

The Panelised Building System (PBS) is a construction system which allows for faster, easier on-site erection, with panels sized to suit the location:

Small Panels (2.7m high x 1.2m wide):

• Able to be lifted and assembled by two people.
• No specialised lifting equipment required.

Large Panels (2.7m high x 6.0m long):

• Used where crane access is available.
• Allows faster time to lock-up.
• Pre-finished external panels reduce the need for scaffolding.
• Reduction in on-site waste for small construction sites.

Large Floor Panels (2.4m wide x 10m long):

• Easy build floor solutions for residential applications
• Instant working platform assists to reduce OHS issues.
• Stiffer floor system (integrating composite action).

Design and Engineering

PBS solutions offer cost effective, efficient construction options while still providing architects and building designers flexibility and freedom.  To obtain the full benefits of PBS efficiencies it is recommended that the Carter Holt Harvey PBS Design Guide be consulted during the early stages of design.  The CHH technical development team is also available for consultation to advise on material selection and design parameters.

PBS solutions are engineered to ensure they comply with the BCA.  Integrated panel engineering and tie-down load path calculations ensure and efficient structural construction in all wind zones, including the cyclonic regions of Northern Australia.  The PBS solution is an engineered system for use with CHH products only.  The use of any non approved wood products in the manufacture invalidates any engineering or fabrication certification by CHH.

Fabrication

PBS panels utilise well known, trusted and durable Carter Holt Harvey products such as:

• ECOply structural plywood
• hySPAN structural LVL
• LASERframe structural framing
• SHADOWclad plywood cladding
• PLYfloor plywood flooring
• STRUCTAflor particleboard flooring

Accredited fabricators are used to manufacture PBS elements using CHH products.  The tolerances required to ensure correct assembly, along with quality and material checks are part of this accreditation.  Accredited fabricators can be found by contacting CHH on 1800 808 131.

Final Exterior and Interior Finishes 

External lining of PBS buildings can be supplied with SHADOWclad plywood cladding which incorporates both a final exterior finish ready for painting/staining and also performs structural bracing and tie-down functions.  Alternately, a bracing ply can be used to close the panel, ready to be over-clad with any myriad of proprietary cladding systems.

Internal lining specifications depend on the client and level of finish required.  BD ECOply as the internal lining which is stopped once installed provides a suitable surface for a high grade paint finish.  To match common residential construction the panels can also be supplied as an open system for plasterboard installation on site.

Services and Insulation

Where panels are lined on both sides (closed panels), services are easily incorporated by:

• Easy feed ability for electrical and plumbing as there are no noggings in the closed wall panels.
• Plumbing can be installed by using removable access sheets where needed.
• Internal plywood lining simplifies electrical installation – just drill and screw power points to plywood.
• Option available for ‘chaser wires’ to be installed or even full electrical ‘click-and-lock’ system – contact CHH for more information.

Bulk insulation is installed to required levels in the panels to meet current BCA requirements.  This allows for the same level of thermal comfort as with standard construction.

Treatment

All wood products used in the construction of PBS panels can incorporate treatment to suit the conditions.  The Terminator Protection System allows H2F or H2 LOSP treatment for termite protection throughout Australia.  Click here for more information.  In tropical areas it is recommended that all products exposed to the atmosphere (whether exposed to wetting or not) are H3 LOSP treated.  This provides protection against rot and fungus for these high humidity climates.

MSDS

Laserframe Terminator Blue MSDS Format: PDF Filesize: 98KB Download file >>	Laserframe Terminator Red MSDS Format: PDF Filesize: 97KB Download file >>	Material Safety Data Sheet - LOSP H2-S treated LVL, plywood & I-joists Format: PDF Filesize: 1KB Download file >>
Material Safety Data Sheet - Structaflor & Termiflor Format: PDF Filesize: 50KB Download file >>	Plywood H3 treated MSDS Format: PDF Filesize: 47KB Download file >>	STRUCTAflor MSDS Format: PDF Filesize: 98KB Download file >>
STRUCTAflor TERMINATOR MSDS Format: PDF Filesize: 98KB Download file >>	Untreated LVL, Plywood & I-Joists Format: PDF Filesize: 1KB Download file >>	Untreated Timber Sawdust MSDS Format: PDF Filesize: 91KB Download file >>

Carter Holt Harvey is committed to on-going reviews of its MSDS's to ensure they reflect all currently available information. In the event that you require more detail on any MSDS or would like to confirm that you have the most recent MSDS for a particular product, please contact the Marketing Department via phoning 132 321.