NOTE: These might be part of the external envelope or separate elements, such as columns and balconies.
It provides the minimum standards needed and the materials and methods of fixings most frequently used.
It includes recommendations on the measures to be taken to provide for permanent and temporary movements and tolerances of the structure, to enable the cladding to perform its function satisfactorily.
It applies to new buildings but many provisions might be applicable to alterations or refurbishment of existing buildings.
Guidance is given on the quality of the finished product and verification of performance. The design recommendations given are based on limit state design principles.
NOTE 1: BS 8297 is intended to be used in conjunction with BS EN 13369:2013 and BS EN 13670, but it provides comprehensive guidance specifically in relation to architectural precast concrete cladding and therefore takes precedence in the items addressed.
NOTE 2: It does not provide recommendations relevant to units incorporating glass fibre reinforced concrete (GFRC/GRC), semi-dry or small wet-cast masonry units instead of larger architectural wall cladding panels (see BS 1217), nor the design of the supporting structure to which the units might be attached.