BS 5268-6.2:2001 gives recommendations for the design, testing, fabrication and erection of timber frame walls for buildings other than dwellings not exceeding four storeys in height and where the following conditions apply.
- the maximum overall height of any building is 15 m
- the maximum panel height in a single storey building is 6.2 m
- the maximum panel height in buildings of more than one storey is 4.8 m.
BS 5268-6.2:2001 gives recommendations for timber frame walls, with studs continuous in length throughout the panel height, not exceeding 610 mm centre to centre and one or both faces of the studs being partly or wholly connected to sheathing or lining. The design information contained in BS 5268-6.2:2001 is principally intended to cover storey height panel construction. Much of the information is also relevant to other forms of panel construction, for example, where studs are continuous through two or more storeys.
All structural materials are assumed to be subject only to service classes 1 and 2, as defined in BS 5268-2:1996.
The design information on the racking performance of tall wall panels (over 2.7 m in height), contained in this section of BS 5268-6, may also be relevant to the design of tall wall panels in dwellings. The design method described in this section of BS 5268-6 may be used in validating the racking performance of wall panels over 2.7 m in height for use in dwellings in combination with designs in accordance with the recommendations of BS 5268-6.1.
BS 5268-6.2:2001 covers only the structural design of timber frame walls. The following constructional features may significantly affect the basis of the design, and they are drawn to the attention of the designer:
- susceptibility to weathering
- condensation control
- thermal insulation
- fire resistance
- sound insulation
- durability.