attaching concrete sculpture to existing wall 1

[mollycha]

I will be installing concrete sculptural panels/tiles on the side of a building center for a public art project. They will be an inch thick and for ease of handling, not more than two feet by two feet. These are larger than my normal concrete tiles that I have attached in the past with a non-sag bonding mortar. Is there another way to safely attach these concrete units to the stucco wall?

 

[Ron]

mollycha...I assume from your comments that these will be permanent panels. In that case, I would suggest that you not attach them to the stucco, but through to the substrate. Recessing the panels will create a waterproofing nightmare...then you'll get blamed for water intrusion, mold, etc.!

Use a combination of pins and adhesive. The pins should be stainless steel, not rebar as the rebar will rust, create stains, and eventually fail. The pins should be installed fixed into the structure and the panels should essentially "hang" on the pins. The pins should be installed at an angle, typically greater than about 30 degrees upward and corresponding holes or slots drilled into the panels so the wind does not "suck" the panels off the walls.

Large stone panels are attached to buildings in a similar manner. If you have any questions, contact a stone facade company and they can likely give you the sources of their pins, etc.

 

[mollycha]

Thank you Ron. Although recessing the tiles into the wall would look good, you are right about tampering with the integrity of the wall. Angling staninless steel rods is also an excellent suggestion. I will look into stone facade placement too. Thanks.I

 

[henri2]

Is this something that will be exempt from a building permit?

 

[mollycha]

henri2:
No, this will all go through final approval from the City of Plesanton. I realize they will have knowledge on proper ways to secure the panels. I wanted to have some insite though, before I approach them with my final proposal.
Today I found information on cladding walls with stone and other heavy materials. There are some exellent mechanical systems for attaching large panels to a wall. There are also chemical anchoring epoxy adhesives that allow for "spot bonding" large panels to the wall. The epoxy adhesive remains flexible allowing movement between the wall and panel during temperature changes. The internet is a wonderful thing. : )

 

[henri2]

For installation requirements check Chapter 14-Exterior Wall Coverings of the building code (CBC). If the anchoring/adhering system you desire is not covered in the building code then chances are the plan checkers might require evidence submitted in the form of an ICC evaluation report.

 

[mollycha]

Thanks. I will do that.

 

[jheidt2543]

Your precast panels could be attached using stainless steel (as Ron suggested) stone anchors. Check with a local cut stone or masonry supplier, they should have information on various types of anchors. Also, Heckman Co., Hilti Co. and Fastenal Co. should have various styles too.

 

[mollycha]

Thanks. I went to some of those sites. Stone anchors look like just what I am looking for.