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Sculptform’s Facade Blades allow specifiers ultimate customisability when it comes to blade spacing. Typically blades are spaced with a 150-300mm gap between blades.

If the facade is acting as a balustrade, the maximum blade spacing is 125mm due to NCC regulations, the minimum blade spacing for all facade blade applications is 100mm.

Blade spacing is an effective element for value management, as small changes can have a significant impact on overall system cost.

Maximum Wind Pressures (kPa)

• This span chart is based on a simply supported beam with two equal overhangs restraint condition (as shown above).
• The span chart represents the maximum wind load in kPa that the respective blade size
  can withstand.
• Wind pressure tabulated above represents the wind pressure on the blade, which considers the drag coefficient of the blade and the local pressure coefficient. Note this is different to the site wind pressure.
• The span chart is calculated based on the parameters as listed above.
• The span chart above is for preliminary design only. Each project should verify the engineering for specific project purposes.
• Rail length, number and type of fixings to the base building should be checked on a project-by-project basis.
• Incidental load from building occupants/public/façade access activities have not been considered and need to be assessed project specifically.
• The blades are assessed for deflection on the following limits: span/250, and span/125. For strength, the blades are assessed on the yield strength of 6063-T6 alloy (172 MPa); and the blade to rail brackets are assessed on the yield strength of 167 Mpa.

Sculptform can assist in calculating the Maximum Wind Pressure (kPa) for your application. For assistance, email plans and any other documentation to support@sculptform.com.au.

Sculptform’s proprietary rail mounting brackets are used in our facade blade system to mount the rail to the substrate, typically at 2.4m increments. Allowing for in/out and up/down substructure tolerance adjustments of up to +-25mm, the brackets use serrated components to lock into place at the desired position.

These rail mounting brackets make it fast and simple to apply Sculptform’s Facade Blade system to a variety of substructures including steel mullions, blockwork walls and slab to slab applications.

The Facade Blades system uses specially designed rail joining strips to connect mounting rails. These joins are different for each mounting method, as explained above in the mounting options section.

This is a detailed view of how the joining strip works.

The facade blade rail system can be factory curved to a minimum radius of three metres for both concave and convex curves.

For more design freedom, the two part bracket allows to blade to be installed non-perpendicular to the rail. This creates opportunities for raking effects and angled blades on your facade with minimal blade cantilever.

End caps are easily snapped in, with the added security of a locking off screw.

To provide a seamless visual appearance to the back of the batten, back cover strips are provided which simply snap into the rear of the batten on site.

• Set the fins in from the corner and mitre the rail

When wrapping blades around a 90-degree corner, the recommended option is to set the fins in from the corner and mitre the rail.

• Corner junction (no wrap around) using rail end cap

End caps are available for junctions where the end of the rail is visible.

Sculptform’s Aluminium is deemed non-combustible according to the test criteria specified in Clause 3.4 of AS 1530.1-1994.

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aluminium – AS 1530.1     Powder coat – AS/NZS 1530.3     Wood Finish Aluminium – AS/NZS 1530.3

Aluminium is a relatively low maintenance solution for any facade application. Maintenance largely depends on the degree of exposure, location of the project, and the coating used on the blades. Generally, no cleaning is required; however a typical schedule could include a visual inspection every 12 months to ensure there are no adverse environmental effects.

Surface dirt/dust, spider webs, bird droppings, rain spots and other debris, while not harmful can be unattractive and reduce the visual impact of a facade. A soft bristle broom or brush can be used to wipe the facade. Water can be used to aid the process but do not use harsh chemical cleaners as in some cases, coated layers can be removed.

Industrial and coastal environments will require a more frequent maintenance schedule to inspect for salt, visual deposits etc.