These are structural walls made by stacking timber studs, perpendicular to one another within a given distance, used as walls, roofs or floors in buildings. The major difference between the traditional timber frames and a stud panel is the high insulation property attached to the frame of the stud frame.

Fabrication process

In the manufacturing plant, the External studs are joined perpendicular to one another, after which the insulating foam core is then attached with the use of an adhesive, attaching the foam core to the timber studs. Oriented strand boards (OSB) are then attached to the surface of the attached timber studs, also with the used of adhesives specified by the manufacturer. These are made to form panels, after which they are transported and installed in the site.

PRE-FABRICATED STUD PANELS

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Panel Dimension Ranges

Based on the application of the prefabricated timber stud panel, various dimensions are used based on stud thickness; these applications are listed below:

External Walls : 120-220 x 45mm

Internal Walls : 70-145 x 45mm

Floor thickness : 195-220 x 45mm

Roofs : 195 - 220 x 45mm

OSB for walls and roofs have a thickness of 12mm, w

hile the OSB used for floors are 22mm. This can slightly change based on manufacturer’s specification.

Application and Uses

Prefabricated stud panels can be used in building designs as walls, floors, and roofs. Based on manufacturer specifications, stud walls can be used either as external panels

or internal panels. They can also be used as party walls, to produce a more efficient

insulation for a building.

Design and Construction Considerations

Prefabricated stud panels should be laid perpendicular to one another
Foundation should be levelled for proper installation
Adhesives must be properly installed in panels to increase its energy efficiency
Jumbo sized stud panels should be brought on site with the use of cranes
Stud panels should be a perfect square to have a perfect fit
Panels can be cladded externally by renderings or use of brick or masonry walls
Interior panels may be cladded with the use of renderings

Advantages of Prefabricated Stud Panel

Its energy efficient
Long-term cost effective for end users
Easy installation on site
Low CO2 emission during construction process

Disadvantages and Limitations

Due to the nature of panels (load bearing walls), they cannot be used on open-span ground floors
Rigorous pre-planning is necessary due to high level specifications for proper installation on site
Improper installation of panels are prone to moisture and termite attacks on timber surfaces

Typical Prefabricated Stud Panel Wall (Prefabricated timber frame panel system specification. 2014)

Typical Prefabricated Stud Panel Floor (Prefabricated timber frame panel system specification. 2014)

Typical Prefabricated Stud Panel Roof (Prefabricated timber frame panel system specification. 2014)

Typical Prefabricated Stud Panel (Prefabricated timber frame panel system specification. 2014)

Dimension Specifications for Timber Stud Panels