A User Guide to BS 8298

In response to a growing number of enquiries from architects Stone Federation Great Britain has issued a comprehensive user guide to all aspects of BS 8298. Chief Executive Jane Buxey explained "The guide, entitled ‘A User Guide to BS 8298’ deals with changes to the code for the design and installation of natural stone cladding and lining, parts one to four inclusive. Our advice is that the notes should be read in conjunction with the code and not treated as an alternative." The guide points out the main changes, the reasons for amendments to the original 1994 document and also provides helpful suggestions for the correct use of stone as a cladding material. Main areas it covers are geology and samples, testing, design, safety, thickness calculation and impact resistance. Among the key changes are the recording of the geological names and CE marking of all stones and there is also an entirely new section on rainscreen cladding metal framed systems. The guide also goes into great detail about initial testing and sampling plans as well as the differing statistical presentation of results. "Of real importance is the need, for the first time, to provide the geological name of the stone together with a petrographic description," points out Jane Buxey. "From July next year all stones will have to be supported by a CE certificate relevant to the proposed use "The certificate, produced by the company that places the stone product on the market, will show the technical properties of the stone. "This will bring transparency to the stone's correct name at the tender stage of a project, provide an even playing field for tendering sub-contractors and offer the client absolute certainty on the material provided." The document, available by contacting 01303 856123 or emailing enquiries@stonefed.org.uk, is available free of charge to members, architects, specifiers, commercial and domestic clients, designers, engineers and other professionals, who can also take advantage of the Federation’s technical support team. Technical enquiries should be sent by email to technical@stonefed.org.uk and the Federation's technical team will do their best to provide an answer within three working days.