ICC-ES Evaluation Report ESR-1185

Reissued March 2020

This report is subject to renewal February 2021.

www.icc-es.org | (800) 423-6587 | (562) 699-0543 A Subsidiary of the International Code Council ®

DIVISION: 07 00 00—THERMAL AND MOISTURE areas rest with the user of this report. The user is advised
PROTECTION of the project-specific provisions that may be contingent
Section: 07 42 43—Composite Wall Panels upon meeting specific conditions, and the verification of
those conditions is outside the scope of this report. The
REPORT HOLDER: code may provide supplemental information as guidance.
3.0 DESCRIPTION
3A COMPOSITES USA INC.
3.1 Panel:
EVALUATION SUBJECT:
Alucobond® Plus wall and soffit panels are aluminum
ALUCOBOND® PLUS WALL AND SOFFIT PANELS composite wall panels consisting of two nominally
0.020-inch-thick (0.51 mm) aluminum skins, bonded to
1.0 EVALUATION SCOPE both surfaces of a nominally 0.12-inch-thick (3.05 mm),
extruded polyethylene copolymer (with inorganic fillers),
1.1 Compliance with the following codes: noninsulating core having a nominal density of 112 pcf
 2018, 2015, 2012, 2009 and 2006 International Building (1795 kg/m3). The aluminum finish may be painted or
Code® (IBC) anodized. The polyethylene core is extruded continuously
and is bonded to the aluminum faces in a continuous
Properties evaluated:
process in which the interlock between the aluminum and
 Fire performance the polyethylene is achieved by means of a chemical bond.
 Structural Alucobond® Plus wall and soffit panels are manufactured
 Interior Finish Classification in a nominal thickness of 0.16 inch (4 mm) and are
1.2 Evaluation to the following green code: available in widths up to 62 inches (1575 mm). Lengths are
available up to 25 feet (7620 mm).
 2019 California Green Building Standards Code
(CALGreen), Title 24, Part 11 Alucobond® Plus wall and soffit panels have a flame-
spread index of less than 25 and a smoke-developed index
 2015, 2012 and 2008 ICC 700 National Green Building
of less than 450 when tested in accordance with
Standard™ (ICC 700-2015, ICC 700-2012 and ICC 700-
ASTM E84, and have a Class A interior finish
2008)
classification.
Attributes verified:
3.2 Framing: Installation of the Alucobond® Plus wall and
See Section 2.0 soffit panels requires the following materials that are
2.0 USES supplied by the MCM system fabricator for the Rout and
Alucobond® Plus wall and soffit panels are metal Return with Clips, or Continuous Rout and Return
composite panels complying with 2018 IBC Section 1406 Extrusions installation methods:
[2015, 2012, 2009 and 2006 IBC Section 1407] for metal 3.2.1 Rout and Return with Clips: The following
composite materials (MCMs), and are used as nonload- materials are used in a rout and return panel installation
bearing, exterior wall and soffit panels in accordance with method (see Figure 2):
Chapter 14 of the IBC; interior wall finish in accordance
with Chapter 8 of the IBC; and in various interior  1-inch-by-1-inch-by-1/8-inch-thick-by-2-inch-long (25.4 mm
applications in covered mall buildings in accordance with by 25.4 mm by 3.2 mm by 50.8 mm) extruded aluminum
Chapter 4 of the IBC as denoted in Sections 5.8 through angles to attach the panel to the building structure or
5.10 of this report. framing (see Figure 5).
The attributes of the Alucobond® Plus wall and soffit  I-shaped extruded aluminum reinforcement stiffener
panels have been verified as conforming to the provisions (see Figure 2).
of (i) CALGreen Sections A4.405.1.3 (prefinished
3.2.2 Continuous Rout and Return Extrusions: The
materials) and A5.406.1.2 (reduced maintenance); (ii) ICC
following materials are used in a continuous rout and
700-2015 and ICC 700-2012 Sections 601.7, 11.601.7,
return panel installation method (see Figures 3 and 4):
and 12.1(A).601.7 (site-applied finishing materials); and (iii)
ICC 700-2008 Section 601.7 (site-applied finishing  Continuous rout and return extrusions (see Figures
materials). Note that decisions on compliance for those 3 and 4).

ICC-ES Evaluation Reports are not to be construed as representing aesthetics or any other attributes not specifically addressed, nor are they to be construed
as an endorsement of the subject of the report or a recommendation for its use. There is no warranty by ICC Evaluation Service, LLC, express or implied, as
to any finding or other matter in this report, or as to any product covered by the report.

Copyright © 2020 ICC Evaluation Service, LLC. All rights reserved. Page 1 of 7
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 I-shaped extruded aluminum reinforcement (see entire perimeter with a V-groove router, leaving only the
Figure 3). face sheet uncut at the base of the groove along all edges.
The panels are then folded at a right angle to create a
 11/2-inch-by-11/2-inch-by-1/8-inch thick (38.1 mm by return leg at each panel edge, using the facer sheet as a
38.1 mm by 3.2 mm) extruded aluminum clips to attach hinge. A continuous rout and return extrusion bar is
the “I” shaped extruded aluminum reinforcement to the attached to the return leg. The continuous rout and return
return edge of the panel (see Figure 3). extrusion bar must be attached to the structural wall
4.0 DESIGN AND INSTALLATION framing on 24-inch (609.6 mm) spacing. The Alucobond®
Plus panels may be installed in sections not greater than
4.1 General: 5 feet (1.5 m) wide when using an I-shaped aluminum
If there are any conflicts between this report and the stiffener member, as shown in Figure 3, at spacing up to
manufacturer’s installation instructions, this report shall 24 inches (609.6 mm) on center, along the panel length.
govern. The manufacturer’s published installation The stiffeners are attached with one No. 8 by 1/2-inch,
instructions and this report must be strictly adhered to, and self-tapping hex head screw at each end of the member to
a copy of the manufacturer’s instructions must be available the continuous rout and return extrusion bar, and
at all times on the jobsite during installation. with an approved structural silicone sealant/adhesive
(ASTM C1184) between the stiffener and the panel. See
The panels are attached to the exterior building walls and Figure 4 for typical details of the continuous rout and return
soffits by use of attachment accessories installed on the extrusion bar method of attachment.
panels by the MCM systems fabricator at the time of panel
4.3.3 Exterior Walls of Buildings of Type I, II, III or IV
fabrication. There is one basic type of attachment
Construction: Where exterior walls are required to be
accessory used with the Alucobond® Plus panels: it is the
Type I, II, III or IV (non-combustible) construction, the
“rout-and-return” method of attachment, as described in
interior of the building must be separated from Alucobond®
Sections 4.3.1 and 4.3.2.
Plus wall panels by one layer of 5/8-inch-thick (15.87 mm),
4.2 Design: Type X gypsum wallboard and 31/2-inch-thick (88.9 mm),
R-13, foil-faced fiberglass insulation, as indicated in Figure
The maximum allowable component and cladding design 4. Also, the floor level cavity at the intersection of the floor
wind load pressure for the Alucobond® Plus panels slab and the exterior wall framing system must be
installed in accordance with this report is 33.3 psf (1.6 kPa) completely filled with an approved material or system
positive and 50.0 psf (2.4 kPa) negative. Support framing, meeting the criteria specified in 2018, 2015 and 2012 IBC
such as wall studs, must be designed in accordance with Section 715.4, 2009 IBC Section 714.4 or 2006 IBC
the applicable code to be adequate for these loadings. Section 713.4, as applicable.
4.3 Installation: 5.0 CONDITIONS OF USE
The MCM system must be fabricated in a shop by an MCM The Alucobond® Plus Wall Panels and Soffit described in
systems fabricator. Such fabrication involves cutting and this report comply with, or are suitable alternatives to what
forming the panels as well as installing panel stiffeners and is specified in, the code indicated in Section 1.0 of this
other attachment accessories as needed to attach the report, subject to the following conditions:
panels to the exterior of the building in the field. The two
basic types of attachment are the rout-and-return and the 5.1 Installation must comply with this report, the
continuous rout and return extrusion method of support manufacturer’s published instructions, the applicable
described in Sections 4.3.1 and 4.3.2. code and the approved plans.
5.2 The design of the structural support system
4.3.1 Rout and Return Installation: The rout and return
(building framing, attachment accessories, silicone
method of attachment is based on routing the panels
sealants/adhesives and panel connections provided
around their entire perimeter with a V-groove router,
by the MCM systems fabricator) and fasteners used
leaving only the face sheet uncut at the base of the groove
to attach the panels to the supports must be
along all edges. The panels are then folded at a right angle
submitted to and approved by the code official for
to create a return leg at each panel edge, using the facer
each project.
sheet as a hinge. A 6063-T5 aluminum angle must be
attached to the return leg using two No. 12-14 by 5.3 Where exterior walls are required to be
3/ -inch-long (19.05 mm), self-drilling, tapping screws. The
4 noncombustible on buildings of Types I, II, III or IV
adjoining angle leg must be attached to the structural wall construction, Alucobond® Plus wall panels may be
framing with approved fasteners spaced a maximum of installed as specified in Section 4.3.3 of this report.
24 inches (609.6 mm) on center. The Alucobond® Plus Where the panels are elements of a balcony or
panels may be installed in sections not greater than 5 feet similar projection, such as architectural trim or
(1.5 m) wide when using an I-shaped aluminum stiffener embellishments, the panels are not required to be
member, as shown in Figure 2, at spacing up to 24 inches installed as specified in Section 4.3.3 of this report.
(609.6 mm) on center, along the panel length. The
5.4 The MCM system fabricator must provide a certificate
stiffeners are attached with two 5000 series aluminum pop
of compliance to the code official attesting that the
rivets, complying with Industrial Fasteners Institute (IFI)
MCM system fabrication includes the use of
Standard 114, at each end of the member to the angle that
adhesives approved for use, that the adhesive
is attached to the rout and return, and with an approved
application complies with the adhesive manufacturer’s
structural silicone sealant/adhesive (ASTM C1184)
installation guidelines, and that the MCM system
between the stiffener and the panel. See Figures 1 through
fabrication complies with approved construction
3 for typical details of the rout and return method of
documents. Additionally, when the attachment
attachment.
methods employ adhesives other than to adhere
4.3.2 Continuous Rout and Return Extrusion stiffeners to the back of the panel, special inspections
Installation: The continuous rout and return method of are required in accordance with 2018, 2015 and 2012
attachment is based on routing the panels around their IBC Section 1704.2.5 [2009 and 2006 IBC Section
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1704.2], or the fabricator must be approved by the 2015 and 2012 IBC[Section 402.11 of the 2009 IBC
code official in accordance with 2018 and 2015 IBC (Section 402.10 of the 2006 IBC)].
Section 1704.2.5.1 [2012 IBC 1704.2.5.2 (2009 and
5.11 Alucobond® Plus wall panels may be used as
2006 IBC Section 1704.2.2)], as such operations are
components of children’s playground structures
outside the scope of this report.
where installed under the limitations of Section
5.5 For each project, engineering calculations prepared 402.6.3 of the 2018, 2015 and 2012 IBC [Section
by a registered design professional confirming the 402.12 of the 2009 IBC (Section 402.11 of the 2006)].
allowable transverse load capacity for the MCM
panels and the attachment accessories to the 5.12 Alucobond® Plus wall panels may be used as plastic
panels and signs where installed under the limitations
supporting wall or substrate must be submitted to the
authority having jurisdiction for review. The allowable specified in Section 402.6.4 of the 2018, 2015 and
2012 IBC [Section 402.16 of the 2009 IBC (Section
transverse load capacity must be equal to or exceed
the design loads determined in accordance with 402.15 of the 2006 IBC)].
Chapter 16 of the IBC. Allowable transverse load 5.13 Alucobond Plus soffit panels must be installed under
capacities are set forth in Section 4.2 of this report. the limitations of Section 705 of the 2018, 2015, 2012
5.6 Where a fire-resistance-rated (one-, two-, three- or and 2009 IBC [Section 704 of the 2006 IBC].
four-hour) exterior wall is required by the 2006 IBC, 5.14 The Alucobond® Plus wall panels are produced in
Alucobond® Plus wall panels may be installed as a Benton, Kentucky, under a quality control program
veneer over the face of the fire-resistance-rated (one-, with inspections by ICC-ES.
two-, three- or four-hour) exterior wall construction,
6.0 EVIDENCE SUBMITTED
but must be more than 5 feet (1524 mm) from an
interior lot line or 10 feet (3048 mm) from buildings on 6.1 Data in accordance with the ICC-ES Acceptance
the same lot. Criteria for Metal Composite Material (MCM) (AC25),
dated October 2010 (editorially revised May 2018).
5.7 Where a fire-resistance-rated (one-, two-, three- or
four-hour) exterior wall is required by the 2018, 2015, 6.2 Data in accordance with NFPA 285.
2012 and 2009 IBC, Alucobond® Plus wall panels
7.0 IDENTIFICATION
may be installed as a veneer over the face of the fire-
resistance-rated (one-, two-, three- or four-hour) 7.1 The panels are identified by a label noting the name
exterior wall construction, provided the MCM system and address of 3A Composites USA, Inc., the
is installed on the outer surface of the exterior wall in product name, the thickness, the flame-spread index,
a manner such that the attachments do not penetrate and the evaluation report number (ESR-1185).
through the entire exterior wall assembly.
7.2 The report holder’s contact information is the
5.8 Evidence must be submitted to the code official of following:
weather tightness of the wall cladding system in
3A COMPOSITES USA INC.
accordance with Section 1406.6 of the 2018 IBC
POST OFFICE BOX 507
[Section 1407.6 of the 2015, 2012 and 2009 IBC].
208 WEST 5TH STREET
5.9 Alucobond® Plus wall panels may be used as interior BENTON, KENTUCKY 42025-0507
finish where Class A, B, and C materials are required (800) 626-3365
under Chapter 8 of the IBC. www.3ACompositesUSA.com
infor.usa@3acomposites.com
5.10 Alucobond® Plus wall panels may be used as
components of kiosks where installed under the
limitations specified in Section 402.6.2 of the 2018,
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FIGURE 1
FIGURE 2
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FIGURE 3—REINFORCING EXTRUSION

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FIGURE 4—DETAILS FOR NONCOMBUSTIBLE ALTERNATIVES – ROUT AND RETURN WITH PERIMETER EXTRUSIONS
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FIGURE 5—ROUT AND RETURN CLIP ATTACHMENT