Introduction of a Panelized Brick Veneer Wall System and Its Building Science Evaluation

This paper introduces a panelized brick veneer over steel stud backup wall system to address some of the shortcomings of conventional systems. Thermal and hygrothermal analyses of the proposed wall system with different stud gauges and arrangements are discussed. The movement joint design aspects, a pressure moderation performance evaluation, the simulated wind-driven water penetration results, and an example cost analysis are also presented. This study provides information about some of the attributes of the proposed system such as crack resistance and water penetration potential as well as the pressure moderation aspect. Some of the issues that need consideration for the practical application of the system are also described.