CERAM Building Technology (CBT) is based in purpose built laboratories within the City of Stoke-on-Trent, situated midway between Manchester and Liverpool to the North, and Birmingham to the South.

CBT measured:

• Racking stiffness loads
• Racking strength loads
• Basic racking resistance

Using:

• BS and EN test methods
• Flexible rig
• Fast and efficient programme

A bespoke racking load test rig, capable of accommodating 2.4m, 3.6m and 4.8m square panels, was designed and constructed.

90 panels were tested in racking shear, to British Standard and European Standard test methods, at a rate of 2 panels a day.

Deflections and timber sheathing were recorded.

An authoritative report with eleven volumes of photographic record was given to the Department of the Environment. It included recommendations based upon the results, as to how the European approach to testing can be accommodated in the UK Design Code.