attaching ACM to steel frame

[Gino]

I didn't mean a direct hit, but in the vicinity. Around here, during cold months, the snow plows will hit signs with such force, that in the spring there are lots of repairs needed. Built in obsolescence is nice, but ya need to at least construct them correctly to withstand normal conditions and a 4 x 8 3mm won't withstand sh!t. The 6mm needs support in the middle at least one, if not 2 uprights in there. Ask your local codes department what they wanna see in there and then ask your insurance company if you're covered for these kindsa circumstnaces.

 

[Gino]

Right on. No worries about the welds. The inner frame dimensions are 96.5 x 48.5, giving a 1/4" gap on all sides.

I take it these are over-sized panels ??

 

[tulsagraphics]

I take it these are over-sized panels ??

The recessed area is slightly over-sized so the panels will fit in there without smashing against the welds. Basically a 1/4" gap on all sides. The graphics are pretty basic -- white background w/ 2-color cut vinyl lettering, nothing crazy. Should look fine, but I can add extra trim/edge covers if necessary. This very small church had a low budget and only wanted the basics - so I didn't pull out all the stops this time.

 

[tulsagraphics]

After discussing pros/cons with the client, they gave me the okay for visible (painted) fasteners, and the panels have been upgraded to 6mm Alumalite.

Lots of great info in here everyone. Very much appreciated!

 

[White Haus]

For the sake of playing devil's advocate, and assuming you can get acm to bond to itself really well...........Couldn't you in theory bond the two sheets to themselves once in place?

Run a bead of vhb or whatever along that frame just to be safe, but if you scuffed and bonded the two sheets together with that lipped sandwiched between..........wouldn't that just about stay in there until the end of time?

I personally would go w/ mechanical fasteners, but just curious more than anything.

 

[Gino]

For the sake of playing devil's advocate, and assuming you can get acm to bond to itself really well...........Couldn't you in theory bond the two sheets to themselves once in place?

Run a bead of vhb or whatever along that frame just to be safe, but if you scuffed and bonded the two sheets together with that lipped sandwiched between..........wouldn't that just about stay in there until the end of time?

I personally would go w/ mechanical fasteners, but just curious more than anything.

You'll see in post #8 that there is about a 2" or 3" gap between the faces.

 

[White Haus]

You'll see in post #8 that there is about a 2" or 3" gap between the faces.

Ah yes, you're right. I think staring at spreadsheets and formulas all friggin' day has officially fried my brain.

Might be time to call it a week.

 

[Gino]

Or time to start the weekend.....................

 

[netsol]

use two sheets
fold each one into a tray,
fit trays over steel frames and fix to outer frame


PB

i like the way you think...

 

[tulsagraphics]

As I was installing today... I could definitely imagine how flimsy 3mm ACM would have been compared to the 6mm Alumalite I used. Still a little bit of flex with 6mm using 8 fasteners... 12 was the perfect amount. Thanks all!