These Model Guidelines for Design, Fabrication, and Installation of Engineered Panelized Walls will serve as a resource document for the housing and building component industries in the design, fabrication, and installation of panelized wall construction. Most importantly, they provide a starting point for development of an industry standard that through a reference in future building codes, can advance panelized wall construction as a safe and affordable housing industry. The Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing Program (PATH) has identified panelized construction as presenting significant opportunities for advancing both the affordability and quality of housing.

The Guidelines are based on compilation of current building practices and research information relevant to panelized wall construction. State-of-the-art methods provide the fabricator, designer, and builder with a set of tools for efficient design of residential structures and other buildings. The document is organized in four sections covering general issues, responsibilities, quality guidelines, and structural evaluation. Appendices provide useful supplemental data and design examples.

The companion document titled, Design, Fabrication, and Installation of Engineered Panelized Walls: Two Case Studies, provides an evaluation of current technology used in the design, fabrication, and installation of panelized wall systems, including engineered wood frame walls and an innovative steel frame wall system.