Panelenspanning

Panelenspanning is a term used in architecture, construction, and manufacturing to describe the distance between supports in a panelized element, such as wall panels, floor panels, or facade components. It defines how far a panel can extend without intermediate support while carrying designated loads and maintaining acceptable stiffness and serviceability.

The span influences structural behavior, including stiffness, deflection, load transfer, and dynamic response, as well as acoustic and fire performance. Longer spans require stiffer materials, more robust edge detailing, or additional bracing and connections. Material type (wood, gypsum, concrete, metal), thickness, joint design, and fastening method all determine the permissible span.

Design considerations include boundary conditions (simply supported or clamped), expected loads (dead, live, wind, seismic), and environmental factors (humidity, temperature). Creep, thermal expansion, and differential movement between different materials are important for long spans. Standards and codes provide maximum span values for specific panel systems, and engineers verify spans through calculations, simulations, and tested data.

Applications are common in modular construction, prefabricated façades, interior partitions, and lightweight floor or ceiling systems. Panelenspanning varies by region and industry practice, and the term may appear as paneloverbrenging or spantechniek in some contexts.

See also: Panelization, Modular construction, Building envelope.