Building News is an information portal for all professional building specifiers. Here you can find all of the latest construction news from around the UK and the rest of the world.

Non-regulation manhole covers consistently being used on new developments

Non-regulation manhole covers may be being installed incorrectly on type III roads on new housing and commercial developments across the UK.

According to the civils and drainage supplies specialist Scott Parnell Ltd. and manufacturer Wrekin, the issue could cost housing developers significant sums to rectify.

The regulations, which were updated as part of Sewers for Adoption (7th Edition), include a stipulation that manhole covers situated on trunk roads, dual carriageways, A roads, and bus lanes and services, should be 600mm x 600mm with a frame depth of 150mm and should comply to BS EN124, BS7903 and HA104/09* standards.  

 

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Steve Parnell, Director of Scott Parnell, said:

“The updates, which have been in force for quite some time, can be overlooked. Currently, there is a real lack of awareness for what constitutes a correct manhole cover for the purpose. For example, EN124 compliant D400 manhole cover with the correct clear opening and frame depth might be deemed suitable, but it’s not necessarily Highways Agency compliant.”

However, the issue isn’t just the type of manhole covers being used, but also how they are installed.

Wrekin, explained:

“Manhole covers situated in NRSWA road categories I, II and III should be installed using Highways England DMRB HA104/09* compliant bedding mortar. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, this isn’t always happening so we are regularly seeing the groundwork around manhole covers disintegrate over time. This can cause problems in the long term, including surface cracking, as well as more major issues where manhole covers have sunk into the ground creating serious hazards for vehicles that could prove to be catastrophic.”

Scott Parnell and Wrekin have been working together to formulate a solution. In addition to raising awareness of the issue, it is urging housing developers to consider using specified, ‘own-brand’ manhole covers.

Wrekin, continued:

“It is important that housing developers to ensure the correct product is always installed onsite. By manufacturing fully compliant manhole covers that include the developer’s logo on the top side, the developer can specify this product be used onsite, making it instantly recognisable as a compliant product and providing the assurance for the developer, associated contractors and the Highways Agency that it meets the required regulations and that costly rectification work doesn’t have to be carried out. The additional bonus is that the developer’s brand remains visible onsite for its lifetime, even after the project has ended and they have departed.”

While there is still some way to go to ensure compliance is adopted across the board, the hope is that more awareness of the issue will result in better communication among developers, contractors and sub-contractors resulting in fewer replacements having to be carried out and substantial cost savings.

 

Website: www.scottparnell.com

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STEELMAKERS URGE, SAVE OUR SECTOR, COMPLETE HS2

The UK’s steelmakers have urged the government to complete HS2 to boost the struggling sector.

The rail project – which would link London, the Midlands and the north – is expected to use 2m tonnes of steel if it goes ahead.

However, the project is in some doubt as estimated costs have spiralled to £88bn and the government is currently undertaking a review of its viability.

 

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Director general of British Steel Gareth Stace stated that the project needs to happen in order to boost the steel industry.

“The prime minister spoke frequently during the election campaign about unleashing Britain’s potential, investing in much needed infrastructure, as well as a promised new approach to public procurement with a focus on buying British,” he said.

“Giving HS2 the green light will signal to industry that this was more than campaign rhetoric. For too long HS2 and other major infrastructure projects have been hampered by the political stalemate in Westminster, the time for delay and indecision is over.

“Government must live up to its promises to improve procurement to ensure the benefits of public infrastructure spend are experienced by UK industry.”

High energy costs, Brexit uncertainty and competition from foreign competitors has crimped the UK’s steel sector, resulting in British Steel announcing insolvency earlier this year.

Chinese dealmaker Jingye Group has since agreed to buy the company for £70m.

If HS2 gets built the project would add 2000 jobs to the industry, according to advocacy group UK Steel.

The government is expected to soon rule on whether the project goes ahead, after its projected budget has increased from its original £56bn figure.

A government-commissioned report into the viability of the project recently leaked to the press, suggesting that HS2 should go ahead in its entirety.

Source: City A.M.

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As part of its ongoing commitment to keeping up to carbon neutral standards, XL Joinery, the market-leading supplier of doors and associated products, has announced its support of three inspiring projects throughout 2020. The projects were chosen as a result of a staff vote at the company’s head office.

 

The first project chosen was the Borehole Rehabilitation Project, which helps ensure safe supplies of clean drinking water for local communities in Uganda. The support will help the project identify and repair broken boreholes, thereby lowering the risk of disease by providing clean drinking water. The need for fuel is also lessened as water does not need to be boiled before consumption.

 

XL Joinery will also be supporting the Nanyang Dajing River Solar Cooker Project in China which helps replace 50,000 stoves in the Nanyang region with clean solar cookers. This simultaneously builds a better quality of life for the local community and lessens the impact on the environment.

 

Finally, staff voted to continue support of the Mariposas Hydroelectric Power Project which recycles the unclean waters of the Maule Norte Alto canal in order to generate electricity, replacing traditional gas or coal.

 

David Crossley, Head of the Carbon Neutral team at XL Joinery, commented: “We are so proud to be supporting these projects that not only help to combat climate change and also people who are most at risk. Sustainability is at the forefront of our business and we will continue to pave the way for sustainable business practices in the future.”

 

For more information about XL Joinery, please visit: www.xljoinery.co.uk

 

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Creagh Concrete invests £1m in new offices to accommodate growth from GB market

Toomebridge headquartered concrete products manufacturer Creagh Concrete has invested £1m in new offices to accommodate the company’s growing workforce.

One of the UK’s largest producers of concrete products for a range of market sectors, Creagh operates from five sites across GB and Northern Ireland, including its head office and largest manufacturing site in Toomebridge.

Privately owned by the McKeague family, the company has grown significantly in the past two years to now employ over 700 staff, including 300 at its primary location. To accommodate the expansion, a new 6,500 sq. ft. office block has now been completed next to The Elk complex on the Hillhead Road and staff from Creagh’s Rapidres team have moved in. This team are responsible for the design and delivery of prestigious, offsite bespoke concrete building systems.

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Creagh Concrete’s Chief Executive, Seamus McKeague, said: “We’re proud to open these new offices, which were needed because of the rapid growth of the business. In recent years Creagh has moved from being just a concrete and materials supplier to a specialist subcontractor, which has opened up new opportunities. Today, some 85% of our turnover comes from Great Britain and we are also seeing new opportunities unfolding in the Republic of Ireland.

“We believe that Creagh is leading the market with innovation in concrete, providing new solutions across the construction industry. Our turnover to 31 March 2020 will be £110m and, based on the pipeline of contracts secured, we expect turnover to grow to £200m by 2020/21. We hope to increase direct employment to 1,000 in the next year, growth which will support a lot of additional employment in our local community.”

Creagh Concrete’s latest construction projects include Circle Square, a six-storey hotel on top of a 9-storey car park in Manchester and St. Martin’s Place, a 17-storey premium residential development in Birmingham, both due for completion soon. Other multimillion-pound contracts won recently include a 7-storey apartment block in Chatham Waters, Kent, a 17-storey five-star hotel in Portland Street, Manchester and a 14-storey apartment block in Sutton Court, Surrey.

Mr McKeague added: “We have seen many good Northern Ireland based companies who have gone out and found new markets. In some sectors they have become dominant players. Many are our customers and we have followed their lead to help us identify new opportunities.

“Today, we have active jobs from the north of Scotland to Southampton and we are able to service those jobs because we have invested in manufacturing bases in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.”

Creagh Concrete has the largest prestressed manufacturing plant in the UK and has gained market share due to the efficiency and performance of its products, including its Spantherm thermally efficient flooring and Rapidres, an offsite fast-track build system.

At present the company is recruiting for a few technical roles, including structural engineers, REVIT technicians, CAD detailers and technical sales representatives.

More information can be found at www.creaghconcrete.co.uk

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Adveco Introduces the FPi Range of Commercial Air Source Heat Pumps for Hybrid DHW Systems

  • Delivers above average coefficient of performance to help reduce a building’s energy consumption and reduce operational costs
  • Perfect for hybrid DHW systems that help meet new carbon targets
  • Quick and easy to install and then maintain

Hot water and heating specialist Adveco, in partnership with Italian heating manufacturer Cosmogas, introduces the FPi range of commercial-grade Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP). The two variants, the FPi-9 and FPi-13, provide excellent levels of performance, especially throughout the UK’s relatively mild winters.

 

FPi delivers an easy to install method for commercial sites to achieve lower cost water heating or cooling. With sleek looks and quiet operation, the compact monobloc design is capable of providing domestic hot water (DHW) at up to 55°C, or cool water to -7°C for use in fan coils.

 

Bill Sinclair, technical director, Adveco, says, “The FPi range of ASHPs is perfect for combining with a traditional gas water heater and controls to create a hybrid system. Offering better compatibility with existing DHW distribution systems and the demands of higher thermal requirements. This approach provides the versatility to reduce operational costs while maintaining the higher water temperatures demanded by commercial DHW operations. A hybrid system built around the FPi can help businesses meet their carbon targets in the coming decade, while keeping running costs low.”

 

Due to advanced vector control technology that provides accurate response to variable operational cycles throughout the year, the FPi range is able to achieve an above-average coefficient of performance (COP). Ranging up to a very high COP of 4.7, FPi ASHPs can make a real impact on a property’s energy consumption.

 

The FPi range is virtually maintenance free, requiring simple, regular cleaning of the coil and filter. Sensors constantly check pressure and each unit is equipped as standard with frost protection, enabling them to operate effectively with excellent yields even if temperatures drop as low as -25°C.

 

 

Technical Information

 

 FPi-9FPi-13
Dimensions HxWxD (mm)

 

753x943x3541195x1123x400
Weight (kg) 62.5113
Noise level (dB(A))5659
Max. heating capacity (1) (kW)10.112.6
Max. heating capacity (2) (kW)9.5311.5
COP min. / max. (1)4.02/4.653.89/4.7
COP min. / max. (2)3.12/3.552.97/3.28
Circuit max. pressure (bar)4242
Rated water flow (L/s)0.430.61

 

(1) Heating condition: Water in/out temperature 30°C/35°C. Ambient temperature DB/WB 7/6°C.

(2) Heating condition: Water in/out temperature 40°C/45°C. Ambient temperature DB/WB 7/6°C.

 

About Adveco

With almost 50 years of industry experience, Adveco is the trusted specialist provider of bespoke hot water, heating and power systems to the building services industry. Committed to partnering with its commercial and government customers, Adveco helps create comfortable, efficient, functional, safe and sustainable buildings through invaluable support in the design, supply, commissioning and service of business-critical hot water, heating and power. Headquartered in the UK, the company operates across Europe from offices in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Adveco – Expertly engineered for you. Visit www.adveco.co

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NORTECH SUPPORTING TEENAGE INVENTOR

NORTECH PROUD TO SUPPORT TEEN INVENTOR’S ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM

 People and vehicle access control specialist Nortech is heading into the end of the year on a high, with complying with the latest ISO 9001 standard, a busy year at exhibitions and getting involved with a local teen pioneer among its 2019 highlights.

Nortech’s Managing Director Steve Blackler commented, “We are very pleased with how the company has progressed this year. We continue to grow and meet new standards and were also delighted to meet with Freddie Howells, a young inventor from nearby Usk over the summer to support him in his work to create a facial recognition door lock for an elderly relative with dementia.”

After appearing in the news earlier in the year, Freddie was approached by Nortech to help him further develop his award-nominated home monitoring system. Freddie was invited to Nortech to discuss his product with the team and also received a tour of the site as well as some training to help him to expand his access control knowledge.

When Freddie heard his 88-year-old great aunt Pat who has dementia was struggling with potentially letting strangers into her home, he wanted to do something, so went on to invent something that would help her and others when home alone. Freddie developed a facial recognition, door entry and home monitoring system, the Door Pi Plus, where a motion sensor attached to the individual’s front door detects motion and it triggers the camera to take a picture of the visitor.

The image is checked against a database of ‘known’ faces and if the person is recognised they are able to scan their ID tag for two factor authentication. If the face and ID match, the door is opened. If the face and ID are not recognised the visitor is prompted to call a number to gain access.

Following his visit to Nortech, Freddie has been offered ongoing support by the team to assist him in finalising his invention so it continues to help his great aunt and others in the future.

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After taking on a number of apprentices in the last year, September has seen the intake progress into college programmes whilst still gaining experience alongside the Nortech technical team. The company’s commitment to growth and the community has played a big part in its success and enabled it to expand in other areas.

To further help its installers, Nortech is developing a tech support area for its current website to ensure engineers can access the material they need easily when installing Nortech products. Work on the website has led to more traffic and takes on board the suggestions made by those who frequently work with Nortech, who are then likely to also look at other areas of the website.

Among the news items regularly posted on its website and social media are references to Nortech’s presence at several shows this year and its pride in making the shortlist for a number of industry awards. Alongside the roadshows the company frequently attends, Nortech has also attended Parkex, Elevate and the LEGIC conference over the last few months and is constantly further developing its existing product range to satisfy industry demands.

Nortech has supplied products and solutions to the security industry for over 25 years as an independent British company. The company uses extensive experience and expertise to create new security products to fit their clients’ needs and designs everything with the customer in mind.

Further information is available from Nortech on 01633 485533 or by emailing sales@nortechcontrol.com or by visiting the company’s website at www.nortechcontrol.com

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‘Curbing’ carbon emissions with plastic

Supporting the UK government’s drive towards a net-zero carbon emissions economy, Durakerb – part of the Econpro group – has announced the installation of its 400,000th kerb in the UK, saving the country 12 million kilogrammes of CO2 in the last decade.

Made from 88% recycled polymer, Durakerb units – kerbs, kerbside and surface drainage – are comprised of the equivalent of 182 plastic bottles. Over the last 11 years, the company has saved thousands of tonnes of plastic waste going to landfill, equivalent to 72 million plastic bottles.

The company’s products deliver a 73% reduction in carbon emissions per full load when compared to the concrete. Durakerb has also saved approximately 12,000,000 kgs of emitted carbon, through the production of Durakerb compared to the precast concrete counterpart and removal of 1,000 articulated vehicles in transport due to the lightweight product. Its range of products are greener, safer, simpler alternative to traditional concrete kerbs.

The interlocking design of Durakerb units allows for 100% alignment wherever they are installed. The units can be cut with hand tools and no additional training is required, saving the equivalent of 9,000 manual labour days.

During a recent scheme, Jon Lee, Skanska’s Operations Manager at Hampshire Highways, said: “These plastic kerbs have been BBA/HAPAS approved meaning they are manufactured to the highest standards for the Hampshire network. With its lightweight feature, we can lay four times faster than traditional methods. Skanska UK, as a leader of sustainability in the construction industry, have recently committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2045. The move to using recycled products helps move us to achieving this target.”

Part of the Econpro Group, a specialist group of companies that transform waste and by-product into sustainable products and solutions, Durakerb has been championing a more sustainable future for 11 years, providing a fully circular product that can be recycled and remade at the end of its lifespan.

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Phil Sutton, Managing Director at Econpro, commented: “With a renewed focus on plastics waste looking for sustainable markets, we believe further adoption of recycled polymer kerbing solutions can offer a viable outlet for thousands of tons of waste plastics in the UK every year, we’re proud to be at the forefront of the development of these products as we drive toward carbon neutrality within the UK in 2050.

“Each part of Durakerb, from manufacture to transport, installation and product lifespan, has been considered, to ensure we’re driving forward within the circular economy.”

 

To find out more about Durakerb go to: http://www.durakerb.co.uk/about-durakerb/

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rinnai’s energy efficient multipoint water heater – never run out of hot water again!

Now available for domestic applications from Rinnai are the 11i A+rated continuous flow gas fired water heaters, with high energy efficiencies, low running costs and a consistent delivery of temperature accurate water.

Rinnai makes over 2million water heaters per year and as such is at the forefront of creating unit cost advantages for installers. The units are probably the most competitively priced type of their kind currently available on the UK market.

The Rinnai 11i is a modern-day variant on the multipoint water heater – plus all technological advances and innovations – yet at a very similar cost to its lower specification counterparts.

Increasingly, installers are recognizing the benefits of Rinnai’s modern-day variant on traditional water heating solutions in terms of the cost effectiveness of these high performing multipoint appliances.

Rinnai’s multipoint water heaters are far more energy efficient than outdated storage systems and are the preferred water heating method of choice in domestic properties and light commercial sites such as, cafes, pubs, restaurants and other smaller to mid-size outlets.

The increase in popularity is quite simple – these units deliver high volumes of water instantly at any time of the day, or night, all at accurate temperatures for user comfort and safety. They are also easy to operate and simple to install and maintain.

These Rinnai multipoint water heaters, for example, eliminate the problem of sudden changes in water temperature, resulting in cold showers or scalding hot baths – the water temperature you set is the water temperature you get. So, if somebody is showering at 42°C and a tap is turned on to draw a bath elsewhere in the property, the temperature does not vary, and there is no chance of either user running out of hot water.

The lightweight 15kg 11i water heater is compact enough to install in the smallest of spaces and is the ideal replacement for large obtrusive cylinders. Featuring easy to use digital controls this small but robust and durable unit is also simple to install.

The unit draws down 6.10kW – 21.60kW of natural gas and has an eleven litre per minute maximum flow. Internally wall mounted the 11i water heater measures 675mm high x 370mm wide x 134mm deep.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.RINNAIUK.COM

 

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KINGSPAN CPD OFFERS EDUCATION IN BB101

Kingspan Insulation has released a new, RIBA accredited CPD providing advice on how designers can use insulation specification to meet the thermal comfort requirements within Building Bulletin 101 (BB101) – Guidelines on ventilation, thermal comfort and indoor air quality in schools.

The free CPD provides a comprehensive overview of the recommendations within the document, which was extensively revised in 2018 and aims to achieve healthier learning environments for students. Amongst the key changes are stricter requirements for indoor air quality and a new adaptive approach to how thermal comfort is assessed. The presentation details the impact that thermal comfort in particular can have on students, and how to meet best practice, including Part L of the Building Regulations (England and Wales) and Section 6 (Energy) of the Building Standards (Scotland).

Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how different insulation solutions can be used to meet these improved standards in thermal comfort. In addition, the presentation also looks at new research, which links the use of more thermally efficient wall insulation with improved daylight levels within internal spaces, and the potential benefits this can deliver for student wellbeing and attainment.

To arrange a seminar at your office, simply visit the Kingspan Insulation website: kingspaninsulation.co.uk/cpd

 

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New Draka UC-Connect Structured Cabling Solution Guides for Quick & Simple Reference

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Prysmian Group, the world’s largest cable manufacturer, has released three new interactive product guides online for its Draka UCConnect™ structured cabling system in the UK. These provide an overview and quick reference facility to its best-selling Category 6A, Category 6 and Category 5e solutions combining data cables and connectivity into end to end permanent link and channel configurations.

 

The three guides cover the Draka UC500 Cat.6A/Class EA shielded, UC400 Cat.6/Class E unshielded and UC300 Cat. 5e/Class D unshielded solutions. Each guide has been designed as a double page spread divided into three sections: floor distributors, installation cables and wall outlets/consolidation points. Each product features the part number, part name, concise description and image. Installation cables also have the construction, diameter and available box/reel sizes listed.

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Colour coding and easy to understand icons are used throughout the guides to highlight important information, such as CPR classification, remote powering (PoE) compliance and third-party certification.

 

The guides include interactive elements, including direct links to the installation cable datasheets, connectivity datasheets and termination demonstration videos for key connectivity products.

 

To download copies of the new Draka UC-Connect product guides, please CLICK HERE

 

Prysmian Group

 

 

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