Which public sector security solution is right for you?

 

It’s a sad but unavoidable fact – public buildings are highly visible, likely to be full of expensive equipment, and that makes them an obvious target for thieves and vandals.

Fences are one of the most fundamental forms of security we have available to us in modern construction.

There’s little more effective at preventing burglaries than a physical barrier a would-be criminal can’t pass through and finds hard to climb.

But while everyone probably has a very clear picture in their mind when they hear the word ‘fence’, the reality is surprisingly complicated.

There’s an extensive range of different security fencing solutions on the market today, all of which are suited for different situations.

Here’s our guide to some of the options available, and where they excel.

Palisade gates and fencing

For heavy-duty perimeter protection applications, Palisade gates and fencing are an excellent choice – in fact, it’s thought the Romans used wooden versions to secure their army camps.

Usually made of galvanised steel, Palisade fencing is supplied in kit form, with the vertical pales fixed to two rails running horizontally.

The design allows the fence to be erected so that it can follow the contours of the ground, making it ideal for uneven land.

Palisade fencing presents a formidable barrier to thieves and other intruders, especially when installed at heights of up to 3m.

Available in W or D profiles, it’s topped with a spike that offers a clear deterrent to would be thieves, and some incorporate other forms of anti-vandal scaling barrier as a way of further discouraging potential intruders.

Mesh gates and fencing                                                       

Mesh represents another versatile security fencing solution.

Thanks to their welded intersections, mesh gates and fencing are robust and durable, and require little maintenance.

However, they achieve all this without obstructing views – meaning they’re great for areas where you need to retain reasonably good visibility into or even through the fenced area, or where you want a barrier that security cameras can still see through.

However, mesh fencing is also widely used in contexts where safety is a major concern.

‘Safe Top’ mesh fencing features a closed beam section located along the top and bottom edge of the panel with no sharp or raw edges. As such, it’s used extensively in public spaces, schools, sports grounds and playgrounds.

Mesh gates come in single leaves, for pedestrian access, or double leaves, for vehicles and keeping people and vehicles apart.

Controlling access

Another aspect of securing a public sector site is controlling who is allowed in – and that means doors and locks.

Increasing numbers of public buildings are now investing in more high-tech access control systems like keypad locks.

One of the biggest challenges around lockable gates in a public sector environment is the need to keep intruders out of sensitive areas, but allow building occupants to move around the site, and quickly and easily escape in an emergency.

That’s why we’ve seen the development of products that present external users with a sturdy lock, often with combinations, but internal ones with a clearly-labelled push pad to allow for speedy egress.

Get some friendly guidance 

At F.H. Brundle, we’re able to offer an extensive array of fence, gate and lock products suitable for an extensive array of public sector applications.

If you’d like to learn more, don’t hesitate to get in touch TODAY

CALL YOUR LOCAL BRANCH (CLICK HERE FOR THE BRANCH FINDER)

CLICK HERE to VISIT THE WEBSITE

OR CLICK HERE to EMAIL DIRECT

 

 

 

/0 Comments/by

ACOUSTIC FLOOR BUILD-UP ENSURES STUDENT ACCOMMODATION EXCEEDS DOCUMENT E STANDARDS

 

CMS Danskin Acoustics has worked with acoustic consultants Atelier Crescendo to arrive at a floor build-up which has contributed to achieving acoustic performance significantly exceeding Approved Document E ‘Resistance to the passage of sound’ 2003 standards at new student accommodation for St Catharine’s College in Cambridge.

The accommodation provides two new houses (comprising 23 bedrooms) and improved communal spaces for students to work and socialise at St Catharine’s satellite site on the west of the city centre.  It was opened to students in October.  The project was designed by Cottrell & Vermeulen Architecture, and the main contractor was Conamar Building Services.

Designed with sustainability in mind, the student accommodation has mass timber frames (mostly Cross Laminated Timber), triple-glazed windows and air-source heat pumps.

Internal base floors are cross laminated timber (CLT), which supports the sustainable ethos behind the design.  CLT is increasingly used as it helps in locking away carbon by using it as a long-term construction base and it reduces the use of concrete in floors.  However, because CLT is around one third of the mass of concrete, it presents challenges acoustically.  Its sound reduction index is poorer and its damping properties from impacts are also lower than concrete, therefore it requires an acoustic strategy to limit impact and airborne sound travelling through.

After taking into account the BREEAM® requirements, the criteria to be met for St Catharine’s was that the airborne noise reduction must be over 48dB DnTw and the impact noise must be measured as under 59dB LnTw.

CMS Danskin Acoustics designed and supplied a floor/ceiling build-up using recycled materials to help improve the floor mass and enhance its impact absorbing properties.  The strategy involved double REGUPOL impact isolation layers.  Layers of 3mm REGUPOL sonus eco, 18mm Versapanel® from Euroform and 15mm REGUPOL sonus core were used to isolate impact sound, followed by a 32mm Smartspan, which is finished with a timber floorboard or plywood underlay with vinyl.

CMS Danskin Acoustics also specified and supplied Kinetics IsoGrid hangers, a high performance hanger used for suspending ceilings where the maximum noise reduction performance is required.

Site completion measurements undertaken by Atelier Crescendo indicated airborne noise 51-57 dB DnTw + Ctr, depending on location, and for impact it was 49-52dB LnTw, depending on location, so significantly surpassing Document E standards and significantly exceeding the more demanding project acoustic performance targets that had been set.

 

Paul Absolon, CMS Danskin Acoustics’ technical director, said,

“Working with CLT does present acoustics challenges, but we devised a floor/ceiling specification to counter that, which has achieved acoustic performance that exceeds regulations.”

 

Marc Fuzellier, director of Atelier Crescendo Ltd and Acouwood UK LLP, adds,

“We are very happy about the outcomes of the project, especially in terms of airborne and impact sound insulation performances.

“We worked hard to develop the right wall and floor build-ups, detail how they had to be connected and minimise the sound flanking transmissions. This was particularly the case when CLT elements had to be exposed.

“In the end, high sound insulation performances have been achieved so that more BREEAM® credits could be obtained.”

 

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE CMS DANSKIN WEBSITE

 

 OTHER LINKS

ATELIER CRESCENDO                                   CONAMAR                              COTTRELL & VERMEULEN

 

 

 

/0 Comments/by

Perfectly prepared with SterlingOSB Zero PrimedPlus

West Fraser has introduced a new ready-primed version of industry-leading SterlingOSB Zero board which has been created for, site security and hoardings, barriers/screening, temporary public walkways, and the boarding up of damaged buildings, signage, interior screening, shop fitting/retail, displays promotions, building extensions and renovations. In essence, it is a blank canvas for colourful marketing messages.  Everything the specifier needs to know about SterlingOSB Zero PrimedPlus, is detailed on a new downloadable factsheet.

 

The new panel is available in white and grey and produced in 18mm thick, square-edged sheets measuring 1220mm wide by 2440mm long.  The top face is primed with a high-quality cross-linked epoxy acylate UV cured coating to front, giving a smooth finish and the sides are sealed to reduce water ingress, leaving the sheets ready for decoration or the application of graphics.  The structure is free from knots or voids and, from an environmental perspective, the ‘Zero’ in the name assures specifiers that the product contains no added formaldehyde.

 

SterlingOSB Zero is the first UK manufactured OSB with zero-added formaldehyde to deliver health as well as several other technical benefits, making it superior to softwood plywood as well as particleboard.  The factory-primed, ultra-smooth surface presents a blank canvas for marketing messages and other types of promotional display. Being rugged and weather-resistant, the SterlingOSB Zero PrimedPlus boards can be used outside for security applications, such as screening or walkways; hospitality, shopfitting, and housebuilding are other key markets.

 

 

SterlingOSB Zero PrimedPlus is CE-marked and complies with the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) requirements.  The boards are supplied in packs of 50 to cover a total area of approximately 150m².  Right across its range, West Fraser has been making substantial investment in reducing the environmental impact of its production processes including signing new contracts with its energy suppliers to ensure that all its power comes from renewable sources that are covered by REGO (Renewable Energy of Guaranteed Origins) certification.

 

CLICK HERE for a free sample and further information

 

call 01786 812 921

 

or visit The West Fraser Website by CLICKING HERE

 

/0 Comments/by

Standardised timber vehicle storage solutions and porches revealed

Scotts Timber Engineering (STE) has revealed a set of standardised timber vehicle storage solutions and porches, for architects, designers, and specifiers to implement sustainable timber into their designs and improve aesthetics.

 

Easi-Fit, the latest range by STE, provides aspirational solutions for designers and architects that utilise natural materials to offer a sustainable alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar-based garages and porches.

 

James Scott, Managing Director of the Scotts Group says:

“Architects and designers play an important role in shaping the visual appeal of housing developments, and Easi-Fit empowers them to add something truly special to housing projects.

“By integrating our standardised timber solutions, designers can enhance the overall aesthetics of any project, whether it’s a sleek porch or an elegant vehicle storage solution – Easi-Fit delivers both form and function with PEFC-certified engineered timber.”

 

Taking advantage of timber’s suitability for offsite construction, Easi-Fit is delivered on a just-in-time basis to site meaning Easi-fit can also save time and resources during construction.

 

Scott continued:

“As a company, we have recently completed our Carbon Footprint certification to ensure we can maximise the low carbon benefits of timber projects for our customers. For every tonne of timber used in our buildings instead of concrete, another two tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions are saved.

“Easi-Fit comprises prefabricated components made from PEFC-certified engineered timber that is delivered onsite for rapid assembly, minimising on-site construction time, while aligning to the end user’s expectations on sustainability.”

 

Scotts Timber Engineering has secured contracts with Miller Homes to deliver Easi-Fit products with several more contracts in the pipeline. Customers will be provided with on-site training to ensure Easi-fit products can be installed as efficiently as possible.

/0 Comments/by

EJOT fixing innovation reduces anchor marks on external wall insulation (EWI)

 

An innovative anchoring solution from EJOT helps to optimise the aesthetics of externally insulated walls by preventing nuisance anchor marks forming on the rendered finish.

The ejotherm® STR U 2G is the latest generation of EJOT’s universal anchor washer, which was the first solution of its kind in Europe when it launched 20 years ago. It enables the countersunk installation of EWI (external wall insulation) systems or ETICS (external thermal insulation composite systems) covered with a cap.

Whilst ETICS has offered an efficient and durable way to optimise the energy performance of the building envelope for several decades, on the rendered walls of many buildings featuring an EWI system or ETICS façade ugly patterns of light and dark spots can often be seen. Known as ‘anchor marks’, these mean the locations of the anchors are clearly visible when they are supposed to be hidden, which is unattractive and disappointing for residents, but also a problem for contractors and specifiers.

Anchor marks may be temporary or permanent spots on the rendered finish which become visible as darker or lighter spots above the anchor washer. This defect occurs regardless of the insulation material used and, whilst it does not impair the function of the system, the problem can grow over time to become more of a visual nuisance.

They are caused by a number of reasons and vary according to the location of the building, the orientation of the façade surface and the thermal bridge (Chi valve) of the anchor. Different heat storage capacities of the components used – such as insulation boards, anchors and render – and incorrect setting positions of the anchors can also lead to formation of the marks.

Where a dark spot develops in the area of the anchor washers, this usually stems from anchors being set too deeply, usually in an incorrect manner, which means they will have been filled or rendered after installation. The resulting thicker render layers over the anchors at these points means that the facade dries more slowly in these areas, which causes it to remain moist for longer. This allows for increased accumulation of dirt, algae and fungi, so at these points clearly visible dark discolorations form on the façade.

Lighter spots, on the other hand, are usually the result of different heat storage capacities or thermal conductivities of the components. The combination of anchor washer and render coating stores the heat longer than the undisturbed render surface, which means this area dries faster. The remaining surface of the facade stays moist longer and in turn collects dirt for a longer period – the area above the anchor washers stays bright. In the long term, the anchors become visible as light spots on the façade surface.

The EJOT ejotherm® STR U 2G prevents the formation of anchor marks because it allows for consistency in the layer of insulation. The combination of this special ETICS anchor design and matching insulating material caps means anchor marks can be avoided in the long term and unsightly spots can become a thing of the past.

EJOT ejotherm® STR U 2G is easy to use thanks to a special installation tool, which allows the anchors to be installed in a recessed manner and sunk into the insulation material in a controlled way.

The installation tool cuts the area around the anchor washer and the insulation material is automatically compressed under the washer when the anchor is screwed in. An insulating cap can then be inserted flush into the recess between the anchor washer and the facade surface, allowing for a homogenous installation surface to be achieved.

The surface, which at this point is even once again, enables an even application of the render so that  reworking in the anchor locations, as a result of them not being optimally placed, is no longer necessary. In addition, the temperature differences on the surface of the insulation board are minimised by the attached insulating material cap and the heat storage capacity is equalised over the entire surface. This way, an even and undisturbed exchange of moisture between render and insulating material can be permanently ensured.

CLICK HERE to find out more about the EJOT STR solution for ETICS applications

 

 

 

/0 Comments/by

The Knaresborough Inn offers a warm welcome with Hamworthy system

When The Knaresborough Inn (formerly known as Dower House) recently underwent a major refurbishment, a new high-efficiency low-temperature hot water (LTHW) heating system from Hamworthy Heating was employed to help the Inn minimise energy costs and maintain a comfortable environment.

 

To meet the demands of the Grade II listed building and provide sufficient coverage for an Inn of this standard, Sine Consulting Ltd specified a system that comprised two Stratton mk3 wall-hung condensing boilers and two Dorchester DR-SG stainless steel condensing water heaters.

 

“We choose this new LTHW system as it is more than capable of meeting the demands of our clients who are an ever-expanding hotelier group who put guest satisfaction and experience alike at the forefront of what they do as a business”, comments James Coleman, Sine Consulting Limited.

 

Faced with limited space within the plant room, when it came to specifying a boiler for the new system, the Stratton mk3, which features a small and lightweight design, provided simple installation and offered a space saving alternative to floor standing alternatives. To further simplify the practical elements of the installation process, the Dorchester DR-SG, which features a diameter of 80cm (excluding models), enabled the water heaters to be easy transported through standard doorways without needing to remove any product elements (such as insulation jackets).

 

Due to the age of the building and to mitigate any issues caused by potentially dirty water in the existing system, Hamworthy also supplied a low-loss header to work in conjunction with the Stratton MK3 boilers. The header is sized with a very low velocity and when positioned correctly will effectively separate the primary and secondary systems and help to keep any system pollutants away from the boiler circuit.

 

The stainless-steel aspect of both the Stratton mk3 and the Dorchester DR-SG was also a big consideration when it came to product selection. Offering considerable resistance to corrosion which can help to maximise service life, The Knaresborough Inn can now expect to achieve valuable cost savings from reduced service and maintenance intervals.

 

Suitable for both renovation and new build projects, both the Stratton mk3 and the Dorchester DR-SG are fully compliant with Building Regulations Part L and are supplied with a market-leading 5-year warranty as standard from Hamworthy Heating (terms and conditions apply).

 

No stranger to Hamworthy Heating, Sine Consulting Limited has specified Hamworthy products on numerous occasions for a range of installations, including other projects for The Inn Collection Group.

 

“Hamworthy products offer a robust and quality solution with excellent product support to back them up. We have a good relationship with our local Hamworthy Sales Manager and have always found them to be very supportive and knowledgeable when it comes to helping us to find the right solution for our clients”, comments James Coleman, Sine Consulting Limited.

 

The new LTHW heating system from Hamworthy Heating provides sufficient coverage for the newly refurbished Inn with continuous throughput to cover peak demands. This means that The Knaresborough Inn now benefits from a sufficient hot water supply to meet the demands of its growing business and patrons adequately and efficiently.

 

For more information, please CLICK HERE

OR CALL 01202 662 552

 

 

/0 Comments/by

Invaluable ventilation advice from Nuaire at Specifi 2024

  

Indoor air quality and ventilation manufacturing specialist Nuaire will be discussing its ventilation solutions at five Specifi Mechanical Services events in 2024,

kickstarting the new year off in Manchester in January, before moving on to Bristol and Birmingham in February, London in April and Leeds in October.

Held in the evening, Specifi events provide a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, conducive to learning and sharing knowledge. It enables specifiers to discuss their requirements with manufacturers, and learn about latest solutions to key challenges in building services.

 

Established in 1966, and working across the domestic, commercial and industrial sectors, Nuaire has a lot of knowledge to share! Experienced Nuaire staff will be on hand at Specifi to advise on the latest developments in ventilation, whether it be on addressing overheating in our buildings, preventing condensation and mould in homes, or improving indoor air quality in schools.

 

Key products that Nuaire will be focussing on include the Xboxer heat recovery range; the BPS-ECO-HP boxed packaged solution range of Air Handling Units with integrated heat pump charged with R32 refrigerant; and the Hybrid Cooling System, which is an ancillary cooling module that works with the existing Nuaire MRXBOX MVHR products to provide a hybrid MVHR and cooling system for high-rise new builds.

 

 

CLICK HERE for further information on the Specifi events

 

OR HERE for more information on Nuaire

 

OR HERE To email Nuaire Direct

 

 

/0 Comments/by

RINNAI CASE HISTORY: HYBRID HEAT PUMP SYSTEM

 

 

RINNAI HYBRID HEAT PUMP SYSTEM IMPROVES EFFICIENCY

AT LARGE HOTEL & GOLF COURSE RESORT

 

Rinnai UK’s team of Heating & Hot Water System Designers have provided a well-recognized hotel, spa and golf resort in the north of England with plans to install one of two new systems that are proven to reduce cost, carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency.

As well as adding 31 executive rooms the 200-bedroom hotel, spa and golf resort will exchange their two traditional storage tank hot water systems for a Rinnai 20% Hydrogen blend ready continuous flow gas fired water heaters and Hybrid air source heat pump system. The hybrid hot water system contains a 10% heat pump prefeed making the best practical use of the existing space and fuel infrastructure. By completing all refurbishments, the hotel, spa and golf resort hope to increase their rating from 4 to 5 stars.

Rinnai design support is on hand to model and design Hybrid heating and hot water systems,

for support with your next project call 0300 373 0660

or CLICK HERE to visit Rinnai’s Help me Choose Page

UK commercial and domestic properties are adopting carbon reducing energies in replacement of fossil fuels as part of an international shift that embraces renewably generated energy. By installing a Rinnai hybrid heating system, carbon savings of 267,000 kg over five years can be made when compared to a H1 gas system.

Energy efficiency is a key aspect of system operational performance that affects cost and system durability. The Rinnai UK design team have measured the savings in energy usage that a Rinnai hybrid heating system will achieve when compared to a gas system. Energy savings of 38.5% will be made upon installation of a Rinnai hybrid hot water system utilising state of the art continuous flow water heaters and LOW-GWP heat pumps. The graph below demonstrates proven energy savings upon investment.

Rinnai’s hybrid heat pump range is designed to satisfy domestic and commercial hot water and heating requirements. The company’s innovative heat pump systems include an ability to switch between settings of heating, hot water and cooling. Recently an R290 heat pump model was added to the expanding range. This innovative new range of air source heat pumps utilizes R290, a LOW scoring GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerant.

R290 allows for several operational benefits: for example, the energy efficient units enable a water temperature up to 75 degrees Celsius and R290 usage provides compliance alongside the European F-Gas Regulation which focuses on phasing down refrigerant environmental impact, as well as having a LOW-GWP of 3.

Rinnai’s range of commercial air source heat pumps omit minimum acoustics via an installed ultra-low sound capability making Rinnai heat pumps suitable for any area with prohibitive sound legislation. Rinnai’s heat pumps, hybrid solar thermal and heat pumps and electrical instant and direct water heaters are part of the H3 range of products. All new models are designed to embolden decarbonisation, energy efficiency and reduce customer costs.

Continuous flow hot water heating from Rinnai includes two N1600 models: the N1600i (internally mounted) provides 954 litres per hour of temperature controlled hot water at 50 degrees.; the N1600e (externally mounted) is also capable delivering 954 litres per hour at 50 degrees. The two 1600s have load profiles of XXL and are water efficiency class A rated. The condensing gas fired water heaters have a 13:1 turndown ratio making them ideal for Hybrid water heating as they will modulate the gas input to suit the temperature lift required which in turn maximises renewable system gains.

Other features include: flue up to 30+ metres for concentric, turbo fan, built-in controller as standard on both internal and external models, cascade cable assembly allows up to 24 water heaters to be connected and function as one total and complete system, built in flue damper, air inlet filter, frost protection – minus 15°C on the internal versions and minus 20 °C on the external versions, new PCB design, controller as standard – lockable, set up of appliance, temperature set up to 75°C and maintenance monitor for engineers.

Rinnai UK’s design team can measure the specific requirements of any residential or commercial property and suggest an appropriate heating and hot water system that compliments the specific dimensions of each site. Rinnai is continuing to produce innovative technology that provides low carbon solutions to all UK customers across a range of applications.

call 0300 373 0660 or CLICK HERE to visit Rinnai’s Help me Choose Page

 

 

RINNAI’S H3 DECARBONISATION OFFERS PATHWAYS & CUSTOMER COST REDUCTIONS

FOR COMMERCIAL, DOMESTIC AND OFF-GRID HEATING & HOT WATER DELIVERY

www.rinnai-uk.co.uk/about us/H3 

Rinnai’s H3 range of decarbonising products include hydrogen / BioLPG ready technology, hybrid systems, and a wide range of LOW GWP heat pumps and solar thermal. Also, within Rinnai’s H3 range is Infinity hydrogen blend ready and BioLPG ready continuous flow water heaters which are stacked with a multitude of features that ensure long life, robust & durable use, customer satisfaction and product efficiency.

Rinnai’s range of decarbonising products – H1/H2/H3 – consists of heat pump, solar, hydrogen in any configuration, hybrid formats for either residential or commercial applications. Rinnai’s H3 range of products offer contractors, consultants and end users a range of efficient, robust and affordable decarbonising appliances which create practical, economic and technically feasible solutions. The range covers all forms of fuels and appliances currently available – electric, gas, hydrogen, BioLPG, DME solar thermal, low GWP heat pumps and electric water heaters.

Rinnai H1 continuous water heaters and boilers offer practical and economic decarbonization delivered through technological innovation in hydrogen and renewable liquid gas ready technology.

Rinnai’s H1 option is centred on hydrogen, as it is anticipated that clean hydrogen fuels will become internationally energy market-relevant in the future; Rinnai water heaters are hydrogen 20% blends ready and include the world’s first 100% hydrogen-ready hot water heating technology.

Rinnai H2 – Decarbonization simplified with renewable gas-ready units, Solar Thermal and Heat Pump Hybrids. Rinnai H2 is designed to introduce a practical and low-cost option which may suit specific sites and enable multiple decarbonisation pathways with the addition of high performance.

Rinnai H3 – Low-GWP heat pump technology made easy – Rinnai heat pumps are available for domestic and commercial usage with an extensive range of 4 – 115kW appliances.

Rinnai’s H3 heat pumps utilise R32 refrigerant and have favourable COP and SCOP.

Rinnai is a world leading manufacturer of hot water heaters and produces over two million units a year, operating on each of the five continents. The brand has gained an established reputation for producing products that offer high performance, cost efficiency and extended working lives.

Rinnai’s commercial and domestic continuous flow water heaters offer a limitless supply of instantaneous temperature controlled hot water and all units are designed to align with present and future energy sources. Rinnai condensing water heaters accept either existing fuel or hydrogen gas blends. Rinnai units are also suited for off-grid customers who require LPG and BioLPG or DME.

Rinnai products are UKCA certified, A-rated water efficiency, accessed through multiple fuel options and are available for purchase 24/7, 365 days a year. Any unit can be delivered to any UK site within 24 hours. Rinnai offer carbon and cost comparison services that will calculate financial and carbon savings made when investing in a Rinnai system. Rinnai also provide a system design service that will suggest an appropriate system for the property in question. Rinnai offer comprehensive training courses and technical support in all aspects of the water heating industry including detailed CPD’s. More information can be found on Rinnai’s website and its “Help Me Choose” webpage.

Visit www.rinnai-uk.co.uk  

Or email engineer@rinaiuk.com  

CLICK HERE For more information on the RINNAI product range visit

 

/0 Comments/by

The quietest member of the West Fraser family

Photo by Rebecca Campbell on Unsplash

What is the best sound-reducing floorboard range on the market?

CaberAcoustic from West Fraser is a highly versatile, effective and economical sound-reducing flooring solution. Reducing both impact and airborne transmitted sounds, it can be laid over concrete and timber floors in both new and existing buildings. CaberAcoustic comes in 28mm and 32mm thicknesses.

 

How is the flooring fixed?

CaberAcoustic is recommended to be laid and fitted with D3 PVA glue.

 

How much does one panel weigh?

Each panel of CaberAcoustic weighs approximately 20kg.

 

What is the total decibel reduction that can be achieved?

19dB is the reduction in sound transference when CaberAcoustic is installed on its own. Greater reductions are reached when used within a system for noise transference reductions. There are three flooring systems; detailed on the West Fraser UK website – uk.westfraser.com.

 

Can it be laid directly over joists?

CaberAcoustic cannot be fitted directly on to flooring joists – it is an overlay board. It should always be laid as a floating floor directly on top of an existing flooring deck.

 

Does it completely reduce noise level?

CaberAcoustic reduces sound; it will not completely proof buildings or rooms from the transference of sound.

 

Why is felt used rather than foam?

The felt that is bonded to the underside of the chipboard is environmentally friendly as it is made from recycled fibres.

 

Which way up is it laid?

CaberAcoustic is laid with the felt side down. The transference of sound through air or impact is reduced when the flooring has been laid using the correct system.

 

Are any other co-products needed?

CaberFloor P5, CaberDek or CaberShieldPlus should be used in conjunction with CaberAcoustic in new build projects. For renovations, CaberAcoustic can be used on top of the existing floor.

CLICK HERE for further information

OR call 01786 812 921 or visit

 

/0 Comments/by

LIEBIG anchors ‘bridge the gap’ in Great Yarmouth bridge project

 

Putting their size into perspective, EJOT UK’s anchoring specialist Paul Papworth with one of the Ultraplus anchors (left) and the specially modified cutting tool (right).

Ultraplus anchors securely angled to support the hydraulic mechanisms of the bridge decks as well as the tail locks that will hold the bridge in its raised and open position.

Heavy duty LIEBIG Ultraplus undercut anchors, which are believed to be the largest mechanical anchors ever used in a civil engineering project, have played a key role in the construction of a bridge in East Anglia.

Constructed by BAM Farrans, the new £121m Third River Crossing over the River Yare in Great Yarmouth is set to be a catalyst for investment and development in the coastal town. It provides a new link from the A47 to the port and enterprise zone on the east side of the river, easing traffic congestion on the town’s roads, shortening journey times and improving journey reliability.

The double bascule bridge was designed by globally renowned infrastructure engineering specialists Hardesty & Hannover, based in New York. Their design features cofferdams on both banks of the river to house the machinery and mechanisms required to lift, hold and lower each leaf of the bridge, and it was here where LIEBIG heavy duty anchors were deployed.

Working with bridge design specialists Roughan & O’Donovan (ROD) and project engineers Qualter Hall, the LIEBIG Ultraplus undercut anchor from EJOT UK was identified as the preferred solution for this high load application. A series of these mechanical anchors were installed in lengths of 1.09m and 1.45m with an M36 diameter after the hole preparation was completed by drilling specialists Core Cut.

 

 

One of the bridge’s transition plates, which were installed using a series of smaller M16 and M20 LIEBIG Ultraplus anchors.

Ultraplus anchors being prepared by the team at EJOT for transportation from its UK HQ and production facility near Leeds to the Third River Crossing site.

A mix of the two anchor lengths were used on the same baseplates in an unconventional yet successful approach, securing eight baseplates in total – four on each side of the river. Two baseplates on each side of the river were mounted into the “lower” clevis to secure the lifting and lowering hydraulics.

The mechanism also features tail locks. These secure the turnbuckles that hold the bridge in its ‘raised and open’ position for prolonged periods, such as for maintenance, and are designed to take loads in excess of 192 tonnes per plate (384 tonnes total) per side.

Explaining how this mix of anchor lengths provided the solution, EJOT UK’s anchoring specialist, Paul Papworth said:

 

 

“Whilst the ETA (European Technical Assessment) for Ultraplus does not legislate for such a permutation, i.e. using different lengths of anchor in the same baseplate, the ACI (American Concrete Institute) Building Code does because it takes into account the additional area of resistance in the concrete which can be created by the approach. This meant our anchor specification for the Third River Crossing, in conjunction with our advised redesign of the baseplate to allow increased concrete capacity to be achieved, would be approved using a combination of different design codes.”

 

 

On site installation of one of the Ultraplus anchors, used to securely attach one of the baseplates of the bridge’s operating mechanism.

The project was not without its challenges, largely as a result of multiple components coming together ‘when ready’ rather than ‘when scripted’. With the input of Paul and the EJOT team, however, any problems which arose during installation could be resolved collaboratively without having an adverse effect on the build schedule or budget.

In addition to the very large anchors used to securely fix the operating machinery in place, a series of smaller M16 and M20 LIEBIG Ultraplus anchors were also deployed to attach the bridge deck’s metal transition plates. These allow for a smooth passage for vehicles and pedestrians between the bridge deck and the newly constructed highway and footpath on either bank of the River Yare.

BAM’s Section Engineer Chris Griggs was impressed by EJOT’s ability to provide onsite support and guidance to achieve the correct application of these critical elements.

Chris commented:

“Paul and his team raised the bar on this project in terms of what we should expect from our anchoring partner, particularly in terms of the toolbox talks and availability onsite to solve any problems throughout the process. It was good to be involved in a project where the anchoring ‘experience’ was refreshingly different, and we have so many positives to take away and apply in our future projects.”

CLICK HERE

  

To find out more about LIEBIG Ultraplus and the complete

range of services available from EJOT UK

 

 

 

/0 Comments/by