Posts

New standard paves the way for Alkali-activated cements in the construction industry

Lucideon, the international materials technology company, has been developing and applying their proprietary MIDAR technology based on alkali-activated cements for several years. Though technically authenticated to meet the requirements for many applications, the lack of acceptance by building standards has proved to be a major hurdle when planning a route to the European market. BSI has recently published a new standard, ‘Construction Materials – Alkali-Activated Cementitious Material and Concrete – Specification’, which will remove this obstacle.

The new standard defines raw material and product performance specifications; this gives manufacturers of construction materials the opportunity to develop products based on alkali-activated cement technologies, safe in the knowledge that they comply with a European standard of approval. The standard refers to, and benchmarks against a number of well used cement standards, thus ensuring consumer confidence in the new technology.

Rebecca Law, Development Scientist, Lucideon, said “This new standard is an exciting opportunity for not only the construction sector but many other industries who can explore alternative raw materials in their products without fear of market rejection.”

“With the help of our materials experts, manufacturers can develop products using alkali-activated cement technology. This could potentially improve the performance and reduce the raw material costs and carbon footprints of products. At Lucideon, we not only have the experience to develop a new formulation to meet client application requirements, but also the backing of our state-of-the-art laboratories to ensure that new products meet the EU standard.”

Lucideon develops materials technologies to meet the needs of a wide range of industries, including construction, healthcare and nuclear. MIDAR technology has the potential to be used in a variety of application areas, such as flooring, roof tiles and cladding. The MIDAR production process is not energy intensive and utilizes readily available, cost effective materials which make it a promising prospect for the construction sector.

For more information about Lucideon’s MIDAR technology, contact Kambiz Kalantari, Operations Manager, Materials, on +44 (0)1782 764343 or kambiz.kalantari@lucideon.com. Alternatively, visit www.lucideon.com/midar-products.
/0 Comments/by

Lucideon to Host Digital Construction Forum on 16 June 2016

Lucideon, the international materials technology company, will be hosting a ‘Digital Construction Forum’ at its Stoke-on-Trent headquarters on Thursday 16 June 2016. The forum will draw together leading industry experts who will discuss the role that current and developing digital technologies will have on the construction industry.

The forum is free to attend and will provide attendees with the opportunity to learn about the latest initiatives and projects in the construction industry from the developers themselves. Talks and presentations will be followed by a Q&A session; there will be time for further discussion and networking over lunch. The day will conclude with optional tours of Lucideon’s purpose-built construction laboratories.

Steve Newman, Product Manager, Lucideon, said “The construction industry is at an exciting stage with emerging technologies that allow new methods and approaches to be utilised to meet industry demands. Bringing industry leaders together to present their latest projects and technologies is a great way for everyone in the sector to share knowledge.
“We really want to encourage attendees to get involved and discuss the challenges and potential solutions affecting the construction industry today.”

The Digital Construction forum will include presentations from BSI, Majenta Solutions, Bryden Wood and Buildoffsite.

Lucideon’s dedicated construction facilities in the UK perform a wide variety of specialist services, including wind loading, weatherability, balustrade and curtain wall testing and dispute resolution, to name a few. Lucideon also partners with North Carolina State University (NCSU) to provide construction testing services in the US.

To find out more about the forum and/or to register to attend, visit www.lucideon.com/forum.
/0 Comments/by

Lucideon launches new balustrade testing service

Lucideon, the international materials technology company, has launched a new balustrade testing service. The testing covers free standing glass, post, rail, spindle and infill balustrades to BS 6180: 2011 ‘Barriers in and about buildings’ and Eurocode 1.

The new service will allow designers, manufacturers, distributors, importers and suppliers of new balustrades, and Health and Safety and Facilities Managers of existing in-situ balustrades, to obtain performance testing to ensure that the temporary or permanent barriers (panels and structural components) protect people from hazards or restrict access.

Balustrades can be tested in Lucideon’s large-scale construction laboratory in Stoke-on-Trent or on-site, if the system is already in place. It is crucial that balustrades are safe and fit for purpose before installation and during service.

Steve Newman, Product Manager, Lucideon said “Balustrades can look great in any setting, but without complying with regulations and meeting specifications, they can pose a serious risk. Loading tests ensure the safety and performance of balustrades and their components.”

In addition to balustrades, Lucideon also offers testing for staircases, balconies, handrails, and Glass-reinforced Plastic (GRP) products. The GRP products include canopies, chimneys and dormer windows.

To find out more about Lucideon’s balustrade testing services, visit www.lucideon.com/balustrades.

/0 Comments/by