Kenneth Booth
Operation Decarb at Milton Keynes Hospital

Operation Decarb at Milton Keynes Hospital

Some projects require military style planning to ensure that work can be undertaken in short periods of access time, and this is absolutely the case at Milton Keynes Hospital where Ashe has been working on a £3.4m Salix funded project for Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (MKUH). In

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MILWAUKEE® Increases Power and Ergonomics to Sand More Efficiently

MILWAUKEE® Increases Power and Ergonomics to Sand More Efficiently

MILWAUKEE® continues to expand within its sanding category by introducing the new M18 FUEL™* 125 mm Random Orbit Sander. With less vibration and the power to sand the toughest materials, the new sander demonstrates MILWAUKEE®’s continued innovation for the remodeler and carpenter. The new sander delivers the lowest cordless vibration,

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Latest Issue
Issue 329 : Jun 2025

Kenneth Booth

Clean power ambition in UK relies on supply chain collaboration, says Aggreko

Clean power ambition in UK relies on supply chain collaboration, says Aggreko

The success of the UK’s energy transition will rely on collaboration between businesses to maintain a robust supply chain, a global energy specialist has warned following the launch of its latest research. Aggreko has revealed in its latest report Rebalancing the Energy Transition that CEOs in the UK cite supply chain main risk to the energy transition, followed by lack of investment and access to technology. This concern over the impact of supply chain comes as the UK government has reaffirmed its commitment to renewable energy production and infrastructure through the establishment of Clean Power 2030. The new initiative is aimed at overcoming barriers and accelerating progress on energy projects, including the recent plans to give approval power for onshore wind projects over 100MW to government ministers[1] over local authorities. Clearly, successful rollout of infrastructure for renewable energy production and transmission, along with the energy transition of businesses across the UK, will require innovative ways of thinking within the energy supply chain. Aggreko’s research showed that ambition around the energy transition among energy intensive businesses is also strong, with eight in 10 UK CEOs stating they will increase investment in the energy transition over the next 12 months. Though nine in ten (or 9 in 10) UK respondents cited they have adjusted timescales around energy transition targets, the UK has the highest proportion of CEOs (52%) across the countries surveyed that stated they have only adjusted short term goals and remain on track for net zero targets. With ambition from businesses matching that of the government in terms of sustainability targets, Aggreko is highlighting how the entire supply chain must work together to ensure a successful energy transition. Alan Dunne, UK and Ireland Managing Director at Aggreko, said: “With continued uncertainty around energy cost and resilience, businesses in the UK are facing the challenge of balancing profitability and sustainability. Much like the government and its Clean Energy 2030, UK businesses remain ambitious in making their energy transitions. However, our research has found that barriers and challenges still remain, even though the ambition to fund the energy transition is there. “High energy costs and fluctuating energy security and resilience has continued to be a challenge for businesses, however, supply chain issues are clearly the biggest risk posed to energy transitions in the eyes of leaders. To overcome all of these challenges at once, it is imperative that businesses engage with expert partners across the supply chain to identify practical ways to reach ESG goals while keeping operations efficient and profitable.” As the UK continues to develop renewable energy production and infrastructure, the report highlights the challenges around striking the right balance between commercial and ESG ambitions with energy procurement. A key part of this is working closely within the energy supply chain to assess requirements and challenges to choose the most practical solution to deliver efficiency and environmental benefits. Providing the latest efficient technologies through its Greener Upgrades portfolio, such as battery energy storage solutions and Stage V generators, is a central part of Aggreko’s sustainability framework Energising Change Dunne continued: “Making a success of the energy transition relies heavily on businesses having the right technologies and solutions for their requirements, along with the expertise to implement it correctly. While reliable energy supply and stable costs remain in the balance for the UK, working with expert energy supply partners can provide businesses with this to provide resilience and cost efficiency throughout the energy transition.” For more information and to read Rebalancing the Energy Transition, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Operation Decarb at Milton Keynes Hospital

Operation Decarb at Milton Keynes Hospital

Some projects require military style planning to ensure that work can be undertaken in short periods of access time, and this is absolutely the case at Milton Keynes Hospital where Ashe has been working on a £3.4m Salix funded project for Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (MKUH). In order to meet efficiency targets the hospital building, which was constructed in 1984, needed to replace its single glazed windows with thermally efficient double glazing. Many of the windows are on occupied hospital wards each with eight beds. Without the capacity to decant an entire ward to another space, the project has been undertaken in live wards with only the patients from the two beds nearest the windows being relocated during the works. Window of opportunity Contracts manager, Steve Cockram, explains the challenges on a project of this type: “We only got one day to cordon off each area to the safety and hygiene standards required by the hospital which takes around two hours. We then removed the existing windows, installed the new windows, clearing any debris and cleansing the area to high clinical hygiene standards ready for patients to move back into the bay by the end of the day.” A major challenge was upgrading the windows in the hospital’s shop. The shelving and refrigerators were all positioned against the windows which had to be moved from the working area, old windows removed, new windows installed, then all returned to their original positions, in one working day, whilst the shop remained open to the public.  Steve continues: “Despite the best programming, it was inevitable that some wards would not be available as planned due to emergencies, therefore it was decided that all of the new windows would be ordered and stored within easy access of the site so that we could pivot quickly to work in another part of the building should access be denied.” This plan B approach made Ashe so efficient that the team actually shaved four weeks off the original schedule which was due to complete in mid-October. In total 456 windows, 22 doors and a curtain wall have been installed. Precision timing Extensive mechanical and electrical works have also been carried out providing new energy efficient air handling units (AHU) to ensure clean ventilation. The AHUs serve four of the main operating theatres at the hospital, so timescales were crucial in achieving theatre re-commissioning. The trust required three months’ notice for the start of the works to allow for closures to be communicated to staff, and operations to be scheduled appropriately. Each theatre was shut down for three weeks at a time, with the handover of each AHU and theatre allowing access into another theatre. Ashe adhered to these strict timescales and managed to complete the AHU works to operating theatres also ahead of programme. Ashe has also installed the services in preparation for the upgrade of the steam generation for the hospital’s autoclave sterilisation system. The works will enable the hospital to transition from gas-powered to an electrically-heated system, to make it more energy efficient. Careful co-ordination with the hospital was required so that one of the four main entrances could be closed for two days to allow use of a crane to access the plant room. Signage and barriers also had to be of a high standard. The project forms part of the hospital’s Greener Future plans having secured £4.8m of funding from the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme which aims to reduce emissions from public sector buildings by 75%. The project was procured under the Pagabo Medium Works Framework. This is one of several healthcare projects Ashe is currently undertaking which includes creating a new community diagnostic centre in the heart of the city, for MKUH.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Seventy Ninth Group Unveils £250 Million Leisure Development on Holy Island

Seventy Ninth Group Unveils £250 Million Leisure Development on Holy Island

In a bold move set to transform the leisure landscape, the Seventy Ninth Group has announced its most ambitious project to date—a £250 million investment to develop the Penrhos site on Holy Island, Anglesey. Situated within one of Wales and the UK’s most prestigious Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this venture aims to create a sustainable, family-friendly holiday destination while preserving the island’s unique environmental and cultural heritage. Transforming Penrhos into a Premier UK Holiday Destination The 200-acre Penrhos site will host 492 premium holiday lodges, positioning Holy Island as a go-to destination for thousands of visitors annually. The development includes an array of amenities, such as a restaurant, swimming pool, spa, gym, and outdoor sports facilities. Tennis courts, cricket pitches, and football grounds will also be accessible to local residents, ensuring that the project benefits the wider community. “This development isn’t just about attracting visitors—it’s about creating opportunities for the local economy,” said Jake Webster, Managing Director of the Seventy Ninth Group. “We’re committed to ensuring this project brings long-term benefits to Anglesey’s residents.” Economic Boost and Community-Centred Growth The Seventy Ninth Group’s plans promise a significant economic uplift for the local area, injecting millions of pounds annually into the economy and generating hundreds of jobs in construction and hospitality. The project is also committed to working alongside local businesses and residents, creating contract opportunities and integrating community input into every phase of development. The company is collaborating closely with the Isle of Anglesey County Council, Holyhead Town Council, and other stakeholders to ensure that the project aligns with community values. “This is a sensitive and significant development,” said Council Leader Gary Pritchard. “It’s reassuring to see a commitment to local employment, sustainability, and the protection of the Welsh language.” Sustainability at the Forefront Responsible development is central to the project. The Seventy Ninth Group has pledged over £1 million to local initiatives, ensuring the scheme addresses community and environmental priorities. Local engagement sessions will be held throughout the development, providing residents with opportunities to contribute feedback and shape the project’s direction. In addition to respecting the natural environment, the group plans to actively enhance it. Measures include the preservation of native wildlife habitats and the incorporation of eco-friendly building techniques. “We aim to develop a world-class destination while protecting the environment for future generations,” said Webster. Completion Timeline and Vision for the Future Construction is expected to take five years, with the first lodges ready to welcome visitors by summer 2025. By then, Penrhos will not only serve as a holiday retreat but also as a symbol of harmonious growth—one that respects the cultural and environmental fabric of Holy Island. David Webster, Chairman of the Seventy Ninth Group, echoed this sentiment: “This is our largest project to date and reflects our vision of delivering high-quality, sustainable developments. None of this would be possible without the trust of our clients and investors, who share our belief in the UK’s potential as a global tourism hub.” As the Seventy Ninth Group embarks on this transformative journey, it is clear that the Penrhos development will leave a lasting legacy—not just as a premier holiday destination, but as a beacon of sustainable and community-led progress. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Stanton Williams chosen to design the Fleming Centre at St Mary’s Hospital, London

Stanton Williams chosen to design the Fleming Centre at St Mary’s Hospital, London

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has today announced that Stanton Williams has been selected to design the new Fleming Centre, a research and public engagement facility to be built on the St Mary’s Hospital campus in Paddington, London.  The Fleming Centre is part of the wider Fleming Initiative, established jointly by Imperial College Healthcare and Imperial College London to find solutions to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at a global scale. The Centre will provide a space to bring together researchers, policymakers, clinicians, behavioral experts, commercial partners and the public to combine their shared networks, expertise and skills in the fight against AMR. It will also be part of a global network of centres in strategic locations around the world, aiming to catalyse worldwide action.  The selection follows a competitive RIBA design competition and a three-day design exhibition in November, showcasing five concept designs from five shortlisted architects. Feedback from over 300 visitors and 100 written responses helped guide the final selection, ensuring that the winning concept reflected excellence in both design and functionality and is a real asset to the local community.  The next phase of the project will involve detailed design development, public consultations, and the submission of a planning application in collaboration with Westminster City Council.  The Centre is intended to be integrated into a full redevelopment of St Mary’s Hospital which is included in the Government’s New Hospital Programme. The Centre is due to open in 2028, marking 100 years since the discovery of penicillin at St Mary’s by Sir Alexander Fleming.  The other shortlisted teams invited to take part in the design phase of the competition were:  Stanton Williams’ concept design for the Fleming Centre embraces the heritage of its proposed location on the site of The Bays. These former industrial warehouses, dating back to around 1850, were originally used for transport and distribution before being incorporated into the hospital in 1983. Their approach retains and adapts The Bays as a vital link to Paddington’s industrial past while inserting new elements, including the Fleming Discovery Centre, to showcase cutting-edge science and research. The design prioritises sustainability, proposing features such as renewable energy systems, including a water-source heat pump and photovoltaic panels, alongside biodiverse landscaping and a low-carbon structure. Public engagement is central, with the ground floor designed as an open and welcoming extension of the public realm, offering views into laboratories and curated exhibition spaces to bring science to life.   Professor the Lord Darzi, Executive Chair of the Fleming Initiative said: “Stanton Williams has a bold vision for the Fleming Centre and have brought our ambitions to life with a concept that reflects the Centre’s unique purpose and global significance. By providing a flexible space to unite researchers, policymakers, clinicians, behavioral experts, commercial partners and the public in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, we can ensure that the Fleming Centre becomes a global beacon for change in healthcare.”  Professor Tim Orchard, chief executive of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “This is an exciting milestone for the Fleming Centre and the planned, wider redevelopment of the St Mary’s Hospital site. The Stanton Williams design concept gave the selection panel great confidence that the building they design will honour both Sir Alexander Fleming’s legacy and our aspiration for continued innovation with local and global impact.”  Imperial President Professor Hugh Brady said: “The Fleming Centre will bring together Imperial’s world-leading researchers with diverse UK and international partners, including from academia, the pharmaceutical industry, policy community and civil society to tackle the challenge of AMR head-on. The new building will also be a key part of the Paddington Life Sciences development and Imperial WestTech Corridor vision. We are excited to be one step closer to starting the transformative work it will enable us to do.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Lambeth Council Seeks Partner to Deliver 450 New Homes in Affordable Housing Drive

Lambeth Council Seeks Partner to Deliver 450 New Homes in Affordable Housing Drive

Lambeth Council is taking a decisive step towards addressing the borough’s pressing housing needs, launching a search for a Development Partner to deliver 450 new homes across six sites. This ambitious initiative, part of the New Homes 6 (NH6) project, aims to create at least 150 affordable homes to tackle the acute shortage of social housing in the area. A Strategic Housing Initiative The NH6 project is a cornerstone of Lambeth Council’s broader New Homes Programme, which is dedicated to increasing affordable housing options for local residents. This effort comes as the borough grapples with a housing crisis, with 5,000 households in temporary accommodation and over 40,000 people on the waiting list for social housing. Cllr Danny Adilypour, Lambeth Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, Investment, and New Homes, emphasised the urgency of the initiative:“Since launching our New Homes Programme last year, we’ve made significant progress in unlocking housing projects. However, the scale of the temporary accommodation crisis demands swift and effective solutions. Partnering with an industry expert is the next step in accelerating the delivery of high-quality, affordable homes.” Collaborative Approach to Development The council is looking to form a long-term partnership with a single developer who can bring expertise, efficiency, and vision to the project. The portfolio approach ensures that the selected partner can maximise resources and deliver homes across the six sites in a coordinated manner. Adilypour added:“This is not just about building homes—it’s about transforming neighbourhoods and creating opportunities for our residents. By collaborating with the right partner and engaging with our communities, we can ensure this project meets the highest standards in design, sustainability, and social impact.” Community Engagement and Sustainable Development Community involvement is central to the NH6 project. The council plans to engage residents throughout the development process, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs met. Sustainability is also a key focus, with the council committed to balancing housing delivery with environmental responsibility. The initiative builds on Lambeth’s track record of working collaboratively with the government and private sector to address housing challenges. By leveraging public-private partnerships, the council aims to deliver homes that are not only affordable but also energy-efficient and aligned with the borough’s long-term sustainability goals. Improving Lives Through Housing Adilypour underscored the broader impact of the project:“This is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about improving lives, reducing inequality, and fostering a sense of community. I look forward to working with our residents and the chosen partner to bring this transformative project to life.” The search for a Development Partner begins this January, marking a critical milestone in Lambeth Council’s mission to create a more equitable housing landscape. With NH6 poised to deliver much-needed homes and revitalise neighbourhoods, the future looks brighter for Lambeth’s residents. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Siemens releases Apple Wallet integrated mobile access for Building X Security Manager

Siemens releases Apple Wallet integrated mobile access for Building X Security Manager

Siemens Smart Infrastructure today announced the launch of a mobile access offering for Building X Security Manager, based on Apple Wallet and a collaboration with Swiss leader in credential management and access security solutions, LEGIC. By integrating LEGIC Connect, a software service for the creation and distribution of mobile credentials to smart devices, into the Siemens application, users can now enjoy a seamless connection to Apple Wallet. Security Manager is a cloud-based application to manage access control in buildings. The new solution is an extension of the existing Siemens Building X Security Manager app and enables its users to conveniently and securely use their Apple devices – such as iPhone or Apple Watch – to enter buildings faster by tapping a compatible card reader. Apple Wallet is an app that securely and conveniently organizes credit, debit and identity cards, keys, and more – all in one place. Once badges are activated, users can hold their device near a door’s Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled lock to seamlessly access secured areas. With Express Mode, they don’t need to unlock their device to use their badge in Apple Wallet. If an iPhone needs to be charged, people can still access buildings for up to five hours with Power Reserve. For building owners and security managers, Apple Wallet provides a trusted and secure platform for mobile credentials as stored directly on the devices – including built-in privacy and security features of iPhones and Apple Watches. At the same time, it increases the efficiency and sustainability of building access by eliminating the need to open an app or present a traditional, plastic access key. “By collaborating with Apple and LEGIC, our Building X customers can enhance their experience when entering buildings. They will benefit from a streamlined access method that feels as natural as using their device for payments, leveraging a familiar and intuitive interface,” said Rahul Chillar, Executive Vice President, Software, Siemens Smart Infrastructure Buildings. “We will also be using it for our own Siemens’ buildings.” Building X is a digital building platform that supports customers to digitalize, manage, and optimize their building operations. This leads to an enhanced user experience, increased performance, and improved sustainability. It is part of Siemens Xcelerator, an open digital business platform that enables customers to accelerate their digital transformation easier, faster and at scale. Together with LEGIC, Siemens will showcase the Building X Security Manager integration into Apple Wallet at Intersec 2025 fair in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The event that maps the future of safety, security and fire protection takes place from 14 to 16 January, 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Barhale awarded £11.6M contract to upgrade Ring Main in heart of London

Barhale awarded £11.6M contract to upgrade Ring Main in heart of London

Thames Water has appointed Barhale to carry out the £11.6M East Putney Zone Calming scheme, improving water network resilience for customers in the capital. The project will upgrade the pumping and electrical equipment at the Park Lane pumping station in central London. Four pumps will be upgraded:  one each supplying water to Putney, Barrow Hill and Shoot Up Hill, and a standby able to supply water to all three locations. Civil engineering, infrastructure and tunnelling specialist Barhale will replace all four of the existing, high voltage pump motors with low voltage, variable speed models that will allow Thames Water to operate the network at a reduced pressure. This will fix pressure issues, and the likelihood of surges of water in the system, which will reduce the risk of bursts and leakage, particularly in East Putney. Barhale will also upgrade the electrical control systems; install new flow control monitoring; replace the existing ventilation within the pumping station with a fully redundant and resilient design; carry out an overhaul of the lighting and water services; and remove all redundant equipment. Shane Gorman, Barhale’s Water Director – Southern, explained the importance of the work and highlighted the operational challenges. “The successful delivery of the East Putney Zone Calming scheme will be a step-change for operation of the water network at Park Lane,” he said.  “Replacing the existing fixed speed motors with variable speed motors will transform control of water pressure within the tunnels. For customers, this means a more resilient network and it will significantly reduce the likelihood of leakage. “It is fair to say that there are certain logistical challenges. The site is literally in the middle of Park Lane, one of the busiest thoroughfares in London, with three lanes of traffic flowing either side night and day. “It means that work, and particularly deliveries and access to the site, will need to be planned and managed meticulously. We will be drawing on the experience gained at other busy London locations and in collaboration of the local authority, to make sure that operations are conducted as safely as possible and with a minimum of disruption. “We are looking forward to working with Thames Water to deliver this important scheme.” Commenting on the major upgrade, Roselyn Unegbu, Delivery Director, London Non-Infrastructure, Thames Water said: “This investment is essential to upgrading our Ring Main, ensuring Londoners can count on clean, reliable drinking water for decades to come. It will also help us drive down leakage and reduce the risk of bursts.” Work is expected to complete in September 2027. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Glencar announces switch to low carbon HVO fuel across all active construction sites

Glencar announces switch to low carbon HVO fuel across all active construction sites

Key announcement set to reduce direct CO2 emissions by up to 90% in line with the Glencar target to reduce Scope 1 emissions by the end of 2025. Glencar, a leading UK based construction company recognised for its past ranking among Europe’s fastest-growing businesses and known for delivering high quality projects across various sectors, most notably in Logistics & Industrial, Life Sciences & Pharma, Data Centres, Commercial, Ports, Film Studios & Leisure and Civils, has today announced its intention to switch to low carbon Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel across all active construction sites from the start of the year and going forward. The major move will see HVO to be used across all site set ups, welfare establishments, and on-site power generation across all of its construction sites.  Glencar is one of the first contractors specialising in the Logistics & Industrial sector to mandate the switch to HVO across all sites. HVO is a low carbon biofuel typically made by reacting waste vegetable oils and animal fats with hydrogen to create a fuel suitable for use in diesel engines. The switch to HVO will deliver up to 90% reduction in direct CO2 emissions and 80% in other harmful emissions such as particulate matter. The amount of diesel that Glencar uses annually emits over 720 tonnes of CO2 which accounts for the majority of our Scope 1 carbon emissions which the use of HVO is set to reduce. Speaking about the move Glencar Director of ESG James Scott said: “Our transition to HVO is a major strategic step change that will make an immediate difference and impact on our carbon in construction performance. We estimate a reduction in over 90% in our Scope 1 emissions when every construction site is using HVO. We have set ourselves ambitious targets to achieve Net Zero for Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 2025 and 2045 for Scope 3 emissions and this is another important milestone on the journey. We will continue to monitor new technologies and innovation to ensure we are at the forefront of clean and efficient sustainable solutions. The switch to HVO will also give us further confidence in our emissions data that will enable us to track our reductions and performance against our ESG goals, with the knowledge that HVO itself is a sourced product that is certified through collection of feedstock, manufacturing and delivery into the UK terminal using the ISCC scheme, and thereafter using the UK’s RFAS scheme. This ensures that all feedstocks are classed as 100% renewable under the Renewable Energy Directive 2. Whilst we recognise the carbon reduction potential of HVO, we are also aware of the environmental impacts of HVO production and will closely monitor the sustainability of our supply chain. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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MILWAUKEE® Increases Power and Ergonomics to Sand More Efficiently

MILWAUKEE® Increases Power and Ergonomics to Sand More Efficiently

MILWAUKEE® continues to expand within its sanding category by introducing the new M18 FUEL™* 125 mm Random Orbit Sander. With less vibration and the power to sand the toughest materials, the new sander demonstrates MILWAUKEE®’s continued innovation for the remodeler and carpenter. The new sander delivers the lowest cordless vibration, operating at 12,000 orbits per minute allowing for a more ergonomic form factor which improves user comfort throughout the sanding application.   Featuring an orbital sanding motion with an oscillation diameter of 2.5 mm, the new M18 FUEL™ 125 mm Random Orbit Sander has the power for heavy stock removal to sand the toughest materials on the job site. The 5-mode speed control ranging from 12,000 OPMs to 6,000 OPMs allows users to change their speed setting depending on the job’s needs. With VACLINK™ Bluetooth®** Technology, the M18 FUEL™ 125 mm Random Orbit Sander allows for up to 95% dust collection. When paired with the M18 FUEL™ 34 litre Dual-Battery Dust Extractor users will experience instant dust control for easier use and best in class dust efficiency.  MILWAUKEE® is committed to improving productivity by providing performance-driven and trade-focused solutions so users can perform an entire day’s work on one battery system. The M18 FUEL™ 125 mm Random Orbit Sander is fully compatible with the entire M18™ line, now offering more than 315 solutions. *M18 FUEL™ is engineered for the most demanding tradespeople in the world. Delivering unrivalled performance, all M18 FUEL™ products feature three MILWAUKEE®-exclusive innovations—The POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor, REDLITHIUM™ Battery Pack and REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence Hardware and Software—that deliver unmatched power, run time, and durability on the job site. Simply put, M18 FUEL™ tools are the most powerful 18V cordless tools in their class. **The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by (TTI corporate name) is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. Specifications M18 FUEL™ 125 mm Random Orbit Sander M18 FROS125-502X Kit Includes: (1) M18 FUEL™ 125 mm Random Orbit Sander, (2) M18 B5 Battery Packs, (1) M12-18 FC Charger, (1) HD Box To find out more about M18 FUEL™ 125 mm Random Orbit Sander, see video footage of it in action or find your nearest store, please visit www.milwaukeetool.eu You can also visit Milwaukee Tool UK’s Instagram and LinkedIn for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Epoxy Repair Mortar Cures in Clarifier Tank Despite Adverse Weather Conditions

Epoxy Repair Mortar Cures in Clarifier Tank Despite Adverse Weather Conditions

An epoxy repair mortar was used to repair the damaged concrete substrate in a clarifier tank at a Wastewater Plant in the UK. The system achieved a complete cure despite being completely submerged in water due to a rainstorm during the curing period. In this way, the concrete resurfacing epoxy, Belzona 4131 (Magma-Screed), was an excellent alternative to concrete. It enabled the Customer to bypass the serious problems that would otherwise have arisen had poured concrete been used in the application instead of the epoxy mortar. Severely Damaged Concrete in Need of Repair The clarifier tank, 18 metres (59 ft) in diameter, was suffering from severe deterioration on the concrete base. This had been caused by the combined effects of corrosion and abrasion from the scrapers that run around the clarifier, moving sludge to the centre of the tank. The damaged concrete in the tank had led to a loss of efficiency of the scrapers and premature wear of the rubber scraper pads. In addition, this had caused the pumps operating downstream to become damaged by the pieces of the broken concrete which had been sucked downstream with the sludge. Repouring concrete onto the base of the tank was considered as a repair solution. However, this was deemed inappropriate as the bond to the original concrete would be insufficient. Specification of Epoxy Repair Mortar, Belzona 4131 (Magma-Screed) Following an inspection by Douglas Potts, Senior Fields Solutions Engineer at Belzona UK, the epoxy repair mortar, Belzona 4131 (Magma-Screed), along with Belzona 4911 (Magma TX Conditioner), were specified. Belzona 4131 (Magma-Screed) was selected due to its excellent mechanical properties as well as its abrasion resistance capabilities. In addition, as this system can be fully cured in just three days in temperatures of 15°C (59°F), this makes it an excellent alternative to concrete which concrete typically takes around 28 days to achieve a full cure.   To accompany this specification, case studies and test data were supplied demonstrating the strength and adhesion capabilities of Belzona 4131 (Magma-Screed) to concrete. This, along with the fact that the Customer had used Belzona technology in successful applications before, further cemented their decision to opt for the polymeric technology. Application of Concrete Resurfacing Epoxy Firstly, the surface was power washed, and mechanically prepared using grinders and scabblers. Next, the clarifier was marked into sections and each section was then conditioned with Belzona 4911 (Magma TX Conditioner), using a stiff bristled brush. Screed rails were then used to set the level of the Belzona 4131 (Magma-Screed). 4,500 kg (9920.8 lbs) of Belzona 4131 (Magma-Screed) was then applied using metal floats to a thickness of 6mm (0.24 in).   During the curing process, a rainstorm hit the site and the tank was submerged in water. After the storm, the tank was drained and destructive testing was conducted, with support from Belzona Limited’s Research and Development team, on the patch most recently laid. Other than slight cosmetic damage of surface whitening, the system was found to be fully cured and unaffected. A very different outcome would have been observed had the Customer chosen to use poured concrete for the repair and such flooding occurred. An Alternative to ConcreteThe application and cure was completed in eight days. Had the Customer chosen to use the poured concrete method to repair the substrate, the application and cure would have taken weeks to be completed, rather than days. Thus, by opting for the epoxy repair mortar, this ensured that minimal disruption was incurred to the Plant’s operations.     For more information, please visit: www.belzona.co.uk    Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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