Siderise has launched the first in the series of its new Technical Deep Dives— short free e-learning modules designed to help construction professionals get to grips with key areas of passive fire protection and noise control in the built environment. Edition 1 explores the challenges imposed upon perimeter firestops
The distinctive, semi-elliptical shape of the new 90m high glass and steel office building at 70 St Mary Axe in London required proven passive fire protection and acoustic solutions that could fit with the unique curved frame. Leading manufacturer of fire, acoustic and thermal insulation products, SIDERISE, met the challenge.
With the increasing demands for firesafe materials across the construction industry, SIDERISE Nexus Core provides specifiers of architectural panels and doors with a firesafe and high strength insulation core that offers rigidity, flatness and exceptional structural performance. A truly firesafe structural insulation solution, SIDERISE Nexus Core (previously Lamatherm Nexus NXR)
Recent events have brought into sharp focus the issue of building regulations which some say are falling behind the scale and scope of what has been going on in the built environment. The regulatory system can be a source of frequent misunderstanding and confusion, with many across the industry having
Siderise has launched the first in the series of its new Technical Deep Dives— short free e-learning modules designed to help construction professionals get to grips with key areas of passive fire protection and noise control in the built environment. Edition 1 explores the challenges imposed upon perimeter firestops resulting from curtain wall façade and building movement, and the consequential performance requirements for providing effective compartmentation. This includes examining the test standards to look out for when specifying these products. With one set to be released bi-monthly, these Technical Deep Dives break down key application issues in an easy-to-understand and visual way. They have been created to share the knowledge, experience and insights of the manufacturer’s Technical Experts who have worked on all kinds of projects all over the world helping designers and contractors to understand how they can deliver best practice passive fire safety and noise control. Explore the first edition: https://knowledge.siderise.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The distinctive, semi-elliptical shape of the new 90m high glass and steel office building at 70 St Mary Axe in London required proven passive fire protection and acoustic solutions that could fit with the unique curved frame. Leading manufacturer of fire, acoustic and thermal insulation products, SIDERISE, met the challenge. Built by Mace, 70 St Mary Axe is another example of architects pushing the envelope when it comes to daring and striking design. The curvaceous form of the 24 storey structure presented a number of challenges for façade contractor, Focchi, including the creation of a cold-curved glass panel. In addition, the building’s unusual shape meant each floor was slightly different from the ones above and below, therefore requiring a high level of accuracy and detail to meet the sound barrier and fire stop requirements. The collaboration with Focchi saw SIDERISE recommend the CW-FS 120 fire stop to seal the gap between the curved walling system and the slabs of this tapered building and also as a vertical barrier for each internal steel column. As well as being an effective seal against the passage of fire and smoke, the CW-FS 120 will also function as an effective acoustic barrier and plenum lining. SIDERISE also provided the BM/P acoustic barrier mat to assist in reducing flanking transmission between adjacent internal areas and further improve the room-to-room acoustic performance. Commenting on the project, Matteo Bugané, Project Manager at Focchi said: “The technical assistance and advice from SIDERISE was invaluable to ensure compatibility between the fire stops and our curtain walling system. We also developed the vertical acoustic barrier with the SIDERISE team to reach the required 45dB performance requirements on the project. The experience working with SIDERISE on this project was excellent and we look forward to working with them on the next project.” Whilst specifying the correct product is vital, the quality of installation of a life-safety critical product is equally as important. Throughout the application, the SIDERISE Inspection and Reporting App provided Focchi with an efficient way to effectively inspect, record and seamlessly audit the quality of the installation of the fire stops. By capturing the relevant information on a tablet device, the contractor was able to highlight any issues in need of a resolution. The App allows the user to easily update data input fields, capture multiple photos for each area or element inspected, and then record as in accordance with recommendations, or otherwise. A comprehensive report is immediately generated which effectively offers feedback on the quality of installation of the areas inspected in accordance with recommendations, thereby identifying areas that require remedial treatment. The SIDERISE Inspection and Reporting App is part of a comprehensive range of services from the company’s site services team which ensures that each stage of a project, from product selection to final installation, runs smoothly. With this stunning city building and its curvaceous irregular form a welcome addition to the London skyline, SIDERISE played its part in delivering tried and tested solutions which met the client’s passive fire protection and noise transfer requirements
With the increasing demands for firesafe materials across the construction industry, SIDERISE Nexus Core provides specifiers of architectural panels and doors with a firesafe and high strength insulation core that offers rigidity, flatness and exceptional structural performance. A truly firesafe structural insulation solution, SIDERISE Nexus Core (previously Lamatherm Nexus NXR) lamella boards meet the performance requirements of modern industrial and commercial buildings being used in curtain walling systems, doors and volumetric building elements. They provide a cost-effective, pre-finished rigid core to be used wherever thermal, fire or acoustic insulation is required within a bonded composite panel. Nexus Core comprises high strength stonewool lamella with a uniform fibre structure. Precision manufacturing and tight tolerances means that manufacturers can use thinner facing materials that can now remain robust and aesthetically pleasing. As part of the patented Nexus process, the lamella undergoes lateral compression which eliminates all gaps within and between the lamella, thereby removing any weak points and creating a ‘true’ lamella board. This increases structural performance and produces a more homogenous core. The Nexus Core lamella boards are supplied with an open filament net facing to both sides to allow for structural bonding and also optimal handleability. Willian McDowell, Business Development and Product Manager of SIDERISE: “Whilst facades can be used to create a stunning architectural statement, it is essential these buildings are constructed to perform efficiently and safely. Nexus Core is made from European Fireclass A1 material which is resistant to temperatures in excess of 1000° C.” SIDERISE Nexus products use a unique patented process to produce a true structurally lamella board with optimal and tested fire, thermal and acoustic performance. Specifiers and building owners can then be certain these products will continue to perform after insulation, offering the best environmental conditions for those living and working in buildings, and to reliably protect in the event of fire. For further information about SIDERISE or for technical advice visit www.siderise.com or call 01656 730833
Recent events have brought into sharp focus the issue of building regulations which some say are falling behind the scale and scope of what has been going on in the built environment. The regulatory system can be a source of frequent misunderstanding and confusion, with many across the industry having a lack of understanding around materials and building regulations. Put simply: what materials should go where and what should these materials be tested to? But what does this mean for construction product manufacturers in terms of credibility and how can specifiers compare one tested and approved product over another? With the failure to fully adopt EN standards and adherence to old BS standards, we’ve ended up creating two systems – one which is modern and following the latest thinking and regulation and another that harks back to the building regulations originally conceived in the 1960s when buildings were very different indeed. The way we design and construct buildings, the materials that are used have all changed drastically over the past decades. We only have to see the prevalence of glass and alumunium in our cities instead of concrete, all of which gives rise to greater challenges in terms of acoustics and fire. From a competitive credibility point of view, it’s perfectly feasible that a company with cutting edge test data will find itself competing with a company which has a test certificate in line with outdated building regulations. The customer will think they are equally compliant because the regulations allow them to be so, but equally the one without the latest test data has the same access to the market than the one with the testing, but without the incumbent costs. For example, SIDERISE invests a considerable sum each year on testing its acoustic, fire and thermal insulation solutions. Specifiers will adopt the tick box approach to materials in the sense they will more often than not choose a product for an application, sometimes under time pressure, and one that they recognise to be the right thing. They are easy prey for businesses, some of whom will do the minimum in terms of certification and testing, with very little evidence to back up their products. Four hour’s fire resistance for a product could have several interpretations. Regulations need to be more descriptive and prescriptive, not just because of time pressures, but also because there is a lack of training and education in matters related to fire. If you look at the way buildings are constructed there will be an architect, a fire engineer and possibly a façade engineer. There are sometimes grey areas in terms of who is responsible for what? Some in the chain may be looking to push liability down the line. In other words, who will sign this off? While most manufacturers will have product liability insurance, far fewer will have professional indemnity insurance. SIDERISE carries both, so both our physical product and where necessary, product specific design advice can be given with confidence. When we talk about professional credibility, it’s possible for companies to put products on the market, and because of the gaps in understanding on regulations, or the clever use of marketing words, these products can be completely acceptable and legal, but not fit-for-purpose. While at SIDERISE, we get asked for our test data on a daily basis; specifiers need an explanation to ensure they come to the right conclusions about what they are reading. Do they want the data for the sake of compliance only to file away, or for the purpose of learning something about what they are using? There needs to be a checklist of questions about the products they are going to specify. Has the product got this rating? Are they understood? Have they got the correct data and is it up to date? So when it comes to competitive credibility, if you want to make a fair comparison between products you need to look at whether the product has any provenance. What is the history of the product? What testing is behind the specific product? And is the testing current? Only when a specifier looks beyond a checklist will they be able to specify products which are fit-for-purpose. For further information about SIDERISE or for specific technical advice visit: www.siderise.com, or call 01656 730833 **( by Chris Hall – Commercial Development Officer, SIDERISE)
