Talk. Build 's Entries
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A new and innovative range of portable ward furniture, especially made to meet the needs of busy hospitals and medical centres, will be officially unveiled by David Bailey, Britain’s fastest growing manufacturer of specialist furniture products, at the Healthcare Estates Conference in Manchester on October 4th. The range which includes a versatile choice of bedside cabinets, wardrobes, storage units and writing desks, has been designed with movement in mind, ready to be wheeled into action to meet any emergency situation or day to day medical requirement. “We have been supplying furniture to Hospitals, NHS Trusts, Private Hospitals and Medical Centres for 40 years,” said Tony Huggins, Operations Manager for David Bailey Furniture, “and in that time have developed a second to none reputation for delivering quality and innovation.” “These have traditionally been fixed storage units or reception, counters and staff bases, but it has been clear for some time that hospitals need a furniture range that is robust and flexible enough to be moved at moment’s notice, particularly in emergency situations, as we have seen in the recent pandemic.” The new range of portable furniture has been designed and manufactured for the benefit of both patients and staff. Every product uses quality proven components such as industry leading “Blum” hinges that will faultlessly open and close – every time – ‘silent run’ casters to allow for quiet easy movement, together with recognised security locks and other features to protect valuables and other essentials. The bedside cabinets offer easy access cupboards for mobile phones and wallets which can be accessed by patients via inbuilt doors at the side of each unit, while the main cupboard has been traditionally kept at the front for larger items. The cabinets together with the rest of the range have been made with a hospital environment in mind and are strong enough to meet the day-to-day challenges of moving beds and trolleys which frequently result in knocks and bumps. The units also meet the highest hygiene standards. The David Bailey Range of portable furniture is now ready for immediate manufacture and can be seen on Stand Number D63 at Manchester Central. For further information, visit: - https://davidbaileyfurniture.co.uk/0 Posted by Talk. Build
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By Talk. Build A new and innovative range of portable ward furniture, especially made to meet the needs of busy hospitals and medical centres, will be officially unveiled by David Bailey, Britain’s fastest growing manufacturer of specialist furniture products, at the Healthcare Estates Conference in Manchester on October 4th. The range which includes a versatile choice of bedside cabinets, wardrobes, storage units and writing desks, has been designed with movement in mind, ready to be wheeled into action to meet any emergency situation or day to day medical requirement. “We have been supplying furniture to Hospitals, NHS Trusts, Private Hospitals and Medical Centres for 40 years,” said Tony Huggins, Operations Manager for David Bailey Furniture, “and in that time have developed a second to none reputation for delivering quality and innovation.” “These have traditionally been fixed storage units or reception, counters and staff bases, but it has been clear for some time that hospitals need a furniture range that is robust and flexible enough to be moved at moment’s notice, particularly in emergency situations, as we have seen in the recent pandemic.” The new range of portable furniture has been designed and manufactured for the benefit of both patients and staff. Every product uses quality proven components such as industry leading “Blum” hinges that will faultlessly open and close – every time – ‘silent run’ casters to allow for quiet easy movement, together with recognised security locks and other features to protect valuables and other essentials. The bedside cabinets offer easy access cupboards for mobile phones and wallets which can be accessed by patients via inbuilt doors at the side of each unit, while the main cupboard has been traditionally kept at the front for larger items. The cabinets together with the rest of the range have been made with a hospital environment in mind and are strong enough to meet the day-to-day challenges of moving beds and trolleys which frequently result in knocks and bumps. The units also meet the highest hygiene standards. The David Bailey Range of portable furniture is now ready for immediate manufacture and can be seen on Stand Number D63 at Manchester Central. For further information, visit: - https://davidbaileyfurniture.co.uk/Sep 23, 2022 0 -
Insulation within a flooring build-up doesn’t generally gain the same significance as it does in a wall or roof application, but its contribution remains crucial to sealing a building’s thermal envelope. Flooring insulation in a busy commercial setting should have dual purpose. It needs to be strong enough to withstand regular pounding from large footfall or heavy machinery, whilst possessing the thermal properties to help uphold a building’s overall energy performance. Specification consideration The insulation’s specification will depend on a building’s use. In a warehouse or industrial environment where motorised machinery is prevalent, priority will be given to the insulation’s load-bearing capacity when it comes to its selection. This will generally be determined by a structural engineer checking a specified product’s declared load-bearing ability against the weight it will be required to withstand. When it comes to where insulation fits within a commercial flooring build-up, this very much depends on the composition of the floor itself. On a standard sand and cement screed, the insulation will be installed between a damp-proof and a radon membrane. PIR benefits PIR panels are one of the better-performing insulants for commercial applications. It’s a solution that offers the best of both worlds, as it provides good compressive strength and a high thermal performance. Its use is ideal in a domestic or light commercial setting. Easy to handle and install, PIR panels reduce the risk of cold bridging by offering improved performance at floor junction details and perimeter upstands. Alternative choice As for alternative solutions, polystyrene-based insulation provides much higher load-bearing capacity, making it more suitable for use in a heavy industrialised setting. However, its compressive strength isn’t married to a strong thermal performance; hence PIR is the better all-round performer. PIR’s dual qualities also make for a more rapid, cost-effective installation. Its excellent thermal conductivity reduces the thickness and depth of a floor’s build-up, which in-turn decreases the amount of preparatory soil and rubble removal involved in new-build and refurbishment flooring applications. Eurothane® GP Recticel’s Eurothane® GP insulation board is a high-performance solution for a range of commercial and domestic projects involving floors, pitched roofs or framed walls. Lightweight and easy to cut, the board has an excellent thermal conductivity of 0.022W/mK, whilst its consistent tolerances, straight edges and flatness enhance its usability without compromise to durability. As far as flooring insulation is concerned, Eurothane® GP board meets the demand for longevity and good energy flow within a build-up. Specifiers shouldn’t stand for anything less.0 Posted by Talk. Build
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By Talk. Build Insulation within a flooring build-up doesn’t generally gain the same significance as it does in a wall or roof application, but its contribution remains crucial to sealing a building’s thermal envelope. Flooring insulation in a busy commercial setting should have dual purpose. It needs to be strong enough to withstand regular pounding from large footfall or heavy machinery, whilst possessing the thermal properties to help uphold a building’s overall energy performance. Specification consideration The insulation’s specification will depend on a building’s use. In a warehouse or industrial environment where motorised machinery is prevalent, priority will be given to the insulation’s load-bearing capacity when it comes to its selection. This will generally be determined by a structural engineer checking a specified product’s declared load-bearing ability against the weight it will be required to withstand. When it comes to where insulation fits within a commercial flooring build-up, this very much depends on the composition of the floor itself. On a standard sand and cement screed, the insulation will be installed between a damp-proof and a radon membrane. PIR benefits PIR panels are one of the better-performing insulants for commercial applications. It’s a solution that offers the best of both worlds, as it provides good compressive strength and a high thermal performance. Its use is ideal in a domestic or light commercial setting. Easy to handle and install, PIR panels reduce the risk of cold bridging by offering improved performance at floor junction details and perimeter upstands. Alternative choice As for alternative solutions, polystyrene-based insulation provides much higher load-bearing capacity, making it more suitable for use in a heavy industrialised setting. However, its compressive strength isn’t married to a strong thermal performance; hence PIR is the better all-round performer. PIR’s dual qualities also make for a more rapid, cost-effective installation. Its excellent thermal conductivity reduces the thickness and depth of a floor’s build-up, which in-turn decreases the amount of preparatory soil and rubble removal involved in new-build and refurbishment flooring applications. Eurothane® GP Recticel’s Eurothane® GP insulation board is a high-performance solution for a range of commercial and domestic projects involving floors, pitched roofs or framed walls. Lightweight and easy to cut, the board has an excellent thermal conductivity of 0.022W/mK, whilst its consistent tolerances, straight edges and flatness enhance its usability without compromise to durability. As far as flooring insulation is concerned, Eurothane® GP board meets the demand for longevity and good energy flow within a build-up. Specifiers shouldn’t stand for anything less.Apr 22, 2021 0
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A property owner has submitted a planning application to add three additional stories to a North London residential tower block to help fund the removal of unsafe ACM cladding on the lower 14 floors writes Iain Cox, Chair of the Business Sprinkler Alliance. Whilst the concept might be sound on paper, has the design considered the fire safety aspect and how to keep people safe in a building that will be changed? The owner of Premier House in Edgeware, North London, is planning to add three additional stories and a rooftop garden to the building to partially fund the remediation work on the rest of the building. This planned alteration also brings into sharp focus the 2020 change to Permitted Development Rights (PDR) allowing building owners to add up to two storeys on top of existing detached and purpose-built blocks of flats through a fast-track process. In either case, it is critical to ask the question, how has the risk changed by adding these floors? Upward extensions such as the one proposed at Premier House need to be carried out after careful consideration and assessment of the existing building and its fire strategy. Which sort of evacuation plans are in place for the current building? How many extra people will be residents in the altered building? Will the staircases and door widths accommodate these additional people and provide access to firefighters? Which material is the new extension going to be made of? Will it alter the fire load materially? The change needs to be considered holistically not on the addition alone. There is a tendency to think about the structure, aesthetics and thermal efficiency of the new sections of the building when undertaking such alterations. What is needed is to reconsider the fire safety of the building from the ground upwards. Renovations and changes such as these are often intended to make the building better for its tenants. Unfortunately the law of unintended consequences often means that these intentions are not realised. Another consideration is the new 11-metre storey height sprinkler threshold that came into force last November. This will be an interesting case to follow as this change will have implications for the overall building. Regardless of this change, from a fire safety perspective sprinklers make a lot of sense and are a key component in the long-term strategy of any building. If considered early in the design process, they can be included and implemented whilst balancing costs. Developers need to have an open mind to other fire safety solutions, particularly sprinklers, and think about the best solutions to employ for such a change considering the building as a whole Early consideration of automatic sprinkler systems in the design process, opens up a number of significant design opportunities which could provide solutions, to the challenges such projects will inevitably face. This will only happen when the fire strategy for the whole building is considered at the start of a project. We must stop thinking of fire safety as an ‘add on’.0 Posted by Talk. Build
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By Talk. Build A property owner has submitted a planning application to add three additional stories to a North London residential tower block to help fund the removal of unsafe ACM cladding on the lower 14 floors writes Iain Cox, Chair of the Business Sprinkler Alliance. Whilst the concept might be sound on paper, has the design considered the fire safety aspect and how to keep people safe in a building that will be changed? The owner of Premier House in Edgeware, North London, is planning to add three additional stories and a rooftop garden to the building to partially fund the remediation work on the rest of the building. This planned alteration also brings into sharp focus the 2020 change to Permitted Development Rights (PDR) allowing building owners to add up to two storeys on top of existing detached and purpose-built blocks of flats through a fast-track process. In either case, it is critical to ask the question, how has the risk changed by adding these floors? Upward extensions such as the one proposed at Premier House need to be carried out after careful consideration and assessment of the existing building and its fire strategy. Which sort of evacuation plans are in place for the current building? How many extra people will be residents in the altered building? Will the staircases and door widths accommodate these additional people and provide access to firefighters? Which material is the new extension going to be made of? Will it alter the fire load materially? The change needs to be considered holistically not on the addition alone. There is a tendency to think about the structure, aesthetics and thermal efficiency of the new sections of the building when undertaking such alterations. What is needed is to reconsider the fire safety of the building from the ground upwards. Renovations and changes such as these are often intended to make the building better for its tenants. Unfortunately the law of unintended consequences often means that these intentions are not realised. Another consideration is the new 11-metre storey height sprinkler threshold that came into force last November. This will be an interesting case to follow as this change will have implications for the overall building. Regardless of this change, from a fire safety perspective sprinklers make a lot of sense and are a key component in the long-term strategy of any building. If considered early in the design process, they can be included and implemented whilst balancing costs. Developers need to have an open mind to other fire safety solutions, particularly sprinklers, and think about the best solutions to employ for such a change considering the building as a whole Early consideration of automatic sprinkler systems in the design process, opens up a number of significant design opportunities which could provide solutions, to the challenges such projects will inevitably face. This will only happen when the fire strategy for the whole building is considered at the start of a project. We must stop thinking of fire safety as an ‘add on’.Mar 23, 2021 0
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As 2021 takes its first tentative steps, what fates does it have in store for the UK construction industry? Recticel and Gradient’s Commercial Director Paul Simpson offers his view on the potential challenges that lie ahead. When asked to provide a prediction on what the following months might bring for the building sector, I think it’s important to be realistic. We remain in the middle of a pandemic that has taken many lives, and may take many more. Therefore, the nation’s health and safety should remain the principle consideration before attentions turn to our economic recovery. We’ve been told the vaccine roll-out is crucial to our escape from the current crisis, and as all seems to be going well on that front, there is real hope on the horizon that this year will be better for all. However, as the politicians and scientists care to remind us, there is a long way to go before anything like normal Iife returns. And therein lies the problem for the construction industry and business as a whole: none of us knows how long the current lockdown restrictions will last. It means long-term plans, which are crucial to commercial success, remain on hold whilst we await news of the government’s exit strategy from lockdown. In the meantime, as we have throughout this health crisis, Recticel and Gradient remain committed to providing customers with the best possible service. This means doing everything we can to ensure our distribution partners have the products they need to maintain the building supply chain and ensure projects are fulfilled. Supporting the supply chain The building supply chain’s effective operation is essential to keeping the construction industry buoyant, which in turn will be essential to the UK’s post-pandemic economy. Any break in the chain will have a negative domino effect, leading to every other link failing to deliver what it promised. I fear this becoming a real issue when the furlough scheme ends, as it may result in the closure of many businesses that relied on its financial support. Ultimately, smaller distributors and subcontractors will be most at risk when the government’s support package expires, but each is a vital link in the building supply chain. A shortfall in such resources will inevitably lead to project delays and extra expenditure for supplier and client; a potential burden that is particularly unwelcome at this time of economy uncertainty. Having said how difficult it is for building companies to plan for the months ahead, I think the issue could be relieved by local authorities, for example, offering those in the supply chain some insight into projects that are on the horizon. Obviously, this will not be easy, as councils and the like are also having to deal with an unprecedented situation. For them, committing to future projects at a time of great financial uncertainty will be a precarious practice. However, any kind of heads-up on the likelihood of building programmes in the education and commercial sector being progressed would be most welcome. This would provide much-needed foresight to the construction-based suppliers who at the moment are struggling to deal with the here and now. It almost goes without saying, but long-term planning is everything in business. Supply and demand quandary Despite the emerging global health crisis, 2020 was the best-ever manufacturing year for Recticel and Gradient. We’re anticipating similar success this year. However, all the while uncertainties remain over when and how lockdown restrictions will be lifted, then the construction industry will be faced with a challenge on how best to juggle supply and demand issues. Suppliers worldwide will be dealing with the same quandary: order too much stock and we could be left with a surplus due to building projects being delayed or cancelled. Conversely, should suppliers proceed with more caution there will be concerns that ongoing restrictions could lead to manufacturers not being able to meet product demands. A supply chain needs continuity to function properly, but as has been said many times throughout this pandemic, these are unprecedented times. Business strategies the world over are – to a certain extent – being led by governments, which in-turn are being dictated to by the virus. The future is an ever-changing picture. The best forecast I can currently make is that we will continue to supply our distribution and waterproofing partners with the materials – and details of building projects that are in the pipeline – in order to keep their end of the building supply chain strong. I’m sure 2021 will be a much better year for the UK construction industry and the world in general. By being patient and following health guidelines, I believe summer will see us in a much better position to put delayed business plans into practice. Visit: https://www.recticelinsulation.com/en-gb/home0 Posted by Talk. Build
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By Talk. Build As 2021 takes its first tentative steps, what fates does it have in store for the UK construction industry? Recticel and Gradient’s Commercial Director Paul Simpson offers his view on the potential challenges that lie ahead. When asked to provide a prediction on what the following months might bring for the building sector, I think it’s important to be realistic. We remain in the middle of a pandemic that has taken many lives, and may take many more. Therefore, the nation’s health and safety should remain the principle consideration before attentions turn to our economic recovery. We’ve been told the vaccine roll-out is crucial to our escape from the current crisis, and as all seems to be going well on that front, there is real hope on the horizon that this year will be better for all. However, as the politicians and scientists care to remind us, there is a long way to go before anything like normal Iife returns. And therein lies the problem for the construction industry and business as a whole: none of us knows how long the current lockdown restrictions will last. It means long-term plans, which are crucial to commercial success, remain on hold whilst we await news of the government’s exit strategy from lockdown. In the meantime, as we have throughout this health crisis, Recticel and Gradient remain committed to providing customers with the best possible service. This means doing everything we can to ensure our distribution partners have the products they need to maintain the building supply chain and ensure projects are fulfilled. Supporting the supply chain The building supply chain’s effective operation is essential to keeping the construction industry buoyant, which in turn will be essential to the UK’s post-pandemic economy. Any break in the chain will have a negative domino effect, leading to every other link failing to deliver what it promised. I fear this becoming a real issue when the furlough scheme ends, as it may result in the closure of many businesses that relied on its financial support. Ultimately, smaller distributors and subcontractors will be most at risk when the government’s support package expires, but each is a vital link in the building supply chain. A shortfall in such resources will inevitably lead to project delays and extra expenditure for supplier and client; a potential burden that is particularly unwelcome at this time of economy uncertainty. Having said how difficult it is for building companies to plan for the months ahead, I think the issue could be relieved by local authorities, for example, offering those in the supply chain some insight into projects that are on the horizon. Obviously, this will not be easy, as councils and the like are also having to deal with an unprecedented situation. For them, committing to future projects at a time of great financial uncertainty will be a precarious practice. However, any kind of heads-up on the likelihood of building programmes in the education and commercial sector being progressed would be most welcome. This would provide much-needed foresight to the construction-based suppliers who at the moment are struggling to deal with the here and now. It almost goes without saying, but long-term planning is everything in business. Supply and demand quandary Despite the emerging global health crisis, 2020 was the best-ever manufacturing year for Recticel and Gradient. We’re anticipating similar success this year. However, all the while uncertainties remain over when and how lockdown restrictions will be lifted, then the construction industry will be faced with a challenge on how best to juggle supply and demand issues. Suppliers worldwide will be dealing with the same quandary: order too much stock and we could be left with a surplus due to building projects being delayed or cancelled. Conversely, should suppliers proceed with more caution there will be concerns that ongoing restrictions could lead to manufacturers not being able to meet product demands. A supply chain needs continuity to function properly, but as has been said many times throughout this pandemic, these are unprecedented times. Business strategies the world over are – to a certain extent – being led by governments, which in-turn are being dictated to by the virus. The future is an ever-changing picture. The best forecast I can currently make is that we will continue to supply our distribution and waterproofing partners with the materials – and details of building projects that are in the pipeline – in order to keep their end of the building supply chain strong. I’m sure 2021 will be a much better year for the UK construction industry and the world in general. By being patient and following health guidelines, I believe summer will see us in a much better position to put delayed business plans into practice. Visit: https://www.recticelinsulation.com/en-gb/homeFeb 08, 2021 0
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Logistics companies and truckers facing problems at UK ports cannot put all of the fault on Brexit or the Government - they have only themselves to blame - according to Chaucer, the world’s largest dedicated Furniture Logistics company. Contrary to most media reports, the majority of trucks continued to flow easily through UK ports post Brexit because the industry had been well prepared with all the right paperwork in place before the start of each delivery. In the first eight days of 2021 Chaucer completed almost 100 cross channel freight movements with no hold ups because all the paperwork was in order before trucks left or arrived at the company’s depot in Rainham, Essex. This included traffic coming both into the UK and out from every part of the EU. “We appointed a ‘Brexit Buddy’ in December 2018 to ensure that we were ready for any changes,” said Scott Dunn, Chaucer Logistics Chief Executive. “We knew that even if there was a trade deal that there would still need to be customs checks and other documentation in place.” “Our Brexit Buddy discussed all the various possibilities in advance with our customers and put everything into place and as a result we have not experienced any hold ups and do not expect there to be major problems in the future.” According to Chaucer it is the logistics companies who thought that everything would remain the same once the UK had negotiated a trade deal who have been caught out. Such companies failed to realised that the UK was no longer part of the customs union which was why so many were caught off guard. The good news is that the UK and European furniture industry seems to continuing to see good volume, (although down on previous years), in spite of Covid-19 and Brexit. Chaucer continues to provide logistics services for a growing number of UK furniture manufacturers to customers in every part of the EU. Similarly, EU manufacturers seem to be equally as busy with shipments to the UK. “We are seeing a growing number of offices and hospitality venues refurbishing and getting ready for when Covid is under control,” said Scott Dunn. “We are also seeing more and more people working from home and requiring office furniture and this side of our business continues to grow rapidly.” This trend is expected to continue for at least the next two years, say Chaucer, which offers massive opportunities for furniture manufacturers across the country. www.chaucerlogistics.com0 Posted by Talk. Build
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By Talk. Build Logistics companies and truckers facing problems at UK ports cannot put all of the fault on Brexit or the Government - they have only themselves to blame - according to Chaucer, the world’s largest dedicated Furniture Logistics company. Contrary to most media reports, the majority of trucks continued to flow easily through UK ports post Brexit because the industry had been well prepared with all the right paperwork in place before the start of each delivery. In the first eight days of 2021 Chaucer completed almost 100 cross channel freight movements with no hold ups because all the paperwork was in order before trucks left or arrived at the company’s depot in Rainham, Essex. This included traffic coming both into the UK and out from every part of the EU. “We appointed a ‘Brexit Buddy’ in December 2018 to ensure that we were ready for any changes,” said Scott Dunn, Chaucer Logistics Chief Executive. “We knew that even if there was a trade deal that there would still need to be customs checks and other documentation in place.” “Our Brexit Buddy discussed all the various possibilities in advance with our customers and put everything into place and as a result we have not experienced any hold ups and do not expect there to be major problems in the future.” According to Chaucer it is the logistics companies who thought that everything would remain the same once the UK had negotiated a trade deal who have been caught out. Such companies failed to realised that the UK was no longer part of the customs union which was why so many were caught off guard. The good news is that the UK and European furniture industry seems to continuing to see good volume, (although down on previous years), in spite of Covid-19 and Brexit. Chaucer continues to provide logistics services for a growing number of UK furniture manufacturers to customers in every part of the EU. Similarly, EU manufacturers seem to be equally as busy with shipments to the UK. “We are seeing a growing number of offices and hospitality venues refurbishing and getting ready for when Covid is under control,” said Scott Dunn. “We are also seeing more and more people working from home and requiring office furniture and this side of our business continues to grow rapidly.” This trend is expected to continue for at least the next two years, say Chaucer, which offers massive opportunities for furniture manufacturers across the country. www.chaucerlogistics.comJan 29, 2021 0
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The importance of science within today’s economy should not be underestimated writes Mark Gatrell, Head of Research & Development, Sika UK. It’s essential for a country’s prosperity, environment, health, and quality of life. So when it comes to the next generation of scientists for industry, how do you inspire and find them, to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of global innovation? Graduate training programmes and internships are an ideal way to train and develop a workforce of homegrown talent. While construction product manufacturers are perhaps not household names as far as prospective interns are concerned, Sika is a globally renowned name within the industry, something that is recognised by new applicants and highly valued. Sika's UK Research & Development department offers four graduate internships, operating in either polymer synthesis; coating formulation; sealant and adhesive formulation; or cement chemistry. These posts are based at our three sites, in Preston, Leeds and Welwyn Garden City, and run for a one year, fixed term. There are significant benefits of internships for both the company and the intern. Sika has been extremely impressed with the students who have participated within the scheme since it commenced, and the skills and knowledge that they have brought to the business. It is seen as a valuable route to develop relationships with a group of highly talented people, who will soon be looking to build careers within companies such as Sika. The graduate programme brings a new influx of ideas and initiatives every year, which have contributed significantly to the development of new products, and the growth of intellectual property. The scheme offers interns a meaningful placement, with engaging work in product development and testing. Time is usually split evenly, between contributions to the ongoing development programmes, and a single dedicated project. This is selected on the basis of its value to Sika, and applicability to being the subject of the intern’s thesis. For the intern, the opportunity to spend a full year in employment within product development teams, and surrounded by some of Sika's leading experts within their field, is an engaging and highly motivating experience. There is incredible progress in their understanding of the business and its products over this time, as well as significant growth in their capability, presentation skills, and business acumen. The company invests heavily in its people, and the graduates join and benefit from our learning and development activities. Sika is a firm believer in the merits of industrial placements, and often experiences stronger performance at interview from those students who have completed industrial placements. For many of the company’s interns, an industrial placement potentially marks the beginning of a career path. Understanding of the importance of networking, effective time management, presentation skills, and organisation, are rapidly developed. Success in this environment is seen to offer greater intrinsic rewards, though the consequences of failure are far more significant and apparent. Sika believes this exposure provides an engaging challenge for candidates entering the workplace, and provides the impetus for developing new skills. Visit www.sika.co.uk.0 Posted by Talk. Build
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By Talk. Build The importance of science within today’s economy should not be underestimated writes Mark Gatrell, Head of Research & Development, Sika UK. It’s essential for a country’s prosperity, environment, health, and quality of life. So when it comes to the next generation of scientists for industry, how do you inspire and find them, to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of global innovation? Graduate training programmes and internships are an ideal way to train and develop a workforce of homegrown talent. While construction product manufacturers are perhaps not household names as far as prospective interns are concerned, Sika is a globally renowned name within the industry, something that is recognised by new applicants and highly valued. Sika's UK Research & Development department offers four graduate internships, operating in either polymer synthesis; coating formulation; sealant and adhesive formulation; or cement chemistry. These posts are based at our three sites, in Preston, Leeds and Welwyn Garden City, and run for a one year, fixed term. There are significant benefits of internships for both the company and the intern. Sika has been extremely impressed with the students who have participated within the scheme since it commenced, and the skills and knowledge that they have brought to the business. It is seen as a valuable route to develop relationships with a group of highly talented people, who will soon be looking to build careers within companies such as Sika. The graduate programme brings a new influx of ideas and initiatives every year, which have contributed significantly to the development of new products, and the growth of intellectual property. The scheme offers interns a meaningful placement, with engaging work in product development and testing. Time is usually split evenly, between contributions to the ongoing development programmes, and a single dedicated project. This is selected on the basis of its value to Sika, and applicability to being the subject of the intern’s thesis. For the intern, the opportunity to spend a full year in employment within product development teams, and surrounded by some of Sika's leading experts within their field, is an engaging and highly motivating experience. There is incredible progress in their understanding of the business and its products over this time, as well as significant growth in their capability, presentation skills, and business acumen. The company invests heavily in its people, and the graduates join and benefit from our learning and development activities. Sika is a firm believer in the merits of industrial placements, and often experiences stronger performance at interview from those students who have completed industrial placements. For many of the company’s interns, an industrial placement potentially marks the beginning of a career path. Understanding of the importance of networking, effective time management, presentation skills, and organisation, are rapidly developed. Success in this environment is seen to offer greater intrinsic rewards, though the consequences of failure are far more significant and apparent. Sika believes this exposure provides an engaging challenge for candidates entering the workplace, and provides the impetus for developing new skills. Visit www.sika.co.uk.Jan 04, 2019 0
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When Fosters + Partners announced in 2013 it was exploring the possibilities of 3D printed buildings on the moon using lunar soil, the concept of 3D printed buildings as a viable commercial alternative to current construction techniques was one step closer to reality writes Martin Liska, Research and Development Manager, Sika. Five years later, this ‘disruptive technology’, a term defined by American scholar Clayton Christensen, may well still be in its infancy, but remains on track to being a game-changer in the construction industry with buildings and their components having the potential to quite literally raise themselves. The digitisation of the construction industry is changing every aspect of construction and the entire lifecycle of a building from design to maintenance. As part of this, 3D concrete printing is just one of the new tools for architects and contractors to change the rules of the game and allow a more efficient and sustainable design. The technology may not yet be at the point where we can build high spec homes or fifty storey buildings but in its infancy it is showing to have remarkable technical, economical as well as sustainability potential. If 3D concrete printing is to compete with traditional and economical construction methods, then structures need to be printed efficiently. As a 3D concrete printing pioneer, Sika has consolidated all the technologies and knowledge resulting in a developed complex system which ensures that concrete is printed rapidly, inexpensively and precisely. The system includes the robotics, the Sika Pulsement process control system, the Sika MiniShot extrusion system, 3D mortar system and Sika ViscoCrete® technology. One of the major parts of the robotics system is the print head developed by the Sika 3D research team. It is a high performance tool that ensures an efficient printing process through precise management of not only the head movement, but also with the 3D mortar system and the ViscoCrete technology, the properties of the extruded material. Consistence, colour, strength rate development, dimensional stability and durability of the 3D printed concrete are controlled through a tailored selection and dosage of raw materials and proprietary additives. The concrete extruded through the print head then creates building components layer-by-layer. The material cures within seconds and bonds with the layer placed previously. This way, conventional as well as complex shapes can be constructed rapidly with the highest efficiency of the material use. This allows for the realisation of previously inconceivable architecture, from dynamic curves to futuristic interlinked structures, all of which can be printed directly and efficiently from digital plans. 3D printing does not require formwork or any additional equipment as the concrete is directly moulded into the construction. It is therefore possible to print concrete quickly and competitively. 3D printing offers a wealth of sustainability benefits, directly fulfilling one of Sika’s core values. The process aims to significantly increase the speed of construction and eliminate waste through utilisation of virtually all material extruded from the printing head. The efficient use of materials is such that they become multifunctional; they are not only strong enough to support the structure, but act as an effective insulation in the case hollow wall segments are 3D printed - thus achieving more with less. The method will allow for building bespoke houses available for the wider market, addressing, for example, the ever-increasing need for housing at a competitive price. 3D printing will also be dependent on fewer logistical processes and a shorter supply chain, both contributing to a faster design and construction time. The construction industry has a reputation for being slow to adopt innovation and new methods, but the obvious potential and benefits of 3D concrete printing technology is astonishing and should not be underestimated. Sika is perfectly positioned to lead the field and is prepared to play an important role in the 3D concrete printing market. Visit: www.sika.co.uk0 Posted by Talk. Build
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By Talk. Build When Fosters + Partners announced in 2013 it was exploring the possibilities of 3D printed buildings on the moon using lunar soil, the concept of 3D printed buildings as a viable commercial alternative to current construction techniques was one step closer to reality writes Martin Liska, Research and Development Manager, Sika. Five years later, this ‘disruptive technology’, a term defined by American scholar Clayton Christensen, may well still be in its infancy, but remains on track to being a game-changer in the construction industry with buildings and their components having the potential to quite literally raise themselves. The digitisation of the construction industry is changing every aspect of construction and the entire lifecycle of a building from design to maintenance. As part of this, 3D concrete printing is just one of the new tools for architects and contractors to change the rules of the game and allow a more efficient and sustainable design. The technology may not yet be at the point where we can build high spec homes or fifty storey buildings but in its infancy it is showing to have remarkable technical, economical as well as sustainability potential. If 3D concrete printing is to compete with traditional and economical construction methods, then structures need to be printed efficiently. As a 3D concrete printing pioneer, Sika has consolidated all the technologies and knowledge resulting in a developed complex system which ensures that concrete is printed rapidly, inexpensively and precisely. The system includes the robotics, the Sika Pulsement process control system, the Sika MiniShot extrusion system, 3D mortar system and Sika ViscoCrete® technology. One of the major parts of the robotics system is the print head developed by the Sika 3D research team. It is a high performance tool that ensures an efficient printing process through precise management of not only the head movement, but also with the 3D mortar system and the ViscoCrete technology, the properties of the extruded material. Consistence, colour, strength rate development, dimensional stability and durability of the 3D printed concrete are controlled through a tailored selection and dosage of raw materials and proprietary additives. The concrete extruded through the print head then creates building components layer-by-layer. The material cures within seconds and bonds with the layer placed previously. This way, conventional as well as complex shapes can be constructed rapidly with the highest efficiency of the material use. This allows for the realisation of previously inconceivable architecture, from dynamic curves to futuristic interlinked structures, all of which can be printed directly and efficiently from digital plans. 3D printing does not require formwork or any additional equipment as the concrete is directly moulded into the construction. It is therefore possible to print concrete quickly and competitively. 3D printing offers a wealth of sustainability benefits, directly fulfilling one of Sika’s core values. The process aims to significantly increase the speed of construction and eliminate waste through utilisation of virtually all material extruded from the printing head. The efficient use of materials is such that they become multifunctional; they are not only strong enough to support the structure, but act as an effective insulation in the case hollow wall segments are 3D printed - thus achieving more with less. The method will allow for building bespoke houses available for the wider market, addressing, for example, the ever-increasing need for housing at a competitive price. 3D printing will also be dependent on fewer logistical processes and a shorter supply chain, both contributing to a faster design and construction time. The construction industry has a reputation for being slow to adopt innovation and new methods, but the obvious potential and benefits of 3D concrete printing technology is astonishing and should not be underestimated. Sika is perfectly positioned to lead the field and is prepared to play an important role in the 3D concrete printing market. Visit: www.sika.co.ukDec 20, 2018 0
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Distinguishing your company from competitors can be a challenge, especially now tradespeople can easily enrol on courses to give their business that defining edge. But often, these courses fail to strike a crucial balance between time onsite and time in the classroom, meaning that participants walk away with less practical knowhow than they had originally hoped. Fortunately enough Baumit, leading experts in external wall insulation and façade systems, offer exceptional courses tiered at bronze, silver and gold level. Designed to educate participants on a broad range of EWI installations and practices, these courses provide vital theoretical and practical experience in façade systems, creating an essential balance between the two. A true success since opening in February 2018, Ben Warren, Managing Director at Baumit, reflects on the year, giving some insight into the academy’s future plans for 2019 and beyond. What’s on offer at the academy? Here at Baumit, one of our key drivers is to make beautiful, healthy homes for people to live in. Whether that is striking exteriors or interiors, we provide solutions that ensure buildings are made to last. This philosophy, to give relevant tradespeople the opportunity to create better spaces for their clients, is at the heart of our on-site, purpose-built training academy based at Baumit HQ Aylesford, Kent. Yet, the other element of our academy is, of course, to enable companies to add another area of expertise to their business. Not only are companies providing their customers with the most reliable and advanced EWI solutions on the market, they are widening their individual skillsets, adding vital strings to their bow. As such, the 62 people who have walked through Baumit’s doors to complete either a bronze, silver or gold course have gone on to significantly improve their offerings. Those who finished the bronze course have expanded their practical and theoretical rendering knowledge and plan on returning to participate in the silver course to become a Baumit-approved installer. For those who have become Baumit-certified, on completion of the gold course, they are now looking to work with us in the future as Baumit-approved partners. We have developed these courses to reflect the industry’s evolving diversity. Our programme range is designed to meet everyone’s criteria; whether you are starting out in EWI or want to grow and develop your business to work with one of the largest EWI manufacturers in the world. These site-based scenarios provide hands-on, ‘real-life experience’ in dealing with regular challenges faced by installers. What’s next for the academy? Looking into the future of Baumit’s training academy, there are plenty of exciting prospects emerging on our horizons. First and foremost, we wish to build on the great foundations we have laid, as the training academy has been an even greater success than we initially hoped. In its current form, the academy is at the stage it needs to be; everyone who participates in the courses comments on how their experiences are unlike any other programmes they have completed, and are extremely impressed with the course content. We invested a huge amount of time refining the course structure, so we hope to continue in this strain to ensure we create the best learning environment for our participants. In terms of the future, we hope to continue to attract new people to the course, where another key focus will be on previous applicants and people in associated trades. We have plans to widen our pool of interest, encouraging the latter to apply to the silver or gold course to become future partners and give clients the most supreme EWI solutions on the market. Another larger ambition is to get the course into colleges, to define a new generation of tradespeople using Baumit’s application and products. Although this will take some time and investment, one day we hope to teach students a new way to hone their skills, inspiring future generations of EWI installers. Lastly, we have to give attention where it is due to course leader Chris Kendall, Field Engineer at Baumit. With 30 experience working as a contractor, Chris has been at Baumit since March 2017 and is a crucial part of the training academy. His expertise, experience, and constructive teaching techniques are second to none, where his involvement has been hugely instrumental in the current success of the training academy. This year has been fantastic for the Baumit Training Academy. We have developed and grown as an educational hub and are glad to be offering some of the best EWI courses in the UK, which will hopefully continue to be a success throughout 2019 and well into the future. For more information on Baumit Training Academy see: http://info.baumit.co.uk/baumit-academy-courses0 Posted by Talk. Build
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By Talk. Build Distinguishing your company from competitors can be a challenge, especially now tradespeople can easily enrol on courses to give their business that defining edge. But often, these courses fail to strike a crucial balance between time onsite and time in the classroom, meaning that participants walk away with less practical knowhow than they had originally hoped. Fortunately enough Baumit, leading experts in external wall insulation and façade systems, offer exceptional courses tiered at bronze, silver and gold level. Designed to educate participants on a broad range of EWI installations and practices, these courses provide vital theoretical and practical experience in façade systems, creating an essential balance between the two. A true success since opening in February 2018, Ben Warren, Managing Director at Baumit, reflects on the year, giving some insight into the academy’s future plans for 2019 and beyond. What’s on offer at the academy? Here at Baumit, one of our key drivers is to make beautiful, healthy homes for people to live in. Whether that is striking exteriors or interiors, we provide solutions that ensure buildings are made to last. This philosophy, to give relevant tradespeople the opportunity to create better spaces for their clients, is at the heart of our on-site, purpose-built training academy based at Baumit HQ Aylesford, Kent. Yet, the other element of our academy is, of course, to enable companies to add another area of expertise to their business. Not only are companies providing their customers with the most reliable and advanced EWI solutions on the market, they are widening their individual skillsets, adding vital strings to their bow. As such, the 62 people who have walked through Baumit’s doors to complete either a bronze, silver or gold course have gone on to significantly improve their offerings. Those who finished the bronze course have expanded their practical and theoretical rendering knowledge and plan on returning to participate in the silver course to become a Baumit-approved installer. For those who have become Baumit-certified, on completion of the gold course, they are now looking to work with us in the future as Baumit-approved partners. We have developed these courses to reflect the industry’s evolving diversity. Our programme range is designed to meet everyone’s criteria; whether you are starting out in EWI or want to grow and develop your business to work with one of the largest EWI manufacturers in the world. These site-based scenarios provide hands-on, ‘real-life experience’ in dealing with regular challenges faced by installers. What’s next for the academy? Looking into the future of Baumit’s training academy, there are plenty of exciting prospects emerging on our horizons. First and foremost, we wish to build on the great foundations we have laid, as the training academy has been an even greater success than we initially hoped. In its current form, the academy is at the stage it needs to be; everyone who participates in the courses comments on how their experiences are unlike any other programmes they have completed, and are extremely impressed with the course content. We invested a huge amount of time refining the course structure, so we hope to continue in this strain to ensure we create the best learning environment for our participants. In terms of the future, we hope to continue to attract new people to the course, where another key focus will be on previous applicants and people in associated trades. We have plans to widen our pool of interest, encouraging the latter to apply to the silver or gold course to become future partners and give clients the most supreme EWI solutions on the market. Another larger ambition is to get the course into colleges, to define a new generation of tradespeople using Baumit’s application and products. Although this will take some time and investment, one day we hope to teach students a new way to hone their skills, inspiring future generations of EWI installers. Lastly, we have to give attention where it is due to course leader Chris Kendall, Field Engineer at Baumit. With 30 experience working as a contractor, Chris has been at Baumit since March 2017 and is a crucial part of the training academy. His expertise, experience, and constructive teaching techniques are second to none, where his involvement has been hugely instrumental in the current success of the training academy. This year has been fantastic for the Baumit Training Academy. We have developed and grown as an educational hub and are glad to be offering some of the best EWI courses in the UK, which will hopefully continue to be a success throughout 2019 and well into the future. For more information on Baumit Training Academy see: http://info.baumit.co.uk/baumit-academy-coursesDec 04, 2018 0
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Not our usual kind of construction blog but we at talk.build thought this was a fun event and deserved an airing. We hope you agree What happens when waste management and rugby collide? A kicking extravaganza, as it turns out! Back in July, Championship rugby team London Irish hosted a kicking competition with their main sponsors, waste management experts Powerday. Skips and wheelie bins, all varying in size, were set up as targets for the players, making for an interesting spectacle. If you’re intrigued to see who came out on top, take a look at the video below. Video https://adtrak-3.wistia.com/medias/lu8ba5csdo Powerday provided skips and wheelie bins of varying sizes to serve as targets - the smaller the target, the higher the score. The players then battled it out to see who could come out on top, with each player getting three attempts to build up points. It’s certainly harder than it looks. If you think you could best the professionals, why don’t you try your hand at the online game, London Irish’s Rugby Kick Challenge? Warning: it’s highly addictive! The game is sponsored by Powerday and allows you to choose one of 10 players to take 10 kicks with. Go for the gold skip for 10 points, or the blue skips for 5 points each. Watch the direction bar and click at the right moment to hit the skips. Happy kicking. Play the Game - https://www.powerday.co.uk/rugby-kick-challenge/ Don’t forget to share your score on Facebook and Twitter to stake your claim to the skip-kicking crown.0 Posted by Talk. Build
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By Talk. Build Not our usual kind of construction blog but we at talk.build thought this was a fun event and deserved an airing. We hope you agree What happens when waste management and rugby collide? A kicking extravaganza, as it turns out! Back in July, Championship rugby team London Irish hosted a kicking competition with their main sponsors, waste management experts Powerday. Skips and wheelie bins, all varying in size, were set up as targets for the players, making for an interesting spectacle. If you’re intrigued to see who came out on top, take a look at the video below. Video https://adtrak-3.wistia.com/medias/lu8ba5csdo Powerday provided skips and wheelie bins of varying sizes to serve as targets - the smaller the target, the higher the score. The players then battled it out to see who could come out on top, with each player getting three attempts to build up points. It’s certainly harder than it looks. If you think you could best the professionals, why don’t you try your hand at the online game, London Irish’s Rugby Kick Challenge? Warning: it’s highly addictive! The game is sponsored by Powerday and allows you to choose one of 10 players to take 10 kicks with. Go for the gold skip for 10 points, or the blue skips for 5 points each. Watch the direction bar and click at the right moment to hit the skips. Happy kicking. Play the Game - https://www.powerday.co.uk/rugby-kick-challenge/ Don’t forget to share your score on Facebook and Twitter to stake your claim to the skip-kicking crown.Nov 29, 2018 0
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Moving into a building should be a hitch-free experience but sadly not all building projects are handed over successfully writes Susan Lowrie. It’s often a case of simply a handover date rather than a process of transition where there is a transfer of knowledge from the project team to the building users. While most project teams want a smooth handover, buildings often don’t match the client’s intentions. How can we handover projects better and reduce the gap between designed and as-built performance? From the outset it is important to consider who is specifying the building and are they actually the people who are going to be using the building. Who is the client? Is it the person who might be saying we need a room here, a room there, or is it the person who is saying make it ten stories high? Or is the client the person who is going to have to maintain, use or access that building? One only has to look at a spectacular atrium built for an NHS hospital. A marvel to look at and filled with natural light, but had the designers thought how easy it was to simply change a lightbulb which didn’t involve scaffolding? Hospitals might also be designed for more patients but this at the expense of other spaces such as storage. Managers don’t see the point of creating storage areas, while nurses do. It’s why a patient room ends up being used as an ad-hoc storage facility. Similarly, we might arrive at the point of handover, but the last step of securing an operator and maintenance manual doesn’t always happen. The handover could well be to the client team who were involved in the design but they are not the actual people who are using the building. So you might end up with a maintenance team who has never seen a fire alarm system working.No one has asked the question ‘are you happy with what is being handed over?’ It’s critical that we look at how we manage what we are left with as a building residual. Buildings that are handed-over may have an engineered design, but then down the line the people who are made aware of that engineered design no longer work there. So what was an engineered design suddenly becomes a problem because the users want to change things as the building evolves. But the ability is not built-in to allow the building to evolve. A building will be designed to a specification but then you may well be speaking to the owner/manager of a building and not the user. There needs to a smooth transition from design to operation, along with the full support of designers and contractors, in order to fine-tune a building and ensure there is no gap between design intent and reality. The construction industry is after all a service industry delivering buildings to end users. Visit: https://www.cbuilde.com0 Posted by Talk. Build
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By Talk. Build Moving into a building should be a hitch-free experience but sadly not all building projects are handed over successfully writes Susan Lowrie. It’s often a case of simply a handover date rather than a process of transition where there is a transfer of knowledge from the project team to the building users. While most project teams want a smooth handover, buildings often don’t match the client’s intentions. How can we handover projects better and reduce the gap between designed and as-built performance? From the outset it is important to consider who is specifying the building and are they actually the people who are going to be using the building. Who is the client? Is it the person who might be saying we need a room here, a room there, or is it the person who is saying make it ten stories high? Or is the client the person who is going to have to maintain, use or access that building? One only has to look at a spectacular atrium built for an NHS hospital. A marvel to look at and filled with natural light, but had the designers thought how easy it was to simply change a lightbulb which didn’t involve scaffolding? Hospitals might also be designed for more patients but this at the expense of other spaces such as storage. Managers don’t see the point of creating storage areas, while nurses do. It’s why a patient room ends up being used as an ad-hoc storage facility. Similarly, we might arrive at the point of handover, but the last step of securing an operator and maintenance manual doesn’t always happen. The handover could well be to the client team who were involved in the design but they are not the actual people who are using the building. So you might end up with a maintenance team who has never seen a fire alarm system working.No one has asked the question ‘are you happy with what is being handed over?’ It’s critical that we look at how we manage what we are left with as a building residual. Buildings that are handed-over may have an engineered design, but then down the line the people who are made aware of that engineered design no longer work there. So what was an engineered design suddenly becomes a problem because the users want to change things as the building evolves. But the ability is not built-in to allow the building to evolve. A building will be designed to a specification but then you may well be speaking to the owner/manager of a building and not the user. There needs to a smooth transition from design to operation, along with the full support of designers and contractors, in order to fine-tune a building and ensure there is no gap between design intent and reality. The construction industry is after all a service industry delivering buildings to end users. Visit: https://www.cbuilde.comNov 01, 2018 0
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In addressing the country’s long-standing housing issue during the recent budget, Chancellor Phillip Hammond revealed 300,000 was the magic number in terms of new homes that needed to be delivered each year to meet affordable housing needs. The figure, which was established in conjunction with industry experts, has already been dismissed in some quarters as being inadequate to fully-tackle the affordability issue. The detractors may have a point, albeit a moot one. If questions are to be raised, let’s put the horse before the cart and ask: ‘do we actually have the skilled workforce to build the required new housing?’ Industry projections show the UK needs an estimated 400,000 new workers each year until 2021 to meet UK housing demands. It doesn’t need a mathematician to draw the simple conclusion that despite our greater-than-ever housing needs, we have fewer-than-before skilled workers to fulfil the property quota. If only we could rely on Europe for able builders, engineers and the like, but Brexit has seen UK net migration fall to its lowest level since 2014. It means foreign aid isn’t necessarily the solution to our building crisis. As far as National Construction Training Services (NCTS) is concerned, there is no shortcut to solving the UK’s skills shortage; it’s a case of companies like ours taking the initiative and doing our utmost to persuade youngsters to take up tools, ‘skill-up’ and become the workforce of tomorrow. Assess for success Quality training is key, hence the CITB-funded programme NCTS has set-up to progress encourage and quantify the roofers’ skills. The ‘On Site Assessment Training’ (OSAT) programme involves assessors visiting construction sites and analysing the workforce as a first step to helping them gain a Level 2 NVQ qualification. The OSAT program focuses on the following roofing disciplines lead and hard metal; roof sheet cladding and rainscreens; roof slate and tiling; waterproofing, built-up felt and single-ply. Assessments will consider candidates’ on-site performance; their skills and abidance to practices such as health and safety. Trainees and employers will be provided with a detailed report on their performance whilst outlining areas of improvement where necessary. Candidates enrolling for an NVQ can apply for a trainee card that allows them entry and the right to work at CSCS cardholder-only sites. Once the Level 2 NVQ qualification has been achieved they can apply for a Skilled Worker CSCS (blue card). The OSAT programme is part of our commitment to infusing roofers of all ages and gender with the skills and a nationally-recognised qualification to help them maximise their career potential. Possession of a CSCS card, for example, is particularly important following the withdrawal of the Construction Related Occupation (CRO) card, which has led to some operatives being denied access to sites. As well as gaining valuable certification, candidates will come away from our programme bearing something they can also carry with them: confidence, a much under-estimated commodity that can be the difference between career fulfilment and failure. And let’s face it, with the UK construction industry desperate to tackle the current skills shortage, failing our youngsters is not an option. Visit: www.ncts.org.uk0 Posted by Talk. Build
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By Talk. Build In addressing the country’s long-standing housing issue during the recent budget, Chancellor Phillip Hammond revealed 300,000 was the magic number in terms of new homes that needed to be delivered each year to meet affordable housing needs. The figure, which was established in conjunction with industry experts, has already been dismissed in some quarters as being inadequate to fully-tackle the affordability issue. The detractors may have a point, albeit a moot one. If questions are to be raised, let’s put the horse before the cart and ask: ‘do we actually have the skilled workforce to build the required new housing?’ Industry projections show the UK needs an estimated 400,000 new workers each year until 2021 to meet UK housing demands. It doesn’t need a mathematician to draw the simple conclusion that despite our greater-than-ever housing needs, we have fewer-than-before skilled workers to fulfil the property quota. If only we could rely on Europe for able builders, engineers and the like, but Brexit has seen UK net migration fall to its lowest level since 2014. It means foreign aid isn’t necessarily the solution to our building crisis. As far as National Construction Training Services (NCTS) is concerned, there is no shortcut to solving the UK’s skills shortage; it’s a case of companies like ours taking the initiative and doing our utmost to persuade youngsters to take up tools, ‘skill-up’ and become the workforce of tomorrow. Assess for success Quality training is key, hence the CITB-funded programme NCTS has set-up to progress encourage and quantify the roofers’ skills. The ‘On Site Assessment Training’ (OSAT) programme involves assessors visiting construction sites and analysing the workforce as a first step to helping them gain a Level 2 NVQ qualification. The OSAT program focuses on the following roofing disciplines lead and hard metal; roof sheet cladding and rainscreens; roof slate and tiling; waterproofing, built-up felt and single-ply. Assessments will consider candidates’ on-site performance; their skills and abidance to practices such as health and safety. Trainees and employers will be provided with a detailed report on their performance whilst outlining areas of improvement where necessary. Candidates enrolling for an NVQ can apply for a trainee card that allows them entry and the right to work at CSCS cardholder-only sites. Once the Level 2 NVQ qualification has been achieved they can apply for a Skilled Worker CSCS (blue card). The OSAT programme is part of our commitment to infusing roofers of all ages and gender with the skills and a nationally-recognised qualification to help them maximise their career potential. Possession of a CSCS card, for example, is particularly important following the withdrawal of the Construction Related Occupation (CRO) card, which has led to some operatives being denied access to sites. As well as gaining valuable certification, candidates will come away from our programme bearing something they can also carry with them: confidence, a much under-estimated commodity that can be the difference between career fulfilment and failure. And let’s face it, with the UK construction industry desperate to tackle the current skills shortage, failing our youngsters is not an option. Visit: www.ncts.org.ukMar 13, 2018 0
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As the wheels of industry across the country slow to a halt over the Christmas period, those involved in factory and plant maintenance will be gearing themselves up for their busiest two weeks of the year. Festive shutdown is the opportune time to carry-out vital workplace refurbishment and ensure staff return to an environment that is equipped to maximise productivity without compromise to comfort and safety. Ideal base For large industrial areas, the floor’s quality is paramount. It needs to be durable enough to withstand the long-term rigours of heavy machinery and footfall, as well as remain oil and dirt-free to uphold strict health and safety guidelines. Even the best surfaces deteriorate over time, however, leaving business owners with little choice but to replace the flooring. When this decision is taken, installation time will be a major factor for clients when considering which flooring to specify for their plant or factory. Understandably, a surface which delivers the quickest application time – in order to minimise plant disruption – whilst offering the best-possible performance in terms of cost, durability and hygiene is high on the agenda when it comes to refurbishment. Sikafloor has a range of systems which fulfil that criteria as well as offer rapid installation times and excellent aesthetic properties, making them the ideal solution for a quality installation carried-out in days, rather than months. Sikafloor®-264, for instance, a two-part, coloured, epoxy resin – a product part of the Sikafloor MultiDur range – provides a superb, easy-to-apply coating, which can be broadcasted for added slip resistance, especially important for facilities such as large airport hangars and general manufacturing and process – an essential safety benefit in areas containing heavy machinery and motorised equipment. Rapid proof Evidence of how easily and effectively Sika’s epoxy resin flooring systems can be installed is provided by a project carried out at the BMW plant in Oxford. The client required a flooring system that provided a safe working environment for employees to carry out electrical component manufacturing. The installation, which took place across three separate areas totalling 3,710m2, had to be completed within six days. Sikafloor®-235 ESD was chosen for this project for two reasons; the performance and suitability of the product in an automotive processing plant and the speed of application. Installation teams worked during non-business hours including night shifts to minimise plant disruption. Thanks to its easy-to-apply benefits, Sikafloor®-235 ESD, which is incredibly easy to maintain, supplied this exceptionally prestigious car plant with a safe, sturdy, mechanical and chemically-resistant floor within the agreed timeframe. This project’s success also outlined the benefit of using a trusted contractor that has been trained by the manufacturer to install its flooring to the highest specification. Flooring specialist, IRL Group, which installed the Sikafloor®-235 ESD, is a long-term client of BMW, with Sika as its preferred manufacturer. A long-standing relationship between parties reassures the client that from concept to conception, a full-service solution – including technical support throughout and post-installation testing – has been specifically-designed for their project’s requirements. Time is the enemy when flooring needs to be installed to deadline in dormant factories and industrial work spaces, but thanks to Sikafloor’s exemplary epoxy resin range, a proven, user-friendly, rapid-apply solution is at hand all-year-round: not just Christmas. By Sarah James, Sika Flooring Marketing Manager Visit: www.sika.co.uk0 Posted by Talk. Build
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By Talk. Build As the wheels of industry across the country slow to a halt over the Christmas period, those involved in factory and plant maintenance will be gearing themselves up for their busiest two weeks of the year. Festive shutdown is the opportune time to carry-out vital workplace refurbishment and ensure staff return to an environment that is equipped to maximise productivity without compromise to comfort and safety. Ideal base For large industrial areas, the floor’s quality is paramount. It needs to be durable enough to withstand the long-term rigours of heavy machinery and footfall, as well as remain oil and dirt-free to uphold strict health and safety guidelines. Even the best surfaces deteriorate over time, however, leaving business owners with little choice but to replace the flooring. When this decision is taken, installation time will be a major factor for clients when considering which flooring to specify for their plant or factory. Understandably, a surface which delivers the quickest application time – in order to minimise plant disruption – whilst offering the best-possible performance in terms of cost, durability and hygiene is high on the agenda when it comes to refurbishment. Sikafloor has a range of systems which fulfil that criteria as well as offer rapid installation times and excellent aesthetic properties, making them the ideal solution for a quality installation carried-out in days, rather than months. Sikafloor®-264, for instance, a two-part, coloured, epoxy resin – a product part of the Sikafloor MultiDur range – provides a superb, easy-to-apply coating, which can be broadcasted for added slip resistance, especially important for facilities such as large airport hangars and general manufacturing and process – an essential safety benefit in areas containing heavy machinery and motorised equipment. Rapid proof Evidence of how easily and effectively Sika’s epoxy resin flooring systems can be installed is provided by a project carried out at the BMW plant in Oxford. The client required a flooring system that provided a safe working environment for employees to carry out electrical component manufacturing. The installation, which took place across three separate areas totalling 3,710m2, had to be completed within six days. Sikafloor®-235 ESD was chosen for this project for two reasons; the performance and suitability of the product in an automotive processing plant and the speed of application. Installation teams worked during non-business hours including night shifts to minimise plant disruption. Thanks to its easy-to-apply benefits, Sikafloor®-235 ESD, which is incredibly easy to maintain, supplied this exceptionally prestigious car plant with a safe, sturdy, mechanical and chemically-resistant floor within the agreed timeframe. This project’s success also outlined the benefit of using a trusted contractor that has been trained by the manufacturer to install its flooring to the highest specification. Flooring specialist, IRL Group, which installed the Sikafloor®-235 ESD, is a long-term client of BMW, with Sika as its preferred manufacturer. A long-standing relationship between parties reassures the client that from concept to conception, a full-service solution – including technical support throughout and post-installation testing – has been specifically-designed for their project’s requirements. Time is the enemy when flooring needs to be installed to deadline in dormant factories and industrial work spaces, but thanks to Sikafloor’s exemplary epoxy resin range, a proven, user-friendly, rapid-apply solution is at hand all-year-round: not just Christmas. By Sarah James, Sika Flooring Marketing Manager Visit: www.sika.co.ukNov 30, 2017 0
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The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) have reported in their ‘RETENTIONS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY BEIS Research Paper 17’ that £700 million worth of cash retention has been lost in construction over a three-year period because of insolvencies. Significantly, 44% of surveyed contractors had experienced retentions being withheld in the last three years because of upstream insolvencies. Main Contractor or Client insolvencies are particularly damaging as they can be involved in many projects with multiple supply chain sub-contractors. Although, Insolvency lost retentions is a problem, it is not the only problem. In 2002, a report into retentions published by the Trade and Industry Committee, multiplied sector Gross Value Added (GVA) by an average retention percentage of 5% to estimate retentions held. The retention estimate result was a jaw dropping £3.25bn per annum based on an annual construction output of £65bn in the UK at that time. As the construction sector has grown since 2002, the House of Commons Library estimated in their briefing paper, Construction industry: statistics and policy, that in 2014 the output was £103bn, so considering the increase in output, the retentions held now will be greater. Furthermore, the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ Group point to an estimate of £7.8 billion of retentions being unpaid across the construction sector over the last three years. The BEIS report highlights that delays in paying retention is commonplace in the construction sector. Around 71% of contractors surveyed with experience of having retentions held in the last three years have experienced delays in receiving retention monies over the same period. Data from the BEIS’s contractor survey indicate that there is wide variation between the experiences of different contractors, with some experiencing no delays, while others experience delays of over a year. Although, average delays at each tier of the supply chain is several months. The extent of this average delay is significantly longer for tier 2 and 3 contractors compared to tier 1 contractors. The contractor survey also provided evidence of frequent non-payment of retentions, with over half of participants reporting that they have experienced non-payment, be it partial or full, over the past three years. Research from the Federation of Master Builders indicate that 66% of small-sized construction companies are not paid within 30 days, with nearly 25% having to wait four months to have invoices paid. Several reasons for late or non-payment of retention monies mentioned in the contractor survey include, disputes over defects, contractors becoming insolvent and contractors not asking for their retention money as they are keen to maintain good relationships with their Main Contractor. Additionally, the contractor survey identified that a number of contractors were not aware of legislation that would be beneficial to them when trying to obtain payment. Retentions drain money away from specialist contractors and stop them using it to invest in their business and workforce. It is an unfair burden that the supply chain should not have to endure and must be stopped. Indeed, parliament agrees, in 2002 and 2008, the business Select Committee recommended phasing out cash retentions because they were outdated and unfair to small firms. No surprise there as the Banwell report, commissioned in 1962, recommended the abolition of retentions altogether. The Lathan report, commissioned in 1995, recommended that cash retentions should be at least protected in a trust account. In 2016 the retention issue was raised in a parliamentary debate and the government minister stated that there would be an evidence based review which would be completed by the end of 2016. The review has not been completed and has been kicked into the long grass. So, the retention madness goes on! The Confederation of Construction Specialists publish Performance Bonds that could assist contractors with retention problems. Furthermore, the Confederation has a multitude of CPD courses that will bring contractors up-to-date with contractual legislation and best practice. The courses will instil knowledge so that contractors can challenge unfair contracts and practices and increase their likelihood of receiving their retention payment. For over 30 years the Confederation of Construction Specialists has been supporting construction specialist companies. By providing up-to date relevant contract training courses, professional advice and contractual guidance, the Confederation of Construction Specialists enables specialist companies to optimise the ways in which they operate contractual arrangements when dealing with Main Contractors or clients By Gerald Kelly – General Manager Confederation of Construction Specialists www.constructionspecialists.org https://twitter.com/ccs_org0 Posted by Talk. Build
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By Talk. Build The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) have reported in their ‘RETENTIONS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY BEIS Research Paper 17’ that £700 million worth of cash retention has been lost in construction over a three-year period because of insolvencies. Significantly, 44% of surveyed contractors had experienced retentions being withheld in the last three years because of upstream insolvencies. Main Contractor or Client insolvencies are particularly damaging as they can be involved in many projects with multiple supply chain sub-contractors. Although, Insolvency lost retentions is a problem, it is not the only problem. In 2002, a report into retentions published by the Trade and Industry Committee, multiplied sector Gross Value Added (GVA) by an average retention percentage of 5% to estimate retentions held. The retention estimate result was a jaw dropping £3.25bn per annum based on an annual construction output of £65bn in the UK at that time. As the construction sector has grown since 2002, the House of Commons Library estimated in their briefing paper, Construction industry: statistics and policy, that in 2014 the output was £103bn, so considering the increase in output, the retentions held now will be greater. Furthermore, the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ Group point to an estimate of £7.8 billion of retentions being unpaid across the construction sector over the last three years. The BEIS report highlights that delays in paying retention is commonplace in the construction sector. Around 71% of contractors surveyed with experience of having retentions held in the last three years have experienced delays in receiving retention monies over the same period. Data from the BEIS’s contractor survey indicate that there is wide variation between the experiences of different contractors, with some experiencing no delays, while others experience delays of over a year. Although, average delays at each tier of the supply chain is several months. The extent of this average delay is significantly longer for tier 2 and 3 contractors compared to tier 1 contractors. The contractor survey also provided evidence of frequent non-payment of retentions, with over half of participants reporting that they have experienced non-payment, be it partial or full, over the past three years. Research from the Federation of Master Builders indicate that 66% of small-sized construction companies are not paid within 30 days, with nearly 25% having to wait four months to have invoices paid. Several reasons for late or non-payment of retention monies mentioned in the contractor survey include, disputes over defects, contractors becoming insolvent and contractors not asking for their retention money as they are keen to maintain good relationships with their Main Contractor. Additionally, the contractor survey identified that a number of contractors were not aware of legislation that would be beneficial to them when trying to obtain payment. Retentions drain money away from specialist contractors and stop them using it to invest in their business and workforce. It is an unfair burden that the supply chain should not have to endure and must be stopped. Indeed, parliament agrees, in 2002 and 2008, the business Select Committee recommended phasing out cash retentions because they were outdated and unfair to small firms. No surprise there as the Banwell report, commissioned in 1962, recommended the abolition of retentions altogether. The Lathan report, commissioned in 1995, recommended that cash retentions should be at least protected in a trust account. In 2016 the retention issue was raised in a parliamentary debate and the government minister stated that there would be an evidence based review which would be completed by the end of 2016. The review has not been completed and has been kicked into the long grass. So, the retention madness goes on! The Confederation of Construction Specialists publish Performance Bonds that could assist contractors with retention problems. Furthermore, the Confederation has a multitude of CPD courses that will bring contractors up-to-date with contractual legislation and best practice. The courses will instil knowledge so that contractors can challenge unfair contracts and practices and increase their likelihood of receiving their retention payment. For over 30 years the Confederation of Construction Specialists has been supporting construction specialist companies. By providing up-to date relevant contract training courses, professional advice and contractual guidance, the Confederation of Construction Specialists enables specialist companies to optimise the ways in which they operate contractual arrangements when dealing with Main Contractors or clients By Gerald Kelly – General Manager Confederation of Construction Specialists www.constructionspecialists.org https://twitter.com/ccs_orgNov 29, 2017 0
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Applying grout to steel columns and the like sounds simple in theory, but in practise it is quite a specialist process. As with most things in life, lack of proper preparation will lead to poor results. Filling the gap that exists between a steel plate and substrate when used to secure columns and machinery requires a grout that is easily poured and flows evenly around the void. This is best achieved by installing wooden formwork around the base plate and pouring into a header box/hopper for continuous flow to ensure an even application and prevent any air entrapment. With cementitious grout, its long-term success is largely decided at the mixing stage – too much water will affect its overall strength; too little will affect its flowable capabilities. As an alternative void-filler for base plates and such, it’s not uncommon for builders to use hand-applied repair mortar. But this is far from ideal as an even application is almost impossible to achieve, thus air bubbles and gaps are a likely result. Sink the shrink Any product containing cement will ultimately shrink and create gaps; therefore a shrinkage compensated grout is essential. If applying a grout to a concrete substrate it's essential to pre-soak the substrate in clean water for a minimum of two hours beforehand. Failure to do so is likely to result in the concrete extracting from the grout, affecting its cure, leaving a potential for cracking and reduced adhesion. The SikaGrout® range contains high-quality, flowable, cementitious grouts for general purpose or large commercial applications. SikaGrout®111GP, for instance, meets the requirements of Class R4 of BS EN 1504-6. Pumped or poured, it’s ideal for a number of solutions including machine and base plate-filling, concrete repairs and steel reinforcement anchoring. Specifying the correct quantity and strength of grout is a basic requirement for a quality application, but it’s a simple trick that can sometimes be missed. Expert advice Specifying the correct quantity and strength of grout is a basic requirement for a quality application, but it’s a simple trick that can sometimes be missed. Sika’s technical team is available to eliminate the risk of such oversights. Our staff have the necessary expertise and product information to ensure correct grout quantity and type for a particular project and are also available for site visits to offer application guidance. Cementitious grout – once it's fully cured – can achieve compressive strengths greater than standard C40 concrete. Attempting to remove it from beneath a steel base plate due to specification or application error could result in a very long and costly process. Better, then, to ensure this simple but extremely important task is carried out correctly – which means paying close attention to the product data sheet before the grout-pouring begins. In these instances, there is no such thing as being over-prepared. By Steven Hardy, Sika Technical Services Advisor – Refurbishment visit www.sika.co.uk0 Posted by Talk. Build
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By Talk. Build Applying grout to steel columns and the like sounds simple in theory, but in practise it is quite a specialist process. As with most things in life, lack of proper preparation will lead to poor results. Filling the gap that exists between a steel plate and substrate when used to secure columns and machinery requires a grout that is easily poured and flows evenly around the void. This is best achieved by installing wooden formwork around the base plate and pouring into a header box/hopper for continuous flow to ensure an even application and prevent any air entrapment. With cementitious grout, its long-term success is largely decided at the mixing stage – too much water will affect its overall strength; too little will affect its flowable capabilities. As an alternative void-filler for base plates and such, it’s not uncommon for builders to use hand-applied repair mortar. But this is far from ideal as an even application is almost impossible to achieve, thus air bubbles and gaps are a likely result. Sink the shrink Any product containing cement will ultimately shrink and create gaps; therefore a shrinkage compensated grout is essential. If applying a grout to a concrete substrate it's essential to pre-soak the substrate in clean water for a minimum of two hours beforehand. Failure to do so is likely to result in the concrete extracting from the grout, affecting its cure, leaving a potential for cracking and reduced adhesion. The SikaGrout® range contains high-quality, flowable, cementitious grouts for general purpose or large commercial applications. SikaGrout®111GP, for instance, meets the requirements of Class R4 of BS EN 1504-6. Pumped or poured, it’s ideal for a number of solutions including machine and base plate-filling, concrete repairs and steel reinforcement anchoring. Specifying the correct quantity and strength of grout is a basic requirement for a quality application, but it’s a simple trick that can sometimes be missed. Expert advice Specifying the correct quantity and strength of grout is a basic requirement for a quality application, but it’s a simple trick that can sometimes be missed. Sika’s technical team is available to eliminate the risk of such oversights. Our staff have the necessary expertise and product information to ensure correct grout quantity and type for a particular project and are also available for site visits to offer application guidance. Cementitious grout – once it's fully cured – can achieve compressive strengths greater than standard C40 concrete. Attempting to remove it from beneath a steel base plate due to specification or application error could result in a very long and costly process. Better, then, to ensure this simple but extremely important task is carried out correctly – which means paying close attention to the product data sheet before the grout-pouring begins. In these instances, there is no such thing as being over-prepared. By Steven Hardy, Sika Technical Services Advisor – Refurbishment visit www.sika.co.ukNov 20, 2017 0
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With more and more businesses having taken the first key step towards automation (application generated PDF documents), it’s time to discuss the next time-consuming, labour-intensive and error-prone element to overcome’, writes Matthew Jones at Open ECX. The easiest and most efficient way to send documents such as invoices and orders is via email as a PDF document. Billing systems create the PDF documents and email them directly to the recipient. This process is now fairly commonplace but marks a major shift in approach from the old, manual processing to the new; automation. The next stumbling block standing between a business and fully-automated, e-invoicing is how to extract and integrate the data into their finance system. Those businesses that carry out this task via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) may think that the technology is saving them time and increasing efficiencies, but in truth OCR can be just as labour intensive as manual processing. That’s because OCR engines convert the ‘photograph’ – which sometimes has to be printed and scanned first – into data and a human check is required to rectify any mistakes made. The mistakes are fairly easy to spot, with the example in the photo above showing how the OCR misread “26.19” as “2b.iy”. However, correcting each and every one of these mistakes uses valuable resources and interrupts the automation process, thereby completely removing all the benefits. The good news is this problem can be avoided through our unique PDF to e-Invoicing solution. Data can be taken straight from the PDF and automatically – with 100 per cent accuracy – mapped to an e-document structure, matched and validated against organisational documents of your choice, and delivered direct to your back-office systems (shown below) with minimal to no human intervention required; automation achieved. As this approach is so simple and non-disruptive to any supply chain, supplier adoption rates are extremely high. In fact, 94% of your suppliers when asked will be able to send a machine generated PDF. And this means benefits to businesses, including reduced costs, increased visibility, transparency and control and increased ability to pay on time. Visit: http://openecx.co.uk/solutions/einvoicing/0 Posted by Talk. Build
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By Talk. Build With more and more businesses having taken the first key step towards automation (application generated PDF documents), it’s time to discuss the next time-consuming, labour-intensive and error-prone element to overcome’, writes Matthew Jones at Open ECX. The easiest and most efficient way to send documents such as invoices and orders is via email as a PDF document. Billing systems create the PDF documents and email them directly to the recipient. This process is now fairly commonplace but marks a major shift in approach from the old, manual processing to the new; automation. The next stumbling block standing between a business and fully-automated, e-invoicing is how to extract and integrate the data into their finance system. Those businesses that carry out this task via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) may think that the technology is saving them time and increasing efficiencies, but in truth OCR can be just as labour intensive as manual processing. That’s because OCR engines convert the ‘photograph’ – which sometimes has to be printed and scanned first – into data and a human check is required to rectify any mistakes made. The mistakes are fairly easy to spot, with the example in the photo above showing how the OCR misread “26.19” as “2b.iy”. However, correcting each and every one of these mistakes uses valuable resources and interrupts the automation process, thereby completely removing all the benefits. The good news is this problem can be avoided through our unique PDF to e-Invoicing solution. Data can be taken straight from the PDF and automatically – with 100 per cent accuracy – mapped to an e-document structure, matched and validated against organisational documents of your choice, and delivered direct to your back-office systems (shown below) with minimal to no human intervention required; automation achieved. As this approach is so simple and non-disruptive to any supply chain, supplier adoption rates are extremely high. In fact, 94% of your suppliers when asked will be able to send a machine generated PDF. And this means benefits to businesses, including reduced costs, increased visibility, transparency and control and increased ability to pay on time. Visit: http://openecx.co.uk/solutions/einvoicing/Nov 15, 2017 0
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The humble parking garage has become a crucial part of city planning. From open-sided concrete multi-storey facilities to car parks that are integrated into residential and retail developments, one thing is common to them all – they are inherently complex to waterproof as they comprise an array of elements from exposed top levels to heavily trafficked access ramps. This is why mastic asphalt, with its market leading longevity, flexibility and durability, has become such an important waterproofing material and seen as the cost-effective solution for car park applications. Since the proliferation of multi-storey parking facilities in the 1960s, the application of an all-encompassing waterproof coating has become a critical element in car park design. The open air nature of a car park’s top deck means that it will be subjected to all forms of weather, which is then transferred to internal levels by cars and pedestrians. To prevent water ingress into the concrete structure, the waterproofing specification throughout the car park must be of the highest standard. The traditional approach was to overlay the porous cement screeds and concrete decks with a voidless and totally waterproof layer of mastic asphalt. While mastic asphalt was always a popular specification on car park projects in the past, a new generation of mastic asphalts has been developed by mastic asphalt manufacturers to meet the changing needs of architects, contractors and clients. A key factor in the material’s resurgence is that the new products contain polymer formulations – giving it more flexibility, durability and consistent quality in application. Also, they can now be coated with an array of attractive colours for car park operators to clearly mark out individual parking spaces, disabled and family bays, and pedestrian walkways. These modern mastic asphalts are produced in factory controlled conditions and then delivered to site ready for application. This process helps to maintain the quality of the material, whilst enabling the manufacturer to produce a material bespoke to the project. For example, mastic asphalt can now be formulated to take into account the local climate or specific traffic conditions. Testament to mastic asphalt’s reliability, cost-effectiveness and durability, this proven material has been specified for a whole host of multi-storey car park applications across the UK including two recent projects in the West Midlands - a new staff car park at the Jaguar Land Rover factory in Castle Bromwich and a new Waitrose car park in Solihull. Both applications required a waterproofing material which would offer durability and longevity, with mastic asphalt providing the solution. Whatever the project, the three factors the contractor must consider when selecting the mastic asphalt to use are; design, budget and timescale. By taking into account the type of traffic (for example cars or HGVs), the available budget and the durability of performance required of the material – architects and contractors can specify a mastic asphalt waterproofing and decking system that fits the bill both now and long into the future. Visit: http://www.masticasphaltcouncil.co.uk/0 Posted by Talk. Build
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By Talk. Build The humble parking garage has become a crucial part of city planning. From open-sided concrete multi-storey facilities to car parks that are integrated into residential and retail developments, one thing is common to them all – they are inherently complex to waterproof as they comprise an array of elements from exposed top levels to heavily trafficked access ramps. This is why mastic asphalt, with its market leading longevity, flexibility and durability, has become such an important waterproofing material and seen as the cost-effective solution for car park applications. Since the proliferation of multi-storey parking facilities in the 1960s, the application of an all-encompassing waterproof coating has become a critical element in car park design. The open air nature of a car park’s top deck means that it will be subjected to all forms of weather, which is then transferred to internal levels by cars and pedestrians. To prevent water ingress into the concrete structure, the waterproofing specification throughout the car park must be of the highest standard. The traditional approach was to overlay the porous cement screeds and concrete decks with a voidless and totally waterproof layer of mastic asphalt. While mastic asphalt was always a popular specification on car park projects in the past, a new generation of mastic asphalts has been developed by mastic asphalt manufacturers to meet the changing needs of architects, contractors and clients. A key factor in the material’s resurgence is that the new products contain polymer formulations – giving it more flexibility, durability and consistent quality in application. Also, they can now be coated with an array of attractive colours for car park operators to clearly mark out individual parking spaces, disabled and family bays, and pedestrian walkways. These modern mastic asphalts are produced in factory controlled conditions and then delivered to site ready for application. This process helps to maintain the quality of the material, whilst enabling the manufacturer to produce a material bespoke to the project. For example, mastic asphalt can now be formulated to take into account the local climate or specific traffic conditions. Testament to mastic asphalt’s reliability, cost-effectiveness and durability, this proven material has been specified for a whole host of multi-storey car park applications across the UK including two recent projects in the West Midlands - a new staff car park at the Jaguar Land Rover factory in Castle Bromwich and a new Waitrose car park in Solihull. Both applications required a waterproofing material which would offer durability and longevity, with mastic asphalt providing the solution. Whatever the project, the three factors the contractor must consider when selecting the mastic asphalt to use are; design, budget and timescale. By taking into account the type of traffic (for example cars or HGVs), the available budget and the durability of performance required of the material – architects and contractors can specify a mastic asphalt waterproofing and decking system that fits the bill both now and long into the future. Visit: http://www.masticasphaltcouncil.co.uk/Nov 13, 2017 0
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With winter almost upon us, the anticipated damp and sub-zero temperatures will provide a severe test of the quality of the concrete used to build structures old and new. Over time, frost and ice will do its best to debilitate a building by finding its way into cracks caused by any one of a number of issues. Excess water in the concrete mix; improper strength of concrete poured on-site; conditions too cold for effective application…these are just some of the reasons fissures, which are susceptible to the freeze/thaw process, resulting in crack-widening and the structural integrity of the concrete being tested. Fortunately, Sika has a proven, high-performance solution for crack repair in newly-poured and refurbished concrete. Sikadur®-52, an injection or poured epoxy resin, provides a reliable seal for a wide range of structural or non-structural applications and uses such as joint and hole filling; crack and void sealing. Easy to mix and apply, Sikadur®-52 is ideal for dry and damp concrete surfaces in horizontal and vertical locations. Crack repair using Sikadur®-52 couldn’t be simpler. The crack itself doesn’t need to be cut out or the area widened before filling. Sikadur®-52, with its low viscosity, permeates into the smallest of cracks to provide a permanent seal. Impermeable to liquids and water vapour, the system hardens without shrinkage – a vital property when repairing cracks. As well as offering superb abrasion resistance and mechanical strength, Sikadur®-52 provides excellent adhesion to most construction materials including natural stone, ceramics, fibre cement, mortar, bricks, masonry steel, iron and wood. It is the ideal concrete crack-repair solution for a wide range of infrastructure projects. Slabs, beams and columns found in buildings, bridges and the like are among surfaces ideal for the application of Sikadur®-52. The upkeep of our infrastructure is not only vital to maintaining elements such as nationwide road and rail routes; neglecting to treat cracks in concrete structures sooner rather than later can lead to greater damage and costly, time-consuming repairs. This could result in cash-strapped local authorities passing the financial burden of such work onto the community in the form of increased council tax bills. Prevention is better than cure, as the well-known saying goes, and so it is better to repair concrete when the damage is minimal with a reliable, robust solution such as Sikadur®-52, before greater problems take ahold. To ensure areas that have been repaired are protected from future environment conditions, such as freeze thaw, concrete facades, column, soffits etc. are coated with anti-carbonation coatings. Sika offers a range of coating solutions, which include water based crack bridging systems, resin coatings and hydrophobic impregnations. In buildings and infrastructure projects these protective systems are applied as part of the future repair and maintenance strategy. By Mark Shaw, Technical Manager at Sika0 Posted by Talk. Build
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By Talk. Build With winter almost upon us, the anticipated damp and sub-zero temperatures will provide a severe test of the quality of the concrete used to build structures old and new. Over time, frost and ice will do its best to debilitate a building by finding its way into cracks caused by any one of a number of issues. Excess water in the concrete mix; improper strength of concrete poured on-site; conditions too cold for effective application…these are just some of the reasons fissures, which are susceptible to the freeze/thaw process, resulting in crack-widening and the structural integrity of the concrete being tested. Fortunately, Sika has a proven, high-performance solution for crack repair in newly-poured and refurbished concrete. Sikadur®-52, an injection or poured epoxy resin, provides a reliable seal for a wide range of structural or non-structural applications and uses such as joint and hole filling; crack and void sealing. Easy to mix and apply, Sikadur®-52 is ideal for dry and damp concrete surfaces in horizontal and vertical locations. Crack repair using Sikadur®-52 couldn’t be simpler. The crack itself doesn’t need to be cut out or the area widened before filling. Sikadur®-52, with its low viscosity, permeates into the smallest of cracks to provide a permanent seal. Impermeable to liquids and water vapour, the system hardens without shrinkage – a vital property when repairing cracks. As well as offering superb abrasion resistance and mechanical strength, Sikadur®-52 provides excellent adhesion to most construction materials including natural stone, ceramics, fibre cement, mortar, bricks, masonry steel, iron and wood. It is the ideal concrete crack-repair solution for a wide range of infrastructure projects. Slabs, beams and columns found in buildings, bridges and the like are among surfaces ideal for the application of Sikadur®-52. The upkeep of our infrastructure is not only vital to maintaining elements such as nationwide road and rail routes; neglecting to treat cracks in concrete structures sooner rather than later can lead to greater damage and costly, time-consuming repairs. This could result in cash-strapped local authorities passing the financial burden of such work onto the community in the form of increased council tax bills. Prevention is better than cure, as the well-known saying goes, and so it is better to repair concrete when the damage is minimal with a reliable, robust solution such as Sikadur®-52, before greater problems take ahold. To ensure areas that have been repaired are protected from future environment conditions, such as freeze thaw, concrete facades, column, soffits etc. are coated with anti-carbonation coatings. Sika offers a range of coating solutions, which include water based crack bridging systems, resin coatings and hydrophobic impregnations. In buildings and infrastructure projects these protective systems are applied as part of the future repair and maintenance strategy. By Mark Shaw, Technical Manager at SikaNov 08, 2017 0
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The UK construction industry as a whole tends to cling on to outmoded and inefficient payment practices even when presented with more effective ways of working – a point that is particularly valid when it comes to working capital management and payment processing, writes John Vasili, Director of Business Development at Invapay. The construction industry has a long-standing problem when it comes to B2B payments. The NSCC & FMB Payment Survey revealed that 40 per cent of businesses are not paid within contracted terms, a third of payments due are late – representing 4.4 per cent of turnover on average – and that subcontractors write off £200 million in late payments and retentions. Clearly, there’s a need for a more efficient way of processing and making payments – one that will benefit businesses of all shapes and sizes and at all stages in the construction lifecycle, from major contractors right down to specialist subcontractors and general suppliers. Through our partnership with Open ECX and their WebContractor offer we have developed a combined full-service payment solution, providing construction businesses with a quick and effortless way to manage their payment processes and maximise working capital benefits. The direct and indirect benefits to businesses and their suppliers are multiple. We find that one of the biggest barriers to the adoption of ePayment processing solutions for many businesses is supplier acceptance – with businesses concerned that the implementation of a revised payment processing approach will have a negative knock-on effect for their suppliers. In our experience, this fear is misguided. Our customers tell us they want to maximise their working capital and to get best use of available credit lines but are concerned about the impact on suppliers. We solve this issue by simply making payments to the suppliers standard bank account– the supplier doesn’t need to know they are being settled via your working capital or available credit lines; all the while operating in the FCA regulated environment and the assurance that brings. Our customers benefit considerably and are able to maximise the return on working Capital & to fully utilise any credit lines buyers may have available. They can also make accelerated payments to suppliers, whatever the size, thereby securitising the entire construction supply chain. Our Open ECX colleagues have also faced concerns over supplier acceptance. Their e-invoicing solution automatically converts and validates PDF invoices received from suppliers, completely removing the need for time-consuming manual entry and eliminating human error. For suppliers it provides them with the benefit of a reduction in payment delays often caused by traditional processes. Open ECX has found that supplier adoption is often rapid. One builders’ merchant that stocks more than 13,000 product lines across 13 branches, saw the percentage of e-documents being processed rise from around 25-30 per cent to 60 per cent in a matter of months; this led to huge time and efficiency gains, allowing them to redeploy staff to focus on higher value tasks. There is absolutely no reason for businesses to continue to operate an outmoded payment approach. There is a tried, tested and regulated alternative delivering major efficiency and cashflow benefits for both sides of the construction supply chain. And unless we as an industry are willing to adapt, then we are resigned to not achieving the best payment practices, return on working capital and suppliers hindered by late and delayed payments for many years to come. For more on Invapay’s partnership with Open ECX visit http://openecx.co.uk/maximising-payments-maximising-cash-flow/0 Posted by Talk. Build
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By Talk. Build The UK construction industry as a whole tends to cling on to outmoded and inefficient payment practices even when presented with more effective ways of working – a point that is particularly valid when it comes to working capital management and payment processing, writes John Vasili, Director of Business Development at Invapay. The construction industry has a long-standing problem when it comes to B2B payments. The NSCC & FMB Payment Survey revealed that 40 per cent of businesses are not paid within contracted terms, a third of payments due are late – representing 4.4 per cent of turnover on average – and that subcontractors write off £200 million in late payments and retentions. Clearly, there’s a need for a more efficient way of processing and making payments – one that will benefit businesses of all shapes and sizes and at all stages in the construction lifecycle, from major contractors right down to specialist subcontractors and general suppliers. Through our partnership with Open ECX and their WebContractor offer we have developed a combined full-service payment solution, providing construction businesses with a quick and effortless way to manage their payment processes and maximise working capital benefits. The direct and indirect benefits to businesses and their suppliers are multiple. We find that one of the biggest barriers to the adoption of ePayment processing solutions for many businesses is supplier acceptance – with businesses concerned that the implementation of a revised payment processing approach will have a negative knock-on effect for their suppliers. In our experience, this fear is misguided. Our customers tell us they want to maximise their working capital and to get best use of available credit lines but are concerned about the impact on suppliers. We solve this issue by simply making payments to the suppliers standard bank account– the supplier doesn’t need to know they are being settled via your working capital or available credit lines; all the while operating in the FCA regulated environment and the assurance that brings. Our customers benefit considerably and are able to maximise the return on working Capital & to fully utilise any credit lines buyers may have available. They can also make accelerated payments to suppliers, whatever the size, thereby securitising the entire construction supply chain. Our Open ECX colleagues have also faced concerns over supplier acceptance. Their e-invoicing solution automatically converts and validates PDF invoices received from suppliers, completely removing the need for time-consuming manual entry and eliminating human error. For suppliers it provides them with the benefit of a reduction in payment delays often caused by traditional processes. Open ECX has found that supplier adoption is often rapid. One builders’ merchant that stocks more than 13,000 product lines across 13 branches, saw the percentage of e-documents being processed rise from around 25-30 per cent to 60 per cent in a matter of months; this led to huge time and efficiency gains, allowing them to redeploy staff to focus on higher value tasks. There is absolutely no reason for businesses to continue to operate an outmoded payment approach. There is a tried, tested and regulated alternative delivering major efficiency and cashflow benefits for both sides of the construction supply chain. And unless we as an industry are willing to adapt, then we are resigned to not achieving the best payment practices, return on working capital and suppliers hindered by late and delayed payments for many years to come. For more on Invapay’s partnership with Open ECX visit http://openecx.co.uk/maximising-payments-maximising-cash-flow/Nov 06, 2017 0
