ECO-BUILDING PRODUCTS LIGHTS THE WAY FOR REAL BUSINESS BENEFITS

Lincolnshire-based renewable energy products distributor Eco Building Products has replaced the traditional florescent lighting at its Market Deeping premises with a new sustainable system from Envirolighting Ltd and has been so impressed with the results it has signed a deal with the supplier.

Sister companies Lark Energy and Kestrel Timber Frame also had new lighting installed. All three companies, part of the Larkfleet Group, have seen real savings in energy and costs since installing new tubes and switches.

Eco Building Products is a leading supplier of alternative energy technologies, insulation materials and other products aimed at making new and existing buildings ‘greener’.

Ian Greenfield, operations director at Eco Building Products, said: “The Envirolighting installation cost around £3,000. We are already seeing energy savings of up to 80 per cent and expect payback in less than two years.

“There were no new fittings, just tubes and starters, which keeps costs and installation time to a minimum. We have also installed eco light switches that only turn on some of the lights in a room. If it is too dark, simply flick the switch again and all the lights will come on. As a result, some rooms are using half the number of tubes all the time now, giving us a real saving.”

As a result of the savings that it has made, Eco Building Products is now working with Envirolighting to offer free lighting surveys to its customers and to promote Envirolighting lighting solutions for commercial premises.

Envirolighting contracts manager Paul Fowler said: “We are delighted that Eco Building Products is promoting our lighting solutions. Our surveys include an assessment of current lighting and light levels. We assess contributions of natural daylight to determine if this free light source can be used in conjunction with artificial lighting to maximise energy savings.

“Based on this we generate a proposal, which includes which lighting products we would recommend for each area of the premises, and a full energy report comparing current lighting to proposed. We highlight cost savings and reductions in energy consumption, increases in profit as a result and reductions in the business’ carbon footprint.

“We also often recommend a short trial period where we fit a small quantity of our recommended lighting products in a test area and run them for a brief time so that we can calculate average savings for the entire site. This allows customers to see the benefits of our recommendations without committing to a full project implementation.”

Envirolighting’s solution includes the installation of retrofit fluorescent T5 adaptors which are more efficient than old-style T8 and T12 fluorescents. These T5 adaptors provide the necessary high-frequency ballast to adapt switch start and starterless fittings to accept energy saving T5 fluorescents tubes with simple plug-and-play speed. This energy-saving lighting solution means an easy change to efficient lighting without the need to replace the light fittings or cause disruption.

In addition to the T5 retrofit adaptors, Envirolighting solutions also include sensor control and efficient HID dimming where fittings can be dimmed to ten per cent of their normal output when areas are unoccupied. As the fitting automatically turns back up to full output again when presence is detected, ‘re-strike’ times no longer become an issue.

Ian Greenfield added: “We have joined forces with Envirolighting to further enhance our ability to supply the best in renewable energy products to our customers.

“Eco Building Products is committed to providing the best range of quality renewable energy products available to the trade in this region. Our partnership with Envirolighting will help us to achieve that.”

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EXPERIMENTAL HOMES GET ‘CARBON LIGHT’ WITH WINDOWMASTER

The energy management and natural ventilation systems for two innovative carbon-neutral homes in Kettering, Northamptonshire, UK have been supplied by WindowMaster (www.windowmaster.com).

The two semi-detached VELUX Carbon Light Homes (www.velux.co.uk) have been constructed to demonstrate that state-of-the-art energy-efficient sustainable housing is practical, affordable, appealing to home buyers and can be easily constructed by volume house builders.

As one of the integral partners in the project, WindowMaster installed its NV Comfort™ control system. NV Comfort™ enables an optimal indoor climate through consistent pure natural ventilation. At the same time it can save enough energy to significantly reduce CO2 emissions.

WindowMaster’s Paul Collins explained: “Carbon Light Homes are designed to be low energy buildings. The WindowMaster system is at the heart of the building’s management. It allows air temperature and quality in the house to be maintained with minimal energy expenditure. It automatically opens and closes windows in response to internal and external temperature, CO2 levels and weather conditions.

“The energy management system also controls the blinds so that they close to keep sun out in the warmer months to aid cooling and open in the winter months in order to take advantage of passive thermal gain.

“Energy management helps to heat the property by reducing the load on the other heating systems. Demand for fossil fuel energy for heating, hot water and electricity is kept to a minimum, making these experimental homes almost carbon neutral.”

The homes also use solar heating in combination with air-to-water heat pumps for hot water and space heating. Natural ventilation cools the buildings by taking advantage of triple height atriums around the stairs which create stack and cross ventilation. In hotter months, the homes are cooled using purge ventilation while internal and external screening helps to control solar gain and create a comfortable indoor climate. In winter, natural ventilation works alongside a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery which recycles heat from the kitchen and bathrooms into the living areas. All of this is managed by NV Comfort™.

NV Comfort™ is based on WindowMaster’s established NV Advance™ system for management of natural ventilation in larger projects, such as schools and offices. Like the NV Advance™ control system NV Comfort™ regulates and adjusts internal air quality using an intelligent, computer-controlled system that harnesses the natural forces created by temperature differences outside and inside the building and by the effect of wind around the building.

NV Comfort™ controls façade and roof windows so that they automatically open and close by incremental amounts on the basis of individual fixed values for the desired room temperature and CO2 levels, as well as measurements of external temperature, rain and wind speed. The system also opens and closes blinds taking its cue from thermal mass readings from a pyrometer.

Opening of the automated windows can be overridden by the user to maintain security. Setting the desired room temperature and CO2 levels can be done individually for each room from one central location in the building via the NV Comfort™ touch screen.

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Repairs app rolled out to Sheffield and Gosport

Following the successful launch of its smartphone application earlier in the year in Harlow, Kier, a leading construction, services and property group, has rolled out the Kier Repairs app to tenants and leaseholders in Sheffield and Gosport. The free to download app enables tenants and leaseholders, eligible for Kier’s repairs and maintenance services on their home, to report repairs directly using their smartphone. Kier is still the first, and currently only, contractor to have launched a repairs app for its customers.

In Gosport, the app will enable the 3,186 Gosport tenants eligible for Kier’s repairs and maintenance services to report repairs directly using their smartphone. With nearly half of all adults in the UK now estimated to use a smartphone (around 40 million people), the free Kier Repairs app provides eligible Kier customers with even more choice in how and when they can report responsive repairs.

The launch of the app for Sheffield City Council tenants and leaseholders coincided with the opening of its dedicated Tenants Resource Centre. The new Kier Tenant Resource Centre has been opened to provide residents with a dedicated hub where they can use space for community group meetings, training events and to meet other tenants. Kier is also hoping to offer the use of its resource centre to local charities.

The app has been designed to further simplify the repair reporting process and includes a camera function allowing customers to take a picture of the issue they are reporting. This not only helps the customer in accurately describing the issue, but also saves the call centre time in diagnosing the repair and, on some occasions, means that solutions can be offered over the phone. This process also helps break down some language barriers for tenants who may find it difficult to communicate via the telephone.

Furthermore, the app allows customers to report repairs at a time convenient to them rather than being restricted to call centre opening times. Repairs can also be reported on behalf of customers who do not own a smartphone themselves – for example, by the relatives of elderly residents.

Kier Managing Director, Peter Brynes, said: “We developed the app through close consultation with tenants of council properties in order to guarantee customers and clients a new, convenient way of reporting repairs, in addition to existing methods such as telephone, email or in person at Kier’s local call centres. Sheffield and Gosport tenants are the latest tenants to have access to the app and we are liaising with all our clients on looking at rolling the app out to their tenants and leaseholders.”

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ISG Takes £7.8 Million Contracts At West Suffolk College

ISG has been awarded two projects at West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds, with a combined value of £7.8 million. The most high profile of these awards is the brief to create a stunning new £7 million teaching block at the entrance to the main Out Risbygate campus site.

Both schemes form part of the college’s overall masterplan to further enhance teaching facilities across its two main sites in Bury St Edmunds. Creating a purpose-built hub for the college, the new three-storey concrete framed teaching block is set to provide 3,600 sq m of accommodation, with high specification classrooms, tutorial facilities, student support and recreational areas.

Designed to reflect the architectural style of surrounding buildings on the campus, the new Further Education block will showcase the college’s sustainable ambitions and incorporates high performance building materials and a biomass boiler. Featuring a large atrium to maximise the volume of natural light entering the building, the structure also makes extensive use of curtain walling to its façade to reduce the requirement for artificial lighting.

Externally, ISG will carry out extensive landscaping, creating a sustainable urban drainage system to regulate the volume of surface run off entering natural watercourses. The contractor is also tasked with remodelling the existing car parking provision as part of the project.

During the ten-month new build programme, ISG will additionally deliver a programme of general refurbishment works to the college’s Higher Education facilities during an £800,000 upgrade. Operating across a live campus environment, ISG has worked closely with staff to develop a workable programme that delivers to expectations whilst minimising the potential impact of these essential works on students.

ISG’s Phillip Allerton, managing director – East, commented: “What we are providing at West Suffolk College is a full turnkey delivery solution following an extensive value engineering exercise to help the scheme meet budgetary constraints. Colleges face the challenge of balancing reduced public funding with the need to invest to attract students, and this scenario is where the influence of contractors with sector-specific expertise is increasingly important. Our ability to offer both quality and value, while maintaining continuity of college operations, proved a critical element in ISG securing this high profile contract.”

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Benchmark Building Supplies becomes latest NIA Affiliate Member

Benchmark Building Supplies, based in Greater Manchester, has become the latest company to take up Affiliate Membership of the National Insulation Association (NIA).

Bev Coombe, Membership and Communications Manager commented: “we introduced the new Affiliate Membership category last October in order to accommodate the growing number of applications from organisations who were not directly involved in the installation or manufacture of insulation products. With the introduction of Green Deal/Energy Company Obligation next year Affiliate Membership is proving extremely popular and costs only 70p per day!”

The benefits of becoming an Affiliate Member include the following:

-Company details listed on the NIA public website
-Access to the members only area of the website
-Regular e-briefs on policy, industry news and events
-Monthly E-News
-Use of Affiliate logo

Affiliate Membership is open to organisations such as:

-Charities
-Trade Associations
-Component Suppliers
-Membership Service Providers
-Suppliers to the Industry
-Companies involved in the construction industry but are not installers or manufactures of insulation products
-Companies involved in Environment Services

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The sky’s the limit with the help of Barbour ABI leads!

Finding new business opportunities poses a challenge for most, but since Limitless signed up for contact data updates on projects from Barbour ABI, they have not looked back.

Limitless Limited design, supply and install bespoke daylight and sunlight solutions to a growing marketplace. It’s a vibrant company, with a wealth of knowledge about bringing natural light into basements and other areas of darkness in buildings, both commercial and residential. Established five years ago, Limitless aim to use innovative low energy products to bring natural light into homes and workplaces.

Their environmentally friendly systems can make a huge difference from a spatial awareness perspective – and their fully tailorable products are quality assured. Although Limitless’ relationship with Barbour ABI is in its infant stages, they are already more than satisfied with the service so far.

Pandora Jacobs, Director at Limitless says: “Having the ability to define and customise prospects is perfect for our needs; this is definitely the main reason why we turned to Barbour ABI in the first place. By manipulating ABI’s lead management system, we are able to reach and specify our target market at the click of a few buttons!”

“The quality of the data we’ve been looking closely at is excellent and we are aiming to gain even better results as we become more familiar with Evolution’s capabilities. Our database mining efforts are proving very beneficial, we will be trying other Barbour ABI products as our relationship evolves.”

Barbour ABI prides itself on treating every customer on an individual basis and we work hard to focus on helping everyone get the best out of their subscription. Pandora goes on to say: “Your training package was brilliant, it was easy to understand, well presented and simple to implement. In addition to training, support from my Account Manager has further enhanced this vital business service. We have already recommended you to many of our contacts!”

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LARKFLEET AND ECO-BUILDING PRODUCTS SPONSOR CITY COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENT AWARD

Housebuilder and developer Larkfleet Group and specialist builders’ merchant Eco Building Products are to sponsor Peterborough City Council’s 2012 Development and Environment Awards.

The awards aim to recognise design or construction projects which are innovative or lead the way in sustainable development.

It is the second time that the council has run the awards and the second time that Larkfleet has been involved – it also sponsored the first set of awards in 2010.

This year some new categories are being introduced and the awards now cover a range of projects from housing and commercial buildings to open spaces.

To be eligible, a project must have been completed between 1 June 2011 and 23 September 2012. The winners of the construction categories will be entered into the relevant category of the 2013 LABC (Local Authority Building Control) East Anglia Regional Awards.

Karl Hick, managing director of Larkfleet Group, said: “These awards are especially relevant to Larkfleet as the company is leading the way in building development.

“Houses built by Larkfleet Homes are more energy-efficient than those of any other builder operating in this area and many are fitted with technologies such as solar power generation. At the same time, other Larkfleet Group companies are involved in the development of innovative new building materials and processes and in retrofitting existing homes with energy-saving technologies.”

Eco Building Products, which is part of the Larkfleet Group, is a leading supplier of alternative energy technologies, insulation materials and other products aimed at making new and existing buildings ‘greener’.

Ian Greenfield, operations director at Eco Building Products, said: “Peterborough has an excellent reputation for energy-efficient building and we hope these awards will help to further promote that approach to design and development in the local construction industry.”

Kevin Dawson of Peterborough City Council, said: "We are grateful to Larkfleet and Eco Building Products for their support for these awards. It is great to have Larkfleet involved for a second time.”

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Four more dates for Kubota Live in September 2010

Kubota Live! is the only event where customers get to put the complete Kubota line-up of mini excavators, tractors and groundcare equipment through its paces.

Following the success of this year’s Kubota Live! at Rockingham, the company has announced four more dates for September 2010:
14 September Wetherby Racecourse (LS22 5EJ)
16 September Writtle College, Essex (CM1 3RR)
21 September Bath Racecourse (BA1 8BU)
23 September Western Park, Shropshire (TF11 8LE)

The event at Rockingham attracted a wealth of quality customers, many of whom had travelled especially to the event in order to help them decide which machine was right for them before they placed an order. One such customer was John Carhart, owner of Phoenix Park in Trematon Saltash, Cornwall, who drove more than 300 miles to attend the Rockingham Kubota Live!

He said: "I've always used Kubotas because of their build quality, reliability and dealer back-up. Because I've recently bought some more land, I needed a bigger tractor and knew I wanted another Kubota. The B2530 compact tractor was perfect for my needs, but I couldn’t decide between manual or HST options, so I decided to go to Kubota Live! so I could try the two different options back to back. After putting them to the test, I decided that manual was the right option for me.

"Kubota Live! is a fantastic event – it’s the only place where you can try out all the equipment on display and get expert advice from both the manufacturer and the dealers. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking to buy Kubota equipment – it was certainly worth the trip."

Visitors to the free events in September will be amongst the first to try their hand at new machines from Kubota Tractor and Groundcare division, including the M130X Kubota’s biggest tractor to date, the B2420 compact tractor, the new HST version of the L4100 and the T1880 petrol ride-on mower.

And of course, the company will be exhibiting all the 'old favourites' too, from the GR1600 ride-on mower through to the M Series tractors and not forgetting the RTV 900 all-terrain utility vehicle.

This will be complemented by the comprehensive range of mini excavators from Kubota Construction, which range in size from 980 kg to 8 tonnes. Three new machines will be introduced at the show, including the much-anticipated 5 tonne models.

"Kubota Live! is a fantastic event that gives visitors the chance to ride, drive and dig using all the machines, providing them with an unparalleled insight into each model’s suitability for their individual needs," commented Dave Roberts, Kubota Tractor and Groundcare Sales and Marketing Manager.

"For the September events, we have worked hard to choose venues that not only offer great testing facilities but will also attract maximum visitor numbers thanks to their strategic locations across the UK. There will be plenty of free parking and refreshments available – wherever you are Kubota Live! is certainly an event not to be missed."

Kubota's experienced and qualified staff will also be on-hand throughout the event to advise people about the best model for their needs. Representatives from all the local Kubota Dealerships will also be attending each event.

To put these and other machines through their paces, all people need to do is register on-line by visiting the Kubota website and clicking on the Kubota Live! link. Entry is free and refreshments are available.

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Barbour ABI’s Q2 Construction Analysis Report Is Out Now!

Barbour ABI has just published Construction Review – it’s our quarterly industry analysis, which highlights key building projects, the best performing industry sectors (based on contract awarded) and everything you need to know about construction activity between April to June 2012.

Construction Review is a must read for key construction industry professionals. Quarter 4 begins with leading stories from two key figures within the construction community; Dr Noble Francis, Economics Director of the Construction Products Association and Brian Green who blogs for Building magazine.

The review provides a detailed analysis of all sectors within the construction industry. Here’s an extract from the Industrial sector summary (April to June 2012):

Slight growth in the industrial sector saw the levels of contracts awarded up 4% on the previous quarter, although disappointingly 16% down on the corresponding quarter of 2011. The building of a new Jaguar plant at Wolverhampton contributed a massive £335 million towards the level.

The latest issue of Landscape is also now available – it’s our rapid review tool to help industry professionals such as yourselves to spot changes in key market sectors.

Launched at Ecobuild 2012 to high acclaim, Landscape can be used to track changes in future workloads in key sectors, or to spot opportunities elsewhere and works by looking at the current value of contract awards in a sector and comparing this against the average seen over the past four years. Then, taking into account the volatility of the sector, Landscape provides a simple score that indicates how much greater the orders have been over the past year compared with the recent past. The higher the number, the greater the value of orders in the sector compared with the past and the greater the likelihood of growth in work in the pipeline.

Landscape also looks at whether the sector has become hotter, colder or remained more or less the same over the past three months, which gives a rough indication of whether the sector may have been coming off the boil or getting hotter. Armed with the Landscape numbers it’s a quick step to check the hottest sectors and look for the contracts that are driving growth.

Barbour ABI reports on every project in the UK by enhancing planning application and public tender information at each stage of the construction lifecycle. For over 70 years, Barbour ABI has provided industry leading services to the construction community.

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Plans Submitted for New Blackburn Bus Station

Plans have been submitted for a new £4m bus station in Blackburn.

Designed by Capita Symonds – on behalf of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – the new station will be situated in the heart of the town centre on the site of the former market, adjacent to the town’s shopping centre and a new market development.

The relocation of the bus station to the new site will increase footfall outside the shopping centre and the new market, while maintaining a direct link with the rail station and the nearby cathedral quarter development.

The brief for the bus station has been developed in conjunction with the future operators/managers of the facility who expressed a desire for a striking yet functional design that provides a safe and secure environment connected directly to the pedestrian realm. The facility will contain 14 bus stands plus an additional three layover spaces, space for public functions and community events, a café and retail kiosk and a focal hub building.

The design is conceived as a light weight elegant canopy within the centre of the town which sails over the concourse area. The two storey hub building is positioned at the southern end of the concourse and accommodates a travel information centre and public/staff welfare facilities.

The outward facing elements of the building are flat and orthogonal. In contrast, the underside of the canopy is free flowing and consists of a number of glazed slots cut in the canopy to allow daylight to penetrate onto the concourse area. Directly below each of the slots is a hanging loop which appears to be pulled down from the canopy to reveal a glazed opening. The composition of these draws inspiration from the cotton weaving looms, and drying cotton bundles, a reference to the town’s industrial past.

There are four loop types (A, B, C & D) which are arranged to alter the scale of the concourse and create a rhythm of peaks and troughs along its length. Loop A is designed to provide support to the whole canopy allowing the canopy to appear as one floating unified element.

The station forms part of the Pennine Reach rapid bus transport scheme which aims to improve public transport connectivity within East Lancashire, reduce journey times, and improve passenger facilities. The route, which covers 21 miles, will provide improved waiting facilities and passenger information, bus priority measures, and innovative payment and ticketing solutions.

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Osborne appointed to carry out redevelopment of largest dry dock in Southampton

Osborne has been appointed by Associated British Ports to carry out the redevelopment of an area of land near the 1930s, Dry Dock No. 7 (formerly known as the King George 5th Dry Dock) on West Bay Road in Southampton. The £1.4 million project will convert the area into a cargo handling berth with access to an adjacent berth that is also undergoing redevelopment. Completion is expected by the end of 2008.

Following listed planning consent, the contract comprises demolitions, new roads, fencing, lighting and dock up-grades as well as non-tidal works to the quayside including heavy duty chamber covers and new anchor bollards, plus tidal works to the now flooded Dry Dock 7 consisting of new safety chains, access ladders and infilling of old stairways.

Associated drainage, ducting, high mast lights, weighbridge and office foundation works will also be undertaken. Throughout the project, existing access will be maintained for quay operating leaseholders and future access to the quayside and dock will be improved with a new circulatory access road and link road to an adjacent berth.

There are a number of challenges, not least of which is breaking out existing concrete slabs for new roads and drainage. This is being carried out using a tracked Rocksaw to cut along the sides of the routes, enabling more accurate and simplified breaking out.

As part of the project, as many existing materials as possible are being reused to minimise waste and materials movement. This includes the use of the broken concrete, which will be crushed and reused as a capping material on this development.

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ISG Chalks Up Latest South Wales Framework Schemes

ISG has secured a further two projects via the influential Cardiff City Framework, which is the delivery vehicle for a comprehensive range of public sector capital works schemes across the city. These latest wins focus on the modernisation and improvement of existing Cardiff school facilities and build upon ISG’s burgeoning portfolio of projects across South Wales.

At Ysgol-Y-Wern Primary School, ISG will carry out a complex three-phased programme, following the enlargement of the school on the site. The project will see ISG strip out sections of the school buildings and complete a wide-ranging refurbishment, including reconfiguration of internal accommodation, the installation of new mechanical and electrical services, floor coverings and suspended ceilings and comprehensive redecoration.

Phase one of the scheme focuses on the refurbishment of the existing main school entrance and the construction of a new entrance lobby. Later phases include provision of a new kitchen, staff room, wet play areas and work benches. Externally, the project will involve alterations to the existing play areas along with a new footpath and a tensile fabric canopy.

ISG has worked closely with the school’s management team to agree the phased programme, which will involve the school vacating areas of the building while work is carried out then moving into the completed sections on a rolling programme. Robust measures have been put in place to ensure each phase is safely isolated from staff and pupils during term time, and work will continue into the next academic year with handover scheduled for autumn 2012.

At Llanishen High School, ISG has been appointed to refurbish an existing sports hall. The 18-week programme will see ISG strip out the sports hall, including the changing rooms, floors and all external wall and roof cladding, remodelling the changing rooms to enhance overall accessibility and provide upgraded shower and changing facilities. The environmental performance of the building will also be upgraded as part of the scheme, with ISG installing new insulation materials to the walls and roof. The sports hall floor will be re-surfaced and a small extension constructed to create a reception area, offices and storage space.

The facility will be a true multi-use community space, where examinations, dance and theatrical productions can take place. To suit these various uses, new modern, highly efficient mechanical and electrical services will also be installed in the building, including an intelligent lighting system within the sports hall.

ISG’s John Rawlinson, managing director – South West, commented: “Close liaison with the end-user has been an essential element of developing an achievable programme of works to deliver this highly complex, phased live environment project. Understanding the school’s specific requirements and key operational considerations has been a highly important stage in the scheduling process and we are confident that this dialogue will prove instrumental in helping us efficiently deliver this significant regional project.”

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China Infrastructure Construction Corporation expands throughout northwest China

CHNC was founded in 2002 in Beijing, China. Since then it has developed into one of the top ready mix concrete producers in Beijing. Its products are environment-friendly and among the few providers in China of "green" concrete.

China Infrastructure Construction Corporation has announced that Bank of America/Merrill Lynch Research has called the site of the Company's most recent expansion, Xi'an, "one of the most important cities in Western China." Under an agreement with CHNC and China Railway Construction Group Co., Ltd, the two parties will join to produce and sell concrete in north central China's Xi'an region, and CHNC has already built a new manufacturing facility there.

"Investment projects in Xi'an and its vicinity include a new airport terminal, a new railway station, widening of existing highways, a network of high-speed railways and subways," said the Bank of America/Merrill Lynch "China Economics" report.

CHNC recently announced that a branch mixing station with an annual production capacity of 3,600,000 m3 has been set up in the city of Xi'an, in part to serve the requirements of the infrastructure build out that the China Economics report describes.

Mr. Yang Rong, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CHNC said, "We and leading investors have identified some very favourable trends in Xi'an that will accelerate the expansion of the CHNC business throughout northwest China."

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ZERO-C concrete repair material formulated to eliminate material cracking

The problem of cracking in concrete repair does not have a simple solution; cracking in concrete is influenced by many factors. Scientists at BASF have unlocked the solution, addressing four critical material properties by utilizing state-of-the-art chemistry to create a new level of performance and the next generation of concrete repair.

The Building Systems business of BASF's Construction Chemicals division has announced the launch of ZERO-C Concrete Repair Technology, a line of cementitious repair mortars that exhibit no cracking when tested in accordance with ASTM C1581. ZERO-C is the first concrete repair material formulated and proven to eliminate material cracking.

Evaluating crack performance requires consideration of all forces that influence cracking. The newest and most reliable scientific test for measuring crack resistance in concrete repair materials is ASTM C1581, commonly known as the "Ring Test." ZERO-C is the industry's first product to exceed both ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and ICRI (International Concrete Repair Institute) requirements for "low cracking potential products" showing no cracking at 60 days when tested according to The Ring Test.

In addition to crack resistance, ZERO-C's patent pending mix-and-match material design brings simplicity to the job site. A single base mortar can be modified by using different liquids to change the material consistency as project demands change, reducing the number of materials that have to be stored on the job site. Additionally, the weatherproof, recyclable mortar bags with handles eliminate solid waste and make bags easier to carry. The durable liquid pouches are tough enough to prevent damage, yet they are made with 50% less plastic than jugs. The pouches fold flat when empty to create less waste and lower disposal costs on site.

"I am very proud of the scientists and construction professionals at BASF who have dedicated their professional energy to creating a scientific breakthrough to not only meet, but exceed the demands of the industry," stated Doug MacRae, Vice President & Business Director for Building Systems. "The people of BASF have dedicated years to engineering a product that will improve our built world and forever change the face of concrete repair."

The Building Systems business of BASF manufactures products under nine brands: Sonneborn®, Thoro®, MBT Protection and Repair®, Hydrozo®, Selby®, UCRETE®, SRS Flooring, Conica and CHEMREX®. These products provide joint sealant, waterproofing, grout, concrete repair, water repellent, performance flooring, surface adhesives and wall coating solutions for construction and renovation projects around the globe.

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Former Cambridge Bank Redeveloped by ISG

The contractor will have to break through the 750mm thick concrete bank vault at the historic property as part of a wide-ranging refurbishment that will see ISG convert the building into two ground floor restaurants and three storeys of student accommodation for nearby King’s College.

The two restaurants, which have already been pre-let to restaurant chains ZiZi’s and CAU, will be housed in the ornate former bank, which features an original 18th century embossed ceiling with gold relief. The student accommodation will be created in the office areas above the retail bank, with the original roof structure removed and a steel frame extension providing an additional storey on the building, which incorporates a green sedum planted area.

The design & build project involves retention of the existing façade and reconfiguration of the interior space, including installation of new staircases, two new passenger lifts and a service lift for the restaurants. Several original features of historical interest will be removed during the redevelopment and replaced in the restaurant areas following completion, including an 18th century feature fire place and an original door and frame.

Removal of the bank vault ceiling will enable ISG to lower some floor areas to provide improved working height and greater headroom in some of the adjacent student study bedrooms. Each of the 32 student accommodation units will have en-suite bathroom facilities with internet access and communal kitchen facilities.

ISG’s Phillip Allerton, managing director - East, commented: “This high profile project maximises both the existing building’s aesthetic appeal and its prime location. Working closely with our design partners we have developed a solution that enhances overall capacity within the structure, through the addition of a discreet roof extension, while answering the challenges of an historically protected building.”

Chris White, a director of Wrenbridge, commented: “The building is stunning and will provide a fantastic culinary experience. We are delighted to have agreed deals with two quality and experienced restaurant operators who will offer a varied experience for diners. The opportunity generated strong occupier interest attracted by the quality of the pitch and the shortage of central Cambridge restaurant opportunities. We are confident the Arts Quarter will be enhanced by the opening of the restaurants, which will provide additional footfall and a boost to both the independent retailers and theatres in this area of the city”.

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Kandil Dam and HEPP

This project, being one of the Kandil Power Group Projects, is located in the Upper Ceyhan basin upstream of the Menzelet Dam on the Ceyhan River in Kahramanmaraş. The dam is rock-fill type with concrete covered front face having the installed capacity of 210 MW and annual energy generation of 502 GWh.
Client Hydroelectric Production and Trade, Inc. (ENERJİSA)

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Precast Rocket Walls® outweigh any other type of freestanding unit, storing a greater amount within the same floor space

Precast Rocket Walls® are unique to Eleco Precast ™ and they meet BS8110. They can be delivered fPrecast Rocket Walls® are a high quality, freestanding, precast concrete unit and are available in 3 different heights, 2.4, 3 or 4 metres. They outweigh any other type of freestanding unit. This is because they have been specifically designed to be able to store a greater amount of material within the same floor space. Another advantage of the Rocket wall® units is that they can be rapidly installed to form storage bunkers and bays. With the unique inverted “Y” shaped profile, it means that there is no ‘toe’ for the loading shovels to hit and therefore prevents the lodging of stored material.

Rocket walls are designed to be sited on an existing concrete floor slab or foundation and bolted down, using fixing bolts. This prevents movement and, as a result, improves site safety and maximum efficiency. Precast Rocket Walls® are designed with external fixing points for easily unbolted and re-sited with relative ease if need be, offering even more flexibility in their use. It is this uniqueness that makes them suitable for a variety of uses including,

• MRF Bays
• Aggregate Storage
• Crop / Soil storage
• Internal and external dividing walls
• Loading one side or both

They can also take materials of up to 16KN/M3 in density and therefore are ideal to be used for the construction sector, for storing recycling products and/or used as a grain and crop storage solution.

Precast Rocket Walls® are unique to Eleco Precast ™ and they meet BS8110. They can be delivered from our two locations to cater to the whole of the UK. Bell & Webster is located in Lincolnshire, for more information visit www.bellandwebster.com or for Milbury Systems which, is located in Gloucestershire, then please go to www.milbury.com.

A number of projects have used Rocket wall® units for example:

Milbury Systems supplied 300+ units for M & D Kemp’s project which involved processing East Yorkshire County Council’s green waste.
M & D Kemp were happy with our precast Rocket walls so much that they re-ordered since their last project for East Yorkshire County Councils green Waste and here are the reasons why:

Availability: Milbury Systems were able to supply an initial order for 300 + units from stock on a rolling contract to kick start phase 1 of the project.
Economical: M & D Kemp used their own transport to collect Rocket Units from Milbury’s factory. They were able to load 24No. 2.40m high units per load, illustrating an economical transport cost.
Ease of use: M & D Kemp’s workmen were amazed how easy Milbury Rocket walls were to handle and install.

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Precast Rocket Walls® outweigh any other type of freestanding unit, storing a greater amount within the same floor space

Precast Rocket Walls® are unique to Eleco Precast ™ and they meet BS8110. They can be delivered fPrecast Rocket Walls® are a high quality, freestanding, precast concrete unit and are available in 3 different heights, 2.4, 3 or 4 metres. They outweigh any other type of freestanding unit. This is because they have been specifically designed to be able to store a greater amount of material within the same floor space. Another advantage of the Rocket wall® units is that they can be rapidly installed to form storage bunkers and bays. With the unique inverted “Y” shaped profile, it means that there is no ‘toe’ for the loading shovels to hit and therefore prevents the lodging of stored material.

Rocket walls are designed to be sited on an existing concrete floor slab or foundation and bolted down, using fixing bolts. This prevents movement and, as a result, improves site safety and maximum efficiency. Precast Rocket Walls® are designed with external fixing points for easily unbolted and re-sited with relative ease if need be, offering even more flexibility in their use. It is this uniqueness that makes them suitable for a variety of uses including,

• MRF Bays
• Aggregate Storage
• Crop / Soil storage
• Internal and external dividing walls
• Loading one side or both

They can also take materials of up to 16KN/M3 in density and therefore are ideal to be used for the construction sector, for storing recycling products and/or used as a grain and crop storage solution.

Precast Rocket Walls® are unique to Eleco Precast ™ and they meet BS8110. They can be delivered from our two locations to cater to the whole of the UK. Bell & Webster is located in Lincolnshire, for more information visit www.bellandwebster.com or for Milbury Systems which, is located in Gloucestershire, then please go to www.milbury.com.

A number of projects have used Rocket wall® units for example:

Milbury Systems supplied 300+ units for M & D Kemp’s project which involved processing East Yorkshire County Council’s green waste.
M & D Kemp were happy with our precast Rocket walls so much that they re-ordered since their last project for East Yorkshire County Councils green Waste and here are the reasons why:

Availability: Milbury Systems were able to supply an initial order for 300 + units from stock on a rolling contract to kick start phase 1 of the project.
Economical: M & D Kemp used their own transport to collect Rocket Units from Milbury’s factory. They were able to load 24No. 2.40m high units per load, illustrating an economical transport cost.
Ease of use: M & D Kemp’s workmen were amazed how easy Milbury Rocket walls were to handle and install.
Unique patented design: The open "Y" section aids free drainage of the composted material by providing an open space for the liquid to run off and channelling it to the drains at the rear of the bays.

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Stonegrave Aggregates purchases Volvo L150F loading shovel for Aycliffe Quarry

Stonegrave Aggregates Ltd, a division of the John Wade Group of companies, has taken delivery of its first Volvo L150F loading shovel for rehandling duties at its Aycliffe Quarry located near Darlington Co. Durham.

When it came to replace one of the resident competitive loading shovels, it was third party references and a desire to change to an alternative marque of machine that prompted Operations Manager Bruce Whitley to choose the 4.2m³ shovel from Volvo Construction Equipment. “We already run Volvo A30D haulers and have been impressed with their reliability and performance,” he said. “We needed to replace a five year old shovel in the quarry for stock pile work and loading out road wagons and so after looking at the market and listening to other Volvo shovel users, decided to give the L150F a chance."

The L150F is powered by a Tier III 12 litre Volvo engine developing 284 hp at just 1400rpm. The Tier III/Stage 3 low emission engine delivers high torque at just above tick over, giving the new loaders excellent rimpull and low fuel consumption as well as a significant reduction in noise levels of the E series machine. Much effort has been expended to increase mid-range torque; giving better operability in the most economic engine speed range. One practical consequence of this increase in horsepower is better pile penetration and fuller buckets.

Engine power is converted into work via a new smooth shifting electric-hydraulic HTE transmission. All the operator has to do is select Forward or Reverse. The Volvo Full Automatic Power Shift (FAPS) then takes over and selects which of the four forward and four reverse gears is required – and the perfect moment to change ratio. The system is independent of both machine and engine speed. New software in the ECU adapts to the operators’ style of driving, optimizing gear changing parameters and saving fuel by always selecting the right gear.

For improved operator comfort, oil-filled clutches and a Pulse-Width Modulation Valve in the transmission allow smoother shifting and minimize jolting when changing between gears. The transmission is also significantly quieter than its predecessor, and maximum speed has also been increased. The fact that all major components of the driveline (engine, transmission, axles) are designed and built by Volvo means that they work in harmony, in terms of performance, reliability and also fuel efficiency.

Operator comfort was also a major consideration in the decision to purchase the L150F and Mr Whitley’s operator is more than pleased with his new charge. The cab on the F series loader offers a high degree of operator comfort with plenty of leg room and excellent forward and rearward visibility. Automatic heat control is a standard feature and up to 90% of the air is cleaned and re-circulated by Volvo’s unique and patented two stage cleaning system. For additional convenience the L150F supplied to Stonegrave is fitted with boom suspension and a calibrated weigh loader.

John Wade (Haulage) Ltd and Stonegrave Aggregates Ltd are part of the John Wade Group of Companies who operate from Aycliffe quarry, Aycliffe, situated strategically close to the A1M near Darlington, Co. Durham. They offer a wide range of services to individuals and companies both large and small based predominantly around their quarrying and tipping facilities at Aycliffe quarry. Besides its quarrying activities the Group is at the forefront of crushing, sorting and recycling all manner of commercial and industrial waste. Starting out as a small family business in the 1970s the business has grown rapidly and now employs over 120 operatives and technical workers complemented by 20 full time office and site staff.

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HRS biometric workforce management system MSite underpinning 2 of the 3 largest UK construction projects

The biggest names in the construction industry gathered at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London on Tuesday 10th July for the highly anticipated Construction News Awards 2012. The evening, hosted by BBC Broadcaster Clare Balding announced the three largest construction projects of the year; two of which are managed by HRS’ workforce management system MSite.

HRS in partnership with Lend Lease was also in good company nominated within the ‘Best Use of Technology’ award category up against the likes of Balfour Beatty, Costain and BAM Nuttall. It is amongst these big construction industry names that advancements in technology are particularly important as the ever present challenge of managing multiple projects is addressed.

Neil Norman, Human Recognition Systems CEO commented “Our involvement in two of the year’s biggest construction projects is a significant achievement and demonstrates the robust capabilities of MSite in large scale enterprise management of workforce and site access control. “

The largest construction site in Europe, the Olympic Park, presented this challenge to Human Recognition Systems requiring identity and high security management across a vast continuously changing landscape. HRS met this requirement providing a solution that integrates numerous streams of data controlling access through hand and iris recognition utilising a secure smart card.

Neil added “We have seen a steady shift within the construction industry over recent years towards enterprise level biometric workforce management systems. This enables sites across the country to be managed centrally with the ability to report across all projects at the touch of a button. MSite has proven to add significant value through this real time operational information.”

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