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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TWO AGENCIES WORK TOGETHER TO PROMOTE SELF-BUILD LAND SALES AT HAMPTON

Peterborough-based Metrix Marketing (www.metrixmarketing.co.uk) and t2 Studios (www.t2studios.net) are working together to promote the sale of self-build housing plots at Hampton.

Hampton, the 7,000 home township being built south of Peterborough, has been growing at the rate of nearly 500 houses per year with around 20 building companies active on the site.

However, O&H Hampton – the company which owns the land and is managing the development – also has a small number of plots available for sale to people who want to build their own homes.

Roger Tallowin, general manager at O&H Hampton, said: “We have a long-term vision of a thriving, sustainable community. We see self-build homes as an integral part of that community.”

The company recognised that selling individual plots to would-be self-builders was going to be very different to selling relatively large sites to house building companies. So it called in Metrix Marketing to advise on a marketing communications programme to attract new potential purchasers.

Metrix recommended an internet-based campaign because more than 100,000 people in the UK search online each year for available plots to self-build. Metrix introduced t2 Studios, an integrated design and media agency with which it has a close working relationship.


Between them, the two companies created a new website – www.ohland.co.uk – which provides details of the self-build plots on offer at Hampton as well as helpful facts, figures and advice on how to build your own dream home.

Metrix also assisted with media publicity, including a large feature in Self Build & Design magazine, and other promotional activity including advertising designed by t2 Studios.

Roger Tallowin said: “Metrix Marketing and t2 Studios have helped us to raise our profile in a very difficult and competitive market.”

The self-build plots on offer are in Winsor Crescent in Hampton Vale West. They overlook a nature reserve on the northern edge of the Hampton community and have impressive views of a peaceful countryside landscape from almost every angle.

The group of 13 plots all have key services – provided by O&H Hampton – including foul and service water drainage, and utility connections for drinking water, gas, electricity and telecommunications. Each plot has a gated private driveway and a waste bin and utilities store are also supplied.

Five of the 13 plots have now been sold.

For information about the availability of plots in Winsor Crescent, visit www.ohland.co.uk or call O&H Hampton on 01733 293220.

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ACOUSTIC TESTING - PRACTICAL HELP FROM CHILTERN DYNAMICS

ACOUSTIC testing of building products is fast becoming key to planning and design to meet both regulatory and customer requirements.

To meet the construction industry’s needs, Chiltern Dynamics, part of the BM TRADA Group,
has produced a free Technical Information Sheet outlining current requirements, benefits and processes of acoustic testing and common problems areas to consider before testing.

Paul Andrews, Head of Mechanical Testing at Chiltern Dynamics, said: “Noise is an important element in all kinds of planning projects, be they multi-occupancy buildings or developments close to roads, railways etc. Environmental impact assessments may show that external influences mean buildings will need higher levels of sound insulation. Buyers, both residential and commercial, are increasingly likely to consider noise factors, and products proven to provide a specified level of sound insulation will have the commercial edge over those which cannot.”

Evidence of acoustic performance over and above the minimum requirements is increasingly being required to meet wider sustainability initiatives, such as the Code for Sustainable Homes or BREEAM.

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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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ELECOFLOOR’S SPEEDY INSTALLATION WINS £12M RESIDENTIAL CONTRACT

The speed of installation and acoustic properties of Stramit’s ElecoFloor has recently been utilised in the construction of the West Park Development, Manchester. Renaker Build, with expertise in construction projects of varying complexity and value, specified and installed ElecoFloor at the £12M residential project. The West Park development consists of the build of two apartment blocks each containing 85 individual units.

Appointed as the main flooring product throughout the development, ElecoFloor panels provide the necessary sound insulation for separating floors, without the need to source all the required layers for a built up system. This results in a reduction in thickness above the joist being of 50% or more. The medium weight overlay board, designed for concrete and timber floors, is an acoustic flooring system comprising of moisture resistant chipboard and MDF composite bonded boards, with a resilient central layer and a durable polyester felt backing. This construction helps improve impact and airborne noise.

Stramit Panel Products, a trusted partner in leading partition systems in the United Kingdom for over 50 years, understands the importance of a quick installation process and has utilised its expertise in manufacturing laminated and pre-decorated partitioning panels to develop the ElecoFloor system. With its fast installation time, Elecofloor can be fitted up to half the time it takes to install a batten system. Once in place, the panels take up a third of the overall thickness, delivering material savings on brick courses, whilst additionally significantly reducing the overall height of the building.

Renaker, which awarded ElecoFloor the contract, provided a clear schedule for the quick turnaround required. Phased over a 24-month period to meet the client’s sales requirements, Stramit guaranteed the delivery of the ElecoFloor system could meet the flexible schedule Renaker needed to work within.


A spokesperson from Renaker Build commented, “Due to a positive working relationship with Stramit, we have successfully installed ElecoFloor on several projects over the past few years, including West Park and Delta Point in Manchester. We continue to experience a first class service and I feel extremely confident in the knowledge that ElecoFloor will always arrive onsite on time and of the highest quality.

“With valuable acoustic properties and simplicity of installation, ElecoFloor provides competitive pricing which makes a cost effective and time saving product to install.”

Whilst Robust Details, the Certification Scheme for separating walls and floors in new build joined homes in England and Wales is a popular choice for many, Renaker has chosen the Stramit ElecoFloor system which provides important data in order to help demonstrate what acoustic performance is being achieved.

Furthermore, the composite floor system, which successfully meets Part E of Building Regulations, protects residential properties from the noise of activities in other rooms or adjoining properties. ElecoFloor, designed for use in both new build and conversions, is suitable for use throughout a building, including bathrooms and kitchens. Additionally, ElecoFloor is also widely used in the conversion and refurbishment sector, where pre-determined ceiling and door heights can be restrictive.

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Cardiff firm announce global plans for new energy saving technology that is set to transform work environment

SolaVeil®– an advanced energy saving technology for both retro-fit and new build windows that optimises natural light, reduces glare and deflects solar heat, has had the seal of approval from the Technology Strategy Board.

TSB described SolaVeil® as one of their Energy Efficiency Whitehall* successes after it was trialled on a Government building in London resulting in significant energy savings.

Daylight Business Solutions - the Cardiff based company behind SolaVeil® - is now expanding rapidly to commercialise SolaVeil globally. Technical Director Brian Hughes said the endorsement by TSB was excellent news.

Developed over the past five years with help from Cardiff University, SolaVeil® is a fine polyester material with digitally applied three dimensional surface micro-arrays. It is engineered to deflect solar glare, heat and harmful rays, while diffusing natural daylight into buildings reducing the need for blinds and artificial light.

Retrofitted to windows and credited with transforming the working environment in offices, schools, hospitals and supermarkets, SolaVeil® also reduces air conditioning requirements, significantly cutting energy costs and carbon emissions.

The company has received ongoing advice and support in a number of areas from Welsh Government innovation specialists, who also helped with regard to intellectual property and funding towards patenting of the SolaVeil technology.

Business Minister Edwina Hart said SolaVeil® is an example of highly innovative research being undertaken in Wales by small but very smart companies.

She said: “It also illustrates the importance of industry collaborating with universities on research and development to bring new and novel products to market, helping to create jobs, growth and wealth. In this instance the product also has the potential to support government targets to cut energy costs and reduce carbon emissions.”

The technology carries a ten year warranty, with trials showing a 30% reduction in cooling energy costs and a 20% reduction in artificial lighting costs. It typically provides a return on investment in the UK of under four years.

It is now being targeted at a number of sectors, including the heath sector as new tests reveal SolaVeil has significant antimicrobial properties, capable of killing bacteria such as e.coli and MRSA.

Warwick NHS Hospital is currently undergoing a second phase of trials which are testing the antimicrobial properties and its impact on health care, energy costs and cleaning costs.

Brian Hughes said the energy efficiency of the technology is proven and the latest tests show it also has great potential for use in healthcare facilities.

“Not only can it improve the environment for patients and staff but could play a key role in the overall cleaning regime of hospitals, helping eliminate extremely dangerous bacteria.”

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Victoria Park renovations completed

London’s historic Victoria Park has been restored to its former splendor following the completion of a £12 million, 16 month renovation project.

The project, funded by Tower Hamlets Council and The Heritage Lottery Fund was carried out by family-owned construction, civil engineering and property services firm Osborne, which involved full renovation of the park’s facilities and grounds.

Work on the park included the construction of two large play areas with play equipment, water play features, and a Wheels Park for skateboarding and bikes as well as restoration on the Old English Garden and other landscaping work.

Additional work included restoring the listed Burdett Coutts Fountain; the Rustic Shelter; the Bandstand; and all entrances and gates and Bonner Bridge. Many of the Bonner Bridge balustrades had to be replaced, and were cast from the original panels. More than one third of the materials and labour for this project came from within a 10 mile radius of the site.

The park remained open throughout the renovation work, so the site team worked around staff, residents and the local wildlife, scheduling work around nesting season for the birds and working with English Heritage to obtain approvals for refurbishing listed structures.

Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said: “The refurbishment was a once in a life-time opportunity to bring a much loved park up to date and the multi million pound transformation will ensure the park continues to provide excellent facilities for years to come.

I am proud of the investment which has been made as it really is the jewel in the crown for the borough.”

Tommy Chambers, Managing Director of Osborne’s Civil Engineering team, said: “The whole community have joined us in refurbishing this magnificent park, with residents getting involved in planting, and some local school children painting murals to go on our hoardings while the work was taking place. With the park remaining open throughout the renovation works, we made communication with residents and staff a key priority, so they knew what was going on and why. This park has been a key feature of the local landscape and in the lives of its residents since 1845, and these renovations have been designed to improve the experience for visitors while complimenting the park’s Victorian heritage.”

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Sustainable security solutions for the construction industry offered by Eco Security

Four independent companies are combining their expertise to offer the construction industry a sustainable as well as cost effective solution to the ever increasing problem of security on construction projects.

Building materials, plant and machinery are tempting targets for opportunist thieves as well as organised gangs; it is not surprising therefore that criminal activity is costing the construction industry in excess of £1m per day. Environmental issues are also an important factor within the construction industry with companies looking to minimise each project’s carbon footprint.

GR8 Security, Unipart Security Solutions Ltd, Zicam Smart Security Systems and Infobric have formed the Eco Security alliance which will enable them to collectively offer a comprehensive integrated security solution for virtually any construction project. This includes the installation and remote monitoring of video surveillance and intruder detection systems, as well as manned guarding services.

Zicam is proudly spearheading the project. “We are confident that the Eco Security alliance can play a major role in helping the construction industry deter and detect theft, as well as creating a safe and secure environment for staff,” said Milan Mazic managing director for Zicam Smart Security Systems. “The four companies in the alliance are working together out of mutual respect for the abilities of each other and with one objective in mind, i.e. to build long term business relationships with clients by providing best in class security solutions which are affordable, intelligent and sustainable.”

GR8 Security Ltd provides security project management and facility management services whilst Zicam Smart Security Systems is an installer of video surveillance and detection security systems and Unipart Security operates an NSI Gold Category II ARC and RVRC accredited Monitoring & Response Centre.

Infobric is regarded as key to the success of the alliance as it offers software which assists construction companies in monitoring health & safety compliance, as well as tracking the use of its human resources. A unique feature of the Eco Security initiative is the Infobric software platform which can help prevent unauthorised personnel gaining access to restricted areas. Infobric uses smartcards to obtain and report real-time, up-to-date information from a construction site and by doing so can help ensure that the right personnel are at the right place equipped with the correct equipment. The software can also contribute to productivity by, for example, keeping a database of which workers have been trained to use machinery, as well as on site H&S procedures.

The four independent companies will now focus on providing the very best of their first class services within the industry.

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FB Chain Ltd – leading manufacturer and supplier of leaf chain, anchor bolts and chain sprockets to the materials handling industry

The next time your conveyors are undergoing routine maintenance – or have had to be stopped to repair a fault – take a few moments to count the teeth on the power chain’s sprockets.

If the conveyor was acquired at any time within the last 30 years, the chances are that the chains that drive it will be running on sprockets with an even number of teeth.

“About two decades ago when Asia emerged as a centre for conveyor manufacturing, a number of companies based their designs on existing product ranges which featured non-standard chain sprockets with an even number of teeth. The manufacturers considered that this offered greater choice when designing conveyor systems, but it created a problem,” explains Peter Church, managing director of Letchworth-based FB Chain Ltd – a leading manufacturer and supplier of leaf chain, anchor bolts and chain sprockets to the materials handling industry.

He continues: “Before the 1980s it was rare to see any sprockets with an even number of teeth – and that was for good reason.”

“A sprocket with an odd number of teeth will offer at least double the service life of a sprocket with even teeth,” Peter Church explains.

“In simple terms, if a sprocket has an even number of teeth, the same tooth will be engaged by the same rollers on each rotation. This leads to uneven wear on the chain and sprocket and a shortened service life for both components.

“There is very little price difference between even and odd-toothed sprockets so it is perhaps surprising that even toothed sprockets have become so widely accepted.”

FB manufacture and stock a full range of standard sprockets and platewheels for all simplex, duplex and triplex roller chains. Larger sprockets suitable for the many varied types of metric and imperial conveyor chain are available on short delivery lead times.

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Support for RM Group by bpi.visqueen

Leading manufacturer of specialist industrial packaging films, bpi.visqueen is demonstrating its commitment to working in partnership with its customers at this year’s Hillhead Exhibition. At the international trade event, which brings together quarry operators and plant and machinery manufacturers from across the world, the business will be appearing alongside the RM Group to promote their joint packaging capabilities.

In particular, bpi.visqueen will be joining the RM Group on their stand at the event (Stand C33) to participate in a packaging demonstration. The business will be supplying white opaque polythene film that will be used to create promotional polythene bags on a highly specialised form, fill and seal automatic bagging machine. These bags will then be used to distribute product literature to visitors over the course of the three day exhibition.

A representative from bpi.visqueen will also be present on the RM Group stand throughout the event to provide more information about the business and its complete range of high performance packaging solutions.

Speaking of the event, David Khanna, Commercial Director at bpi.visqueen, said: “As a business, bpi.visqueen is committed to providing the aggregate packaging industry with consistently high quality, reliable solutions. We’ve been working closely with the RM Group for many years, helping to ensure that customers get the right film and the right machinery for any given application and our appearance alongside them at the Hillhead Exhibition 2012 is a natural extension of this partnership.”

Bill Hickman, Operations Manager at the RM Group, added: “The RM Group offers the aggregate sector advanced packaging systems that benefit from the very latest technology. Used in conjunction with the right packaging film, these solutions allow users to quickly and easily package a wide range of materials including coal, rock salt, wood shavings and many more. We’re delighted that bpi.visqueen will be joining us at this year’s Hillhead Exhibition and we look forward to demonstrating the benefits of our joint experience and expertise.”

The Hillhead Exhibition 2012 takes place from 19th to 21st June 2012 at Hillhead Quarry in Buxton.

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Dickies & Jewson Minehead support next generation of trades people

Dickies – the internationally renowned workwear brand and Jewson Builders Merchants in Minehead joined forces to supply professional quality workwear to the Construction and Motor Vehicle departments at Somerset College.

Jewson has been working with the college for over a year, with the branch representative, Ross Baker visiting the college on a regular basis. They supply materials, product details and advice.

The latest support has come in the form of discounted uniform and safety equipment. The Motor vehicle students received overalls and black polo shirts, while students in construction have grey polo shirts and Dickies’ workwear trousers. The clothing has both Dickies and Jewson logos.

Both Maurice Morton, Sales & Marketing Director at Dickies and Jewson Minehead Branch Manager Richie Rich enthused: “Supporting the local college is something we take pride in as we are supporting the future generation of trades people.”

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Structural engineering

Structural engineering is a field of engineering dealing with the analysis and design of structures that support or resist loads economically. Structural engineering is usually considered a specialty within civil engineering, but it can also be studied in its own right.

Structural engineers are most commonly involved in the design of buildings and large nonbuilding structures but they can also be involved in the design of machinery, medical equipment, vehicles or any item where structural integrity affects the item’s function or safety. Structural engineers must ensure their designs satisfy given design criteria, predicated on safety (e.g. structures must not collapse without due warning) or serviceability and performance (e.g. building sway must not cause discomfort to the occupants).
Structural engineering theory is based upon physical laws and empirical knowledge of the structural performance of different geometries and materials. Structural engineering design utilises a relatively small number of basic structural elements to build up structural systems that can be very complex. Structural engineers are responsible for making creative and efficient use of funds, structural elements and materials to achieve these goals.

Structural engineering dates back to at least 2700 BC when the step pyramid for Pharaoh Djoser was built by Imhotep, the first engineer in history known by name. Pyramids were the most common major structures built by ancient civilizations because the structural form of a pyramid is inherently stable and can be almost infinitely scaled (as opposed to most other structural forms, which cannot be linearly increased in size in proportion to increased loads).

Throughout ancient and medieval history most architectural design and construction was carried out by artisans, such as stone masons and carpenters, rising to the role of master builder. No theory of structures existed, and understanding of how structures stood up was extremely limited, and based almost entirely on empirical evidence of ‘what had worked before’. Knowledge was retained by guilds and seldom supplanted by advances. Structures were repetitive, and increases in scale were incremental.

No record exists of the first calculations of the strength of structural members or the behaviour of structural material, but the profession of structural engineer only really took shape with the industrial revolution and the re-invention of concrete (see History of concrete). The physical sciences underlying structural engineering began to be understood in the Renaissance and have been developing ever since.

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BUILDREAMS 2012

Here opens the gates to the battle to be won by creativity and thinking alone.A challenge to the architects and civil engineers out there to think of and come out with ideas that break stereotypes.

In BUILDREAMS, you will be posed with a few real life problem statements dealing with planning and designing of buildings and the various aspects of it.

The process is simple.Check out for the problem statements, think, dream, live..that’s everything….!

This is an online and onsite event.The Online Round starts on Dec 15th, 2011.The event is for 2 months with 4 sessions (15 days each,independent of one another).

The winner for each session will be selected based on the review on a specified date (Feb 1- 4,2012).Top 20% of the entries will only be called for a final review.

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Ballast Nedam and Microbeton Join Forces

The co-founders of Concrete Valley, Ballast Nedam and Microbeton will focus on specialised solutions in the concrete industry. Concrete Valley consists of two companies, Waco Lingen Beton from Bergen op Zoom and Microbeton from Krimpen aan den IJssel. Microbeton will transfer its operations from Krimpen aan de IJssel to Waco Lingen Beton's current site at Bergen op Zoom.

Waco Lingen Beton (a Ballast Nedam company), focuses on the development, production and delivery of high quality, serially produced prefabricated concrete elements for use in groundwork, road building, and hydraulic engineering. These include pipe drops, culverts, tunnels, and noise barriers. The company possesses the expertise and ability to tackle major projects, elements, and the associated production facilities.

Microbeton is a specialist in the development, production, and delivery of distinctive concepts. Its ferro-cement products are characterised by a slender, lightweight construction which delivers 70% savings in terms of materials usage and weight. Microbeton's sustainable products are used in top-quality architectural designs for new construction, renovation, and redevelopment projects.

The Concrete Valley joint venture is fully in keeping with Ballast Nedam's strategy. Concrete Valley delivers distinctive capacity by harnessing the innovative abilities of supply companies and specialist companies. Hans van der Meer, the head of Ballast Nedam Supplies, notes that "Combined solutions based on Microbeton's lightweight products and Concrete Waco Lingen's prefabricated concrete products create a range of promising opportunities in areas such as groundwork, road-building, and hydraulic engineering, in addition to residential and utilities construction. One example would be the use of sandwich panels as facade elements."

Pieter Nap, the managing director of Microbeton points out that "Concrete Valley's facilities enable us to keep on growing. In Ballast Nedam, we have a partner who shares our ambitions. Concrete Valley will develop into an inspiring environment within which various companies can cooperate with one another. Their common goal will be to develop products and solutions that add value for our customers!"

Ballast Nedam has a leading position in construction and infrastructure. The company operates mainly in the Netherlands on integrated and other projects for companies, public authorities and housing consumers, in the fields of mobility, housing, employment, leisure and energy. Ballast Nedam operates internationally in various areas of expertise. Ballast Nedam supplies project, process and contract management in the development, implementation and management phases. The company also provides specialized know-how and skills, and semi-finished and finished products. Ballast Nedam is listed on NYSE Euronext in Amsterdam. The share is included in the Amsterdam Small Cap Index.
Source: Ballast Nedam NV

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DEVELOP TRAINING CALLS FOR ACTION IN RESPONSE TO LEGIONELLA OUTBREAK

Leading technical trainer Develop Training says industry must react swiftly to the current outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease or risk losing the confidence of the public.

The outbreak, which hit the headlines at the beginning of June, is currently being investigated by The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) although the source of the outbreak may never be conclusively identified, based on experience from previous occurrences. The current outbreak has so far resulted in the death of two men and has affected over 90 people in total.

Tony Green Business Manager for Water Systems at Develop Training comments “Almost every year there is a large reported outbreak which raises awareness of the issue, but is there more that could be done before it gets to this stage? What could be done to try and prevent or minimise outbreaks in the future? Should we focus on greater awareness or higher training requirements or even more stringent controls?”

Every year there are around 300 reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease in England and Wales, but many cases may go unreported. An estimated 10-15% of otherwise healthy people who contract Legionnaires’ disease will die. The number of deaths may be higher in people with pre-existing health conditions, such as a weakened immune system. In 2009, there were 43 deaths from Legionnaires’ disease in England and Wales.

Tony added “Large buildings, such as hotels, hospitals, museums and office blocks, are more vulnerable to legionella contamination because they have larger, more complex water supply systems in which legionella contamination can quickly spread. So there is a massive potential problem. There are already strict regulations regarding the maintenance and control of water supply systems, such as either keeping the water cooled below 20ºC (68ºF) or heated above 60ºC (140ºF) to prevent an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease.”

Current training requirements are designed to ensure that systems are maintained to standards that minimise risk from the disease and do not harbour the bacteria that cause Legionnaires' disease.

Investigations into the Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Edinburgh has led to the HSE serving an improvement notice on two of the city's businesses, one a pharmaceutical company and one a distillery. One firm has had an improvement notice served on one of its cooling towers, however the company has chosen to take all three cooling towers out of operation. Issuing the improvement notice does not mean that this cooling tower has been identified as the source of the outbreak, the notice was served for a failure to devise and implement a sustained and effective biocide control programme in one cooling tower.

The HSE can issue an improvement notice if it believes that correct procedures are not being followed but there is not an immediate risk to workers or members of the public. It sets out what remedial action is necessary and a deadline for its completion.

“Interestingly one of the Edinburgh improvement notices has been served because one firm has allegedly failed to maintain their control measures for the safe operation of the cooling tower to the required standard. It does not indicate an immediate risk from Legionella, as this was being controlled by the emergency dosing of chemicals and the company's subsequent voluntary shutdown of the cooling tower. This is an example of how this particular outbreak has resulted in the HSE discovering other potential issues – even if this is not the actual source.

“It is expected that the Health and Safety Executive will renew its warning to companies to ensure that water storage and cooling systems are adequately treated to prevent the growth of the Legionella bacteria. But we are calling for more to be done.

“Maybe it is time that the current legislation is reviewed particularly the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 1999 which covers safety issues, such as the identification, assessment, prevention or control and management of the risk, plus matters of training and competence and good record keeping.” Tony added.



Develop Training Limited is the leading technical skills training provider in the UK, has a turnover of £14m and employs 130 staff (including over 90 full time trainers).

Originating in 2000, Develop operate through five Training Centres across the UK offering training, consultancy and assessment programmes across all industry sectors. Clients include major utility, construction and facilities management companies, as well as public sector bodies such as the NHS, councils and the Ministry of Defence.

Develop provides training from apprenticeship level to post professional development offering in excess of 500 open and bespoke courses.

As part of ongoing investment in maintaining its position at the forefront the technical training sector, Develop is investing in behavioural training and has created a revolutionary new leadership program called MaTE ‘Managing a Technical Environment’.

Develop holds the Training Excellence standard. This accolade is only awarded to training organisations that deliver market leading training to employers and their employees. Training Excellence is an independent scheme which recognises organisations that are committed to delivering the highest quality training and to achieving a measurable impact against customers’ business needs.

Legionellosis is the collective name given to the pneumonia-like illness caused by legionella bacteria. This includes the most serious legionnaires’ disease, as well as the similar but less serious conditions of Pontiac fever and Lochgoilhead fever. Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia and everyone is susceptible to infection. However, some people are at higher risk, including:
• people over 45 years of age
• smokers and heavy drinkers
• people suffering from chronic respiratory or kidney disease
• anyone with an impaired immune system

The bacterium Legionella pneumophila and related bacteria are common in natural water sources such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs, but usually in low numbers. They may also be found in purpose-built water systems such as cooling towers, evaporative condensers and whirlpool spas.

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Asset Support Contract for maintenance of motorways and other major roads in North West England by Highways Agency

The second of its new Asset Support Contracts of The Highways Agency was awarded to Balfour Beatty Mott MacDonald, for maintaining and improving the network of motorways and major ‘A’ roads in the North West. The contract will cover the Agency’s roads in Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and south Lancashire and will go live from November 2012. Cumbria and the remainder of Lancashire are covered by a separate contract. The new contract will ensure motorways and major 'A' roads in the region continue to be maintained to high standards while delivering substantial savings and making the major part of the Highways Agency’s contribution to reducing the budget deficit. Nationally, the new Asset Support Contracts (ASCs) are replacing the existing arrangements, known as Managing Agent Contractor (MAC) contracts, and will form the basis of the delivery of maintenance and improvement services for most parts of England’s motorway and trunk road network.

Key features of the new contracts include:

-maintenance standards which are ‘outcome based’ and less prescriptive about how and when work is delivered
-affordable levels of service, with appropriate quality but no reward for over-delivery
-incentives for innovation and efficiency, including the opportunity for contract extensions
-simplified pricing mechanisms with a schedule of rates and ‘year on year’ cost reduction mechanism
-a higher cost threshold for works, to allow more procurement through the ASC rather than by separate tender
-managing technology maintenance and improvement works through the main contract, for more efficient and joined up delivery.

Derek Turner, the Highways Agency’s Network Development and Delivery Director said: "I believe that these new contracts deliver the best possible value for money without compromising safety. This is because we are selecting only the most capable and best performing suppliers through competitive, effective and timely commercial procurement.

"The contracts may have changed, but our essential requirements remain the same – a safe and well maintained road network. Contractors will retain their incident support capability, but will be better able to deploy their staff more flexibly. Our winter fleet will work as usual to keep the network open during periods of severe weather. We and our contractors always put the safety of road users first when prioritising maintenance and improvements and we will continue to do so."

David Grunwell, North West Regional Divisional Director added:

"I am looking forward to working with Balfour Beatty Mott MacDonald to manage and maintain our network in the North West. More than 90% of the Agency’s expenditure is delivered through contractors and that is why we need to work with an efficient, effective and professional supply chain to drive down costs and deliver the highest quality service. I am confident that this new contract will do just that."

"I would like to thank the staff of A-one+ for helping us operate, maintain and improve the region’s strategic roads network over the last five years, especially during some of the most challenging winter weather in decades."

ASCs in other regions are due to go out to tender later this year, with all of the Agency’s regional maintenance contracts moving to ASCs by 2015. In the meantime, key ASC principles are being ‘retrofitted’ to existing contracts to deliver cost benefits as soon as possible.

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A Project on Residential Building PPT

By
P.M. Nadeem
Sk. Mohammad Ali
Mohd Habeeb Ullah Shareef
Syed Junaid Imran

Under The Guidence Of Prof. M.A Hameed (M.Tech)

This presentation covers following topics
1. Analysis And Design Of Residential Building
2. Principles Of Planning
3. Structural Planning And Designing
4. Slabs
5. Beams
6. Columns
7. Foundation

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Mansell Construction Services appoints Charter Security

Mansell Construction Services Ltd has appointed Charter Security leading providers of security services to provide manned guarding, dog handling and mobile patrol services across its sites in London and the South-East.

Mansell is a Balfour Beatty company with offices throughout the UK. Mansell’s prestigious customers include the British Museum and Great Ormond Street Hospital. Charter Security already has security staff deployed at Crystal Palace and Kings Cross stations, both of which are undergoing refurbishment programmes.

Commenting on the appointment Jason Peck, Divisional Supply Chain Manager for Mansell said, “We were very impressed by the knowledge and professionalism of the Charter team. They have already demonstrated their expertise in advising us on how to reduce risks. Charter’s ethos is also aligned with our commitment to achieving Zero Harm, making them an ideal partner.”

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Instant updates as Barbour ABI acts on school announcement

Last month the Government announced that 261 schools will be rebuilt or improved through the Government’s Priority School Building Programme, and today we’re happy to report that updates on all 261 projects are now available through our online service – Evolution.

587 schools had applied for capital investment through the Government’s new £2bn Priority School Building Programme (PSBP), but roughly half the number of schools that bid for funding (261) have been given the green light to be rebuilt, or improved. These schemes are expected to be completed by 2014, so work will begin immediately.

Furthermore, 42 schools (including 18 special schools) in ‘urgent need’ have been earmarked to receive capital funding in the form of a grant, rather than using the Private Finance Initiative (PFI).

Last month’s announcement was initially expected in December 2011 but delays occurred due to the high number of applicants and issues with verifying the condition of the schools bidding for funding.

We’ve introduced a new filter for major projects which can allow all Barbour ABI customers to access this information easily. Customers can simply log in to Evolution, edit their profile, select ‘type’ and tick ‘Priority School Building Programme’ to receive updates on all school projects involved.

Simon Mahoney, Group Director of Barbour says: “Having a combination of a great research team and the technology to support our need for instant updates, ensures that we can proudly deliver timely, accurate opportunities to our customers.”

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