Product category:
Building Industry Recruitment
News Release from: TPS | Subject: Dual Loc 'reclosable' fastening system
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 01 September 2004
Car Park Windows That Flap In A Flap
TPS Consult has designed an innovative glazing system specifically for multi-storey car parks in secure areas such as airports.
TPS Consult has designed an innovative glazing system specifically for multi-storey car parks in secure areas such as airports The new system protects users from the elements, whilst enhancing their safety and retaining views for orientatation and observation of external activities
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 19 Aug 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Victorian Baths To Bubble Back To Life
TPS Consult, the professional services division of Carillion Plc, has started work on a project to convert, extend and refurbish the Victorian swimming baths in Birmingham.
Construction Is Not Just A Man's Domain
One year on and female graduates prove that Construction is not just a man's domain.
The new designs have already been incorporated into car parks at one major London airport, and are likely to be used on others across the country.
In designing the new system, there were a number of significant constraints to take into consideration.
The security implications were uppermost for any glazing solution, as it had to be able to withstand and mitigate, as much as possible, the effects of a vehicle bomb explosion within the car park.
Further reading
End Of 10 Year Modular Control System
TPS Consult presented a trophy to Defence Estates to mark the end of the ten-year modular control system (MCS) contract.
Airport Simulation Proved By 'Witness' Evidence
A new and innovative software package to model airport operations has been introduced by TPS Consult, the leading UK project management and design consultancy.
Also, with the surroundings of the car parks used heavily by vehicles and pedestrians, falling debris and glass would not be desirable.
Existing car park structures have little scope to accommodate additional dead weight; ventilation has to be incorporated to ensure there is no build-up of exhaust fumes in the car park, and the solution has to withstand significant live load movement of the structure.
The TPS solution was to provide laminated glazing silicone bonded in a light steel frame.
The frame is attached to the structure at the top by hinge devices that allow the glazing system to 'flap' when subjected to blast, thus allowing the force of the explosion to escape and prevent overloading of the glazing or the car park structure.
Following an explosion, the glazing itself is not designed to remain serviceable, but to remain attached to the steel framing, thus preventing the formation of fragments or debris that could be lethal to passing occupants of vehicles or pedestrians.
The key element of the solution is the Dual Loc 'reclosable' fastening system at the base of the window which enables early release in the event of a blast but does not allow the window to flap during extreme wind conditions.
The fastening system also accommodates the significant structural movement of the car park due to live loading.
The glazing solution was fully tested using actual explosive trials at RAF Spadeadam in Cumbria.
To ensure there is not a build-up of vehicle exhaust fumes inside, ventilation is provided by an air gap located adjacent to the hinge mechanism.
Ken Holt, principal engineer for TPS Consult, said: "Any proposed modification of a building at a major airport or other secure area involves a number of important considerations, the most crucial being the safety of the public.
The glazing solution we designed met the criteria of improving the environment within the car parks, but at the same time enhanced the level of safety in the unlikely event of a vehicle bomb explosion from within.".
• TPS: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Buildingtalk email newsletter
• Buildingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
