Product category:
Walls
News Release from: Wicona Projects | Subject: Wicona unitised facade system
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 20 February 2008
Wicona unitised facade exceeds test
requirements
Wicona unitised facade system from Hydro Building Systems has exceeded the test requirements for CWCT (Centre of Window and Cladding Technology) and European curtain walling standards.
All the tests for certification were passed first time The full range of tests for weather performance, safety and security were carried out on a two storey, 8m high facade sample
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 10 Aug 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Unitised curtain walling reduces site time
The Wicona unitised facade system from Hydro Building Systems can now reduce time on site by up to 70 per cent.
Housedeck Foundation System: Facing New Challenges
Developing housing, industrial and commercial sites on previously contaminated or brownfield sites, means the construction industry need to come up with innovative solutions.
The curtain wall comprised eight unitised units, four of which spanned 4.8m, exceeding the CWCT requirements for 4m wide spans and demonstrating that the system performs to the very highest standards.
Rigorously and independently assessed at the Wintech Testing Centre in Telford, the structural integrity of the unitised facade withstood 3600 Pa, which is equivalent to wind speeds of 170mph or storm force 12 on the Beaufort wind scale.
The curtain wall resisted both water penetration and air infiltration up to 600 Pa.
Further reading
Fast Track Walling System
Versatile fast track walling system is compatible with steel framed structures plus exhibits considerable savings.
Concrete Solutions For Animal Feed Storage
Prestressed concrete panels, manufactured and installed by ACP (Concrete) Ltd, have been used in the construction of a new animal feed storage facility at Liverpool Docks.
The stringent performance testing also included static pressure, impact resistance in accordance with BS EN 13049 and used a centrifugal fan to generate high wind speeds for the dynamic pressure.
The Wicona system is one of the most widely used and technically advanced unitised facades in Europe.
It is a highly innovative approach to facade design, which applies the principles of off-site construction to the building envelope.
The system is fully glazed and sealed in a controlled factory environment, and the complete units are moved to site for fast installation on to pre-prepared fixings.
The advantages include:.
* time on site reduced by up to 70 per cent.
* a weather tight envelope constructed to allow earlier fitting out.
* high quality and performance because the facade panels are prefabricated off site.
* reduced reliance on scaffolding and improved site safety.
* a highly efficient solution for sites with restricted access * elimination of glass handling and storage of cladding materials on site, reducing material damage and loss - a major advantage for city centre projects.
* complete flexibility in design and aesthetics.
The unitised panels can be fixed to steel or concrete frames and installed using a crane or monorail system.
The Wicona system can be adapted to specific project requirements.
Any combination of profiles, external feature caps and glazing can be specified and the unitised system can incorporate stone cladding; metal, composite or polycarbonate panels; windows, doors and fixed light glazing; brise soleil sunshading and photovoltaic panels.
Wicona Projects is the first facade specialist to oversee the full package for a unitised curtain wall and is leading a team of specialists for every aspect of a facade project, from design concepts and specification, to fabrication, installation, testing and handover.
This approach is unique in the UK and gives specifiers, building contractors and construction clients the benefit of a seamless service and complete peace of mind.
• Wicona Projects: 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
