Offsite fabrication overcomes unforeseen challenges in older buildings

 

Replacing drainage stacks in larger multiple occupancy buildings can be a challenging task. Not only could pipe fittings and connection sizes be outdated, but older buildings can also have any number of hidden surprises in store once work starts. Plus, dealing with all this must be balanced with the need to minimise disruption caused to residents. Dean Pearse, Project Manager at Polypipe Building Services explains how they use offsite manufacturing methods to help overcome these issues.

Traditional methods

In multiple occupancy buildings the traditional approach of assembling loose drainage stack components on site can mean a significant level of disruption, as this typically means a period where residents are unable to use their sinks, toilets and other facilities.   Added to this is that the older a building is, the more likely that what’s found on site differs to the original plans – if these plans are even still around. Bathrooms may have been moved or reconfigured, additional appliances may have needed extra drainage. This adds up to a range of challenges unique to each project, and the potential for time-consuming surprises if a traditional approach is taken and they are dealt with as they are encountered.

This was the case at two 11-storey tower blocks owned by Fortem and Birmingham City Council where our Advantage service carried out a complete stack replacement. Moreover, there were elderly and vulnerable residents in situ which meant installation safety, speed and efficiency was essential. It was therefore important that we tried to avoid the cutting and welding associated with on-site assembly so that disruption was kept to a minimum.

A better solution

It was recognised that prefabricating the drainage system would offer the most effective way to both minimise disruption and to work around the known changes to the layout of the tower blocks since they were built. This was completed by our Advantage team, who provided a full design and comprehensive prefabricated system that meant much less work on site cutting and welding pipework.

Initially this urgent drainage replacement had seemed straightforward to the installer given both blocks appeared very similar in layout on the original plans. However, as their team moved in to begin work on one of the blocks it became apparent that in this block there was an additional stack serving the ground floor apartments which was not on the original plans. Digging through the floors of apartments on this level to discover where this stack ran wasn’t an option, so a bespoke solution was needed which could connect the existing iron stack to the new one.

In this instance, having the system designed by us offered a further benefit in that our team was able to step in and produce bespoke pipes and fittings to accommodate the unexpected layout found on site. These were then fabricated within a very short time frame to ensure the programme of works on site wasn’t delayed.

Ease of installation

HDPE is durable and flexible enough to accommodate different diameters in pipework and height which is essential when older pipework may no longer match standard loose parts which would then need more work to address using more time on site.

HDPE is also lightweight making it easier to install and offers advantages in how it can be prefabricated as 3D printed jigs and mirror-welding offsite means connection angles can be bespoke engineered to tight tolerances to accommodate a range of fittings. In this case it ensured a safer and better-quality installation while still meeting the tight timeframe for the project.

With temporary mechanical connections at the top and bottom Terrain FUZE drainage stacks can also be made live quickly allowing residents to use their facilities, then all the branches can be capped and connected later. With this project the inlet position needed bespoke connections into the stack which can elbow differently, and the customer relied on the Advantage team to put them in the right place. The solution in this case was for them to be fabricated into two sections so they could be twisted into exactly the right position. Working with HDPE also means the pipework can be futureproofed with extra fittings for future installations as spigots with welded-on end caps can be left ready for additional appliances in the future.  Working with a manufacturer who can offer a bespoke design and prefabrication service means that live stack replacement in RMI projects like this can be completed quicker and any unexpected surprises within the drainage system are addressed within the design stage rather than in real-time at greater cost in time, materials, and disruption to residents. Offsite methods of construction also reduce the amount of skilled labour needed by contractors on site, and by reducing this burden we can help reduce supply chain issues, including labour timescales, that can impact on their project delivery.

For more information about the prefabrication options and Advantage

Service from Polypipe Building Services

call 01622 795200

OR CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE WEBSITE

 

 

 

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Meeting the challenge of water scarcity

 

If our water usage patterns don’t change, the UK will have an ongoing water deficit of 4,000 Megalitres per day by 2050.  Reductions in leakage and domestic consumption are the two primary strands of water conservation targeted by Defra and the water companies. 

 

 

Some areas of England are already restricting future development unless ‘water neutrality’ can be demonstrated. This requires both existing and new properties to reduce per capita consumption (PCC) to the extent that overall water usage levels do not increase.  Reduce leaks, design out joints on pipes and prepare for smarter meters.

Recent research by Thames Water showed that 8% of households show continuous flow on a smart meter, indicating and undetected leak.  This means that up to 25% of water supplied to domestic properties is wasted as leakage.  This leakage can be due to old and corroded lead supply pipes, but the majority of leaks originate from joints in the supply pipe.  The House Building Federation (HBF) and Water UK have since 2014 issued best practice guidelines.  Of the 5 prinicples, 4 relate to minimising use and leakage.
Meter Location Best Practice Guidelines1.

1.  Preferably water companies should use the Water UK/HBF Amended Contaminated Land Assessment Guidance Document for new sites and connections.

2.  The use of a continuous and uninterrupted length of service pipe from the water main to the dwelling.  The service pipe should be designed and constructed in such a way as to minimize the risk of leakage.

3. The Stop tap should be located above ground.

4. Water meters should be located above ground.

5. Water Companies should consider the use of technology such as ‘smart’ metering to enhance the accessibility of water consumption data for both homeowners and themselves.

Surface mounted meter housings are a perfect solution for modern methods of construction.  Meeting all the HBFs Best Practice Guidelines, the meter housing can be pre-installed along with all the internal plumbing systems, and then connected to the mains supply via a continuous, uninterrupted length of pipe.    An early adopter of the surface mounted meter housing is Portsmouth Water.  Bob Taylor, CEO Portsmouth Water explained their philosophy,

 

‘Portsmouth Water’s policy of having a single joint free service pipe from mains connection right the way through to the wall mounted boundary box has certainly improved confidence around the longer-term quality of these new assets from a leakage perspective.  This policy is also helpful in the context of reducing customer side leakage and emerging knowledge in this area is showing that this is a bigger challenge than our previous understanding indicated.’

 

Steve Leigh, Managing Director Groundbreaker, and developer of the wall mounted boundary box has over 40 years’ experience in the Water Industry.

‘We’ve been putting pipes in holes in the ground to protect them from frost for decades’, he explained.  ‘Although it works, today’s new materials allow for a much better solution.  Keeping pipes on the surface reduces the risk of leaks developing and allows for easy repair and maintenance.  It’s just a much better method of working.’

Steve continued, ‘The advent of new smart metering options has also highlighted the problems of burying meters in a hole in the ground.  Groundbreaker allows for a stronger communications signal strength relative to underground meter installation.  Such systems have been proven to be able to be read from over 2 miles away from a single pick-up point and worldwide if linked to the internet.’

 

Reduce usage, a fit and forget solution  ‘Over supply’ of water, i.e. water flow rates that are higher than required to provide an adequate supply, results in waste of water.  Running taps when brushing teeth, showering, or rinsing cups uses more water than necessary.  Approximately 40% of domestic water usage is from bathroom and kitchen taps and showers. ‘Eco’ or water saving shower heads are designed to restrict the water flow to a single outlet are highly effective but fittings these come at a price, especially larger properties with multiple bathrooms.  The alternative is whole site flow reduction.  Fitting a device such as Groundbreaker’s NRv2 LoFlo®, at the meter regulates the level of flow entering customer premises – regardless of network pressure.  As the flow of water into the premises is limited, then the amount used in ‘time controlled’ activities is also limited – but without providing a degradation of service.  More importantly not requiring any intervention or behavioural change on the part of the customer, so leading to ‘natural’ reduction in consumption.

1. www.water.org.uk/guidance/meter-location-best-practice-guidelines

 

CLICK HERE for further information on the full range of Groundbreaker products

 

 

 

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Heavy Trench Covers are History

Bespoke Fibrelite GRP composite trench covering solution, 82% lighter than cast iron

Once in a while, a product will come along whose performance will drive a change in standards across entire industries. Like stainless steel. Or concrete. Or a trench cover which is over 80% lighter than the cast iron traditionally used, eliminating the need for costly specialised lifting equipment and the accompanying health and safety hazards. And, unlike metal and concrete infill covers, it’s engineered from a GRP composite material which is inert and impervious to corrosion from water and salt, as well as many other corrosive constituents.

 

Changing The Standard For Health & Safety

Heavy metal trench covers come with inherent H&S hazards & often require specialised lifting equipment lightweight Fibrelite GRP trench covers eliminate manual handling risks

Fibrelite’s GRP composite trench and manhole covers are fast usurping metal and concrete covers to become the standard for high-performance industries like airports, commercial ports, leisure cruise terminals, military and defence, power generation (both traditional and renewables), and data centres, with companies like Magnox, The National Grid, all branches of the UK armed forces, and the world’s largest technology brands specifying Fibrelite covers for new build and retrofit projects.

Recent Installation: Port Cruise Terminal Upgrade, UK

As part of this Southern English Port’s cruise terminal upgrade project, Fibrelite was approached by the end-user, who was providing the Onshore Power Supply (OPS) systems. The port had previously considered installing cast iron trench covers to cover the 500 metres of trench housing the high-voltage power cables, but due to their weight (approximately 350 kg) and the additional associated overheads, they approached Fibrelite for a lighter alternative.

Fibrelite developed a bespoke covering solution made up of dozens of custom-sized F900 (90-tonne) load-rated GRP composite trench covers in varying dimensions to suit the specified trench rebate dimensions, which were 65 kg, 82% (285 kg) lighter than the cast iron alternative. The Fibrelite covers are light enough for safe removal with the site dolly, complying with the load rating requirement of the site.

Recent Installation: Major Southern UK Airport Off-Apron Lighting Pit Upgrade

At one of the UK’s busiest airports, Fibrelite designed and manufactured a retrofit replacement for manhole covers over off-apron runway lighting pits where onsite staff have a window of approximately two minutes to effect maintenance and/or repair works between take-offs and landings, including removing and replacing the F900 load rated access cover. The new lightweight GRP composite Fibrelite covers now allow safe, fast access to the lighting pits, maximising time for maintenance and minimising the risk of injury.

 

A Bright Future For Fibrelite

I’ve been a part of the Fibrelite journey since 2011, and it’s been exciting to play a part in driving the upgrade from traditional concrete and metal trench and manhole covers to GRP composites in myriad industries, especially those where manual handling is critical, and seeing how we’ve helped increase health and safety and performance in those industries. We expect to see more and more industries make the upgrade to Fibrelite composite covers, especially in mission-critical areas.

Jo Stott, Marketing Director, Fibrelite

CLICK HERE TO Explore Fibrelite’s technical case study library

 

 

 

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Reducing water waste, without active customer participation

 

 

Leakage and domestic consumption are the two primary strands of water conservation in the UK.

Reduce leaks, Design out joints on pipes and prepare for smarter meters

It has been calculated that 25% of water leakage is on the customer side1, i.e. service pipe leakage.  Whilst this can be due to old and corroded lead supply, the majority of leaks originate from joints in the supply pipe.  The House Building Federation (HBF) and Water UK have since 2014 issued best practice guidelines.  Of the 5 prinicples, 4 relate to minimising use and leakage.

Meter Location Best Practice Guidelines2
1. Preferably water companies should use the Water UK/HBF Amended Contaminated Land Assessment Guidance Document for new sites and connections.
2. The use of a continuous and uninterrupted length of service pipe from the water main to the dwelling. The service pipe should be designed and constructed in such a way as to minimize the risk of leakage.
3. The Stop tap should be located above ground.
4. Water meters should be located above ground.
5. Water Companies should consider the use of technology such as ‘smart’ metering to enhance the accessibility of water consumption data for both homeowners and themselves.

An early adopter of the surface mounted meter housing is Portsmouth Water. For over 15 years they have applied a no joint policy to water supply pipes coupled with an above ground meter enclosure which probably explains their primary place at the top of the leakage charts and contributes to their high placing in the D-MeX  and C-MeX league tables since 2019.

Bob Taylor, CEO Portsmouth Water explained their philosophy,

‘In the context of the Water UK Public Interest Commitment on leakage, our recent industry level reviews and our desire to build ‘leak free’ new networks have highlighted further evidence of the need to improve quality standards at the point of installation of new networks, with poor quality pipe joints often the source of future leakage.’  ‘Portsmouth Water’s policy of having a single joint free service pipe from mains connection right the way through to the wall mounted boundary box has certainly improved confidence around the longer-term quality of these new assets from a leakage perspective.  This policy is also helpful in the context of reducing customer side leakage and emerging knowledge in this area is showing that this is a bigger challenge than our previous understanding indicated.’

 

Steve Leigh, Managing Director Groundbreaker, and developer of the wall mounted boundary box has over 40 years’ experience in the Water Industry.

‘We’ve been putting pipes in holes in the ground to protect them from frost for decades’, he explained.  ‘Although it works, today’s new materials allow for a much better solution.  Keeping pipes on the surface reduces the risk of leaks developing and allows for easy repair and maintenance.  It’s just a must better method of working.’   Steve continued, ‘The advent of new smart metering options has also highlighted the problems of burying meters in a hole in the ground.  Groundbreaker allows for a stronger communications signal strength relative to underground meter installation.  Such systems have been proven to be able to be read from over 2 miles away from a single pick-up point and worldwide if linked to the internet.’

 

Replacing supply pipes, the quick and easy solution

Surface mounting and joint free supply does not need to be restricted to new build.  Traditionally, any supply replacement program requires major excavations outside a property and causes huge disruption within.  Resulting in mess and disturbance to householders over several days.  This disruption has often been the cause of users’ reluctance to have the work undertaken, hence allowing leaks to persist.

Using insulated supply pipes and surface mounted boundary boxes, a new water service can be routed up the external face of the building and connected to the internal plumbing above ground level, whether this is the ground floor or upper storey. INSUduct® only requires one simple core drilled hole through the wall, at an appropriate point to connect with the internal plumbing.  This enables most water supply replacements to be completed within a couple of hours, without the traditional mess and disruption to the householders or occupiers.   Just as in a new supply, a no joint method of installation is used.

 

Reduce usage, a fit and forget solution

Water conservation is the key to reducing energy bills.  Heating water accounts for nearly 1/5th of energy use in UK homes.  Approximately 40% of domestic water usage is from bathroom and kitchen taps and showers. ‘Eco’ or water saving shower heads are designed to restrict the water flow to a single outlet are highly effective but retrofits like these come at a price, especially larger properties with multiple bathrooms.   For households on an increasingly tight budget, or developers trying to minimise costs, multiple fittings for each tap or shower might not be an investment they are able to make.  The alternative is whole site flow reduction.  Fitting a device such as Groundbreaker’s NRv2 LoFlo®, at the meter regulates the level of flow entering customer premises – regardless of network pressure.  As the flow of water into the premises is limited, then the amount used in ‘time controlled’ activities is also limited – but without providing a degradation of service.  More importantly not requiring any intervention or behavioural change on the part of the customer, so leading to ‘natural’ reduction in consumption.

 

 

CLICK HERE for further information on the full range of Groundbreaker products

1. www.water.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Water_UK_A-LEAKAGE-ROUTEMAP-TO-2050_Low-Res_V3.pdf
2. www.water.org.uk/guidance/meter-location-best-practice-guidelines <http://www.water.org.uk/guidance/meter-location-best-practice-guidelines>

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Pre-assembly – saving time and labour costs

Pre-assembly
With our pre-assembled solutions, you can save up to 60% of time spent on-site – not only saving you time but reducing labour costs.

Design process:
Firstly, we will learn more about the vision of your project, to help advise which product would be the most beneficial for your end goal. Our technical team will design a stack bespoke to your project and will provide detailed CAD drawings and 3D models of the stack arrangements for site approval. All of our products are BIM ready, our BIM Libraries are designed to aid the data transition, creating a leaner process that reduces design time. By providing small file sizes in the generic content, it will make it easier for early-stage specification in BIM. These ‘data-light’ files can then be overwritten with the full data specification libraries without issue, speeding up later stages of development that require more detailed plans.

Manufacture:
We will then begin assembling your stacks which will be quality inspected & air tested in our Telford foundry. When each stack is fully assembled it is air pressure tested as standard to 0.5 bar for 5 minutes exceeding the requirements of BS EN 12056-2:2000, saving considerable on-site labour time. Lastly, each stack will be clearly labelled with the exact floor and relevant location reference to ensure a smooth installation process.

 

Delivery & Installation:
We will then work closely with our distribution partners to plan the delivery of your stacks around your project’s schedule to ensure you have everything you need, exactly when you need it.
We supply our stacks in purpose-made stillages designed to provide robust storage, keeping them secure and safe during transportation to the site. Our stillages are designed at a standard 1.75m length and 20kg weight, specifically designed for one-person handling allowing ease of movement around the site and halving the labour costs for installation. Being cast iron, our pipes will give you an element of flexibility on-site which can’t be achieved from any other material, as our pipes can be cut on-site, allowing for onsite variances and retrospective changes to the system.
Not only will our bespoke design minimise wastage, but our systems are made of 99% recycled material and are 100% recyclable without degrading cast irons’ robust properties – helping lower your project’s impact on the environment. Our systems are connected via mechanical couplings; therefore, if the building is repurposed before the product’s end of life (which has a design life of 70 years) the system can be altered retrospectively. Avoiding extra cost if the building is repurposed and minimising labour.  You can also receive an extended 10-year warranty by using our PAM Warranty app. When we manufacture your stacks, we will upload their air-test results to your project on the app. All we would need from you is simply an image of the installed stack to sign off the installation quality, and you are legible for our extended 10-year warranty.

 

 

 

 

www.pambuilding.co.uk/pre-assembly

 

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Guidance on drainage system best practice for public sector RMI projects

Polypipe Building Services launches guidance on drainage system best practice for public sector RMI projects

With the launch of the Better Social Housing Review in June bringing an increased focus on the importance of refurbishing ageing public housing stock, Polypipe Building Services has announced the launch of a white paper offering guidance on one of the most complex and time-consuming RMI challenges – drainage system replacement.

Following government debate regarding the condition of some social housing in the UK, the independent Better Social Housing Review has been established to make practical recommendations to social housing providers to tackle problems from damp issues to communication with tenants. This has placed a renewed focus on how RMI projects can deliver best value and minimise disruption for residents.

Given the nature of the work involved, drainage system replacement can often represent a large portion of such projects. As Graham Hicks, Project Development Manager at Polypipe Building Services explains, this means specialist focus is needed:

 

“Replacing the drainage stack in a large residential building is a significant piece of remedial work, and inevitably means a period of time where residents are unable to use sinks, toilets and other facilities. Furthermore, given the nature of older buildings there has usually been a degree of renovation or reconfiguration work already undertaken which means planning exactly what needs to be replaced and how can be extremely complicated.”

“Getting drainage replacement right can often be make or break as to whether an RMI project overruns or causes unexpected disruption to residents. That’s why we have launched our latest white paper that gives specialist advice on what should be considered for this type of work.”

 

Based on case studies from recent public sector RMI projects, the white paper outlines key considerations for building owners and contractors so they can ensure drainage system replacements are carried out as efficiently as possible – helping to support the drive to improve the condition of the UK’s social housing stock.

CLICK HERE to download the The white paper from the Polypipe website here:

 

 

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CB helps housebuilders reach new heights

JCB Chief Innovation and Growth Officer Tim Burnhope highlights how equipment manufacturers are meeting the needs of housebuilders with innovative equipment, purpose built for modern methods of construction, as the industry strives to tackle the housing crisis.

As housebuilding historians will know, the concept of off-site construction came to prominence in the UK in the aftermath of World War 2 when Winston Churchill promoted prefabricated housing as a rapid solution to the housing crisis brought about by the conflict.
In the subsequent years, we have been slower to adopt the method than our European neighbours, staying largely loyal to traditional methods – but that is undoubtedly changing. The cause? Another housing crisis, this time brought about by a perfect storm of economic and demographic conditions.

Demand Exceeds Supply

To meet the changing needs of a growing population, the Government has a target to deliver 300,000 new homes every year by the mid-2020s. Unfortunately, it is a target that has never been reached to date. Not only is there a supply and demand imbalance, but it is also getting worse each year while ownership remains well beyond reach for many people. The need to build more homes – rapidly, affordably and sustainably – is greater than ever. Yet housebuilders face significant challenges, not least a materials shortage, increasing material costs and scarcity of skilled labour.
Modern methods of construction (MMC) can help to address these challenges with a quicker and lower cost solution thanks to reduced time onsite and fewer defects to rectify. As a result, even in a UK market typically resistant to change, the adoption of MMC is gathering momentum. Globally the modular and prefabricated housing market is expected to grow from $17 billion in 2020 to $28 billion in 2025. This time the UK is set to follow. For example, Barratt Developments PLC has already stated its intention to increase modern methods of construction to 30% of its housing completions by 2025.

Tailor Made Solution

This evolution towards modular construction is welcomed, but it presents challenges to the equipment sector too. For us, it is not just a case of how many homes will be built, but a question of how they will be built too. The likely change towards manufacturing off-site requires different tools and skills to assemble buildings when on-site – with heavier lift capacities and additional versatility necessary.
The rotating telescopic handler is now widely recognised as a must-have machine on modern construction projects with its total versatility, offering the use of pallet fork and a variety of jib and winch arrangements for suspended loads. With MMC and modular housebuilding becoming more mainstream, we concluded that rotating telescopic handlers were must-have additions to JCB machine range.
It is against this backdrop that JCB – already the world’s number one telescopic handler manufacturer – entered the market for rotating telehandlers in 2019. Initially we launched the 21-metre 555-210R model and more recently, last year, we introduced a second, 26-metre variant; the 555-260R. Two machines purpose-built for the modern construction site with the hallmarks of simplicity, safety, efficiency, versatility, and productivity.
The two JCB models have been designed to meet and exceed the changing requirements of contractors and rental companies across the world – offering a genuine cost-effective versatile replacement for smaller fixed and mobile cranes, with rapid set-up, ease of use and the ability to carry out a wide range of technical lifting operations.
They truly offer a three-machines-in-one solution – capable of traditional telehandler, mobile crane and man platform applications. As such, they are perfect for a raft of typical tasks including lifting triangular roof trusses, placing and piecing together modular panels, steel erecting, handling glass and cladding, while at the same time performing safe and accurate MEWP operations.
High Spec Versatility
Powered by JCB’s proven Dieselmax engines, the rotating telescopic handler range shares a high degree of parts commonality with JCB’s world leading rigid chassis Loadall telehandler models. Powered by an EU Stage V emissions engine, it features Auto Engine Idle and Auto Engine Stop to further reduce fuel use and exhaust emissions.
The 555-210R & 555-260R have a lower chassis mounted engine layout, providing easy, safe access for ground-level servicing. With 500-hour intervals and a best-in-class SAE serviceability rating, the machines deliver maximum uptime and enhanced productivity.

Key features of the machines include:
Simplicity, ease of use and familiarity with JCB Loadall range
5.5-tonne maximum lift capacity
20.5 and 25.5m maximum working heights
Industry-leading automated set-up times
All-round visibility and access, improving site safety
Winches and aerial work platforms among a growing range of options

Customer Attraction

It is this combination of qualities that has led one of the UK’s leading equipment rental firms to invest more than £5 million in a fleet of the JCB models – the biggest order so far for the new product.
Nationwide plant hirer Charles Wilson Engineers (CW Plant) has ordered 25 machines including the 21-metre 555-210R machine and 26-metre 555-260R models. Supplied by dealer Greenshields JCB, the new machines are operating for CW Plant’s customers across the UK including Abbey Developments Ltd on its new build site in Stoke Mandeville.
Director, Graham Pollard said: “Charles Wilson Engineers is committed to owning the best fleet of equipment in the industry. We chose JCB for their renowned product quality and service back up. The rotating telehandler market is a growing one and we want to be at the forefront of that by building the number one fleet in the UK.”

Powerful performance

Both machines have a maximum lift capacity of 5.5 tonnes and highly competitive load charts. The twin hydraulic lift ram design offers unrivalled hydraulic lifting performance. Auto one-touch deployment, stowage and levelling of outriggers ensures ease of use and minimal set-up time, while competitive lift-end cycle times with high-flow auxiliary hydraulics ensure efficient winch work, further boosting productivity.
The low-mounted, clean boom design, helps to deliver excellent all-round operator visibility, boosted by a comprehensive package of working light and camera kit options, including a boom-head camera for precise load placement at height. The cab maintains JCB’s familiar feel, with a simple to operate, industry-standard control layout and a variety of comfortable seating options, ensuring all-day working comfort.
All JCB rotating telescopic handlers can be used with a wide range of attachments. This includes pallet forks, a 5.5-tonne carriage winch, a 2-tonne x 2m jib winch, a reduced height jib, a 5.5-tonne hook, light duty shovel, 360° rotating forks and a range of useful fork-mounted accessories. The machine also offers remote-control lift-end operation and the availability of aerial access platforms. In addition, the range of specially developed JCB attachments utilise auto recognition (RFID tag) technology, whereby attachments are identified by the machine, automatically selecting the correct load chart for the application and keeping you in a safe working envelope.

The Perfect Partner

As well as the machines themselves, JCB customers benefit from an unrivalled package and support. In addition to a nationwide dealer network and rapid parts supply, each machine is also fitted with JCB LiveLink as standard. JCB LiveLink gathers data from sensors and generates pre-emptive servicing and potential fault alerts. These are continually monitored at JCB’s Uptime Centre to optimise machine performance and availability for work. JCB LiveLink can also be used for security by setting up alerts if the machine is used outside user-defined curfew periods and geo fences. This combination means total peace of mind for customers as they focus on their own critical role as we all pull together to address the housing shortage.

For more information, visit

www.jcb.com/rotatingtelehandlers

THE SUMMER ISSUE OF MMC MAGAZINE IS NOW AVAILABLE TO READ ONLINE

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Modern methods for modern developers

Long levity of the built environment has come into focus recently.  Some sites have an ongoing need to update their structure.  Schools with growing populations or hospitals where new treatments and technology are constantly changing the day-to-day operation are typical.  However, the environmental cost of demolition and rebuild means that alternative methods of site development has come to the fore.

Modern construction methods can minimise both the cost and environmental impact of sites that are in a constant state of flux.  The more infrastructure that can be retained and incorporated into the new structure the lower the environmental impact.
Many public buildings have recognised the flexibility and benefits of modular construction methods.  The short on-site construction periods are often beneficial.  However, sometimes it is the utilities that can impact on the developments’ timeline.

 

Water Services on Tap – The business benefit of plug and play systems

Traditional underground supply and metering is not only environmentally expensive but can impact negatively on the critical path of construction.  Imagine a situation where your services can be fully installed, with surface mounted meters allowing ‘plug and play’ style installation.  Not only does this take the water supply out of the critical path, but enables future site development, without the need for a new supply to be installed
With Groundbreaker water management system, you have that ‘plug and play’ option – no need to imagine.
The only system of its type, it is designed to be installed at any time during the construction period.  Fully compliant with Water Regulations, it provides an accessible, safe and secure location for the water meter and controls to a specific property.
The concept is simple.  Water services are connected to an externally mounted, pre-installed water service controls.  This allows flexibility in the management and scheduling of connection to the mains supply.  For modular build projects the pre-installation and certification of plumbing can facilitate early approval of water services to a plot.
There is no need for boundary boxes or underground meter housings.  This simplification of the connection allows for improved efficiency and reduces the time required for highway closures and cost of reinstatement.

Design out leak paths:

comply with Water & Construction Industry Guidelines comply with “Water Safe” initiatives
The unique location of the Groundbreaker water management system allows for an unjointed water supply, minimising the risk of developing future leaks.  Installation of Groundbreaker meets the best recommendations of Water UK and the Home Builders Federation1 and in some water company areas, such as Portsmouth Water, are now the standard required for all new properties.

Future proof properties

Water Metering is the future.  Utility companies have not been slow in recognising the benefits of a ‘Smart Buildings’.  The ability to interrogate and manage energy usage at any given time of day or night has been recognised as an effective way for organisations to reduce usage and manage costs.
Gas and electricity meters located on external building walls has enabled easy upgrades and introduction of countrywide ‘Smart Meter’ programme.  However, the traditional location of a water meter in a metal-covered hole in the public highway is not conducive to this new way of thinking. A ‘Smart Water Meter’ located in such a situation is exceedingly poor in transmitting a signal even to a local pick up.
The best location for a ‘Smart Water Meter’ is on an external property wall  – co-located with other utility meters. With Groundbreaker water management system, properties are future proofed to allow for easy installation of ‘Smart Water Meter’ technology as it is introduced across the UK.
Recent field trials of Groundbreaker have proven that the range of such meters can be over 3Km (2 miles).  The impact on data collection is massive.  The improved data transmission range could allow for single point data capture in towns the size of Norwich or Coventry.
This ability to link into ‘Smart’ Building Management systems also allows for organisations to monitor for exceptional usage and potentially identify maintenance issues or leaks.

Bringing Water Supply into the 21st century

If you are looking for a way to bring water services into the 21st century, Groundbreaker’s range of water supply management products can be the way forward for time and cost efficient installation and replacement of water supply and allow for future site redevelopment with minimal environmental cost.

CLICK HERE for futher information on the Groundbreaker water management system

CLICK HERE for further information from the Home Builders Federation Guide

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The Changing Climate of Water Conservation & Construction

In the UK water conservation has been on the agenda, and largely dismissed by the public, for years. Our growing population and increased demand through lifestyle choices, will result in critical water situations more regularly, especially in the driest parts of the country.

Minimising the environmental impact of homes during both construction and occupation have recently become key issues.  Groundbreaker Systems have been working on ‘green’ solutions for over 20 years.

Water Services on Tap – The business benefit of plug and play systems
Water supply is perhaps the most important item within the critical path of construction and is probably the most difficult to achieve. Imagine a situation where your services can be fully installed, with surface mounted meters allowing ‘plug and play’ style installation.
With Groundbreaker water management system, you have that ‘plug and play’ option – no need to imagine.
The only system of its type, it is designed to be installed at any time during the construction period.  Fully compliant with Water Regulations, it provides an accessible, safe and secure location for the water meter and controls to a specific property.
The concept is simple.  Water services are connected to an externally mounted, pre-installed water service controls.  This allows flexibility in the management and scheduling of connection to the mains supply.  There is no need for boundary boxes or meter housings in the footpath, and this simplification of the connection allows for improved efficiency and reduces the time required for highway closures and cost of reinstatement.
Groundbreaker is particularly suited to modular build projects he pre-installation and certification of plumbing can facilitate early approval of water services to a plot.

Design out leak paths: comply with Water & Construction Industry Guidelines comply with “Water Safe” initiatives
The unique location of the Groundbreaker water management system allows for an unjointed water supply, minimising the risk of developing future leaks.  Installation of Groundbreaker meets the best recommendations of Water UK and the Home Builders Federation1 and in some water company areas, such as Portsmouth Water, are now the standard required for all new properties.

Future proof properties
Water Metering is the future.  Utility companies have not been slow in recognising the benefits of a ‘Smart Home’.  The ability to interrogate and manage energy usage at any given time of day or night has been recognised as an effective way for householders to reduce usage and manage costs.
Gas and electricity meters located on external building walls has enabled easy upgrades and introduction of countrywide ‘Smart Meter’ programme.  However, the traditional location of a water meter in a metal-covered hole in the public highway is not conducive to this new way of thinking. A ‘Smart Water Meter’ located in such a situation is exceedingly poor in transmitting a signal even to a local pick up.
The best location for a ‘Smart Water Meter’ is on an external property wall  – co-located with other utility meters. With Groundbreaker water management system, properties are future proofed to allow for easy installation of ‘Smart Water Meter’ technology as it is introduced across the UK.
Recent field trials of Groundbreaker have proven that the range of such meters can be over 3Km (2 miles).  The impact on data collection is massive.  The improved data transmission range could allow for single point data capture in towns the size of Norwich or Coventry.

Bringing Water Supply into the 21st century
If you are looking for a way to bring water services into the 21st century, Groundbreaker’s range of water supply management products can be the way forward for time and cost efficient installation and replacement of water supply.

For futher information on the Groundbreaker water management system visit www.groundbreaker.co.uk

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Polypipe is number one at Old Trafford

Polypipe Building Services, the UK’s leading developer of water management solutions for the commercial sector, provided an array of key services for Aberla M&E on a luxurious new development in Manchester.

The £72m No1 Old Trafford development consists of two towers, 15 and 18 storeys, across 214,000 sq ft on the waterfront at Trafford Park.

The area around the site is already extensively developed so space was at a premium for Aberla M&E, who decided to use Polypipe’s Advantage service.

Polypipe Advantage offsite fabrication service brings together manufacturing process, project management and logistics methods to provide M&E contractors with a production-based approach that helps to achieve project productivity targets.

Using the Advantage service, Aberla opted for three Polypipe products: Terrain FUZE, Terrain PVC and MecFlow.

 

 

The building program required a fast and reliable install to which MecFlow supports due to the innovative CLICKWELD technology that combines all the benefits of an electrofusion weld with clip connections to reduce on-site installation time.

MecFlow components are supplied to the project site as a complete kit for quick assembly and connected in position. The use of clip connections removes the need for clamping and allows for repositioning before the final welding is applied.

Terrain FUZE is manufactured from high density polyethylene (HDPE) so has strong abrasion, chemical and temperature resistance. HDPE was specifically used in the in lower levels to avoid the risk of leaks with homogenous welding in the commercial and communal spaces such as the reception area.

 

www.polypipe.com

 

 

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