NEW SCHÖCK THERMAL CONNECTION
FOR REINFORCED CONCRETE WALLS
The Alphadock is an innovative new addition to the Schöck range of
solutions for minimising thermal bridges in building structures.
It
thermally insulates connections for reinforced concrete walls and
columns, providing optimum thermal insulation and maximum load
bearing capacity.
Thermal bridges in concrete wall and column
connections cause significant energy losses, making it difficult to
achieve the highest energy standards in new buildings. Additionally
they present a risk area for condensation and mould growth that can
cause structural damage and occupant health issues. The Schöck
Alphadock dramatically reduces the effect of thermal bridges in those
areas where previously the problem was very difficult to combat.
The first product installation in the UK is at the landmark Keybridge
residential development, in the heart of London’s Vauxhall
regeneration area. The scheme combines elements of Manhattan
architecture with London’s prestigious mansion block style, offering
595 new homes across six individual buildings. One of the buildings,
Keybridge Lofts, which stands at 37 storeys, is the UK’s tallest
residential brick tower; and there are exposed brick-clad columns
which span two floors and tie back into the structure at the very top
of the building.
For further information on the new Alphadock product contact
Schöck on 01865 290 890; or download the brochure at www.
schoeck.co.uk
The requirement was to provide a thermally broken base fixing for the
columns. Previously Schöck have offered a hybrid solution involving
the steel-to-steel modular Isokorb, combined with a specially
designed base plate. This formed a thermally broken base fixing,
which was cast into the slab and to which a further Isokorb product
was attached. Allowing a steel column to be installed, which was then
clad in brickwork. The top of the column being retained and tied-in
using standard Isokorb elements to provide a fully thermally broken
solution. The method was effective, but not the most efficient in terms
of time and cost. Now with the Schöck Alphadock, installation is easy.
It is an important new solution as linear thermal bridges at reinforced
concrete walls and columns are often neglected – and the resulting
energy loss simply compensated for in the thermal calculations.