EDITOR ’ S CHOICE
MAJOR INNOVATIVE NEW SOLUTION FROM THE EVER PROGRESSIVE SCHÖCK
Over six decades Schöck has built a formidable international reputation for innovative and progressive product design . The company is best known for its market leading range of Isokorb structural thermal breaks , but its pioneering reinforcement technology and impact sound insulation solutions are also a significant part of the product portfolio . Innovation though is not always about original product development . The Schöck philosophy of rethinking existing product capabilities can lead to derivative technology and the new Sconnex product range is a perfect example . It offers outstanding insulation performance , combined with an exceptional load-bearing capacity .
CLOSING THE LAST MAJOR THERMAL BRIDGE
Type W , for insulating the thermal bridge at the base , or the top of the reinforced concrete wall ; type P for insulating the column head and eliminating the need for flank insulation ; and type M , a capillary barrier that insulates at the base , or the top , of a masonry wall . With these ingenious high quality solutions , the company has transferred its Isokorb expertise in balcony technology to walls and columns . But what necessary development steps and which building physics obstacles had to be overcome for the concept to become an approved component ?
Sconnex types W ( left ) and P ( right ). Below , Sconnex Type M
BUILDING PHYSICS AND EXPERT ANALYSIS
The main focus of the 2050 building policy guidelines is to reduce energy losses and a critical area is the thermal performance of the building envelope , through a fabric first approach . Sconnex contributes significantly to meeting such a challenging and vital sustainable concept . About 40 % of all thermal bridges in a building are caused by walls and columns , resulting in around 10 % of heating energy losses . So the objective was to be the first company to develop a component for wall and column connections that both minimises thermal bridges and makes external insulation unnecessary . However , bringing a major new product to market requires extensive due diligence . First , building physics analysis confirmed the solution as being realistic in its practical implementation . Then , extensive expert opinions were prepared for the German Institute for Construction Technology ( DIBt ), where all mandatory legal requirements , including 90 minute fire resistance , were met . Because of the variance from practiced construction methods , Schöck also involved scientists from the University of Darmstadt . With groundbreaking innovations , Schöck often teams with specialists from universities and
All three product types high-profile engineering firms in the development of calculation models . In one dissertation , an empirical design proposal was created for the application of the connection element in construction practice , based on extensive experimental studies on its load-bearing behaviour . Schöck test results were also incorporated and the design proposal ratified by expert opinion .
TOTAL ASSURANCE FOR ARCHITECTS AND PLANNERS
By introducing Sconnex , Schöck has met the needs of the construction industry in maximising the reduction of thermal bridges involving walls and columns . Architects and planners can be assured that the Sconnex product family sets new standards for energyefficient construction in the 21st century ; and those who have already incorporated the products into their projects are enthusiastic about the new design freedom , the planning safety and the economically achievable results for the client .
For further information on the new Sconnex product range contact Schöck on 01865 290 890 ; or download the brochure at www . schoeck . com
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