Online training logs a win for trussed rafter designers

As the construction industry continues its struggle with skills shortages, the trussed rafter industry is working hard to upskill employees with sign-ups for specialist training quadrupling.

The online training course, run by the Trussed Rafter Association (TRA) in association with Edinburgh Napier University, is proving popular with trussed rafter designers.

Two beneficiaries of the training programme are Gabor Vince, from Taylor Lane Timber Frame Ltd, and Frank Kyne, from Wyckham Blackwell Ltd, who are the highest scorers for the Introduction to Trussed Rafter Design online course.

As a reward for their hard work, Gabor and Frank have been given the opportunity to visit a Swedish forestry and sawmilling operations courtesy of Vida Wood UK Ltd.

Gabor says:

“It’s great to be rewarded for doing a course that, for me, was fundamental to my professional development.

“Going to Sweden will be a real eye-opener getting out into the forest to witness how it all works through the whole felling and logging process and seeing how the timber is processed at the mill.”

Frank adds:

“The course for me was very useful and a great test of my skills. Being able to do this all online was really important to me as I would never have found the spare time to complete this otherwise.

“I can’t wait to go to Sweden and see how my work and my colleagues’ work weaves into what’s happening out in the forest and the mills. It’s a fantastic opportunity.”

Nick Boulton, TRA chief executive, said:

“Training for TRA members is going from strength to strength and it’s remarkable how well the course is doing. It’s a credit to the TRA members and their employees for wanting to be better at their job to provide a better service for their customers.”

The online training course is available in two elements: Part 1 Essentials and Part 2 Advanced. Part 1 is suitable for new staff and designers while part 2 is aimed purely at designers.

TRA members can claim up to two units of training completed per site within three months of registering. With each unit costing £175 per candidate or £300 for both, these are great saving for members.

The course is just one element of the TRA’s commitment to training and recruitment in the trussed rafter industry.

At the TRA AGM in May where the theme was ‘The next generation’, TRA chairman, Jonathan Fellingham, announced he is heading up a project to look at the recruitment of the future pipeline of trussed rafter designers and fabricators, calling on TRA members to get involved.

To register candidates, please send the candidates full name and business email address to info@tra.org.uk where you can also find out further information about the training package.

www.tra.org.uk

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The Survey School’s 2018 graduates take home the prizes

Prize-winning graduates of the TSA Surveying Course were presented with their awards and cash prizes at the annual leavers’ ceremony held at Worcester Racecourse.

Among the 31 graduates were two students from Abu Dhabi, who travelled to Worcester specifically for the hands-on training in the principles of surveying provided at The Survey School.

Nine students gained distinctions, and prizes, based on assignment results, exam marks and overall observations by the tutors, were given to four for outstanding achievement.

Jointly sponsored by The Survey Association (TSA) and Leica Geosystems, the Best Student Award went to Eurig Price who achieved an enviable 99 per cent in his final examination.

Tutor at The Survey School, Andrew Crumpler commented, ‘’Eurig came on this course from a machine control back ground and carrying out topographical surveys was new to him. He has worked extremely hard and applied himself to his studies with some outstanding pieces of work.’’

Sponsored by TSA, the recipient of the Vice-President’s Award was Jack Dods of Network Rail who was commended for his exceptionally high standard of work and efficient organisation.

Rafe Holmes of WYG Group was presented with the Chartered ICES prize for Best Assignment for his ‘first class’ surveying and setting out design for a new housing estate and access road.

To demonstrate their support for the TSA Course, a new and additional prize for this year was awarded by RICS for the Best Measured Building Assignment.  Successful completion of the Course counts towards AssocRICS membership.

The first winner of the RICS prize was Steven Smith of IIC Technologies who was applauded for his very clear explanation of the laser scan surveying process and how to get the best results.

The Survey School is recognised by industry and employers as the UK’s premier commercial training centre for the education of land surveyors.  TSA Surveying Course 49 starts on 3 September 2018 and Course 50 on 19 November 2018. For full details on these and shorter technical courses on specific topics, see the School’s website. www.surveyschool.org.uk

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Aarsleff Ground Engineering awarded multidisciplinary contract for sustainable heating scheme in Leeds.

Vital Energi have awarded Aarsleff Ground Engineering the multidisciplinary foundations package at Saxton Gardens, on behalf of main client Leeds City Council. The foundation works form part of a wide-scale scheme to create the Leeds PIPES district heating network for the city that would see the heat created by the council’s Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility (RERF) in East Leeds being used to provide hot water and heating for households and businesses through a network of underground pipes.

Vital (www.vitalenergi.co.uk) were awarded the design and build contract, and subsequently awarded Aarsleff Ground Engineering the driven steel tube piling, mini bored piling, king post wall and drilling and grouting works required for the network’s back-up equipment at Saxton Gardens.

Specifically, Aarsleff will install 44No. driven steel tube piles, 16 No. mini bored piles to be installed inside a 4.5m Height restriction, 45lin/m of King Post Wall to a retained height of 1.5m, and the drilling of 60No holes to be drilled to 18m past the existing coal seam & filled with grout, the latter technique which has already commenced on site.

Overseeing the project start up, Aarsleff’s Chris Purvis said “We’re currently utilising our JS130 rig to drill 72No. vertical and inclined holes. Due to many areas of the site being close to the foundations of existing building walls and underground services, it has been necessary to work with extreme caution and assess all risks prior to drilling. Having assessed detailed site plans, made suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks posed by those hazards and co-operated with principle contractor Vital Energi, we have made sure any rules or agreed methods of working are strictly adhered to.”

Heralded as the next sustainable model for urban development, the scheme is expected to be completed by 2020. Should the scheme prove successful it could be expanded to other areas of the city.

Aarsleff’s Managing Director Kevin Hague said:

“Aarsleff Ground Engineering are delighted to be part of such a significant scheme that could provide low-cost and environmentally friendly heating and hot water to 1,983 homes in Leeds, saving over 22,000 tonnes of carbon emissions. Responsibility is one of Aarsleff’s core values, and this project really adds to our green credentials, plus it’s given us another platform to showcase our unique multidisciplinary offering for clients seeking a one stop shop solution”.

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Sheet piling to accommodate varying retained heights for new residential development

Aarsleff Ground Engineering were awarded the contract by WW Martin Ltd to design & install 436 linear meters of sheet pile retaining wall for a new housing development off Hailsham Road in Herstmonceux, East Sussex.

 

Aarsleff are now on site & have taken delivery of over 100t of the 550t total requirement.

AGE main works will provide a wall with retained heights up to 6m to accommodate the existing sloping site & allow the housing development to be constructed behind.

WW Martin constructed a temporary piling platform for the AGE 80 tonne crawler crane to operate from & allows AGE to install pairs of Z piles using temporary guide frames as support until s

ufficient penetration in to the Wadhurst clay strata is achieved. A crane suspended high frequency vibro hammer is being utilised to install the Z- piles & the remaining 133 No. 7m long GU8N sheet piles will be installed with Aarsleff’s own Movax SG75 & Volvo base machine.

Aarsleff will be installing almost a full range of Z profiles for this project, with section lengths ranging from 9.5m to 17m long to accommodate the site’s varying retained heights from 2m to 6m.

Aarsleff Ground Engineering mobilised work on 11th June and are expected to be on site for approximately 6 / 8 weeks.

For more information about Aarsleff Ground Engineering and its driven sheet piling solutions, contact the company on 01636 611140 or email info@aarsleff.co.uk

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Mr. Fix-It: How do you Care for An Asphalt Driveway?

Our team at Wolf Paving was invited back in the Mr. Fix-It studios to answer listeners' questions related to asphalt driveway repair. This program gives weekly advice on home improvements, repairs and do-it-yourself projects.

This blog will cover the questions concerning new and old asphalt driveways.

To listen to the 5 minute segment on asphalt driveways, click here!

Read the questions from the interview below:

"I’ve got a brand new asphalt driveway, I think about 3 years old, and it’s developed one brand new crack, and it’s probably a quarter to three inches thick. I tried to put some asphalt filler in, and it just keeps expanding. What should I fill that with?"

That’s pretty common in this climate. If you get a crack that fine it’s hard to get any kind of filler in there, and get it to stick. A lot of times when a professional company would come out there they got a router, almost like a wood router, and they will route that crack out to widen it out to get some sealer in there so it can stick

If it’s a really narrow, or really small crack, it might have to get routed out to get some sealer in there. I would suggest using a rubberized crack filler in there

"We’re at a condominium, we have an asphalt driveway and parking area and I know the asphalt needs to be sealed. How often and why?"

So there are a couple of reasons why people like asphalt sealer.

1. Aesthetics. It’s like putting a coat of paint on a house. It gives you a nice black surface again, which helps melt the snow and ice.
2. The other is if you’re parking a car or truck in the same area and it drips a little gas or oil, that sealer will prevent that gas or oil from penetrating down into the asphalt and destroying it. We recommend every other year on the sealcoating, maybe even longer, maybe every three years. You need to let it wear down before you put another coat on.

"We built a house in 2005, we put the driveway in in 2007. The driveway is dropping down at one end at least 3 inches and then goes across to zero degrees, so it’s even. Also the stoop that goes up to the front porch is coming away and the gap is about three inches now. They told us when they did it they were putting rods in to the garage floor, and rods into the porch itself. But it’s still happening. So i don’t know if it has to be mudjacked or do we have to replace everything?"

It sounds to me when they backfilled around the house they didn’t get real good compaction, would be my guess. Now that soil is settling and it’s just sort of taking everything with it. If this was 12 years ago I’m gonna guess more of your settling is done.

"So is it mudjacking that we would do? Is that gonna help?"

I would suggest starting with a less expensive route. Worst case scenario you’re looking at replacing, but we’d recommend getting a mudjacker's opinion as that would be less expensive. And that’s recycling so you won’t be wasting any materials.

Where the stoop is concerned, it depends on the thickness of the stoop and they can’t drill through steps. So if the stoop is connected to that walk, maybe they could punch that walk up.

"What thickness in asphalt should a residential driveway be? And what’s the anticipated lifespan for that driveway?"

So there is a couple different thicknesses you could go for for your driveway. The standard thicknesses that we generally see out there are 2.5 inches or 3 inches, that’s going to be enough to handle the weight of pickup trucks and cars. If you have something that’s gonna take a little heavier loads, septic trucks or dumpster trucks, then you’re going to want to go a little bit thicker. Something like 3.5 inch or 4 inch.

As far as longevity is concerned, the average lifespan for a driveway in Wisconsin is about 15 years give or take a few years.

Interested in more more Wolf interviews with Mr. Fit-It?

• Wolf Paving Q+A On Mr. Fix-It – How To Fix Sinking Asphalt
• Wolf Paving Q+A On Mr. Fix-It – Tree Roots And How To Expand A Driveway
• Wolf Paving Q+A On Mr. Fix It - Asphalt Recycling
• Wolf Paving Q+A On Mr. Fix-It - Damaged Asphalt Driveways To Recycling
• Wolf Paving Q+A On Mr. Fix-It - Water Pooling Near Culvert
• Wolf Paving Q+A On Mr. Fix-It - Driveways And Parking Lots

With 75 years of asphalt paving experience, from highways to driveways, we are your local source for all of your asphalt paving needs. It’s never too early or too late to request a free paving estimate. For the Milwaukee area, call us at 262-965-2121. For the Madison area, call us at 608-249-7931.

For more information on Wolf Paving visit our Why Wolf? page to see what we can offer you.

The post Mr. Fix-It: How do you Care for An Asphalt Driveway? appeared first on https://www.wolfpaving.com/blog

Marvels of architecture across the world

Technology has made it possible for us to design, create, and maintain structures that were not feasible in years gone by. With the additional support of artificial intelligence, architects can make informed choices regarding the building’s structure. Variables such as materials, use, and climate can all be factored in quickly by modern technology.

Together with Oasys, who offer retaining wall solutions, we take a look at some of the best examples of advanced architecture in the world.

Apple Park, Campus 2

One of the most well-known companies in the world, tech titan Apple has moved to its new offices lately. Worth a staggering $234.7bn, the company, which is now one of the biggest on the planet, was able to invest a further $5bn into a new building and move its tremendous workforce into a circular futuristic structure. The new office-space, which opened in April 2017 midway through construction, is made up of 175 acres — and is even bigger than The Pentagon.

This building’s unique trait comes from its roof. The whole structure’s roof is made from solar panels, which makes it one of the most efficient buildings the world has ever seen, in terms of energy saving. The solar panels are capable of generating 17 megawatts of power (75% during peak daytime) and the company has aims to make the complex entirely powered by renewable energy in the future. Another four megawatts are powered through the use of biofuel and natural gas within the complex, using Bloom Energy Servers which are popular within the Californian region, with Google, Yahoo and Wal-Mart using them, too.

The building’s design also prioritised the use of natural heating, ventilation, and air control (HVAC).To achieve this, air is allowed to flow freely between the inside and outside of the building, which can help assist for nine months of the entire year — highlighting the importance of such features in the DNA of design.

 

The Burj Khalifa

At 2,722 ft, the Burj Khalifa (also known as the Burj Dubai) is a sight to behold as the tallest structure in the world. Starting construction in 2004 and finalising the project in 2008, many decisions had to be made to ensure that this neo-futurism structure was able to serve its purpose, acknowledging that it would be a free-standing building and understanding the hot climate it would be situated in.

 

A series of underground water networks delivers fresh water, which has been processed be desalination plants from sea water, to the whole city of Dubai, the skyscrapers included. When the water hits the Burj, it is distributed to every corner of every floor on every level. However, with 163 floors, this can become a complicated process, which shows us just how special the Burj Khalifa actually is in terms of design.

The group of architects who planned the structure realised that using one pump for the skyscraper’s water supply could prove dangerous, due to the need for high pressure to send the water higher up. This pressure could lead to the pipes exploding. To counter this problem, they came up with a plan to help the water flow up the building in different stages.

The water supply starts in the basement, then flows up to a 40th floor reservoir station. This station then pushes the water on to a series of 200,000-gallon tanks all the way to the top of the building. As the water reaches the top, the water then travels back down under its own weight — it is said that 946,000 litres of water are supplied per day which also helps the building stay cool in the hot climate.

As a desert city, keeping buildings cool in Dubai is vital. Therefore, another water supply — an ice-chilled water system which is the first of its kind to be used in the Middle East — has also been implemented to enable substantial energy savings.

The Taipei 101

The previous title-holder for the tallest building in the world, the Taipei 101 is a platinum certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) build. Up until 2016, the structure had the fastest elevator on the planet, which could travel from the 5th to 89th floor in 37 seconds!

 

Taiwan has a multitude of different structures to its name, from the traditional Fort Provintia, to the super-modern Tuntex Sky Tower. But what makes it so spectacular? Starting construction in 1999 and ending in 2004, the Taipei has 101 floors (if the name had not given it away) and is 1,666 ft in height — but the environmental factors that took over its design has changed the way we build for good.

 

Just as the Burj Khalifa’s architects had to consider the building’s need to be kept cool, the architects of the Taipei 101 had to consider Taiwan’s affinity for natural disasters, such as earthquakes and typhoons. When it comes to Taipei 101, the structure can withstand high winds of 134 mph, which is due to the model prioritising resistance through the use of curtain walls, protected glass and high-performance steel. The walls can provide heat and ultraviolet protection by blocking external heat by 50%.

The Taipei 101 has a structure that includes 36 steel columns. Eight of these are known as mega columns, and they have 10,000 pounds of concrete per inch. Within Taipei 101, there are outrigger trusses every eight floors which connect to the columns within the exterior to ensure secure resistance from probable natural disasters in and around Taiwan.

Technology will only continue to grow, so we are set to see even more projects come to fruition that balance a design aesthetic with vital survival features. For example, London is set to have 13 new skyscrapers by 2026 — we know that these will be designed to uphold the ethical requirements for a modern-day structure.

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How access control panels will continue to change

As one device evolves, the devices it interacts with also finds scope to improve and change. Access control panels have adapted to technological advancements, both in the physical and digital domain. 2020 Vision, providers of IP CCTV systems, present this guide to past changes to access control panels, and potential future developments.

Security advancements

Keypads

Technology has enjoyed some substantial improvement upon the old lock and key. The way we entered restricted areas has changed over time — and it all started with the famous keypad. Similar to what we now see on ATMs, these were used to access locked areas and would require an individual to type in a specific numerical code to enter. The passcode would usually be around four to six digits long. But was this a viable method to protect a business? At the time, it was a revolutionary idea — but as times progressed, anyone could obtain the code and enter even if they weren’t authorised to do so. This was classed as a non-intelligent reader.

Card Readers

Keypads began to lose their effectiveness when compared to the next stage in security development: card readers. Usually, a magnetic strip would be attached to the card which a staff member could then swipe through a narrow slot in order to gain access. However, such cards are now available with a bar code reader, a proximity reader, smart card readers, and biometric readers — tailoring each to specific business requirements.

IP Door Readers

Card readers were further advanced upon with the introduction of IP readers: these could be accessed via card or by Bluetooth. Biometrics are now also common in IP readers — unlike card readers and keypads, IP readers can operate independently as they hold an internal memory and if the details you provide do not match what the IP reader has knowledge of, you will not gain access.

These leaps in development took place within 50 years. At this pace, what will the next stage be?

Access control panels for smartphones

There are a few different ways to lock the internal features of a smartphone. The use of passcodes is still common amongst most devices and are similar to keypads in terms of security. Biometric access, through the use of the fingerprint, is something that is relatively new and has revolutionised the way we get into our phones. However, in 2017, the iPhone X was released which saw tech-mogul company, Apple, introduce facial recognition as the main route to gaining access using a 3D sensor that can recognise the phone owner’s facial features. We suspect that this will be implemented across more smartphone devices in order to compete for the title of being the most accessible and the easiest. However, convenience and simplicity whether facial recognition, fingerprint scanning Bluetooth, and even a short PIN code come at a price they simplify access not only for the authorised user, but also for a potential attacker. So when it comes to implementing an Access Control System always seek the advice of an experienced security integrator.

The next stage of access control panels

We predict that the next advancement will come in the form of ‘eyeball recognition’, a technology still in its early stages. As no two people are the same, DNA ensures that access is being granted to the right person. Even in extreme and unlikely circumstances, if someone was to obtain your eyeball, they would still be unable to gain access.

We’re already starting to see advancements in technology shown to us in movies start to creep into the real world. But the movies were unaware of how secure they would actually be. In “Diamonds are Forever” in the James Bond franchise, 007 tries to gain access through a ‘copy’ of the required fingerprint. Realistically, if this was to occur, there would be smudges on the fingerprint which would lead to alerts being made and a fail in gaining access.

In “Demolition Man”, a criminal group attempt to escape prison using a warden’s eye. In reality, this would not get past any sort of IRIS scan, as there is a detection process which determines whether the person is alive or not and a dead person’s pupil would not be responding to any light that is around.

What do you think will be the next stage in access control panels? Will movies this year predict even greater possibilities? And the bigger question is: will they be brought to life? With the evolution of access control happening frequently, and becoming more intelligent, we are sure to see new additions soon.

 

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Build to Rent and the future of housing

An insightful new video from the timber industry’s campaign Wood for Good shines the spotlight on the growing Build to Rent sector and examines the unique nature of this market.

According to the British Property Federation, there are now almost 120,000 Build to Rent units already built, under construction or in planning across the UK; a 30% increase over the last year.

Christiane Lellig, campaign director at Wood for Good said:

“Build to Rent is becoming increasingly important in the UK housing market. We teamed up with Build to Rent consultancy LIV Consult and property consultancy Gardiner & Theobald to highlight the growing importance of this sector, to examine some of the opportunities and challenges of this market and also to show how the timber industry can play a central role.”

Oliver Booth, partner at property consultancy Gardiner & Theobald, said:

“The need for Build to Rent has never been more important. The bottom line is we have an availability of housing crisis in the UK and there are many brave organisations, corporations and institutions stepping up to try and fix that.”

Build to Rent developers and investors are in the market for the long haul; choosing higher-end materials such as engineered timber, both within the building’s fabric and the fit and finish that will stand the test of time.

Designing for efficiency and specifications that will last long term is a distinct separation from the traditional build for sale market, where cheaper materials and finishes are frequently specified to maximise profits for the developer.

Commenting on the unique nature of the Build to Rent market, Ashley Perry, Build to Rent consultancy director at LIV Consult, said:

“The Build to Rent market is unique because of its focus on resident experience and efficiency through design, operations and overall long-term use.

“Designers and developers have to understand how efficiently the building can operate as that will drive long term income and capital growth for investors.”

Highlighting the pivotal role the timber industry can play, Oliver Booth said:

“A major benefit of engineered timber is that it’s fast to construct and that’s good for the Build to Rent model because we need to build quickly.

“In addition, organisations want to use timber because it’s such a sustainable product. Those materials that are made and can be disposed of in a sustainable way and that contribute to people’s health and wellbeing, will have a competitive advantage over those that don’t.”

Typically, Build to Rent schemes target young professionals, students and downsizers who buy into the lifestyle and convenience of well-built properties with a superior fit and finish, and are close to local amenities.

 

To view the video click here.

To find out more visit www.woodforgood.com

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The government’s Clean Growth Strategy – what is it?

The UK government has launched its Clean Growth Strategy as part of its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the nation. It outlines a proposed approach to building a lower-carbon future for the UK.

 

You can read the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy’s (BEIS) comprehensive report by downloading it here. However, if you don’t have the time to scroll through all 165 pages, don’t worry. This time-consuming task has been made easier thanks to energy provider Flogas, who provide business gas prices. Read on for a summary of the strategy’s key points, and what they mean for UK homes and businesses.

 

What is the UK’s commitment to climate change?

To begin with, it’s vital to understand what made the Clean Growth Strategy a necessity.

 

In 2008, the UK introduced the Climate Change Act, and through this, became the first nation in the world to self-impose a legally binding carbon reduction target. The crux of it? To reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050 (compared to 1990 levels).

 

Is this target in our grasp?

BEIS published positive data in March 2017, revealing that the UK is on track to meet this target, with overall carbon emissions dropping by 42% since 1990. While this progress is encouraging, the government acknowledges that there is still plenty of work to be done – and that’s where proposals like the Clean Growth Strategy come in.

 

How can the Clean Growth Strategy help?

The Clean Growth Strategy aims to accelerate the pace of ‘clean growth’ in two ways: by increasing economic growth, and by decreasing emissions. With that in mind, the two guiding objectives underpinning the strategy are:

 

• To meet our domestic commitments at the lowest possible net cost to UK taxpayers, consumers and businesses.
• To maximise the social and economic benefits for the UK from this transition.

 

To turn this vision into a reality, the government has pledged to roll out lower-carbon processes, systems and technologies nationwide – doing so in the most cost-effective way possible for businesses and homes alike.

 

What are the key proposals in the Clean Growth Strategy?

There are six key areas that the strategy’s proposals focus on. Together, they are completely responsible for the UK’s carbon emissions:

 

• Improving business and industry efficiency (25% of UK emissions).
• Improving our homes (13% of UK emissions).
• Accelerating the shift to low-carbon transport (24% of UK emissions).
• Delivering clean, smart, flexible power (21% of UK emissions).
• Enhancing the benefits and value of our natural resources (15% of UK emissions).
• Leading the public sector (2% of UK emissions).

 

You can find the full list of 50 pledges in this executive summary.

 

What will this mean for homes and businesses?

 

Essentially, the government will encourage and support homes, businesses and industrial operations to minimise their carbon footprint in several ways. A major focus will be to reassess the fuels we use for tasks such as heating, cooking, and powering industrial and manufacturing processes – and embracing cleaner, greener alternatives.

 

This will help boost the uptake of renewable technologies (e.g. heat pumps, biomass boilers and solar panels) in the long term, and favour cleaner conventional fuels over more polluting ones. For example, for off-grid homes and businesses, the strategy sets out specific plans to phase out high-carbon forms of fossil fuels like oil. As the lowest-carbon conventional off-grid fuel, oil to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) conversions will play a key part in replacing oil in rural parts of the country.

 

Natural gas will remain a popular choice for properties that are connected to the mains network – not only because of its affordability and accessibility, but also because it’s the lowest-carbon fossil fuel that’s available. Flogas, which specialises in highly competitive commercial mains gas, expects to see this part of its business continue to go from strength to strength.

 

The company has been an expert in the energy sector for more than 30 years and predicts that the ‘green gas’ phenomenon (natural gas injected with a proportion of environmentally friendly biogas) will rise in popularity as the Clean Growth Strategy rolls out.

 

Reaction to the Clean Growth Strategy

Key industry figures have been vocal in their support since the unveiling of the Clean Growth Strategy.

 

Managing Director of Flogas, Lee Gannon, said: “Through the publication of its Clean Growth Strategy, the government has made clear its intention to reduce carbon emissions from off-grid UK homes and businesses. Natural gas is affordable, versatile, widely available and – most importantly – emits significantly less carbon than the likes of coal and oil. As such, it will continue to play a central role as the UK works towards cleaning up its energy landscape. We look forward to working alongside policymakers and wider industry stakeholders to make the Clean Growth Strategy the success that it deserves to be.”

 

Also supporting the strategy is Oil & Gas UK. Mike Tholen, its Upstream Policy Director, commented: “Oil & Gas UK welcomes the government’s commitment to technology in the strategy, especially with regards to carbon abatement measures such as carbon capture, usage and storage. Oil & Gas UK looks forward to working with the government to see how these technologies can further reduce emissions across the economy.”

 

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Network Rail starts race for £5bn trio of trackwork deals

https://t.co/cifVa66mGE thanks for following us! Have a great day :) #pavingcontractor

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— Driveway Contractor (@drivewaysuk) July 14, 2018

from Twitter https://twitter.com/drivewaysuk

July 14, 2018 at 10:39AM

https://t.co/xsvbb7WfXY thanks for following us! Have a great day :) #pavingcontractor

https://t.co/xsvbb7WfXY thanks for following us! Have a great day :) #driveways #pavingcontractor

— Driveway Contractor (@drivewaysuk) July 13, 2018

from Twitter https://twitter.com/drivewaysuk

July 13, 2018 at 02:34PM

Resin Drives

Resin Drives North East

Looking at Resin Drives for your new driveway?

This is a resin surfacing which is available for both driveways and patios. Furthermore, all the resin drives we install are a permeable paving solution. For your information, they are hard-wearing, environmentally friendly and suitable for a wide range of applications.

Below are two recent projects carried out in the North East 

The first photo is of a driveway in Newcastle in Golden pea. In this case, buff cobbles were added to the border to finish off the design, the overall project was 65m2.

In the second, third and fourth photographs we used Titanium resin and natural edging stones in charcoal. This particular project was carried out in Whitley Bay and the overall area was 80m2.

Why choose Resin Drives over block paving, concrete or other surfaces?

The simple answer is that these products naturally drains water through the finished surface, offering no more muddles or any chance of flooding. In fact, this is a resistant product which offers an all-around better traction for tyres and for walking on, it’s also more eco-friendly than concrete.

• Attractive and hardwearing
• Environmentally friendly
• SuDS compliant solution

Designs for Resin Drives

Notably, we offer a wide range of styles and colours to help complement your surrounding area. Equally important, creating a good first impression when visitors arrive at your home is essential.  Of course, you need to ensure your driveway fits in with the surrounding area and that’s where we come in. With our years of experience, we can help advise you on the right colours and design to complement your home.

Ensuring you get the best job and value for money

Many companies are offering resin drives throughout the region. All things considered, how do you know you are getting value for money and good quality workmanship?

• How long has the company been established, are their reviews of their work
• Ask for their qualifications in installing resin bound driveways
• Do they employ their own staff or are they sub-contracting the work to other people?
• Check insurance details
• Can you see examples of their work going back years?

Peace of mind 

From the initial surveying of the area to be surfaced, through to the design, choosing the colours and material. Our team will carry out all groundwork and install your new driveway, patio and paths if required. Sit back and relax knowing you are in safe hands and the project will be carried out to the highest standards.

Free Quotation

If you would like a free quotation, please visit our contact us page for all our details.

Keep informed of all our latest news

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Scotland to require sprinklers in all new social housing

The Scottish Government has agreed to introduce legislation to make sprinkler systems compulsory in all new social housing of over 10 tenants.

Scottish Housing Minister Kevin Stewart confirmed that the Scottish Government will take forward David Stewart MSP’s proposal for a Members’ Bill to make it a legal requirement for all future new build social housing.

Currently all new high-rise domestic buildings, whether private or social, with a floor over ?18m must have automatic fire suppression systems fitted.

New legislation would extend this to all houses in multi-occupancy or more than 10 people, including care homes.

Scottish Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “I am very grateful to David Stewart for his work on bringing forward this important issue and gaining cross-party support for his proposal.

“I can confirm that the Scottish Government will implement the aim of Mr Stewart’s proposal and will bring forward legislation as soon as is practicable in this Parliamentary session.

“This is an opportunity to further improve standards in our social housing and this work will be taken forward alongside the recommendations of the two reviews of building standards and fire safety which we will consult on later this summer.”

The post Scotland to require sprinklers in all new social housing appeared first on http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk

Concrete Parking Lot vs. Asphalt Parking Lot: Pros and Cons

If you are getting ready to update your business or municipal building with a new parking lot, you have a lot of choices to make.

One of the first and most important decisions is what material to use - asphalt or concrete?

Both of these materials have advantages and disadvantages.

As asphalt paving contractors in Waukesha, Milwaukee and Madison, our team at Wolf Paving pulled together this list of the major factors you need to consider. 

The Top 3 Benefits of Choosing A Concrete Parking Lot

Better In Hot Weather: In warmer, southern climate areas, a concrete parking lot tends to be a better choice. An asphalt parking lot will soften in extreme heat and become oily. This happens in areas like the southern and western United States where summer temperatures can exceed 100 degrees. In these conditions, dark asphalt pavement can become extremely hot, while the lighter color of a concrete parking lot results in a lower temperature during the summer. 

Less Maintenance: A concrete parking lot has a long lifespan and is relatively low maintenance, needing only joint sealing and an annual cleaning. 

More Design Options: Concrete parking lots have many color and texture design options. 

 

Interested in learning more about Wolf Paving's residential, commercial and municipal concrete services? Click here! 

The Top 3 Benefits of Choosing An Asphalt Parking Lot

Quick Installation, Lower Cost: An asphalt driveway or parking lot can usually be laid just a few days, depending on the size of the project, which can save you money. Concrete usually takes twice as long to install (and even longer to set and cure). Depending on the season, your asphalt parking lot can be ready for use in only two days, whereas a concrete parking lot can take up to a week to be ready to use. 

Better For the Environment: Asphalt is considered a green technology because it can be recycled: A parking lot contractor in Madison can grind up an old asphalt parking lot to be reused. Certain types of asphalt, such as porous or permeable asphalt, help with water drainage. This type of parking lot allows water to pass through the pavement into the soil below. With concrete, the water must run off with no permeable options, and excess water must be managed as a part of the project plan. 

Long Lifespan: Asphalt does require preventative maintenance, but this maintenance keeps the asphalt looking (and working) like new for a long time. With the right maintenance, asphalt pavement can last twenty or more years. When replaced, usually only the top layer is repaved, as the base layer and middle layer are considered permanent. This top layer re-pavement process is affordable, which can make an asphalt parking lot very cost-effective in the long run.

Why Asphalt is a Good Paving Choice in Wisconsin

When deciding between a concrete and an asphalt parking lot, one of the most important things to consider is the climate where the project is located. In colder climates like ours, asphalt is the right choice for the following reasons: 

• A concrete parking lot will be subject to frost heaves, which requires immediate maintenance for safety.
• Concrete is more susceptible to freeze/thaw expansion and contraction.
• Changing weather and temperatures cause more damage and deterioration in concrete surfaces.
• Salt, which is spread on parking lots to melt snow and ice, damages concrete. 

Asphalt is not affected by the cold, and does not deteriorate from salt use. In addition, the dark color of asphalt pavement that can cause problems in the heat actually solves problems in the cold - it absorbs more heat from the sun, causing snow and ice to melt much more quickly. 

How To Choose a Local Parking Lot Contractor

Now that you have chosen the material for your new parking lot, it’s time to find the help you need to get the project done. Everyone has heard a horror story about a bad contractor - how can you make sure that you won’t have a similar tale to share? 

Here are a few expert tips to consider when choosing a contractor for your asphalt parking lot: 

• Talk to several contractors, and ask extra questions of any who give you bids that are much higher or lower than average.
• Look for a contractor that manufactures their own asphalt mixes. These contractors can formulate the product to match the exact specifications for your project.
• Make sure that the parking lot contractors you choose are staffed by experienced and well-trained asphalt pavement crews.
• Ask for testimonials from past clients, and contact them yourself for an honest opinion. Visit past job sites as well to see the work of the contractor you are considering.
• Look for parking lot contractors in Milwaukee, Waukesha and Madison who have experience with the type of project you are considering, whether it is on commercial properties, residential driveways, or municipal projects like highways, roads and streets. 

Request an Asphalt Paving Estimate Now

Wolf Paving offers professional paving services from Milwaukee to Madison, and everywhere in between, including all areas around: Sun Prairie, Oconomowoc and Waukesha. 

It’s never too early or too late to request a free paving estimate. Call Wolf Paving today to get help from the most experienced parking lot contractors in Waukesha. For the Milwaukee area, call us at 262-965-2121. For the Madison area, call us at 608-249-7931.

 

 

The post Concrete Parking Lot vs. Asphalt Parking Lot: Pros and Cons appeared first on https://www.wolfpaving.com/blog

ISG clinches £34m Twickenham campus scheme

Architecture practice Maber has reorganised its top management to drive growth in London and the Midlands

Architecture practice Maber has reorganised its top management to drive growth in London and the Midlands.

Managing Director Mark Hobson becomes CEO and will focus on the practice’s growing London office and portfolio of projects in the capital.

Ian Harris, previously head of Maber’s Leicester office takes over as Managing Director with a brief to develop the practice’s Nottingham, Derby, Leicester and Birmingham offices.

Tim Boxford, an Associate Director who has developed several high-profile projects in the East Midlands, has stepped up to lead the Leicester office. Catherine Lambert has been promoted to become an Associate.

Mark Hobson commented: “We are delighted to announce these developments in our management team that will position us for further growth. With some exciting projects coming forward in the capital, I am looking forward to focusing on growing our London office and client base.”

Through longstanding client relationships, Maber has generated a healthy crop of projects in London with a construction value around £400 million and including large scale mixed use developments, build to rent schemes, hotels and student accommodation as well as work in the education sector. 

www.maber.co.uk

The post Architecture practice Maber has reorganised its top management to drive growth in London and the Midlands appeared first on http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk

Gary Neville £200m Manchester tower gets the final nod

Tradespeople shake off stereotypes by choosing work over World Cup

For years, tradespeople have been unfairly tarnished with the reputation for prioritising football over work. Many members of the public see them as being a bit too eager to down tools and head to the nearest big screen.

Nearly 20 million viewers tuned in to watch England in their first world cup match on Monday 18^th June, however, it is the daytime games that will put loyalties to the test in a clash of the World Cup vs work.

However, recent research shows that 75% of tradespeople, including builders, carpenters and joiners, will always choose work over football if the two ever conflicted.  According to a poll of more than 1,000 IronmongeryDirect customers, the vast majority of tradespeople claimed they would never consider skipping work to watch their team or the World Cup. Many poll participants are planning when and where they will be watching their team – but outside of work.

If they were to ‘pull a sickie’ to watch their team play during the day, tradespeople offered some of the best excuses they would give, with the more elaborate ones including:

• “I’ve been called up as a late replacement by Gareth Southgate”
• “My boyfriend’s in labour.”
• “I’ve got soap in my eyes and can’t find a towel.”
• “I’ve been delayed at the airport on holiday…in Scarborough.”
• “My Auntie’s Gerbil is about to give birth and I’m the nominated birthing partner.”

Some of the more convincing examples included:

• “I have a dentist appointment.”
• “The children are poorly.”
• “I’ve got the flu.”

Employers are recognising that the World Cup is important to many of their staff. Many responded to the polls saying they would be more than happy to be flexible by offering them time off.

One respondent stated: “As the boss, I always give my team the time off. It also saves them giving me the daft excuses!”.

The research also revealed ongoing optimism among tradespeople, with more than half believing England will make it to the Quarter Finals. Also, half of those polled (49%) said they would give up alcohol for good to see England win the tournament.

The UK’s leading online trade supplier, IronmongeryDirect, ran a series of polls to find out more about tradespeople’s attitude to work during the World Cup in June.

Andy Wood, football enthusiast and Marketing Director of IronmongeryDirect, said: “The World Cup is an exciting time for many of us – tradespeople are no exception. We wanted to find out how our customers were preparing for the year’s biggest sporting event. The research was carried out in the name of fun, but it was great to see results challenging the outdated stereotype of contractors and other trades professionals neglecting their jobs for football! Tradespeople in Britain work hard, and we hope they enjoy watching World Cup 2018.”

The post Tradespeople shake off stereotypes by choosing work over World Cup appeared first on http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk

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July 02, 2018 at 11:20AM

Applications open for energy balancing workshop

Students and building design enthusiasts are being offered the chance to learn the basics of one of the world’s most successful environmentally-friendly building solutions.

The Green.Building.Solutions. Summer School, Passivhaus Austria and the Passive House Institute of Innsbruck are hosting a DesignPH Workshop in the stunning city of Vienna to share understanding of the energy balancing and planning tool for efficient buildings and refurbishment.

The workshop takes place at the TU Wien from 13 to 14 August and will cover topics such as: energy balancing, shading factors, ventilation and cooling strategies, as well as hot water supply and heating.

Suitable for students, graduates and professionals, the two-day workshop will be held in English and participants will receive a free demonstration version of the software.

Naomi Morishita, Green.Building.Solutions Programme Manager, said: “We’re really pleased to be hosting this workshop for the second year running.

“Over the two days the learners will develop new skills to enable them to use the PHPP software.”

The cost of the course is €600 for professionals and €330 for students – registration closes on 31 July, to apply email office@passivhaus-austria.org.

The workshop will follow on from the Green.Building.Solutions. course, which brings together the latest thinking in sustainable design and engineering. It is taking place in 2018 from 21 July to 12 August.

The OeAD-Housing Office offers all workshop attendees a room reservation extension in the Passive House dormitory for an additional three days affording them a week’s accommodation to casually explore Vienna and beyond.

Registration for Green.Building.Solutions is open until 30 June – for more information visit http://summer-university.net/study-abroad/green-building-solutions-vienna/

The post Applications open for energy balancing workshop appeared first on http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk