Delivered Solutions

Stewart Milne - Acoustic and Structural Testing

Stewart Milne have embarked upon an evolution of advanced energy efficient timber frame systems, Sigma II. Generation 3 of this system comprised insulated ‘closed’ panels manufactured from twin-studs separated by metal stud spacers. Stewart Milne approached BPAC to provide a broad range of acoustic and structural testing and consultancy services. As part of the programme a 2 storey timber frame building was constructed using Sigma Gen 3 panels on the external walls. This enabled various single skin party wall constructions to be fabricated and tested for acoustic performance in the building by Edinburgh Napier University Building Performance Centre. The building remains in place at BPAC for further tests as the system evolves. BPAC also conducted structural tests on various stud connector designs, then fabricated composite studs using the chosen stud connector design and determined their composite bending strength and modulus of elasticity to BS EN 408:2003. Finally racking strength and stiffness tests were carried out to BS EN 594:1996 on insulated Sigma panels constructed using the chosen space-stud design, to determine structural design properties suitable for use on initial trial sites using the Sigma wall system.

“The breadth of structural, acoustic and thermal testing/consultancy services offered by BPAC made them the natural choice to assist us with the development of our new generation Sigma II building system. They proved very competent, commercially aware and suggested many idea’s for improvement, which has allowed us to jointly progress the system’s development at a pace, not possible using conventional means.”............. Stewart Dalgarno, Director of Product Development, Stewart Milne Group

IcoTech - Composite panel testing (new wall system – Timber/OSB panels with openings)
IcoTech had developed an innovative new timber framing system based on small (600mm wide) modular panels which
overlap a deep ring beam. In order to establish how the structural performance of their system compared to traditional timberframe construction BPAC was commissioned to undertake a number of racking strength and stiffness testing to BS EN594:1996. These included tests on complete ground floor elevations on a housing development being undertaken by IcoTech in Oxfordshire – to validate design calculations submitted for Building Control approval. The results showed the system had impressive resistance to racking forces, and proved the design assumptions adopted for the system were conservative and could be refined for future jobs.

“Timely, efficient and friendly service – thank you” ........... David Bishop – Director, Icotech