The Archive of Projects
This is a list of the main projects carried out by ITeC. The Project Topics menu allows you to narrow the list down according to the subjects covered.
Development of a European Evaluation Document (EAD) for mycelium thermal insulation
A manufacturer has developed a range of facade and partition panels insulated with an infill made from mycelium fibers, sourced from the thread-like structures that function as the roots of fungi. These bio-fibers provide thermal insulation by trapping air and water vapor. At present, there are no harmonized standards or issued EADs (European Assessment Documents) available to assess the panels. The manufacturer has therefore asked ITeC to develop a bespoke EAD that will define the technical requirements to be met and the methods for testing them.
Evaluation of waterproofing solutions for swimming pools
The manufacturer of a waterproofing system for swimming pool has two certification options for its products. Since the waterproofing sheet falls within the scope of an EAD published in 2018, it is possible to use it as a procedure for obtaining an ETA. However, that approach only provides the designer with information about the performance of the sheet and does not address design and installation issues, such as how to seal the critical points of the pool. For this reason, the manufacturer has opted for a voluntary national certification that covers the complete range of auxiliary products, which are required to guarantee the proper performance of the waterproofing system.
Social Life Cycle Assessment of construction projects developed by a public administration
A public administration wants to encourage construction projects under its responsibility to include a Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) calculation. It has requested that ITeC verify whether these S-LCAs can be produced using TCQi software with the data included in the BEDEC database, as this would make the calculation easier for project designers without compromising the accuracy of the results.
Characterization of a “sandwich” block for non-load-bearing walls
A manufacturer is contemplating the production of precast elements for partition walls made with two concrete blocks enclosing a synthetic insulation core. Both the blocks and the insulation are regulated by harmonized standards, but the resulting product falls outside the scope of these EN standards. ITeC has been engaged to assess the product’s key performance characteristics (mechanical behaviour, thermal properties, fire resistance) as an initial step toward evaluating its market potential.
Evaluation of a stone-concrete chemical bond in prefabricated façade panels
A manufacturer of precast concrete sandwich panels is considering producing a version featuring a finish layer of natural stone, affixed with adhesive. The stone-concrete chemical bond carries a high degree of responsibility in terms of safety, durability, and proper performance of the cladding, both in service and during transport and handling. ITeC has designed an evaluation plan to verify that the product adequately meets regulatory requirements and best practices.
Assessment of a kit for increasing the fire resistance of pipes and ducts
A manufacturer supplies a fire protection system for pipes and ducts, which are wrapped with mineral fibre mats and covered with an outer layer intumescent paint. Whilst it is possible to obtain CE marking for the insulation material alone, it is more convenient to CE mark the complete kit, as the performance claimed by the manufacturer can only be achieved when using the adhesives and paints that are part of the system.
Evaluation of a façade solution to provide integrating solar shading
One architectural strategy for reducing the energy demand in buildings is to add a second skin, such as a lattice, louver system, or mesh installed in front of the façade. Since these systems are not covered by a harmonized standard, designers must demonstrate compliance with applicable building code requirements. A manufacturer seeks a voluntary certification that would help designers assess the system’s mechanical performance, reaction to fire, and solar shading effectiveness.
Verification of the Environmental Product Declarations of translucent roofing panels
ITeC has verified the Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) of six different types of synthetic boards for skylights, reviewing the production process, the input data of raw materials, the output data of the finished product, as well as waste and emissions. Those checks have also been used to update the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of each product.
Analysis of a building system for isolated foundations
The system consists of threaded elements that are installed by screwing them into the ground, allowing them to bear loads immediately and to be dismantled and reused if required. Beyond the technical characteristics of the ground screws themselves, the performance of the system depends largely on proper installation. ITeC has documented the project criteria and installation guidelines that must be provided to designers in order to achieve the best performance from this solution.
Evaluation of the adhesive bond between facade panels and a cladding substructure
A panel manufacturer was considering the possibility of using one of its product ranges as the outer layer in a façade cladding system, in which the panels would be bonded to an aluminum substructure. They asked ITeC to assess the performance of the adhesive bond between the panels and the profiles, using an adhesive already certified for this purpose, though not specifically for the material used in these panels.
