Evaluation of post-tensioning kits for wind turbine towers
A manufacturer is offering post-tensioning systems adapted to the structural and installation needs of wind turbine towers. ITeC has assessed whether these products fit in the scope defined by EAD 160004 guide and has supervised the manufacturer throughout the evaluation and production control protocols. The final outcome has been the issue of a European Technical Assessment (ETA)
Project EcoTimberCell: increasing environmental performance of buildings using industrialized wooden components
The goal of the project is to develop wooden components for industrialized building construction that can effectively replace the usual market alternatives in concrete and steel. The new components must provide a highly efficient thermal envelope for the buildings and also be commercially competitive, require a minimum of energy in their manufacture and generate a minimum of waste.
Impact of the Spanish Structural Code on a system for ventilated foundations
A manufacturer of plastic formwork for ventilated foundations has drawn up a series of design and execution recommendations in accordance with the Spanish building code for Structural Concrete (EHE-08), which has been replaced by a new Structural Code. ITeC has checked this documentation and has introduced the necessary changes to bring it in line with the new nomenclature and the new requirements of the Code.
Verification of a building project using rammed earth structures
A public developer has put out to tender the construction of a building, and one of the bidders proposes a technical change in the structure that involves erecting rammed earth walls, which is rationalised with a new structural calculation and a new quality control protocol. As this is not a very frequent technique, the contracting body has asked ITeC to review the justification provided, verifying the calculation hypotheses and its compliance with the relevant building codes.
Impact of the change in regulations on chemical anchors
An adhesive used in non-expansive structural anchors was CE marked according to a European Technical Assessment (ETA) based on the first version of EAD 330087 published in 2015. Five years later, this EAD has been replaced by a new version in which the requirements for this type of fixings have been reviewed. A manufacturer affected by the change has requested assistance from ITeC to demonstrate the conformity of its product in the service conditions contemplated by the new EAD.
Legislative and regulatory framework of a concrete analysis instrument
A company is developing an instrument for measuring the properties of concrete that uses a non-destructive technique. They have come to ITeC looking for advice on standards and codes that regulates this kind of products, in order to clarify in which conditions the measurements made with this instrument will be considered as valid.
Impact of the Spanish Structural Code on prefabricated façade panels
A manufacturer of prefabricated facades needs to check if the new Structural Code in force in Spain since 2021 affects its product portfolio. On the one hand, the Code now includes the most relevant aspects of the European regulations (Eurocodes) for structural calculus. On the other hand, it cancels the concept of suitability for use of products with CE marking (inherited from Directive 89/106/EEC which is no longer in force) and replaces it with the presumption of veracity of the manufacturer’s declaration of product performance.
Assessment of floors built with innovative slabs
Before bringing to the market a building system for composite floor decks that uses lightweight steel panels as floor plates, the manufacturer wants to prove compliance with the regulations, which is far from a trivial issue because the product is out of the application scope of EN 13747 standard. The solution calls for a specific assessment protocol for this system to check if it meets the requirements of the Spanish Building Code and the Spanish Structural Code.
Impact of the Spanish Structural Code on public infrastructure maintenance contracts
At the end of 2021, the Spanish Structural Code came into force, regulating concrete, steel and composite structures, both for buildings and civil works. One of the main novelties with respect to the existing codes is the regulation of the systems for protection, repair and reinforcement, and also the management of structures after their execution and throughout their lifespan. A public administration that has road and urban infrastructure under its responsibility has requested advice from ITeC to find out how the new Code affects its maintenance contracts.
Evaluation of innovative structural bearings
A manufacturer of bearings for civil engineering structures has introduced innovations in the sliding material, which improve the mechanical performance and durability of the product, but also remove the possibility to obtain the CE mark according to harmonized standard EN 1337-7. ITeC has offered an alternative solution through the European Technical Assessments, that requires to draw a specific testing protocol that must be compatible with the nature of the bearing materials and the evaluation criteria that EOTA has already specified in previous EADs.