Evaluation of structural sealants for curtain walls
A silicone sealant manufacturer markets a structural variety developed for use in structural sealant curtain walls. The product originally obtained its CE mark through a European Technical Assessment (ETA) based on the ETAG 002 procedure. However, in 2018, EOTA replaced that procedure with EAD 090010-00-0404. The manufacturer has requested advice from ITeC to attain another ETA in accordance with this new EAD. The first step has been to draw up an Assessment Plan defining which product properties must be tested, how they must be tested, and which values must be met.
Evaluation of brick walls for ETICS facades
A manufacturer has developed a clay brick with improved thermal and acoustic performance, to be used to erect facade walls that will serve as a substrate on which a ETICS system will be applied. The harmonised standards for bricks were not drawn up for such a specific use case, which is why ITeC has been called upon to evaluate these products in the specific context of the building solutions that they have been designed for.
Analysis of the requirements affecting façade panels with a wooden frame
While developing an off-site façade system based on panels with a wooden substructure, the researchers need to anticipate which kind of legal framework affects a construction system like this one. To this end, ITeC has been asked to identify the relevant regulatory requirements according to Spanish and European legislation, as well as the methods for verifying compliance with these requirements.
PLURAL project: energy renovation with industrialized 'plug & play' façade components
The renovation kits developed by PLURAL integrate different renewable energy technologies, so they become part of the building at the same time as the façade is renewed. A complementary tool will facilitate decision-making for project designers, directing them to the kits most suitable for the building, the climate and the occupants. It will also reduce manufacturing costs and reduce delivery times.
MEZeroE project: open innovation ecosystem to develop nZEB envelope solutions
MEzeroE aims at connecting enterprises active in the building envelope industry (including SMEs) with research institutions that can support them in the different product development phases. This support can range from product testing to standardisation, including monitoring the real-world performance of the installed envelope solutions. The final objective is bringing innovative, effective, and fully compliant products to the market as fast and smoothly as possible.
Assessment of curved glass
Curved glass is a construction product without a harmonized standard, so the CE mark can also be achieved through a European Technical Evaluation (ETA). The issue of ETAs is based on EAD guidelines in order to follow the same product evaluation criteria throughout Europe. But current EADs for curved glass do not cover all possible manufacturing processes, and ITeC is contributing to complete the protocols that have not been yet developed.
Conversion of the ETAG 034 guideline for external wall claddings
So far, external wall claddings applying for a European Technical Approval had to follow the guidelines in ETAG 034. But the EU Regulation 305/2011 for construction products requires that the process must follow a European Assessment Document (EAD). The conversion of this ETAG into an EAD has been assigned to of a working group of 10 institutes from 8 countries, under the coordination ("conveyance") of ITeC.
Evaluation of composite cladding panels
Application of the European evaluation protocols for lightweight panels made of a core with an aluminum sheet covering both sides. The panels have been subject to the analyses prescribed by European regulations (mechanical resistance, fire safety, safety in use and durability) and the different installation alternatives have been defined to make sure that the panels are correctly put in place.
Re assessment of specialised adhesives following regulatory review
Seven years after the publication of the EAD covering adhesives for wall claddings, EOTA has revised the document, introducing more stringent requirements. A manufacturer that had previously obtained CE marking under the earlier version has sought guidance from ITeC on how to demonstrate compliance with the new thresholds and how these changes should be incorporated into the ETAs for their adhesives.
CE marking of ceramic tiles not covered by harmonised EU standards
A manufacturer has developed large-sized ceramic tiles which, as they feature a reinforcing backing layer, cannot be assessed using the harmonised standard. The alternative is to obtain a European Technical Assessment (ETA) as per EAD 090078-00-0504. This task has been entrusted to ITeC, who has proposed an assessment plan to measure the product's performance in three different use scenarios: as paving, as an adhered cladding and as a façade cladding fixed on a subframe.
