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.
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.
Consulting services for the development of an ETICS system
A company is developing a new ETICS system and needs to know what technical-regulatory requirements must be met to market it in Europe and has approached ITeC for advice. The different routes for European certification of the system have been described to the company, in order to anticipate potentially critical issues and take informed decisions about the final development of the product and about the strategy for market entry.
Fire resistance of an off-site façade system partially manufactured with wood
The manufacturer of an off-site façade system faces the challenge of ensuring that these products are properly installed on site. This is particularly critical since part of the system is made of wood, with the subsequent risk in the event of fire. Since the technical performance of the system has already been officially evaluated, ITeC has provided advice to the manufacturer to address the most frequent queries among the technicians who choose building solutions.
Regulatory situation of a rainscreen cladding system with agglomerated stone
A manufacturer of rainscreen cladding systems wants to apply for the CE marking, but the agglomerated stone slabs chosen for the external face raise doubts as to whether they fall within the scope of the European Assessment Document EAD 090062-01-0404. ITeC has been approached to clarify the regulatory situation of this component which, after proving that it complies with EN 15286 standard, leaves the path free for the cladding system to obtain a European Technical Assessment (ETA).
Technical-regulatory advice and guidance for future certification of a façade system
A team of developers is working on a new building system for façades, and they need to know how it fits into the regulations. ITeC has analyzed the proposal vis-à -vis the existing European standards (and their possible future evolutions) and has outlined the roadmap (objectives, technical requirements, methodologies, etc.) that should be followed during the final development of the system for a smooth market entry from a legal perspective.
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.
Evaluation of roofs and facades with polycarbonate sheets
Manufacturers of building systems based on polycarbonate multiwall sheets must obtain a CE mark for their products. This implies that the sheets meet the requirements of EN 16153, but it does not provide any guarantee on the combined performance of the sheets and the substructure, which is the true responsible for stability, insulation and fire resistance. To fill this gap, an evaluation protocol will be designed, contemplating the behaviour of the building system as a whole and checking it against the national regulations.
