CIRIA Innovative Construction

Materials July 2016

Dr. Howard Jeffrey FCIOB

Senior Innovation Manager
Skanska Technical Services

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Contractor point of view – Challenges with
using novel materials

− Personal perspective with some support from

colleagues (more building than civils)
− Skanska is at the forefront of Innovation and
implementation of new processes and
techniques
− New materials bring with them special
considerations; risk hierarchy varies with
location and function/criticality
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 Background

− Funded ECOSEE project investigating

improving efficiency and adding value to
environmentally friendly materials
− Encountered issues with the improved
materials which also apply to new materials
− Also perceptions: Nano particles or micro
particles
− Usually relates to risk and this is a risk averse
industry.
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 Questions to answer
Why select new materials?
• Improved quality
• Speed of installation
• Cost effectiveness
• BREEAM points

Have they got recognised certification to

European standards?
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 Issues to address
− Performance Verification and certification especially
fire safety and structural integrity
− Timely and adequate supply of materials; established
supply route, stocks, distribution and installation
networks
− Life-cycle and maintenance criteria; What is the
proven durability and long term performance?
Examples of site resistance: Use of plastic vinyl floor
covering and Damp sealer
− Management hierarchy; different drivers for
innovation and measures of success.

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 Examples of local failure

− Sprayed fire protection on steel with high zinc primer

− Straw insulation ideal environment for Psocids
(harmless insects)
− Plastic pipework substituted for metal; workmanship
− Insulation settlement: application/transit

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 The Unknown

− Do the benefits of being an innovator/trailblazer/early

adopter outweigh the risks?
− Can pilot test areas be built into new projects?
− Is there long term monitoring/feedback?
− Is ‘failure’ the yardstick?
− Are the Asset owners engaged?

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 Mitigations
− Defined pilot test areas without great risk
− Documented test evidence
− Quality performance documents
− Examples of use
− Fire and structural evidence
− Accelerated testing durability
− Expert analysis/peer review
− Availability and surety of supply
− Mechanism for monitoring and feedback engaging
with the Asset owners to take the long term risk.
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 End

Thanks for listening.