| Fast-track method of building high security, explosion-resistant buildings developed In response to growing terrorism and security concerns, UK-based steel solutions company Corus has launched 'Surefast', a brand new, fast-track modular construction system for high security buildings. Corus, which claims to be the only company in the world to offer such a system, says explosion resistant buildings can now be built in a fraction of the time usually taken using traditional construction, with build time measured in days instead of months. Dr Jurek Tolloczko, who was instrumental in the development of Surefast at Corus, says: "In high risk situations, where people and property are under threat from terrorist, military or criminal attack, or in hazardous industrial environments, Surefast provides unrivalled protection - and faster than any other building solution currently in use. Defence personnel in particular are vulnerable to attack during construction of military structures in hostile environments. Surefast can be erected quickly providing shelter and a safe environment in a reduced time-frame." Surefast structures are based on Bi-Steel,
a proprietary steel and concrete composite panel developed by Corus
and demonstrated to offer unrivalled protection against explosion,
ballistic and physical attack. This, says Corus, makes Surefast
ideal for numerous building applications, including: Corus designs and manufactures Bi-Steel panels, including any openings for windows, doors etc, offsite before delivering the entire building to site in flat-pack form. Bi-Steel comprises two steel face-plates separated by a series of friction-welded bars to leave a void between the plates. After rapid assembly to create the building, the panel voids are typically filled with structural concrete, in situ, to form a super-strong composite wall construction. No formwork or reinforcement is required. The building can then be finished with traditional brick or steel cladding to disguise the robust construction and provide a high quality finish. Bi-Steel panels have been proven by extensive testing with military and defence organisations around the world to absorb energy from an explosion through plastic deformation. The steel face plates contain any damaged concrete, preventing the generation of hazardous secondary projectiles.
•Date:
6th March 2003 •Region: UK •Type:
Article •Topic: BC
- facilities |
