Grenfell cladding fire test verdict due next week

Aaron Morby 7 years ago
Share

The industry will get a clear verdict next week on whether Grenfell-like cladding systems pass or fail stringent Building Regulation guidance for use on towers.

Grenfell Tower being fitted with ACM rainscreen cladding
Grenfell Tower being fitted with ACM rainscreen cladding

BRE is about to start fire testing full-scale models of cladding systems to establish how combinations of different types of cladding panels behaved in a fire.

The cladding system widely held to have been used on Grenfell consisting of aluminium polyethylene composite panels and PIR foam insulation will be the first to be tested to see if it passes the Building Regulations test, known as BR135.

Over the next three weeks other combinations with less combustible panel fillers and wall insulation will also be tested.

ACM cladding system tests
Week commencing Advice expected on:
24 July ACM with unmodified polyethylene filler with PIR foam insulation
31 July ACM with unmodified polyethylene filler with mineral wool insulation
ACM with a fire retardant polyethylene filler with PIR foam insulation
7 August ACM with a fire retardant polyethylene filler with mineral wool insulation
4 August ACM with a limited combustibility filler with PIR foam insulation
ACM with a limited combustibility filler with mineral wool insulation

 

The results will offer fresh guidance to building owners, designers and contractors about the fire performance of ACM cladding.

The timetable was set out as the Government yesterday revealed that 208 local authority and housing association residential blocks over 18m tall have been fitted with aluminium composite material cladding.

This is less than the 600 first feared to have been fitted with aluminium rainscreen cladding.

So far all 189 samples of aluminium composite panels from the outside of buildings tested for combustibility have failed.

Samples from a further 12 towers have been submitted this week and they are now being tested.

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid said: “The BRE has yet to see samples from 7 towers, all of them managed by housing associations.

“A month after the tests began, this is simply unacceptable.

“And I expect to see them all submitting samples without any further delay.”

Latest news

Morris & Spottiswood acquires part of ISG fit-out division

ISG Cathedral acquisition saves 111 jobs and expands presence across England
11 hours ago

Extra tunnels included in £6bn East West Rail scheme

Government unveils plans for two new tunnels in Cambridgeshire
18 hours ago

Infrastructure to get £80bn boost from public sector pensions

New "megafunds" will invest in UK construction projects
19 hours ago

Bidders wanted for £800m building safety framework

Fusion21 launches renewal of deal across 12 lots
1 day ago

Winchmore wins £6.5m brickwork package on Stratford flats

Latest award from Graham on £69m development
19 hours ago

Motts/Jacobs JV to design £2.5bn West Yorkshire Mass Transit

First construction could begin in 2028
1 day ago

Muse signs landmark deal to redevelop Solihull shopping centre

Mell Square scheme includes 1,600 homes at 6.4ha town centre site
2 days ago

Reds10 raids house builders for two director hires

David Newey and James Bateman join as regional ops directors
2 days ago

Builder killed as telehandler overturns

House builder goes into liquidation before court hearing and £160,000 fine
2 days ago

Balfour Beatty regional MD steps down

Lindsay McGibbon is understood to be exiting for a job in the United States
2 days ago

Firms put on alert for £1.5bn decarbonisation framework

Fusion21 aims to invite bids in January for housing and public buildings retrofit framework
3 days ago

Morgan Sindall aboard for £22m London station roof renewal

Passengers will continue to use Liverpool Street Station while roof works take place above
2 days ago

Utilities contractor turns to Africa for skilled workers

IES Utilities Group recruits its 100th overhead linesman from South Africa and Zimbabwe
2 days ago

McLaren boosts building safety and refurb team

Paul Woodhams promoted to newly created MD role at expanding division
3 days ago

Firms fight to renew places on £450m JV North deal

17 firms face fight to retain places on north west housing consortium list
3 days ago

Subbies get £7m lifeline on ISG Cardiff schools site

Council strikes deal with administrators and appoints emergency interim contractor
3 days ago

United Utilities names water and waste water design consultants

AtkinsRéalis, Jacobs, Stantec, Binnies, Mott MacDonald, RPS, and WSP make line-up
3 days ago

Crown Estate in £1.5bn Cambridge Business Park revamp plan

A phased programme of construction will start in 2026
3 days ago

McLaughlin & Harvey returns to profit

Contractor back in the black and looking forward to another positive year
3 days ago

Graham wins £69m London Stratford flats job

Stratford Mill project will deliver nearly 250 flats
3 days ago

Mace to complete construction of ISG neuroscience centre

Contractor to work with UCL to finish stalled job
4 days ago

BAM finally breaks ground at £60m-plus Yeovil College

Agreed contract price 50% above original estimate on delayed Somerset college job
3 days ago

Forterra trying to pass on NI cost increases

Brick and block giant writing to customers about 2025 price rises
4 days ago

Refurb contractor Troy Central goes into administration

Suffolk based hotel and leisure specialist had a £38m turnover
4 days ago

Former ISG director joins Wates as regional construction MD

Wayne Flannery joins Wates construction board after nearly 20 years at ISG
4 days ago

McLaren strengthens team for £1.1bn York Central scheme

CEG’s Head of Development (North) Karen Stafeckis joins McLaren Property
4 days ago

ISG collapse brings down glazing contractor

All staff made redundant at Vitrine Systems Limited
6 days ago

Wates gets go-ahead for 235 homes at Cardiff school site

City's first well being village approved
4 days ago

Cost of HS2 bat shed hits £100m

Construction costs revealed for Sheephouse Wood Bat Mitigation Structure
7 days ago

JRL close to deal on sale of stake to Far Eastern buyer

Equity sale plan to strengthen balance sheet and improve liquidity
7 days ago

Contractor services