|
|
|
|
|
EcoBeam Technology Advantages of EcoBeam Technology | EcoBeam Gallery | SABS Tests This patented, tried and tested building technology as manufactured and distributed in partnership addresses several issues in the current building and construction sector. The EcoBeam and sandbag combination tackles the issues of cost, energy and skills shortages in the building, construction and housing industry. The patent holders have pioneered the EcoBeam and Sandbag home building system and together with partner companies such as Africa Supplies are now ready to make it available for much wider applications than the accustomed low-cost housing sector. SABS testing has been conducted in accordance with the NHBRC (National Home Builders Registration Council) standards and in all instances either met or far exceeded the standard requirements. Click here to view the SABS test results. The main tests conducted were for rain penetration, soft body impact testing, hard body impact testing and tests for light medium and heavyweight fittings. EcoBeam complies with all NHBRC requirements. EcoBeams are used to build the frame of the building while sandbags take the place of bricks. This building method is comprised of three elements:
The EcoBeam is a patented lattice beam, which is a combination of two wooden struts and a zig-zagged metal strip that joins them and provides rigidity and strength. One advantage is that wood of a lower quality than normal may be used due to strengthening provided by the metal insert. A non-ferous alloy of zinc and aluminium (predominantly) is used for the strip - this is significant in that it affords corrosion protection in an unfinished condition so that painting or other coatings are not required although they may be preferred. The patented sandbags are stitch bonded geo-textile fabric made into a pillow case design with a flap used to close them with. The fabric resists degradation by moisture and the sand filler material makes for a good drainage unit and therefore the structure is more waterproof. The sandbags are fire-proof, sound-proof and have excellent thermal properties, making the interior warmer in winter and cooler in summer. The EcoBeam replaces any other form of beam or post used in regular timber-frame construction. The rational design document indicates the strength of the EcoBeam as being equivalent to masonry construction. The use of sandbags is not new - use in the construction of military shelters is well established illustrating the effectiveness of the sandbags as a protective barrier. The sandbags are stacked between the EcoBeams and lightly tapped into place to form the walls (like laying bricks). The design considerations are the same as for masonry construction, in terms of weight and the corresponding foundation requirements. Reinforced concrete columns and bases are required for double storey construction in which foundation considerations would be based on soil classification and calculations for standard double storey masonry construction. The framework is readily customised for intricate design features such as curved walls or unusually shaped doors or windows, features that would ordinarily increase the cost when building a brick structure. EcoBeam and sandbag structures are built on the standard foundations with a damp-proof course. These homes are produced and built in a very short period of time thanks to these innovations. Once the beams and bags have been transported to the site, the framework can be erected in a matter of days. When the framework is in place, filling and stacking sandbags can be undertaken by semi- or unskilled labourers or by the owners themselves to further reduce costs. Services are fitted in conduit or other appropriate piping simply by knocking a recess into a sand-bagged wall with a block of wood. The plastered structure can also support heavy, medium and lightweight fittings with all finishing as originally designed being accommodated. The wall structure can support any form of conventional roof type, inlcuding gangnail roof truss, ridge-beam and rafters or A-frame types for lofts. In most areas where EcoBeam structures have been constructed local authorities granted approval with no concerns about the method or the materials used. Major banks will generally approve funding for this method of construction. The savings one could look to achieve via building with this technology could easily be around one third of overall construction costs dependant on additional labour and final finishings required. Construction could be done by a carpenter of moderate skill and a few unskilled labourers. Savings on labour costs will usually be the major savings on any project of this nature although the materials used will also lead to significant savings and material transportation costs should also be very low as compared to that of conventional building materials. Ecobeams have enormous industrial and commercial applications. A “box” of beams is easily shuttered from the outside by simply stapling shutter boards to the battens. Reinforced steel is easily tied to the lattice, facilitating a "post and beam" construction for larger buildings. The system is therefore also suited for the construction of halls, factories, churches, clinics, etc.
|
|
|
