As the construction industry faces the challenge of rapid changes in Building Regulations and environmental conditions, connectors and structural systems specialist Simpson Strong-Tie continues to invest in futuristic product innovation. It is also investing heavily in rigorous testing of its products to ensure optimum performance, efficiency and safety are sustained – and exceeded.
To support its product development policies in the UK and Europe, Simpson’s new European test facility, which will be operational at its Tamworth plant from January, will oversee the testing of both timber-to-timber hangers and connectors, and masonry hangers and connectors, in compliance with the latest European standards.
This supports the company’s objective to comply with European testing methods – the first time a set of common standards has been published covering timber-to-timber and masonry connectors, coinciding with Simpson Strong-Tie’s €1m pledge to ensure all its products across Europe are CE marked.
By rigorously measuring the safe working loads of hangers by calculation and through practical testing, this new facility not only ensures all new products satisfy the highest level of health and safety regulations; it also allows experts to develop the most dynamic solutions to meet customer needs. While maximising performance of new designs – and proving they perform – Simpson’s innovative approach also means fewer fixings, improved production methods and less material, leading to a reduction in costs without compromising safety.
In its response to new European standards, Simpson also worked closely with BM TRADA to develop the certification scheme for timber engineering hardware.
“Simpson’s significant investment in this test facility will enable us to fulfil our objectives of increased product development activity and fully complying with European standards,” said technical director Ian Harrison. “As certifications are introduced, our customers will be able to rely on a qualified third-party verification of the load resisting characteristics of the components which affect the structural integrity of a building, based on a consistent industry approach.”
Stockton laboratory
Meanwhile, Simpson’s US plant in Stockton, California has recently invested US$12m in a state-of-the-art structural engineering and research laboratory.
Designed to better understand the effects of extreme environmental conditions on structural timber systems and also to test innovative, structurally-sound and cost-effective building solutions, the Tyrell Gilb Research Laboratory features specialised equipment which tests a structure’s resistance to earthquakes and high wind.
“We work closely on product development with our US colleagues and benefit from access to the most advanced test facility in the world,” said Mr Harrison. “Together we are constantly looking at new ways to provide customers with proven structural building solutions that not only help to minimise loss of life and property damage during catastrophic events, but also enable the industry to improve building practices cost-effectively.”
Equipment featured at the 25,000ft2 lab includes a ‘world first’ seismic shake table and two cyclic/static test frames. The shake table tests portions of structures up to 25ft long and three storeys but, while in the past this process required building a full-scale structure, now the full effects of an earthquake can be analysed by testing large-scale wall sections that accurately simulate the full building response. The cyclic/static frames, on the other hand, can test walls up to five storeys tall and 50ft in length and instead apply force directly to the wall. The two types of testing equipment complement one another by providing a more complete picture of a structure’s performance capabilities.
