Expanded polystyrene delivers superior performance, sustainability and durability across a wide range of construction applications
(21/10/2009)

Published by the UK industry group representing manufacturers of expanded polystyrene (EPS), the latest briefing for construction applications is part of a UK-wide mailing to UK architectural practices, local authority property professionals and construction company specifiers. Outstanding performance, proven over decades in buildings around the world - that is the message in the second of a new series of technical briefings aimed at reinforcing the performance attributes of EPS.

The series of technical briefings also includes credentials for EPS relating to sustainability and durability across a wide range of applications from floor, wall and roofing insulation to sub-structures and void fill for civil engineering projects, foundation systems and clay heave protection.

It is available in hard copy or PDF format and has been prepared by industry experts under the guidance of the British Plastics Federation. It provides references on Europe-wide testing of EPS in use which confirm the performance and reliability of EPS after more than three decades in use in the harshest conditions including below ground applications. These tests confirm that the original design strength of the EPS is still being exceeded after thirty years.

The EPS Technical Briefing also supports a 20 page specifier guide produced earlier in the year which was distributed as a library reference to UK architects and builders.

Announcing the latest technical briefing, David Emes, representing the EPS Group said, “EPS has been in use for more than half a century and received BBA approval in 1976. These tests show that it is just as strong and effective today as when it was first used. It is the closest of any modern building materials to fulfilling the 60 year life which is set as a performance target by the UK Building Regulations.”

The UK EPS Group is mailing a new technical briefing to construction professionals every month up to the end of the year. These cover the kind of specialist information that architectural and construction specifiers need in a single, authoritative leaflet. “EPS is a long-established, high-performance material offering a unique combination of solutions to the building sector” concluded David Emes.