BRE AND
BUILDING
to each other and then fixed to the base by specially designed bolts
3. The roof units are similarly off- loaded and bolted to the wall sections, or traditional type of roof constructed.
4. All joints are sealed for weather- proofing and allow for expan- sion and contraction.
In multi-storey developments the erection technique is similar but a frame or tramed structure is employ- ed to which the material is fixed, and any type of flooring, solid or suspend- ed, can be used.
A prototype bungalow was соп- structed with 8 ft. x 8 ft. panels but these were found to be too heavy for
men handling and panel sizes have now been adjusted. Neverthe- less the prototype was erected by five men in only 14 hours, working with
a crane.
The latest panel is 8 ft. 9 ins. x 5 ft. and is readily handled and erected by two men without using a crane. The panel is constructed of polyester resin reinforced with glass fibre, backed with fibrous asbestos. Structural ribs are formed of steel angles and bond- ed with resin and glass fibre. The panel is lined with thermal insulation quilting and lined with " plaster- board. On panels where windows and doors
are required, G.R.R. (Glass Fibre Reinforced Resin), or standard window and door frames can be used. The roof can be varied by the use of suitable types of traditional materials, or G.R.R., or other suitable roofing.
The whole dwelling is fixed to a reinforced concrete raft four inches thick which extends beyond the face of the external wall.
The "U" factor of the new material is extremely good when compared with that of an 11 inch cavity wall.
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▲ Arrangement of the panels.
External walls weather naturally and need no painting. If they become marked or soiled they can be rapidly washed down. They may need re- novating by spraying after a period
THE HONG KONG & FAR EAST BUILDER-VOLUME 19. NUMBER 3
of 20 to 60 years following erection, depending on climatic conditions. This can be done in a few hours, at small cost, and can be repeated in- definitely
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