R+D+i Department

PROTOTYPE OF A HIGHLY STRUCTURALLY STURDY MODULAR INDUSTRAL BUILDING

This R+D project has resulted in a new product based on the aeronautical industry’s cold-forming technology using high-strength structural rivets. Employing these techniques provides mainly a high degree of structural sturdiness in assembling the components of metal structures.

This is a product consisting of an industrial building providing better functionalities than current industrial buildings. The improvements incorporated are focused on maximizing the structure size (30 m width), structural sturdiness, simplicity and light weight. This greater sturdiness makes these buildings not only safer but also makes it possible to build larger-sized buildings without any need of using any intermediate columns, bracing or heavier-weight structures, in addition to being able to incorporate windows for more brightly-lit interiors.

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW-TECHNOLOGY PORTABLE POWER SYSTEM PROTOTYPE

This project’s main objective is to carry out the research and development tasks necessary for designing an integrated micro-trigeneration system for distributing the electric power, hot running water, heating and air conditioning supplies to the modular-type facilities (modules, industrial buildings, etc.) which, being highly efficient and low-polluting in their operation, will be economically feasible. To accomplish this, NORMETAL, a modular construction specialist, has entered into an association with Bessel, a leading company in carrying out research projects. This project, which is currently quite far along, combines two cutting-edge technologies:

NORMETAL expects to start marketing this new solution, specially-designed for facilities for which access to the electric power network is difficult, in mid-2010.

PMC PROJECT: Study and Design of a new export-oriented Permanent Modular Building Construction System.

NORMETAL has conducted a feasibility analysis and designed a new Modular Construction System for Permanent Modular buildings or facilities, called the PMC System. The PMC modular construction system makes it possible to build large-scale modular facilities from factory-manufactured modular structures affording a high degree of safety and stability on their being integrated into one another. The aim is therefore to combine the advantages and stability of conventional permanent construction and the advantages of prefabricated modular construction.

This objective takes in some other overall purposes in turn:

Creating the PMC System gives rise to the development of a new product in the prefabricated modular construction sector which cuts completion times in half compared to conventional construction systems.

This modular construction developed out of this R+D project has now become an export product, especially for the services and government (hospitals, schools, dining halls, restaurants, hotels) sectors and, in general, for any facility requiring flexibility to be built within a short time span at a low cost. The aim is to adapt new processing plant Engineering methods and working methods to the conventional modular construction sector. A system has been developed to provide support and guarantee successful construction and making it possible to control all of the critical variables which may have a major bearing on each project based on the PMC System. In other words, the system developed makes it possible to apply the modular construction philosophy conventionally used for prefabricated modules and industrial buildings to conventional construction

In other words, the system developed makes it possible to apply the modular construction philosophy conventionally used for prefabricated modules and industrial buildings to conventional construction systems with the objective of competing with conventional construction systems, which are higher-cost and take longer to build.

This project also makes it possible to reduce local construction risks in countries where labor is not highly skilled and subcontractors are not highly reliable, on prefabricating practically 100% at NORMETAL plants.

Lastly, this philosophy has been applied to the international market, having made it possible to improve and expand exports to other countries as a result of this modular construction being compact in design and easily transportable. The PMC system requires considerably less space for transport than other conventional modular construction solutions.

PROTOTYPES OF TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION BY-PRODUCT AND WASTE STORAGE CONTAINERS

This project entailed developing three prototypes of metal construction containers meeting different specifications. The first is a prototype of a noise-proofing container which controls the noise pollution caused by noisy apparatuses, such as compressors, generators and power units. The second is a flame retardant container for storing potentially inflammable products. The third will be for storing prepared products at risk of being spilled.

These container prototypes integrate new materials and technologies including the use of materials such as panels made of rock wool, sepiolite and other insulating materials to prevent thermal bridging in the container walls for greater safety. Also noteworthy is the integration of safety and watchdog systems in containers for greater safety regarding accidental spills or possible fires.

These products mark a technological advancement for the construction industry in response to its main needs of technological development currently entailing undesirable environmental impacts for achieving sustainable industrial development.