In an interview with light steel framing magazine, Jamie Brenton talks about his career in the light steel sector and details of a project he recently presented at the focus on framing conference.
Q: Can you share with our readers your experience in the light steel framing sector?
Jamie Brenton (JB): Like many in the industry, I started my career in construction 'working on the tools' and installed a limited number of steel framing systems (SFS). Now as Managing Director of Brebur, a drylining, suspended ceiling and steel framing systems installer – the installation of steel framing systems is a major part of our business.
Based in Yorkshire with a rich trading history spanning more than 20 years, when Brebur started installing we realised there was a knowledge gap between the manufacturing output and the installation service. So, we have made our partnering approach to the design development of SFS our USP. Our clients rely not only on our installation experience but also our expertise in supporting the design process and getting projects to a point where they can be safely installed and practically delivered.
Q: You recently presented a case study at the Focus on Framing Conference – can you share a little about the project and the challenges involved?
JB: The York Emergency Department is part of an ongoing scheme with Kier and York Hospital. This particular element involved an extension for critical care beds to a new hot rolled steel framed building, with a metal deck and concrete floor slab construction and a steel framing system around the outside. We were engaged to install the new steel framing infill system, sheathing boards, column encasements and the partitions as well as fire compartments inside the new building extension. The client had already engaged EOS, part of Etex Group to supply the light steel infill system. We reviewed the information and there were areas that required further development so we could efficiently install the system without impacting on warranties. Working in partnership, Etex recommended an excellent Thruwall® solution to overcome the challenges involved and improve fire protection around the hot rolled steel frame and SFS interfaces.
Q: Why specify a light steel frame systems approach for this project?
JB: Kier decided to go down this route with the design manager and architect prior to our involvement. This was our first job with them using the Etex Thruwall® system incorporating steel encasements. Between the construction partners, Kier, Etex, the architect and ourselves – we came up with an excellent solution using the Thruwall® light steel infill system to overcome the challenges. The system itself was a bit of a revelation – providing a complete and compliant all in one specification. The beauty of the Thruwall® system is that it integrates light steel frame from EOS, non-combustible insulation, column encasements, Siniat's Weather Defence external sheathing board and internal Framing board, providing performance assurance and all required warranties in one place.This systems approach gave the architect and main contractor a lot of confidence – 'dotting the i's and crossing the t's' as it were!
Q: Can you explain a bit more about the framing solution and the Thruwall® system?
JB: The concept was to use the fire resistant Thruwall® system as infill to the hot rolled steel main frame. There were some challenges fixing through the cladding boards into the steelwork but the introduction of Z bars, as a structural element for fixing the SFS to, resolved this. Because the SFS infill and the hot rolled steel encasement were from the same manufacturer, penetrating them did not infringe on any warranties.
Using various Thruwall® column encasement systems offering 60 – 120 fire resistance, enabled us to not only improve fire safety but also enhance acoustic and airtightness performance. The air seal was taken care of through the sealing the weatherboard to the beam encasement.
Q: Can you tell me a bit more about the benefits of Thruwall® when it comes to warranties and performance?
JB: With a 30-year Etex product and performance warranty, Thruwall® delivered certainty and clarity for the client. Knowing that the warranties and product detailing are all in one place without having to 'bridge the gaps' between different manufacturers and suppliers. Working with multiple supply chain partners introduces an element of risk with warranties (if any) and product details dispersed across many companies which have to be collated and managed by the architect or in some cases installers such as us. But using a Thruwall® approach with all components manufactured and supplied by Etex Group partners – performance testing and warranties are all in one place offering assurances to Keir as the main contractor and York Hospital as the client.
For more information visit: www.breburltd.co.uk
IMAGES
01. Jamie Brenton, Managing Director, Brebur
02-04. The new York Emergency Department uses the Etex Thruwall® light steel framing system.
