grc ynergies working together OUR SERVICES

grc ynergies working together OUR SERVICES

CONTENTS What We Do... 2 Our Services...5 GRC Consultancy... 7 GRC Design & Engineering... 9 Installation / Repairs... 11 Supply & Fit Solutions... 13 Testing...15 Design & Structural Engineering... 17

WHAT WE DO SYNERGY - the interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect that is greater than the sum of the individual elements. We are a specialist GRC/GFRC company offering a range of services to architects, main contractors, façade contractors and manufacturers. Originally GRC Synergies was formed to provide support services to leading manufacturer Glass Reinforced Concrete UK (GRCUK). However with the sale of GRCUK to the Laing O Rourke Group in early 2014 the Company became independent and now works in partnership with many leading GRC, cast stone and precast manufacturers. All our leadership and senior management team have unrivalled experience in the industry putting us in a unique position to assist anyone involved in the manufacture or application of glass reinforced concrete. Operating from offices in both the UK and China we have a global presence in the worldwide and rapidly expanding GRC/ GFRC industry.

OUR SERVICES

We are committed to driving forward cost effective and innovative façade cladding solutions using both glass reinforced and other forms of precast concrete. With our background in manufacturing and installation we understand the need to integrate our design engineering concepts with the most practical methods of production and on site fixing. This of course leads to the optimum value engineering for our clients and delivery of projects both on time and in budget. To us collaboration is everything, our very name originates from a desire to work together with all our partners be they suppliers or customers. Our belief is that open and transparent business relationships benefit all stakeholders and ultimately lead to positives outcomes for all concerned. We hope we can work together in the future Denise Jones Managing Director

GRC CONSULTANCY We understand every aspect of this remarkable composite and all the processes required to take architectural concepts through to completed projects. These include initial design concepts, product realization through design engineering, mould manufacture, Spray & Premix production, testing, logistics and finally installation on site. With this unique collective knowledge our team can provide a range of consultancy services to both manufacturers and anyone using the material. Our leadership team established GRCUK from a startup company in 2009 and built the business into a globally respected brand within 4 years. This was recognised by leading multi-national construction company Laing O Rourke who purchased the manufacturing business in early 2014. Our range of consultancy services includes: Assisting manufacturers in establishment of production and testing facilities. Implementation of ISO 9001 compliant management systems and progressing to certification. Working with companies to achieve GRCA Approved Manufacturer status. This is now considered to be the benchmark for any company serious about GRC production and features in most specifications. Development of DFMI protocol based manufacturing systems. Working with architects to develop initial concepts and tender information. Advising contractors on procurement and supply chain issues. Laboratory testing in accordance with GRCA Methods of Testing On site testing including testing of post installed anchor systems to reinforced concrete structures The above is not exhaustive and we can generally assist in anything connected to the manufacture or application of GRC products.

GRC Design & Engineering We can provide design engineering services to architects, main contractors or specialist subcontractors at varying stages of a project. We do however recommend early involvement of an independent design consultancy such as ourselves given the potential for massive cost variations and delays if this is not addressed as soon as practical within the plan of works. Unless the GRC has been fully designed before it is put out to manufacturer tender, it will be difficult for anyone to provide accurate costs and will extend the procurement process. Without a full design the manufacturer will have to make assumptions about: Component/Panel Sizes Thickness and strengthening of units. Type of support/restraint system This ultimately results in the manufacturer having to cost in all risks or apply significant qualifications to their quote. This can easily be avoided by early stage progression of the design. RIBA STAGES 2-3 Working in conjunction with the architects and other stakeholders we can develop layouts and fixing methodologies to a point which will allow main contract tender with some element of accuracy. Once a main contractor is appointed more detailed design engineering can progress. MAIN CONTRACTOR APPOINTMENT Once the construction work stage commences we can work with the successful contractor and other subcontractors to complete a fully comprehensive design package. This will include general arrangement layouts, fixing details, builder s works details and critically for the tender of the GRC package, component manufacturing drawings. This allows the GRC producers, installers and specialist sub-contractors to provided fixed price tender bids. It cannot be over stressed that without a fully design tender package obtaining accurate or fixed prices will be difficult. GRC MANUFACTURER/SUB-CONTRACTOR APPOINTMENT Where no or little design and engineering work has been completed prior to the appointment of the GRC company we can of course provide support to the manufacture to produce general arrangements, fixing and component details. At whichever point we become involved we always apply our Design for Manufacture and Installation (DFMI) approach. This allows for standardisation of manufacturing methods, fixing types etc. This method of design has been used by various industries (principally automotive) for many years and is proven to offer significant cost savings and efficiency improvements. All our design works are carried out by highly qualified structural engineers and designers using the latest 3D modelling software for complete BIM integration. & INSTALLATION DESIGNED FOR MAN

It cannot be over stressed that without a fully design tender package obtaining accurate or fixed prices will be difficult.

INSTALLATION & REPAIRS As part of our commitment to the GRC/GFRC industry we offer a range of site support services to manufacturers, main contractors, specialist façade companies or indeed anyone requiring assistance with any project featuring GRC products. Installation of GRC is a very specialist activity and must be undertaken by skilled and compotent operatives who understand the properties of the material. Whilst GRC is very similar to natural stone and precast concrete in many aspects, there are certain characteristics of the material which have to be understood and factored into the installation process. Our team have over 40 years experience in the fitting of natural stone and precast concrete and over the last five years have worked with our designers on a variety of GRC/GFRC projects throughout the UK using and developing our design for manufacturing and installation system. We can offer a labour only install package or if required can discuss full sub-contract supply and fit sub-contracts for both Premix and Spray process GRC/GFRC products. (refer to page 12) The specialist installation service can be of benefit to sub-contract façade companies who are providing entire cladding façade solutions. Whilst most such companies have extensive experience with flat panel rain screen systems, glazing and curtain walling, handling of bespoke 3 dimensional precast concrete involves different skills and expertise often more comparable to stone masonry. Here we can provide a supplementary resource for these particular elements. In addition to installation we can offer a repair services to damaged GRC/GFRC components. Although GRC is a very durable material with high impact resistance unfortunately accidental damage post installation can occur and removal/ replacement, whilst always preferable, is not always practical. In these circumstances we can look to provide on-site repairs with, where necessary engineering analysis to confirm any repair does not compromise the structural stability of the item.

SUPPLY & FIT SOLUTIONS Where required we can offer a full sub-contract design, supply and installation service to main contractors and specialist façade sub-contractors. Working as a specialist subcontractor we can project manage the entire design, procurement and logistics processes in one all-encompassing sub-contract package. Our initial design engineering allows us to develop component and fixing details in conjunction with our installation team. The benefits and cost advantages of this approach are self-evident. With a fully designed system we can determine which of our many GRC partners is best suited to supply. On procurement of the materials we can proceed with installation using our knowledge of the manufacturing methodology, standards compliance etc. to ensure the process is completed in accordance with all client requirements and appropriate national standards. This is supported by our own laboratory facilities and on site testing capabilities.

TESTING We offer a range of testing services both to GRC manufacturers as well as supporting our own on-site activities. Primary to this is bending testing to the GRCA Specification and BS EN 1170. These tests provide manufacturers with the data they need to meet standards as well as verifying strengths used by our engineers in our finite element modelling analysis. We also regularly test different cast in fixings for proof loading and to determine ultimate failure strengths. Again this data is used by our design engineering team. On site we use sophisticated measuring equipment to determine component thickness etc. Any non-conformities allow us to quickly assess implication of dead loadings to support brackets and live loadings being transferred back to structure. As a fully accredited Construction Fixings Association Approved Tester our project management team can carry out compliance testing to post installed anchors used to attach support and restraint brackets to concrete structures. Routine proof load testing is part of our documented installation management process and is not only good practice but a mandatory requirement on NHBC schemes.

DESIGN & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING We offer a stand-alone design engineering service for clients requiring design and/or engineering. With our background in precast concrete and structural steelwork we specialize in: Detailing of façade components in architectural precast, semi dry and wet cast stonework, natural stonework and composite cladding systems. Structural engineering of architectural and civil engineering precast products. Structural engineering of in-situ concrete Design of brick-faced steel and precast lintels, columns etc. Design of structural steelwork All our design work is carried out using the latest CAD software and can be provided in 3D model format where required for complete BIM integration.

Head, UK & EU Office 4 Thornes Offices Park, Monckton Road, Wakefield, WF2 7AN Asia Office 9th Floor, Zhonggauncun Chuangye Plaza 26 Xinxi Road, Haidian Beijing,100085 Tel: +44 (0)1924 367585 Tel: +86 10 6297 9928 Web: grcsynergies.com Email: info@grcsynergies.com Find us on