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EPC
The Energy Performance Certificate is produced upon completion of the dwelling after an air leakage test has been performed. It is required to be included in the Home Information pack (HIP). It will account for any changes made to the original construction specification which can occur during construction or after the PEA was produced. The rating is a measure of the building's overall energy efficiency and its environmental impact, calculated in accordance with a national methodology. It takes into account factors such as insulation, heating and hot water systems, ventilation and fuels used. The average Energy Efficiency Rating for a dwelling in England and Wales is band E (rating 46).
Buildings that are more energy efficient use less energy, save money and help protect the environment - view »
Fixing to Cellular & Hollow Blocks
There is a common misconception within industry that solid blocks will accept and provide a stronger and more rigid fixing than will cellular blocks (blocks containing voids).
As one of the UK's foremost manufacturers of cellular blocks we have always suspected that there is little physical foundation or evidence to support this theory.
Recent comparative tests have been conducted for both Tensile and Shear on 440mm x 215mm x 140mm Besblock Medium Density paint grade blocks in both solid and cellular formats.
Tensile tests conducted in accordance with the requirements of BS 5080: Part 1: 1993
Shear tests conducted in accordance with the requirements of BS 5080: Part 2: 1986
The tests were conducted by CERAM Research Ltd. CERAM is a UKAS accredited laboratory. The face size of the blocks tested was 440mm x 215mm.
Summary of test results TENSILE STRENGTHS (mean of 5 tests)
| Block Type | Max Load (Kn) | Max Load (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 140mm Solid | 4.21 | 429 |
| 140mm Cellular '15' | 8.50 | 863 |
Summary of test results SHEAR TESTS (mean of 5 tests)
| Block Type | Max Load (Kn) | Max Load (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 140mm Solid | 6.04 | 615.7 |
| 140mm Cellular '15' | 6.87 | 699 |
As can be seen, 140mm cellular '15' block provides a superior performance in these fields to that its solid counterpart. The reasons for this are as follows.
The strength of the concrete and its ability to retain fixings will depend on the concrete mix and its cement content.
Very importantly however, the efficiency of the block machine and how it vibrates and binds the concrete mix together will determine the final strength performance of the concrete product. (At Besblock we employ American Columbia block machines .These are world renowned for their unicontrolled vibration systems)
Where cellular blocks are being manufactured, case hardened core bars will be present in the steel mould box.
When the vibration is applied, the concrete mix therein will be forced against the outer constraints of the mould box, but also against the core bars within the mould thereby receiving compaction from 4 sides.
As a result, the concrete contained in the cellular block will have greater density than its equivalent in solid format thereby providing greater strength.
