| Q. |  | How do your solutions compare with conventional reinforced concrete on cost?
| | A. | | For security, blast and special applications that would usually be constructed from reinforced concrete sections greater than 350mm, our clients have made identifiable cost savings. Savings are further increased if reduced construction times and associated prelims are also considered. For conventional construction (where blast protection is not a design criterion) with concrete sections of about 200mm Bi-Steel makes a major contribution to the reduction of overall project costs. Significant savings can be made when a value is attributed to saved construction time. In certain instances Bi-Steel can save up to 85% of construction time!
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| Q. | | Bi-Steel is associated with blast resistant structures so is it more expensive for non-blast applications?
| | A. | | Bi-Steel is often associated with blast resistant structures and much work has been carried out in developing and applying the product for such applications. However, our objective has always been to develop Bi-Steel as a competitive construction system for non-blast and security applications where time, cost and buildability are paramount. With the Surefast and Corefast systems we believe we have achieved this objective by creating products that offer fundamental advantages to the whole of the construction market. You don’t have to take our word for it our new clients are testimony to Bi-Steel’s appeal.
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| Q. | | How far in advance do I need to order Bi-Steel?
| | A. | | It would be good if we were approached at the concept stage of a construction project as this enables us to design to maximise Bi-Steel’s advantages. However, in reality we often receive the first enquiry at detailed design stage. We are able to react rapidly and this frequently involves fast-tracking design, manufacture and fabrication. Our suggested lead time is 14-28 weeks, however depending on complexity and availability of material, Bi-Steel may be able to meet a 12 week lead in time. Some of our off-the-shelf products such as crash barrier systems are available from stock and we can arrange rapid deployment.
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| Q. | | Can you supply outside of the UK?
| | A. | | We can and we do. For overseas contracts we work with our clients directly to design and deliver structures in “kit” form. We then provide support or use local labour for construction activities. Corus has a major global sales, manufacturing and shipping network that enables us to efficiently service overseas contracts. Please note that we fully comply with export licence requirements and any export fulfilment will need end user validation.
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| Q. | | Bi-Steel is fast to construct but exactly how fast is it?
| | A. | | For the construction of simple structures such as walls Bi-Steel can be constructed in 15% of the time need to build a reinforced concrete equivalent. This is because the Bi-Steel panels are delivered, assembled on pre-prepared foundations and connected to adjacent panels using bolts or Surefast slot and lock connections. For more complex structures such as building cores an average of one storey a day can be installed. The cores are installed in modules of three or four storeys high and connected to the foundation or the module below.
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| Q. | | How is Bi-Steel protected from corrosion?
| | A. | | Internal surfaces do not require protection: Bi-Steel face plates are only subject to corrosion from one side. The internal surfaces are protected by the alkaline environment associated with the concrete. This is the same process that protects the steel inside reinforced concrete. Unlike reinforced concrete, the interior of a panel is hermetically sealed by the face plates and micro-cracking of the concrete does not result in atmospheric pollutants getting to the steel. Where the exposed Bi-Steel face plate needs protection there are a number of options: - Increasing plate thickness to allow for corrosion. This method can be used if the corrosion rate is relatively low
- Application of a protective coating
- Cladding the Bi-Steel
- Cathodic protection (where the steel is submerged)
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| Q. | | What is your track record?
| | A. | | We are established as providers of blast protection to government and commercial clients. Our portfolio of clients is rapidly increasing, particularly for applications and projects for which blast and physical protection are not design considerations. This includes building walls and Corefast building cores which were recently launched. Please contact us if you would like specific information.
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