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July 03 2019 Brunton's Blog
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Brunton’s Blog – SPRA Technical Programme 2019
03/07/2019
SPRA Technical Programme 2019
We are at the mid-point of 2019 and having just finished with the very successful and enjoyable 2019 SPRA Conference and Awards meetings it is time to map out the technical programme for the remainder of the year. There continues to be many important technical issues to focus on as discussed recently at the SPRA Council and Technical Committee.
Firstly, however we should be aware of the new SPRA Wind Load Protocol that many members as well as external consultants have contributed to that is about to be published this month. This is an extensive piece of work that takes a comprehensive account of current industry standards and produces a guidance document with a detailed approach for calculating and addressing the issue of wind loading and single ply roofing systems in the UK.
During July we also hope to publish the latest in our series of Component Quality Standards (CQS)entitled Rainwater outlets for use with single ply membrane systems. Again, SPRA member companies have worked together to produce this informative document highlighting associated performance criteria.
SPRA Component Quality Standards set a benchmark of performance for products used in single ply membrane systems. They are a vital aid to specification and define the minimum technical standard for membership of the Association. All SPRA CQS’s are available by download from www.spra.co.uk.
Continual improvement of guidance is important as industry knowledge evolves and existing standards are updated. SPRA aims to be at the forefront of technical development on all matters affecting single ply roofing. The technical programme for the rest of this year reflects this approach. There are a number of key areas or subjects that we will endeavour to provide guidance on or update existing information.
Design Guide 2020 – there will be a new version of our current Design Guide for next year. This document is updated every two years and work is starting on the 2020 version now in time for launch by the end of this year. Quite a few updates and changes in standards have taken place since the current version was released at the beginning of 2018. The latest information on issues associated with regulations and fire as well as incorporating updates associated with the recent release of BS6229:2018 will be included. In the new DG2020 there will also be further guidance on the criteria surrounding attachment to concrete decks.
It is also intended that a new Guidance Note dealing with this issue in greater detail will be published. The requirements of different concrete decks for installing different single ply systems will be discussed in greater detail. There will also be an opportunity in the new guidance note to advise on the criteria for different means of attachment to concrete decks. This work will be carried out as a result of members questions in recent months through technical enquiries into the SPRA helpline and at Technical Committee level concerning the subject. The new document aims to provide clarification and guidance to members and specifiers alike.
The above work represents a significant agenda over the coming months and continues to establish the technical competence of SPRA and the Association’s membership.
We look forward to the upcoming work in these areas and members input accordingly.
Dr Ronan Brunton B.Sc MBA GMICE, Technical Manager