Concrete Perspectives July-August 2018

Construction Sector 

Construction Products Europe elected Mr Cédric de Meeûs to the post of Vice-President. Mr de Meeûs is an Environmental Engineer with over 20 years of experience in senior positions in the environmental management, infrastructure, waste and construction materials industries. Currently Mr de Meeûs is Vice-President Group Public Affairs and Government Relations at LafargeHolcim and responsible for company’s public affairs and governmental relation function.

Live from the European Union

Employment and Social Developments in Europe review published

On 13 July, the European Commission has published the 2018 edition of its yearly Employment and Social Developments in Europe (ESDE) review. According to the review, the numbers of people in employment reached new record levels.

However, while the number of hours worked per person employed has grown in recent years, they are still below the 2008 levels.

Looking at the impact of technological developments, there are uncertainties about the future effects of automation and digitalisation, because it replaces low-skill routine tasks and raising the skill threshold of employability.

Additionally, the review also points to certain remaining structural challenges, for instance in the area of inequality, such as income and gender inequality, as well as skills development and education.

European Commission organises stakeholder event on low-carbon economy

The European Commission organised a stakeholder event titled The EU’s vision for a modern, clean and competitive economy on 10 and 11 July.

The two-day event provided an opportunity to discuss the changes, challenges and opportunities ahead of Europe to reach climate goals and a low-carbon transition.

It was announced that the European Commission is preparing a long-term strategy that will be published in November 2018. The proposal will not be legally binding, but it will se clear milestone to raise ambition. A strong, ambitious proposal is necessary and will mean 80% reduction of emission in order to reach 1,5°C climate goals. The industry and the energy sector will be affected the most by this proposal and sectoral innovations have a key role.

A public consultation is currently open (17/07-09/10) titled “Future climate and energy policy – a Strategy for long-term EU greenhouse gas emissions reductions”, BIBM is developing an answer and it will be circulated to BIBM Members in due time.

National Award Winner Project

Kruunuvuorenranta in Finland

Three-dimensional facade wins award of the Year 2017 Concrete Structure

The recipient of architectural award the Year 2017 Concrete Structure is Architects Arkkitehtuuritoimisto B&M Oy from Helsinki for their Kruunuvuorenranta waste transfer station project.

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The winning entry combines architectural design with an innovative three-dimensional facade solution. In the architecturally skilful building complex, massing and the expressive facades with their scale and details connect the mundane and technical building as part of the new residential area and the surrounding natural landscape.

Waste collection is in the new residential area implemented with a pipe collection system with waste from the houses and blocks transferred to a common transfer station along underground suction pipes. The transfer station building leans against a steep excavated rock wall. The design of the transfer station conceals the waste handling processes without any need for screens. The independent building with its green roof complements the surrounding rocky landscape and also gives an interesting view to the residential area opposite.

3D modelling has provided a means to implement a new formwork technique for cost-efficient implementation of industrially produced precast concrete units. The diversity of the appearance of the facade is based on only four different rectangles which are placed in different positions to create an impression of a complex complete picture.

The rusty patination of the facades as well as the innovative architecture link the building to the shades of the rough rock cutting and forest landscape. The architect’s idea to dye the grey mundane concrete surface in a brown tone that glistens in sunlight emphasises the facades of the building and at the same time is a cost-efficient way to implement a lively whole within a strict budget framework.

Builder: Kruunuvuorenrannan Jätteen Putkikeräys Oy

Architect planning: Arkkitehtuuritoimisto B&M Oy

Structual planning: FCG Suunnittelu ja tekniikka Oy

Main contractor: Rakennuspartio Oy

3D-modelling of elements: Betoniviidakko Oy, Topi Äikäs

Producer of prefabricated elements: Parma Oy, Kangasalan tehdas

Patination of the facades: Betonipallas Oy

News in brief

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Agenda

SEPTEMBER

3 September 2018

Concrete Initiative AhG

Brussels, Belgium

4 September 2018

BIBM TF Eurocode 2

Brussels, Belgium

5 September 2018

CPE – CPR working group

Brussels, Belgium

6 September 2018

NEPSI Employers

Brussels, Belgium

12-13 September 2018

CEN/TC 350/WG 3 meeting

Brussels, Belgium

20 September 2018

ECP – TF Fire & Eurocodes

Confcall

24-25 September 2018

ECO-Binder GA

Lyon, France

26 September 2018

CEN/TC 229 WG1 and WG 4

Brussels, Belgium

OCTOBER

4 October 2018 (PM)

BIBM Communication Commission

Brussels, Belgium

5 October 2018

BIBM Directors meeting

Brussels, Belgium

12 October 2018

NB SG13 Precast Concrete

Munich, Germany

16 October 2018

BIBM Environment Commission

Brussels, Belgium

18-19 October 2018

BIBM Wastewater Engineering

Birmingham, UK

22 October 2018

CEN workshop on Harmonized European Standards under the Construction Products Regulation

Brussels, Belgium

To the Newsletter of Construction Products Europe please follow this link.

List of Acronyms:

CPE – Construction Product Europe

CSC – Concrete Sustainability Council

DG GROW – Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs

ECP – European Concrete Platform

EMA – European Masonry Alliance

IPHA – International Pre-stressed Hollowcore Association

TF – Task Force