New Collaboration with Oxford Brookes University

SCI and Oxford Brookes University (OBU) have joined forces to offer a new service to manufacturers of building products.  The collaboration combines the SCI’s expertise in structural engineering and sustainability with OBU’s expert knowledge of building physics and architecture.  Among other things, the partnership will offer computer assessment of thermal details, whole building energy modelling, specialist structural analysis, including finite element modelling, and production of design data for building components and systems.  The partnership will also have access to a brand new structural and thermal testing laboratory situated on OBU’s main campus.  SCI will continue to promote the ‘SCI Assessed’ scheme and will be looking to assist product manufacturers with the adoption of CE Marking in readiness for the introduction of the Construction Products Regulation in 2012.

Testing Laboratory at Oxford Brookes University

To kick off the new partnership and to launch the new laboratory, OBU hosted the December 2009 meeting of the Metal Cladding and Roofing Manufacturers Association (MCRMA) on 2nd December.  The event, which was attended by over 40 delegates, gave the UK’s leading cladding manufacturers the opportunity to view the facilities and discuss their requirements with SCI and OBU staff.  Dr Martin Heywood, SCI Associate Director for Construction Technology, described the structural services that will be on offer, including structural testing using a new vacuum rig.  Chris Kendrick from OBU presented the partnership’s thermal performance offerings and gave examples of recently completed work.  Prof Ray Ogden, also from OBU, told the MCRMA members how the new service would provide a “one stop shop” for all of their technical needs, helping them, and other construction products manufacturers, to stay ahead in the challenging times that lie ahead. 

For further information, please contact:

Martin Heywood
Associate Director
Tel: +44(0)1344 636578
Email: m.heywood@steel-sci.com