CERAM voices concerns over Government guidance on flood resilient construction

2008-12-01 12:50:39 - Handmade clay bricks are not ‘digestive biscuits'

Dr. Geoff Edgell, Head of Building Technology at CERAM, a leading global materials technology consultancy, has poured cold water over some of the advice given in a Government guide about flood resilient construction.

Improving the flood performance of new buildings: Flood resilient construction guidance was issued by Communities and Local Government, Defra and the Environment Agency in May 2007, with the aim of providing guidance to developers and designers on how to improve the flood resilience of new properties in low or residual flood risk areas.

While Dr. Edgell admits that some of the guidance is useful, he feels that inadequate experimental evidence has led to some poor advice and observations, especially at the detail level. He says: 'Statements and negative comments made in the guidance, for example, on the unsuitability of handmade bricks for flood resilient design, seem to be based on opinions, rather than fact. The testing programme referred to in the guidance does not cover wall constructions in either handmade or perforated bricks, and is hardly a representative view. To say handmade clay bricks ‘crumble' is akin to calling them digestive biscuits - which is simply not true.'

In response, Dr Edgell has published a free report, Flood Resilient Construction, which is available at www.ceram.com/flood. This provides a number of observations and information that counters some of the negative comments published in the original guidance. Dr Edgell hopes that in light of his arguments and evidence, the guidance will be revised.

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About CERAM

CERAM is a global expert in materials analysis and quality testing, providing customised solutions and consultancy that help clients to measurably improve performance and profitability through safer, regulatory-compliant and better-engineered products. Setting new standards in materials testing, CERAM works as an extension of customers' teams, applying its expertise and capabilities to a wide range of sectors, including construction; energy & environment; automotive & aerospace; defence; retail; electronics; mineral & petrochemical; healthcare.

Headquartered in Staffordshire (UK), CERAM was founded in 1920 and employs a team of research and product development professionals who are involved in physical and chemical materials testing, research, process engineering and product design.

www.ceram.com


Notes to Editors:

Dr. Geoff Edgell is a Chartered Engineer and Honorary Engineer and Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers. In 2005 he was President of the British Masonry Society and is currently a Visiting Professor at the School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds. He holds posts on both the Committee for European Standardisation (CEN) and the British Standards Institution (BSI). An accredited Expert Witness, he has worked for CERAM since 1986.


Geoff Edgell

Head of Building Technology

CERAM

Phone +44 (0)1782 764 400

Email geoff.edgell@ceram.com