As a part of the programme “Growth and employment” (“Izaugsme un nodarbinātība”) 1.2.1. for the specific purpose of “Increase of private sector investment in R&D” (“Palielināt privātā sektora investīcijas P&A”) 1.2.1.1. in the “Support for new product and technology development within centers of excellence” event, SIA Mašīnbūves Kompetences Centrs” will execute project No. 1.2.1.1/18/A/008 during the period starting April 1st, 2019 and ending December 31st, 2021.
As of July 1st, 2019, within the project “Mašīnbūves kompetences centrs”, SIA “SKONTO Concrete Cladding” began research and realization of project No. 2.3 “Metal backing frame development for the purposes of fixing a brick imitation panel to a facade”.
The purpose of the project is to develop a prototype of a brick imitation panel and its metal backing frame system. During the course of the research, it is planned to conduct development of the technological process of such a system’s manufacturing; researching the solutions for fixing the system to load-bearing structural facade elements of the building whilst providing the ability for adjustments to be made to account for the buildings’ wall deformities; developing the GRC panel mass fixing solutions; assessing the metal frame’s and the panel’s physical properties; developing a special, hidden panel fixing solution to prevent the backing frame to be seen from the facade viewpoint; and others.
During the project, two types of brick imitation panels will be developed – 1) a panel with brick slips fixed to GRC and then to the metal frame; 2) a brick imitation made solely of GRC mass, shaped to look like bricks, and then fixed to the metal frame.
Ultimately, the panels with the backing frame system will be put through various tests to ensure the compliance with various safety standards.
Novelties and results of ongoing research and development will be showcased and presented at metalworking and construction industry conferences. The research will be conducted by outsourcing input from research and educational institutions (cooperation with Riga Technical University and Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies is planned). The execution of the research within the company will be assured by highly qualified personnel.
Expected research duration: Until December 31st, 2021.
The total expenses of the project are estimated to be EUR 900 064.85, of which EUR 300 016.47 is financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
