MTC develops in-situ cladding analysis
The MTC has recently completed an investigation into the development of an advanced in-situ cladding scanning method and a rapid removal and replacement process, both of which has the potential to increase levels of construction quality, add value for money and save time.
Working on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Grenfell Industry Response Group (IRG), the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) has conducted a study in the use of advanced manufacturing tools to determine if it was possible to increase the rate of removal and replacement of external cladding from high-rise buildings, and to find a method of inspecting materials which make up building cladding systems in-situ, by adopting technology and practices commonplace in manufacturing industry.
The project focused on three key areas:
- Increasing the speed and efficiency of cladding removal and replacement
- Modelling for multi-building cladding removal works
- Non-destructive inspection of existing cladding systems to identify material type used and workmanship in-situ
Outcomes
- The MTC has identified ways of carrying out this work which could reduce time, enhance safety and quality, and delivers value for money.
- The MTC has shown how effective advanced mathematical modelling can be used to evaluate future scenarios regarding remedial removal and replacement of cladding.
- MTC has developed a new way of carrying out quality, design and material identifications of cladding installations without the need to strip or remove material to expose hidden elements.
- The MTC is in discussion with a number of businesses who are interested in developing a product based on the solution developed. Taking this technology to market will allow the new process to be rolled out across the industry.
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