With the adoption of offsite construction methods gaining pace and more buildings being designed specifically with this method in mind, construction material manufacturers are having to look at innovative new ways to keep up. Changes in product dimensions, methods of handling, certification and an understanding of new performance criteria are all key to providing the benefits and efficiencies the new construction methods demand.
Anticipating the rise in offsite construction, MEDITE SMARTPLY identified the need for a new format of product to add to its catalogue of long panel technologies. With SMARTPLY FR OSB3, the innovative timber panel manufacturer has produced a construction material that is not only helping to drive efficiencies and cut costs within construction, but is also ensuring safety standards are met for finished builds.
A lightweight and structurally sound OSB3 panel with integral flame retardance, SMARTPLY FR can now be manufactured in panels up to 7.5m long by 2.5m wide, making it ideal for offsite construction methods. High strength OSB4 options also allow designers and architects to cover even longer spans, all in one panel. Entire sides of buildings can now be sheathed in a controlled offsite environment before being delivered to site, or craned into place with no additional post-treatment or coating required. Efficiencies like these offer an exciting opportunity for the social housing sector or affordable building projects, such as modular builds.
SMARTPLY FR OSB is made with an environmentally-friendly, water-based flame retardant which is added to the OSB strands during manufacture. Unlike many panels that are treated post-production, which can have a destructive effect on the mechanical or physical properties of a panel, SMARTPLY FR OSB3 maintains its structural integrity and meets CE-marked certified structural performance and safety standards.
Manufactured to meet European reaction to fire class C-s2, d0 and BFL -s1 performance, SMARTPLY OSB3 is designed to not only slow down the rate at which timber burns, but to prevent ignition. This added benefit creates peace of mind and makes it a perfect choice for not only housing applications, but other critical constructions such as schools, hotels, hospitals and offices.
The increased efficiency benefits of building with large, structural panels, teamed with these safety assurances, make SMARTPLY FR OSB3 and the high strength derivative OSB4, specifically designed for large spans, the perfect choice for Offsite and associated modern methods of construction.
For more information on SMARTPLY FR OSB please visit: https://mdfosb.com/en/smartply/products/smartply-fr-fr-build-osb
