Building &co issue n7

Issue no. 7 | MAY 2014

Energy Saving Companies / Ready Mixed Concrete Sector In Lebanon / Strong Room / Understanding Wood Flooring & Under-Floor Heating / The New Face of Double Glazing / Gypsum Board / Urban Tree / High-Rise Concrete Pumping / Comic Book or Architecture?

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Contents

Cover.

Image drawn by Francois Schuiten who worked as a conceptual artist for the graphic conception of the movie “Mr.Nobody” by Jaco Van Dormael released in 2009 and known as the most expensive film ever made in Belgium.

Image copied from the book “Francois Schuiten, L’horloger du rêve” by author Thierry Bellefroid © Copyright Casterman, 2013, Francois Schuiten. All rights reserved.

Energy Saving Companies A Global Overview P. 6 Ready Mixed Concrete Sector In Lebanon P. 10 Strong Room P. 12 Understanding Wood Flooring & Under-Floor Heating P. 18 The New Face of Double Glazing P. 22 Gypsum Board P. 30 Urban Tree P. 34 Construction Process Real Estate Project P. 36 High-Rise Concrete Pumping P. 38 To Train Is To Plan Ahead P. 44 Construction Products P. 46 Comic Book or Architecture?

P. 50

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Editorial ESIB - 100 years of Excellence and Innovation for Lebanon On November 14, 1913 the “École Française d’Ingénieurs de Beyrouth EFIB” was established at Saint-Joseph University, with the assistance of the ”Association Lyonnaise pour le Développement de l’Enseignement Scientifique et Technique à l’Étranger”. In 1948 EFIB became the ”École Supérieure d’Ingénieurs de Beyrouth ESIB,” and in 1976 ESIB gained the status of Faculty.

Since 1913, ESIB has known a long history of innovation, creativity and reforms. Recently, it has benefited from a marked strengthening of its research potential and a new involvement in Doctoral studies and reaserch centers. In addition to its scientific excellence based engineering programmes (Civil, water, environment, electrical, mechanical, telecommunications, computer science, networks and security, renewable energy, oil and gas, etc.), ESIB was able to develop a strong presence as pat of the National Community and Citizen Engagement efforts.

ESIB symbolizes a deep commitment to scientific rationality and creative intelligence. The ambition of ESIB has always revolved around a strong tradition of dealing with the imperatives of the present, and establish, through the “products” of its mission, one of the first centers of scientific production in Lebanon, and worldwide. Since its creation, ESIB has developped into an economic engine of great interest in Lebanon and the Middle East. Stimulating creativity and innovation, engineering studies are also an engine that boosts other fields by the achievements of innovative and new technologies. Let us not forget that ESIB was the 1st school of engineering founded in the Middle East.

The world today, more than ever, needs all available talents. In fact, our society is built on four elements: Scientific and Economic as well as Social and Cultural. The harmony between these four elements is essential, and the well-being of humanity depends on a dynamic culture toiling in the service of the Society. Everyone, I am convinced, is born with talent. It belongs to the world of education to develop and enhance individual talents to put them at the service of a better World .

I hope that the celebration of the first centenary of ESIB is both a tribute to predecessors, a recognition of the merits of current active members, and an example for the future.

Finally, I wish our University (USJ) all the success in its mision. To our Faculty of Engineering, in its new Centennial, I wish continued Scientific Excellence as well as the Spiritual and Intellectual Development of our Society. And to my country, Lebanon, I wish true and lasting PEACE. Professor Fadi GEARA, PhD

Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Director of ESIB School of Engineering

General Manager Nassib Nasr

Photographer Michel El Esta

Consultant Alec Ibrahim

Managing Editor Daniella Mazraani Aizarani

Layout & Design Echo s.a.r.l.

Printing Haroun Printing

Copy-Editor & Translator Kamal Fayad

Edition Apave Published quarterly

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Distributed by MEDIAREP Tel/Fax: 961 1 495395 www.mediarep.ws

We appreciate your comments: Please CONTACT US. we need your input with any suggestions or comments at: buildingco@apaveliban.com Tel: +961-1-283072 Fax: +961-1-295010

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Anto in e Ka lda ny C E O - Yel l o b l u e s a l

Energy Saving Companies (ESCOs) A Global Overview

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After the US and Europe, the MENA region is becoming ever more aware and concerned by its increasing energy bill, almost 5% per year in Saudi Arabia for instance, where the electricity consumption per capita may reach three times the world average.

This growing awareness triggered the introduction of Energy Saving Companies (ESCOs), in response to the need for and potential of this market.

What Are Energy Service Companies (Escos)?

An ESCO, or Energy Service Company, is a business that develops, installs, and arranges financing for projects designed to improve the energy efficiency and maintenance costs for facilities over a seven to twenty year time period. ESCOs generally act as project developers for a wide range of tasks and assume the technical and performance risk associated with the project.

The ESCO industry began in the late 1970s in response to rising energy prices, as entrepreneurs developed ways to combat this increasing cost. Since then, this industry has benefited from the development of energy efficiency technologies in lighting, HVAC and Building Management!

A general understanding of an ESCO’s range of services can be derived from the source of their revenues as an industry. ESCO revenues are largely derived from energy efficiency (73%), renewables (10%), and distributed generation or combined heat and power (6%); with the balance of ESCO revenues being derived from consulting and planning services.

What Are The Distinguishing Features Of Energy Performance Contracting?

EPC is an innovative form of contracting, developed to overcome the major barriers of delivering cost-effective energy efficiency. One of these barriers is the risk to the client that project generated resource savings may not be sufficient to provide an organization’s minimum required return on capital. The key distinguishing feature of energy performance contracting is that, unlike traditional construction or services contracting, the ESCO takes on

project performance risk to guarantee to the owner a minimum level of resource use reduction.

Another distinguishing feature of EPC is that ESCOs provide a turnkey service. The ESCO will be the party responsible for designing, implementing, and measuring the results of an EPC project. The ESCO can propose a wide variety of recommendations of possible retrofit measures specific to each client’s needs, including energy and water conservation measures, renewable energy systems, operations and maintenance services and training, as well as distributed energy generation.

Range of possible ESCO services in an EPC project A. Conduct resource efficiency audits to establish a baseline that will serve as the measure upon which the performance guarantee is based and identify resource saving opportunities.

B. Develop recommendations for the systems and equipment to upgrade or replace, which fall into the following categories: • Lighting upgrades and replacement.

• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system retrofits including boiler and chiller plant optimization and replacement, temperature control systems, etc.

• Building “shell” improvements such as insulation, improved doors, window replacement and window films.

• Energy Management Systems.

• Water saving devices such as new faucets and toilets.

• High efficiency motors.

• Installation of sub-meters.

• Procurement of energy efficient appliances.

C. Design and write equipment and construction document specifications.

D. Develop a project budget and provide construction project management services securing and overseeing all subcontractors.

E. Implement the recommendations.

F. Supply and Install energy generation capacity, including renewable options such as photovoltaic, solar heating, cogeneration/combined heat and power (CHP), biomass boilers, etc.

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Solar Gain Minimization

Ventilation Fans

Lighting replacement, Control systems & LEDs

Building Management Systems

Voltage Reduction

Zone Temperature Control

VSD Motor Control

Chiller Upgrade / Replacement & Absorption Cooling

ESCO revenues are largely derived from energy efficiency.

Plug Load Management

Online Technical Resource Management

G. Commission or re-commission of newly or previously installed equipment.

H. Train facility staff on how to maintain and manage new equipment and systems and/or provide third-party ongoing maintenance of building and equipment.

I. Guarantee the performance of the installed improvements.

J. Measure and verify the resource savings over the term of the guarantee period.

K. In many cases, ESCOs also assist in the arrangement or direct procurement of financing to cover project costs, including the utilization of government incentive programs.

One of the key purposes of an EPC’s performance guarantee is to ensure that the ESCO has a financial stake in meeting the campus’ expectations about future savings and facility performance. The performance guarantee is the vehicle by which the ESCO assumes the project’s performance risk after the ESCO completes project implementation. The ESCO’s assumption of this risk provides the client with a significant measure of certainty regarding the predictability of cash flows generated from energy savings, which is often used for project financing debt service payments.

Performance-based contracts can take different forms including: Guaranteed Energy Savings The ESCO guarantees that the project will result in a specified reduction in energy use over a set, contracted guarantee term, as measured by kilowatt hours, BTUs and other resource use metrics. If the guaranteed reduction in energy use is not realized as a result of factors contractually determined to be the ESCO’s responsibility, then the ESCO

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Damper Control

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High Efficiency Motors

Boller upgrades, controls Combined Heat & Power

will pay the client the shortfall amount using utility rate calculations that are also contractually specified. Note the important distinction that the ESCO does not typically guarantee a reduction in utility bill charges because ESCOs cannot control utility rates or diesel prices (when it comes to Genset). At the end of the project guarantee period, the building owner retains the full value of the energy savings.

Power Purchase Agreement (Ppa) The ESCO owns the assets and sells end-use services (such as heat or electricity) to the customer at agreed upon prices, often with an arrangement that allows for the building owner to purchase the asset at the end of a contract term. This mechanism is often employed for renewable and district energy systems development. The contractor usually guarantees a specified minimum level of output for the duration of the contract.

Shared Savings The ESCO and customer share the utility bill savings generated by an EPC project, with the share to each party defined in the EPC. The ESCO’s share of the savings is the only compensation the ESCO receives for its services and equipment expenditures. The ESCO typically receives a greater percentage of savings in the early years of a contract, with its percentage decreasing over time.

ESCOs can also implement design/build projects without a performance guarantee. These contracts simply pay the ESCO for providing agreed upon services, but do not reward or penalize the ESCO for the durability and quality of its work, making the client alone responsible for ongoing performance and operational risks (except when product failures are covered under manufacturer warranties).

The EPC’s methodology differs from traditional contracting, the latter being invariably price driven.

Performance contracting is results driven, ensuring quality of performance.

Guaranteed Savings Epcs Some advantages of a guaranteed savings EPC include: Expert, Integrated, Whole-Building Approach.

In contrast to the siloed, or stove-pipe approach that most specialized contactors use, the best ESCO engineers and project developers think holistically about buildings and energy systems. In addition, the best ESCO projects bring the latest knowledge and access to the most state-of-the- art technology and equipment, providing a full range of retrofit options. This holistic approach can result in superior project integration, implementation, and building energy performance, and in a project with a better economic scenario and environmental outcome.

Accountability & Expertise - Escos As Project Managers The turnkey services make it easier for the client to manage the project by having a single point of accountability rather than numerous contractors. A single contractor is responsible for providing project development, implementation, maintenance, and monitoring services.

Also, because the performance guarantee compels the ESCO to view the project as a long-term partnership with the client, the ESCO will look to improve the project’s performance. In the best cases, ESCOs bring continuous improvement during the guarantee period that would ordinarily not occur.

Blending Paybacks An important characteristic of EPCs is the ESCO’s ability to bundle multiple Facility Improvement Measures (FIMs) into one project. Some FIMs have short paybacks, meaning that the installation cost is paid back within just a few years by energy cost savings, while others have much longer paybacks. Many longer payback FIMs, when considered in isolation, are expensive to install, requiring prohibitively long lending terms. EPC uses the energy savings of items with short paybacks to help subsidize the cost of other items, blending the cash flows of the different FIMs. For example, a lighting retrofit might recover its cost in less than two years while a boiler system upgrade might not do so for 15 years. With EPCs, the energy savings from a lighting retrofit will help mitigate the cost of a boiler replacement, leading to a blended payback of less than 15 years for the entire project. This blending of paybacks in an integrated project is one of the principle added values inherent in a comprehensive approach to a retrofit project!

Energy and Operational Costs

Additional savings of energy price increase

Customer savings

Guaranteed savings Baseline

Reduced costs due to performance-based solutions Duration of program

Time (years)

Start of positive environmental impact

Customer to retain all savings

Preliminary study

Preliminary audit

Contract closure

Detailed analysis

Detailed engineering design

Changes in energy use accounting

Implementation

Planning, installation, project management

Guarantee phase

Energy Saving Guarantee measurment & verification service (IPM VP)

Measurement and verification To ensure ongoing equipment performance and assess compliance with the performance guarantee, ESCOs typically conduct regular measurement and verification of energy savings and submit their analysis’ results and annual reports to the building owner. The cost of the M&V services is capitalized into the overall project cost. M&V activities include ensuring that installed equipment is performing to specifications, and performing calculations of the project’s actual energy savings. Ongoing M&V of resource savings helps protect an owner from savings degradation as a result of deteriorating or failing equipment performance.

The Energy Saving Companies (ESCOs) can have a vital role to play in the MENA region. Their potential for growth in this market will depend in large part on the following: - establishing a legal framework and the adoption of EPC related regulations.

- the eventual lift of all utility subsidies.

- allow ESCOs to benefit from subsidized green loans (on behalf of their clients).

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S ayed C h eh wa n e C i v i l E n g i n eer

A Preliminary Analysis Of The

Ready Mixed Concrete Sector In Lebanon

The ready mixed concrete (RMC) sector has been in perpetual evolution since the end of the civil war in Lebanon and the beginning of the reconstruction of the country, achieving an annual growth of around 12.5% as a result of the encouraging overall environment (economic, political, technical, social and legal) despite any inherent political instability.

With more than 100 RMC companies/sites in Lebanon, should we remain optimistic about the evolution of this sector? The answer is complex. Yet, we can build a general view by performing a preliminary analysis of the competitiveness associated with the ready mixed concrete (RMC) sector in Lebanon using the five forces of Porter’s model: 1. Rivalry among existing competitors The number of RMC companies/sites in Lebanon is around 110, of which 60 (55%) are located in Greater Beirut and Mount-Lebanon; 12 (11%) in the North of Lebanon; 18 (16%) in Bekaa, and 20 (18%) in the South of Lebanon. The geographic location of an RMC company is very important because it defines the areas of supply (limited by technical constraints), as well as the availability of projects and clients. Competition can be very aggressive according to the geographic distribution and the size of existing RMC companies.

The concentration of the volume of work and RMC companies in the region of Greater Beirut and MountLebanon is strongly noticeable; for this reason, competition in this area is very fierce among those companies possessing the required reputation, experience, technical and commercial skills, logistics capacity and resources. Moreover, rivalry may still undergo fluctuations resulting from the volume and intensity of work (high or low season) and the nature of projects and clients.

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2. The bargaining power of suppliers: There are several suppliers that cater to the RMC sector: - Suppliers of raw materials: cement, gravel, sand, fuel (oil, diesel, etc.), additives and water.

- Suppliers of all kinds of spare parts.

- Suppliers of all kinds of services and equipment related to the RMC business.

With the exception of cement, the choice of suppliers is significant in terms of volume, products, quality and services rendered. And the bargaining power of RMC companies increases as a result of raw material supply being greater than demand in general.

Under special circumstances, and following the introduction of national laws and regulations by the Lebanese government, the suspension of sand and gravel quarries can threaten the market. In such cases, suppliers of gravel and sand are able to impose their own prices and tariffs. However, this kind of situation remains infrequent.

As for cement, there are only three Lebanese cement companies: Holcim Lebanon, Cimenterie Nationale, and Ciment de Sibline. In order to protect the national industry, the Lebanese government prohibited the import of cement. As a result, the existing cement companies have formed a kind of oligopoly cartel allowing them to impose their own prices and policies (NAHAS Charbel,

Monopole et concurrence (2). Le Commerce du Levant, Avril 2008, p.32 -38). Consequently, the bargaining power of

cement companies is significantly high and each RMC company must be aligned with this fact.

3. The bargaining power of customers: The customers of the RMC sector are mainly contractors and real estate/construction developers. The ready mixed concrete market is currently evolving constantly in Lebanon, with an average annual growth rate of around 12.5% (according to the bulk cement deliveries from the

MAzraat Yachou ARea (1 RMC cOMPANY)

BCD Area (1 RMC companY)

UPPER northern Metn (4 RMC cOMPANies)

Nahr EL Mott Area (10 RMC companies)

Jisr EL BAcha Area (3 RMC companies)

Choueifat Area (15 RMC companies)

Lebanese cement companies) due to continued stable activity by the construction and real estate sectors.

Although projects and sites are spread all over the Lebanese territory, the majority of building activities are concentrated in Beirut and Mount Lebanon, where the competition is fierce. Outside this area and for various technical, regulatory and commercial reasons, demand for ready mixed concrete is in balance with supply, resulting in a balanced bargaining power for customers. There are always exceptions where the customer’s bargaining power is relatively high, as is the case of a large project or a privileged contractor, given the strategy and the commercial policy of the RMC company.

4. The threat of new entrants: Since the market is currently evolving and constantly growing, the threats facing new entrants become manageable, assuming the availability of required resources and skills.

The following are considered the most significant obstacles facing new entrants: a. Being part of an industry where fixed costs are relatively high, which requires a considerable amount of investment. b. The significant competitive advantage of existing firms. c. The need to build a strong and sustainable reputation for the potential RMC company, which requires heavy investment in marketing and communications.

Aley Area (2 RMC companies)

5. The threat of substitute products:

Greater Beirut - RMC companies distribution.

The substitute product is concrete that is mixed on site by traditional small mixers. This threat becomes increasingly weak for regulatory, operational, and technical reasons (quality control of concrete). Decree 14293 dated 11/3/2005 which calls for public safety in buildings and civil engineering works by applying codes as well as welldefined and stringent technical standards, is starting to be seriously applied in the work field. The objective of such controls is to promote the quality of work in the construction sector in general, and in concrete projects in particular, thus the need for ready mixed concrete instead of traditionally mixed concrete.

To conclude: although it is safe to say that we remain optimistic regarding the evolution of the RMC sector in Lebanon, the following reservations should be kept in mind: − Since rivalry is fierce, the sector is likely to become increasingly concentrated. − The RMC sector is likely to be threatened by the much anticipated stagnation of the construction and real estate sector. − Stringent technical and regulatory requirements should be complied with. − RMC companies should be able to keep up with constant changes and technical developments in order to survive.

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Strong

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g Room

Fo u a d Ab o u c h a r

S a l es & M a r keti n g M a n a g er - E n erg y SA R L

Strong Room

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Strong Rooms are usually built to provide highly secure places for the safekeeping of money, precious stones, jewelry, and other valuables, like artwork.

Building a fixed strong room requires a location possessing a very high structural load bearing capacity.

Normally, such rooms are located in the basement of banks to accommodate the very heavy load caused by the weight of thick armored walls that usually range from 30 to 60 cm in thickness, depending on the level of protection needed.

In contrast, modular prefabricated strong rooms have thin walls that do not exceed 150 mm in thickness, but which offer the same or even higher protection levels.

The reduced weight and ease of assembly permit the set-up of these modular strong rooms on the upper floors of new buildings, where their components are welded together in a very clean and compact construction site.

There are also additional advantages, such as the possibility of disassembling the strong room and transporting it to another location; it can also be expanded or reduced in volume, as long as the expected

load does not exceed 300 kg/m2, with wall cladding added to match the general design of the premises.

Vault doors follow the level of security selected for the modular panels. Also, they may have two to four different combinations & locks, preferably: one high security double bit lock, and the other a keyless mechanical or electronic programmable combination.

Moreover, a daily grill gate should be installed inside, behind the vault doors, and kept closed while working in the strong room to keep out unauthorized employees or visitors.

The design plan related to ventilation is a very important survival factor in case the vault door closes for any reason, trapping people inside, as is found in some robbery cases. Also, the installation of an anti-intrusion alarm system should be taken into consideration while preparing cabling.

Not all engineers and architects are capable of designing a perfect strong room; therefore it is advisable to coordinate either with experts or your future safe equipment provider.

Vault Room Construction - Minimum Bank Vault Room; Floor And Ceiling Requirements Total Security The concept of Total Security incorporates the elimination of all possible methods of attack in order to reduce the possibility of a successful robbery. This includes evaluating the construction of the vault itself, the door securing the vault and any other feature which enhances the vault’s resistance to any attempted attack.

Vault Design & Construction – Concrete & Tangbar Vaults require at least 30cm thickness walls, floor and ceiling of reinforced concrete. The vault door should be manufactured from steel at least 9 cm in thickness, or other drill and torch resistant material and equipped with a dial combination lock (a time lock is optional), in additional to a security key lock and a substantial grill gate.

Safe Deposit Lockers form the core of most vaults. They are only as safe as the vault in which they are housed.

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Top Security enclosure for retail outlets.

Left Secured back office area.

Right Secured storage area of valuable goods.

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Top Security enclosure for buildings such as embassies, military bases and police departments.

Left Medical supplies secured storage area.

Right Archives storage secured storage area.

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The main vault door is the focal point of any vault protecting a Safe Deposit Locker Installation. Its role as Protector to Safe Deposit Lockers dictates that its strength and reliability cannot be compromised. The door must be depended upon to provide resistance against an attempted attack; while, under normal conditions, it is expected to be durable for the requirements of daily use.

The vault walls also need to be consistently and reliably strong. Conventional brick walls are generally not built to withstand attacks similar in intensity to those attempted on vault doors. Chubb reinforces their constructed walls using special steel reinforcement.

The Chubb Tangbar reinforcement deprives any prospective burglar of his most important tool… time.

The Chubb Tangbar is a specially designed anti-burglar reinforcement used in vaults.

The Tangbar is constructed from steel, stamped into the form of a double comb and when twisted, the tangs radiate in all directions. The design of a twisted comb is irregular as it forms an inconsistent design caging and reinforcing the concrete. More importantly, the Tangbar increases the difficulty of penetration as it forms a cage of metal distributed throughout the concrete.

weight and flexibility, this vault can be built into the existing structure of a building and customized to meet the required dimensions.

The exterior of the enclosure can be painted or finished with decorative panels. ModuleGuard is also available in a pre-painted or galvanized version.

CHUBBSAFES - Centurion

CHUBBSAFES - ModuleGuard

Used for: Cash, valuables

Chubbsafes offers vaults in several different security levels, from Grade II to Grade XII. Our vaults are built with lightweight modular panels, for easy assembly, disassembly and expansion of a room.

Burglary protection: Grade V – VIII (EX) and Grade IX – XII (EX) (CD) EN 1143-1

Do you want to see how a vault is built? Have a closer look at ModuleGuard, our lightweight security enclosure.

Used for: Cash, valuables, weapons etc...

Burglary protection: Grade II – IV, EN 1143-1 ModuleGuard is a series of lightweight panels and doors for security enclosure construction. Thanks to its light

Centurion is a series of lightweight modular panels and high security doors for vault room construction. Both panels and doors are available with eight different security levels, all of which with explosives resistance.

The highest levels also offer additional protection against diamond crown drill bits.

The exterior of the vault can be finished with plaster or clad with wood or metal panels. The vault door can be fitted with a grille gate providing added security for the main door.

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G eo rges M ic a elia n

Understanding Wood Flooring & Under-Floor Heating

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Sketches by Rhea Nawar

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1 Solid wood flooring.

2 Engineered wood flooring.

3 Temperature fluctuations problems.

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Many wood flooring specialists are reluctant to install hardwood floors over under-floor heating. Their reluctance is based upon fear of failure, ignorance and a lack of willingness to train their fitting staff to meet the modern needs set by under-floor heating. Within the construction industry, there is also a significant lack of proper understanding of under-floor heating systems and their effect upon hardwood floors. With the development of engineered wood flooring, hardwood suppliers have enhanced their products to allow bigger and larger planks to be installed over under-floor heating.

The debate surrounding this issue is endless; suffice it to say that I would recommend that engineered wood flooring and not solid wood flooring be used in such cases. Engineered wood flooring is available in a huge range of finishes and styles, it’s made from two or more layers of wood which have been joined together to form a plank, topped with a layer of hard wood.

The composition of the back layer is essential to the stability of the plank, multiple thin layers of wood are glued together, and some of these layers are glued in the opposite direction of the top layer, allowing a more sturdy and solid plank. What’s more, because engineered flooring is topped with hard wood and because of its layered structure, it is an extremely durable flooring option. The construction of engineered wood flooring means it’s less susceptible to the expansion and contraction issues associated with moisture and

temperature fluctuations, which often cause problems with solid wood flooring.

When you’re choosing engineered flooring to go over under-floor heating there are a few things that must be taken into consideration.

1. To ensure energy efficiency, the overall thickness of the chosen flooring must not exceed 16 mm.

2. The top layer, i.e. the real wood layer, shouldn’t be more than 5 mm thick 3. Engineered wood floors need to be glued down because this method allows for the expansion and contraction of the floor as the temperature rises and falls due to the flexibility of the glue. What’s more, a glued floor helps prevent the appearance of air pockets, which can occur over under-floor heating.

Timber performance Timber is hydroscopic. It absorbs free water when wet. It gives off and takes up water vapor to and from the atmosphere. Timber species vary considerably in their hydroscopicity and their propensity to associated expansion and contraction. Warm humid weather causes more expansion in timber than cold rainy days. Warm dry desert atmospheres desiccate timber to the point of cellular collapse, but, equally, cold dry atmospheres can also create excessive dryness. Timber and moisture have a close relationship, with slow but powerful, even irresistible, Bu il din g & Co | M AY 2014

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4 Elements layout from screed to wood flooring.

5 Avoid crowding tube elements.

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reactions between them as a result of heat and cold, albeit to a lesser extent than humidity. Under-floor heating merely adds a new dimension to an existing technical problem with timber. It must be taken seriously, but is not something to get over anxious about.

Heating Element Location

Many years ago, floors fitted with under-floor heating were overheated to compensate for poor building insulation. High temperatures caused contraction and distortion in hardwood flooring. Today, high levels of insulation, improved ventilation systems, better adhesives and installation techniques enable hardwood floors over under-floor heating to remain stable.

The spacing of the tubing is the responsibility of the heating engineer. It should be even. Crowding of tubes, e.g. leading to or from manifolds should be avoided under the timber floor. Such crowding creates areas in which much higher calorific output is concentrated and can lead to localized shrinkage.

Wood Humidity

Fixing over under-floor heating systems

The humidity level of the wood flooring at the moment of production is crucial to the relative humidity of the site.

During production, the humidity level is decreased to 7% for a dry environment versus increasing it to 12% for a humid environment; a beach house, for example.

As I said above, wood flooring should be directly glued on screed with a water-free bi-component epoxypolyurethane adhesive. This glue does not contain any water, thus it will not evaporate when the floor heating is turned on. Ask your wood flooring vendor for the data sheet of the glue to make sure it is the correct type.

Thermal wood insulation Timber is an excellent insulating material, and therefore should be as thin as is practicable. The important factor in the data sheet of a particular wood flooring is its thermal conductivity, evaluated in (m2K)/W. As per Wikipedia, Absolute thermal resistance is the temperature difference across a structure when a unit of heat energy flows through it in unit time. The SI units of thermal resistance are kelvins per watt or the equivalent. The heat thermal conductivity factor should not exceed 0.15 m2 K/W. Anything above 16 mm in thickness will start to decrease the effect of the under-floor heating. However, we live in an area where 20

external temperatures rarely go below 5 degrees Celsius; therefore, decreasing a little the strength of the heat generated by the floor heating will have a minimal effect on achieving the desired temperature in the room.

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Environmental Control The problem that under-floor heating presents for hardwood flooring is compounded by the (often unrealistic) demands and expectations of the customers.

Today, customers demand that natural materials give up their peculiar behaviors and remain inert and unchanging under all circumstances – as if real wood could behave like wood-effect Formica. To get close to achieving this state in a hardwood flooring over under-floor heating, the environmental controls must provide a year round consistent environment. The principal that really matters

6 Wood flooring reaction in case screed is not dry.

7 Moisture test to be executed before installation.

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is humidity control. Ideally, the heating, ventilation or airconditioning systems should have humidity monitoring and automatic controls, so that the removal of excess humidity - which will be the most likely cause of problems is automated and not reliant upon human interaction.

Moisture in the subfloor and building Prior to fitting hardwood flooring, the under-floor heating system should be fully pressure tested and certainly until all moisture in the screed has been driven off. Plaster should be dry and all wet trades finished in the rooms to which the flooring is to be fitted. Relative atmospheric humidity should be no higher than 75% and no lower than 60%. Humidity or moisture in the subfloor should not exceed 1.5%.

Laying polythene sheeting over an area of the floor will carry out a simple, but effective, test for moisture. It

should be marked as a test and weighted down to prevent accidental removal. The minimum area covered should be 1 m x 1 m, but it is preferable to cover an area as large as is practicable. Turn the heating system on and leave for 3 days - less if the test proves positive earlier. After 3 days if there are no beads of moisture on or under the polythene, then the floor is dry and fitting may proceed. If there are any beads of moisture or fine misting under the polythene, the floor is not dry and the new flooring must not be fitted until it is.

Heating before, during and after fitting The under-floor heating should be turned on two weeks prior to installation and gradually increased by 5 degrees to achieve a maximum of 28 degrees on the screed. Two days prior to installation, the heating system should be turned off. The heating should stay off during fitting. After fitting, the flooring should be allowed to rest for a few days to ensure complete cure and hardening of the adhesives used.

Heating may be turned back on once the adhesives have hardened. The temperature should be raised gently by 1 degree C per day from the prevailing ambient temperature.

It must not be turned full on right away.

A good understanding of all the factors that are present in the installation process is all that is needed; it does not require rocket science.

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Lea Ab b o u d J o u r n a l i st

The New Face of Double Glazing

A Technique that Requires Codes and Regulations According to some studies, about 60 percent of heat loss in homes is due to single pane windows. Double glazed windows and doors may cost more and need more time to be manufactured, but they will certainly allow owners to save around 10 percent on heating bills. The only problem is that, unlike what most people think, not all double glazed windows care suitable for installation in all buildings and regions, and they certainly do not all have the same characteristics.

In most developed countries, there are codes and regulations that need to be respected in construction, and that definitely applies to glass windows. The noise Double glazed laminated glass - with an argon gas filled cavity and a Low-E coating

EXTERIOR Summer heat reflected out

reduction properties, as well as the thermal insulation vary according to the thickness of each layer and the variety of materials used.

The different compositions Every double glazed window is composed of two glass panes separated by a spacer bar. The cavity formed between the two panes is filled with either dehydrated air or an inert gas, such as xenon, argon or krypton. Their role is usually to absorb humidity.

In laminated glass, an interlayer made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) is placed between the two layers of glass to keep them from shattering if they break. This layer also contributes to noise reduction and protection from ultraviolet radiations.

There are three kinds of spacer bars: aluminum, warm edge and super spacer. The difference between them is mostly aesthetic, but some are slightly more flexible than others, or more effective in terms of thermal insulation.

Codes and regulations Most developed countries, such as the U.A.E. and European states, have codes for double glazed windows.

In Lebanon, there are no such regulations and double glazed glass is being sold and installed randomly.

According to Bahij Bahliss, Architectural Sales Manager at Guardian Glass-Automotive-Building Products, who is an expert in this field, a large number of Lebanese architects do not even know about these codes.

4 | 6 mm Laminated Glass 4 | 6 mm Annealed Glass Low - E Coating Argon Gas Edge Spacer Primary Sealants Secondary Sealants

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B u i l di n g & Co | M AY 2014

INTERIOR Winter indoor heat reflected back inside

In order to understand these codes, it is essential to know that not all double glazed windows are the same.

Aside from the fact that the quality may not always meet expectations, different types of glass should be chosen depending on the region, as well as according to what the owner’s demands are.

INSIDE

Thermal and solar control

Thermal control is measured by the U-value (W/sqm.K or BTU/hr.sqft.F), which represents the amount of indirect (passive) heat loss or gain, through 1m2 of glass, for a difference of temperature of 1K between the hot area and the colder area. Windows with the lowest U-value are the most efficient insulators against heat loss in a room, and they are usually created with Low E (Low Emissivity) glass, which has a transparent metallic coating that works in two ways to save heating energy. The most commonly used metal is silver, in double or triple coats.

Bahliss continued: “In the U.A.E, the U-value should not exceed 2.0 W/m2.K, while in Europe it should be at least 1.6 W/m2.K. There is no way that a regular double glazed window can satisfy these criteria, which is why the glass is usually coated, in these cases.”

Thermal control is mainly used for apartments and villas or as indoor glass, when insulated with a tinted or Solar Glass. It can also come in handy in cold areas or areas where high light transmission is needed, due to cloudy weather. It is particularly efficient, when there is high indirect heat loss or gain between indoor and outdoor spaces.

However, solar control is measured by the Solar Factor (SF) or Shading Coefficient (SC) (Shading Coefficient = Solar Factor/0.87). The solar factor is the percentage of the total solar heat transmitted and reradiated to the inside of a certain glass composition, while the shading coefficient is that same percentage compared to 3 mm thick clear glass. The lower these values are, the better the quality of the glass is.

“Regular glass lets in 80% of the solar radiations. In the U.A.E. the solar factor should stay below 30%, whereas in Europe they need more light to enter their homes, since the weather is usually gloomy”, Bahliss explained. “Many architects, who graduated from European colleges and are currently working in Lebanon, use the same criteria that they learned abroad. For example, they ask for 70% light transmission glass. This is wrong because Lebanese homes are much more exposed to sunlight, throughout the year, than European ones.”

Short wave Radiation (eg. Sun)

OUTSIDE

Double Glazed unit incorporating ‘Low E’ Glass

GLAZING

EXTERIOR

WINDOW

REFLECTED OUT

LONG WAVE INFRARED Sunlight absorbed

by Low E coating on #2 surface

WARM CLIMATES Absorbed heat reflected to outdoors

COLD CLIMATES Absorbed heat conducted indoors

Outside

Inside

Solar control coating

Each glass absorbs and reflects a different amount of light and heat. Bahliss explains that some areas or regions may be colder than others, or more exposed to sunlight. It is according to these two factors that the architect should choose the type of glass.

Long Wave Radiation (eg. radiators)

Up to 62 % of heat is blocked by the solar control coating.

Bu il din g & Co | M AY 2014

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Solar control mostly suits office buildings and government institutions. It is also used whenever low or medium light transmission is needed, or when ther e is high direct solar heat gain between indoor and outdoor spaces, which applies to sunny regions.

The more these standards are respected, the more people can save energy and money. This method is environmentally friendly and has no disadvantages whatsoever, which is why it should be spread across the world.

Noise reduction Most crowded areas suffer from noise transmission through the glass, such as cities that have constantly busy road, or buildings situated next to construction sites. Nevertheless, thanks to double glazed windows and acoustic glass, owners can now protect their homes or offices from this disturbance and reduce noise transmission to the maximum.

Acoustic glass is composed of two or more layers of glass, heat or pressure bonded together with one or more acoustic PVB interlayers. The interlayers’ role is to absorb a part of the sound waves, as they travel through the glass. It not only provides insulation for impact and airborne noise but also maintains the safety and security properties of laminated glass.

Acoustic glass is a good solution for both offices and homes, when applied to products such as windows, patio doors, skylights, conservatories and internal screens and partitions. It can also be incorporated within double glazed windows, ranging in thickness from 26 mm to 40mm.

How acoustic glass works The frequency or pitch of a noise, measured in Hertz, represents the number of sound waves emitted per second. Low pitched sounds can penetrate the glass much easier than high pitched ones, and are thus harder to block.

The acoustic performance of double glazing is linked to two major factors: Sound Transmission Class (STC), which is used to measure the sound transmission loss of interior walls, ceilings and floors; and Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class (OITC), which measures the sound transmission loss of exterior glazing applications. High sound transmission loss (good sound insulation) is required in many commercial curtain wall applications.

The acoustic insulation properties of a window are measured with the sound reduction index represented by the letter “R”. For example, a window with an R of 20 decibels should reduce a 60 dB outside traffic noise level to 40 dB within the room.

In order to benefit from the best quality sound insulation, double glazed windows should have the widest possible cavity between panes of glass. The glass panes need to be as thick as possible and it is even recommended to use a different thickness for each of them. To increase the insulation to the maximum, it is advised to use specially laminated acoustic glass.

Typical Sound Transmission Loss: source: Guardian Sunguard Advanced Architectural Glass

Glass Configuration

Noise transmission can be in any combination of low, medium or high frequency sounds. It is important to select the acoustic insulation properties of the window required, according to the frequency or pitch of the noise to be blocked, as well as the desired number of decibels to be reduced.

Laminated glass produces higher OITC ratings; because the lamination dampens vibration and the air space limits sound transmission. A laminated acoustic double glazed window can reduce noise levels by up to 35 decibels.

Frequency in Hertz (Hz) 100

125

160

200

250

315

400

500

630

800

1000

1250

1600

2000

2500

3150

4000

STC

OTIC

6mm

23

25

25

24

28

26

29

31

33

34

34

35

34

30

27

32

37

31

29

12mm

26

30

26

30

33

33

34

36

37

35

32

32

36

40

43

46

50

36

33

25

26

28

27

29

29

30

32

34

35

35

36

36

35

35

38

43

35

31

6mm - 76 PVB - 6mm

28

31

29

31

32

33

32

33

35

36

36

35

36

40

43

46

48

37

33

6mm - 1.52 PVB - 6mm

27

28

27

30

31

31

33

35

36

37

37

37

36

37

41

44

48

37

33

3mm - 10mm as - 3mm

26

23

23

20

23

19

23

27

29

32

35

39

44

47

48

41

36

31

26

6mm - 12mm as - 6mm

29

22

26

18

25

25

31

32

34

36

39

40

39

35

36

46

52

35

28

3mm - 12mm as - 3mm - 76 PVB - 3mm

27

29

25

24

25

27

29

31

35

38

40

41

42

43

46

50

49

37

31

6mm - 12mm as - 3mm - 76 PVB - 3mm

27

27

24

28

26

33

34

35

38

40

42

43

42

40

42

47

51

39

32

6mm - 12mm as - 6mm - 76 PVB - 6mm

30

26

30

30

29

36

37

37

39

39

41

42

43

44

46

51

53

41

35

3mm - 76 PVB - 3mm

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B u i l di n g & Co | M AY 2014

The 19th International Construction Trade Exhibition for Lebanon & the Middle East

BOOK YOUR SPACE NOW 3 - 6 June 2014 BIEL - Beirut, Lebanon +961 5 959111

Held concurrently with:

Energy Lebanon

www.projectlebanon.com Organized by

Official Insurer

Official Hotel

Official Air Express Company

Official TV

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Photo Š Michel El Esta

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B u i l di n g & Co | M AY 2014

Photo Š Michel El Esta

Bu il din g & Co | M AY 2014

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Photo Š Michel El Esta

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B u i l di n g & Co | M AY 2014

Photo Š Michel El Esta

Bu il din g & Co | M AY 2014

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B u i l di n g & Co | M AY 2014

Lea Abbo u d J o u r n a l i st

Gypsum Board:

A “Must” in Modern Construction

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The gypsum board, also known as drywall or wallboard, is an easy way to avoid all kinds of problems related to humidity, noise penetration and fires. It is also used to cover some unwanted areas or even for decorative purposes. The advantages of this material are its quick installation and its very light weight, which make it very easy to transport and handle. Electrical and plumbing installations can also be incorporated, without having to drill the wall or rebuild it.

Soundproofing properties Any regular gypsum board is 20 percent soundproof. In order to improve this performance, other materials, such as rock wool or glass wool, can be added to the drywall.

This technique is usually used for recording studios and theaters.

Rock wool is more commonly used in Lebanon and it comes in various densities, according to price. It is incorporated into a metal structure, between the two layers of plaster.

Other properties The drywall comes in various types, according to the specific requirements of each construction site. Each type possessing different properties that distinguish it from the others.

The regular gypsum board is usually gray and is not waterproof. To protect a room from humidity, it is advisable to opt for the moisture resistant drywall. In case the surface is exposed to large amounts of water, such as bathrooms, it is not recommended to use gypsum board. Other options are available, like cement boards for example.

It is also possible to avoid excessive damage from occurring in case of a fire, especially when the building contains highly flammable materials, by using fireproof 32

B u i l di n g & Co | M AY 2014

gypsum board. It can fight off the fire for about 20 minutes, allowing firemen enough time to arrive.

Potential risks Cracks in the drywall may occur, due to the fact that most Lebanese buildings are not very rigid and stable.

Sometimes it can also be the result of bad quality materials, incompetent labor or poor painting. Long exposure to large amounts of water, such as rain, will also damage such structures, necessitating that they be replaced in some cases.

Certainly, a gypsum board manufactured in Europe is not the same quality as one that is manufactured in Lebanon or China. Architects and construction specialists should not be fooled by low prices, because the better the quality, the less they will need to repair or replace them, on the long run A gypsum board should also be efficiently installed; otherwise the structure will definitely not be able to last long. The technique is simple but it needs to be meticulously and correctly executed.

Installation technique 1. First of all, for the gypsum board to remain properly affixed, it needs to be correctly framed. The studs have to be straight, with double studs on inside corners to provide an adequate nailing surface for adjoining walls.

2. When placed below the ceiling, the gypsum board should be applied at right angles to the joists.

Temporary t-braces can be used to support the board’s weight.

3. The boards will then be either nailed or screwed to the joists, using 1-1/4 inch drywall nails for 1/2 inch wallboard; 1-3/8 inch drywall nails for 5/8 inch wallboard; or 1-1/4 inch Type W drywall screws. The

hole saw

distance separating the nails should not exceed 7 inches on ceilings, and 8 inches on sidewalls, with a minimum of 3/8 inch and a maximum of 1/2 inch away from wallboard edges. However, screws should be no more than 12 inches apart on ceilings, and 16 inches apart on sidewalls.

4. The nail head will be slightly squeezed in with the final blow of the hammer to avoid tearing the face paper. Indenting the surface with nails is known as “dimpling”. Once this process is completed, the slight depressions will be smoothly covered with joint compound.

Caution! Using screws rather than nails is not always a good idea. Some kinds of screws may damage the drywall, such as wood screws that can easily tear the board. The recommendation is to use coated gypsum board screws and a screw gun at all times. The gun will place the screw slightly below the face of the paper.

How to avoid cracks

over the joint to remove imperfections and so it blends in with the existing surface.

There are two types of corners. For inside corners, all you have to do is follow the previously mentioned steps. The first layer of joint compound must be about 2 inches wide and should be applied to both sides of the corner.

However, for outside corners, the bead should be nailed 9 inches through each flange with opposite nails. The joint compound will then be applied over the corner bead flange. The first coat should only be around 4 inches wide, while the second coat should be 2 to 6 inches wider, on each side of corner.

Priming and painting For a neat and decorative drywall, it is recommended to prime the repaired surfaces with good quality, flat, white alkyd paint before proceeding to decoration. Two layers need to be applied according to the recommendations of the manufacturer.

In order to avoid cracks, every two boards that meet should be joined with what is called a “corner”. Joint compound must be applied to all wallboard joints. Following these simple steps is one way to prevent the gypsum board from being easily damaged.

1. Apply a 4 inch-wide uniform layer of compound to each joint.

2. Tape the joint with large scotch tape and press it firmly into place.

3. Remove excess joint compound with a finishing knife and leave it to dry for 24 hours.

4. First finishing coat: apply a thin layer of compound and feather out 3 to 4 inches on each side of the tape, and then leave it 24 hours to dry.

5. Second finishing coat: apply a second thin layer, feather out 8 to 10 inches on each side of the tape, and then leave it another 24 hours to dry.

6. Gently run a damp sponge, with a little compound,

Clip Stil ® SM8 Tensioner Stil ®

Stapler Stil ® F 530 dB

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S a lma S a ma h a

L a n d s c a p e E n g i n eer

Urban Tree Planting trees in urban areas is an effective, low cost and low-tech solution to many of the problems faced by cities, where more than half of the world’s population lives.

Placed on sidewalks, available medians and other public spaces in urban areas, street trees have a direct impact on the urban environment through the benefits that they provide. Indeed, studies have shown that trees improve the quality of urban life for people and the environment alike.

As a major urban natural element, trees mark the passing seasons and have a great role in connecting inhabitants to nature, which is crucial for their health; which, as defined fifty years ago, by the World Health Organization (WHO) is “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

Another economic positive impact of urban trees is their ability to cool heat-absorbing streets, and reduce the urban heat island effect. Heat from the sun, reflected back from the earth, is trapped in this thickening layer of gases, causing global temperatures to rise. Trees absorb CO2, a major greenhouse gas, by removing and storing the carbon while releasing the oxygen back into the air. In one year, an acre of mature trees absorbs as much CO2 as is produced when driving your car more than 40,000 kilometers.

Exposure to trees and nature, have a positive impact on neighborhoods, and aid concentration by reducing mental fatigue. Studies have shown that patients with views of trees out of their windows, heal faster and with fewer complications. Trees shield from ultra-violet rays and help prevent skin cancer by reducing UV-B exposure by about 50 percent.

It was proven that streets with trees are, on average, 10 degrees Celsius cooler than those without, which directly affects human behavior. Indeed, a tree-lined street will slow traffic enough to allow the drivers to look at the store fronts, instead of whizzing by; which also applies to pedestrians. Knowing that, the more trees a commercial district has, the more business will flow in.

Furthermore, trees clean the air by absorbing dust, odor, pollutant gases(nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone) and filter particulates out by trapping them on their leaves and bark, thus lowering the health risks associated with air pollution and particulate matter for asthma, in young children and the elderly. Let us then try to achieve a 30% tree canopy cover and benefit from this friendly presence, knowing that a single tree can absorb up to 3.5 Kg of air pollution every year!

Strategically placed trees reduce energy use and costs in cities by 20-50%. By reducing the energy demand for cooling houses, for example, we reduce carbon dioxide and other pollution emissions from power plants.

Trees, as landmarks, can give a neighborhood a new identity and encourage civic pride, by reducing the level of fear and increasing social cohesion. In addition, the volume

34

of tree canopies can mask concrete walls or parking lots, as well as unsightly views. They muffle sound from nearby streets and freeways, and create an eye-soothing canopy of green. It was proven that the beauty of a well-planted surrounding street and neighborhood, can raise property values by as much as 15 percent!

B u i l di n g & Co | M AY 2014

The preceding benefits of urban trees can be considered “key parts of our armory to combat climate change”. Their environmental and aesthetic values, are sufficient reasons to expand the tree canopy in our cities resulting in cooler and healthier urban environments. So, why not be among the pioneers and work to implemented the so called “Cool Cities” program!

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Handing Over Stage 3 Months

Execution Stage 24 Months

Design Stage 6 Months

Conceptual Stage 3 Months

Construction Process Real Estate Project Owner, initiates the project and appoints the OR and Architect

OR, based on the Owner’s requirement, will put a design brief for the A, follow up the design requirement, establish an estimate for the project, a timetable and a prefeasibility study after assessing the Market.

The Architect, would control the development of his concept.

The OR, acting as Project Manager would lead this phase by coordinating between the different entities and verifying the conformance to the set objectives. The pre-marketing is also followed up. The Tender is initiated and the Contractor(s) designated at the end of the stage.

The OR/PM will manage the whole operation, reviewing all the documents and payments, assessing the performance of the Consultants and Contractors

The Architect will follow up the execution process periodically.

The DO will act as the Engineer (Fidic type contract). He will supervise assess the works executed by the Contractor (s)

The DO take over the works and prepare the occupancy permit in coordination with the Architect

The TC will assess on spot checks the quality of the works executed on site and the conformance to the Norms.

The OR/PM coordinates the works of all, issue the final payments after reviewing / additions / substractions / claims

Project Participants: Owner –Owner Representative (OR) –Architect (A) –Design Office (DO) –Technical Control (TC) – Contractors (C) The table above shows the roles and responsibility of each participant in the Construction Process.

This process is based for a small to medium setup project in a prime location with a targeted high quality end product.

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B u i l di n g & Co | M AY 2014

PRE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES • Cost Control

Architect, to propose a concept, based on the Brief, integrating the project environment and program

• Schedule Control • Quality Control • Progress Meetings • Public Agency Interface / Code Compliance • Value Engineering

Based of the Design presented by the Architect, the Design Office will develop the Design in order to issue tender documentations (Drawings, Specifications and BOQs). All documents are reviewed by the OR or the PM.

• Constructability The Technical Control will control the Quality of the Drawings, the Norms, the Security and the Safety of the Design.

• Construction Logistics/ Strategy • Contractor Prequalification • Bidding and Tender Analysis & Recommendation • Contracts/ Agreements • Design Progress Reports

CONSTRUCTION PHASES • Progress Meetings The Contractor (s) will be the responsible for executing the works in the time, quality and cost defined in its contract. Setups could be either having one General Contractor or 5 to 6 contractors (Shoring and Excavation, Concrete and related works, Electromechanical, Finishing, Conveying etc..

• Safety Program • Pre-Construction Meetings • Contract Administration • Permits Licenses • Bonding / Insurance • Document Control • Scheduling • Project Accounting • Changes • Payments • Close Out

The Contractor executed the punch list items, establish the As-Built drawing and Maintenance documents

• Project Records • Reporting • Punch List • Certificate of Occupancy • Warranty Operations and • Maintenance

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C a r l B a la d i

Chairman General Manager at Baladi Freres Sal

High-Rise Concrete Pumping

General description Concrete pumps have been used in the building industry for more than 50 years, and today they are used, on a daily basis, in the construction world, not only to convey concrete but, whenever used with the right accessories, to place large quantities thereof safely and efficiently while reducing wage costs.

Concrete pumps are mainly used due to their speed and steady continuous flow of concrete. They also allow access to difficult to reach areas, especially in high-rise buildings; they reduce manpower, free up tower cranes, and allow the pouring of concrete under various weather conditions,...

Selection of the right concrete pump It is the building site configuration (horizontal and vertical placing distances), the size of the individual sections to be poured (concrete volume), the time allowed for a specific pouring and the quality of the concrete to be placed (Cement content, grading of aggregates, consistency, maximum size of aggregate, water-cement ratio etc.) that will determine the correct sizing of the concrete pump.

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B u i l di n g & Co | M AY 2014

As the pumping pressure increases with the length of the delivery line and velocity of the concrete in the line. The longer the distance or the higher the required concrete volume, the more power is needed in the concrete pump.

There are 2 types of concrete pumps: - The truck mounted ones possessing a hydraulically operated boom allow the placing of the concrete, but are limited in their height as in Lebanon, the average boom length is 42m with a maximum of 52m, - The stationary concrete pumps that are trailer mounted without any boom but are connected to concrete pipes and concrete elbows that allow conveying of the concrete.

Usually, in high-rise buildings, you would start with a truck mounted pump and continue with a stationary pump that you would connect to a concrete placing boom for efficient concrete handling at height.

Calculating the pumping pressures To choose the right concrete pump, you must first know the needed pump pressure which is a result of: - Pumping output (m3/h) - Pipeline inside diameter (125 or 150 mm) - Pipeline length - Vertical distance from pump level to placing level - Concrete friction factor Important: Nowadays, due to the great number of chemicals present in the concrete mix, the evaluation of the friction factor has become a highly sophisticated endeavor.

Practical field tests should be done to check the friction factor of the concrete designed for the project under the conditions that apply to each individual concrete mix.

The individual project parameters are the base for the performance requirements that must be met by the concrete pump. They depend on the dimensions of the building (horizontal and vertical placing distances), the size of the individual sections to be poured (concrete volume per hour) and on the quality of the concrete to be placed (cement content, grading of aggregates, consistency, maximum size of aggregate, water-cement ratio etc.).

SCHWING concrete pumps are used when top performance is required, big quantities of concrete need to be placed within a short time, pumping heights and / or distances are extreme, and when concrete mix designs are difficult (sizing, grading curve, water-cement ratio, fines).

Preferred applications for SCHWING pumps in the construction industry are high-rise buildings, power stations, tunnels etc.

Setting up the pump Installation and location of the pump Determining the right location of the concrete pump depends on the space availability to allow the circulation of the truck mixers, a secure and clear area around the concrete pipes for safety reasons, as a result of the high pressure inside them, as well as good air ventilation and a wash out area for the truck mixers.

Input Output

Q=

35

m3/h

Pipe diameter

d=

0.125

m

Total pipe length (horizontal + Vertical) L =

350

m

Friction Factor

F=

2.50

Height

H=

296

Cross-section area

A=

Velocity

m

Result

Pressure calculation for Abraj Kudai Project

Friction Factor

Slump (cm)

1.00

15.0

1.10

13.7

1.18

12.5

1.25

11.2

1.35

10.0

1.50

8.7

0.01227

m

2

1.70

7.5

v=

0.79

m/s

2.02

6.2

Concrete in pipeline

V=

4.30

m3

2.65

5.0

Conveying duration

T=

7.36

min

3.80

3.7

Horizontal pressure

PH =

79.90

bar

6.14

2.5

Vertical pressure

PV =

74.00

bar

Only Valid for w/c ration >0.45. For w/c <0.45 and chemical additives such as liquefier

Total pressure

Ptotal =

154

bar

Required engine power

N=

215

kW

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Choosing and connecting the pipeline to the pump Choosing the right delivery tubes and mounting them properly is as essential as choosing the concrete pump.

It is the length and height of the project that will determine the maximum concrete pressure and the type of pipes that should be used, considering the fact that a pipe bursting at a pressure of 110 bars or more can cause damage equal to an explosion and could badly injure anyone near it.

It is therefore highly advisable to choose a genuine Schwing delivery tube with a wall thickness of 4.5 mm, able to withstand up to 110 bars; a 7.1 mm one rated for pressures up to 160 bars or the 8.8 mm tube for pressures of 200 bars, in addition to genuine Schwing clamps or high pressure flanges.

Moreover, during the project, frequent pipe thickness testing should be performed with either an ultrasound for the single wall pipes, or callipers for the twin walls pipes, and recorded in a pipe logbook. Additionally, there are two ways to connect the pipeline to the pump.

Fixing the pipeline in a direct line to the pump allows the smooth flow of concrete through the pipeline without any turbulences and reduces the risk of blockages. It requires lower pressure to push the concrete through and causes less wear on the pipeline, especially at the pump outlet level where the highest pressure is applied.

But its disadvantage is that the static pressure resulting from the vertical load of concrete (concrete weight) in the line is applied directly on the Rock Valve, this may cause – at conveying heights above 400m – extreme pressures when changing over.

A few examples for fixing the concrete pipes whether horizontally or vertically.

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Fixing the conveying line around the pump gives more flexibility around the pump, easier access for two truck mixers, and faster action to open the delivery line in case of a blockage

B u i l di n g & Co | M AY 2014

But more wear is expected to the elbows of the delivery line, as well as higher pressure resulting from the elbows.

Needed Accesories for high-rise pumping A shut-off valve that is installed near the concrete pump after the reduction pipe is hydraulically connected to the stationary to stop the backflow of concrete when needed. It is usually connected to the hydraulic circuit of the pump which is standard on the Schwing high pressure pumps.

Two types are available: - The standard ball type that can be used for all types of pumps, is affordable, easy to handle and can be used for up to 100 bars of concrete pressure or a height of about 250 m.

- The Gate shut-off valve which is the heavy duty shutoff valve that is mostly used in extreme high-rise projects, for very long distance conveying or where concrete pressure reaches 250 bars.

- The double diversion valve: when using high pressure concrete pumps with two active concrete lines a double diversion valve is installed that will be actuated by a separate hydraulic station.

Delivery line installation When laying a pipeline, avoid concrete pipeline failure through: • eliminating bends, supporting horizontal and vertical pipelines to avoid extra loads on pipe clamps, securing 90° bends in pipes with legs clamped to the ground, • securing vertical lines to the building and not to cranes, hoist towers, scaffolding and formworks, • flexible hoses must not be at risk of being run over by other equipment on site.

Pipeline cleaning using compressed water and a cleaning ball.

Pipeline fixation (fixing elements) Secure fixing of the concrete line is important for the safe operation of the system and to avoid water leaking which could increase the risk of blockages or accidents.

Prevention of Blockages There are basically three main causes for pump line blockages: a deficiency in the mix design; problems with the pipeline itself, the human factor, or operator error.

The Wrong Mix The most common mix design problem is concrete that does not retain its mixing water. Concrete can bleed due to poorly graded sand that allows water to bleed through the small channels formed due to voids in the sand, or if the concrete is too wet.

Insufficient mixing can cause segregation in the mix. For successful pumping, aggregate must have a full coating of cement grout to lubricate the mix as it is being pumped.

A delay in placing the concrete due to traffic or job site problems, as well as hot weather conditions, may cause the concrete to begin to set prematurely.

This creates a mix that may be too stiff to pump, because it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fill the pumping cylinders completely, causing excessive pumping pressures.

Problems with the Pipeline Considerations include a properly sized system including pump capacity and engine power to move the concrete through the full length of the pipeline.

Pipes that have been improperly cleaned, bad couplings, worn gaskets or welded collars may cause bleeding and segregation.

Another thing to look for are bends that are too short, too sharp, or too numerous, all of which increases concrete pumping pressure.

When different diameters of tube are needed longer reduction lines help prevent blockage.

Operator mistakes The most common error from inexperienced operators is setting up the pumping system improperly. Operators must know to set up each job so that pipe or hose only needs to be removed, not added on. This is because if the placing crew has to add hose once the pour is in progress, the dry conditions inside the added hose are likely to cause a blockage.

Careless handling of flexible rubber discharge hoses can also be a problem, since kinking can occur. A rock jam is likely to be the end result of a kinked hose, as the inside hose diameter is reduced, which restrains the aggregate in the line while the lubricating grout is allowed to pass.

Premature localized wear of the hose, and eventual rupture of the hose, may also occur at the point where the hose is kinked.

Preparing the Concrete Line (lubricating mix) In general, before pumping concrete, the concrete lines have to be prepared by filling about 0.5 m3 of lubricating mix (grout) for every 100 m of pipeline then pushed into the concrete line.

Cleaning the pipeline Proper cleaning of the pipeline after using the pump is essential and is usually done after closing the shut off valve by pushing a cleaning ball through the pipes by using compressed air or water from top to bottom.

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Stationa ry Placing Boom For years, the trend to cut costs and shorten completion periods led to the use of placing booms for the construction of large-scale buildings. Based on the experience in the manufacture of concrete placing equipment, SCHWING was able to offer their trendsetting equipment at a very early stage.

One way to place concrete quickly and economically is the use of separate placing booms in conjunction with efficient concrete pumps.

SPB designated placing booms those of truck-mounted concrete pumps are of equal design.

Climbing procedure Two main options are available when it comes to elevating the placing boom,: 1. Hydraulic climbing, which is very popular in high-rise buildings at it frees the tower cranes from any handling and lifting of the placing boom; therefore speeding up the building cycle.

During this climbing operation, the Schwing boom column will be guided and supported by three climbing guide frames that are laid on three floors with only a floor opening of 104.5 cm and transfer the occurring forces into the concrete structure and maintain the stability (full load calculation are supplied by Schwing).

The lifting arms are then attached on the lower frame, and the climbing cylinder is extended, thus moving the boom upwards. The boom is then fixed in its new position, and when needed, one of the floor frames can be moved to the next floor, the same procedure being repeated until the desired height is reached, as illustrated in the sketches below.

2. The use of the Schwing Split booms to allow fast splitting of the boom, because in Lebanon, the 12 tonne maximum capacity tower cranes are seldom found on sites to allow the movement of the whole placing boom with its column in one operation.

x

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B u i l di n g & Co | M AY 2014

Illuminating Unseen Prospects & Opportunities The 4th International Trade Exhibition for Power Generation, Electricity, HVAC, Alternative Energy, Water & Environmental Technologies

3 - 6 June 2014

BIEL - Beirut, Lebanon +961 5 959111 www.energy-lebanon.com

Book Your Space Now Held concurrently with:

Organized by:

Official Insurer:

Official Air Express Company:

Official Hotel:

Official TV:

Bu il din g & Co | M AY 2014

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Lea M o u b a ra k

Tra i n i n g Co o rd i n ato r

To Train Is To Plan Ahead!

Training is more than ever a key-element in the anticipation of changes.

Considered as an asset for competitiveness, training must be considered an essential investment used to face new technological, operational, regulatory or sales requirements; as well as to prepare and accelerate professionalization.

Learning to grow Since 2004, Apave responds to any training request by providing a service that develops the performance of employees. Apaveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approach is to integrate the growth objectives of companies into a bespoke training program.

From in-house training to sessions organized within the framework of an annual training plan, or even customized training programs, Apave offers a complete and adjustable range of training services covering various fields: design , construction, electrical installation, production maintenance, competencies, management, organization, safety of persons & goods, food safety, environment, etc.

Apaveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s training courses give priority to practical skills and the development of quality-based approaches. Apave assists companies with the logistics and management of their training needs, allowing them to concentrate on their core business.

Training Plan A training catalog, comprised of more than thirty different topics, is annually planned based on values directly oriented towards enhancing operational efficiency, integration of technological advancements, risk management awareness, development of competencies, etc. These public sessions bring together the various market actors over a common theme, creating an opportunity to share experience and know-how. Within this process, more than 500 persons participate every year in training programs organized by Apave.

Experts, Trainers, Coaches: Our trainers and consultants work together with all the stakeholders to ensure a promising future, while optimizing the performance and flexibility of all employees.

Their approach is continuously updated and enriched by their daily contact with the business world. Motivated by success, our trainers are not only teachers, but coaches as well.

The mix of their specializations and expertise covers all the aspects of engineering, consultancy, safety, strategy, finance, human resources, materials management, operations and quality.

Based on our expertsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; professional experience, the proper training program is selected taking into account the evolving market and its consequent challenges, putting our skills at your service.

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45

Construction Products

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B u i l di n g & Co | M AY 2014

BIANCO CARRARA

GIALLO SIENA

Quarrying location: Italy Name: Bianco Carrara Compression breaking load: 1594 kg/cm2 max 1118 kg/cm2 min.

Compression breaking load after freezing: 1418 kg/cm2 max 1335 kg/cm2 min.

Ultimate tensile strength: 248kg/cm2 max 235kg/cm2 min.

Thermal linear expansion coefficient: 5.2*10(6) Imbibition coefficient (by weight): 0.245 Weight per unit of volume: 2720kg/m3 Frictional wear test: cm3/50 cm2

Quarrying location: Italy Name: Giallo Siena Compression breaking load: 1783 kg/cm2 Compression breaking load after freezing: 1656 kg/cm2 Ultimate tensile strength: 258 kg/cm2 Thermal linear expansion coefficient: 0.0040 Imbibition coefficient (by weight): 0.35 Weight per unit of volume: 2710 kg/m3 Impact test: 32 Frictional wear test: 027

Nero Marquina

Rosso Collemandina

Quarrying location: Spain Name: Nero Marquina Compression breaking load: 1114 kg/cm2 Compression breaking load after freezing: kg/cm Ultimate tensile strength: 129 kg/cm2 Thermal linear expansion coefficient: Imbibition coefficient (by weight): Weight per unit of volume: 2683 kg/m3 Impact test: Frictional wear test: min. fall weight Frictional wear test: 1.25 mm

Quarrying location: Italy Name: Rosso Collemandina Compression breaking load: 1600 kg/cm2 Compression breaking load after freezing: 7580 kg/cm2 Ultimate tensile strength: 180 kg/cm2 Thermal linear expansion coefficient: 0.0070 Imbibition coefficient (by weight): 1.05 Weight per unit of volume: 2684 kg/m3 Impact test: Frictional wear test: min. fall weight 19 Frictional wear test: 0.61 mm

Verde Patricia

Portoro

Quarrying location: Italy Name: Verde Patricia Compression breaking load: 1941 kg/cm2 Compression breaking load after freezing: 1876 kg/cm2 Ultimate tensile strength: 341 kg/cm2 Thermal linear expansion coefficient: 0.0064 Imbibition coefficient (by weight): 0.95 Weight per unit of volume: 2880 kg/m3 Impact test: Frictional wear test: min. fall weight 79 Frictional wear test: 0.70 mm

Quarrying location: Italy Name: Portoro macchia fine Compression breaking load: 2155 kg/cm2 Compression breaking load after freezing: 2033 kg/cm2 Ultimate tensile strength: 145 kg/cm2 Thermal linear expansion coefficient: 0.0050 mm/m Imbibition coefficient (by weight): 0.70 Weight per unit of volume: 2714 kg/m3 Impact test: Frictional wear test: min. fall weight 35 Frictional wear test: 0.90 mm

Construction Products

Perlato Sicilia

Serpeggiante

Quarrying location: Italy Name: Perlato Sicilia Compression breaking load: 2002 kg/cm2 Compression breaking load after freezing: 2088 kg/cm2 Ultimate tensile strength: 139 kg/cm2 Thermal linear expansion coefficient: 0.0043 mm/m Imbibition coefficient (by weight): 0.90 Weight per unit of volume: 2687 kg/m3 Impact test: Frictional wear test: min. fall weight 29 Frictional wear test: 0.57 mm

Quarrying location: Italy Name: Serpeggiante Classico Compression breaking load: 2240 kg/cm2 Compression breaking load after freezing: 2229 kg/cm2 Ultimate tensile strength: 231 kg/cm2 Thermal linear expansion coefficient: 0.0040 mm/m Imbibition coefficient (by weight): 2.23 Weight per unit of volume: 2688 kg/m3 Impact test: Frictional wear test: min. fall weight 29 Frictional wear test: 0.57 mm

Bianco Carrara Venato

Filetto Rosso

Quarrying location: Italy Name: Bianco Carrara Venato Compression breaking load: 1334 kg/cm2 Compression breaking load after freezing: 1300 kg/cm2 Ultimate tensile strength: 123 kg/cm2 Thermal linear expansion coefficient: 0.0063 mm/m Imbibition coefficient (by weight): 1.15 Weight per unit of volume: 2711 kg/m3 Impact test: Frictional wear test: min. fall weight 56 Frictional wear test: 0.34 mm

Quarrying location: Italy Name: Filetto Rosso trani Compression breaking load: 2080 kg/cm2 Compression breaking load after freezing: 2105 kg/cm2 Ultimate tensile strength: 111 kg/cm2 Thermal linear expansion coefficient: 0.0046 mm/m Imbibition coefficient (by weight): 4.30 Weight per unit of volume: 2661 kg/m3 Impact test: Frictional wear test: min. fall weight 26 Frictional wear test: mm

Arabescato Vagli

Nuvolato Apuano

Quarrying location: Italy Name: Arabescato Vagli Compression breaking load: 1472 kg/cm2 Compression breaking load after freezing: 1352 kg/cm2 Ultimate tensile strength: 102 kg/cm2 Thermal linear expansion coefficient: 41 Imbibition coefficient (by weight): 2.54 Weight per unit of volume: 2714 kg/m3 Impact test: Frictional wear test: min. fall weight 41 Frictional wear test: 0.44

Quarrying location: Italy Name: Nuvolato Apuano Compression breaking load: 1315 kg/cm2 Compression breaking load after freezing: 1208 kg/cm2 Ultimate tensile strength: 173 kg/cm2 Thermal linear expansion coefficient: 0.0054 mm./m.

Imbibition coefficient (by weight): 2.28 Weight per unit of volume: 2667 kg/m3 Impact test: Frictional wear test: min. fall weight 41 Frictional wear test: 0.44

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Apave Liban 2014 Training Calendar Course ID

Theme

Course Title

Duration

Month

From

To

Fees in US$

TP11/14

Management

Presentation Skills

1 Day

April

25

25

$350

TP12/14

Technical

Elevator Systems, Core of Buildings'Panning, Design & Construction

1 Day

May

2

2

$350

TP13/14

Technical

CCTV

2 Days

May

8

9

$450

TP14/14

Safety

ATEX

2 Days

May

15

16

$450

TP15/14

Management

Managing & Leading Groups

1 Day

May

30

30

$350

TP16/14

Safety

HACCP

2 Days

June

5

6

$450

TP17/14

Safety

Securité Des Travailleurs Sur Chantier

1 Day

June

12

12

$350

TP18/14

Management

Evaluation des Pratiques Professionnelles (EPP)

1 Day

June

13

13

$350

TP19/14

Technical

Green Building

2 Days

June

19

20

$450

TP20/14

Technical

Installations Electrique Haute Tension

3 Days

June

25

27

$550

TP21/14

Safety

Gestes et Postures

1 Day

August

8

8

$250

TP22/14

Management

Time Management

1 Day

August

14

14

$350

TP23/14

Management

Communication Skills

1 Day

August

21

21

$350

TP24/14

Technical

Lightning Protection Systems

1 Day

August

22

22

$350

TP25/14

Safety

Lifting & Hoisting

2 Days

August

28

29

$450

TP26/14

Technical

Introduction au monde pétrolier

1 Day

September

5

5

$350

TP27/14

Safety

Conduite d'Engins de Chantier

2 Days

September

18

19

$450

TP28/14

Technical

Inspection of Existing Concrete Structures

2 Days

September

25

26

$450

TP29/14

Technical

Concrete Plant Manager

2 Days

October

7

8

$450

TP30/14

Management

Implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

2 Days

November

6

7

$450

TP31/14

Management

ISO 9001: 2008 Auditor / Lead Auditor Trainings Course IRCA Certified

5 Days

November

10

14

$1,200

TP32/14

Technical

Renewable Energies

2 Days

November

13

14

$450

TP33/14

Safety

Scaffolding

2 Days

November

20

21

$450

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B u i l di n g & Co | M AY 2014

Trainings With AFNOR Course ID

Theme

Course Title

Duration

Month

From

To

Fees in US$

AF14/05

Management

Lean 6 Sigma

1 Day

April

23

23

$350

AF14/06

Management

The OHSAS Management Systems Auditor/ Lead Auditor Conversion Training Course IRCA

3 Days

May

7

9

$850

AF14/07

Management

Intégrer le management des risques dans la démarche qualité

2 Days

May

13

14

$450

AF14/08

Management

Energy Management Systems ISO 50001: 2011

2 Days

May

22

23

$450

AF14/09

Management

ISO 9001: 2008 Auditor / Lead Auditor Trainings Course IRCA Certified

5 Days

June

23

27

$1,200

AF14/10

Management

ISO 15189, Lecture pas à pas de la norme

2 Days

September

23

24

$450

AF14/11

Management

Food Safety Management Systems ISO 22000:2005

2 Days

October

9

10

$450

AF14/12

Management

Internal Audit For Quality Management Systems

2 Days

October

16

17

$450

AF14/13

Management

Human Resources Management Now!

2 Days

November

28

29

$380

All the courses listed on our training calendar can be presented on-site (in-house), for groups of 6 or more delegates. Request a quotation or contact our training advisors today to discuss your training needs.We also have an extensive list of courses (not listed on our training calendar), that we present in-house.

Join us on Linked In “Apave Liban trainings” group & Don’t miss the chance to register in our Trainings. Places are limited!

With Apave, you can now build your annual training plan and benefit from up to 30% discount on your participations to our open training sessions throughout the coming year 2014

Bu il din g & Co | M AY 2014

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TRIBUNE LIBRE

C h a nt a l S feir B o o ks el l er

Comic Book Or Architecture?

Born in Belgium in 1956 to a family of architects, François Schuiten is much more than a prominent comic book artist. Best known for the comic book series The Obscure Cities (Les Cités Obscures) that he has been creating, with his school friend Benoît Peeters, since the late 80s for the publishing house Casterman; he is also a production designer, movie collaborator, set designer, as well as the designer of metro stations, exhibitions, live performances, World’s Fair Pavilion, Belgium official stamps and much more... His creativity is endless. In 2002 he was awarded the prestigious Grand Prix de la Ville d’Angoulême and in the same year was given the title of Baron, by Prince Albert II. In Schuiten’s work, the dominant factor is the root of his passion, architecture. Pages and pages of imaginative and yet clearcut architecture. In the Obscure Cities, the drawings of buildings and cities are the centre and the leading power of the story.

So important is this aspect in his comic books that a few years back he wrote a sort of guide, Le Guide des Cités, in which he actually expounded on the invention of these cities, through the use of detailed maps and at least 300 illustrations explaining the impact of harmony between buildings, nature and society.

In 2012, he created La Douce, his first completely solo comic book, where the storyline and all the drawings, were by Schuiten himself. This time he used his genius

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B u i l di n g & Co | M AY 2014

François Schuiten Portrait

Writing about a graphic novel or a comic book in this magazine would have been absurd if it were not for the great François Schuiten.

to tell a story based on a railway train during the 1930s known to have been the fastest steam locomotive of its time with a fully streamlined body. The drawings of the train in this book are so detailed and meticulous that you can almost feel the speed and velocity of the locomotive, almost smell the steam and charcoal, and practically hear it whistle.

Schuiten creates, draws, plans model cities as if he himself was an outstanding architect; he draws trains and aircrafts as if he himself was a professional mechanical and electrical engineer. Hence, it’s not surprising that the latest book published in November 2013 is not

by Francois Schuiten but about him. L’Horloger du Rêve by author Thierry Bellefroid is a 400 page book about all the different artistic and creative paths followed by Schuiten since his childhood to present days, thus covering a period of 40 years - An impressive book about this exceptional artist who has and is still facing many challenges. Of course, all kinds of information can be found on the internet about Schuiten’s boundless talent; but what Google and YouTube will not convey, are the thrill and the intense feeling of beauty and awe upon turning the printed papers of this massive opus.

Architecture is an art whether it be real or imaginative. And when one is talented one becomes a gift to society. The elegance, the pureness and the precision of Schuiten’s work offers a chance to enter a whole new world representing a metamorphosis of space and surroundings. Schuiten, in his generosity, has given a whole new dimension to the category of what we commonly call comics.

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LEADER IN TECHNICAL CONTROL ACCREDITED “FIRST CATEGORY”

SAFETY LA C LI

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B u i l di n g & Co | M AY 2014

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W

PU B

BY THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS ENHANCING SAFETY IN LEBANON’S CONSTRUCTION FIELD

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CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS: Phone: 961.1.283072 / 961.1.295010 Fax: 961.1.295145 Email: info@apaveliban.com www.apaveliban.com