The construction industry is always facing challenges, but currently a perfect storm is brewing. A shortage of skilled labour means questions are asked about how every task is approached. Project scheduling is increasingly pressured. Housing targets will impact all areas of the industry. There’s a constant drive for more sustainable construction practices and indeed more sustainable buildings.
All of which must be achieved against a stubbornly tight economic background. But how are water supply systems evolving to meet the challenges faced by construction here in the UK? Here Gavin Robinson – National Business Development Manager at Polypipe Building Services - explores how pipework can make the dream work.
Less is often more
‘Do more with less’ basically sums up the challenge we face – build more, with less labour, less land, less energy, less time and less cost. Which all means we’ve got to be smarter. Water supply systems have got be easier and faster to install while proving more reliable and more adaptable. And these are exactly the sort of developments we’re seeing – pipe materials are lighter, require fewer joints, are easier to join and can be installed faster but with more confidence. For example our MecFlow Press supply system has features engineered-in to aid faster, more confident jointing while enabling them to be pre-tested before they’re finally commissioned.
Saving energy
Heat loss can be prevented by insulation, but lagging adds time and cost to a project. MecFlow Press pipework is now available pre-insulated and can be installed as fast as un-insulated pipe. The pipe itself has a smooth bore, which doesn’t corrode or fur up. Water flows more easily, and pumps and chillers consume less energy. Modern fittings like those used with the MecFlow Press System also maintain a large bore and don’t create pinch points that restrict flow.
Healthier systems
Pipework which is more reliable and creates fewer leaks means that damage to the fabric of buildings is reduced, there is less risk of mould and damp which can be injurious to the health of the building and its occupants alike. And pipework can be engineered to contain antimicrobial materials that prevent the spread of pathogens.
Material benefits
‘Plastic’ pipework is often labelled as ‘cheap’ with the implication being that it is somehow inferior to traditional materials. However, the performance of modern pipework materials should quickly give lie to any claim that they are less capable. But it is very true the raw materials which composite pipe systems are derived from are much less expensive than traditional materials – the cost of which is going through the roof. So much so that site theft is now a major problem and a significant cost to the industry. The use of composite pipework systems eradicates that risk and expense.
Building technology
Lighter, preconfigurable, pre-testable systems based on modern pipework materials make them more suitable for prefabricated modules – produced in factory conditions and transported direct to site for immediate installation. Less labour is required on site or available labour can be more productive. Deliveries can be matched to installation schedules and there is less need to store materials on site. All in all, projects can be streamlined with fewer management issues.
Modern pipework and fittings also match closely with state-of-the-art modelling and design tools. At Polypipe, we can develop and manufacture direct from customer designs and drawings and link directly to architect and engineer plans. Not only are systems highly customisable, but they’re also fabricated right first time.
Price tag
Modern pipework products lend themselves to prefabrication which creates ready-made systems that actually cost little more than loose components. But prefabricated systems can deliver massive savings in terms of labour, transport, storage, waste management and of course time. All while being more reliable thanks to manufacturing under factory conditions with quality control and pre-testing of system.
While skill levels are being eroded as the demand for traditional craft skills decreases, technology and new processes such as off-site pre-fabrication could lead to an increase in workforce capability and lightweight materials mean less reliance on physical manpower together with a reduction in transport costs and carbon footprint.
Without doubt, massive changes are afoot for the UK construction industry, happily modern water supply systems seem well up to the challenge.
