FBeam^® EPD Calculation update – Embodied Carbon Optimisation & Cross Laminated Timber

With the construction industry being the world’s largest consumer of raw materials, designing buildings with components that help reduce global consumption is crucial. Steel specification has many nuances so delivering optimised beam solutions, which use less materials, addresses the need to decarbonise on a global level.

FABSEC’s FBeam^® software remains a leading design tool to deliver optimised designs, without relying on finite resources, and we have been working relentlessly to help you achieve this goal.

Our new software update includes the following design aids and includes an array of efficient manufacturing solutions.

• EPD optimisation tool using product specific EPD to produce a EPD Calculation including intumescent paint.
• Fire design optimisation considers both the intumescent paint and steel mass to give a lean design.
• Beams supporting Cross Laminated Timber Floors can now be designed in both ambient and fire conditions.
• Fbeam^® designs can use 20% less steel than equivalent hot rolled members.
• All fabrication including cambers and web penetrations are incorporated locally at our sites avoiding additional transport emissions.
• Minimal waste design, with web hole cut-outs used as fittings or erection aids/packs. Direct BIM interoperability with leading structural analysis packages makes it easier to track and trace materials and maintain accurate project records.
• Includes the enhanced Beam Wizard™ – a fast and highly efficient ‘one-pass’ optimiser for beam designs in the fire and ambient conditions that removes the need for iteration and determines the optimum solution in seconds.

FABSEC^® beams are fabricated members made from three individual plates. The FBeam^® software allows engineers to design asymmetric beams in both composite and non-composite solutions to optimise mass and member utilisation.

In order to facilitate M&E and other service requirements, beam web penetrations can be added wherever and to whatever size and shape is required. There is no need to specify continuous openings unless further weight reduction or future service options are required. The beams are created using an automated assembly and weld manufacturing process which is covered by the highest quality checks that are available to the industry.

FIREBEAM^®, which is incorporated within the FBeam^® software, is continuously improved to be the ideal solution for optimised design of beams in fire and confirmed by Element Warringtonfire using coating technology from our partner, Sherwin Williams, the global leader in corrosion and fire protective coatings. To request access to the FIREBEAM^® software, please email sharon@fabsec.co.uk

To find out more go to www.fabsec.co.uk

Important Note: Relying on mill specific products to lower the embodied carbon of a project in isolation can lead to unintentional global uplifts in the emissions associated with the raw materials. With the supply chain developing rapidly, using FBeam® to embed minimum weight designs into your projects allows the sustainable transition of key suppliers to a Net Zero offering.