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Trimble Introduces Tekla 2019 Structural BIM Software Solution

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In March 2019, Trimble introduced the latest versions of its structural Building Information Modeling (BIM) software solutions for the construction industry: Tekla Structures 2019, Tekla Structural Designer 2019, Tekla Tedds 2019 and Tekla EPM 2019.

Trimble’s solutions support professionals in the structural steel, precast and cast-in-place concrete industries with a Constructible Process, an innovative approach for the digital transformation of architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) workflows.

Tekla Structures 2019 delivers enhancements, improvements and new features that enable smoother workflows, more precise control and improved productivity, including:

  • Geometry improvements for describing curved structures, such as bent plates and staircases that boost productivity and eliminate the need for workarounds.
  • New automated features for model-based drawing production and upgraded precast production data exports, which support more streamlined design communication and information transfer from detailing to production.
  • Rebar detailing enhancements, such as rebar rounding at the model, set and modifier levels, which allow more intuitive control and efficiency when detailing and documenting reinforced cast-in-place concrete.
  • Cast-in-place (CIP) concrete workflows for improved Pour Unit, which make it easier to create reliable, structured pour takeoffs, reports and drawings.
  • CIP concrete formwork tools that are upgraded and simplified to boost detailed and efficient formwork workflow.

Tekla Structures 2019 includes new tools such as Revit Export, an extension which brings greater flexibility when working with .rvt files, and the Design-to-Cost tool, which supports faster value engineering and more economical precast solutions.

A new Bridge Creator extension, which makes early design phase workflows faster and easier, has also been introduced as part of a new customised bridge designer role and ribbon menu containing productivity-boosting bridge design tools.

Improvements in drawings include annotation cloning for faster and easier creation of general arrangement drawings, more intelligent handling of drawing views, improved dimensioning productivity and increased support for a wider variety of BIM objects. It is also now easier to meet office standards for documents and drawings, with enhanced Drawing Content Management and aligned marks.

Tekla Structural Designer 2019 introduces updates around flexibility and interoperability. The new Core Walls feature enhances real-world simulation and constructible core wall modeling, and new and improved export features focus on data interoperability with Tekla Structures and Autodesk Revit. In addition, the interface and usability for users of Tekla Structural Designer and Tekla Structures have been fine-tuned for a more aligned experience.

Tekla Tedds 2019 offers even better integration with Tekla Structures, meaning more convenient design management for users of both Tekla products. Users can also now create even more professional BIM design documentation and use Tedds calculations to create professional PDFs.

Tekla EPM 2019 introduces an advanced model-based viewer that brings productivity gains through enhanced collaboration and real-time visualization for steel fabrication management. The earlier versions of Tekla EPM are known as FabSuite.

To learn more and to download Tekla 2019 versions, visit www.tekla.com/2019.

Kinestral’s Halio Smart-Tinting Glass Becomes the Only Next-Generation Electrochromic Technology to Pass Rigorous ASTM E2141 Durability Testing

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Kinestral Technologies, Inc. recently announced that its Halio® smart-tinting glass product has passed the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratories (NREL) testing procedures according to the ASTM E2141-06 test methodology required to meet the ASTM E2953 standard for electrochromic product durability, becoming the only next-generation product to meet this recognized industry benchmark.

During the NREL testing, Halio windows were subjected to 50,000 switching cycles over a period of six months at temperatures averaging 185°F (85°C).  The extreme conditions had negligible impact on product quality and switching performance: Halio’s visible light transmission was virtually unchanged in the clear and tinted states, and Halio still looked like traditional glass in its clear state and still tinted to neutral gray in its darkest state. Further, switching speeds remained up to 10x faster than similar products on the market.

“To achieve Halio’s performance, our scientists and engineers invented new materials and device physics that didn’t exist when electrochromic products began to enter the market 20 years ago,” said Howard Turner, co-founder and chief technology officer of Kinestral. “Manufacturing was also a prime consideration as we developed Halio to make sure we avoided the production issues faced by first generation producers. Today, we not only have the most beautiful and durable smart tinting glass product on the market, but we also have the largest, most efficient, and most scalable manufacturing facility in the world.”

Halio smart-tinting glass is available exclusively through Halio North America and Halio International, joint venture companies formed by Kinestral and AGC, Inc. the world’s largest glass manufacturer.

“We partnered with Kinestral to bring to market a compelling occupant experience,” said Marc Van Den Neste, chief technology officer of AGC, Inc.’s Building & Industrial Glass Company. “This ASTM durability certification confirms Halio’s quality, and that it’s the right smart-tinting glass solution for our customers.”

Kinestral’s next-generation smart-tinting glass technologies and processes are protected by over 100 granted and pending patents worldwide. Production of Halio commenced in late 2018.

INAX Sets Out for Global Expansion at Milan Design Week

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LIXIL Group Corporation (LIXIL), maker of pioneering water and housing products, has unveiled two new INAX bathroom collections for the global market at Milan Design Week 2019.

INAX, which manufactures innovative sanitary ware and artistic tiles, is known for its sophisticated and thoughtful designs and technology. Since it fired up its first kilns in the 1920s, the brand has been at the heart of shaping bathrooms in Japan, including the creation of revolutionary technologies such as Japan’s first shower toilet.

Now, for the first time, LIXIL will give the world a preview of INAX’s global brand and design concept as it unveils its new products before they enter production. The special exhibition invites visitors to experience first-hand the product designs reflecting INAX’s design values and signature elements, which convey Japanese aesthetics in a contemporary style.

These are represented in the new S600 LINE and S400 LINE bathroom collections, eight variations of INAX’s CERAFINE ultra-thin wash basins, which were inspired by Japan’s waterscapes and created specifically for the exhibition, a tile lounge that displays the variety of colors and textures of tiles, along with three inspirational brand movies showcased throughout the installation at the SuperStudio venue between 8 and 14 April 2019.

The event space offers an immersive introduction to the world of INAX, through a number of exhibits spanning the origins of the brand to its most recent concepts, including three short films, which present INAX’s unique approach to design, Japan’s Rituals of Water, and how it transforms everyday life.

“We wanted to create a new bathroom experience that embodies Japan and what it stands for; its culture, traditions, and the everyday rituals of water we go through to purify and transform ourselves. We are excited to now show the world the brand concept of INAX, the look and feel of its designs, and the technology within that enables people to live healthily and comfortably. We invite you to come see INAX at our exhibition in the heart of Milan,” said Yasuhiro Shirai, Japan Design Officer of LIXIL Water Technology.

LIXIL aims to launch the new INAX collections in Australia, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and other markets starting May 2019.

Surbana Jurong and Aerolion Technologies to Develop UAV Technology for the Built Environment

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Surbana Jurong and AeroLion Technologies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in April 2019 to further develop unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies for the built and natural environment. The MOU was signed at Unmanned Systems Asia 2019.

Under the MOU, the partners will jointly develop UAV solutions for various project applications, including land reclamation, workplace safety, site progression and fault detection in enclosed areas such as buildings and tunnels. Surbana Jurong aims to integrate these UAV solutions into its current processes to further increase its productivity.

At the same time, combining real-world data from Surbana Jurong’s operations with the UAV’s artificial intelligence platforms will allow Surbana Jurong to offer advance data-driven UAV solutions to its global clients.

The partnership brings together Surbana Jurong’s expertise and experience in planning, design and engineering in the global urban and infrastructure sectors, with AeroLion Technologies’ expertise in UAV technologies that are focused on the building and construction sector.

UAVs are one of several technologies transforming the engineering and construction industry. Its use not only boosts productivity, reduces overall project time and costs, provide more accurate data readings in shorter time and improve worker safety.

Mr Wong Heang Fine, Group CEO of Surbana Jurong said, “Surbana Jurong already uses UAVs as part of our project processes, from conducting inspections and surveillance, high-precision data collection as well as security-led activities by our subsidiary AETOS. Our collaboration with AeroLion Technologies will further ensure our leadership in the area of UAV applications.”

AeroLion Technologies is a leader in the application of UAV in infrastructure inspection and warehouse management. The Company has strong foundations in Artificial Intelligence (AI), UAV automation and advanced flight operations, and is slated to launch novel solutions for the built environment, following the success of its recent autonomous tunnel inspection UAV platforms.

Cambridge Researchers Developing Self-Healing Concrete

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Researchers at the University of Cambridge are using microencapsulation technologies developed by Dolomite Microfluidics to develop self-healing construction materials.

As highlighted in recent BBC News broadcasts, the Department of Engineering’s Geotechnical and Environmental Research Group is developing microcapsules containing ‘healing’ agents – such as minerals, epoxy or polyurethane – which can be added to building materials to allow self-repair of small cracks which develop over time.

Dr. Livia Ribeiro de Souza, a postdoctoral researcher in the group, explained: “Many composite building materials used in the construction industry – such as concrete – suffer fatigue over time, developing small cracks. We are hoping to overcome this problem by adding microcapsules filled with ‘healing’ agents to the concrete before it is used. The idea is that, as cracks begin to form, they rupture the microcapsules, releasing their payload and stabilising the material.”

“This approach requires the formation and functionalisation of double emulsion microcapsules, which we have been producing with the help of microfluidics. We have been using a Dolomite Microfluidics system since 2014, and find that microfluidics offers much better control of particle size and composition than traditional emulsification polymerisation techniques, simplifying the investigation and optimisation of particle properties.”

The Dolomite system has enabled the researchers to create functionalised microcapsules that bind more strongly to the cement matrix, while also having thinner shell walls and higher core retention, improving their self-healing properties. Livia continued: “It is good to be able to discuss any issues we’re having with the experts at Dolomite Microfluidics, helping to accelerate our research and move us a step closer to real world applications.”

For more information, visit the Dolomite website.

Hanergy’s Innovative Thin-Film Solar Products Win Multiple iF Design Awards

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One of the world’s largest thin-film solar power solution companies, Hanergy Mobile Energy Holding Group, attended Germany’s iF Design Award Night in Munich in March, winning four prizes in total. These includee: one Gold Award for the Single-Glass Triple-Arch HanTile, and another three Design Awards for the Single-Glass Spool HanTile, Fold Backpack for Business Travel, and Solartank Thin-film Solar Power Backpack. HanTile is Hanergy’s rooftop solar solution while the solar backpack is Hanergy’s creation of integrating solar power generation with backpacks.

Xie Tao, CEO of Hanergy’s Global Application Product R&D Center attended the award ceremony and received the awards on behalf of Hanergy.

The iF Design Award committee commented on HanTile, saying, “This product combines a traditional appearance with the latest energy breakthrough. These tiles represent the world’s most advanced thin-film solar energy technology. Any house or building covered in these roof tiles has the chance to be energy-self-sufficient or at least offset its energy footprint. The tiles have the look of glazed tiles and come in black or dark-green colors. This is the future of solar energy: integrated, efficient, attractive and unobtrusive.”

Since its launch in 2018, Hanergy has harvested many HanTile contracts such as a US$130 Million HanTile contract in Japan, a US$10 million contract in Malaysia, and US$8 million contract in South Korea and so on.

Solar backpacks are another line of business for Hanergy. By merging Hanergy’s unique solar thin-films with traditional backpacks, it creates a new category of smart bags.

Receiving the awards at the ceremony, Xie Tao said: “We believe that these products make a perfect combination of advanced thin-film solar technology and sustainable product application, and the awards are an acknowledgement that Hanergy’s product design deserves to be at the forefront of the industry. We are honoured.”

Hanergy’s four award-winning products are all recent innovations launched in 2018 and designed in-house by Hanergy’s product research and development team. By winning the highly-sought after iF Gold Award, Hanergy’s Single-Glass Triple-Arch HanTile’s innovative single-glass structure, light and durable design and beautiful appearance was recognised as one of this year’s most outstanding entries. 

With its thin, light-weight and flexible features and high conversion efficiency, Hanergy’s five thin-film solar technology roadmaps have changed the landscape of the solar industry. The conversion rate of Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) technology manufactured by Alta Devices, Hanergy’s California-based subsidiary, has set the world record for conversion efficiency several times, with the current rate standing at 29.1 percent.

Likewise, Hanergy’s flexible and glass-based large-area Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) thin film modules produced by Germany’s Solibro and USA’s MiaSolé, also Hanergy’s subsidiaries, have reached world record highs of 18.72 percent and 19.4 percent respectively.

Colourland Paints

AkzoNobel Acquires Malaysia’s Colourland Paints Business

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AkzoNobel has strengthened its business in Asia by acquiring 100 percent shares in Colourland Paints Sdn Bhd and Colourland Paints (Marketing) Sdn Bhd – both referred to as “Colourland Paints” – a home- grown paints and coatings manufacturer with wide distribution across Malaysia.

The acquisition enhances AkzoNobel’s global portfolio with a much-loved local brand. It also means the company will be able to provide an improved customer experience through an expanded product offering and distribution network. Financial details were not disclosed.

“As a leading global paints and coatings company, we are proud to add the well-established brands and expertise of Colourland Paints to our business,” said AkzoNobel CEO Thierry Vanlancker. “We are looking forward to unlocking the value it will bring as we accelerate our Winning together: 15 by 20 strategy and increase our footprint in this fast-growing region.”

Added Oscar Wezenbeek, Managing Director of AkzoNobel Decorative Paints in the region: “This deal marks another milestone in ensuring that we continue to deliver the best brand and customer experience. The combination of global and local expertise is also an excellent strategic fit and will accelerate our development as we further build on our strong market position in Malaysia.”

The transaction includes all relevant technologies, patents, trademarks and assets of Colourland.

Cosentino Unveils Seven New Shades in its Silestone and Sensa Ranges in Singapore

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Cosentino Group, the world leader in the production and distribution of innovative surfaces for architecture and design, is pleased to announce the Singapore launch of its newest colours in its Silestone® and Sensa® ranges.

In total, seven new colours will be available in Singapore from today onwards; five from the Silestone® Eternal Collection, and two from the Sensa by Cosentino® Protected Natural Stone range.

The five new colours of the luminary Silestone® Eternal Collection are the Bianco Calacatta, Classic Calacatta, Desert Silver, Eternal Emperador, and Eternal Marfil.

The Eternal Collection is the first in Silestone’s offerings to have veining and highlights run completely through the material, making for an unparalleled natural beauty coupled with Silestone’s industry-leading performance, thanks to the Silestone® N-Boost technology.

This innovation, which has been patented by Cosentino, modifies the material’s surface at a molecular level to give it greater color saturation and extraordinary lustre, along with an enhanced water repellent property that makes the surface easier to clean and maintain.

As with all Silestone® natural quartz products, the Eternal Collection includes the notable characteristics that set the brand apart: high resistance to impact and scratching; manufactured in large formats; and versatility of application. Please see Annex A for the new Silestone® Eternal Collection shades.

“Cosentino’s investment in R&D to develop the complex, full body designs of the Silestone® Eternal Collection, has received wide recognition by consumers, architects and designers alike. We are delighted to present now these new Eternal colors and we look forward to the collection’s continued success in 2018,” says Valentin Tijeras, Vice-President of Global Product and R&D, Cosentino.

Cosentino also adds two exotic new Brazilian quartzite colours to its Sensa by Cosentino® Protected Natural Stone range. The two new shades, Taj Mahal and White Macaubas, join the Sensa Premium range and feature the exclusive Senguard NK stain protection.

These two new surfaces are the first quartzites to join the Sensa by Cosentino® range. Quartzite is a very hard metamorphic rock that is composed almost entirely of quartz and is the perfect substitute for a natural stone that is more durable and hardwearing than traditional marbles, whilst offering a similar look.

Sensa surfaces offer an excellent level of stain protection, including against acidic substances commonly found in household kitchens, with no need for special daily maintenance. Anchored to the surface of the stone, the Senguard NK stain protection technology also offers the surface of the countertop UV resistance, allowing the natural stone surfaces to be used inside and out whilst still allowing the stone to breathe and preserve its natural colour. The new surfaces are also safe for contact with food thanks to their NSF certification. Please see Annex B for the new Sensa by Cosentino® shades.

The seven new shades were unveiled in Singapore on 17 August at an exclusive launch party held at Cosentino City Centre showroom. Over 100 guests from the media and design industry were in for a treat at the event with the theme “Brazilian Summer Nights”, alluding to the exotic new Brazilian quartzites in the Sensa by Cosentino® that were being launched that night in addition to the new shades in the Silestone® Eternal Collection.

The new shades of the Silestone® Eternal Collection were mounted on the walls of the Cosentino City Centre showroom, for the guests to view and feel for themselves. One of the kitchen countertops in the Cosentino showroom was also replaced with a countertop made from Sensa® in the shade of Macaubas so that guests could see how the surface looks like on an actual kitchen top. Additionally, an ornamental flower pot made from the new Sensa® shade of Taj Mahal was on display to show the versatility and beauty of the two colours.

Newly appointed General Manager of Cosentino Southeast Asia, Pablo Abad Gomez enthuses, “With the launch of at least a dozen new shades in various collections this year alone in Singapore, Cosentino is cementing its position as a market leader of innovative surfaces in Southeast Asia. We look forward to shaping and growing the industry in the region through collaborations that showcase the uniqueness and versatility of our products beyond the kitchen and bathroom.”

All seven new shades in the Silestone® Eternal and Sensa by Cosentino® collections is now available in Singapore. For more information, please visit www.silestone.com.sg or www.sensabycosentino.com

Sunseap Group Launches New Subsidiary Called Sunseap Solutions

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Sunseap Group, Singapore’s leading integrated clean energy solutions provider, recently announced the launch of its newest fully-owned subsidiary, Sunseap Solutions Pte Ltd.

The new entity provides integrated efficient energy solutions through energy audits, Green Mark consultancy and energy performance contracting. Sunseap Solutions’ energy performance contracting focuses on LED lighting retrofits.

This will eventually expand to include other forms of M&E equipment (e.g. chiller plants, pumps and lifts). Under the energy performance contracting scheme, lighting retrofits will be fully financed by the Sunseap Group and clients will co-share the energy savings. The equipment will be maintained and warrantied by Sunseap Solutions during the contract period.

Sunseap Solutions also offers the full range of Optigreen green roof solutions and components. The launch of the new business unit is part of Sunseap Group’s plan to provide all-rounded sustainable solutions for its clients. The Group’s other entities are Sunseap Leasing, which provides rooftop solar solutions to the masses, Sunseap International, which is responsible for the group’s regional activities outside of Singapore, and Sunseap Energy, Singapore’s largest clean energy retailer.

Mr Laurence Kwan, Director of Sunseap Energy, said: “We are excited that the Sunseap Group is about to embark on the next phase of its development with the formation of Sunseap Solutions. We are now able to provide the full spectrum of green solutions to our clients with the convenience of a single point of contact.

“This is in line with the Group’s vision of providing affordable sustainable solutions to the masses and is an important step to decarbonising.”

To date, Sunseap has more than 160 megawatts (MWp) of contracted solar project capacity in Singapore, which has been deployed or is in the course of being deployed. Some of its clients include Apple, Housing Development Board, Singapore American School, Raffles Institution, the United Technologies Group and ABB.

Regionally, it is also one of the largest and most established players in the solar energy industry. It has a pipeline of projects in Cambodia, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Australia, including a 168 MWp solar farm in Vietnam, the largest in the country, a 62 MWp utility scale farm in the Philippines and a 10 MWp utility scale farm in Cambodia.

Grundfos Launches New CR Product That Achieves New Efficiency Heights

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Pump manufacturer Grundfos has launched its new generation of CR pumps – which exceeds current energy efficiency limits for multi-stage in-line pumps. Grundfos’ renowned range of CR pumps are the world’s first vertical multistage centrifugal inline pumps, which line up pump pressure and pump suction port in a straight pipe.

The centrifugal CR pumps can transport corrosive, hot, and high-pressure liquids used across various applications including water supply, water treatment and almost all industrial solutions.

The new generation of Grundfos CR pumps introduces three new flow sizes (CR95, 125 and 155) and increases the maximum water flow to 220 cubic metre per hour.

Gary Flanagan, Regional Product Manager – Multistage, Grundfos Asia Pacific Region said the pump manufacturer is dedicated to continuous development and innovation to ensure that this new generation of CR pumps is meeting the evolving needs of industries in Asia and globally.

“The world has changed in many ways since the CR was first introduced many years ago. But our drive to set new standards for our customers has always remained the same. That is why we are so proud to announce the launch of this new generation of Grundfos CR pumps.

“Today, our new CR pump design features a full range of sizes and literally millions of customised solutions to suit the specific needs of companies and engineers.”

Based on extensive research, development and testing of new hydraulic designs, the CR pump is engineered using state-of-the-art production methods – including a fully automated and flexible production line.

Gary Flanagan added, “As industries in Asia expand to meet the growing consumption demand of the region, they need to take a smarter manufacturing approach to make sure their industrial processes are able to produce more with less, while reducing energy consumption and limiting their carbon footprint.

“Sustainability is a very important part of Grundfos’ DNA and we aim to create cleaner and more energy efficient technologies to help our customers reduce their carbon emissions, in line with the Paris Agreement commitments.”