The ABLE Façade System

Overview

The ABLE Façade System (AFS) is a lightweight walling system, designed for unitised off-site construction and structurally enhanced to withstand the effects of an improvised explosive device.

As a counter terrorist measure, the AFS provides an alternative method of construction to heavy weight reinforced concrete and enhanced traditional on-site construction methods. The system is manufactured off-site, transported to the site in full units and simply fixed on to prepared brackets on the building's superstructure.

Put simply the AFS is a fast track solution for today's 'at risk' buildings. It can reduce construction time for the inner leaf and overall construction periods by significant margins saving time and money for the client.

The AFS has been blast-testing and is fully certified. The system is believed to be the only fully tested pre-fabricated, blast resistant off-site constructed walling system in the UK, and possibly the world. The company currently has a UK patent pending for the design (No PCT/GB2008/003167).

Manufacture

The AFS is totally manufactured off-site in factory conditions, including the glazing of the blast resistant windows. AFS units can be manufactured up to six metres wide by four metres high and as a result of this the speed of enclosing the building envelope is greatly increased over more traditional methods of construction.

Design

At the core of the AFS is a steel frame, with a relatively lightweight construction given the functional requirements. This steel frame is encapsulated between sheeting and fitted with specially enhanced windows to provide a total wall designed to protect the occupants and contents of a building. The AFS has been designed with enough flexibility to allow suitable thermal and acoustic insulation to be incorporated within the construction, meeting and exceeding all current Building Regulations.

Flexibility

The AFS can be clad in a variety of aesthetically pleasing products including aluminium, brass, zinc, copper, timber and terracotta (shown in picture), helping to create the impression of a modern architectural façade and dispelling the notion that such heavily fortified structures are nothing more than 'concrete bunkers'.

Market

The system is suitable for use on a range of important buildings including:

• MoD installations
• Law courts
• Embassies
• Airports
• Police stations
• Banks
• Chemical plants
• Corporate headquarters

It is also suitable for use on buildings in the vicinity of these locations and other areas of mass congregation.