BRE tested the Specwall system in late 2021 at their site in Watford, in accordance with British Standard 5234-2:1992, and the process formed part of a certification process with the British Board of Agrément (BBA).

BRE have a wide range of testing facilities related to the performance of timber and timber engineering, concrete, stone and other traditional and innovative construction materials and components. This provided assurance that BRE were capable of determining the true performance of their system. Another benefit was BRE’s level of stature within the construction industry, and this was a key consideration for Specwall when deciding which organisation to commission for testing.

The test specimen was installed by Specwall on a purpose-built rig, constructed by BRE. During testing, the system was subjected to a number of impacts to identify whether any damage was caused, and ultimately determine the systems resistance to structural damage. BRE’s experts and consultants provided guidance throughout the testing programmes.

Specwall identified that the construction industry urgently required more environmentally friendly materials, and subsequently decided that a modern, alternative sustainable walling solution was required.

Specwall is an advanced interior and exterior wall system with inherent insulation, acoustic and fire ratings in the form of a lightweight solid A1 and A2-rated panels which are ready to decorate. Specwall developed the A1-rated panel based on research and development of the A2-rated panel, which they undertook in response to regulatory developments.

Factory-manufactured wall systems with a cement-based core have been used in the United Arab Emirates for a number of years. Specwall’s systems have therefore been subjected to a wide range of testing procedures in the Middle East over the years. In the process of bringing the system to market in the United Kingdom, Specwall required testing by a UK-based testing facility.

Specwall believe that systems such as theirs are a crucial element of the construction industry going forward. Commenting on behalf of Specwall, Martin Pickering said “The construction industry needs to pivot to more environmentally-friendly materials urgently, and products like Specwall which are reusable, recyclable and fireproof, offer a way to do that, with plenty of other benefits on top”.

By commissioning BRE to test their system, Specwall have been able to successfully determine product performance and use this information to bring the benefits of the system to the UK market.

As a result of the work carried out there were a number of benefits for the client:

• Testing confirmed the true performance of the Specwall system

• Independent testing strengthened customer confidence

• Expert insight enabled better understanding of how the system performed