C-MAX® EPS PANELS TECHNOLOGY
C-MAX® EPS Panels Technology is based on the production of construction panels.
The C-MAX® EPS panels are produced within a state of the art production facility in Kenya and software to make the most advanced EPS (EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE SINTERED) PANEL
ADVANTAGES OF C-MAX® EPS TECHNOLOGY
The lightweight EPS panels produced are easy to handle, assemble, and used to build an unlimited range of structures. With the C-MAX® building system, the best standards of comfort and functionality are achieved and the following advantages of the C-MAX® EPS Panels technology are enjoyed by the users;
THERMAL INSULATION
C-MAX® constructions perform brilliantly in terms of insulation functions, with the thickness and density of the EPS panel being customized to deliver specific thermal insulation requirements, without taking up unnecessary space nor additional costs. C-MAX® buildings can save over 80% of air-conditioning or heating expenses
SOUND PROOFING
C-MAX® EPS panels offer the highest degree of soundproofing according to international acoustic legislation. Apartment and hotel rooms build using C-MAX® EPS products are very soundproof. This represents one the most important advantages of our building system.
EARTHQUAKE RESISTANCE
Structures built using C-MAX® EPS Panels technology can withstand, completely undamaged, significant seismic activity. Buildings made using C-MAX® EPS panels are lightweight and hence have a low seismic mass but are at the same time rigid enough due to the presence of two sheets of reinforced plaster that interact to create a monolithic ‘shell’ of the whole structure which makes the building super strong.
CYCLONE & STORM RESISTANCE
Buildings constructed using the C-MAX® EPS panels in cyclone prone areas have demonstrated their capacity to withstand the passage of the most destructive cyclones and storms, in some instances for cyclone speeds of over 200 kilometers per hour.
GREEN TECHNOLOGY. SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY
The C-MAX® EPS building system helps to achieve high levels of energy efficiency which conform to energy efficiency regulations. It provides significant improvements in indoor thermal comfort through the reduction of energy consumption. Analysis shows that buildings built using M2 technology demonstrate a reduction of 60% in carbon emissions compared to traditional buildings. C-MAX® EPS products are non-toxic and recyclable.
LOAD RESISTANCE
The monolithic joints of the C-MAX® EPS Panels building system provide a high level of structural strength to buildings. Compression tests carried out on finished panels have shown that the panels can sustain loads of up to 1530kN/m, equal to 156 tons of weight.
FIRE RESISTANCE
Various tests conducted on structures build using C-MAX EPS technology confirm the quality of the fire-retardant foam polystyrene used for producing building panels is self-extinguishing as it is encased by layers of reinforced concrete which coat the sides of the panel and hence inhibit combustion. Finished C-MAX® walls have a fire resistance greater than REI120.
BLAST RESISTANCE
Tests indicate that structures build using C-MAX® EPS technology are able to withstand explosions measuring horizontal forces of over 29.5 tons per metre square. The series of tests has been carried out on a variety of C-MAX® EPS panels finished in different types of high strength concrete.
COST EFFECTIVENESS
Compared to traditional building products, C-MAX® EPS panels achieve far better results, at considerably reduced cost. A building framework constructed using the C-MAX® EPS building system is estimated to costs approximately 25% less than that built using traditional building materials with similar features. Further, the reduced construction period and reduced manpower leads to additional savings and better performances.
RAPID INSTALLATION
Buildings constructed using the C-MAX® system show a marked reduction in construction time, estimated at approximately 50%, compared to traditional building methods. Operations on construction sites are stress-free with remarkable reduction in operation time.
LIGHTNESS, EASE OF TRANSPORT AND HANDLING
C-MAX® EPS panels are lightweight and rigid enough thus making them easy to handle and transport even in the most adverse conditions. A building using C-MAX® EPS panels is 50% lighter weight than the traditional structures. This greatly reduces dimensioning of costs of foundations, columns and beams accordingly.
VERSATILITY
The C-MAX® EPS building system gives full design flexibility. It offers a complete range of building elements such as load-bearing walls, curtain walls, floors and stairs. Further, the EPS panels are easy to use in the construction of any type of structure, and can be shaped to any geometric requirement, be it flat or curved by cutting it on-site.
COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER EXISTING CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS
C-MAX® EPS panels products can be easily anchored to other construction elements, such as steel, wood, and pre-stressed concrete in addition to their versatility that allows them to be compatible with conventional construction systems, such as completing reinforced concrete or steel structures.
WIDE CHOICE OF FINISHES
Buildings constructed using C-MAX® EPS panels can be completed using a variety of finishes, including traditional painting or smoothed plaster. Further, the surface of the walls has the appearance of a thin sheet of reinforced plaster that can easily accommodate all types of wall coverings including stone tiles and rain-screen cladding.
PLASTER APPLICATION
- Once the panels have been joined and the plumbing and electrical system have been completed, the plastering can commence.
- Two layers of concrete are required for both sides of the panel – approximately 3.5 cm layer each. The advantages of the C-MAX® system is evident.
- In addition the plaster will turn out to be homogeneous and of improved quality.
EPS INSTALLATION PROCESS
C-MAX® EPS Panels are remarkably lightweight thus easy and rapid to handle during the installation process.
They can be placed by hand and connected one to another with ordinary binding wire.
The set-up of the system is easy, fast, and clean since it does not require any masonry work.
The chases in the polystyrene are carried out by hot-air gun and the canalization of pipes is carried out before the plastering to avoid dirt and extra work.
In case of rigid pipes, the mesh is cut and replaced after pipes are installed to give the continuity of the mesh around the structure.