Fire Resistance Rating (FRR):
Timbercrete® achieved FRL 240-240-240 in CSIRO Fire Test number 1831 18-01-05 (copy of Certificate available upon request). No other traditional wall material provides as high a level of protection against bush fires and fire related threats. Timbercrete can be used in a wide range of domestic, commercial, industrial and public buildings. Load Bearing Capacity:
Load bearing capacity for Timbercrete blocks ranges from 2.5MPa to 5MPa (Design Loads = 1.5MPa), and varies from one manufacturing region to another. Contact the local manufacturer for specific details. The design parameters are calculated at a conservative 1.25MPa. Density:
Timbercrete® density is: 900kg to 1000kg per cubic metre. Block Sizes:
Block Sizes and Weights – Cobblestone series (LxWxH) Notes: * Cobblestone blocks can be used for single-skin or veneer or cavity brick construction * All cobblestone blocks/mortar vary in height/width/length by up to 15mm Block Sizes and Weights – Smooth faced sandstone series (hollow core) (LxWxH) Notes: The styrene insert blocks are not yet available in NZ Note: Large range of other sizes and styles, including custom made, available upon request. Insulation:
* Heat flow 24.62 W/m2 * Mean Thermal Conductance 1.672 W/m2.K +/-9%
* Mean Thermal Conductivity 0.312 W/m.K +/-10% * Mean Thermal Resistance 0.598m2.K/W +/-9%
(Test conducted by CSIRO in accordance with AS 2464.5-1985, Job Number MHF-1378, 03-01-01.) The above represents a range from R1 for standard 200mm wide cobblestone series block. Erosion and Water Penetration:
A Timbercrete block tested by CSIRO (Job number AL78TE2807, 12-05-00) met the requirements of Table 2.2 in CSIRO Bulletin 5.1992 and were considered suitable for use in unprotected walls. The water penetration rate is nil. The erosion rate is 0.0 (mm/min) Initial Rate of Absorption:
0.5 to 0.6 kg/ m² /min (unsealed), MBRL AS/NZS4456.17-2003 Erosion and Water Penetration:
A Timbercrete® block tested by CSIRO (Job number AL78TE2807, 12-05-00) met the requirements of Table 2.2 in CSIRO Bulletin 5.1992 and were considered suitable for use in unprotected walls. Erosion Rate: 0.0 (mm/min) Water Penetration: NIL Surface Area:
Unlike most other masonry and clay bricks Timbercrete blocks are solid. This means that the load bearing capacity of Timbercrete walls is not compromised by narrow mortar beds, creating improved overall wall strength and greater bond/wrench strength. Termite (white ant) Resistance: Timbercrete blocks have been subjected to continuous exposure to the dreaded Blue Mountains termite (Coptotermes Acinaciformis). After four years direct exposure (on the termites actual nests) no termite has ever penetrated Timbercrete We have observed termites building tunnels over or around our blocks to get to timber, but never through the blocks themselves Accoustics: Based on the density of the product a standard 200mm wide cobblestone series block has RW 47, ideal for “party” walls. Although definitive testing has not been undertaken, Timbercrete blocks transfer little sound, and are superior in sound-proofing qualities to gyprock and brick walls. Lateral Modules of Rupture: The Lateral Modulus of Rupture of Masonry Units' test (AS/NZS.4456.15) provided a mean result of 1.3MPa, with an unbiased standard deviation of 0.1 Flexural Strength: Ave Flexural strength 0.3 MPA (tested in accordance AST3700-2001 Appendix D) Freeze / Thaw Issues:
Timbercrete has been used for many years in in below freezing environments. To date there has been no evidence of damage due to water freezing within Timbercrete blocks. The reasons for this are: 1. A breather-type sealer is applied to internal and external surfaces of single-skin walls. The sealer creates a chemical reaction within the block that makes the block impervious to water, but allows the transpiration of water vapor molecules. 2. The moisture content within the block is minimal as a breather-type sealer is used. 3. Timbercrete blocks are an excellent insulator; freezing temperatures barely penetrate into the block as the block retains latent heat from solar radiation plus from the internal activity. Test Report; ‘ASSESSMENT OF TIMBERCRETE FOR FREEZE/THAW DURABILITY BY TESTING TO ASTM C162-05a’ Report dated; 8th September 2005 Summary ‘Five Timbercrete blocks were tested by ENSIS to 25 freeze thaw cycles as specified in ASTM C1262-05a. All samples lost less than 0.2% of their mass after exposure to these cycles with the average loss being less than 0.1%. Two of the samples were coated with an acrylic and the other three coated with a silicate. No difference in durability was apparent after exposure to 25 cycles of freeze/thaw’ DISCUSSION Minnesota authority publication; ‘the maximum average loss of 5 samples shall be <1% with the maximum loss of any individual sample being <1.5%. In no ‘pass mark’ exists; AS/NZS 4455 Standard mentions freeze/thaw tests in Appendix D4.10 & states: “there is no one test applicable to all conditions. Consumers should rely on manufacturer’s recommendations or local experience”
Wet Dry Cyclic Test:
No indication of cracking, spalling or any form of degradation (Timbercrete New Zealand Ltd Test Report; 17/02/2005 Wet/Dry Appraisal Test 17/2/2005 to NZS4298:1998 Appendix C. The test schedule called for testing to 6 cycles. Timbercrete blocks were tested for 10 cycles and Samples B & C where subjected to 2.5 times more soakage time than required. Patent Application Number: PCT/AU01/00520 & 2003901351 QUALITY ASSURANCE Timbercrete is manufactured in various regional areas throughout (and overseas), and all Licensees operate in accordance with centrally determined Production and Quality Control procedures. Key elements in controlling the quality of Timbercrete product leaving all Licensees premises are as follows: - The selection of all raw materials is subjected to a strict testing regime to determine product density, particle size distribution, clay content and aesthetic parameters.
- Each Licensed Timbercrete manufacturer has completed an in-house training course
- Prior to selling any Timbercrete products, each Licensees production has been subjected to Compression Testing by an independent accredited testing authority.
- Slump testing is carried out on a daily basis in all manufacturing plants, with results recorded in a daily log. Daily production does not commence until slump testing results fall within predetermined parameter.
- In-house compression testing equipment provides regular monitoring of the strength and durability of product made from every batch of raw materials delivered.
- Extensive product shrink-testing has been undertaken, and every pallet of completed product is labeled with a “use after” date to ensure total product stability.
- All Licensees furnish the Timbercrete Licensor with Monthly Reports which contain the results of daily Slump Tests, and Compression Tests.
The following is actual Testing undertaken by ENSIS Rotorua & joint forces with SCION (ex Forest Research Institute Rotorua NZ) & CSIRO () |
