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MANUFACTURE OF LIGHT-GAUGE (THIN-WALLED) STEEL STRUCTURES

(LGSF)

Since the very beginning of NP5 operation, the goal of the company has been not to align themselves with other enterprises, but to be one step ahead of such organisations. One of the major technological advantages is manufacture of metal frame or so-called light-gauge steel structures (LGSF) carried out by Group Department "NP5 Technology". Quality results are ensured by the existing modern manufacturing machines. As energy performance requirements are constantly amended and tightened, solutions of classical construction for this market become less attractive and less satisfactory. In order to find exclusive alternative solutions and to minimise an impact on the environment but not to lose architectural expression, to simplify building and construction, as well as to reduce prices, Company NP5 have invoked one of the alternatives of classical construction, i.e. light-gauge steel structures.

LGSFs are cold-formed, i.e. rolled, light-gauge structures of thin-walled cross-section elements.

These thin-walled steel profiles are analogues of wooden structures because of their lightness, fast assembling in construction sites and simplicity of their installation. Geometrical dimensions of light-gauge thin-walled steel structures as well as of those constructed from block structures do not change during their operation. Besides, the building remains sustainable and leak-proof during the whole lifetime. The features and options of the structures give architects freedom; therefore, this ensures better quality of life to the population. The walls of ventilated facades meeting A++ requirements are thinner than the ones of standard structures; therefore, a larger total floor area area is used. The steel used is 100% recyclable material. For this reason there is no depletion of natural resources and no waste. The structures comply with the principles of a circular economy and are easily-transportable. Because foundations are subject to lower requirements, LGSF is assigned to sustainable construction.

 

USE IN SUSTAINABLE

CONSTRUCTION

Lightweight steel structures are used for the walls, floors, roofs, overlays, stairs of buildings made of Sigma C, U and O, cold-formed profiles of a 1.2-1.6 mm thickness. The most common forms of light-weighted steel structures are prefabricated wall panels and floors where beams are installed as separate elements. Moreover, light-gauge thin-walled steel structures are also used in harmonised hybrid construction and for frame infill walls of large buildings.

Cold-formed thin-walled steel sections started to be used in the United States and Great Britain around 1850. In 1920-1930, those sections as building materials were limited because there were no standards regulating the elements of this type, and there was very little information about the sustainability of the material described in design codes. Europe currently regulates the design cold-formed thin-walled steel elements elements in accordance with the requirements of Eurocode 3 - Part 1-3 (EN 1993-1-3:2007. Eurocode 3 - Design of steel structures - Part 1-3: General rules - Supplementary rules for cold-formed elements and sheeting). In recent years, the use of light-gauge steel frames has significantly increased in the construction of buildings across the whole Europe.
For example, by 2002, steel consumption reached 9% in the construction of houses and apartment buildings in the United Kingdom, while this market share has increased twice since 2002. In the United States and Australia, steel consumption is over 15%.

An increase in steel frame consumption is seen in Europe as well, especially in such countries as France, Netherland, Sweden, and Finland. This market is growing because of extensive scientific studies, expansion of structure design regulation, and improvement of the parameters of the materials with acoustic and thermal characteristics.

Technology
for an easier life

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

 

LGSF DESIGN

The process of LGSF design and their strength calculation is performed by using engineering software such as AutoDesk Revit, AutoDesk Robot, AutoCad, and JFBA, and following regulatory standards and the requirements of European Standard EUROCODE (with all revisions).
The technology of LGSF manufacturing and load-bearing characteristics of manufactured frame elements allow construction of up to 5-story (inclusive) residence and commercial buildings and self-supporting spans of up to 12-meter length for sheds and warehouses. Light-weighted structures do not need solid foundations; therefore, the costs for these structures are significantly lower. Up to 1 mm precision of structure manufacturing prevents so-called human factors and mistakes caused by them on the construction site. The prefabricated structures of a building assembled by their installation instructions will not distort and twist; therefore, the maximum deviation from the general geometry of the building will be only a few millimeters.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

The metal frame, i.e. LGSF or light-gauge thin-walled steel structures, is manufactured by using up-to-date equipment produced by the high technologies owned by New Zealand Company HOWICK. Especially precise equipment is used for manufacturing frame elements, the maximum tolerance of their dimensions is only 1 mm.
The production uses top-quality structural steel (350–550MPa yield strength), the thickness of which is 1.2–1.6mm. Profile elements of 100mm, 150mm and 200mm height ate covered with protective anti-corrosive coating: 275g/m2 zinc layer, or from 150g/m2 zinc and aluminum compound layer, or from 175g/m2 zinc and aluminum compound layer.

TECHNOLOGICAL PROCESS

The technological process of metal frame manufacturing provides an opportunity to improve the load-bearing properties of the frame and simplify its assembly and installation to the maximum.

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LGSF INSTALLATION

Frames are assembled and installed according to the prepared installation drawings. Every frame element is marked in sequence by indicating an assigned definition of the plate/supporting element. Every plate/supporting element is supplied together with an instruction for assembly. The instruction contains information on the sequence of assembly of elements and their outlay. After assembling the plates and supporting elements, you will find information in the assembly instruction, what is the sequence for you to install walls, overlays, and supporting elements.
 

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Advantages

NP5 LGSF technology is a real escape for customers who are tired of the never-ending and challenging process that is traditional construction. The popularity of this construction technology is growing in the world rapidly (although NP5 is unique in using it to produce ready-to-live-in houses). It allows to achieve the maximum quality of the end-product while also saving time and money.

The technology can be employed at any time of the year without welding: light steel frame elements are installed on light strip foundations simply, promptly and easily, and tightened with self-tapping screws or rivets. Metal properties ensure the absence of settling and deformation even after a longer period. LGSF materials also feature very high fire resistance. Refined technical properties provide more freedom to implement original and modern housing interior solutions.

Functionally practical and affordable light steel structures are environmentally friendly, have no odour, do not release harmful substances, and leave no construction waste, defective or other unnecessary elements during the construction process on site.

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Construction products

WALLS, LOAD-BEARING WALLS, INTERIOR PARTITIONS, STAIRS

Wall panels are a time-and-cost-saving solution that meets the expectations for rational construction of those who look for a practical way to decorate indoor premises.

Solid and lightweight wall panels are made using NP5 technology and distinguish themselves with outstanding geometry and even surfaces. They can be used for indoor partitions, indoor sections and modules, pavements, pediments and partition panels.

SUPPORTING ELEMENTS

OVERLAYS

 

HYBRID CONSTRUCTION

 

OPTIONS FOR PROFILES C, U, O, AND Z WALL ANALOGUES

 

Wall panels

 

LGSF

MODULAR HOUSES

Currently, the construction sector is increasingly seeking solutions of quickly-build, easy-to-construct systems that can be optimally adapted to both a single-story individual house and public buildings easily assembled into a single structure.

Modular houses satisfy the strictest standards of modern, quick-build construction, and their use is becoming increasingly relevant.

Modular houses or just the modules themselves are pre-fabricated in the plant and are delivered to the construction site. Here they are mounted on a pre-fabricated ready-to-use foundation and are interconnected. Modular construction has some advantages. When needs have changed, additional modules can be attached to the building, or the existing but unwanted ones can be dismantled; therefore, the size and function of the building are changed.

 

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Buildings

Residential (one-apartment) buildings, residential (two-apartment) buildings, residential (three- and more-apartment (multi-apartment) buildings, residential (for various social groups) buildings

Auxiliary farm buildings, other (farm) buildings, other (greenhouse) buildings, other (garden) buildings, other buildings.

Hotel buildings, scientific buildings, medical buildings.

Transport buildings, garage buildings.

Warehouse buildings, production, industrial buildings.

Production, industrial buildings, commercial buildings.

Service buildings, catering buildings, religious buildings.

Administrative buildings, special purpose buildings.

Recreational buildings, sports buildings, modular buildings, other engineering structures.

Certificates


NP5 CONSTRUCTIONS has the following certificates:

ISO 9001:2015/LST EN ISO 9001:2015
ISO 14001:2015/LST EN ISO 14001:2015
ISO 45001:2018/LST EN ISO 45001:2018

Frama™ 7600

MULTI-PURPOSE SYSTEM: FRAMES,
TRUSSES, PANELS, FLOOR JOISTS (16
GAUGE / 1.6MM) 3-8” / 70-250MM
SECTIONS

Company NP5 has chosen the patented technology of the global brand FRAMA 7600 owned by New Zealand Company HOWICK for manufacturing light-gauge steel structures. This equipment of LGSF manufacturing is leading not only in Lithuania but also in the whole world, it is successfully used in over 70 countries. The essential advantages of these manufacturing machines:

• Exceptional quality and reliability;
• Speed and accuracy;
• Possibility to manufacture as many as five different subtypes of frames for wide-scale construction projects;
• World's leading modern software;
• Compliance with CE and UL requirements;
• Precise transfer of design and engineering parameters from CAD software;
• Individual marking of components;
• Unique properties allowing construction of as many as 11-storied buildings.