Driverless Cars Demand an Exacting Finish

Cranfield University has invested heavily to create a Hi-Tech Research Laboratory to test the new autonomous vehicles. They had a requirement for a seamless resin flooring system that would meet very exacting requirements.

Although the building looked much like a typical five-bay workshop, this was a project with higher specifications than usual because of the nature of the vehicles being tested. The floor needed to be anti-slip, easy to clean and the surface had to be flat matt. Due to the fast track nature of the construction, damp proof membranes were utilised which enabled the resin screed to be applied prior to the concrete fully drying out. Using these specialist primers saved six weeks on the programme, which proved hugely beneficial to the client in fitting out the facility. During the construction period there was an issue with the concrete, which ordinarily would have resulted in some of it being removed. However, Central Flooring Service has the experience to deal with this and by researching flexible screeds were able to repair it instead. All the proposals were agreed with the Architect and saved the client both time and money. Manufacturer Resdev was able to supply the flat matt coating the client required and designed a specification to include a 3mm thick polyurethane screed, which allowed for the anti-slip aggregate to be applied whilst the screed was still uncured. Two coats of Pumadur DD in the matt finish were then applied. All the expansion joints throughout the system were then filled using a complimentary coloured jointing compound. In line with Central’s environmental policies, all of its waste was legally cleared from the works and 98.7% of it was recycled. The Client was extremely pleased with this result and it was the only sub-contractor who achieved this. Sales Director, Nick Megson, said; “This project exemplifies the company’s ethos of good teamwork and well-trained staff – everyone involved worked incredibly hard to make this project a success. At Central Flooring Services, we pride ourselves on delivering a service which meets all our customers requirements.”

Credits

• Central Flooring Services Ltd
• Resdev Ltd