What are the frequently asked questions for structurally insulated lightweight concrete panel construction?

1. What are structurally insulated panels (SIPs)?
SIP Technology refers to wall panels that are load bearing and structural that have sufficient thermal efficiency to maintain the internal ambient temperature in a house.
2. What are the advantages of using SIPs for construction?
SIPS are a far faster method of construction than traditional brick and mortar and generally have a lighter carbon footprint which makes them ideal as a green building technology with a lower embodied energy content in the manufacturing and construction phases. The reduction of other building materials on the site means that there are less P and G considerations, and this also means that there will be less capital outlay. There isn’t even a hosepipe or a wheelbarrow on our construction site. We must build at the rate of 1.8 m2 every 10 minutes with a team of 3. Every team multiplied will then be able to replicate the same productivity levels on site. Rapid construction enables developers to turn over completed units in shorter time periods and this reduces the cost of money and this in turn de-risks issues of weather and cost over runs for funders and investors which in turn makes for attractive win-win collaborations for the entire value chain of clients, developers, funders, investors and bond issuers.
3. How do SIPs compare to traditional brick and mortar methods in terms of energy efficiency?
SIPS are generally considered to have better energy efficiency than tradition brick and mortar due to the use of thermally efficient materials in the manufacturing process and in the transport of the panels as the panels are lighter than bricks. A case in point being that one is only able to transport 110 m2 of double brick walling on a 32-ton super-link whereas MIBT can transport 570 m2 of Mi Panel walling on the same vehicle.
4. What types of buildings can be constructed using SIP technology?
a) Classrooms and ECDC units
b) Affordable housing
c) Luxury housing
d) Tiny houses
e) Poultry aviaries
f) Commercial and industrial structures
g) Storage units
h) Clinics and hospitals
i) Mining camps
j) Remote construction
k) Any construction where bricks and mortar is used
5. Are SIP buildings durable and able to withstand extreme weather conditions?
SIP technology has been used to build in the harshest conditions from Canada to the Nordic countries and from high wind uplift areas like the Tiwi Islands to earthquake zones in Gujerat and just about everywhere in China and the rest of the Asia as well as in high rainfall and climatic conditions from Indonesia to India.
6. How does the installation process for SIPs differ from traditional construction methods?
In the case of Mi Panel, there is no concrete on site other than the foundation and perhaps decking (we also have solutions to replace this with mezzanine floors that can eliminate traditional decking). There is no building sand, bricks, water, hosepipe or the need for a wheelbarrow. This is a dry site hence MIBT’s motto of Mi Panel being the solution to wet works on a construction site.
7. Do SIP buildings meet all applicable building codes and regulations?
They should. All construction materials and methods should meet all applicable codes. In the case of Mi Panel, it is one of the highest certified Agrement systems in Africa (the international system for certifying innovative forms of construction), NHBRC and rational design certified as well. Mi Panel has been approved by the banks for development funding as well as end user bond financing for EDGE bonds.
8. Can SIP buildings be customized or expanded in the future?
In the case of Mi Panel, yes.
9. How does the cost of SIP construction compare to traditional methods?
On the residential, commercial, educational, and industrial applications that we have worked on, we were cheaper, quicker, greener and cleaner than traditional bricks and mortar with the barest minimum of waste disposal from a site.
10. What is the expected lifespan of SIP buildings?
Not all SIPS are produced equally. In the case of Mi Panel, this is a 70-year-old technology and has been used primarily in Australia, New Zealand, Europe and predominantly in Asia. Being Agrement certified and NHBRC and having bond financing in place, the technology is deemed fit for purpose for the life cycle of the structure.
11. Are there any limitations or disadvantages to using SIPs?
As with any technology, there will always be the possibility of consumer perceptions, market acceptability, market penetration issues due to push back from established technologies and players in the market. However, it must be noted that the quality of the different types of SIPS, the accreditations and certifications and the actual testing data all make a case for whether the technology meets the clients’ considerations.
12. Can SIPs be used for both residential and commercial construction projects?
Yes. And Industrial and educational structures in the case of Mi Panel.
13. What are the fire resistance ratings of SIP panels?
These vary from different SIP products. Mi Panel has a 2-hour fire rating with testing data from Fire Labs SA, the premier testing lab in the country for fire.
14. Can SIPs be used in combination with other building materials?
This again varies from different SIP technologies but in the case of Mi Panel it would be very easy to achieve.
15. What are the typical lead times for SIP panel manufacturing and delivery?
Lead times for Mi Panel is 10 days from order.