Dow Building Solutions announced two Research and Development (R&D) test facilities located at the Dow Building Solutions’ North American headquarters in Midland, Mich.
The R&D “Wall Assembly Research Center” and “Spray Foam Application Technology Research Facility” have been built to test and evaluate insulation, air sealing and weatherization systems in a controlled lab environment in order to provide customers with real-world data of how the products will work together and perform and function in the field.
The Wall Assembly Research Center is a 1,600 sf wall system research lab that has over 30 interchangeable wall sections that enables Dow to test various residential and commercial wall systems.
It also allows for the testing of exterior wall system components to see how they stand up to outside elements and perform in a cold climate zone. Systems being tested include rigid and spray insulations, exterior cladding, and various framing techniques, in all cardinal directions.
The Wall Assembly Research Center is wired with a state-of-the-art monitoring system that allows researchers to collect, analyze and process the performance of each of these interchangeable wall systems over extended periods of time.
Dow collaborated very closely with Building Science Corporation to design and construct this unique facility in a way that the data collected can help further develop Dow building envelope products and systems and provide answers to the most relevant industry questions.
The second research test facility is a 2,000 sf spray booth and lab that enables researchers to evaluate the application of new spray foam chemistries and methods. The Spray Foam Application Technology Research Facility was created to test liquid-applied construction solutions and materials, such as spray polyurethane foams and weatherproofing systems, to help better understand how spray products work in both small and large-scale applications while using a variety of application equipment such as refillable cylinders and 2-component high-press spray rigs. Beyond testing and gathering data on chemistries and application methodologies, the research facility is also being used to provide education and training on the application and safe handling of these spray foam products that contribute to the creation of a better performing building envelope. BD+C
Related Stories
Architects | Jun 4, 2018
Changing the way we think about water and design
We have several gaps between the need and desire to have abundant, accessible, clean water and the reality of dealing with on-going and increasing water shortage crises.
Libraries | Jun 1, 2018
New library offers a one-stop shop for what society is craving: hands-on learning
Beyond lending books and DVDs, the Elkridge (Md.) branch library loans household tools like ladders, wheelbarrows, and sewing machines.
| May 30, 2018
Accelerate Live! talk: Seven technologies that restore glory to the master builder
In this 15-minute talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), AEC technophile Rohit Arora outlines emerging innovations that are poised to transform how we design and build structures in the near future.
| May 30, 2018
Accelerate Live! talk: Why the AEC industry must adapt to the Internet of Things boom
In this 15-minute talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), building systems expert Jeff Carpenter explores established and emerging IoT applications for commercial and institutional buildings, and offers a technology roadmap for navigating the IoT landscape.
| May 30, 2018
Accelerate Live! talk: T3 mass timber office buildings
In this 15-minute talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), architect and mass timber design expert Steve Cavanaugh tells the story behind the nation’s newest—and largest—mass timber building: T3 in Minneapolis.
| May 30, 2018
Accelerate Live! talk: From micro schools to tiny houses: What’s driving the downsizing economy?
In this 15-minute talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), micro-buildings design expert Aeron Hodges, AIA, explores the key drivers of the micro-buildings movement, and how the trend is spreading into a wide variety of building typologies.
Market Data | May 29, 2018
America’s fastest-growing cities: San Antonio, Phoenix lead population growth
San Antonio added 24,208 people between July 2016 and July 2017, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
| May 24, 2018
Accelerate Live! talk: The rise of multi-user virtual reality
In this 15-minute talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), two of CannonDesign's tech leaders present their early findings from pilot testing multi-user VR technology for AEC project coordination.
| May 24, 2018
Accelerate Live! talk: The next frontier of post-occupancy evaluations
In this 15-minute talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), ZGF Architects’ Chris Chatto outlines methods for conducting meaningful, holistic evaluations from design to occupancy.
| May 24, 2018
Accelerate Live! talk: Security and the built environment: Insights from an embassy designer
In this 15-minute talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), embassy designer Tom Jacobs explores ways that provide the needed protection while keeping intact the representational and inspirational qualities of a design.
