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
| Jan 11, 2012
Mortenson starts construction of Rim Rock Wind Project
Renewable energy contractor to build 189-megawatt wind project in Sunburst, Mont.
| Jan 9, 2012
FGM Architects acquires SRBL Architects
The firm reviewed gaps in each of the markets and identified a need in the municipal market for stronger police facility design expertise as well as additional project management and design expertise for this market.
| Jan 9, 2012
Shawmut appoints Les Hiscoe COO and EVP
In his new role, Hiscoe will focus on developing the Company’s field services divisions; national business in retail, hospitality, gaming, and sports venues; Tri-State business in academic and healthcare; sales and marketing; and human resources
| Jan 9, 2012
Thornton Tomasetti acquires green consulting firm Fore Solutions
International engineering firm launches new building sustainability practice.
| Jan 9, 2012
METALCON International 2012 announced
METALCON 2012 is scheduled for Oct. 9-11 at the Donald E Stephens Convention Center, Hall A, Rosemont, Ill.
| Jan 9, 2012
Lutron appoints Pessina president
In his 35-year career with Lutron, Pessina has acquired broad experience in the engineering, quality assurance and manufacturing areas.
| Jan 9, 2012
A new journey for KSS Architects co-founder
Kehrt's legacy of projects include Rutgers University's Biomedical Engineering Building, the renovation and expansion of Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, the recent new campus center at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and Princeton Township's Municipal Complex.
| Jan 8, 2012
TCA releases The Construction of Tilt-Up
The newest publication from the TCA is the second in a planned trilogy of resources covering the architecture, engineering and construction of Tilt-Up
| Jan 8, 2012
WHR Architects promotes Joel Colwell, AIA, to principal
With over 30 years of experience, Colwell has managed large-scale, complex projects for major healthcare systems as well as challenging smaller renovations and additions — all with notable success.
