Rail
Twinfix have supplied modular polycarbonate panels for use as rooflights in many railway stations and depots. The polycarbonate used to glaze these panels can either mimic the appearance of the original Georgian wired glass or look as clear as plate glass, depending on the grade of polycarbonate glazing specified.
The chosen product for rail and depot rooflights is the Multi-Link-Panel NF (Non Fragile). The Multi-Link-Panel is an innovative polycarbonate glazing product that, due to its fix and link method of installation, is incredibly quick to fit, making it a good choice for installation in stations where possession times are an issue.
It is manufactured with an aluminium frame that can be powder coated to any RAL or BS colour, fitted with multiwall or solid polycarbonate glazing. This is an ideal glazing medium as it is very tough yet flexible and will absorb building movements caused by trains moving underneath or by high winds. There is, therefore, no danger to members of the public or to Station staff from the possibility of any falling shards of glass when polycarbonate glazing is installed.
Multi-Link-Panels NF are now available fitted with a solid polycarbonate sheet that mimics the visual appearance of Georgian wired glass. This is available in a clear and an obscure version and is the ideal modern replacement for failed Georgian wired glass. Being polycarbonate, it is incredibly tough, will not break and need replacing in the future. The NF Multi-Link-Panel when fitted with any of the polycarbonate options on offer conform to the Health & Safety Executive's recommendation for the use of 'safe' Non-Fragile Roofing, achieving a B classification in their drop test, ACR[M]001:2011, Test for Fragility of Roofing Assemblies.
These panels also conform to London Underground's own more stringent drop test, Engineering Standard E3404A3. Please see attached London Underground Certificate 181.
Passing both these drop tests gives the specifier real peace of mind when ordering the use of Multi-Link-Panels NF, as it means that any unauthorised access onto a canopy will not result in a dangerous fall through the glazing. This is particularly important where an embankment and/or existing building design provides a possible tempting access point onto a roof.
Should the whole roof need refurbishment, and not just the glazing, aluminium sandwich panels can be inserted into the Multi-Link-Panels rather than a glazing medium, enabling quick and easy installation of the whole roof using just one system.
Please click on the relevant link below to see a video of the HSE drop test carried out on that product:
- 6mm solid polycarbonate glazed in the Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel NF - passes the test with a B classification and can therefore be designated as 'non fragile', or safe.
- 16mm multiwall polycarbonate glazed in the Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel NF - also passes the test with a B classication and achieves the 'non-fragile' or safe designation.
- 16mm multiwall polycarbonate glazed into a 60mm wide glazing bar - fails the test and is therefore designated as 'fragile'. This shows why the HSE say that the test should be carried out on 'roofing assemblies' and not on individual components: it is the patented system within the Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel NF that enables it to achieve the B classification and 'non fragile' designation.
- 6.4mm laminated glass glazed with standard glazing bars - fails the test and is therefore designated as 'fragile'.
- 6.8mm laminated glass glazed into standard glazing bars - fails the test and is therefore designated as 'fragile'.
Twinfix are happy to work with the installing contractor, making JIT deliveries to the station or depot to suit the working schedule.
Twinfix are registered as a supplier on Link-Up.
