More than 30 patents protect the CBS system and the applications that are at the core of this innovation. A proprietary jig system allows rapid panelization (including doors and windows) using the composite-framing members in a factory setting to provide enclosure options that meet all code-compliance requirements.
Relevance to Retrofit
Architects, remodelers, engineers, and builders of residential and commercial structures are just now coming to understand this composite material system is available. A few relevant facts indicate how important the material could become when more generally adopted. First, the strength of the new composite studs and other materials provides not just a difference in degree, but also a difference in kind. Composite framing members have a strength comparable to steel or high-strength concrete. The compressive strength, flexural strength and tensile strength are 25 ksi, 80 ksi and 75 ksi, respectively (Polyhedron Laboratories Inc., March 2010). The flexural strength alone gives buildings using this system high resiliency against hurricanes (panelized construction using composite systems has shown the ability to withstand 250-plus-mph winds in third-party testing [Architectural Testing, June 2011]).
In addition, the system is insect and vermin proof, mold proof, and fulfills all fire code and other regulatory compliance requirements. The material is lightweight, making it easy to transport and put together using only a screw gun and steel screws. The simple fastening combined with the prefabricated nature of most of the construction makes this system safe during construction while providing labor savings.
Finally, testing of the shear strength of the connection between two overlapping pultruded strips screwed together provided results of more than 1,500 pounds for two #12a steel screws separated by 1 1/2 inches and 1 inch from the exterior edges of the composite material (Lawrie Technology Inc., October 2005).
Challenges Ahead
Despite these fascinating characteristics, whether this composite paneling and stud product will be accepted in the current structure of the construction industry is not at all clear and will depend on many things. Will the architectural and engineering community become comfortable with substituting new composites for the traditional options beyond the current use in bridges and industrial applications? A new industry standard that is in the works may help. In addition, the CEO of CBS has decided on an unusual go-to-market strategy for commercialization that involves establishing regional manufacturing chains and using a franchising model for distribution of the system.
The home-building market is especially resistant to changes in the basic structure of its product delivery mechanisms, in terms of the input material supply chains and labor supply chains. Will small-scale remodelers or retrofitters feel comfortable “ordering parts” from a single franchisee? Maybe. Maybe not. Should the market penetration strategy be more diverse? Maybe, but these issues are common for young start-ups, and CBS is no different.
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Innovation is inevitable construction materials will change architecture. Elements in design will not relate to location. Buildings will reflect technology.