Ensign Soil cast iron pipes from iron technology leader Saint-Gobain PAM UK, part of leading materials group Saint-Gobain, has been specified for phase 1 of a new £50m facility at the Garthdee student campus at Robert Gordon University, one of Scotland’s top universities.
Located on the banks of the River Dee, on the south side of Aberdeen, the new facility will have an end-to-end walking time of two minutes. The development will provide a total new build of some 34,000m2 at the existing Garthdee campus. As well as academic facilities, the University will also benefit from a new library, a new entrance building and informal and formal spaces for students. The new building will also provide a recreational area for staff, students and members of the local community.
Jim Burns of Saint-Gobain PAM UK comments: “The key reason our fit-and-forget Ensign system was specified for the Garthdee project was because it outperforms stainless steel, HDPE and PVC rivals – and provides the complete drainage solution to the project’s needs. The only drainage system tested to a kitemark approved to BS EN 877, its choice was also influenced by the fact that it combines all the proven material properties of cast iron, which is unmatched in terms of fire resistance, acoustic qualities, strength (resistance to accidental damage), and longevity. In addition, it can also provide material and installation cost savings.”
The Ensign Soil system was specified by engineers KJ Tait and purchased by FES from Stirling, via Ashworth of Belshill, for delivery direct to site for installation. The main contractor is Miller Construction.
An above and below ground drainage system, transporting fluid waste, through the building, out and beyond, the Ensign system consists of pipes and fittings from 50-600mm diameter for above ground specifications and 100, 150-600mm diameter for below ground. Connections can be effected by cast or mechanical joints or Saint-Gobain PAM UK’s ground-breaking Ensign EEZI-FIT range of push-fit socketed fittings and couplings, designed to combine all the benefits of cast iron with the simplicity of push-fit assembly.