Due to their highly elastomeric properties, Flexcrete’s protective membranes are often specified for the refurbishment of buildings and other structures in parts of the world vulnerable to earthquake damage. Taiwan is located in an area susceptible to earthquakes and Flexcrete’s Monodex Smooth coating has been chosen for application to a building owned by an organisation dedicated to research on earth tremors.
Monodex Smooth, a high performance, waterborne, flexible, high build decorative coating, was applied to the exterior of The National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering (NCREE) in Taipai, Taiwan. Established by the National Science Council (NSC) and the National Taiwan University (NTU), the NCREE brings together academic resources and researchers to help decrease the impact of earthquakes on various structures.
As Taiwan is an island located on the ridge of the Eurasian and Philippine tectonic plates, it is highly seismic and the biggest earthquake in Taiwan in more than a century occurred in 1999, known as the Chi-Chi earthquake which measured 7.3 on the Richter scale.
The main façade of the NCREE building is tiled but Monodex Smooth was required for protection around ring beams and associated areas. Flexcrete Bond-Prime was first applied to seal and stabilise the substrate prior to the application of Monodex Smooth coating which is very flexible in its nature and can withstand significant thermal and structural movement without cracking, flaking or showing other signs of degradation. Flexcrete’s products were supplied by the company’s Taiwan-based distributor, Parallel Industrial Co., Ltd.
With a design life of up to 15 years before first maintenance is required, Monodex Smooth is CE marked in accordance with the demands of BS EN 1504 Part 2. It is available in a range of attractive matt colours and for this project, Monodex Smooth was specified in brown and grey to provide complimentary accent colours to the façade of the building. Monodex Smooth protects against water ingress and the effects of carbonation, yet allows damp substrates to breathe. It is extremely fast drying, facilitating two coats to be applied on the same day.
With origins dating back to 1983, Flexcrete Technologies Limited manufactures a wide range of concrete repair mortars, fairing coats, waterproof cementitious coatings and decorative protective coatings. With its head office and manufacturing complex based in Leyland, North West England, Flexcrete products are available from stockholding distributors all around the UK. The company also has a global presence through international agents and distributors in 65 countries worldwide with export sales accounting for over 50% of its business.