The Agrément certification (no. 2019/592) confirms compliance with NBR 103 regulation A13(1)(a) regarding materials. It assures that the product is free from organic solvents, formaldehyde, asbestos, oils, and other toxic substances that could negatively impact the environment.

The structural design and supervision of the panel building system are the responsibility of a qualified professional engineer, ensuring compliance with the deemed-to-satisfy rule BB4 of SANS 10400. Consequently, regulations B1 (1) and (2) are satisfied.

Wall Types:

• K1, K3, K4 Walls:
  • Wall Type 1: 75 mm thick, weighing 64 kg/m² (93.70 kg per panel)
  • Wall Type 2: 150 mm thick, weighing 110 kg/m² (161.04 kg per panel)

Roof Types:

• L1 (a) and (b): Roof specifications as per standards.

Testing procedures and reporting adhere to SANS 10177-1:2005, which governs the fire testing of materials, components, and elements used in buildings. The panel is classified as non-combustible (Type FR) and demonstrates fire resistance of up to 120 minutes when exposed to temperatures exceeding 1200°C, maintaining its integrity and insulation without emitting toxic gases. This performance meets the national A-level fire resistance standard.

Furthermore, the deemed-to-satisfy rules TT5.1(c) and TT5.2(c) of Section 3 of SANS 10400 have been satisfied, and for K4 walls, criteria T1 (1)(b), T1 (1)(c), and T1 (1)(d) have also been met.

According to the IgNis Testing Facility report no. 2022/11/30 WBT Rocktec, the Panel Building System is classified as having a fire resistance of 120 minutes in terms of stability and integrity, with insulation rated at 98 minutes. Low deflections observed during testing indicate a robust design. As the assembly meets the 120-minute requirement outlined in SANS 10177-2, it is deemed suitable for applications where a 120-minute fire-resistance rating is mandated per SANS 10400-T Table 4, which addresses the fire resistance of occupancy-separating elements.

The Agrément-approved system is suitable for walls (up to 6 stories high), roofs, and floors, exhibiting flexural strength of 4.27 MPa longitudinally and 4118 N transversely. When the WBT Rocktec Panel Building System is constructed according to the technical specifications, regulations 81 (1) and (2) are deemed satisfied. If these specifications are not followed, the structural design and erection of each building fall under the responsibility of a qualified professional engineer, in accordance with deemed-to-satisfy rule BB4 of SANS 10400.

In wind loading tests, the system achieved an ultimate load of 13 kN with a residual deflection of approximately 3 mm. The failure load of the wall was around 17 kN, slightly exceeding the expected failure load of 16.5 kN.

Regulations H1 (1) and H1 (2) regarding foundations are deemed satisfied as follows:

• H1 (1): Applicable to non-problematic soils.
• H1 (2): Relevant for all buildings where foundations are designed by a qualified professional engineer or an approved competent person, in which case deemed-to-satisfy rule HH 1(a) applies.

The system meets Agrément criteria for resistance to rainwater penetration and rising damp, ensuring it will not swell, delaminate, warp, or disintegrate when exposed to wet environments. It is suitable for use in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and other damp areas.

Applicable Standards:

• J1 (4): Floors
• K2: Walls

Agrément South Africa’s assessment is based on the calculated maximum indoor air temperatures during summer and the required indoor temperatures for winter. When evaluating the thermal performance of the Panel Building System, it demonstrates enhanced energy efficiency, significantly reducing heating and cooling operational costs as outlined in Clause 4.2.1 (c) of SANS 10400-XA. Consequently, when no artificial heating or cooling is applied to the system with insulated roofs, the temperature variations will be more favorable compared to standard buildings.

The Total R-values for the two wall types have been evaluated as follows:

• Wall Type 1: R-value of 0.506 m²K/W with a U-value of 1.975 W/m²·K
• Wall Type 2: R-value of 0.577 m²K/W with a U-value of 1.732 W/m²·K

When insulated ceilings are installed, the Panel Building System outperforms traditional steel frame buildings (SBH), thereby meeting Agrément’s requirements specifically for the Southern Coastal Condensation Problem area (SCCP) of South Africa. Agrément mandates that the minimum performance standard for this system be comparable to that of a conventional brick dwelling, which, despite its advantages, is not immune to condensation issues.

Agrément’s assessment is based on a theoretical analysis of the frequency-weighted sound reduction index, Rʷ. The anticipated in-situ airborne sound insulation between adjacent rooms in the Panel Building System is as follows:

• Wall Type 1: 75 mm thick – 40 dB
• Wall Type 2: 150 mm thick – 46 dB

These values not only meet Agrément South Africa’s criteria but also align with most recommended sound insulation standards outlined in SANS 10218: Part 1.

The durability of the Panel Building System will be satisfactory as long as it receives regular and appropriate maintenance.

Compliance with South Africa’s Health, Social, and Environmental Laws:

• The Panel Building System does not contain any organic solvents, formaldehyde, asbestos, oils, or other toxic substances that could adversely affect the environment.
• It adheres to greenhouse gas accounting standards as outlined in ISO 14025 and EN 15804, and ensures minimal human health toxicity.
• The manufacturing process achieves a reduction in waste generation of 20% or more, incorporating a significant percentage of post-consumer recycled materials or components and utilizing less water.
• At least 20% of the materials used in the panels are sourced from sustainable origins, ensuring minimal or neutral impacts on land use, biodiversity, and land degradation.
• The panels provide enhanced energy efficiency, significantly reducing heating and cooling operational costs, with a reuse rate of 70-90%.

• Fast-Track Construction: Erection is, on average, 15 times faster than traditional methods, eliminating the need for plastering.
• Advanced Dry-Process Construction: Ensures a clean working site with straightforward assembly.
• Increased Usable Area: By reducing the footprint of wall structures, it enhances usable space by a minimum of 5-10%.
• Reduced Structural Loads: Lightens the load on foundations, leading to significant savings on foundation costs.
• Cost Savings: Lowers construction expenses related to labor, foundations, structural elements, lintel beams, and stiffeners.
• Enhanced Seismic Capability: Improves the safety and resilience of buildings against seismic events.
• Lower Transportation Costs: The lightweight panels reduce transportation expenses.
• Overall Savings: Significantly shortens the construction timeline and project costs, resulting in substantial cost savings for large projects.

WBT44 (Pty) Ltd certifications align with the requirements of the Agrément management system:

• Quality Management System (ISO 9001): This system, when properly implemented, ensures consistent quality in the manufacturing and erection of panel structures. Registration No.: GB/T 19001-2016/ISO 9001:2015.

• Environmental Management System (ISO 14001): Compliant with international environmental standards, this system guarantees that the manufacturing and erection of the panel building system are consistently maintained. Registration No.: GB/T 24001-2016/ISO 14001:2015.

• Health and Safety Management System (ISO 18001): This system reflects our moral and legislative commitment to protecting health and safety, ensuring that the products are not harmful to the well-being of users. Registration No.: GB/T 28001-2011/ISO 18001:2007.

• Internationally Approved Global GreenTag Certification: Achieved GBCSA Level B LCARate Bronze, with license number WBT:WB01:2023