Client: Bolton Sixth Form College
Type of works: supply of Isokorb^® type KST-QST.

Due for completion later this year, the new Bolton Sixth Form College is fast taking shape and the campus will see the creation of a high-quality learning environment. The three-storey building has a structural steel frame and being such a highly-conductive material, combating problems caused by thermal bridging is a major consideration.

One consequence is local heat loss, resulting in more energy being required to maintain the internal temperature of the building and greater CO₂ emissions. While this is important, there is a more serious issue as far as building occupiers are concerned. Low internal surface temperatures around the thermal bridge causes condensation; and this can lead not only to structural integrity problems with absorbent materials, but the occurrence of mould growth – with its serious implications for the occupants in the form of respiratory problems.

Isokorb^® type KST-QST 16 modules are designed into the structure at Bolton College; units developed specifically for connections involving steel-to-steel free-cantilever, canopies, balconies and walkways. Due to their thermal insulation properties, the Isokorb^® modules dramatically reduce energy loss in connective areas by guaranteeing that there is uniformity between cantilever structures and the internal structure at the thermal envelope. They also transfer load and maintain full structural integrity, while at the same time enabling inner surface area temperatures to remain well in excess of those likely to cause mould formation and condensation.

The Isokorb^® complies with the UK regulation which requires that the temperature factor used to indicate condensation risk (fRSI), as described in BRE IP1/06; a document cited in Building Regulations Approved Documents Part L1 and L2; must be greater than, or equal to, 0.75 for dwellings, residential buildings and public buildings. A requirement comfortably exceeded by incorporating the Isokorb^® KST 16 into the design with its fRSI performance rating of 0.82.