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The Cement Bonded Particle Board (CBPB) market in
the US has grown
considerably over the past 15 years. It was
first introduced on a large scale in the 1990's to
be used in applications such as structural
fire-rated floors, roofs, walls, soffits, ceilings,
and was soon incorporated into OEM & pre-fabricated
products such as Access Floors, SIPS, Equipment
Shelters & Modular Buildings. As demand
increased, the market for these products continued
to grow into the 21st century and there is an
estimated ±8
million square feet of cement-bonded particle board
being installed annually in the United States.
This number is expected to increase as awareness &
acceptance for these products continues to develop
throughout the country.
Although the history of CBPB in the United States
only dates back about 2 decades, it has been used
extensively abroad for over 60 years (specifically
Europe). The international market for cement
bonded particle board dwarfs that of the United
States, and there is a long track record of
successful projects. As CBPB proves itself
here in the United States praises from architects,
engineers, contractors, owner/developers and
manufacturers are stimulating new interest &
specifications. The key factor behind this
growth is simple, Cement Bonded Particle Board is a
strong, durable panel that offers an affordable &
easy solution to traditionally more
expensive/complicated methods of fire-resistant
construction.
Some of the specific benefits of CBPB as a component
are it's extreme resistance to fire, mold, mildew,
fungus, termites, vermin, abuse, weather, moisture,
standing water, variations in temperature &
humidity, freeze/thaw cycling, workability and
sound. These properties have been tested to
various standards (including UL & ASTM to name a
few) at testing labs around the country/globe.
There are many advantages to Structural Cement Board
over traditional methods of construction utilized in
the United States. For example, when
installing Armoroc CBPB as a structural floor deck
in lieu of poured concrete & metal deck you are (1)
cutting between 15 & 20 lbs/sf in weight. This
may allow reductions in structural support framing
and foundation material requirements, (2)
eliminating height since 3/4" thick CBPB is
replacing 4" of poured concrete and (3) eliminating
the wet-trade including concrete trucks, pumps,
curing time, temporary heating & specialty labor.
CBPB offers a cost advantage to poured concrete and
installs just like plywood (by carpenters using
standard carpentry tools & equipment). Once
it's installed, it's ready to finish. Not only
are you saving money, but it installs faster,
easier, and is environmentally friendly
(green).
Other applications where CBPB offers advantages is
for use as a structural roof deck in lieu of
built-up roofing systems using multiple layers of
metal deck, insulation, and a nail-base for your
roofing finish. You can install a single layer
of Structural Cement Board to your metal trusses and
your ready to install your shingles, slate, metal
roofing, etc.
These are just a couple examples of how construction
in the United States is benefiting from the use of
CBPB. More and more projects & manufacturing
facilities are incorporating this versatile and
beneficial product into their design. With
specifications and awareness on the rise there is a
strong future for Cement Bonded Particle Board in
the foreseeable future in United States
construction.
For more information on Cement Bonded Particle Board
please visit the
Armoroc
product page for specifications & testing data.
You can also request information and samples of
Armoroc here.
Written by Mike Kavanagh of
Ameriform, LLC on 4/18/2008.
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