ecoinspiredeco-logic products

breincobluefuture

2www.breincobluefuture.com

Materials obtaining stage

Use of recycled, recyclable,

biodegradable materials

and products out of use.End of life stage

Recyclable and/or

biodegradable product.

Material identifi cation by means of codes.

Information on the treatment

of products at the end

of their useful life.

Production stage Use of mono materials,

compatible materials, elimination

of toxic and hazardous substances,

manufacture of modular parts

easy to dismantle.

Distribution stageIn the event of using containers and

packaging for product distribution,

which are recycled, recyclable

and/or reusable.

Usage stageDesign of modular products

which can be recycled

and reused.

3air quality Pollution generated by exhaust gases and heating systems continues to rise; it is therefore essential to find new solutions to improve air quality and make the city a better place for living in. Thanks to the eco-logic line of products, there is a possibility of achieving a long-term reduction in the polluting agents in the air we breathe. Improving air quality is the first step to improving our quality of life.

healthWidespread atmospheric pollution is undoubtedly the source of many health problems. In the presence of light and air, eco-logic oxidises organic and inorganic polluting substances and turns them into non-toxic compounds.

ecologyEcological awareness is a collective phenomenon which has gone from having a simple cultural interest to becoming the basis for a true ecological lifestyle. It is all our responsibility to try to do something specific to protect the environment and its inhabitants. To be able to enjoy a cleaner, more inhabitable city, we have an effective weapon:eco-logic creates pleasant spaces for meeting, enjoying and relaxing, and combating pollution at the same time.

improving air quality is the first step to improving our quality of life

Environmental

quality self-declaration

4cycle paths To satisfy citizens leisure needs, cities also need an ever increasing number of lanes for bicycles. These spaces are of vital importance in a modern urban city increasingly congested by road traffic. Paving slabs are the ideal solution for cycle paths thanks to their renowned aesthetic appeal and functional characteristics.

pedestrian paths The use of paving slabs on pedestrian paths guarantees an attractive appear-ance both for runners and walkers. Thanks to a wide selection of colour combinations and finishes, paving slabs are ideal for streets, courtyards, parks and gardens.

squares A well recognised characteristic of paving slabs is their ability to enhance architectural sur-roundings by exploring a wide range of tones, colours and finishes. These properties adapt perfect-ly to the design of squares, urban spaces par excellence where history blends into the present.

urban road networks To increase safety in our road network, and therefore try to reduce the number of accidents, is one of the main objectives of paving with paving slabs.This is a valid tool for use in traffic moderation policies, which guarantee safe, functional and at-tractive urban road use.

discover the slab that will change the appearance of our cities

5Ca(NO3)2

Ca(SO4) Co3-2

CaCO3

TiO2

SUNLIGHT

INORGANIC POLLUTANTS ORGANIC POLLUTANTS

PHOTOCATALYTICSURFACE

Benzenes

Aromatic Polycondensates

ParticlesNOx SOx

Pollution caused by exhaust gases and heating systems has become a serious problem for so-ciety.The nitrogen oxides (NOx) contained in exhaust gases from vehicles are in fact one of the main causes of poor air quality, continuous risks to health (especially those that affect the respira-tory system), the greenhouse effect, climate change and the increase in average tempera-tures.Breincos objective has been to create an in-novative solution, which provides clients and designers with eco-logic products capable of reducing polluting substances such as nitrogen oxide (NOx).These products are unique, due to TX Arca cement with photo-catalytic properties used in their manufacture. In the presence of light and air, this cement is capable of oxidising highly toxic substances and turning them into non-toxic compounds. -2NOx Nitrogen oxide

SOx Sulphur oxide

Ca(NO3)2 Calcium nitrate

Ca(SO4) Calcium sulphate

Co3 Carbonate ion

CaCO3 Calcium carbonate

TiO2 Titanium dioxide

eco-logic by Breinco

improves air qualityto improve ourquality lifeof

photocatalysis

Breincos eco-logic product line is the result of exclusive collaboration between the Magnetti Technological Laboratory and the CTG (Centro Tecnico di Gruppo) belonging to the Italcementi group. These products are made with a special kind of cement, TX Arca, designed, patented and produced by Italcementi according to the EN 197/1 standard for common cements.

Benzenes

Carbon oxide

PM10 (fine particles)

Nitrogen oxides (NOx)

Aromatic polycondensates

Depending on the type of polluting agents, eco-logic turns them into nitrates, carbon-ates or sulphates, which are non-toxic compounds. This chemical process occurs in all kinds of sunlight or artificial light with a wavelength of or

60 20 40 60 80 100

Cement

+ TiO2

TiO2

Cement

NO (Nitrogen monoxide)

NOx residue (%)

NO2 (Nitrogen oxide)

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 UV radiation (mW/cm2)

NO

x r

emov

al (%

)

Time (h)

Rem

oval

leve

l (%

)

Inte

nsity

UV

(mW

/m2 )

1009080 70605040302010

0

1009080 706050403020100

0.00

1.00

2.

003.

004.

005.

006.

007.

008.

009.

0010

.00

11.0

012

.00

13.0

014

.00

15.0

016

.00

17.0

018

.00

19.0

020

.00

21.0

022

.00

23.0

0

NOx UV

1009080 70605040302010

0

test 1 laboratory tests on samples of cement and TiO2The graph shows the residual NOx content af-ter 7 hours of exposure to light to which the pure titanium dioxide (TiO2), the cement with a percentage of titanium dioxide (cement + TiO2) and common cement (cement) were subjected. It is obvious that the combination of cement and TiO2 has a greater effect in reducing nitro-gen oxide levels.

reduction of nitrogen dioxide (NOx)When the surface of a product which contains TiO2 is irradiated by sunlight, high-production oxidising substances are formed, which turn the NOx in the air into nitrate ions (NO3). The nitrate ions in the cement in the form of cal-cium nitrate are extracted by the rain. Experiments have concluded that 1,000 m2 of photo-catalytic surface is capable of cleaning a volume of 200,000 m3 of air for every 10 hours of sunlight.

In the absence of national and European regu-lations, the tests carried out by the Italcementi Groups CTG were developed in the laboratory following internal procedures established ad hoc, in collaboration with the following re-nowned institutes:

CNR laboratory in Ferrara

ITC laboratory, Institute for Construction Technology, San Giuliano

Milanese Milan

CNR laboratory in Rome

Institute of the European Community of Ispra Varese

A team was created by UNI in order to define the regulation on test methods for photo-cata-lytic cement paving slabs.

test 2Degree of NOx elimination depending on ultra-violet radiation.

figure 3The graph shows the degree of NOx elimina-tion depending on ultraviolet radiation over a 24 hour period.

7Environmental conditions Morning Afternoon

LUX 80,000 100,000

Temperature (C) 25 36

Wind (m/sec) 3 0.7

Humidity % 45 22

353025201510

50

16

29

eco-logic Asphalt

3 Presence of NOx. Comparative results

4 Parallel study of the measurements instruments

ppb

Ave

rage

NO

x - p

pbpp

b (p

arts

per

bill

ion)

ppb

(par

ts p

er b

illio

n)

4540353025201510

50

Time (h)16,00 16,30 17,00

1 Presence of NOx on asphalt flooring

300250200150100

500

Time (h)10,00 12,00 14,00 16,00

2 Presence of NOx on the paving in eco-logic

paving slabs

300250200150100

500

Time (h)10,00 12,00 16,00

first field testsThe experiment was started in March 2003 in an industrial area in the province of Bergamo. 6,000 m2 of double layer grey paving slabs were laid with a thickness of 8 cm.The base layer of the paving slab was made with a mixture of high-strength cement and selected inert materials. The wear layer was made by mixing quartz and silica sand into a fine 7 mm thick layer which contained the photo-catalytic cement.The following instruments were used to carry out the measurements:LUXOMETRO 545 (model for tests)

Hot wire anemometer 425 (model for tests)

N itrogen Oxide Analyser Model AC 32 M (Environnement S.A.)

Laptop computers

The nitrogen oxide analysers were placed in the centre of the photo-catalytic flooring and at a distance of eighty metres in the asphalted part. The environmental conditions measured during the test are described below.

results of the measurementsWith a difference of five months, the controls carried out by Italcementi in the test area confirmed the laboratory results, with a rapid reduction in the polluting substances. The amount of NOx was measured at the same time with two analysers, as indicated in the two diagrams in figures 1 and 2. As the two graphs show, in the area paved with slabs, made with photo-catalytic cement, there are significantly lower levels of NOx than in the reference area.The reduction calculated on the basis of the average results recorded is around 45% (fig. 3).To check the reproducibility and reliability of the two analysers, they were placed in the photo-catalytic paving slab area from 4 oclock in the afternoon, and data were noted for approximately 1 hour (fig 4). As indicated, reproducibility and reliability can be considered fairly high.

8test 3

shine testThis measures the anaesthetic durability of con-crete elements made with white cement con-taining TiO2 and exposed to urban surround-ings for five years. The variation is almost nil, which shows that the shine values remain con-stant over time. Time (years)

Exposure time (hours)

UV light

Brig

htne

ss (%

)Br

ight

ness

(%)

0,5

85

80

75

83 8382 82

1 3 5

0Ref

220

200

180

1608 16 24 60

CementTX Arca

test 4The graph shows the degree of elimination of the polluting agents over time. Dirt mainly comes from cigarette ash.

Grease, dust and acid rain cause the formation of micro-organisms which attack the surface of buildings. The photo-catalytic action, which is activated on the surface of the paving breaks down these micro-organisms and prevents the accumulation of dirt, thus protecting their aesthetic char-acteristics over time.

with eco-logic the surfaces are kept clean

9other advantages in the use of eco-logic paving slabs

deodorant action

The decomposition of the substances contain-ing sulphur and nitrogen prevents the forma-

tion of moss and bad smells.

antimicrobial actionIt has a proven effective action against bacte-

ria and fungi that attack cement surfaces.

propertieseco-logic products made with photo-

catalytic cement have the same physical and mechanical properties and characteristics as products made with other kinds of cement.

10

What is the photo-catalytic cement used in the line of eco-logic products?It is a special kind of TX Arca cement capable of carrying out photo-catalytic activity according to the requirements of EN 197/1 for common cement. This is the result of the research carried out by the laboratory Centro Tecnico di Gruppo (CTG) of the Italcementi Group.

What is photocatalysis?It is a natural phenomenon in which a substance (photo-catalyst), when irradiated by the right intensity of light, changes the speed of a chemical reaction with its presence, while remaining unaltered. With sufficient radiation, the materials in photo-catalytic cement show greater effectiveness in oxidising organic and inorganic substances found in the atmosphere. How does titanium dioxide act on the polluting agents?Titanium dioxide acts as a photo-catalyst. This means that in light, it accelerates the oxidation reaction of the polluting agents which come into contact with the surface of the cement.

Where do the sub-products from the photocatalysis go?The sub-products obtained from the photo-oxidation reaction, being in an alkaline atmosphere due to the cement, are

Are compounds resulting from photo-catalytic action (for example, nitrates, sulphates and carbonates) dangerous, and where do they end up once produced?Actually, photo-catalytic action does not alter the type of inorganic products obtained (nitrates, sulphates and carbonates), and simply accelerates the transformation of the polluting agents reducing their concentration in the atmosphere. The small concentration of polluting agents in the atmosphere reduces breathing problems. With respect to the polluting substance NOx, it is important to bear in mind that the absence of the photo-catalyst would cause the formation of nitrites (toxic).

Is photo-catalysis also used in other materials?Photocatalysis is one of the natural processes in which some chemical reactions can only be produced when there is light radiation (for example, chlorophyll photosynthesis, etc.)Other inorganic photo-catalytic products are also marketed such as glass and ceramics.

Do eco-logic line paving slabs work in the rain?In the event of rain, the layer of water which covers the surface reduces photo-catalytic activity. However, rain drags away inorganic salts produced by photocatalysis.

most frequently asked questions

mineralised and become inorganic salts such as nitrates, sulphates and calcium carbonates. These salts are partially dragged away by rainwater.

Does it give off a bad smell?Not at all. In fact, when the aromatic substances and those containing sulphur and nitrogen break down, a deodorant action takes place.

Does the photo-catalytic activity of eco-logic products tend to disappear over time?No, photo-catalytic activity does not disappear over time, because titanium dioxide acts as a photo-catalyst, allowing the oxidation reaction to occur without becoming exhausted.Photo-catalytic activity would only disappear if the surface of the paving containing the photo-catalyst was eliminated mechanically. After repeated cycles to eliminate the NOx no reduction is observed in surface photo-catalytic activity.

How does it work with traffic residues such as dust, tyre rubber and oil stains?Obviously, for titanium dioxide to work optimally, the surface cement which contains it must not be covered with other materials. The tests carried out on the terrain did not show a significant fall in activity due to the presence of sub-products from normal traffic.

11

At what stage is the research?The main applications developed with photo-catalytic cement include white and grey, high-strength structural concrete.Photo-catalytic concrete was used to make the prefabricated panels of the Dives in Misericordia church in Rome, designed by the American architect Richard Meyer; furthermore, the grey variant was the basis for the photo-catalytic concrete used in the City of the Music in Chambery (Francia).Tests have shown that the destruction of organic material on the surface of the cement product results in buildings keeping their attractive appearance even after prolonged exposure, thus guaranteeing that the initial shine is maintained.The properties for reducing the atmospheric polluting agents have been tested in the laboratory in Italcementi, in university laboratories and in research bodies.This intense, laboratory research is intended to show the photo-catalytic effectiveness of the product and develop a wide range of possible applications.

What colours can be used?White, grey and other colours. Light colours allow a more effective, catalytic action.

How long do the eco-logic paving slabs last? Do they wear out?Paving using eco-logic paving slabs as long as similar paving using traditional slabs.

To what extent has the reduction of the so-called fine particles been proven?Today, experiments are being carried out to determine the percentage of organic compounds which can be assimilated as fine particles.

What are the efectos colaterales of the use of the product?The cement used in the eco-logic line is, to all intents and purposes, a standard cement; the photo-catalytic elements are innocuous and free from any specific collateral effect.

What is their range of action?Very good results have been achieved with respect to NOX reduction thanks to the use of experimental procedures developed by photocatalysis experts (CNR Ferrara), in air quality (ISPRA and CNR Research Centre in Rome) and in emissions of polluting materials (ITC ex I.C.I.T.E.). These results obtained by some independent laboratories show that it is possible to effectively reduce NOX The best results achieved to date indicate that 1,000 m2 of photo-catalytic surface are capable of reducing the polluting agents present in a

volume of around 200,000 m3 every 10 hours. Even limited surface areas have a significant effect on local reduction. Obviously, the larger the paved area, the greater the effect will be.

12

the subsequent problems of slipperiness and little grip.Paving slabs are resistant to abrasion and can-not be deformed. Natural stone, especially when placed on mortar, becomes easily sepa-rable due to the different thermal expansion of the two materials.Breinco paving slabs are resistant to ice where-as natural stone enhances the formation of ice in the winter due to water collection, causing serious trouble for pedestrians and problems of exfoliation on the surface.Paving slabs can be used for relief applications, which may be of help to the blind.

better than asphalt Paving slabs are cheaper than asphalt. The long-term duration (over 20 years) of paving slabs and reduced maintenance and restora-tion costs are advantages over asphalt, which requires periodical resurfacing.Paving slabs come in a wide variety of shapes and colours; asphalt does not.Paving slabs allow special lines to be designed and fi nishes to be chosen for highlighting dif-ferent architectural environments, an advan-tage which asphalt does not offer.Paving slabs cannot be deformed. Asphalt may be deformed by atmospheric agents, particu-larly the sun, and therefore has to be replaced or intensely maintained.Paving slabs contain natural inert materials, so they are more ecological than asphalt made with pitch and tar.Paving slabs are thicker and can also be used for paving roads for heavy vehicles. Asphalt de-forms, especially in hotter seasons.Paving slabs contain traffi c signs on the road which do not deform and last a long time. As-phalt does not.Paving slabs are discontinuous and can follow the lie of the land. Asphalt cannot, and also cracks easily in rain.Paving slabs are easy to restore; asphalt requires resurfacing, or the use of short-term solutions and frequent work on the road.

Paving slabs allow water drainage, asphalt causes accumulation.Paving slabs are ideal for use in traffi c modera-tion systems.Interlocking paving slabs are safer than asphalt. Field tests have shown that paving slabs sig-nifi cantly improve the road network, during the day and at night, with a signifi cant reduction in the braking distance in comparison with an asphalt surface.

better than natural stoneThanks to their special shapes, paving slabs have the ability to block themselves. The shape of natural stone makes it tend to move easily.Paving slabs offer a guarantee of material quality in compliance with current legislation and estab-lished regulations.There are many solutions (shapes, sizes, colours and fi nishes).Greater profi tability with respect to stone, in particular with regard to the cost of installation and subsequent maintenance.eco-logic paving slabs have photo-catalytic properties, stone does not.Paving slabs are non-slip, over time stone may be-come uneven and slippery.Paving slabs have excellent non-slip proper-ties which allows pedestrians to walk safely, and optimum grip for vehicles. Natural stone tends to become smoother due to wear, with

Guiding paving stones for pedestrians.

The Tactile Paving Stones are designed to alert the blind or

partially blind of the dangers they might encounter in the

paving.

The Tactile Paving Stones are made with an easily

perceptible surface pro le that warns them

of a speci c risk.

13

theeco-logical

are the bestoption

paving slabs

14

eco-logic

original eco-tegulaoriginal eco-terana

ecovent-screen

facades

pa

ve s

ton

essl

ab

s

gran llosa eco-vulcanollosa eco-vulcano

programa eco-zehn

eco-tegula sixeco-terana six

eco-rectangular

programa eco-opac

products

26,4x20,8x7cm.10,4x17,3x7cm.20,8x17,3x7cm.

20x10x8/12cm.20x10x6/8cm.

40x40x7/8cm. 40x20x7/8cm.

20x20x8cm.

60x40x10cm.30x20x10cm.30x10x10cm.

60x40x7cm. 40x40x7cm. 40x20x7cm.

120x60x5cm.100x50x5cm.

120x80x12cm.80x60x12cm.

60x40x5/7/8cm.

15

fi nis

hes

co

lou

rsterana tegula

original eco-terana

eco-terana six

original eco-tegula

eco-terana six

eco-rectangular

ecovent-screen

black

black red grey

black

black

mediterrneo

mediterrneo

mediterrneo

volcano

volcano

sand

ceniza

ceniza

ceniza

cor-ten

cor-ten

cor-ten

desierto

desierto

marfi l

marfi l

sand

sand

ceniza

llosa eco-vulcano

gran llosa eco-vulcano

programa eco-zehn

black

black

mediterrneo

mediterrneo

cor-ten

fi nis

hes

cor-ten

desierto

desierto

marfi l

marfi l sand

programa eco-opac

basalt

fi nis

h

ceniza sand

16

17

18

faca

des

faca

des

eco

ven

t-scr

een

eco

ven

t-scr

een

faca

des

eco

ven

t-scr

een

faca

des

fa

cad

es

faca

des

19

Ventilated shafts today are a fully consolidated construction solution. They must give the buil-ding watertightness, ventilation, installation and durability, without forgetting its exterior image.With these guidelines, Breinco has developed the eco vent-screen. ventilated facade system. An innovative slab, striking and pleasant at the same time, which allows buildings to be crea-ted with extraordinary aesthetic results. Its production procedure gives the slab a surfa-ce with optimal light fastness and high resistan-ce to ageing. Furthermore, it has a long, useful and maintenance-free life.A high-quality concrete slab in which strength and colour are the main features.

energy saving Ventilated facades can be considered like a second skin for a building, protecting it from the direct effects of the weather and creating a space between the exterior skin and the shutter work of the facade.This ventilation cavity generates a chimney effect, which causes constant air renewal, enabling energy savings of between 20% and 30%.

eco vent-screen

120x60x5cm.100x50x5cm.

faca

des

20 pa

ve s

ton

esp

ave

sto

nes

pa

ve s

ton

esp

ave

sto

nes

pa

ve s

ton

esp

ave

sto

nes

pa

ve s

ton

esp

ave

sto

nes

20x10x8cm.20x10x12cm.

20x10x6cm. 20x10x6cm.20x10x8cm. 20x10x8cm.

original eco-tegula / eco-terana

The design of the original eco-tegula/eco-terana paving stone is based on a study of its geometric proportions, and the search for the appearance of a classical paving stone made of genuine stone.

eco-tegula / eco-terana six

This is ideal for drives, paths and courtyards. The combination of soft colours and the 90 la-yout gives it a perfect traditional appearance.

eco-rectangular

The eco-rectangular paving stone allows a wide variety of possible fl oor layouts, depending on the loads it will have to withstand.

vehicular traffi c

heavy vehicular traffi c12cm. thickness

vehicular traffi c8cm. thickness

light vehicular traffi c6cm. thickness

vehicular traffi c8cm. thickness

10,4x17,3x7cm. 10,4x17,3x7cm.20,8x17,3x7cm.eco-tegula eco-tegula eco-terana eco-terana

eco-tegula eco-tegula eco-terana eco-terana

20,8x17,3x7cm.

21

sla

bs

60x40x10cm.

60x40x7cm.

30x20x10cm.

40x40x7cm.

30x10x10cm.

40x20x7cm.

gran llosa eco-vulcano

llosa eco-vulcano

A carefully conceived slab, which allows us to guarantee a product of exceptional hardness and a colour that is stable over time.

programa eco-zehn

This is recommended for paving and footways adjacent to traffi c areas which are often inva-ded by vehicles.

programa eco-opac The eco-opac programme comprises three slabs made entirely of basalt aggregate, which increases the pieces breakage resistance.

light vehicular traffi c12cm. thickness

pedestrian5/7/8cm. thickness

stone cladding5cm. thickness

vehicular traffi c20 x 20 x 8cm.

light vehicular traffi c60x40x10cm.

vehicular traffi c30x20x10cm.30x10x10cm.

pedestrian

20x20x8cm.40x20x7/8cm.40x40x7/8cm. 60x40x5/7/8cm.80x60x12cm.120x80x12cm. 40x40x7cm.

tact

ile

22

UNACONUNACON is an innovation project which studies the use of nan additives to achieve higher output in concrete parts (CONcrete)..

This is one of the most ambitious projects of SF-Kooperation and in the present European Era-SME market it has managed to meet the requirements for obtaining a budget of 1.1 million euros to explore the use of nan additives in concrete products.

In principle, the objective focuses on achieving an addition with a lasting effect to produce Easy to clean surfaces, and secondly, research will be done into the use of materials which change the phases which positively influence the tendency of horizontal surfaces to freeze.

This project forms part of the Zusatznutzen 2010 Added Value 2010 and SF-Kooperation has agreed to coordinate the activities between the research institutions and the industrial partners. The circle of members of the consortium is currently formed by the following institutes and SMEs:

1 Research institutes:Federal Office of Research and Testing of Materials (BAM) of Berlin, Institute of New Materials (INM), Saarbrcken (Germany), Leopold-Franzen University, Innsbruck (Austria).

2 Industrial companies (SMEs):Greese Betonwaren, Eggesin (Germany), F.C. Ndling, Fulda (Germany), Betonwerk Eltersberg, Alten-Buseck (Germany), Kandussi Steinwerke, St. Veit/Glan (Austria), BM Vall, Reikiavik (Iceland), Starka, Sdra Sandby (Sweeden), Breinco S.A., Barcelona (Spain), VCR van Cauwen-bergh, Rumst (Belgium).

The project is expected to last 3 years and has been structured in working packages to maximise efficiency. The project process is currently being revised and updated to reflect the results of the research.Industry needs this new scientific-technical specialisation to be able to develop innovative products which will assure its future in an ever more competitive global market.

SF-Kooperation is an international group of prefabricated concrete product manu-facturers, which with proven technique and innovative products and productive systems put their effort and emphasis into consolidating public and private spaces. The group was founded in 1970 and is currently made up of approximately 30 shareholders, including Breinco since 1995 and 25 licence holders.

SF-Kooperation gives the partners and shareholders technical support in deve-loping new products, tests, software de-velopment and brings in its many years experience in product installation.

european research programmes

23

Study of different stain and dirt applications: mayonnaise, tomato, cola, coffee, wine, industrial oil, olive oil and blue spray paint.

Nan additives.

Enlarged image.

Lines of work:

1. Basic analysis.

2. Development and optimisation of prototypes.

3. Engineering and pilot production process.

4. Evaluation tests.

5. Validation and optimisation.

6. Final project and lines of work.

7. Communication.

That it can be mixed in a damp mass.

That it has no negative influence on the durability of the

concrete.

That it can be integrated in industrialised manufacture.

Long-term effectiveness >10 years.

That additional production units are not needed.

Easy handling and dispensing.

Efflorescence protection.

Not harmful to health.

Main points for the development of an easy to clean nan additive:

24

Reoluxthe new Reolux effect allows luminous reflections to be created with sources of natural or artificial light, and a special optical effect to be generated; the dark areas become lit areas.

At first sight, a paving slab with Reolux effect looks like any standard tyre. It is only when light hits the surface of the paving slab that we can see the difference: the paving slab shines in the dark.This effect is possible thanks to what we call retro-reflections, which are caused by small glass spheres that shine under light.Paving slabs with the Reolux effect are suitable for marking paths and car parks, pavements, cycle paths and pedestrian paths in dark areas in the periphery of the city, where there is no lighting but where the path must be safely indicated. tests performedThe study performed in the technical university of Hamburg-Harburg (TU) using the silica-alkaline accelerated reaction test of the glass spheres shows that they are not a reactive material.There are no significant deviations between the results of a standard tile and the results of the same paving slab with Reolux effect for the purpose of UNE EN 1338.After studying the durability of the glass pearls in a paving slab under the corresponding environ-mental conditions, the Federal Institute of Research and Material Tests-BAM concludes that there is no harmful effect on the structure of the surface of the paving slab.Complete reports available.

Reolux effect. Enlarged image

25Surface without light.

Standard surface Standard surface

Reolux surface Reolux surface

Surface with light

26

LEED CertificationIn recent years, North American design has em-braced sustainable design by adopting LEED, a voluntary design system for buildings and works which offers a system of evaluation which puts forward the use of technologies that reduce en-ergy and preserve the non-renewable resources.LEED establishes methods based on consensus for measuring output by promoting designs that integrate the preservation of energy and resources.A project must gain at least 26 points to achieve the certificate. The points are earned when the requirements and the requisites specified in each credit are met.The prerequisites and credits are organised into five main categories: sustainable sites (SS), water efficiency (WE), energy and atmos-phere (EA), materials and resources (MR), inte-rior quality (IQ).

The Pronatura green flooring by Breinco reduc-es drainage, introduces a colder microclimate and may suppose up to 14 points in the SS, MR and ID credits. This permeable segment-ing flooring reduces the index and amount of surface drainage and decreases pollutants such as the total solids in suspension and the total phosphorus. A tile with a broad joint and filled with ground stone on a natural base and sub-base is a clear example of such flooring.

a colder microclimateIn the Sustainable Site credits (SS), using the seg-menting flooring with light colours with a Solar Reflectance index of at least 29, we also reduce the island effect of heat (the thermal difference between the urbanised areas and the undevel-oped areas), which can bring down the air pol-lution trapped by the temperature inversions

clear colours

longlife

regionalmaterials

-CO2

caused on these heated surfaces.Colder flooring surfaces also increase the comfort of the microclimate in the summer. In compari-son with asphalt, green grille floorings reduce the temperature of the surface air by evaporation-perspiration by between 1 and 2 degrees centi-grade. reduce and reuseThe aim of the Materials and Resources (MR) category is to reduce and reuse material re-sources and reduce building waste, in addition to choosing environmentally acceptable con-struction materials. management of building waste and the use of resourcesThe high rates of rubbish and disposal units and the threat of pollution of the water in the soil have imposed recycling in the building and

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LEED Certificationdemolition processes.Being dry installed, the tiles, slabs or pieces of contention walls may be removed from the initial location to be reused in other places, if necessary.It is also possible to reprocess them in a recycling facility by grinding or for them to be reused in a new location as a base flooring material. recycled contentThe inclusion of materials with a recycled con-tent reduces the environmental impact of the extraction and processing of new virgin ma-terials and the industrial and manufacturing processes, which make intensive use of green-house effect gas.Breinco products may be made with recycled materials and count for this credit.regional materialsThis credit offers incentives for increasing the

demand for building materials and external products and products manufactured in the re-gion; as a result, it gives support to the use of native resources and reduces the environmental impact resulting from long-distance transport. modular natureIn the credit category (MR8) of durable con-struction, the aim is to minimise the use of materials and the constructive waste through-out the life of the building, derived from pre-mature anomalies in the building and its con-stitutive components and assemblies.The modular nature of all Breinco flooring products and contention walls allows easy ac-cess to repairs for common underground serv-ices and for rehabilitating the same flooring units without the surface being damaged or affected.

innovative improvementsFinally, the credit for Design Innovation and Proc-ess (ID) enables the designers to include innova-tive improvements in building materials and de-sign in the LEED evaluation system. In Breinco we have designed a green flooring slab with a lower groove provided for drip irrigation. In this way we reduce water consumption and offer the possibility of using non-drinkable water.

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Breinco is aware of the challenge of sustainability, and how important it is to establish an approach with strategies of change.Breinco agrees to follow the rules of environmental action, prevent pollution and minimise the impact of its activities.

Breincos aim is that no environmental damage might occur as a result of its activities, and policies are being carried out to ensure that all of its operations lie within the requirements of legislation and the best applicable practice.

As a manufacturer of industrialised products, Breinco recycles the waste it generates in its manu-facturing process.

All products which fail to satisfactorily meet the requirements of the current regulations are sepa-rated and sent to a grinding plant to reduce them to a suitable size.

The resulting aggregate is returned to the initial production chain in a maximum percentage wi-thout harming the properties of the finished product.

In this way, we achieve products of the same quality and with waste revaluation, avoiding their accumulation in disposal units.

eco-logic creates pleasant spaces for meeting, enjoying and relaxing, while combating pollution.

rrr recycled material:we avoid pollution and unnecessary energy consumption in making the same new material, and also reduce the total amount of waste. recoverable material: we use materials which have been rejected by the company. reusable material:the destination of recyclable material is reuse, and not the disposal unit.28

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The colour remains throughout the years and the pigments are totally harmless to the environ-ment.By using high quality pigments, it is also possible to achieve a constant colour tone and high co-louring capacity.

Requirements of the pigments for colouring the concrete: Resistance to atmospheric agents. Resistance to light (UV). Resistance to alkaline substances (pH approximately equal to 12).

Colouring may be achieved with natural and synthetic iron oxides.Synthetic oxides are currently preferable because: They can be produced with practically any colour tone (except for green, blue and white). They enable coloured concrete to be achieved at low cost. They guarantee brighter colours and greater colouring ability. They present colour tones and a colouring ability that can be controlled more effectively.

Breinco uses granular pigments that have a series of advantages over powder or liquid paste.Practically 100% is pigment, without any addition of water to the cement, without sedimentation, without freezing, a high apparent density, absence of dust, no waste in the sacks,clean handling, high colouring ability and the organic dispersants guarantee greater dispersion.

the pigments used in making kerbs,steps and channels are iron oxidesthat guarantee colour resistanceto ultraviolet rays and the weather.

Resistance to high temperatures, up to 120C No fading due to rain. No risk to the environment.

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We are part of the planet

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