Structural Skeleton

    The main feature of the ERTEK system is the structural skeleton. This constitute both the load-bearing structure and the infrastructure of the partial systems of the construction (e.g. HVAC, plumbing etc). The ERTEK structural skeleton includes structural elements having standard technical features but non-standard dimensions, which allows tailoring in different construction needs. These elements are made of reinforced concrete: they are either foundation units, or pre-slabs (i.e. part of a slab which also works as a mold), or columns. All the structural elements are both produced and assembled in the worksite.

The pre-slabs include steel jointsat the corners, where the columns are connected. The connection is performed by screwing.

 

Structural properties and cost reduction

    The allocation of the structural skeleton's elements achieves both structural and anti-earthquake performance significantly higher than those of the conventional construction, with significantly smaller total weight of skeleton. This affects directly the economy of construction, due to the reduced demands in materials, as well as indirectly, due to the reduced demands in excavation and foundation.

 

Pipework

    Pipework (plumbing, underfloor heating/cooling) is installed in internal free spaces formatted between the assembled columnsas well as within the assembled pre-slabsbefore the floor concrete casting. In this way a lot of costly, time consuming installation work—characteristic in conventional building—is avoided. Installed pipework is accessible after the completion of the construction through special access man-holes.