Technical Background and Examples of Application

The LOC panel is a sandwich panel that consists of strong composite reinforcement layers (skins) bonded to an innovative new core material. The skins are designed to provide strength and stiffness to the panel, while the core provides the shear stiffness and local structural performance. By using the new plant based resin technology for both the skins and the core, the panel offers unprecedented performance at a price that is comparable to traditional building materials. The LOC panel is strong, light weight, moisture proof, fire resistant and is not subject to rot, decay or termite damage. It can be cut, drilled and screwed like standard timber making it easy to handle and install.

In the construction industry the panel has major advantages in wet areas and balcony

construction. The panel itself has been classified as a grade 1 waterproof membrane (AS4858), consequently only joints and junctions need to be waterproofed saving significant costs and construction time. Tiling can start within hours of installation. Recent fire testing has given the panel the top Class 1 rating (Building Code of Australia) which means that the panel can also be used for walls, roofs, floors and fire doors.

The LOC panel has also found application in bridge construction as a replacement for hardwood. The panel is used for the construction of beams and decks for both road and pedestrian bridges. A number of trial projects are currently under way in Queensland  These projects are conducted in close collaboration with the Qld Department of Main Roads.

The Australian Rail Track Corporation together with Austrak, Australia’s largest railway sleeper manufacturer, are using the LOC panel  for the development of high performance railway sleepers. A number of sleepers were recently installed on Australia’s busiest coal line in the Hunter Valley.