Glossary S Terms
Sandwich Panel
A panel with integral insulation, cast in the form of a sandwich. See hardwall cladding.
Safety
See Health and Safety.
Samples
Please see our sample library. You can download copies of scans of real sample finishes. We would be pleased to provide a real concrete sample when you have made a choice.
Scaffolding
We generally erect without scaffolding – it gets in the way. Scaffolding may be needed when we are fixing panels on a blank sheer wall.
S.C.C.
Self Compacting Concrete. A special mix of concrete which doesn't require any mechanical form of compaction. Provides high strength and high quality concrete.
Schedules
A schedule is an internal document releasing the factory to manufacture in accordance with the unit details.
Scope of Work
We are happy to discuss changes in the scope of our work on a project, either to adjust cost or to increase the benefit of prefabrication.
Sealant
Joints between panels are generally made waterproof by a gunned-in sealant. The most widely specified sealant is low modulus silicone. Silicone has high movement accommodation ability and long life expectancy. Primary seals will have a twin outer seal with a cavity between, which is drained at an appropriate point.
Semi Dry
A form of cast stone, using a stiff "earthmoist" consistency mix, which is mechanically rammed into mould boxes. This material is suitable for small masonry elements. Trent does not use this material.
Shims
Stainless steel packing pieces in varying thicknesses, which allow support corbels and the like to be accurately levelled.
Shop Drawings
Internal drawings and schedules, giving fully detailed information from which components are assembled, cast and finished.
Silicone
The most frequently specified sealant material for gunned seals.
Sills
See Cill.
Size
We make components as big as is practical. Big components and, therefore, fewer numbers result in a shorter erection period, which reduces costs.
Slabs
Special floor slabs with self finishes enable the mass of the structure to assist in energy management (see FES).
Slots
Slots in angles provide tolerance accommodation.
Socket
Threaded sockets are cast into the structure and panels to secure the restraint fixings.
Soffits
The bottom of a beam or floor slab.
Spandrel
An under cill panel which spans column to column.
Specifications
Trent has a specification to cover both general and specific issues.
Stain Test
Some granites and stones may suffer migratory staining from sealant materials, particularly silicone. The sealant supplier will undertake a stain test to investigate the likelihood of staining a particular stone.
Stock
All finished components held in the yard are classed as materials held off site and are paid for on that basis on a monthly stock-take.
Stone
See Natural Stone.
Strategic Alliances
Recommended by Sir John Egan.
Strengths
The concrete mix designs produce consistently very high 28 day strength. See Mix.
Structural Frame
Trent has extensive experience in designing top quality multi-storey frames, often with special finishes.
Structural Precast
Architectural finishes are readily combined with structural designs to produce special structural components.
Surface Laitance
See Laitance.
Sustainability
Prefabrication is already playing a valuable role in sustainable construction by using selected sustainable materials – such as timber – reducing waste and recycling. This includes energy recovered from old moulds to heat the factory. Refer to the Trent sustainability policy document.