We characterise ACERINOX products for use on façades

TECNALIA has carried out the optical characterisation of ACERINOX stainless steel products for use on façades or as architectural surfaces, to determine the LRV (light reflectance value) according to standard BS 8493: 2008 + A1: 2010.

The LRV is the visible radiation ratio reflected by a surface compared to the human eye’s radiation sensitivity; that is, it is a measure of the perceived appearance of a surface. This parameter has more importance than a mere aesthetic issue since it must be taken into account when designing, for example, a lift accessible to people.

On the other hand, the maximum specular component of the light reflectance of different stainless steel surfaces has also been determined to assess the surface brightness and consequently the possibility of producing glare.

These activities are included within the work carried out by the optics laboratory of our Industry Lab_services area. Among them, it is worth mentioning the calculation of the SRI (Solar Reflectance Index) used in the LEED certification of buildings.

LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) is a sustainable building certification system, developed by the U.S Green Building Council. It consists of a set of rules on the use of strategies aimed at sustainability in buildings. Among these is the credit aimed at reducing the so-called "heat islands" in covered or non-roof horizontal surface areas, such as a car park. To determine if the building meets this credit, it is necessary to know the SRI of the materials that will be used.

ACERINOX is a large stainless steel manufacturing company with a catalogue of products for use as architectural surfaces. When used in façades they confer on the building envelope an image and features different from other traditional façade products.

Contact: Susana Santamaria
Optics Laboratory
TECNALIA