CE Marked Construction Products

STRUCTURAL PROFILES CE

I profili M.M. in PRFV, grazie all’ottenimento della marcatura CE, sono diventati un prodotto normativamente riconosciuto M.M. FRP profiles, thanks to obtaining CE marking, have become a normatively recognized product and can therefore be used for structural purposes in the construction sector, on a par with other materials such as steel, timber or reinforced concrete.

The Italian Technical Standards for Construction (NTC 2018) require materials used for structural purposes to be identified, qualified and accepted by the Site Manager (Chapter 11).
The Standard provides that identification and qualification may take place, among other ways, as follows (11.1.c):

• […] the material or product must be CE marked according to a “European Technical Assessment” (ETA) […]

Having completed the process for obtaining the ETA, M.M. profiles can be used for structural purposes and accepted by the Site Management as well as by the Technical Services responsible for reviewing calculation documentation. It should be noted that CE marking does not apply to FRP material in general, but exclusively to M.M.’s FRP profiles.

To obtain CE marking for a product or material, it is necessary to apply to one of the TABs, technical assessment bodies designated by the respective EU Member States for drawing up EADs and issuing ETAs.
For FRP profiles, the applicable EAD (European Assessment Document) of reference must be followed, which defines all the properties required for characterization. Each manufacturer wishing to CE mark its FRP profiles with an ETA can choose which properties to define and therefore test, among those listed in the EAD. It must also define all the profile sections it intends to characterize, both in terms of geometry and fiber composition.

Once these lists have been defined, experimental tests must be carried out to characterize the product, using accredited laboratories. M.M. chose to work with the renowned testing center at the Politecnico di Milano.

Finally, once the experimental campaign is complete, the TAB draws up the ETA, which declares all profile sections with their dimensions and geometric properties, as well as the physical-mechanical properties selected, with the corresponding values whose performance is guaranteed.

M.M. has obtained CE marking via ETA for a wide range of open and closed profiles, in multiple geometric sizes and thicknesses: this enables it to meet the most varied needs, from small structures to more demanding, large-scale structural projects. In addition, the average values of the mechanical properties meet the minimum requirements for class E23 according to UNI EN 13706.

Obtaining ETA certification also means guaranteeing declared performance over time. To meet this commitment, M.M. submits its entire production process to constant, rigorous verification by the relevant inspectors.

Specifically, M.M. regularly monitors the suitability of raw materials, in-line controls, the equipment and instruments used, dimensional controls and the composition of its products.

The EAD requires the application of the system of assessment and verification of constancy of performance Type 1+ (also known as AVCP System 1+) provided for by Regulation (EU) No. 305/2011 (Construction Products Regulation – CPR).

Sistem 1+

CE VERTICAL LADDERS FOR INSPECTION MANHOLES

M.M. supplies CE-marked vertical ladders in accordance with standard EN 14396 (*”Fixed ladders for manholes”*), designed and built for inspection manholes and drainage systems accessible to people.

The standard defines the technical requirements, the test methods, and the marking criteria.

Main requirements

1. Materials:
   1. May be made of steel, plastic, or combinations (e.g. plastic-coated steel).
   1. Must be resistant to corrosion, chemical agents, and severe environmental conditions.
2. Design and dimensions:
   1. Ergonomic shape and anti-slip surface.
   1. Standardized dimensions to ensure safety and comfort (e.g. minimum rung width).
3. Static load:
   1. Must withstand specified minimum forces without permanent deformation or breakage.
4. Shrinkage resistance:
   1. For plastic materials, must ensure dimensional stability over time.
5. Laboratory tests:
   1. Mechanical tests (load, bending, etc.).
   1. Verification of coating adhesion (if present).
   1. Durability and chemical resistance testing.
6. CE marking:
   1. Mandatory for free movement within the European market.
   1. Must indicate: manufacturer identification, year of manufacture, rung type, load class, references to EN 14396.

The standard requires the application of the Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance System (AVCP) Type 4, one of the five systems (from 1+ to 4) provided for by Regulation (EU) No. 305/2011 (CPR) for the CE marking of construction products.

System 4 requires control solely by the manufacturer, without the involvement of a notified body.

The manufacturer is responsible for:

1. Initial Type Test (ITT) of the product:
   1. Must demonstrate that the product has meets the declared performance (e.g. mechanical strength, tightness, durability, etc.).
   1. May be carried out through in-house testing or by using external laboratories (even non-notified ones).
2. Factory Production Control (FPC):
   1. The manufacturer must establish a documented production quality control system.
3. Drafting of the Declaration of Performance (DoP):
   1. Document declaring the product’s characteristics (e.g. load class, chemical resistance, etc.).
4. Affixing of CE marking:
   1. Must appear on the label or on the accompanying documents of the manhole.

CE VEHICULAR GATES

M.M.’s CE-marked vehicular gates reach widths of up to 8 metres.

Depending on the maximum opening size, M.M. offers two vehicular gate solutions:

1. TYPE 1: Height (max) H = 2m – Leaf clearance (max) = 6.0m
2. TYPE 2: Height (max) H = 2.5m – Leaf clearance (max) = 8.0m

M.M. gates are manufactured in accordance with standard UNI EN 13241-1:2016, the European standard specifying the safety and performance requirements for doors, gates and barriers for industrial, commercial and garage use, installed in areas accessible to people.

Main aspects covered:

1. Mechanical safety: structural strength, prevention of crushing, cutting and entrapment hazards.
2. Safety device performance: such as photocells, sensitive edges and emergency stop systems.
3. Reaction to fire: requirements on the flammability of materials used.
4. Heat transmission and air/water permeability: depending on intended use.
5. Noise: maximum permissible sound emission level.
6. Movement control and management: safe slowing, stopping and reversal.

CE marking:

The standard is harmonized under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR), and vehicular gates must therefore be CE marked, with a corresponding Declaration of Performance (DoP).

M.M. applies the Type 3 system of assessment and verification of constancy of performance (AVCP – *Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance*), provided for by Regulation (EU) No. 305/2011 (CPR – *Construction Products Regulation*).

In System 3, the task of assessing product performance falls partly to the manufacturer and partly to a notified body, according to the following division:

Activity	Responsible
Initial type tests (ITT)	Notified body
Factory production control (FPC)	Manufacturer

Initial type tests (ITT)

• Tests that assess the product’s performance against essential requirements (e.g. wind resistance, safety in use, durability, etc.).
• Carried out only once per product type and must be entrusted to a notified body.

Factory production control (FPC)

• An internal production control system that ensures manufactured products conform to those that were tested.
• Must be managed directly by the manufacturer and documented.