The Technical Standards for Construction (NTC 2018) require that materials used for structural purposes must be identified, qualified and accepted by the Site Manager (Chapter 11).
The Standard provides that identification and qualification can be achieved, among other methods, as follows (11.1.c):
[…] the material or product must be CE marked in accordance with a “European Technical Assessment” (ETA) […]
Having completed the process of obtaining the ETA, M.M.’s FRP profiles can therefore be used for structural purposes and be accepted by the Site Management as well as by the Technical Services responsible for reviewing the calculation documentation.
It should be emphasised 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 European Union Member States to draw up EADs and issue ETAs.
For FRP profiles, the applicable EAD (European Assessment Document) must be followed, which defines all the properties required for characterisation. Any manufacturer wishing to CE mark their FRP profiles with an ETA can choose which properties, among those listed in the EAD, to define and therefore test. They must also define all the profile sections to be characterised, both in terms of geometry and fibre composition.
Once these lists have been defined, experimental tests must be carried out to characterise the product, using accredited laboratories. M.M. has chosen to work with the renowned centre at the Politecnico di Milano.
Finally, once the experimental campaign is complete, the TAB proceeds to draw up the ETA, which declares all the profile sections with their dimensions and geometric properties, as well as the selected physical-mechanical properties, together with the corresponding values whose performance is to be guaranteed.
M.M. has obtained CE marking via ETA for a wide range of open and closed profiles, in numerous geometric dimensions and thicknesses: this allows it to meet the most varied needs, from small structures to structurally more demanding, large-scale projects. In addition, the average values of the mechanical properties meet the minimum requirements for Class E23 in accordance with UNI EN 13706.
Obtaining ETA certification also means guaranteeing the declared performance over time. To meet this commitment, M.M. submits its entire production process to constant, regular inspection by designated inspectors.
Specifically, M.M. is regularly monitored regarding the suitability of raw materials, in-line checks, equipment and instruments used, dimensional checks, and the composition of its products.
