The GBE System is not based on a single national regulatory framework. Its structural design is adapted to the standards, regulations and design rules applicable in the country in which the building is constructed. The French Technical Assessment (Avis Technique) is therefore a French technical evaluation document and should not be interpreted as the international regulatory basis of the GBE System.
International design approach
The structural design of each project is carried out according to the standards and regulations applicable at the project location.
Reinforced-concrete engineering
The GBE System is based on conventional cast-in-place reinforced-concrete design and construction principles.
Project-specific verification
Wall dimensions, reinforcement, connections and structural actions are verified by the project engineering team in accordance with the applicable design framework.
Structural design according to the applicable national standards
The GBE System combines two cast-in-place reinforced-concrete leaves with continuous insulation incorporated between them. Structural calculations are therefore performed within the reinforced-concrete design framework applicable to each project. There is no single worldwide building code: the relevant standards and national provisions depend on the country in which the building is designed and constructed.
GBE can support project teams in adapting the principles of the system to the applicable local design framework. Final structural design and regulatory verification remain project-specific and are carried out by the competent designers and authorities where required.
France
Structural reinforced-concrete design is based in particular on NF EN 1992 (Eurocode 2), together with the French National Annex and the other Eurocodes relevant to the project.
In addition, the GBE System is covered in France by French Technical Assessment 3.2/17-916_V3, which defines its field of application and specific design and implementation provisions for the French market.
United Kingdom
Reinforced-concrete structures can be designed using BS EN 1992 (Eurocode 2) together with the applicable UK National Annex and the other relevant British Standards and statutory requirements.
The French Avis Technique does not replace the regulatory or technical approvals that may be required for a project in the United Kingdom.
United States
The United States does not use the Eurocodes as its primary structural design framework. Reinforced-concrete design is generally based on ACI 318, while structural actions and load combinations are addressed through standards including ASCE/SEI 7, together with the applicable building code and local requirements.
A GBE project in the United States must therefore be engineered and verified within this American regulatory framework.
The GBE System and the Eurocodes
For projects designed within the European structural framework, the GBE System can be engineered using the relevant Eurocodes. Eurocode 2 (EN 1992) provides the principal framework for the design of reinforced-concrete elements, while the other Eurocodes are applied as required for actions on structures, seismic design, foundations and other project-specific conditions.
The internal concrete leaf, external concrete leaf, reinforcement and connecting elements are therefore designed according to the structural configuration and actions specific to the building. National Annexes and locally applicable provisions must also be taken into account.
French Technical Assessment
In France, innovative construction products and systems may be assessed through an Avis Technique. This document provides construction professionals with an evaluation of the suitability of a system for its intended use and defines its principal design and implementation provisions.
The French Technical Assessment of the GBE System applies to use in metropolitan France and the French overseas departments and regions (DROM). It is therefore a French technical reference and does not constitute an international approval or replace the standards and regulations applicable in another country.
Applicant
GBE – 50 rue Albert Thomas – 42300 Roanne – France
Overall assessment
The use of the system within its defined field of application received a favourable assessment.
Geographical scope
Metropolitan France and French overseas departments and regions (DROM).
Validity
Extended until 31 July 2027 under extension 3.2/17-916_V3.1.
Important: the French Technical Assessment is a useful technical reference for understanding the GBE System, but projects outside France must be designed and checked against the standards, building regulations and approval procedures applicable in the country concerned.
