Sheet Scores Big

Rugby and football enthusiasts at Dublin’s new Aviva Stadium may find their attention focused on the structure instead of the score. The stadium’s transparent, curvilinear walls are constructed from SABIC Innovative Plastics’ tough and virtually unbreakable Lexan® Exell D polycarbonate (PC) sheet, which adds incredible elegance, high performance and environmental benefits. Recognizing the strategic contribution of Lexan sheet technology to the stadium, the European Polycarbonate Sheet Extruders (EPSE) honored SABIC Innovative Plastics with its 2009 Best Project and Innovation Award. This is the second EPSE award for SABIC Innovative Plastics.

The building utilizes cold line bended Lexan Exell D sheet in the sweeping walls. Lexan sheet louvers help support the air ventilation requirement of the stadium. The material has a polished finish on the exterior and incorporates a proprietary ultraviolet (UV) protection layer and absorbs harmful UV radiation.

The sheet is an important contributor to the green initiatives at Aviva. By allowing daylight to stream into the stadium, the material helps to reduce energy usage; sensors keep artificial lighting turned off when there is sufficient natural light. Weighing only half as much as glass, the sheet reduces the amount of material required for structural supports.

For more information, contact Sabic Innovative Plastics, One Plastics Avenue, Pittsfield, MA 01201, 413-448-7110, Web: www.sabic-ip.com.