Just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean you should
waste it!
SCI’s 2014 annual event addressed overdesign of steel structures and how we can design and construct more sustainable steel buildings, i.e. safe, efficient structures but using less steel. Rationalisation was cited as the main reason for the observed over-design, both in the design and fabrication of steel frames. Currently steel is plentiful and relatively cheap, particularly compared to UK labour costs, and as we all know, in construction, ‘cost is king’!
Over-design is wasteful however and surely it is time for smart engineers to design more efficient structures using modern design techniques that are safe, cost effective and low carbon. The environmental case for using less steel is compelling. Surely this is the future of structural steel design, certainly in a resource and carbon-constrained future. We have the design and manufacturing skills and software to be more efficient so why aren’t we?
To investigate these findings SCI, in partnership with Cambridge University, Price & Myers and William Hare, has started a two-year Government-funded research project. The project will seek to explore the balance between the weight of steel structures (and the associated carbon impact), against their cost. We are looking to engage with steel designers who are prepared to share their experience and practice for designing multi-storey, steel-framed buildings, to understand why they are over-designed and to help develop a new design approach where weight, cost and carbon can be balanced and optimised. We understand why rationalisation happens and we are not looking to critique others’ designs; we simply want to understand better how steel structure design can be improved and optimised. If you would like to engage with us in the innovative project please contact Michael Sansom.
SCI Courses |
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Robustness Design for Steel Framing 19 April 2016, Webinar |
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Steel Connection Design 28 April 2016, London |
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Steel Building Design to EC3 10 May 2016, Reading |
Member visitsWe have been encouraged recently by some very positive feedback from key member companies. It is clear that our technical advisory service (Advisory Desk) continues to be appreciated as a way to save time, solve problems, avoid or close-off disputes, or even avoid failures. We would encourage all technical staff at member companies to use the service. For larger organisations who like to build corporate knowledge, and understand corporate issues, we are happy to provide frequent feedback to our primary contact(s) regarding the content of the questions. We would also encourage all to consider using our monthly webinars as a source of CPD training – attendance now in excess of 100 delegates each month suggests the content is valuable. In response to demand for recordings of our webinars we are currently changing the software we use and revising our cost model, with the aim of making recordings of the next season of webinars (starting Autumn 2016) available free of charge to corporate members. We are always happy to come and talk to our Members about their specific needs and flexible to accommodate special requests. |
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New Light Steel Forum Information SheetsThere are 3 new technical information sheets available on Steelbiz. These have been produced with the Light Steel Forum and will be distributed to SCI Members in the next few weeks. | |||||
BIM and 3D Modelling in Light Steel Construction (P407)This information sheet highlights how BIM and 3D modelling are extensively used in the light steel construction sector. The use of computerised production methods for the components has meant that light steel producers have been early adopters of BIM and have fully embraced its principles. A general overview of the different BIM levels is also provided. |
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Light Steel Load-Bearing Walls (P408)The primary attributes and benefits of light steel load-bearing walls are explained in this information sheet, such as speed of construction and design flexibility. The structural design considerations are described, including load resistance and the provision of vertical bracing systems incorporated into load-bearing light steel walls. |
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Value Benefits of Light Steel Construction (P409)Speed of construction, light-weight and quality are generally the three over-riding value benefits associated with light steel construction. These benefits and others (e.g. reduced waste and safety) are introduced in this technical information sheet. Value benefits are supported with real data from construction projects and comparisons with other methods of construction. |
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SCI sponsors The Structures in Fire Forum
“StiFF” is a discussion forum for researchers, specialists, and design professional interested in the response of structures to fire, and in the development of rational structural fire engineering design and assessment methods. The forum is sponsored by SCI, The Concrete Centre, IStructE, and AECOM. The recently formed Structures in Fire Forum is a merger of the Steel in Fire Forum and the Concrete in Fire forum and now is looking to grow discussions around all new and old forms of structural material. The forum meets twice a year (usually April and September) within the United Kingdom, yet welcomes members and discussion topic contributions from around the world. The first meeting of the Structures in Fire Forum is on Tuesday 12th April 2016, 10.30, IStructE International Headquarters, 47-58 Bastwick Street London EC1V 3PS. If you wish to attend, or would like further information regarding the Structures if Fire Forum then please contact d.rush@ed.ac.uk |
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SCI PeopleIntroducing, Phil Francis, Senior Engineer, SCI
Phil joined the SCI in June 2010, and has since worked on a variety of projects for the business across a range of disciplines. Phil’s work has been primarily focused on numerical simulation projects, utilising finite element analysis, including modelling of portal frames under various load conditions and connection behaviour. Phil has also conceived and coded a number of the design web-tools available on steelconstruction.info. In recent years Phil has taken responsibility for SCI’s vibration consultancy work, including developing the capability for SCI to import BIM models, improving accuracy and reducing cost. |
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SCI Publications |
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Modular construction using light steel framing. An architect’s guide (P272) This publication presents general information for use by architects and specifiers at the early stages of planning a project using modular construction. |
Energy efficient housing using light steel framing (P367) Energy efficient and high quality buildings are required by the Buildings Regulations. This 8 page publication lists the benefits if light steel framing that architects and developers can exploit. |
Modular construction using light steel framing. Residential buildings (P302) This publication provides information suitable for use by all parties at the design and specification stage of modular construction in residential buildings. |
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SCI New Members
SCI would like to welcome the following new members:
SCI Members in the News
Farrat Isolevel wins High Sheriff’s Award for Enterprise 2015/16
Farrat Isolevel Ltd won the overall prize High Sheriff’s Award for Enterprise 2015/16. Judges were looking for an organisation that had achieved outstanding commercial success and sustainable growth for this prestigious award. Farrat Isolevel specialises in vibration control, thermal isolation and precision levelling solutions and is based in Altrincham. Oliver Farrell, Chief Executive Officer at Farrat Isolevel said: “This Award is a great result for Farrat and wonderful recognition for our achievements so far.”
Metek UK win Specialists Awards for BIM Excellence
Metek UK Ltd are delighted to be winners for a second year running of the Construction News Specialists Awards for Excellence 2016 in Building Information Modelling (BIM). Metek UK focuses on light steel frame construction, design, manufacturing and site installation, and are SCI Corporate members and members of the Light Steel Forum.
BIM is here and everyone needs to know (Caunton)
From 4th of April 2016 all centrally procured public sector projects in the UK will require the implementation of BIM at Level 2. Caunton knows that BIM is the digital future of the construction industry and will fundamentally change the way the industry works. Some people think that BIM is only relevant to people in estimating, design and drawing offices that create models, but this is not the case.
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