SFS is often regarded as non-load bearing, as it does not provide stability to the primary structure, but it is used to support external cladding, internal linings, insulation and perhaps even services. Therefore, there are significant implications should there be deficiencies in the design, specification or installation.

The new guide will provide best practice, educate clients and installers, and avoid issues caused by last minute changes. The guide is for anyone who designs and installs SFS infill walls, and anyone checking that the products are being correctly installed, such as a 'Clerk of Works.' It will help to raise standards and show clients what SFS is and how it works. The guidance includes practical check lists for all parties included in the process; designers, specifiers, suppliers, installers and main contractors.

The launch of the Technical Report ED017 'Design and Installation of Light Steel External Wall Systems' guide will be held at Plaisterers' Hall Offices, London on 16 May, 16:30-18:00. Spaces are limited and will be offered on a first come, first served basis.

Register your place.

Kiernan Structural Steel Ltd have supplied Sinbeams (plate girders with sinusoidally profiled webs) for a data centre in Holland (see image). The profiled web increases the resistance to shear, meaning a much thinner web may be specified when compared with conventional members. SCI developed the design software for these members, including the facility to incorporate nationally determined parameters. The software (available from Kiernan Structural Steel Ltd) allows any arrangement of loading to be specified and includes optimisation routines to minimise the steel weight. Although currently uncommon in the UK, profiled webs of this form have been used for a number of years in other European countries and are sufficiently mature to be covered by Annex D of EN 1993-1-5.

Contact us for more information on SCI software

Many SCI employees sit on a number of Committees; CB/203 is one such committee, attended by David Brown. It is the BSI committee responsible for the design and execution of steel structures. The committee is concerned with BS EN 1993, and in particular at the present time the proposed revisions to the various Parts of the Eurocode, of which there are many.

There are a number of sub-committees with specific responsibility for each part. CB/203 reviews reports from these committees and from the UK representatives engaged with the revision of each Eurocode Part. CB/203 is responsible for the "UK view" on certain European decisions - for example about the acceptability of a revised text - and directs the UK representative on how to cast the UK vote.

Sponsors of the Steel Bridge group showcase their news or products in CONNECT. This month we show case ArcelorMittal's ACOBRI - V5.02.

ArcelorMittal - ACOBRI - V5.02. Pre-design of rolled section bridge solutions.

ACOBRI is ArcelorMittal's pre-design software for composite bridges using rolled sections. Developed by CTICM, ACROBRI enables pre-design of railway, road and pedestrian bridges according to Eurocode standards. Based on a finite element grid model the bending moments and shear forces are assessed for both permanent and live loads. Live load models, such as LM71, SW0 and SW2 (for railway bridges) or LM1 and FLM3 (for road bridges) are incorporated in the software. Checks under ultimate and serviceability limit states are carried out, ACOBRI can also assess fatigue limit states.

With ACROBRI designers can choose from a wide range of EN 10365 rolled sections, including the UB 1100 series with a maximum depth of 1,138 mm, in steel grades S355/HISTAR^®355 and S460/HISTAR^®460. With rolled sections single-span bridges up to about 40-45 m (slenderness L / 30) are easily achievable. In direct comparison to optimised plate girders of the same depth, rolled sections may be a few percent heavier, however savings are made due to greatly reducing the need for welding. Further benefits can be gained using rolled sections in S460 which is well established in European practice and is advantageous for road bridges, since the higher strength leads to reduced weight of the steel structure. Additionally, when higher strength sections are thermo-mechanically rolled and produced by the QST process (Quenching and Self-Tempering) the resulting HISTAR^® steel grades achieve lower carbon equivalent (CEV) and hence improved weldability. Weathering steel rolled sections within the scope of EN 10025 part 5 are also available.

As well as quick and easy preliminary design of composite and filler beam bridges ACROBRI v5.02 incorporates PreCoBeam bridges. PreCoBeam (Prefabricated Composite Beam) is an innovative solution where the composite connection between a rolled section web and the concrete is provided by steel dowels formed by cutting through the web along a special line (Figure 1). This process removes any need for welding of shear studs to achieve composite action. This unique section can be incorporated into several bridge solutions including VFT Rail slabs which can be fabricated off-site for spans of 6.4m to 24m.

ACOBRI v5.02 is freely available to download, here you can also find additional complementary information on rolled sections in bridge construction.

Composite Bridge Predesign Software

Figure 1. PreCoBeam cut shape and VFT Rail Deck

Modern Methods of Construction chosen for Morley Street Mill

Fusion Building Systems, the offsite manufacturer of light gauge steel frames has been awarded a contract by Solus Homes to provide a two-storey superstructure for the renovation of Morley Street Mill in Loughborough, Leicestershire.

Fusion Building systems to provide LGS superstructure for Solus Homes' redevelopment of Morley Street Mill

The former home of the Morley hosiery factory is being sympathetically redeveloped by the Loughborough housebuilder to provide luxury apartment accommodation across six storeys, for sale on the open market. Northampton-based Fusion Building Systems' contract is to design and manufacture offsite, the light gauge steel superstructure which will form the upper two floors of the development, to be positioned on top of the existing 18th century structure.

Caunton Engineering were delighted to win the award for Best New Project for the Arndale Centre, Eastbourne, at the recent IStructE East Midlands Regional Awards. The photograph shows the successful Caunton team of Managing Director Matthew Shimwell (left) and Technical Director Robert Weeden (centre) accompanied by Robert Moss, the Chairman of the IStructE East Midlands Regional Group.

The awards recognise outstanding structural engineering projects designed in the Regional Group area, and are judged on the following criteria:

• Creativity and Innovation.
• Value for Money.
• Excellence in Design and Detailing.
• Sustainability.

Projects may be anywhere in the UK or Abroad, but the design must have been undertaken by a Structural Engineering practice based in the Institution of Structural Engineers East Midlands Regional Group area with involvement by an Institution of Structural Engineers member of any grade.

Submissions are independently judged, and awards are presented on the basis of merit alone and not on size or cost.

This is the first time the awards have been held in the East Midlands Region, and awards were presented in only 2 categories - Best New Project, and Best Renovation or Heritage Project. It is hoped that the awards will be expanded in future to include more categories, and the company looks forward to even more success in the future!

Focus on Framing

SCI is pleased to be taking part in Focus on Framing to be held on the 4th June 2019, NEC, Birmingham.

This event will highlight projects using innovative light steel framing solutions and the conference and exhibition will provide the opportunity to gain insight and network with those who are shaping the future of Light Steel Framing. Andrew Way will make a presentation on SCI Product Certification. The scheme covers individual structural elements, cladding and roofing, external wall systems, light steel framing and modular units.

More information on the event

OFFSITE EXPO 24-25 September 2019, RICOH Arena, Coventry

SCI are pleased to be Silver Sponsors of OFFSITE Expo. This new event will play host to the leading UK and international offsite manufacturers and component suppliers showcasing a broad spectrum of panelised, volumetric modular solutions, pod and prefabricated MEP solutions. SCI will have a stand at the event (D5) so come and talk to us regarding SCI Product Certification. Andrew Way will also chair the Light Gauge Steel Seminar on 24 September.

More information or to register free go to Offsite Expo

Surrey IStructE presentation

On Tuesday 9th April David Brown and Graham Couchman presented a one day course to the local Surrey branch of IStructE. Presentations were made on Steel Building Design and covered specification, design of composite elements, and connections.

If you would like more information regarding ISE Branch lectures contact; education@steel-sci.com

NHBC - Building for Tomorrow Seminars finish

Andrew Way presented 'Preparing for Steel' at the last of the NHBC annual series of seminars 'Building for tomorrow' in Westminster Hall, London on 25th April 2019. The seminars were presented in 10 locations across England, Scotland and Ireland. The seminars have been well received in each location and SCI are pleased to have been part of the seminar series this year.

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