How can a steel frame sustain the future?
Central to all sustainability considerations and practices is the commitment to delivering ongoing, long-lasting value. But while sustainability focusses on future benefits, it can be tempting to primarily look at what can be achieved right now – rather than what can be implemented now, for benefits that won’t be felt for many years. Structural […]
Why construct steel frames in central urban locations
Construction projects in city centres can present a number of challenges. Primarily, locations come at a premium in urban locations – both in terms of high costs and limited space. So multi-storey buildings (usually between six and 12 storeys) or high-rise buildings (typically more than 13 storeys) are the norm. These buildings must work hard […]
The practices and processes that ensure accident-free erection of steel
There is inherent risk in many activities in construction, making safety the most important factor on any construction site. According to the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 3% of the 2 million workers operating in the sector, sustain work-related injuries each year and accident-related fatalities within the sector are more than twice the average […]
How collaborative construction can deliver efficiencies on-site
Managing sites which are safe and efficient is a core objective for any considerate constructor. To achieve this, collaborative construction techniques are key. Working on a city centre development with BAM Construction, we used efficient methods to ensure delivery of the steel structure was on-time, on-budget and risk-free. We were brought in to support with […]
Steel fire protection and intumescent
The options and the benefits of intumescent coatings: In the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster and the Building Safety Act 2022, fire safety in buildings has become an even more important issue. It’s critical to understand fire protection to ensure robust fire prevention and protection systems. Intumescent coatings are a prerequisite in steel fire […]
Temporary Works: short-term solutions for long term benefits
Construction projects are becoming more challenging – particularly as space becomes limited, aesthetic ambitions become more lofty and existing frames or features are retained. So temporary works are becoming more prevalent, requiring high levels of expertise, experience and engineering. Temporary works are engineered solutions employed to support the delivery of complex construction projects and developments. […]
Industry Insights – Construction Industry impacted by insurance changes
Construction leaders have raised concerns that changes to insurance regulations could delay the sector in delivering essential work on building safety and threatening the viability of businesses. The Construction Leadership Council has published findings from its own survey, saying that cost increases and new restrictions on professional indemnity (PI) insurance are preventing companies from […]
How to remedy the risks created by material shortages
Engaging contractors early is key to overcoming this ongoing global issue: Global materials shortages are impacting every corner of the construction industry, with all material types impacted by longer lead times or rising prices. The problem is being caused by a ‘perfect storm’ of global issues – largely created by rising costs and container logistics […]
The benefits of turnkey construction projects
Getting more from less through turnkey delivery in project contracting: The ‘less is more’ approach is no longer the preserve of artistic or aesthetic work but is the foundation of efficient project contracting in construction. Namely, involving fewer sub-contractor teams delivers a range of benefits for main clients. Turnkey projects continue to be on the […]
Industry Insights – Problems with the “Minimum Weight Design” Approach
Gravity Minimum Weight Design This is the situation where usually an inexperienced or quite frankly rogue designer will consider the mathematics of design only in the final condition. The condition when the building is structurally complete and before it is to be dismantled. They will consider wind loading of course, but only as much as […]