October 2022

Volume 100 | Issue 10

Climate action: doing

less, better

Arranging PI
insurance cover

Designing a hanging
timber bench

Midas touch
A career of inspirational bridge designs
sees Naeem Hussain awarded the
2022 IStructE Gold Medal

TSE_Oct22_pp 01 Cover.indd 1 22/09/2022 09:11

 thestructuralengineer.org/jobs
The Structural Engineer Jobs is the official jobs board
for The Institution of Structural Engineers.
The perfect place to find the latest
structural engineering vacancies.
350
jobs posted on
average
every month

TSE_Oct22_pp 02-03 Contents.indd 2 22/09/2022 09:14

 Upfront
5 Editorial
6 News
8 Obituary: Anthony Hunt, 1932–2022

Climate emergency
10 Engineering in the climate emergency:
doing less, better

Professional
guidance
13 Car park design: what’s new in the latest
IStructE guide?
22
14 Professional indemnity insurance: taking care
of business
16 CROSS Safety Report: Unsafe design of
retrofit cantilever balconies

Industry CPD
18 Structural waterproofing by design

Project focus
22 Engineering of a super-long hanging
bench fabricated partially from thermally
modified timber

Opinion

18
28 Profile: Naeem Hussain
31 Viewpoint: Nominal q-values for roofs: is it
time to talk them down, up or both?
34 Verulam
Volume 100 │ Issue 10 │October 2022

At the back
QUEENSFERRY CROSSING © TRANSPORT SCOTLAND

36 Diary dates
38 Spotlight on Structures
39 The Drawing Board
41 TheStructuralEngineer Jobs

28
39
3
thestructuralengineer.org | October 2022

TSE_Oct22_pp 02-03 Contents.indd 3 22/09/2022 14:17

 Upcoming CPD
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TSE_Oct22_pp 4-5 Editorial.indd 4 22/09/2022 09:17

 Editorial Upfront

PRESIDENT
Jane Entwistle
BSc(Hons), CEng, FIStructE, MICE

CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Martin Powell

EDITORIAL
HEAD OF PUBLISHING
Lee Baldwin

MANAGING EDITOR
Robin Jones
t: +44 (0) 20 7201 9822
e: [email protected]
Robin Jones Managing Editor
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES
Will Brown

Building less
t: +44 (0) 20 7201 9121
e: [email protected]

ADVERTISING
DISPLAY SALES
t: +44 (0) 1223 378051
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RECRUITMENT SALES
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IT HAS BEEN A MOMENTOUS FEW WEEKS making best use of available stock elements.
e: [email protected] IN THE UK, with the appointment of a new prime We also feature an article from Griffiths & Armour
DESIGN minister quickly followed by the death of HM Queen offering advice on purchasing a professional
CPL SENIOR DESIGNER Elizabeth II and the ascension to the throne of a indemnity insurance policy (page 14), present
Kevin Reed
new king: Charles III. King Charles has a long-held a CROSS report on unsafe design of retrofitted
PRODUCTION interest in environmental issues and sustainability, cantilever balconies (page 16), preview a
CPL PRODUCTION EDITOR
Amy Bennett
just last year urging world leaders at COP26 ‘to act forthcoming IStructE guide to car park design
with all despatch, and decisively – because time (page 13), and consider the matter of nominal
EDITORIAL ADVISORY GROUP
Will Arnold FIStructE
has run out’ in the race to reduce carbon emissions. q-values for roof loading in a Viewpoint from Alastair
Premma Makanji MIStructE This urgency is reflected in The Structural Hughes (page 31).
Allan Mann FIStructE
Chris O’Regan FIStructE Engineer this month, where Mike White sets out Our Profile this month is of leading bridge
Angus Palmer MIStructE
Simon Pitchers FIStructE
actions structural engineers can take to reduce – or designer, Naeem Hussain (page 28), who will be
Eleana Savvidi MIStructE encourage clients to reduce – the embodied carbon presented with the IStructE Gold Medal on 20
Subscription prices of projects (page 10), with October. Sign up to watch
Institutional (online only): £499
Institutional (print + online): £529
an emphasis on building Naeem’s address at www.
Personal (print only): £125 less – reuse over new build. istructe.org/events/hq/
Personal (online only): £115
Mike also stresses the gold-medal-address-2022/.
DECISIONS MADE
Personal (Student Member): £50

Single copies: £25 (incl. p&p)

need to act now, given the I’d also like to draw you
Printed by
typical five-year cycle of a
project from conception to
TODAY WILL attention to a tribute to
Tony Hunt, IStructE Gold
Warners Midlands plc
The Maltings, Manor Lane Bourne, completion. Decisions made AFFECT EMISSIONS Medallist in 1994, who
Lincolnshire PE10 9PH
United Kingdom today will affect emissions in IN FIVE YEARS’ passed away in August
© The Institution of Structural Engineers.
The Structural Engineer (ISSN 1466-5123) is
five years’ time.
Elsewhere in the issue,
TIME (page 8).
Don’t forget to read
published by IStructE Ltd, a wholly owned
subsidiary of The Institution of Structural we present a project this month’s CPD article,
Engineers. It is available both in print and online.
case study on a rather smaller scale than usual sponsored by MAPEI, on waterproofing below-
Contributions published in The Structural
Engineer are published on the understanding
(page 22). James Whiteley and Diederik Veenendaal ground structures (page 18), and to claim your
that the author/s is/are solely responsible for the describe the design and fabrication of a 7.1m certificate online.
statements made, for the opinions expressed
and/or for the accuracy of the contents. timber swinging bench, which they believe to be the Finally, we end with our regular Verulam
Publication does not imply that any statement or
opinion expressed by the author/s reflects the
longest single-span bench of its kind in the world. (page 34), Diary dates (page 36) and Spotlight
views of the Institution of Structural Engineers’ The bench incorporated thermally modified timber on Structures (page 38) features, as well as the
Board; Council; committees; members
or employees. No liability is accepted by such from local timber merchants, in an example of latest winner of The Drawing Board (page 39).
persons or by the Institution for any loss or
damage, whether caused through reliance on
Congratulations to Michael Roberts!
any statement, opinion or omission (textual I hope you enjoy the issue.
or otherwise) in The Structural Engineer, or
otherwise.

The Institution of Structural Engineers

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thestructuralengineer.org | October 2022

TSE_Oct22_pp 4-5 Editorial.indd 5 22/09/2022 09:17

 Upfront News

ISTOCK / INSTA_PHOTOS
Institution news
Minutes of 113th Annual General Meeting
The 113th Annual General Meeting of the and seconded by Francis Lok (Council Member), if any, as the Privy Council may require and the
Institution of Structural Engineers was held was carried on ‘a show of hands’ by online voting Board of the Institution accept.’
online, delivered as a hybrid meeting in person (79% in favour). Following discussion, Special Resolution 1 was
at Bastwick Street and as a webinar with voting The Chair introduced a motion relating to carried on ‘a show of hands’ by online voting
capacity, on Wednesday 20 July with Jane annual subscriptions, of which due notice (85% in favour; 13% against, 2% abstained).
Entwistle BSc(Hons), CEng, FIStructE, MICE had been given. Darren Byrne, Deputy Chief The Chair declared Special Resolution 1 to
(President) in the chair. One hundred and sixty- Executive, then gave an overview of the proposed be carried.
one voting members were present (127 online amendments to subscription rates. It was then The Chair introduced Special Resolution
and 34 in person), thus the quorum of 10 voting moved by Susanna Wills (Council Member) and 2 (Removal of title Chartered Structural
members was met. seconded by James Parsons (FIStructE): Engineer from Associate grade and
The Chief Executive, Martin Powell, read the ‘THAT in accordance with the provisions of replacing with Associate of the Institution
notice convening the meeting (published in The Regulation 3.1, and in confirmation of proposals of Structural Engineers). It was proposed by
Structural Engineer, June 2022). It being agreed of the Board, annual subscriptions with effect Marelize Visser (Council Member) and seconded
that the minutes of the Annual General Meeting from 1 January 2023 and until otherwise by Niamh McCloskey (Council Member):
held on 15 July 2021 (published in The Structural determined, shall be: ‘THAT, subject to the approval of Her Majesty’s
Engineer, September 2021) be taken as read, ‘Fellow £483; Member, Associate £379; Most Honourable Privy Council, Bye-law 4 of the
it was duly proposed by Colin Caprani (Council Associate-Member £248; Technician Member Institution be altered and amended as set out
Member) and seconded by Toby Maclean £192; Graduate, Companion, Student (working) in Schedule 2 hereto, subject to such changes,
(FIStructE) that they be confirmed. The resolution £185.’ if any, as the Privy Council may require and the
was passed (77% in favour), and the minutes Following discussion, and upon being put Board of the Institution accept.’
signed by the Chair. to the meeting, the vote did not secure the Following discussion, Special Resolution 2 was
The Chair introduced the Annual Report and required two-thirds in favour (Regulation 3.1). In carried on ‘a show of hands’ by online voting
Accounts for the year to 31 December 2021, accordance with Regulation 5.8, the President (86% in favour; 10% against, 4% abstained).
the availability of which had been announced in demanded a poll in writing, that the motion be The Chair declared Special Resolution 2
the notice of the meeting and drew attention to put to a vote by voting members. The motion was to be carried.
its contents. She thanked those members who rejected on ‘a show of hands’ by online voting The Chair introduced Special Resolution
had given of their time to serve the Institution. (47% in favour, 53% against). 3 (Replace ‘Associate-Member’ with
The Chair also referred to the consolidated The annual subscriptions effective from ‘Incorporated Member’). It was proposed by
financial statements for 2021 and the auditor’s 1 January 2023 will therefore remain at the Tanya De Hoog (Trustee) and seconded by John
report (published with the Annual Report and 2022 level. Veares (MIStructE):
Accounts). The Chief Executive gave an overview The Chair explained that the meeting also ‘THAT, subject to the approval of Her
of the Annual Report and Caroline Broadley at sought approval of three separate Special Majesty’s Most Honourable Privy Council, Bye-
HaysMacintyre LLP was in attendance to address Resolutions relating to amendments to the law 12 of the Institution be altered and amended
queries raised by members at the meeting. The Institution Bye-laws, of which due notice had as set out in Schedule 3 hereto, subject to such
motion that the financial statements and balance been given and for which a commentary had changes, if any, as the Privy Council may require
sheet for the year 2021 be received, having been accompanied the notice. and the Board of the Institution accept.’
proposed by Mike Hooper (Council Member) and The Chair introduced Special Resolution Following discussion, Special Resolution 3
seconded by James Bayley (Council Member), 1 (Changing postnominal AMIStructE to was carried on ‘a show of hands’ by online
was carried on ‘a show of hands’ by online voting IMIStructE and introduction of Affiliate). It voting (85% in favour; 12% against, 3%
(90% in favour). was proposed by David Rafferty (FIStructE) and abstained).
The reappointment of HaysMacintyre LLP, seconded by Andrew Gotts (Council Member): The Chair declared Special Resolution 3
chartered accountants and registered auditors, as ‘THAT, subject to the approval of Her Majesty’s to be carried.
auditors to the Institution for the ensuing year, at a Most Honourable Privy Council, Bye-law 2 of the With the completion of the formal business,
fee to be agreed with them by the Board, having Institution be altered and amended as set out the Chair closed the 113th Annual General
been proposed by Brendan Brophy (FIStructE) in Schedule 1 hereto, subject to such changes, Meeting of the Institution.

6
October 2022 | thestructuralengineer.org

TSE_Oct22_pp 06-07 Upfront News.indd 6 22/09/2022 14:17

 News Upfront

Institution news
Institution news The Institution of Structural CONTEST: Ordinary Member of Council
2023–25
Statement from the Engineers: Election of Vice
Institution President on Presidents and Council Result 4 to elect
annual subscriptions Members 2022 Charlotte WILDMAN 1262 ELECTED

Dear Institution Member Close of voting: 12 noon BST on Giulia CAVALLARI 1247 ELECTED
On the previous page, you will see the 1 September 2022.
David RICHARDSON 1242 ELECTED
official posting of the results of a recent
poll of voting members on a proposed CONTEST: Election of Vice President Shalini, JAGNARINE- 1170 ELECTED
increase in annual subscriptions that Candidates (UK & Europe) AZAN
would be effective from January 2023.
Routinely, this matter is considered at Result 2 to elect John PRICE 1143
the Institution’s Annual General Meeting Elisabeth MARLOW 1549 ELECTED Brad NICHOLS 1028
and accordingly this was brought to the
July AGM where the motion to increase Tendayi MUNYEBVU 1310 ELECTED Andrea REYNOLDS 1015
subscriptions was very narrowly rejected.
Toby ROBINSON 1233 Srinivas SAMA 414
Given the closeness of the vote
and our adoption for the first time of a
simultaneous online and in-person hybrid
AGM, I exercised President’s privilege in
requesting the matter be taken to a poll of Number of eligible 21 801 Number of eligible 21 801
all Institution members. In this most recent voters: voters:
poll, the proposal was again defeated. Votes cast by post: 61 Votes cast by post: 61
This time in the proportion of 47% in
support and 53% against. Votes cast online: 2773 Votes cast online: 2773
Institution members have always been
Total number of votes 2834 Total number of votes 2834
extraordinarily generous with their time
cast: cast:
and financial support; however, on this
occasion you have decided not to accept Turnout: 13.0% Turnout: 13.0%
the recommendations of our Resources
Committee and the Trustee Board, and Number of votes found 58 Number of votes found 205
I write to acknowledge and fully accept to be blank: to be blank:
the direction you have provided on this
Total number of valid 2776 Total number of valid 2629
occasion.
votes to be counted: votes to be counted:
The matter was discussed at the
September Trustee Board meeting, and
we will now proceed to develop operating
plans for 2023 accordingly. The Institution
continues to be well resourced, and we
expect to make good much of the deficit
for next year from general reserves. Institution news
Having held subscriptions in 2021 Update on proposed changes to membership grades
because of the pandemic, we are mindful
of the importance of maintaining adequate As reported in the June 2022 issue of Institution Bye-laws and as such the matter
funds as both contingency and to fund The Structural Engineer, the Institution has was considered at the AGM on 20 July
development activity. Please rest assured recently undertaken a review of its grades 2022. The proposed Bye-law amendments
we will continue to act diligently and and routes to membership to ensure that were overwhelmingly supported and the
prudently in the financial management of competence is properly recognised at Institution now has the green light from its
the Institution’s affairs. appropriate stages through the professional members to progress the initiative.
qualification journey and that there is However, the Bye-law changes cannot
clarity in the grades, titles and associated be enacted immediately as there are further
Jane Entwistle designations. steps that must be taken. Any change
President of the Institution of The review highlighted three areas to the Institution’s Bye-laws requires the
Structural Engineers where there is an opportunity to recognise approval of His Majesty’s Privy Council
competence and improve inclusivity/clarity in and so the proposed amendments must
the membership grade structure: now be forwarded to the Privy Council
| Recognising graduates who have for consideration.
satisfied the Engineering Council CEng This process will involve a consultation
standard as Associates (AIStructE) of the with wider stakeholders within the
Institution. engineering community and hence there
| Differentiating between the Associate is uncertainty as to when approval may
(AIStructE) and Associate-Member be granted. Experience has shown that
(AMIStructE) grade. the process can take between six and 12
| Including the grade of Affiliate within the months. Further guidance as to when the
Institution membership structure. new initiatives will be launched will be issued
as and when feedback is received from the
The proposals required changes to the Privy Council.

7
thestructuralengineer.org | October 2022

TSE_Oct22_pp 06-07 Upfront News.indd 7 22/09/2022 09:21

 Upfront Obituary

Obituary

Anthony Hunt,
1932–2022
FIStructE, HonRIBA
TONY HUNT, WHO DIED ON 16 AUGUST, Road housing project, which gave the practice

TONY HUNT, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, 2019. © NORMAN FOSTER FOUNDATION

was a visionary designer whose influence on a financial stability. As Norman Foster’s practice
generation of structural engineers changed the grew (Team 4 dissolved in 1967), Tony was
face of our profession. He was awarded the to be the engineer for a string of High Tech’s
IStructE Gold Medal in 1994. most notable buildings, such as Foster’s
Tony was born in 1932. At aged 16, he was Willis Faber & Dumas building in Ipswich and
apprenticed with engineer Wheeler & Jupp, Sainsbury Centre in Norwich, and the Hopkins
attending Westminster Technical College House in Hampstead.
on day release. Inspired by the Festival of These were the foundations of Tony’s
Britain – in particular by Felix Samuely’s Skylon practice. He went on to engineer buildings such
– Tony, having just completed his four-year as the Inmos microprocessor factory in Newport
apprenticeship, applied to the practice (F.J. with Richard Rogers, the Schlumberger
Samuely & Partners) where a 25-year-old Frank Research Centre in Cambridge with Michael
Newby interviewed him and offered him a job and Patty Hopkins, and the Waterloo
(Samuely was away in America). International Terminal and Eden Project with
Tony worked at Samuely’s for the next seven Nicholas Grimshaw.
years, on projects that included the American James Dyson, a student of Tony’s early
Embassy in Grosvenor Square, London days at the RCA, was to seek Tony’s advice
(architect Eero Saarinen). He acknowledged this on planning a new HQ. Tony recommended
was the genesis of his engineering career and architect Chris Wilkinson (ex-Foster and
practice, where he was to meet many of the Hopkins) and together they delivered another
Modern Movement’s architects. iconic building.
However, he was also passionate about Many engineers of the time failed to really
industrial design and, aged 27, having been appreciate Tony’s talent for design, which in
given an honourable mention in an international some respects emanated from his naivety.
furniture design competition, he left to join His ideas didn’t work, they just needed to
Terence Conran as a designer. He survived there be made to work. It was in Tony’s nature to practice to move on from High Tech to more
for only six months before joining the architect offer the minimal. Frank Newby famously mainstream projects, such as the Museum of
Hancock Associates. Here, he was introduced criticised Tony’s work in a lecture at the RIBA Scotland with Benson & Forsyth, won in an
to Sir Hugh Casson and the Royal College of entitled ‘High Tech or Mis-Tech’, revealing the open competition.
Art (RCA), where he became a tutor on its new conservatism that enveloped the profession. The collapse of YRM in 1997 led to AHA
architecture and industrial design course. When I left Buro Happold in 1981 to join AHA being bought back by the then directors,
These were formative years. When he was (as did Neil Thomas in 1986), Ted Happold with Tony seriously hurt by the experience
30, he left Hancock’s rather abruptly, perhaps commented that Tony was a ‘collector’. But the (emotionally and financially). He chose to take
inevitably setting up Anthony Hunt Associates process of working with Tony was liberating, more of a back seat, ultimately retiring in 2002
(AHA). He survived initially on subcontract work and with him we all went from being nursemaids when the practice was sold to SKM.
from Samuely’s. It was the 1960s and while the to magicians. James Dyson described Tony as ‘a great
practice operated on a shoestring, the work A number of Tony’s ‘old boys’ pondered teacher and designer … a pioneer and modern-
was stimulating. recently as to why the practice didn’t grow with day Brunel’. Architects see him as an equal
Tony’s natural flair brought him more and the rise of Foster, Grimshaw and Rogers. The to Peter Rice and Pier Luigi Nervi. There is no
more into contact with the emerging generation reason may have its roots in Tony’s peripatetic doubt High Tech wouldn’t have been the same
of architects, most notably with Team 4 – the manner. He could go missing for weeks. But it without him, and as a result of his passion, UK
practice of Norman Foster, Wendy Cheesman, was also that he had two very able lieutenants in architecture and engineering have outstanding
Su Brumwell and Richard Rogers. Working as the form of John Austin and David Hemmings, international reputations.
an equal partner with them and other architects, whose guard held back potential talent. Tony is survived by his wife Helene, Diana
Tony blossomed and AHA developed a Both John and David were enthusiastic when his third wife, and Pat, who he married first and
reputation for tactile engineering design, crafted Tony suggested they merge with the listed second and with whom he had two children,
from his exquisite structural sketches that architectural practice YRM in 1989, a process Polly and Julian. Tony loved sailing and Polly
formed the armature of the new architectural that led to Neil Thomas leaving to set up Atelier recalled at his funeral how he taught her on a
style, High Tech. One. Tony was particularly uncomfortable with night watch to navigate by the stars. Tony is
His natural flair also brought a form of the title chairman, and the proximity to YRM’s one now.
patronage from architects such as Neave architects limited his ability to collaborate with
Brown, who appointed AHA on the Alexandra his former colleagues – although it did help the MARK WHITBY

8
October 2022 | thestructuralengineer.org

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 Climate emergency Doing less, better

Engineering in the
climate emergency:
doing less, better
Mike White urges structural engineers to act now in their projects to reduce
embodied carbon if we are to keep to the IPCC’s 1.5°C warming target.

As structural engineers, we’re all aware of the Each goal is related to other goals, and so client (e.g. a supermarket) may not be
urgency and importance of tackling the climate by tackling those areas where we can have the concerned about carbon emissions, but they
crisis. But one of the biggest challenges we face biggest impact, we help the world to move in are probably worried about something else (like
is balancing our global responsibilities with the the right direction. The UK government reports food security). So it’s worth familiarising yourself
realities of our projects. on national progress towards the UNSDGs, with the UNSDGs – there’s probably something
meaning a single action by any one of us in the in them you hadn’t thought of that may well be
Why are we so important? UK is counted to hopefully inspire those in other relevant to your client.
The UN Earth Summit in 1992 (30 years ago!) countries to make similar efforts and multiply the
introduced the principle of ‘differentiated effect to become a global movement. Doughnut economics
responsibilities’. This concept sets out that all They can also provide common ground. Your We mustn’t forget that our work provides
nations have a shared responsibility to tackle enormous social value. After all, a building is
climate change, but makes it clear that the more than just a roof and some walls. Our hard
responsibility is not shared equally. work provides somewhere safe, somewhere
Higher-income, industrialised countries have warm (or cool), somewhere to learn, a place to
a greater responsibility than lower-income WE MUST MOVE TO play, a place to work, etc.
countries, as the former have mostly generated
higher emissions to achieve their prosperity.
A WORLD WHERE But we are quickly discovering how important
it is to balance the social benefit of our work
This concept applies to us on an individual WE REUSE with the potential for ecological harm. This
level, as we structural engineers will specify
thousands of tonnes of carbon-generating
EXISTING BUILDINGS need for balance is nicely described by Kate
Raworth’s concept of doughnut economics
material in our careers. This means we have a AS STANDARD (Figure 2)2,3, which includes ecological and
differentiated responsibility to build less ‘stuff’ social aspects, similar to the UNSDGs.
and, when we do, to build better.

How do we define ‘better’? FIGURE 1: UN Sustainable Development Goals

Many of us struggle to reconcile doing better
with the inherent nature of our work. After all,
Joni Mitchell’s lyric, ‘they paved paradise and
put up a parking lot’, is still relevant more than
50 years after it was written.
Fortunately, there are frameworks we can
use to understand some of the complexities of
sustainability beyond embodied carbon:

UN Sustainable Development Goals

At a global level, the UNSDGs (Figure 1)1
provide a framework for measuring
sustainability. They are as wide-ranging as you
might expect: 17 in total, each with sub-targets,
ranging from tackling poverty to improving
education, climate change and more.
At first glance, the UNSDGs can seem too
broad to be relevant to any single project we
UNITED NATIONS

work on, but they are important because they

provide a framework for everyone everywhere
to work to. Even if they don’t seem to directly
relate to your project, ask yourself: ‘is what I’m
doing in line with the spirit of the UNSDGs?’

10
October 2022 | thestructuralengineer.org

TSE_Oct22_pp 10-12 Climate_Doing less.indd 10 22/09/2022 09:25

 Doing less, better Climate emergency

FIGURE 2: Doughnut of social and planetary boundaries FIGURE 4: Carbon-emissions comparison of routes to net zero
KATE RAWORTH AND CHRISTIAN GUTHIER. CC-BY-SA 4.0

So far, we’ve been living and working outside The IPCC targets and the problem By making our structures more efficient, we use
the green ‘doughnut’, where improvements with efficiency less material, which in turn reduces the cost.
to raise communities above the social A key point from the IPCC report is that This means our clients have more money left to
foundation come at the cost of surpassing the achieving net zero in 2050 is not our primary spend elsewhere, potentially on another building
ecological ceiling4. goal. The immediate focus must be on reducing project (especially if buildings get more efficient
Figure 35,6 shows that, over the last 70 emissions so that, by the time we reach 2050, and become more affordable).
years, there has been a matched increase in we haven’t overspent our carbon budget. This scenario is borne out through history:
UK life expectancy (one indicator of a country’s Figure 4 shows different routes to achieving new technologies are sold as emancipating the
prosperity) and the global temperature. We the same net-zero target by 2050. The green workforce from hard labour, but in practice the
have to decouple these two effects, but line shows the 1.5°C IPCC-aligned curve, workers change role and become busier than
without sacrificing the social benefit the built whereas the orange line is the same curve but ever trying to keep up with higher productivity
environment provides. inverted. The orange curve produces double brought about by the new technology.
Of course, one of the biggest current the emissions! This is why the IStructE’s ‘Hierarchy of
exceedances outside the safe doughnut comes Previous industry analysis8 shows that, on net-zero design’ (Figure 5)9 is so important –
in the form of climate change, particularly in average, we overdesign our buildings beyond we must build more efficiently now to quickly
industrialised nations. Carbon emissions are the what is dictated by safety factors. We absolutely reduce carbon emissions, but crucially we
primary factor we engineers can control and the must start designing our buildings to be even must move to a world where we reuse existing
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change more efficient, with utilisation ratios closer to buildings as standard and avoid building new
(IPCC) data7 is clear: for the first time since the 1.0, as it is an easy way to steepen the fall in the unless absolutely necessary.
industrial revolution, the global emissions curve emissions curve.
must point downhill. But this alone will not solve the problem. What can you do?
And this has to happen fast. After all, what happens to that efficiency gain? 1) Obey the hierarchy of net-zero design
It might feel counter-productive to tell our clients
not to build the fantastic new building they’re
FIGURE 3: UK life expectancy vs global temperature, 1951–2020 going to pay us a fee to design, but it’s what we
have to do. Paradise is better left unpaved.
Admittedly, not building a project is an
extreme example and often won’t be possible.
In these cases, refurbishment of existing
buildings has to become the go-to alternative
that we (as a profession) recommend to
our clients.

2) Change now
A typical project for many of us lasts one to five
years from conception to completion. In five
years’ time, it will be 2027, when we need to be
much further down that emissions curve. We
simply don’t have time to delay action until the
next project – it must happen on the projects
we’re working on today.

3) Talk to others, and encourage them

to talk
A key goal in political advocacy and
campaigning is to give people ‘permission’ to
hold a certain view by making it the social norm.
We are social creatures and are influenced by

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 Climate emergency Doing less, better

FIGURE 5: Hierarchy of net-zero design REFERENCES

ISTRUCTE

1) United Nations (s.d.) Sustainable (Accessed: September 2022)

Development Goals [Online]
6) NASA (2022) Global Climate
Available at: https://sdgs.un.org/
Change: Vital Signs: Global
goals (Accessed: September 2022)
Temperature [Online] Available
2) Raworth K. (2017) Doughnut at: www.ons.gov.uk (Accessed:
Economics: seven ways to think like September 2022)
a 21st century economist, London:
7) IPCC (2022) Climate Change
Penguin Random House
2022: Impacts, Adaptation and
3) Doughnut Economics Action Vulnerability. Contribution of Working
those around us, so the more we all talk about Lab (2022) About Doughnut Group II to the Sixth Assessment
Economics [Online] Available Report of the Intergovernmental
the importance of sustainability, the more we
at: https://doughnuteconomics. Panel on Climate Change,
feel empowered to make the right choices.
org/about-doughnut-economics Cambridge, UK and New York, NY,
Hopefully, topics like the UNSDGs and (Accessed: September 2022) USA: Cambridge University Press;
doughnut economics give you a framework to doi:10.1017/9781009325844
talk to people with whom you otherwise might 4) Newby T. (2022) ‘Engineering
climate justice: how can we 8) Wise C. (2010) ‘What if
not have common ground.
contribute to equitable global everything we did was wrong?’,
We need a society-level movement to make decarbonisation?’, The Structural Building, 4 June [Online] Available
impactful, positive change. Engineer, 100 (8), pp. 10–12 at: www.building.co.uk/comment/
what-if-everything-we-did-was-
5) Office for National Statistics
wrong/5000493.article
(2015) How has life expectancy
Mike White (Accessed: September 2022)
changed over time? [Online]
CEng, MIStructE Available at: www.ons.gov.uk/ 9) Arnold W. (s.d.) The hierarchy of
peoplepopulationandcommunity/ net-zero design [Online]
Mike White is a Senior Engineer at Smith and birthsdeathsandmarriages/ Available at: www.istructe.org/
Wallwork. He has a track record of working on lifeexpectancies/articles/ resources/blog/the-hierarchy-
mass timber and Passivhaus projects, and has howhaslifeexpectancychange of-net-zero-design/ (Accessed:
links to climate advocacy groups. dovertime/2015-09-09 September 2022)

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 Car park design Professional guidance

Car park design:

what’s new in the latest
IStructE guide?
New guidance on car park design by the Institution of Structural Engineers is due to
be published in December 2022/January 2023. Chris Whapples, parking and structural
consultant at Stripe Consulting and one of the guide’s authors, explains more about the
new book and why a complete overhaul is so important and timely.

Out with the old a completely refreshed document. to meet future needs – including the
When Design recommendations It comprises two principal parts: the introduction of autonomous vehicles.
for multi-storey and underground first focuses on conceptual design, There is a ‘designing for
car parks was first published by the primarily intended for clients, architects construction’ section that also includes
IStructE in 1976, the average family and project managers; while the asset management to be consistent
saloon was almost 200mm narrower second focuses on the detailed with the Institution of Civil Engineers’
and 500kg lighter. Despite significant design, primarily intended for structural Recommendations for the inspection,
changes to vehicular size, weight and engineers and the wider construction maintenance and management of
manoeuvrability (and three subsequent and maintenance teams. car park structures. Modifying and
editions of the book since), guidance Virtually everything has changed: upgrading existing structures, along
on parking bay sizes and deck loadings guidance on parking bay sizes has with special structures (i.e. mechanical
has not, until now, truly reflected these been updated; the loadings on the car parks), is included as well.
evolutions. Even in the 11 years since structure and cladding have increased; The guidance has been produced
the latest (4th) edition was published, information on EV chargepoints reflects in parallel with the British Parking
the huge rise in hybrid and electric current (and likely future) scenarios; Association (BPA) Fire Safety and
vehicle (EV) use, together with the need the fire recommendations have been EV Charging Infrastructure Advisory
for inclusive design and a far greater upgraded; guidance on accessibility for Panel and the work being undertaken
emphasis on sustainable solutions, all users has been updated; and details on Approved Document B for fire
have necessitated a substantial revision about modern payment systems and safety, and to make the provision and
to internal layouts and requirements for controls have been introduced. installation of EV charging equipment
structural design*. There are 3D models to illustrate more inclusive and accessible to
Perhaps most tangibly, when all the positives and negatives of different all users.
1360 cars parked at the Kings Dock parking layouts, and chapters on The guidance is based on UK design
multistorey car park in Liverpool, UK, sustainability and achieving zero- methodologies and practice, but the
were destroyed in a blaze that started carbon design, personal safety, principles have global applicability. We
as an accidental fire in one vehicle including measures on how to are ahead of the game with respect to
on 31 December 2017, it brought deter suicide, and futureproofing to potential changes to the Eurocodes
into question whether the current ensure that designs are adaptable and the Building Regulations.
fire regulations were adequate and The publication of Car park design
whether the construction materials is absolutely essential to ensure that
– the structural form, drainage and we have the car parks we need for
movement joints – should all be the future. It will enable them to be
reconfigured to minimise fire spread. designed for the benefit of the end
In 2020, therefore, the IStructE Car park design is user, and also in consideration of the
carried out a review of the 4th edition. due to be published environment – by minimising carbon
A working group of expert contributors in December 2022/ emissions during construction and by
was formed to write completely new January 2023 and is making the structures adaptable for
guidance – for use by anyone involved available to pre-order future change of use.
in car park design, construction, now at www.istructe.
maintenance and reuse. org/shop/. * See previous Parking News articles on this
topic at https://portfolio.cpl.co.uk/Parking-
In with the new News/411/42/, https://portfolio.cpl.
Car park design (as the new title co.uk/Parking-News/414/32/ and https://
suggests) will not be a 5th edition, but portfolio.cpl.co.uk/Parking-News/417/26/.

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 Professional guidance Professional indemnity insurance

Professional
indemnity insurance:
taking care
of business
In this ‘back to basics’ article, Griffiths & Armour Professional Risks Director, Graeme Tinney, looks
at some of the considerations for anyone purchasing professional indemnity insurance and the
challenges they are likely to face.

Insurance requirements are a major financial burden of any claims. Put consideration needs to be given
consideration for any new enterprise, another way, it is a mechanism to to the amount of cover (or ‘limit of
but a consulting engineer has the transfer financial risk. It is just one indemnity’) and the basis upon which
added concern of professional liability element of an overall risk management that limit applies.
exposure. For that reason, professional strategy, and it is equally important In general, limits are available on an
indemnity (PI) insurance is generally for firms to consider how to manage ‘aggregate’ or ‘each and every’ claim
seen as the key component of their and reduce their exposure through basis. Aggregate provides a limit to
insurance programme and overall client/project selection, appropriate cover all claims in any one year, while
risk strategy. But what are the key contractual measures and achieving a the wider each-and-every claim cover
questions to consider when looking to fair balance of risk and reward across will apply separately to each claim
purchase a policy? their activities. notified during the policy period. Wider
Assessing and managing liability forms of cover will also provide for legal
How does professional risks in that way will not only offer defence costs in addition to the limit
liability arise? greater protection but will leave firms of indemnity. In all cases, the cover
As a professional person or entity, better placed to reach informed should be retroactive, covering claims
you owe a duty of care to your client decisions on the amount and nature of that may arise from work undertaken
and certain third parties, such as cover they need to purchase. prior to the inception of the policy.
purchasers, funders and members of In seeking to determine the level of
the public. Unless otherwise defined How much cover do I need cover required, there are numerous
under contract, that duty is to exercise and for what? factors that can be taken into
‘reasonable skill and care’ and when PI insurance should principally provide consideration, such as:
that duty is breached, you may protection in two ways. It should | the activities of the individual firm
become liable for losses incurred. Even indemnify the insured in respect of: | the scale and complexity of projects
where you’ve done nothing wrong, | any awards made to a plaintiff in a | liability assumed under contract
proving innocence can be very costly. civil action and the associated PI insurance
In recent years, we have also | costs incurred in the defence of requirements
witnessed a hardening contractual such actions. | the profile of your clients and the
landscape in the UK where firms are procurement route
being required to take on onerous One should never assume that
obligations under bespoke forms because a project is small or appears
of contract; all of which only serves straightforward that it carries no risk.
to increase potential exposure to Even gratuitous advice can result in
professional liability. liability and, while it is understandable NEVER ASSUME THAT
What are the first steps
to think about losses in the context
of remedying defects, claims can
BECAUSE A PROJECT
when assessing your (and often do) include items such as IS SMALL OR APPEARS
requirement for PI consequential loss and personal injury, STRAIGHTFORWARD
insurance?
It should be appreciated that PI
which can significantly impact on
financial exposure. THAT IT CARRIES
insurance is there to mitigate the With all of that in mind, careful NO RISK

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 Professional indemnity insurance Professional guidance

How easy is it to source

PI insurance?
In recent years, it has proven very
IF YOU HAVE A GOOD challenging for many firms in the UK
STORY TO TELL ABOUT to source PI insurance protection.
A combination of factors within
HOW YOU MANAGE YOUR the construction and insurance
PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY markets (which we have reported
EXPOSURE, YOU NEED TO upon extensively) has led to a loss of
insurer confidence and, consequently,
MAKE SURE THAT underwriting appetite: a situation where
INSURERS HEAR IT the supply of insurance has therefore
not been sufficient to meet demand.
That loss of appetite manifests in the
number of firms seeking cover or the
amount and specification of cover they
are able to secure.
The key to achieving better
outcomes is to start the process early
J-ELGAARD

and to provide insurers with a detailed

insight into your business. The more
you understand insurers’ concerns
and, more importantly, how effectively
your submission addresses those
concerns, the better placed you will be
| the broader legal and economic themselves, and such separate to secure the best outcome possible
landscape within which the firm is entities should generally be required at that particular point. If you have a
operating to maintain their own PI insurance good story to tell about how you run
| exposure to enhanced risks, such arrangements. your business and how you manage
as consequential and/or pure your professional liability exposure,
economic loss. Are all policies the same? you need to make sure that insurers
As with all classes of insurance, policy hear it, and hear it from a source that
In truth, there is no ‘right answer’ wordings can be difficult to decipher. they respect.
when it comes to the level of cover, In the past, this has sometimes
but minimum requirements will apply led to an overemphasis on cost and How long will I need to
to some professions and a specialist – while that is a significant factor for maintain PI insurance for?
PI insurance broker should be able to any business – it should never be the Unlike many other forms of insurance,
advise on market trends to assist in sole determinant in deciding on the PI insurance operates on a ‘claims
the evaluation and decision-making placement of insurance. made’ basis. This means that the
process. There are in fact a whole range of policy responding to a claim is the
policy wordings. These can vary from policy in place at the time a claim
Who is the policy covering? very basic negligence-based wording or circumstance is first reported to
While the existence of PI insurance will to a much broader specification, which insurers, which may be many years
be of some comfort to your clients, it is specifically designed to cater for after services have been provided or a
is not there to cover the client’s risk or the kind of liabilities that engineers project has reached completion.
the projects you are engaged in. The are routinely facing. In an increasingly To protect against the possibility of
purpose of PI insurance is to protect challenging PI market, many insurers claims arising from work undertaken in
your financial interests and to respond are also looking to protect their position the past, cover must be maintained on
to liability that could attach to you through the introduction of specific a continuous basis. This has particular
from the services you are providing. exclusions and restrictions, and it is implications where firms cease trading
In that sense, it is a personal form of important that the potential impact of or an individual chooses to retire, and
insurance and it is important that the these is fully explained and understood. we will explore these implications and
confidentiality of the arrangements Again, this is where a specialist the issue of ‘run-off’ cover in our next
is respected. broker should be able to assist. As ‘back to basics’ article.
The definition of ‘insured’ (business) well as understanding the detail
under the policy should, however, of the policy wording and how it Griffiths & Armour is a leading
extend beyond the insured firm to compares to your liability exposure, independent insurance broker and
include principals, directors and the broker should be able to advise risk management adviser specialising
employees operating on behalf of on the track record and approach in professional indemnity insurance
the firm. It is also important that of the particular insurer. At the end for construction professionals. For
indemnity is provided in respect of of the day, PI insurance is really a further information, visit www.
liability attaching to the insured from promise of support and you need to griffithsandarmour.com.
the actions of subconsultants, but this have confidence that the promise Griffiths & Armour is authorised
is not to suggest that the policy will will be delivered upon when it is and regulated by the Financial Conduct
offer protection to such subconsultants most required. Authority.

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 Professional guidance CROSS report

CROSS Safety Report

Unsafe design of
retrofit cantilever
balconies
This month’s CROSS report concerns a post-fixed residential balcony and shows the
value of third-party checking, which prevented a potentially dangerous structure.

Overview The reporter was provided with the FIGURE 1: Balcony and fixings
A structural assessment of several design and drawings, which had been
new balconies being added to an prepared by an engineering consultant.
existing building revealed critical Although the designer had calculated
concerns in respect of fixings back into pull-out loads in the top fixings, these
the existing brickwork. were not used in the initial bolt design,
only the shear loads were considered.
Report Later, in justifying the design, the
A structural assessment of several designer made the assumption that
new balconies added to an existing the balcony was infinitely stiff so that
building was undertaken by the tension loading would be distributed
reporter. The design of the fixings to all top fixings. However, the framing
back into the existing brickwork was was a steel channel bending about
of great concern to the reporter. The its weak axis and although there were
building was of traditional loadbearing intermediate beams, the reporter fixings could also lead to a failure.
masonry with steel-framed balconies considered it was arguably not infinitely The reporter says that a cantilevered
being added to upper floors. The stiff. The even distribution of tension balcony is a critical structure and
balconies were supported only at their loads to all top fixings assumed by the any failure, in this case, would likely
junction with the wall by way of a steel designer was therefore considered not have been sudden with potentially
channel bolted to the wall and at their acceptable by the reporter. The tension life-changing consequences. The
ends on a triangulated bracket, again loads would in any event be significant reporter confirmed that the design
bolted to the wall. The balconies were given the size of the balconies and the lacked an appreciation of load paths
bolted only to the brick outer leaf of the relatively small end brackets. and an understanding of the fragility
external walls (Figure 1). The reporter was not provided with of the adopted structural solution,
any justification for the brickwork, which, together with the potential for
which was obviously subject to new corrosion, meant that rectifications
local loadings. Indeed, the reporter was to the balconies were required. The
Key learning outcomes of the view that the brickwork would be reporter understands that the design
difficult to justify given the proximity of was prepared by a junior engineer and
For structural and civil design engineers: the fixings to free edges and openings that the design was not adequately
| Retrofitting balconies to cavity wall construction is in the brickwork. checked by a senior engineer.
fraught with difficulty The fixings used also concerned the In conclusion, the reporter is of the
| Guidance, oversight and validation are essential reporter. The fixings were not stainless view that fixing such structures to cavity
to help design talent develop and produce steel and only had a thin galvanised brickwork should be avoided. Support
competent designs coating intended to protect against should be taken from the floors or other
| CROSS Safety Alert The management of design corrosion in the short term, indeed main structural elements. Cantilevers
related risks: structural civil and fire engineers the manufacturer does not normally should be avoided on retrofits and
considers design risk management recommend the selected fixing for ideally the front edge supported by
| The acceptability of critical fixings should be external use. In the finished state, the posts, which indeed was the case once
examined at the design concept stage fixings would be hidden from view the recommended remedial works had
and therefore unseen corrosion of the been put in place.

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 CROSS report Professional guidance

under the regulations have not been

adequately met.
CROSS Safety Alert Safety issues
RETROFITTING BALCONIES TO associated with balconies concerns
CAVITY WALL CONSTRUCTION the structural failure of balconies. The
alert includes consideration of design,
IS FRAUGHT WITH DIFFICULTY loadings, adequacy of connection and
weathering, all of which are relevant in
Expert Panel comments long-term management of the structure this case.
This is a very worrying report. All is thus considered at this concept
involved in the project team, but design stage. The full report, including links to
particularly the structural designer, are guidance mentioned, is available on
fortunate that a third-party check of Guidance, oversight and validation the CROSS website (report ID: 1128)
the design was undertaken. The For designs that appear unsafe to at www.cross-safety.org/uk/safety-
reported design appears frightening be developed and constructed is not information/cross-safety-report/
and wholly unsatisfactory. acceptable. An inexperienced engineer unsafe-design-retrofit-cantilever-
The likelihood of an outer leaf being might come up with poor concepts balconies-1128.
tied to sufficient structure to support but that is exactly why guidance,
these balconies is very low, even if the oversight, and validation must be in
bolted connections into the brickwork place. Junior staff can be allowed to
could sustain the applied loadings, explore options but ultimately may
which is also very unlikely. In addition, need guidance on feasible solutions. What is CROSS?
bolted connections into the brickwork Overviewing supervision should ensure Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures
may well degrade over time due to design resources are used wisely (CROSS) helps professionals to make structures
thermal or other stresses, weathering while design validation processes safer by publishing safety information based
or the effects of dynamic loadings. At provide gateways to ensure all design on the reports it receives and information in the
some point in time, the balcony, with is competent and meets expectations. public domain.
or without the supporting brickwork, Guidance, oversight and validation are CROSS operates internationally in the UK, US,
would have been likely to simply essential to help design talent develop and Australasia. All regions cover structural safety,
peel off. Structural safety relies not and produce competent designs. while CROSS-UK also covers fire safety.
just on adequate strength but also Any failing, in this case, appears
on controlling modes of failure such down to the design firm’s senior staff
that they are ductile, do not cause and not any junior involved. CROSS
harm and give warning of impending recently published a Safety Alert, The
collapse. Rapid brittle type failures management of design related risks:
of any kind, as would likely be the structural civil and fire engineers, which
case if a balcony peeled away, are to provides deeper consideration of
be avoided. As is illustrated with this design risk management including how
example, retrofitting balconies people, process and product impact
to cavity wall construction is fraught – all of which appear very relevant to
with difficulty and indeed is not this report.
normally to be considered. Fixing
back to, or introducing new primary Duties under regulations
structure, is a normal solution for A project of this type would normally
retrofitting balconies. be subject to the requirements
The reporter was right to consider of the Construction (Design and
the stiffness of the deck. If the Management) Regulations 2015
deck was not able to act as a stiff (CDM 2015). Under the regulations,
diaphragm, prying forces in the Designers and the Principal Designer How reporting to CROSS works
channel would increase the tension in have responsibilities that should The secure and confidential safety reporting system
the bolts at the ends of the channel. prevent unacceptable designs from allows professionals to share their experiences to
The potential for corrosion in hidden being implemented. It is one of the help others.
structural components is a wider duties of the Principal Designer to Professionals can submit reports on safety issues
concern, particularly where there may work with any other designers on related to buildings and other structures in the built
be little visible distress before complete the project to eliminate foreseeable environment. Reports typically relate to concerns,
failure. Critical fixings, as in this case, health and safety risks to anyone near misses or incidents. Find out
should be ‘inspectable’ during the life affected by the work and, where that more, including how to submit
of the structure. Any fixings selected is not possible, take steps to reduce a safety report, at https://bit.ly/
should, of course, be suitable for the or control those risks. Obviously, cross-safety. Your report will
intended use and exposure conditions. the Designer also carries duties to make a difference.
At the concept design stage, engineers eliminate foreseeable health and safety
would normally recognise where risks to anyone affected by the project
a solution requires critical fixings where possible. The implementation
and assess acceptability before the of unacceptable designs, on any
concept is developed further. The project, may suggest that duties

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 Industry CPD Supplied and sponsored by MAPEI

Supplied and
sponsored by Industry CPD
Structural
waterproofing
by design
This CPD module, sponsored Continuing professional development (CPD) ensures you
by MAPEI, explores the addition remain competent in your profession. Chartered, Associate and
of waterproofing admixtures Technician members of the Institution must complete a specified
to concrete in order to build amount each year. All CPD undertaken must be reported to the
a watertight below-ground Institution annually. Reading and reflecting on this article by
structure. correctly answering the questions at the end is advocated to be:

1 hour of verifiable CPD

Introduction against water ingress is a code of practice Type B systems are integral to the structure
When building watertight below-ground which takes the form of recommendations itself. The concrete of the structure acts as
structures in concrete, there are many factors and guidance. the resistive ‘barrier’ to water under pressure.
that need to be taken into consideration: When applying this code, assumptions are Waterproofing admixtures can be added to
| the ground type and its condition before, made that its execution will be carried out by make the concrete waterproof.
during and after construction appropriately qualified and experienced people. Type C cavity drain systems are the
| the water table – high, low or variable, exceptions to the above. Designed to
perched or hydraulic Types of waterproofing systems accept the presence of water, these systems
| the presence of old watercourses Within BS 8102:2022, there are three types of rely on Type A or Type B barrier systems
| allowance for burst watermains waterproofing system: Type A, Type B or Type C. to prevent water entering the drained
| the presence of any ground gases or Type A systems are ‘barrier’ or ‘resistive’ cavity under pressure. Water entering the
contaminants (and, if so, which ones?) systems. Pre- or post-applied, they can structure is directed by a series of channels
| the type of excavation/construction – secant, be in the form of renders or physical fully to a sump and pump system, where it is
contiguous or sheet piles bonded membranes. They are normally pumped away, normally via non-return
| expected weather conditions at the time applied externally and are designed to work valves, to an external serviceable drain
of construction under positive pressure. These systems can point. A Type C cavity drain system is not
| sequence and allowed time for construction also be applied internally; however, internally designed to withstand water pressure and
| installation costs for the waterproofing applied systems tend to be less effective, should only be regarded as an internal water
solution. having to work under negative pressure and management system.
relying entirely on their ability to bond to This article focuses on Type B protection
Any of the above not being considered existing substrates. systems.
carefully could result in failure to meet the In cases where existing basement structures
required structural waterproofing expectations. need to be waterproofed, the external Type B protection
structural element of the basement will likely be Waterproofing admixture concrete
Waterproofing code of practice inaccessible, so an internally applied membrane, Using a concrete with a waterproofing
The recently revised BS 8102:2022 standard often of the polymer-modified cement variety, is admixture added is a very effective strategy
for the Protection of below ground structures a common approach. for waterproofing a below-ground structure,

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 Supplied and sponsored by MAPEI Industry CPD

provided the project is suitable and all of the FIGURE 1: Action of crystalline-based admixture on water penetration
constraints of installing concrete can be taken
into account.
Depending on the grade of waterproofing
required, using an admixture waterproof
concrete to form a Type B system negates the
need for membranes to be used.
Although adding a waterproofing admixture
to concrete does not enable reinforcement steel
to be reduced or removed altogether, it does
provide an extra level of assurance that the
concrete surrounding the reinforcement steel will
be more resistant to water and will, in the event
of a crack occurring during the structure’s life,
enable ‘self-healing’ to occur in the presence
of water, much faster and more effectively than
with standard concrete. Any episodes of water
ingress during the life of the structure are more
likely to come and go unnoticed.
Waterproof concrete used on its own as a
Type B system is generally suited to Grades 1a
and 1b only. Higher grades require additional
measures to be taken, as detailed within the
following extract from BS 8102:2022:
‘Where some seepage is tolerable (as Grade
1a), the provisions in tightness class 0 of BS EN
199211 may be adopted.
‘Where Grade 1b is required, the maximum
permissible through crack width of the concrete
should conform to BS EN 19923:2006,
tightness class 1.
‘Where higher waterproofing performance
grades are required, additional measures (such
as a combined protection, water resisting
admixture, pre- or post-tensioning) should
be used.’
Tightness class 0 = maximum crack width
of 0.3mm.
Tightness class 1 = maximum crack width
of 0.2mm.
It is also a common prerequisite from insurers
for two forms of waterproofing to be used.

Types of waterproofing admixtures

There are essentially two different types of
waterproofing admixtures available in the open
market. These are often referred to as: attempting to ingress through the crack will more dense, tend to be more durable than
| pore blockers cause the crystals to swell (Figures 1 and 2), standard concretes.
| crystalline-based admixtures. typically over a seven to 10-day period, enabling
the ‘self-healing’ process to occur, a process As with any waterproof concrete solution,
All concrete has pores which, depending that remains and continues throughout the life of they are only as good as the practices applied
on the thickness of the concrete section, can the structure. and the quality of workmanship by the people
present opportunities for water to ingress into With regards to sustainability and the need installing them. When engaging with water,
a structure. The thinner the section, the greater to reduce embodied carbon within concrete especially water under pressure, attention to
the risk of water penetration over time, especially structures, the use of GGBS (ground granulated detail is everything.
when the water is under hydrostatic pressure. blast-furnace slag) or PFA (pulverised fly ash) For a successful Type B waterproofing project
Pore blockers are exactly that. They are within concrete mixes to replace proportions to be achieved, it is vital that attention be paid to:
added to the concrete mix and, when the of the required cement content is beneficial on | concrete quality
concrete sets, the pore-blocking admixture three counts: hot and cold weather pours
blocks the pores to enable the concrete to 1) Less Portland cement is required per m3 strike times
become a resistive waterproof barrier. concrete = a reduction of embodied carbon. ‘free fall’ heights
Crystalline-based admixtures are added 2) Adding GGBS or PFA reduces heat of curing methods
to concrete in the same way as pore blocking hydration = a reduction of the risk of thermal | waterbar installation
systems. When the concrete sets, the admixture cracks occurring, especially during winter | pre- and post-applied service
crystals block the concrete pores. However, pours. penetration detail
in the event of a crack occurring, any water 3) Waterproofing admixture concretes, being | movement joints.

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 Industry CPD Supplied and sponsored by MAPEI

FIGURE 2: Penetration depth of water when crystalline-based admixture is added to concrete will be visible after pouring), ratios of 1:1 to 1:1.5
should be applied. The squarer, the better.
If possible and to further help reduce the
risks of cracks occurring within suspended
slabs, a tighter steel design class of 0.2mm
should be considered.
With the aim of lowering the risks of cracking,
all advice relating to pour ratios should be in line
with Concrete Society best practice guidelines.
‘Chequerboard’ slab pours should be avoided
as well as ‘hit and miss’ wall pours, as both of
these methods greatly increase risks of restraint
cracks occurring.
Any advice before and during the building
construction by the admixture manufacturer to
help mitigate the risks of cracks can only be a
good thing, especially when the overall objective
is to achieve ‘a watertight concrete structure,
one which can be confidently adopted and a
warranty or guarantee of watertightness be
issued upon it’.

Land drains
In line with current waterproofing design
Crack widths – with or without that all freshly poured concrete containing its practice, a below-ground structure should
waterproofing admixtures waterproofing admixture arrives on site with the have a suitable external land drain installed
When designing below-ground structures or correct level of consistency and is being poured to remove water. Although this is not always
structures such as tanks or swimming pools in correctly in the correct places, compacted possible, the installation of a land drain
concrete, designers are under pressure to ensure and cured to both Concrete Society guidelines helps alleviate water pressure away from the
crack width design code criteria are achieved and in line with the admixture manufacturer’s structure and your chosen single or combined
throughout the structure being built. However, warranty or guarantee requirements. waterproofing system.
although it is accepted that watertightness for, The manufacturer should also be present Land drains need to be both accessible and
typically, a swimming pool can be achieved by to check, verify and photograph the correct serviceable. Consideration should also be given
meeting the designated tightness class of 0.2mm installation of all waterbars or waterbar systems to where the water is to be drained to, as it is
with the correct application of reinforcement steel, used within any construction or movement joints not permitted for groundwater to be drained into
the responsibility of ongoing watertightness usually and around any service penetrations before any public sewers.
falls somewhere between the structural engineer, concrete is poured.
the ready-mixed concrete supplier and the Subject to a final inspection, a transferable Professional indemnity and
contractor charged with the building of the pool. product warranty or guarantee of watertightness design responsibility – how are
From experience, ready-mixed concrete is then issued to the installing contractor they dealt with?
suppliers are normally primarily concerned with and can be forwarded to the structure owner Often, the question arises as to who will be
ensuring that their concrete delivered to site on completion. taking design responsibility for the structural
meets the required 28-day strength and is of the All elements of the waterproofing strategy below-ground waterproofing element of the
required mix design and consistency to enable it should be discussed and agreed upon right at project. Design responsibility and professional
to be correctly poured, compacted and cured. the beginning of the project, to confirm who is indemnity (PI) cover for the designs used
If during the life of the structure the contractor going to do what, when and how, and most throughout the below-ground element are
ceases to trade, the customer or end user importantly, to verify what the client/building usually left to the architect or structural
is potentially left exposed to the prospect of owner will receive on completion in terms of engineer for the project.
having to rectify, at their cost, any issues of the waterproofing warranty or watertightness Under normal duties, the overall
failure of the concrete structure element of the guarantee they require for their project. responsibility falls to the architect and the
waterproofing system. structural engineer is responsible for the
By adding a waterproofing admixture to the Concrete pour length ratios and design of the concrete if this is part of the
concrete mix, the manufacturer of the admixture pour sequence system. Clients often ask the structural
is able to provide additional reassurances to the Advice and support should be provided to engineer to take responsibility for the entire
end user by offering either a product warranty the installing contractor in regard to concrete below-ground waterproofing.
or a guarantee of watertightness for periods pour ratios. Any planned pour layouts or pour Where a specialist is involved, they will take
typically of 10 to 20 years, providing it can be sequences should be discussed and agreed on responsibility for the detail design. Given
shown that the correct reinforcement steel upon with the manufacturer prior to the actual the number of parties involved, the design
design/tightness class for the structure was concrete pours. responsibilities should be clearly defined.
applied and achieved and that the installing Generally, the rule of thumb is square is good, PI insurance protects against claims for loss
contractor correctly poured, compacted and long and thin is bad. or damage made by clients or third parties
cured the concrete in accordance to BS 8500 This especially applies to podium decks and as a result of the impact of negligent services
and Concrete Society guidelines. suspended slabs. For ground slab pours, ratios provided or negligent advice offered. However,
The manufacturer of the admixture should of 2:1 or less are advised. For wall pours, a ratio cover may be restricted, so the engineer
have technical presence on site at various of 3:1, and for suspended slabs (non-ground- should check this, ensure consistency with
stages during the construction phase to ensure supported slabs or slabs where the underside their appointment and inform the client.

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 Supplied and sponsored by MAPEI Industry CPD

FIGURE 3: Watertight concrete pour in progress FIGURE 4: Typical below-ground site – ready for concrete FIGURE 5: Below-ground site – prior to watertight
slab pour concrete pour

Should either the appointed architect compensation will be given if the product does supplying the Type B system is likely to cause
or structural engineer choose to decline not perform as advertised. These tend to have pain and confusion if an issue arises at a later
responsibility for the design of the exceptions that are limited to both the value of date and a warranty claim has to be made.
waterproofing system, design responsibility the product and the manufacturer’s obligations
and PI insurance can be provided via an to customers. Pressures on quality
independent third-party waterproofing A watertightness guarantee covers all aspects As waterproofing specialists, we need to be
specialist capable of providing this type of of the installed solution including design. conscious of some of the ‘pressures on quality’
insurance for below-ground projects. Normally, in the form of an insurance-backed that can occur on site. What does this refer to?
That said, following the latest BS 8102:2022 guarantee, it provides an all-encompassing level Contractors are often under immense
recommendation to appoint, at the earliest of cover and peace of mind to customers that pressure to deliver projects on time and within
opportunity, a waterproofing specialist such as in the event of the original installing contractor budget. Sometimes there are situations that
a Certified Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing ceasing to trade, the customer has this option occur on sites which are beyond anyone’s
(CSSW) to provide further advice, helps to to call upon to rectify any issues during the control, and lead to unplanned delays or
mitigate any risks of poor waterproofing design. guarantee period. This type of cover is usually additional costs. These situations can result in
limited to the total contract value of the below- poor decisions being made, the consequences
Product warranties and ground element. of which lead to the failure of the waterproofing
watertightness guarantees – At the earliest opportunity, confirm the extent system. Worse still, some decisions may lead
what’s the difference? of the warranty or guarantee cover that will be to the manufacturer warranty or watertightness
Most waterproofing products are covered by provided on completion. guarantee not being issued on completion.
product warranties. Waterproofing product Avoid split warranties or liabilities. When deciding on a Type B waterproofing
warranty periods vary, typically ranging from It’s a good idea to ensure that the warranty solution, make sure the appropriate level of
10 to 20 years. provided covers the single system or dual quality assurance checks and site inspections/
A product warranty is the guarantee system as a total waterproofing solution. In the verifications can be made throughout the
a manufacturer provides to customers case of a dual system, to have manufacturer build to ensure the waterproofing strategy is
regarding the quality of its products and what X supplying the Type A and manufacturer Y consistent and maintained as agreed.

Questions To claim your CPD certificate, complete the module online

by 30 November 2022 at: www.istructe.org/industry-cpd

1) Which is the current structural below- 3) What type of external drain should be 5) Which of the following is true?
ground waterproofing code in the UK? used for below-ground structures? ¨ Product warranties cover product only
¨ BS 8201:2009 ¨ Sump drain ¨ Product warranties cover product and
¨ BS 8102:2022 ¨ Land drain workmanship
¨ BS 8120:2022 ¨ Main drain ¨ Product warranties cover product, below-
ground structure waterproofing and design
2) What are the three types of below- 4) What recommended specialist
ground waterproofing system? should be appointed at the earliest
¨ Types 1, 2 and 3 opportunity?
¨ Types X, Y and Z ¨ Specialist architect Supplied and sponsored by
¨ Types A, B and C ¨ Specialist engineer
¨ Certified surveyor in structural
waterproofing

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 Project focus Timber swinging bench

Engineering of
a super-long
hanging bench
fabricated partially
from thermally
modified timber
JAMES WHITELEY Introduction
MEng This case study outlines the engineering
design, fabrication and installation of
Project Engineer, Atelier One, London, UK
a bespoke 7m hanging timber bench.
Challenging constraints arose from the
DIEDERIK VEENENDAAL variety of thermally modified timber used
Dr.sc, Ir
in the bench’s construction. Summum
Engineering engineered the bench,
Structural Engineer, Summum Engineering,
which was installed in Soldatenbos
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
National Forest, Belgium (Figure 1) in
August 2021. It hangs from two silver
maple trees with a view over an adjacent objects have been placed, including the
Project team field. The Dutch practice RO&AD bench featured in this article.
Architects provided the architectural
Client: Gemeente Nijlen
design and intent, working for the Scope, materials and
Tree surgeon: Wim Mertens municipality of Nijlen in Belgium, which structural system
acted as the client. The bench is made up of orthogonal
Contractor: Van Holme
Swinging benches are commonly layers of timber beams with a
associated with North America. The cross-section of 43mm by 65mm,
Architectural RO&AD
longest multi-span swinging bench, interconnected with screws, with a gap
design: Architecten
located in Louisiana, USA, is 18.25m, left between each adjacent timber beam
Landscape LAMA with individual spans of around 3.6m. in both the transverse and longitudinal
design: landscape At 7.1m, it is thought by the authors directions in the main body of the
architects that the bench presented in this article bench (Figure 3). In total, the bench
(Figure 2) is the longest single-span weighed 340kg. Four 16mm stainless
Structural Summum swinging bench of its kind1. steel threaded rods span longitudinally
engineer: Engineering between the ends of the bench and
Architectural intent are concealed within it. They were
The bench was part of a larger scheme, introduced to control deflections.
where LAMA landscape architects, The bench is suspended with
Wemake and RO&AD Architects Hercules rope, which integrates a
proposed several designs specifically steel cable encased by synthetic fibres
for the Municipality of Nijlen, Belgium, (Figure 4), giving the appearance of
ranging from websites and magazines natural fibre rope. In general, steel
to street furniture, such as rubbish bins, cables under tension used for structures
benches and signposts. The Soldatenbos such as swings should not be openly
is the first location where some of these accessible to the public2.

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 Timber swinging bench Project focus

applied to both unfavourable permanent

COURTESY OF MUNICIPALITY OF NIJLEN

and live loads and unity or zero to
favourable permanent or live loads
respectively. The swing load, while the
swing is passing through 0°, plus the
self-weight of the structure was found
to be qv,0 = 3.8kN/m (EN-1176-1,
equation B.4), acting purely downwards
and incorporating a tabulated swing
load factor Cv,0 = 2.653 (EN 1176-1,
Table B.1). At 42.6° the horizontal force
component is maximised. The following
forces were calculated:

qv,42.6 qv,k gk 2.0kN/m

qh,42.6 qv,k gk 1.8kN/m

This includes a swing load factor

for the two force components of Cv,42.6
= 1.370 and Ch,42.6 = 1.260. In both
situations, the swing loads were seen
to be greater than the user load (as
defined in EN 1176-1, Annex A) of qv,k =
1.1kN/m. Self-weight gk is 0.5kN/m.
A full Karamba3D structural analysis
model was created in Grasshopper,
which itself runs within the Rhinoceros
3D CAD environment. The bench was
analysed in the linear elastic range,
with connections between crossing
beams modelled with springs, with
perpendicular spring stiffnesses set as
the slip modulus Kser from Eurocode 5 to
account for joint slip3. Elastic properties
modified by the creep reduction factor
Kdef, for Service Class 3, were used for
the calculation of final deflection as per
EC53. Long-term deflections under the
critical load combination were calculated
The four suspension points are at the Engineering design and FIGURE 2: Bench to be 49mm.
top and bottom of the bench for stability, analysis was inaugurated by A calculation by hand was used to
Van Brandt family,
with supports at the bottom allowing The European Standard for Playground whose now deceased verify the deflections predicted by the
the bench to rest on – rather than hang equipment and surfacing (EN 1176-1)2 parents were reported Karamba model (Figure 6). Assuming
from – the steel rods. The cables are in was used to calculate the loads on the to have found love only the longitudinal members in
in Soldatenbos in
turn attached to an 8t capacity Drayer structure. Specifically, Annex B gives the 1936 while attending the bench (those hatched in Fig. 3)
TreeSave sling wrapped around the tree design forces acting on the swing, driven local gliding club contribute to the bench’s stiffness, an
trunk, which was the responsibility of a by the moving mass of users and the demonstration effective second moment of area Ief for
specialist tree surgeon. Verification of the structure itself, as a function of the angle the cross-section can be established.
timber sections and connections, as well of swing (Figure 5). The swing load is FIGURE 1: Location We use the so-called ‘Gamma’ method
of hanging bench in
as the support system suspending the treated as a variable load. The dynamic Soldatenbos (Soldier’s from Annex B of EC5 to account for the
bench from the trees, was undertaken magnification of the load is accounted Forest), Nijlen, Belgium lack of fully rigid connectors (see ‘Timber
by Summum Engineering. for in the code by tabulated coefficients.
Thermally modified timber was Wind and snow loads were calculated
sourced by the client from two different to be less than the swing load by 67%
COURTESY OF RO&AD ARCHITECTS

timber merchants for the project, on and 91% respectively. The critical load
the assumption it would be well suited combination from Annex B of EN 1176-1
to outdoor applications. Unfortunately, is given by equation B.2:
thermally modified timber is ungraded for
structural application, due to the relatively G;c Qp Q;c Qi
unknown effect the heat treatment has on
its stiffness and ultimate strength. A large where:
proportion of the engineering task was Qp is the permanent load
therefore determining suitable material Qi the variable load.
properties from available information to
enable a safe design. A material safety factor γ of 1.35 is

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TSE_Oct22_pp 22-27 Timber Bench.indd 23 22/09/2022 10:02

 Project focus Timber swinging bench

Engineering Notebook No. 13’4 for FIGURE 3:

further explanation). Architectural drawing
of transverse cross-
section of bench
I ef I c,i Ai yi2 (captions translated
from Dutch original).
Please note annotation
The equation for Ief is simply the shows glued-in
parallel axis theorem with an additional rods, but these were
connection efficiency reduction factor later changed to
wood screws due to
γ. When applied to a cross-laminated contractor preference.
timber (CLT) panel, the reduction factor Positions of four 16mm
γ depends on the rolling shear modulus threaded rods are
highlighted in red
Gr, the ‘deformation of the cross-layers’4.
A value for the rolling shear modulus of a
typical CLT panel is 50MPa.
1
2
EAd cross
1
Gr bl 2
The modulus of elasticity E is taken

COURTESY OF RO&AD ARCHITECTS

as 4kN/mm2, half that of a C16 section3
(as shall be established in the next
section). The cross-sectional area A is
58 695mm2, from the 21no. 43mm ×
65mm longitudinal beams. The width of
the bench b is 0.5m and the thickness of
the crosswise layers dcross is 65mm. The
span l is 7.1m.
To gauge an upper bound on the
deflection of the bench, the rolling shear
modulus is conservatively assumed to
be 5MPa, an order of magnitude smaller
than for a typical CLT panel. With this
assumption, γ is 0.46. Ief can then be
readily calculated as 3.12 × 108mm4.
The total deflection δ (see Harris, Section applications, such as facades, walls and for the timber from the second
3.2.23) is given by: ceiling panelling. Third-party test results manufacturer. Annex D of EN 19907
on timber from the first manufacturer (specifically equation D.1) provides
G 1 K def Q 1 2 K def indicated it had the strength and density a framework to derive design values
of a C20 section, while other sources from test data. Using this method, a
The total deflection calculated by indicated that its strength could be design bending strength of 9.1MPa
hand, combining self-weight deflection reduced somewhat: one cites sources was calculated for the timber from

PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE EXTRACTS FROM BRITISH STANDARDS IS GRANTED BY

(δG) and deflection due to the user load FIGURE 5: Swing suggesting that the average strength the second manufacture, i.e. half the
loads (EN 1176-1,
(δQ), is 69mm, using Kdef = 2.0 and ψ2 Figure B.2) decreases by 10–50%5 and another bending strength of a C18 section.
= 0. The predicted deflection is 41% indicates that the bending strength The timber design was carried

BSI STANDARDS LIMITED (BSI). NO OTHER USE OF THIS MATERIAL IS PERMITTED

higher than the deflection found with FIGURE 4: Cross- decreases on average by 3% and the out with custom Python scripts in
section of Hercules
Karamba, owing to the low connection rope used to suspend tensile strength by 39%6. Grasshopper in accordance with
rigidity assumed in the hand calculation bench Test data was publicly available EN 1995-1-1. Also considered was an
and the stiffening effect of the backrest
in the Karamba model.

Making assumptions for

unknown design variables
Thermally modified pine was purchased
by the client from two different
local timber merchants. According
COURTESY OF RO&AD ARCHITECTS

to information published by the

manufacturers, the heat treatment
applied to the timber increases its
durability by decreasing its ability to
absorb water during its service life. The
exact effect, however, on the strength
and stiffness properties generally used
for structural design is unclear and
potentially detrimental.
The product specifications from the
manufacturers indicated non-structural

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TSE_Oct22_pp 22-27 Timber Bench.indd 24 22/09/2022 10:02

 Timber swinging bench Project focus

SUMMUM ENGINEERING
additional check on double shear from
the German national annex to DIN EN
1995-1-18:
2 2
y,d z,d
1.0
f v,d f v,d FIGURE 6: Instantaneous
deflections at serviceability limit
state. Visualised Karamba3D results
The following procedure was used
for the design: for all the timber in the
bench, C18 section properties were
assumed. Where the utilisation of any
element was above 50%, this element
was replaced with a stronger C24
section (Figure 7). The bench was
then reanalysed. All C24 timber had
a utilisation of less than 100%. Some
of the thermally modified timber had
a utilisation between 50% and 65% FIGURE 7: Distribution of thermally
(Figure 8), assuming C18 properties. modified timber (light brown) and
This higher utilisation was localised to stronger C24 section (dark brown)

the longitudinal members in the seating.

We recommended using timber from the
first manufacturer here. Other transversal
pieces and elements in the backrest
were recommended to be made from
timber by the second manufacturer.

Detailing and fabrication FIGURE 8: Enveloped utilisations

The recommendation for a C24 section shown for thermally modified wood
at specific locations in the bench only. Assuming C18 properties, image
was described in a report (including a indicates maximum utilisations

version of Fig. 7) and communicated

to the client and the architects for
them to put in construction drawings can be made to the UK-specific unloading, the rod slowly turned until
for fabrication. The entire bench was timber grade C16+ proposed by Dan it hit the rope. No other damage was
prefabricated off site within one week Ridley-Ellis; such a grade would have a found which would have caused
(Figure 9). Installation and levelling higher characteristic bending strength pull-out and a corrective measure of
the swing on site took one day. Its and density than a standard C16 preventing rotation of the rod was
position was carefully selected by the grade and, as such, would be more enacted with the use of a split pin.
tree surgeon based on the branches representative of the actual properties of Some months later, some
of the supporting trees such that the British spruce10. cracks in the timber near the top
tree loops could be attached to them. suspension point were found. The
Every year, the trees are to be inspected Damage cause is not precisely known. It was
and the loops moved slightly, so that Some damage was detected in the reported that some pieces of wood
no ingrowth is caused. Larix sibirica swing a short while after its installation were thermally modified wood where
replaced the thermally modified wood on site. In September 2021, the eye they should have been C24, as
where necessary. bolts unscrewed themselves from the specified in the design. Large knots
threaded rod (Figure 10). It appeared were also reported at the location of
Working with the materials that in use, perhaps from loading and the crack.
you have
The authors point to the incorporation
of the thermally modified timber as
FIGURE 9: Finished bench in timber
a successful aspect of this project. workshop where it was fabricated
Incorporation here refers to a traditional
structural design task, but with a view
COURTESY OF RO&AD ARCHITECTS

to the material efficiency agenda of a

future zero-carbon construction sector9.
The assessment procedure used to
determine the structural properties of
the bench in this article was materially
efficient in the sense that it made the
best use of available stock elements. To
put it simply, we took what we had, and
made it work.
In terms of using the materials you
have, an interesting point of comparison

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TSE_Oct22_pp 22-27 Timber Bench.indd 25 22/09/2022 10:02

 Project focus Timber swinging bench

Conclusion successfully be integrated into the FIGURE 10: Damage

COURTESY OF RO&AD ARCHITECTS

The architectural intent and project, reducing waste and expense. to bench, eye bolts
unscrewing, September
engineering design and fabrication of According to the client, the visitor 2021
a bespoke super-long hanging bench numbers to Soldatenbos National
has been presented in this article. Forest increased sixfold thanks to the
Special attention was paid to assessing larger project.
the possible performance of thermally
modified timber. This could not be Acknowledgements
determined exactly, but was judged We are grateful to Ro Koster and Martin
to be 50–100% of a C18–C20 timber van Overveld for their writing input on
section. Based on this, stock the architectural design and on the
elements already procured could manufacturing process.

REFERENCES

1) Guinness World Records (2013) 4) Structural Timber Association 6) Boonstra M.J., Van Acker J., to Eurocode 5: Design of timber
Longest bench swing [Online] Available (2015) ‘Timber Engineering Tjeerdsma B.F. and Kegel E.V. (2007) structures. General. Common rules
at: www.guinnessworldrecords.com/ Notebook No. 13: Cross-laminated ‘Strength properties of thermally and rules for buildings, Berlin: DIN
world-records/longest-bench-swing timber construction – structural modified softwoods and its relation
9) Allwood J. M., Azevedo J., Clare A.
(Accessed: April 2022) design’, The Structural Engineer, 93 to polymeric structural wood
et al. (2019) Absolute zero; https://doi.
(11), pp. 32–39 constituents’, Ann. For. Sci., 64, pp.
2) Royal Netherlands Standardization org/10.17863/CAM.46075
679–690; https://doi.org/10.1051/
Institute (2017) EN 1176-1 Playground 5) Forsman S. (2008) Heat Treated
forest:2007048 10) Ridley-Ellis D. (2016) Making the
equipment and surfacing – Part 1: Wood – The Concept House
Grade & Maximising the Opportunities
General safety requirements and test Development, Master’s thesis, 7) British Standards Institution (2002)
[Online] Available at: www.
methods, Delft: NEN Luleå University of Technology, BS EN 1990:2002+A1:2005. Eurocode.
charteredforesters.org/wp-content/
Sweden [Online] Available at: Basis of structural design, London: BSI
3) Harris R. (2007) Manual for the uploads/2016/11/Ridley-Ellis-Dr-Dan-
www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/
design of timber building structures 8) German Institute for Making-the-Grade-and-Maximising-
diva2:1032852/FULLTEXT01.pdf
to Eurocode 5 (1st ed.), London, Standardization (2013) EN 1995- the-Opportunitie.pdf (Accessed:
(Accessed: September 2022)
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 Car park design
Forthcoming guidance
from the Institution of
Structural Engineers
The Institution’s Design
recommendations for multi-storey
and underground car parks has
set the standard for car park
design since 1976. After more
than 45 years and four editions,
this brand new guidance builds on
that legacy to provide completely
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for anyone involved in car
park design, construction, Pre order:
maintenance and reuse. istructe.org/resources/guidance/car-park-design

21278_car_park_design_guide_HP.indd 1 16/09/2022 2:53 pm

Structural rehabilitation
conference
8 December 2022
Topics will include
• Assessment and diagnostics
• Inspection and monitoring
• Strengthening
Sharing the latest structural engineering
advances in maintaining and strengthening Who should attend?
• Practicing structural engineers primarily
existing bridges and infrastructure. working on bridges and infrastructure projects
Attend in-person or online. Early booking • Asset managers
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Registration now open:

istructe.org/events/hq/2022/structural-rehabilitation-conference

21226_struct_rehab_conference_HP.indd 1 23/08/2022 12:36 pm

TSE_Oct22_pp 22-27 Timber Bench.indd 27 22/09/2022 10:02

 Opinion Profile

Naeem Hussain
still had a nagging curiosity about calculations and so on, but this was
Clocking up half a century in the architecture. At that time he was working about space and perspectives. It
international bridges sector, and on projects comprising Euston Tower changed my outlook on how to design
instrumental in the establishment and the Shaw Theatre, so he was things,’ he adds.
dealing with architects on a regular ‘It’s always hard to look at a new
of Arup’s highly regarded bridges basis. ‘I thought to myself – hang on, project afresh – we all have baggage
department, IStructE Gold Medallist I could do that! So I applied to the whether we like it or not,’ he says. ‘But
Architectural Association School of you really have to make an effort to
Naeem Hussain has worked on Architecture in London for a design consider what the client wants, what are
some of the world’s most high-profile studies course, and I was quite surprised the issues and constraints, and what is
structures. He reflects on his career in that I was accepted!’ he recalls. the budget,’ he says.
The course exposed him to a
conversation with Helena Russell. very different approach to design, Bridging the gap
and new ways of thinking, and in Gaining site experience with contractor
GOOD PRACTICE FOR retrospect Hussain acknowledges it Christiani & Nielsen, he came into
SUCCESSFUL PROCUREMENT, had a significant impact on his own contact with bridges for the first time,
the perils of badly conceived design methodology. ‘I was used to the sparking a fascination that he pursued
competitions and the importance of engineering way of thinking about after completing his site work, applying
aesthetics and durability in the bridge
design process will be key themes for
2022 winner Naeem Hussain when he
takes to the stage at IStructE later this
month to give his Gold Medal address.
All are central to his professional
practice; some have even been
influenced by him.
His modest, quietly-spoken manner

CENTRAL PHOTOGRAPHY
belies his high-flying career, but seems
entirely at home in the Arup stable
where he has remained since stumbling
across his professional ‘soulmates’ five
decades ago.

Fresh perspective
From a young age, Hussain was FIGURE 1: Medway Bridge, part of the Medway Viaducts, links London to the Channel Tunnel
fascinated by architecture and
engineering – his father was a bridge
and trackwork engineer for Pakistan
Railways and he recalls the enjoyment of
going with him on inspections. He has
always been interested in architecture,
and could easily have followed a different
career path were it not for the lack of
architectural schools in Pakistan at the
time. ‘I chose civil engineering as the
next closest thing,’ he says.
After graduating from West Pakistan
University of Engineering & Technology
in 1962, he joined Associated British
Consultants as a structural engineer, and
within two years his request to transfer
to sister company Kenchington Little and
Partners in London was granted.
ARUP

Despite having a civil engineering

degree and with several years’ work
as an engineer under his belt, Hussain FIGURE 2: Hulme Arch Bridge in Manchester by night

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 Profile Opinion

MARCEL LAM
for jobs at all the well-known bridge
firms. But at interview his short foray into CAREER
architecture was regarded suspiciously:
‘It was almost as if they saw it as
MILESTONES
something of a sin,’ he laughs. 1962 BSc (Eng) from West
Ironically, Arup was not on his Pakistan University of
target list, as the firm had no particular Engineering & Technology
reputation for bridges at the time. But his Joined Associated British
interest was piqued by the company’s Consultants Bangladesh
role on the dramatic shell structures of (East Pakistan) as a
the Sydney Opera House. structural engineer
‘One of my interviewers was 1964 Transferred to Kenchington
Jørgen Nissen,’ he says, ‘and I soon Little & Partners UK as a
realised that he was more interested structural engineer
in architecture than I was! And then 1967 Joined Christiani & Nielsen
the conversation opened up – I had Contractors UK as a
suddenly found people who were also section engineer
talking about aesthetics and bridges and Design Studies,
so on. Looking back now it seems as if I Architectural Association
had found my soulmates – and in a way School of Architecture
I count myself lucky to have been turned year project that had to be redesigned FIGURE 3: 1968 Became a Member of
Cable-stayed
down by the other companies.’ in the wake of the King’s Cross fire in Stonecutters Bridge the Institution of Civil
With only a dozen staff in the bridges 1987. This prompted a full review of in Hong Kong Engineers
group, Hussain found himself joining at fire regulations for underground station 1969 Joined Arup as a
a propitious time. ‘The biggest bridge design, and Arup’s fire team led on the bridge engineer
span that Arup had designed was code rewrite. 1971 DIC MSc (Concrete
about 40m,’ he recalls. ‘But we had The design of the Channel Tunnel Structures) Imperial
people like Povl Ahm and Bill Smyth, Rail Link – with Hussain as engineering College, University of
who were interested in the aesthetics manager for all the civils and bridge London
of bridges, and simple designs with structures – and a bid for the massive Became a Member of
clean, clear lines which blended into the Øresund Bridge project to create a the Institution of Structural
environment.’ new road and rail connection between Engineers
For Hussain, the step change came Sweden and Denmark came shortly 1973 Promoted to senior bridge
when Arup won an Asian Development afterwards. ‘My main motivation for taking engineer
Bank-funded project in Malaysia and he on the role at the Channel Tunnel Rail Link 1986 Promoted to
was offered the chance to head up the was the chance to design the Medway associate director
bridge design in Kuala Lumpur. ‘They Bridge,’ (Figure 1) recalls Hussain. ‘I 1994 Promoted to director
weren’t very big bridges, but the project thought it would be an opportunity to do 1998 Relocated to Hong Kong
enabled us to expand outside the UK.’ something unique and different.’ Became a Fellow of the
Returning to London after a couple of But it was his colleagues’ success Hong Kong Institution of
years did not suit him, he soon had itchy on the Øresund bid in 1994 that Engineers
feet and before long was on his way to really changed the landscape for the 1999 Became a Fellow of the
Nigeria for five years. Here he set up company; ‘I was just a member of the International Association
a bridge team with local engineers to team on this one,’ Hussain admits. for Bridge & Structural
take advantage of the country’s boom in ‘At the time we had still only designed Engineering (IABSE)
road-building activity, including a bridge bridges with spans of around 100m – 2010 Stonecutters Bridge
over the Benue River to open up the winning this was a major breakthrough won Supreme Award at
northeast of Nigeria. and our team was successful because IStructE Structural Awards
Soon after, Arup established itself in they proposed a double-deck cable- Became a Fellow of the
Hong Kong with projects such as the stayed bridge and marine viaduct as Hong Kong Academy of
Hopewell Centre and work on the mass an alternative to the single deck of the Engineering Sciences
transit system. Ultimately, this was the concept scheme.’ 2012 Awarded the Prince Philip
long-term game-changer for Hussain, Alongside large-scale bridges, Medal for Exceptional
who went straight out there from Hussain recalls the fun of brainstorming Contribution to
Nigeria in 1982. His first trip was just a with architects at Wilkinson Eyre for a Engineering by the Royal
short stay after the announcement of concept for the Hulme Arch Bridge in Academy of Engineering
handover plans prompted the economy Manchester (Figure 2) – resulting in a 2013 Chair of IABSE Working
to nosedive, but it gave him a taste for competition-winning entry and a world Group 3, publishing
the region. first in bridge design. ‘We went round to Guidelines for Design
Jim [Eyre]’s office and there was a fair bit Competitions for Bridges
Growing ambitions of wine involved,’ he admits. ‘Jim came 2020 Became a Fellow of
The next decade was a busy time for up with the idea of a diagonal arch, the Royal Academy of
Hussain and his bridge colleagues in the and we had to establish whether it was Engineering
UK; a feasibility study into reconfiguring feasible in engineering terms.’ 2022 Awarded IStructE
Ludgate railway viaduct in London to an The concept has been replicated Gold Medal
underground station turned into a six- many times since then, but often with no

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 Opinion Profile
TRANSPORT SCOTLAND

ARUP
logic for using this form, says Hussain. international attention, and was won FIGURE 4: crossed cables, which stabilised the
Queensferry Crossing
In Hulme, the bridge crosses a main by Flint & Neill (now Cowi), Dissing & over Firth of Forth,
central tower and allowed us to keep it
road in a cutting; the client was very Weitling, Halcrow and SMEDI, who Scotland very slender.’ A crucial point that made
clear that it should be a landmark bridge, proposed a dramatic monopole concept it possible to implement this solution
and our design is viewed as an arch with twin decks. Ironically, Hong Kong FIGURE 5: was the support of Transport Scotland,
by drivers travelling in both directions. Highways’ procedure was to pay the Temburong Bridge whose engineers raised questions
across Brunei Bay
‘The architecture and engineering came winners a fee, retain the copyright for about the risks, but were open to being
together for a reason, not just to create a the concept, and bid the detailed design convinced by evidence and expert
fancy shape,’ he says. package separately – a bid that was advice. ‘For any unique bridge you need
As the number of open design won by Arup. to have a good, knowledgeable client,’
competitions increased, there was a Hussain acknowledges that the says Hussain.
corresponding trend for winning designs outcome ruffled some feathers in the Since then, his team has continued to
not to be built, often for budgetary or bridge community, but is clear that build its portfolio, adding projects such
feasibility reasons. The lack of guidelines the award was made on more than as the Gerald Desmond replacement
for competition organisers was identified just a technical and fee basis; their bridge in California and the Temburong
as an issue. Hussain led a working group bid included a number of proposed Bridge in Brunei (Figure 5), opening
within the International Association improvements, the team was already an office in North America, and now
for Bridge and Structural Engineering working on the Øresund Bridge, and numbering some 400 staff around
to develop a set of guidelines that Arup was established in Hong Kong. the globe.
was published in 2013 and has been ‘We did as much as possible to preserve Hussain notes that despite his many
instrumental in improving the way such the design concept, but we did have to years in the sector, his ambition to
competitions are run. change many things, which is inevitable design a big suspension bridge remains
when you are going from concept to unfulfilled. Happily, this is likely to change
Milestone project detailed design,’ he says. very soon, with the announcement
When Arup won the bid for Hong Kong earlier this year that an Arup/Aas-
West Rail in the late 1990s, and financial Going forth Jakobsen team has been appointed to
issues put the Channel Tunnel Rail Link At around the same time Stonecutters design Norway’s 2km-long Julsundet
on hold, Hussain found himself back in Bridge was reaching completion in the crossing on the E39 highway.
Hong Kong – just as one of the region’s late 2000s, the idea of a new bridge
most exciting bridge projects – the over the Forth Estuary in Scotland
Stonecutters Bridge (Figure 3) – was was being floated in response to the
coming to life. ‘We won the design suspension cable deterioration identified
Watch Naeem Hussain’s
consultancy for the new expressway, on the Forth Road Bridge. Hussain’s
Gold Medal address
and part of this was to examine the team joined with Jacobs, Flint & Neill and If you’d like to find out more about
feasibility of building a cable-stayed Dissing & Weitling to pitch for the design Naeem’s career and perspective
bridge with a main span of more than a work, and the group’s track record in on bridge engineering, don’t
kilometre.’ (The world’s longest at that cable-stayed bridges was a key factor forget to sign up to watch his Gold
time was Tatara Bridge in Japan, with a in its success. The resulting multi-span Medal address on 20 October –
main span of 890m.) bridge (Figure 4) with its unconventional either in person or online.
It was a difficult location for a cable- arrangement of crossed cable stays was Register at
stayed span, being subject to typhoons, opened to traffic in 2017. www.istructe.
but Arup’s studies confirmed that it was ‘Queensferry is probably the first time org/events/hq/
possible. An open design competition I can actually say that it was personally gold-medal-
in 1999 that Hussain’s team was not my design, the thinking behind it,’ address-2022.
permitted to enter attracted huge Hussain reveals. ‘I suggested using the

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 Nominal q-values Opinion

Viewpoint

Nominal q-values for

roofs: is it time to talk
them down, up or both?
Alastair Hughes argues for a number of changes in the way roof loading is dealt with
in the UK National Annex to EN 1991, including a reduction in nominal roof loading q.

Loadings for roof design 0.5kPa. Czech and Irish Republics retain shape a 10m2 patch (or blob?) for maximum
Q: What’s the most arbitrary figure in all 0.75kPa. France requires 0.8kPa. Spain damaging power in any given design situation.
of structural design? represents the cautious end of the spectrum Much simpler to apply blanket load over
A: Probably the nominal roof loading that with 1kPa. It’s noteworthy that EC1’s RV full area, which is then directly comparable
accounts for gravity action arising from (0.4kPa) is as low as any. with snow. For the same reason, nominal
maintenance and repair. A complication is that the loaded area roof loading is generally excluded from live
This allowance has to cover the weight of can, at national option, be limited – usually to load reduction (LLR). These simplifications
the people doing the work, tools, equipment 10m2. This is not unrealistic; maintenance and exaggerate its action effects, but slight loss
and some stacking of material en route to its repair (or initial construction) work will typically of economy is tolerable since (for multistorey
final position in the roof. As for floors, codes proceed on quite a narrow front. However, it is buildings especially) roof loading is a small
prescribe: anathema to practical designers, who prefer proportion of total gravity action. It’s worth
| an area load q, in kPa (kN/m2 if preferred) not to keep assessing just where to locate and keeping in mind that, if EC1’s 10m2 is anything
| a separately and singly applied roving point to go by, the action effect of maintenance and
load Q, in kN. repair will never, in reality, exceed 5kN in any
one column.
There’s nothing arbitrary about point load
Q, which is readily visualised – traditionally a IT SEEMS An understandable response to such wide
international variation is that they can’t all be
‘standard man’ weighing 0.9kN, but in future IMPLAUSIBLE THAT right. It seems implausible that roofers vary
better described as a ‘standard person’ and
rounded up to 1kN, the recommended value
ROOFERS VARY that much in the way they set about their
business, or the degree of control they exert
(RV) in EN 1991 (EC1). THAT MUCH IN THE over stacking of materials. The RV affirms
But what’s the ‘correct’ value for q? Right WAY THEY SET the European (CEN) committee’s confidence
now, most UK designers would without
hesitation answer 0.6kPa. It’s timely to think
ABOUT THEIR that 0.4kPa is sufficient. There is calibratory
evidence in support – not least from the
this over. BUSINESS UK, where this value (or even 0.36kPa, with

European custom and practice

Like all safety-related parameters, q-values are
for national determination. EC1 embraces a
credibility-stretching range of possibility, from
zero through to 1kPa, reflecting how arbitrary
the choice is. Though zero can only be for
roofs that nobody would put their weight on,
such as membrane-type (tents, polytunnels,
etc.) and traditional glasshouses whose
maintenance is conducted from the ground
(Figure 1).
Member states take very different positions:
0.6kPa is fairly mainstream but, for example,
Finland and Cyprus adopt 0.4kPa, Italy FIGURE 1: Traditional glasshouses are maintained from the ground

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 Opinion Nominal q-values

optional 10% discount) has long been the

norm for agricultural buildings conforming to
BS 5502-22.

Influences on the choice

of q-value
If 0.4kPa will cover normal maintenance and
repair activity, why should a higher figure be
judged appropriate? Is it felt intuitively that
roof structures, which tend to be relatively
lightweight and lightly loaded, deserve an
artificial boost to what they are designed
against? They are, after all, in the front line
for whatever the climate might throw down
(‘hailstones the size of golf balls’, volcanic
detritus?). Artificial hazards include icicles FIGURE 2: Some roofs are more vulnerable than others
shed by aircraft, errant drones and abuse of
one kind or another. That’s one point of view;
another is that some hazards can and should On the one hand, on the other hand. Ove
be insured against rather than designed Arup had a rhyme for this:
against.
What about ponding, a buildup of rain water The more you look, the more you see,
resulting from blocked (or underdesigned) And that’s why experts disagree
outlets? It only takes 100mm depth of water For some look here, and some look there
to generate a potentially destructive pressure But no-one can look everywhere;
of 1kPa. Best avoided by intelligent roof For if they did, it seems to me
architecture, with precautionary slopes and that they would hardly experts be.
overflows (Figure 2). Arguably, it’s prudent According to their point of view
to keep a little in hand, nevertheless. But is it What they say may well be true,
reasonable to penalise roof geometries that But looking from another angle
are simply not vulnerable to ponding? We tend to get into a tangle.
Is it prudent and/or cost-effective to Which of the views is then correct?
anticipate future weight gain in the event that That is not easy to suspect.
the roof is renewed differently, or solar panels
are ‘retrofitted’? Maybe. But provision for solar An admission that they can’t all be wrong
panels in a new building ought to be explicit, might take us further than a declaration that
as a superimposed dead load (SDL) additional they can’t all be right.
to what’s allowed for ceiling and services. repair. It doesn’t affect the need for a snow
Another motive to choose a higher figure Looking forward calculation (which, at the margin, more sites
might be to allow snow to be disregarded. It must be conceded that 1kPa is not right for would be governed by). Nobody loses, but
Until the 1980s, UK roof loading (then every building. For shed-type structures and not-so-snowy territory – most of the UK –
0.75kPa) was supposed to allow for snow. single family houses, nominal roof loading is benefits from a worthwhile saving in design
For much of the country, certainly for most important because there is relatively little other load. Worth pursuing, given the scale of the
urban areas, this does comfortably exceed the loading. If 0.4kPa would suffice, 0.6kPa is subsectors that stand to gain. In particular, the
snow load, but there are places (mainly in the costing money, and trees. So why not reduce manufacturing and distribution economy.
Pennines and Highland Scotland) where the it, if only down to 0.5kPa? This remains more For multistorey buildings, 0.5kPa need not
assumption was unsafe. Once the snow than adequate to cover maintenance and be ruled out, and might be advantageous for
map came in, and the nominal value was no some fancy roof structures. But for typical
longer required to cover snow, a reduction designs it would make no visible difference
was in order. A cautious committee may and the economic case is not compelling.
have decided that a 20% reduction (down Imposed roof loading, be it snow or nominal,
to 0.6kPa) looked generous enough for the even at 1kPa, is such a trivial proportion of
time being. total gravity action.
In a country like Norway, where ‘entry level’ Which prompts a further suggestion:
on the snow map is 1.75kPa, nominal roof why not just ignore it, once the roof itself
loading is pretty much surplus to requirements and the topmost two lengths of column have
so it might as well be a round 1kPa. Indeed been designed? Not having to track a tiny,
a case can be made for adopting this figure transient action effect all the way down to
for medium- to high-rise buildings just about the foundations would save time, effort and
anywhere; the diseconomy is trifling and, in error. On a typical building (with concrete
the UK at least, undrifted snow could be all floors) it is diluted to borderline insignificance
but forgotten. The other advantage would be by two floors and their payload. Realistically,
felt by anyone tasked with verifying for the it contributes less than one tenth of the
kind of minor mechanical afterthought that flat FIGURE 3: Mechanical plant on compressive force in a column under the
roofs tend to attract (Figure 3). flat-roofed building second-from-top occupied level, whose

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 Nominal q-values Opinion

tributary area attracts (at the very least) For a two-storey building, roof loading to the pre-1988 state of innocence (nominal
6kPa of dead and 4kPa of live load. Further obviously cannot be ignored in column and 0.75kPa, alternatively 1.5kPa; snow inclusive;
down the building, a trivial proportion gets foundation design, but it may be judged drifting yet to be invented). The snow map
ever more so. allowable to disregard it as a generator of EHF. must always be consulted. Snow that
Some might object that it goes against the (It is not for the present Viewpoint to consider exceeds the operative q-value will generate
grain to ignore action that can be entirely real whether EHF might safely be disregarded design action effect in the roof and uppermost
(if only when it takes the form of snow). In fact, altogether in low rise buildings.) columns. In mountainous regions where snow
there is ample precedent. Two examples: A further simplification, conservative this exceeds 1kPa, its action effect extends down
| action effect magnification of up to 10% time, is to routinely apply q (or snow, if higher) to the foundations just as now. Drifting must
before second-order analysis is called for to vertically projected roof area regardless of be considered wherever a roof profile is prone
| orography that increases mean wind slope. Traditionally, high-pitched roofs (>60°) to it.
velocity by up to 5% (and its effect by are subject only to point load Q (Figure 4). A committee that is bolder than the
double that). However, members in steeper roof framing present author would consider reducing
are almost certain to be sized for wind, so minimum q all the way down to 0.4kPa, the
What it is proposed to ignore here is likely to diseconomy is minimal. The transition formula RV. This might be reserved for reassessment
be closer to 5% than 10%. for slopes between 30° and 60° is fussy to of existing structures.
‘Ignore’ is perhaps the wrong word. apply, especially where slope varies, and rarely
Customary reticence in averaging down floor worth the effort. Another advantage is freedom Occupied roofs – a postscript
load will have overestimated the column to fit snow rails (to protect passers-by from Occupied roofs are outside the scope of
design force at that level (even after area- avalanche) without recalculation. this Viewpoint, but a few words about the
based LLR), usually by more than the action distinction may not go amiss. A rooftop bar,
effect of anything imposed on the roof. In conclusion car park top deck, roof terrace or garden
Not to mention the safety factor, a good So, to summarise, this Viewpoint invites counts as an occupied roof whereas a ‘green’
part of whose purpose is to cover routine our national committee(s) responsible for roof, only accessible to the specialists who
simplifications and approximations of this the next-generation UK National Annex to maintain it twice a year using personal safety
nature. Anyone of a probabilistic frame of mind EN 1991 to consider: equipment, does not (Figure 5). The absence
might also find it comforting that roof load, | reducing nominal roof loading q from of a balustrade or parapet can give a clue.
be it maintenance or snow, is only present 0.6kPa to 0.5kPa as a minimum (on plan, An occupied roof is best regarded as just
for a very small proportion of the time, as (at regardless of slope) another floor, designed for an appropriate
this level) an ‘accompanying’ variable action | while at the same time offering designers category of loading, typically in the range
subject to ψ0. the option of 1kPa in return for which 2kPa to 5kPa. Both maintenance and snow
One caveat: where a column has a undrifted snow is ignorable and there is are regarded as incompatible with normal use
significantly larger tributary area of roof than carte blanche for retrofit of solar panels and and can be disregarded (except in places with
of floor (e.g. an atrium edge column) the roof minor mechanical items snow more onerous than occupancy).
load would have to be tracked down further | permitting designers of multistorey
before becoming ignorable; the criterion buildings to ignore the effect of roof Acknowledgement
would formally have to be expressed as loading up to 1kPa (be it snow or nominal) Ove Arup’s poem and doodle were published
‘once the variable roof load is responsible for in members that support more than two in the collection Doodles and Doggerel and
less than 10% of the force in the column, its levels of floor (plus the roof), subject to the are reproduced courtesy of Arup.
contribution can be disregarded’. This would caveat above
also apply with lightweight (e.g. timber) floors. | excluding snow and/or nominal roof loading
A corollary to the disregard of imposed roof from the calculation of EHF
loading in the design of (all but uppermost) | increasing roving point load Q to a Alastair Hughes
columns and foundations is that it could also round 1kN. MA, MIStructE, MICE
be disregarded as a generator of equivalent
horizontal force (EHF). This seems reasonable It should be emphasised that these Alastair Hughes is a retired structural engineer,
on triviality grounds. proposals do not represent a complete return mainly involved with concrete, steel and
composite building design, but latterly in the
business of Eurocode interpretation. For SCI,
he has authored or co-authored several design
guides, including P394 on wind actions. He
represents the Institution on BSI’s steelwork
code committee.

FIGURE 4: High-pitched roofs are traditionally subject FIGURE 5: Green roofs, requiring only occasional
only to point load Q (don’t try this at home!) maintenance, are not regarded as occupied roofs

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 Opinion Letters

Verulam
Send letters to…
All contributions to Verulam should be
submitted via email to: [email protected]

Contributions may be edited on the grounds

of style and/or length by the Institution’s
Readers’ letters, comments and queries publishing department.

much they know about the subject of

it all. Do they know how their bridge We wonder if there is a little
behaves? Have they looked at it and confusion here. The design for any
thought about this? Do they understand structure ought to consider the
how its integrity works? How could it loading/boundary conditions in both
collapse if pushed hard? Technology the permanent and temporary states:
can and will leap on, but it must never this is one point Henry was making.
stretch far from reality; the gap can Thereafter, there may be an
simply increase risk. additional task for temporary works
Qualitative appraisal is vital. The design, in Henry’s basement
Harvey and Maunder article is a great example, this might be, say,
example of this; no maths in sight – not shuttering. Whoever designs these
needed. We cannot move on to the works, so much goes wrong, there
quantitative before we have applied the really is a need for a TWC.
qualitative in every aspect of our work.
More articles on actual behaviour of real
Actual structures, please. We have a duty to
know and understand. Wind of change
behaviour of MARTIN HILL
real structures The Structural Engineer is always
willing to publish on the topic of real
I’m wondering if many designers are
aware of proposed changes to the Cprob
PETER SPARKES behaviour and, as Peter says, the factor in the upcoming revision to BS
Verulam, you can’t ignore the desire Harvey and Maunder article in June 5975? Cprob is the factor that allows the
and passion of your readers, that was a contribution. That article design wind load to be reduced for short
you yourself report (August 2022). illustrates a universal truth that installation periods, in recognition that it
Many of us want to discuss structural mathematical models are a guide to is less likely to receive a 1-in-50-years
behaviour because the need to do so is reality. Hence, we should strive to wind event (a 1-in-50-years wind event
essential. To not know enough can be observe real behaviours so we can being the basis for permanent works
dangerous. I consider that there should validate our mathematical modelling wind loading).
be more focus on the actual behaviour processes to assure that our design Currently, for structures installed up to
of real structures. procedures are sound. So, authors? two years, a Cprob of 0.83 can be used,
The statistician David Hand stated giving a useful 30% reduction of the
in 2014, ‘In general when building design wind load. Drafts of BS 5975:2022
statistical models, we must not forget
that the aim is to understand something The full show this has to be altered to a Cprob of
0.9, and only for structures installed for up
about the real world, or predict, make a
decision, summarise evidence, and so
package to one year. Structures installed for longer
than one year should use Cprob = 1.0. This
on, but always about the real world, not STUART MARCHAND means the design wind load for a two-
an abstract mathematical world.’ I refer to Henry Dalton’s letter year installation will increase by 43%!
Our models are not the reality – a (September 2022) regarding offering A structure designed using a wind
point well made by George Box in a full design package. I would agree load with Cprob = 0.83 and a factor of
his oft-cited remark that ‘all models with his – and in particular Verulam’s – safety (FoS) of 1.5 for that load will have
are wrong, but some are useful’. The sentiments regarding the consideration a FoS of 1.03 for a 1-in-50-years wind
latter quote is the one made by Bill of temporary conditions in any design. event. Given the likelihood of a 1-in-50-
Harvey and Edward Maunder in their I lament the lack of site experience years event occurring during a two-year
June 2022 article. of many design engineers within installation period is 0.0396, i.e. 4% –
Too often models, calculations and the industry, which would permit this seems like a sensible risk/economy
guidance (e.g. in standards and codes) a more thorough consideration of balance, at least for something like site
are very lacking in facts and opinions construction sequence, brought about hoarding, which is a large focus of my
on how structures work. Inadequate by the changes in training over the last practice’s work.
references, lack of historical record, generation. However, I cannot agree Having read the Met Office’s UK
lack of narrative, loss of wisdom. The JOHN YOUNG with Henry’s comment regarding there Climate Projection (UKCP) 18 for wind
demise of Advice Notes for the new VERY IMPORTANT being no need for a Temporary Works speed and storm frequency (summary: no
highway structure standards is possibly ARTICLE THAT Coordinator (TWC) where such a full change in the next 25 years), it’s not clear
part of this. IS ESSENTIAL design package is produced. BS-5975 why Cprob needs to change. If the change
Too many engineers place blind trust READING FOR ALL lists 22 duties of the TWC, only one is simply for alignment with Eurocodes
in established processes, methods WORKING IN THE of which is likely to be covered by the (EN 1996-1-6, Table 3.1), I would like to
and tools, without questioning how INDUSTRY permanent works designer. question the validity of this decision – are

34
October 2022 | thestructuralengineer.org

TSE_Oct22_pp 34-35 Verulam (letters).indd 34 22/09/2022 10:19

 Letters Opinion

there any records of failures attributed to from associated professionals have

the use of Cprob = 0.83? A potential 43% always been with us so this is nothing
increase in wind load is rather at odds
with the drive for carbon reduction and
WE HAVE TO CONCENTRATE new. There are so many incidents
where commercial pressures have
efficient design that the IStructE is rightly ON THE CAUSE, INITIALLY overridden safety that we now have laws
championing.
For hoarding, the current version of
BY STABILISING EMISSIONS, covering health and safety, corporate
manslaughter, etc.
the hoarding design guide published by THEN LOWERING THEM, If we are worried about the safety of
the Temporary Works Forum has already AND FINALLY REVERSING 20-year-old buildings, think what the
pre-empted the change to BS 5975 and
stipulates the use of ≤ 1 year/Cprob = 0.9.
THEM THROUGH environmental, social and governance
(ESG) recommendations for a
Our clients are concerned that designs to REGENERATIVE DESIGN 200-year-old building life using recycled
this more onerous standard will become components will present. The original
uncompetitive and believe it will result in As I write this, we have the worst design team will not be available for
more hoardings being installed with no drought in 500 years in Europe, and comment, and the building codes will
design at all. As a firm, we continue to one third of Pakistan is under water. almost certainly have been updated or
use Cprob = 0.83 but will be in a difficult Enhancing resilience in design would changed during this period.
position if the BS 5975 update does not have prevented either situation. And, ESG recommendations may be
indeed revise this to 0.9. worse, even if building our way out of laudable but difficult to follow in practice.
I would welcome feedback from those this mess were a solution, it would only Professional indemnity and insurance
who know the reasoning behind the be a solution for the wealthy developed may also be an issue when using
proposed increase of Cprob, or those who world. This is a global problem. Resilient recycled components.
know of failures attributed to the valid use design is obviously a good thing, and I Most structural failures are usually
of Cprob = 0.83. am not arguing the reverse. But it treats caused by either faulty design,
the symptom rather than the cause, construction, or lack of maintenance.
As designers, it is important that we largely in wealthy parts of the world, Commercial pressures have also led to
know the reasoning behind all without any certainty in helping to resist spectacular failures in other industries,
changes. So, we welcome any drought, flood or war. e.g. the Titanic and the Space Shuttle
feedback from the code committee We have to concentrate on the cause, Challenger, when all the warnings from
and enquiries will be made. There are initially by stabilising emissions, then the professionals involved were ignored.
failures of temporary structures and lowering them, and finally reversing It is often clients who exert
a surprising number of concert stage them through regenerative design. Our commercial pressure, so very difficult
collapses brought on by sudden profession has a profound role to play in to resist for junior staff. I remember one
squalls. There was one in Spain this this journey. I chair the Structural Awards of my clients telling me: ‘It’s nice to see
August (one death and 40 injured). jury at present, with the express aim to some grey-haired engineers around.’
Such stages are surrounded by ensure that our celebration of success There is nothing like experience
people, so any failure is likely to aligns with this journey, in which ‘Planet’ to avoid faulty design, construction,
injure far more than a hoarding is shorthand for the complex system of accidents or near misses, which should
collapse. Clad scaffolding collapses systems that provides humanity with its be treated as seriously as an accident
are not too rare. fragile supportive habitat to allow a way that fortunately didn’t happen.
of life we would like to extend.
Our preceding letter was about

A global This year has proven the challenges

we face are enormous. Europe has
saving the planet and elsewhere
much of the effort for that goes into
problem been burning; the heat and drought
have reduced crop yields across the
reducing material use, or recycling as
David alludes to. Just think how
TIM IBELL world with all the potential for misery much carbon would be saved if only
I would like to reply to David Blockley’s and conflict that may bring. Wars we could avoid failures and could
Verulam contribution ‘Saving humanity, have occurred over access for water. ensure that whatever we build is
not the planet’ in the August 2022 issue. Collectively, this looks to us that the capable of lasting.
We are, happily, in total agreement challenge is multi-faceted. As Tim
on the end goal. Saving humanity is argues, there must be focus on
precisely our driver. This includes, by cause. Meanwhile, huge populations
definition, our habitat which supports us. need supporting via the infrastructure
Without action to stem the flow of we must design.
CO2e into the atmosphere, we will see
arable land becoming arid. This will lead
to migration of people, which will lead
to conflict. We will have war. Our choice Safe design
right now relates to the level of impact DAVID BRETT
we are willing to tolerate. Regardless of I was fascinated to read the CROSS
our individual levels of tolerance into the Safety Report on the concerns over
future, no plausible scenario is aligned robustness on some 20-year-old
in any way with retention of our desired buildings in the September issue of
way of life, regardless of how resilient our The Structural Engineer.
new infrastructure may be. Commercial pressures and others

35
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 At the back Diary dates

Most events run by IStructE

HQ are being delivered online.
For in-person events, a
location will be given.
History Study Group meetings
start at 18:00 and are free of
charge to attend. Registration

Diary dates
is not typically required
Meetings may be online or in
person.
For Regional Group events,
check the website for the
latest information. Note that more current information may be available from
the Institution website: www.istructe.org/events

11 November Price: Free IStructE HQ

The Structural Awards 2022 Register: www.istructe.org/events/hq/gold- Price: Member: £295 + VAT; Standard: £395 + VAT
18:30–late medal-address-2022 Booking: www.istructe.org/events/hq/2022/
The Brewery, 52 Chiswell Street, London, EC1Y eurocode-7-foundation-design-for-small-
4SD HISTORY STUDY GROUP practit-(1)
Price: Individual: £225; Table of 8: £1690; 2 8 November
tables of 8: £3380 Single-use structures REGIONAL GROUPS
Booking: www.istructe.org/events/hq/structural- Speaker: James Miller Note that events are subject to change.
awards-2022 Contact: [email protected] Please visit www.istructe.org/get-
involved/regional-groups for up-to-date
CONFERENCES information and registration details.
12 October SPONSORED SEMINAR
Structural engineers declare summit 2022 EAST MIDLANDS
Speakers: Ed Clark, Amanda Constantinesco, 11 October
Michael Cook, Ben Gholam and David Leversha Sustainability and interoperability in 13 October
12:30–17:30 practice with Trimble The expert witness
IStructE HQ and online Presenters: David Sanderson, Ian Poole, Adrian Erwee
Price: Free Ralph Pullinger and Sebastian Lindholm EMA Yew Lodge Hotel & Conference Centre,
Register: www.istructe.org/events/hq/structural- 09:30–15:30 Packington Hill, Kegworth, DE74 2DF
engineers-declare-summit-2022 IStructE HQ Price: Free
Price: Free Contact: Robert Moss
22–24 November Register: www.istructe.org/events/ ([email protected])
Modern uses of steel e-conference hq/2022/sustainability-and-
Speakers: Various including Graham interoperability-in-practice-(s INDIA
Couchman, Joanna Gowler, Matthew Shimwell,
Danielle Densley Tingley and Ella Warren 11 & 13 October
14:00–18:00 (each day) CPD COURSES Evolution of the structural Eurocodes –
Online Price (early booking): Members: £155 + 11 October understanding what is happening,
VAT; Standard: £245 + VAT; Student members: Eurocode 6: masonry design why and when
£45 + VAT Presenter: John Roberts Prof Steve Denton
Booking: www.istructe.org/events/hq/2022/ 10:00–17:30 11 October: Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru
modern-uses-of-steel Online Embassy Manyata Business Park, Bengaluru
Price: Member: £295 + VAT; 13 October: Holiday Inn, Mayur Vihar, New Delhi
8 December Standard: £395 + VAT 18:00–19:30
Structural rehabilitation conference Booking: www.istructe.org/events/hq/2022/ Price: Free
Speakers: Lila Tachtsi, Akram Malik, eurocode-6-masonry-design-(2) Contact: Saravanan Sonai
Ash Parmar, Roozbeh Shirandami and Thomas ([email protected])
Eckhart 18–19 October
09:30–17:00 Understanding structural design NORTHERN IRELAND
IStructE HQ and online Presenter: David Brohn
Price: In person from £199 + VAT; Online from 10:00–17:30 27 October
£155 + VAT; Student discount available Online Swan Park, Buncrana – restoration of a
Booking: www.istructe.org/events/hq/2022/ Price: Member: £535 + VAT; Standard: £715 + VAT flood damaged historic park
structural-rehabilitation-conference Booking: www.istructe.org/events/hq/2022/ Ronan Carlin and Niamh Treanor
understanding-structural-design 18:00–20:00
LECTURES Arup Belfast, 16-22 Bedford Street, Belfast,
20 October 20 October BT2 7FD
Gold Medal Address 2022 Eurocode 7: foundation design for small Price: Free
Speaker: Naeem Hussain practioners Register: www.istructe.org/events/northern-
18:00–19:30 Presenter: Bob Benton ireland/swan-park,-buncrana-restoration-of-a-
IStructE HQ and online 10:00–17:30 flood-damaged

36
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TSE_Oct22_pp 36-37 DiaryDates.indd 36 22/09/2022 11:14

 Diary dates At the back

SCOTLAND Price: Free WESTERN COUNTIES

Register: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/neuroscience-
27 October for-business-black-belt-negotiation- 20 October
Awards ceremony and celebration evening tickets-417447746447 The regenerative design of an industrial
Special guest: President Jane Entwistle icon
19:00–late SURREY Spencer Fereday
Drygate Brewery, 85 Drygate, Glasgow, G4 0UT 18:00–19:30
Price: Graduate members: £20; all other 21 October Chancellors’ Building, Room 3.5, University of
members: £30 Surrey regional group annual awards Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY
Booking: www.istructe.org/events/scotland/ dinner 2022 Price: Free
awards-ceremony-and-celebration-evening 19:00 Register: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bath-school-
Mercure Box Hill Burford Bridge Hotel, Dorking, of-art-design-the-regenerative-design-of-an-
10 November RH5 6BX industrial-icon-tickets-382798650067
Steelwork for One Centenary Way, Price: From £30
Birmingham Booking: www.istructe.org/events/surrey/surrey-
Stephen Kelly regional-group-annual-awards-dinner-2022
18:00–19:30 Regional Group Committee members
should submit details of forthcoming
Online WALES events to: [email protected]
Price: Free
Register: www.istructe.org/events/scotland/ 11 October
steelwork-for-one-centenary-way,-birmingham The Dee Bridge collapse of 1847
Alan Hayward INTERNATIONAL
SOUTH EASTERN COUNTIES 17:30 CONFERENCES
Trevithick Lecture Theatre T2.09, Trevithick Malaysia (online)
25 October Building, Cardiff University, The Parade, Cardiff, 5–8 December
Black belt negotiation CF24 3AA 15th International Conference on Concrete
Tom Flatau Price: Free Engineering and Technology: Innovation and
17:45–19:00 Register: www.istructe.org/events/wales/the- Resilience in Concrete Construction
Online dee-bridge-collapse-of-1847 Web: https://concet2022.com

2022
Book your place
Celebrate the incredible work of structural
engineers around the world and be
amongst the first to find out this
years winning projects.

Ceremony: Friday 11 November, The Brewery (London)

Read more: structuralawards.org | #StructuralAwards

21277_structural_awards_2022_HP.indd 1 20/09/2022 10:03 am

37
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 At the back Spotlight

All articles in Structures

are available free of
charge to paying-
grade members of
the Institution as one
of their membership
benefits. The journal is
available online at:
www.structuresjournal.
org

Read the latest issue

Volume 42 of Structures (August 2022) is now available to read at
www.sciencedirect.com/journal/structures/vol/42.
As the Featured Article from this issue, Associate Editor, Lei Wang,
has chosen an article investigating the differing design approaches to
shear enhancement of reinforced concrete beams in Eurocode 2 and
the superseded British Standard BS 8110.
The article will be available free of charge for six months.

Editor’s Featured Article

Shear enhancement in RC beams without shear reinforcement in which the loading unsafe for beams without shear
shear reinforcement simultaneously arrangements were chosen to investigate the reinforcement. Good predictions of strength
loaded within 2d and at 3d from supports influence on shear enhancement of applying were obtained with EC2 as well as strut
Marcus Vinicius Filiagi Pastore and loads both within and outside 2d of supports. and tie modelling in which the concrete
Robert Lars Vollum Digital image correlation (DIC) system was strength was determined using the
Department of Civil and Environmental used to investigate the crack kinematics and Modified Compression Field Theory.
Engineering, Imperial College London, UK shear resisting mechanisms of each beam.
The BS8110 approach to shear | Read the full paper at https://doi.
enhancement is shown to be potentially org/10.1016/j.istruc.2022.05.095
Shear resistance is increased by arching
action when reinforced concrete (RC)
beams are loaded within around twice
the beam effective depth (d) of supports.
The vast majority of laboratory tests have
investigated shear enhancement in beams
under three- or four-point loading with all
loads applied within 2d of supports. This
type of loading is representative of deep
beams but not slender beams and slabs
which are invariably loaded within the span
when subject to point loads near supports.
The latter problem arises in many guises
in practice but is scarcely researched. The
motivation for looking into the problem was
the difference in design approaches adopted
in EC2 and the superseded UK code BS8110.
The former accounts for shear enhancement
by reducing the design shear force while the
latter increases the design shear resistance
within 2d of supports. The UK National
Annex to Eurocode 2 Part 2 Concrete
Bridges adopts the approach of BS8110
for members without shear reinforcement.
The paper presents the results of tests on
four simply supported RC beams without

Register for alerts

If you’d like to receive regular updates about new content in Structures, register for email alerts at www.sciencedirect.com.

38
October 2022 | thestructuralengineer.org

TSE_Oct22_pp 38 Spotlight on structures.indd 38 22/09/2022 10:23

 The Drawing Board At the back

The Drawing Board

Judged by Ron Slade.

This month, Ron has selected a

sketch by Michael Roberts as the
winner of The Drawing Board.
Michael will receive an e-book of his
choice from the Institution’s current
catalogue.

Michael Roberts by the foundations to tie the steel arches

This sketch was used to help our (in compression) to the post-tensioned Ron Slade
design-build team better understand the deck (in tension). BSc(Eng), CEng, FIStructE
design concept and geometric need for The sketch was important in
a multi-faceted substructure element on articulating the simplicity of the unique Ron Slade is Structural Director at
the Green Street Pedestrian Bridge, 3D connection that wasn’t being WSP. Ron received his BSc First
North Carolina, USA. perceived through 2D production plan Class Honours in Civil Engineering
Two separate steel arch ribs (inner, sheets and a key communication tool at City University, London and became a
outer), each with different outward towards improving the team’s Chartered Member of the Institution of
leaning planes and radii, gracefully constructability confidence in the Structural Engineers in 1971 when he was
terminate at a reinforced concrete bespoke bridge detail at a critical time. awarded the Institution’s A.E. Wynn prize. He
knuckle (coined ‘pilaster’ during the
was first appointed as a director in 1982.
project), which was needed to Ron’s comments
accommodate structural and geometric Michael’s sketch is a really good Ron is also the author of Sketching for
demands for the bridge. example of the value of thinking through Engineers and Architects, published by
This particular isometric sketch was complex geometry on paper. He Routledge.
used late in the design lifecycle and explained that it was an important step
focuses on illustrating the pilaster’s between 2D drawings and 3D computer-
function as a structural nexus supported aided modelling and 3D printing.

DON’T FORGET TO SUBMIT YOURS...

To enter, submit a sketch to [email protected] together with a short description to put it into context (150 words). Sketches must be hand drawn
(no CAD, except for ‘guided freehand’) and from a real project or assignment (i.e. not drawn for the competition). The next deadline is 1 December 2022.

39
thestructuralengineer.org | October 2022

TSE_Oct22_pp 39 DrawingBoard.indd 39 22/09/2022 10:29

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TSE_Oct22_pp 40-44 Directory and recruitment.indd 40 22/09/2022 11:02 ISE J

 Attract
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 Services Directory
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TSE_Oct22_pp 40-44 Directory and recruitment.indd 42 22/09/2022 11:02 WDT

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22/09/2022 12:40
11:02
 Modern uses of
steel e-conference
22–24 November 2022
Virtual

Attend this eConference to learn how to use steel in an effective and Topics will include
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• Designing efficiently with steel –
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The IStructE’s Using steel in changing times eConference will help structural
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how to assess, source and reuse steel. The conference will cover real life
examples of how material and design efficiency can be achieved. • Designers
• Build and demolition contractors
• Material engineers

Registration now open:

istructe.org/events/hq/2022/using-steel-in-changing-times

21226_steel_conference_FP.indd
TSE_Oct22_pp 40-44 Directory and1recruitment.indd 44 23/08/2022 12:32
22/09/2022 pm
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