All articles published in the July 2015 issue.
Publish Date – 1 July 2015
Authors from Arup and CERN describe their development of the Tunnel Optimisation Tool (TOT) - an early-stage BIM tool created to make maximum use of data when performing site feasibility and tunnel alignment studies for the planned Future Circular Collider.
In his winning entry to the Institution's 2015 Kenneth Severn Award, Eamonn Keane sets out six ways in which he believes the education of structural engineers could be improved to develop their creativity and problem-solving ability.
Stephen Chadwick, of Dasssault Systèmes, explains how 3D numerical analyses were performed in order to model and simulate the major construction sequences ahead of the main tunnelling works during the complex Bond Street Station Upgrade project in London.
The Structural Engineer intends to publish a Special Issue devoted to analysis and design tools and is seeking contributions based on the topics outlined in the Call.
Sean Brady concludes this two-part article with a warning to engineers not to become over-reliant on their ‘tools’, but to consider how and when to apply them.
The services of structural engineers may be required in certain demolition situations e.g. where advice is needed on propping, stability or the sequence to be followed. This article provides brief guidance on the planning of a demolition project, as well some appropriate techniques and methods to ensure that on-site safety is prioritised.
Our series from insurance broker Griffiths & Armour moves on from examining the underlying causes of claims, to consider the effects of contractual terms.
Post-tensioned (PT) concrete floors are now widely used in the UK, particularly for high-rise buildings. This article provides information on how to scheme a PT slab and how the use of post-tensioning affects the rest of the structure. A more detailed guide to the design of PT floors can be found in The Concrete Society's Technical Report 43 (TR43): Post-tensioned concrete floors: Design handbook.
This article focuses on the phenomenon of 'bond timbers', which were commonly built into masonry walls from the late 17th to the early 19th century. Guidance is offered to engineers who may encounter these when working on an existing building.
This article suggests ways in which readily available technology (a smartphone or tablet) can provide engineers and construction professionals with a simple tool to test vibrations. This is demonstrated on the new feature staircase (a lightweight and unusual structure) at the Institution's HQ in London. A free-to-download vibration testing app (beta version) has been developed by Expedition, and is introduced here.
Synopses of the latest papers accepted for publication in the Institution's new research journal, Structures. Access to Structures is free to all during 2015. From 2016, Institution members will continue to receive free access as one of their membership benefits. The journal is available online at: www.elsevier.com/locate/structures
There are moves afoot to add 10% more metal to every column in a building that is designed to Eurocode 3, Alastair Hughes explains.
Letters this month include discussion on status and qualifications, the value of sketching and recollections of structural engineering during WWII.