Fixings are the smallest structural components of a building, yet they are as important as the major components such as the foundations. This fact is often overlooked, and they can be incorrectly specified, or, sometimes, not specified at all by the designer. This can result in the wrong fixings being used. When this happens the building is, at best, not constructed correctly, premature and / or major maintenance and / or repair may be required, and in the worst case scenario, a part or parts of the building may collapse or have to be demolished.
The presentation covers the commonly used types of fixings and includes wooden 'pegs' or 'dowels', nails, screws, bolts, rivets, and mechanical, chemical and cementitious fixings. The importance of dissimilar metals and electro-chemical corrosion is explained in some detail.
The presentation is directed towards the inspection of existing buildings, which may be of any age or type. It is also useful to people who design new buildings, extensions, alterations, and the refurbishment of buildings
Speaker
Chris Shaw FIStructE
Chris Shaw is a Consultant Chartered Civil and Structural Engineer who has many years of experience in a wide variety of projects. His specialities include innovation, sustainability, expert witness work and forensic engineering.
Chris developed the technique of differential incremental jacking, which he used for restoring old masonry walls, floors and roofs on projects for more than 30 years. The application of this method enabled the restoration of a Grade II* Listed Structure, which is part of a Scheduled Ancient Monument on the site of the Royal Castle and Palace at Guildford. The project was nominated for The Institution of Structural Engineers Sir Arnold Waters Medal and won the local Branch Award and Prize.