Changes to the Building Regulations

Bracing of compression flanges is a means of preventing instability of steel beams. Recent experience in the design and construction of steel bridges revealed contention relating to the application of the relevant BS 5400 provisions. This paper assesses these provisions, using the simplified behaviour of braced struts, and offers suggested modifications. E. Jeffers

This paper considers the adoption of standard length, fully threaded fasteners as ordinary (bearing) bolts for general building construction. The potential advantages of such a rationalised choice of bolt are demonstrated, and its behaviour in tension, shear and bearing is considered. It is concluded that such bolts may safely be adopted for beam/column and beam/beam connections and general latticed and framed steelwork, including compression splices with their ends prepared for bearing. It is recommended that further consideration should be given to the additional joint flexibility, as the threads dig into the connected plies, for tension splices and compression splices with the bolts in bearing. G.W. Owens

Winner of the Institution's annual Kenneth Severn Award, Rena Vogelzang, answers President Brian Uy's essay question on structural efficiency, embodied carbon and maintaining public safety.