Tubular Columns Boost Multi-Storey Construction

Torsion in Steel Beams This has raised further comment. Bing Choy writes: I’m a user of BS 449 as my design code but face a problem in dealing with the estimation of the effective length that is required to calculate the permissible compressive strength that makes the beam not suffer from buckling.

The paper covers the provision of two safety-related steel caissons to replace existing caissons (sliding steel gates) for the Ministry of Defence at Rosyth Royal Dockyard. It briefly describes the existing caissons, to set a framework for the stringent limitations imposed on the new caissons, and addresses the brief, procurement and safety case approval requirements. The design had to take into account the effects of all potential environmental hazards, and the paper covers the complexities of the seismic analysis, together with the other significant and often unique design issues that had to be overcome. G. Forsyth and A. Porteous

A former china claypit at Bodleva, near St Austell in Cornwall, is being transformed into a 21st century ‘garden of Eden’ with an unusual and innovative structure. Two huge bubble-like domes (biomes), composed of steel spaceframes covered with triple layers of ETFE (Ethyltetrafluorethylene), have been constructed in the 60m-deep crater to form the world‘s largest greenhouse. It will become a protected environment for plants from around the world in settings which explain their habitats, uses and environmental importance to visitors. Kathy Stansfield