Book review: Design of Steel Structures (2nd ed.) Eurocode 3: Design of Steel Structures, Part 1-1:

Topics discussed this month range from the risk in misusing software, a final word on buttress stability, seismic proofing and the danger of fracking, and having expert advice available 24-7 for when disasters strike.

The new edition of this guide to The Party Wall etc. Act will be useful both as a fund of general knowledge and as a basis for professional practice as a party wall surveyor, with the guidance on 'special foundations' alone making it worth the cover price, concludes James Sinclair Johnston.

Neil Thompson of Digital Built Britain considers the possibility of treating building materials as financial instruments – with their value ensuring they are recirculated through the economy after demolition or refurbishment.