Diary dates (May 2018)

In this section we shine a spotlight on papers recently published in Structures – the Research Journal of The Institution of Structural Engineers. This month we highlight eight papers shortlisted for the Structures prizes in 2018: the Best Research Paper Prize and the Best Research into Practice Paper Prize. Members are encouraged to explore these papers. Access to Structures is free to Institution members (excluding Student members) as one of their membership benefits, with access provided via the ‘My account’ section of the Institution website. The journal is available online at: www.structuresjournal.org

This month, judge Ron Slade has selected two winners: Duncan Walters of Eckersley O’Callaghan and Rob Nield of Arup. Each receives an e-book of their choice from the Institution’s current catalogue. You can also view Duncan's sketches and Rob's sketches in full online.

In the UK, steel-framed buildings with precast concrete floors are a common form of multistorey building. Such structures may be used for car parking, for commercial, retail or residential property developments, and for public buildings, such as schools and hospitals. This hybrid form of construction has many benefits, including the provision of an early, secure and broad platform from which subsequent site activities can be undertaken. This article is the second in a series of three addressing aspects of designing steel-framed buildings with precast concrete floors. The article describes aspects of the design of steel or composite beams which will support precast prestressed concrete planks.