September 20, 2020
Latest Issue
Issue 322 : Nov 2024

September 20, 2020

SEISMIC II project takes MMC schools to the next level / Build, Design & Construction

A £6m project to transform the way schools and healthcare facilities are built has been granted £2.9m of funding to showcase the future of modern methods of construction (MMC) in the UK. The consortium-led Seismic II project is working on the future of construction. Among a range of outcomes, the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funded project via the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund will create a set of standardised reconfigurable components, working closely with the Construction Innovation Hub to align platform interface standards. These components will reduce waste, cost and carbon dioxide emissions while increasing speed of delivery. The consortium is conscious of the need to align and harmonise its work with the outputs of the Construction Innovation Hub and will be working with them throughout to ensure maximum impact. Government procurement is already set to shift from traditional construction methods to MMC. Seismic II will show how this shift can happen while meeting the government’s own ‘Construction 2025’ vision of lower costs and emissions, faster delivery and an increase in exports from the industry. Currently, most traditional UK construction relies on bespoke systems created by individual manufacturers. A lack of standardisation means different systems are incompatible, causing errors, delays and defects. Seismic II builds on the success of the Seismic I project, which showed how a standardised light steel frame could change the way new schools were designed and constructed. With the new award from the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, the system will encompass the production of wall, floor, ceiling and roof components that are all completely interoperable with the standardised light steel frame. The automotive industry has long been the standard bearer for streamlined production and component assembly. The aim of Seismic II is to show that similar principles can be applied to the construction industry. Along with improving the offsite production processes for projects using MMC, Seismic II will also look at the whole life performance of the buildings produced that way. The government’s industrial strategy aims to reduce the construction costs and whole life costs of buildings by a third, while seeing those same buildings delivered in half the time and with a 50% reduction in carbon emissions from the sector. Adopting MMC is essential to meet those targets and Seismic II is well-positioned to deliver on them. Centred around a digital approach to design, production and operation, the platform will use linked data from start to finish. This approach ensures that the building delivered on site matches the design intent, performs as expected, and can be managed efficiently throughout its life. Originally intended for school construction, Seismic II has drawn interest from the healthcare, commercial and residential sectors. The completed demonstrator building will be a template for high performance buildings of all types, delivered using high quality, reliable, standardised components. As well as Elliott, the consortium includes:  blacc LTD (the consortium and project manager)  McAvoy Group  Tata Steel  Manufacturing Technology Centre  Active Building Centre  National Composite Centre  John Campbell, Elliott’s Managing Director commented; “Elliott is excited to continue working with the Seismic Consortium and build on the success of the standardised design which is now being deployed on live schemes. This next ambitious step will see us developing Seismic I into a total building envelope solution that can be adopted across the Government’s estate and support their carbon zero aspirations. Through continued collaboration we aim to deliver the most advanced and robustly tested product in the offsite sector. With significant investment in our assembly facility and processes, by adopting modern methods of manufacturing we will embed quality 4.0, drive up productivity and reduce waste using lean methodology to lead the charge in how construction projects are delivered in the UK.”

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Pedram Zohrevand Discusses the Differences Between an Architect and A Structural Engineer

Architects and structural engineers both have vital roles in the construction industry. However, there are key distinctions between the two professions. The architect’s contribution is designing a plan that acts as a visual guide for the individuals constructing the structure. Structural engineers are a critical supporting role, translating the architect’s designs into a safe building with functional places to live and work. Though the two professions may seem similar to the average individual, Pedram Zohrevand, an engineer with years of experience, explains the architect and structural engineer’s difference and overlap. Architects Architects are known for their ability to create innovative and beautiful spaces. Architects have a strong artistic background, and they are more likely to receive public recognition for their designs. Architects restore and conserve old buildings, as well as develop new ways to use standing buildings. Their involvement with the construction project starts at the earliest stage and continues through to the completion. Architects prepare and present design proposals for their clients. They produce detailed drawings of the project and work with structural engineers to ensure that the project is safe and efficient. Architects need to be skilled project managers and experts in construction details. Architects attend regular meetings with clients, contractors, engineers, city officials, and other specialists. They often make many site visits to check on construction progress, and they are called upon to make changes if there is a problem with the building or building materials. Structural Engineers Not only do structural engineers design buildings, but they design tunnels, bridges, and other infrastructure projects. A structural engineer is often called upon to “translate” an architect’s work into real life by deciding on the materials and safety features. Structural engineers focus their energy on the calculations needed to determine what makes a structure safe. During the initial architectural design phase, Structural engineers study the building site and architectural designs and provide the architect and owner with their technical comments about the designs’ feasibility and constructability. The structural engineer needs to make sure that the building is capable of withstanding gravity and lateral loads. Gravity loads are the building weight results, including all furniture and equipment, and all users and inhabitants’ weight. On the other hand, lateral loads are the results of natural events such as hurricanes and earthquakes. Like Pedram Zohrevand, some structural engineers prefer to be involved from the initial phase of architectural designs to help architects incorporate all structural parameters and restrictions in their designs, which leads to saving time and money during the construction. A structural engineer’s job functions include preparing and reviewing drawings, reports, designs, and making load calculations to account for the building’s weight and other stressors. The structural engineer collaborates with the architect when construction materials are selected. They provide technical advice to the architect and other professionals involved in the construction process. A structural engineer is often responsible for obtaining the approval from the planning or building regulator. Structural engineers need to be able to monitor and inspect the work done by contractors. They are involved with contracts, project management, and property inspections to ensure the buildings are safe and structurally sound. Like many other professions, structural engineers typically have a primary focus, whether it be bridges, tunnels, buildings, or other construction projects. Traditionally, structural engineers have not received as much recognition as architects. Indeed, most people are not aware that structural engineers and architects have critical functions in the construction industry. The overlap between these two positions provides many areas where they can work together. Conflicts Between Architects and Structural Engineers Though architects and structural engineers’ roles are both incredibly important, there has historically been some opposition between the two. Structural engineers know that their work is essential, but they may feel taken for granted. Engineers can sometimes perpetuate the conflict between the two professions since they feel undervalued. Structural engineers are sometimes frustrated by architects’ lack of structural understanding. For instance, if an architect fails to consult a structural engineer early in the planning process when the design makes it to the builder, structural problems cause the project serious delays. Likewise, Architects can have corresponding frustrations with structural engineers. Architects want engineers to embrace innovation. Occasionally, architects feel engineers lack vision and aesthetic appreciation. Collaboration Between Architects and Structural Engineers The construction industry can be most effective when architects [PZ1] and structural engineers respect one another and collaborate to produce the client’s best results. Architects and structural engineers should work together to create the initial drawings for the project. Structural engineers must step in to provide information about the construction materials and methods that will be the most useful. Architects are excellent at delivering innovation, but the contributions of structural engineers should not be overlooked. When architects and structural engineers work together, the design project timeline can be reduced because the rework is eliminated. Furthermore, unrealistic architectural designs can be altered early on, providing more structural integrity, and avoiding construction delays and added costs. Two Interdependent Disciplines Architecture and structural engineering can be considered two sides of the same coin. Both disciplines are essential to the construction industry. In the end, the architect must secure approval from the structural engineer before the project is built for city and state permitting processes. Their different areas of expertise can result in a great collaboration that results in problem-solving and quickly avoiding costly mistakes. Pedram Zohrevand encourages architects and structural engineers to always focus on collaboration to create safer buildings.

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Your Most Important Questions about Dealing With Road Traffic Accidents Answered

In the UK as in other parts of the world, there are many rules to follow in case of a road traffic accident. But sadly, not many drivers are aware of these rules, and what they should really do in the event they are in a road traffic accident. If you are involved in a road accident through no fault of your own, you should definitely know what to do. It’s one thing to keep calm, but another to know precisely what is required of you. Here, then, are some of the top questions asked about dealing with road accidents – and the answers. What should I do right after an accident? Any driver in the UK is obligated by law to stop after an accident, regardless of the severity of the accident or who was to blame. If you don’t stop, you could be imprisoned for a maximum of six months, and you can even be fined as well. Additionally, if your vehicle can still be driven, find a place where you can park it. Try to look for a safe area such as the hard shoulder or off the road completely, if possible. Once you have found your safe spot to park your vehicle, you should switch off the vehicle’s engine and turn on the hazard lights. Unless you have injuries that prevent it, get yourself and anyone in the car with you out and to a safe place. If there is anyone who is injured, emergency services should be called right away. What information should be collected after an accident? If you are the driver, you should give your name and address, vehicle details, and insurance information to the other party – or parties – involved in the road accident. With all the pertinent information exchanged between all drivers involved, it may help speed up the claims procedure. You should also report the road accident to the nearest police station within the next 24 hours. You can report the accident online by using the police RTI (road traffic incident) form. Details should also be provided, especially if there has been damage caused to a parked vehicle or property. You should, however, contact the police immediately if there is suspicion that drugs or alcohol are involved. Keep a note of the details of the accident, such as the date and time, the weather conditions, and the name and contact details of any witnesses. If you can, take photographs of the accident scene as well. This is easier to do nowadays as most people have mobile phones, and it will help you with your claim when necessary, as confirmed by road accident claim Gloucester experts like those from Shires Law. If I crash into the rear of a vehicle, is it always my fault? In general, yes, as you should always leave an adequate distance between your vehicle and the one in front. Maintaining a safe distance behind a vehicle allows you time to react and brake if the first vehicle slows down. In light of this, it is unlikely for an insurer to decide that liability for the accident should be attributed to the driver of the vehicle in front of you. If you have any doubts about the legalities of your insurance claim, claiming damages for any personal injuries sustained, and so on, you should seek expert legal advice as soon as you can.

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