Come and meet us
Opening times
Visit the School
Metrology challenges for infrastructure
Posted on: 11 February 2013
By: mackene
No Comments »
Filed under: News
Measurement Network has interviewed a range of players in the infrastructure sector to understand where there are challenges and opportunities presented by improvements in metrology (the application and science of measurement). Four high impact applications (building; assessment of corrosion of reinforcing rods in concrete; discovery of underground services; and defence of critical infrastructure) have been explored in depth and the underlying common themes summarised. The key messages are that there are opportunities for improvement of existing infrastructure, and better design of future infrastructure, but that often there is a need for metrology action in terms of identification of signatures of the state of the system and the implementation of convenient and common processes, frameworks and standards for the whole supply and value chain to use. The benefits to the UK economy could be many hundreds of millions of pounds.
Output in the construction industry
Posted on: 11 February 2013
By: mackene
No Comments »
Filed under: News
The estimated total volume of construction output in the fourth quarter of 2012 grew by 0.9% compared with the third quarter of 2012. The small rise in the total volume of construction output halts the decline first seen in the third quarter of 2011. The private housing and infrastructure sectors provided the greatest contribution to the increase in the fourth quarter, growing by 5.9% and 4.2% respectively, but are partially offset by decreases in new public non-housing work and private housing repair and maintenance, which fell by 4.9% and 4.8% respectively.
Responsible sourcing of materials in construction
Posted on: 8 February 2013
By: mackene
No Comments »
Filed under: News
There is an increasing focus on the responsible sourcing and stewardship of products and materials used in construction, with stakeholders requiring information on the associated social, economic and environmental impacts over the lifespan of a building project. In line with developments in this rapidly changing area of the industry, the BRE Trust has funded the development of new guidance on the benefits of responsible procurement and how to ensure sustainable principles are embedded across the supply chain. Covering sector-specific approaches to responsible sourcing for materials including timber, steel and concrete, the guidance provides an outline of key sustainability standards and certification methods. It also features case studies on two major commercial projects using responsibly sourced reinforced steel and PEFC timber used in a hybrid steel-timber extension. [Price £13]
BRE is also currently undertaking a review of BES6001 and is keen to gather a wide range of stakeholders’ views on the responsible sourcing standard. Click here to take part in the survey. The consultation period is open until 10 April 2013.
It’s alive! Can you imagine the urban building of the future?
Posted on: 6 February 2013
By: mackene
No Comments »
Filed under: News
The study, undertaken by Arup’s Foresight + Innovation team, describes how buildings in our cities could look and function in 2050. It foresees that structures will be fully integrated into the fabric of the city, responsive to changes in the external environment, and designed for continuous adaptability, according to real-time needs and demands of its users. This is illustrated with a series of artist’s impressions, to demonstrate how the futuristic components, such as photovoltaic surfaces and algae producing bio-fuel pods – can theoretically enable buildings to produce food, energy and resources.
Building the world’s tallest building in 90 days
Posted on: 5 February 2013
By: mackene
No Comments »
Filed under: News
The world’s tallest building will be built in China using a sustainable flatpack system that will enable construction to be completed in just 90 days. Chinese construction business Broad Sustainable Building (BSB) will soon start work on the 220-storey Sky City project in Changsha. The project will use the same factory-built module technique as the T30 tower, the 30-floor hotel that BSB built in just 15 days. A video shows BSB’s technique in action while building the T30 tower.
Technology4change
Posted on: 5 February 2013
By: mackene
No Comments »
Filed under: News
Technology4change examines the most important environment research, emerging technologies and innovative products from around the world, selected from over 50 news sources every week.
Building Fabric: Why engineers should be involved
Posted on: 4 February 2013
By: mackene
No Comments »
Filed under: News
This article looks at some key Passivhaus principles that can help bridge the gap between design and reality.
Delivering 21st century construction: A survival strategy for the industry. London, 15 January 2013
Posted on: 1 February 2013
By: mackene
No Comments »
Filed under: Events presentations
This event aimed to explore how the construction industry can survive and thrive in the 21st century. Presentations are available online.
Code of Considerate Practice
Posted on: 31 January 2013
By: mackene
No Comments »
Filed under: News
From the 1st January 2013, the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) will be assessing all registered sites and companies against a new five-point Code of Considerate Practice. This article outlines the changes.
Infrastructure Procurement Routemap: a guide to improving delivery capability
Posted on: 31 January 2013
By: mackene
No Comments »
Filed under: News
The Government has published for consultation a set of guidelines and tools to support public and private sector infrastructure providers’ capability to improve the delivery of large scale projects and programmes. Developed by Infrastructure UK in collaboration with industry and academics from the University of Leeds, it provides a valuable guide for infrastructure clients. It provides for the first time a coherent approach to assessing and building an effective delivery environment, combining best practice tools and case study examples such as Crossrail. Comments are requested by 22 April 2013.
What’s new
What’s new and Events presentations archive
- December 2014
- November 2014
- October 2014
- September 2014
- August 2014
- July 2014
- June 2014
- May 2014
- April 2014
- March 2014
- February 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
- November 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- October 2012
- September 2012
- August 2012
- July 2012
- June 2012
- May 2012
- April 2012
- March 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011