Retaining walls – Part 2: Retaining wall construction types

Posted on: 16 June 2014
By: mackene
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This blog looks at the different types of retaining wall that may be selected.

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Be Fair Framework

Posted on: 11 June 2014
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This is an industry initiative led by the Construction Industry Training Board to address fairness, inclusion and respect in the construction workforce.

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Construction projects: Guidance on the meaning of proceeding “with due diligence

Posted on: 2 June 2014
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The primary concern of any employer in an engineering, construction or infrastructure project is that the project is completed on time, to budget and to the agreed quality. The objective to complete on time may be dealt with in a number of ways; one is to place an obligation on the contractor to proceed with “due diligence” or to carry out and complete the works “regularly and diligently”. The May 2014 issue of Construction & Engineering Briefing from DLA Piper considers case law in relation to this matter.

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Project Design Guides

Posted on: 27 May 2014
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For a consistent approach from client to contractor, Project Design Guides have created a suit of processes that are suitable for blue chip clients to those managing small projects. The aims is to become the natural first choice for building project design process, procedure guides and management tools.

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Carillion Sustainability Report

Posted on: 27 May 2014
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Integrated support services company Carillion has released a sustainability report which updatews its progress on its 2020 Sustainability Strategy, which was launched in 2011 and delivers six outcomes across the three pillars of environmental, social and economic responsibility, including creating lasting social value and supporting sustainable communities across the UK, the Middle East and Canada.

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Basement Construction Part 2: Waterproofing

Posted on: 19 May 2014
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In this second article on basement construction, the author considers the importance of waterproofing.

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Student Construction Journal 2014

Posted on: 16 May 2014
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To encourage new entrants into the quantity surveying and project management surveying professions, RICS produces the Student Construction Journal yearly to inform undergraduate and postgraduate students of the very latest in industry news and innovations. This year’s edition includes an introductory message from leading figures in the RICS construction environment, as well as useful information on working in this dynamic sector. Each of the articles selected for inclusion has been written by leading construction industry professionals at the cutting edge of the latest thinking and technological advances. Building information modelling (BIM), the RICS new rules of measurement (NRM3) and important new guidance designed to improve industry best practice all feature alongside articles covering ‘soft skills’ and the current education debate covering the sector. Registration is required to view the journal.

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Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) ASHRAE Technical Symposium

Posted on: 15 May 2014
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The annual CIBSE Technical Symposium encourages the participation of both researchers and industry practitioners at all stages in their career to share experiences and develop networks. Papers and posters from past symposiums can be freely downloaded. Please note you will need to be logged in to download papers (either as a member or non-member). 

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Sound progress: a review of homeowner feedback on noise in new homes

Posted on: 15 May 2014
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There has been a drop in noise complaints by owners of new attached homes since the introduction of stricter industry noise standards in 2003, according to a report by the NHBC Foundation. The government introduced higher standards for sound insulation in Approved Document E, which deals with Resistance to the Passage of Sound. From 2004, Robust Details, which meet more stringent acoustic performance standards, have been available as an alternative to pre-completion sound testing in proving compliance with Part E. The report analyses feedback from owners of homes built between 2004 and 2010 following the changes to the Building Regulations, to see whether they have led to a reduction in complaints. Under the terms of the NHBC Buildmark warranty, builders are liable to put right any defect or damage in the first two years after completion of the home; it is this two-year period which the research relates to. The study found that the number of complaints about noise problems received by the NHBC for attached homes fell from seven households per 1000 in 2004 to 4 per 1000 in 2010. According to the NHBC, most of the noise complaints raised by owners of attached and detached homes could be avoided by taking additional care during construction and following accepted good practice.

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Building Consultancy Today

Posted on: 14 May 2014
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Property consultancy CBRE has issued the first edition of its quarterly newsletter, Building Consultancy Today. Each newsletter will provide insights about the trends and issues affecting the property industry today and in the future. This issue focuses on building costs. Feedback and suggestions for future topics are welcomed. 

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