John Staves’ Post

Are you a commercial property owner or manager? Check out our recent blog post "Maximising Building Lifespan: How Structural Engineers Can Save You Money" https://lnkd.in/dwgeVpKJ #commercialproperty #structuralengineers #buildinglifespan

Are prescriptive building codes putting structural safety at risk? The International Residential Code (IRC) offers prescriptive methods for building design, aiming to make home construction more accessible and cost-effective. But when does simplicity become a liability? Take lateral design, for example. The IRC relies on prescribed limits, such as adjustments for the number of braced wall lines, but stops increasing adjustment factors beyond a certain point. This may lead to inadequate lateral resistance for larger homes, despite their complexity. As professionals, we know that a home measuring 80' x 80' often stretches the capabilities of prescriptive bracing methods without requiring further engineering analysis. Yet, in many cases, engineering expertise is exactly what's needed to ensure a structure can withstand wind, seismic, and other lateral loads safely. The gap in clarity within the code can inadvertently encourage cost-saving measures that compromise safety. And while building officials have the discretion to require engineering when designs go beyond prescriptive limits, that discretion isn't consistently exercised across jurisdictions. As a structural community, we should ask: How do we ensure that prescriptive methods are used appropriately and not stretched beyond their intended limits? Should more homes require engineered solutions to guarantee safety and performance? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the balance between prescriptive design and engineering requirements in residential construction. How do you see this playing out in your work, and what changes would you advocate for?"

How to Estimate Buildings & their Methods of Construction https://lnkd.in/gQed9Q-q

. Are you looking to start a construction project but feeling overwhelmed with all the different types of building methods? Let us break it down for you with these quick tips on construction methods. 1. Traditional construction: This is the classic method of construction where the building is constructed on-site, following traditional building techniques. It involves a series of steps from laying the foundation to erecting the structure to finishing touches. 2. Pre-engineered buildings: These buildings are manufactured off-site and then transported to the construction site for assembly. This method allows for faster construction time and is often used for commercial and industrial buildings. 3. Modular construction: Similar to pre-engineered buildings, modular construction uses pre-fabricated units that are assembled on-site. This method is becoming increasingly popular due to its cost-effectiveness and shorter construction time. 4. Green construction: This type of construction focuses on using eco-friendly materials and techniques to minimize the impact on the environment. It is a great option for those looking for sustainable building solutions. 5. Design-build: In this method, the same company or team is responsible for both designing and constructing the building. This allows for a collaborative approach and can save time and money in the long run. No matter which construction method you choose, it's important to do your research and find a reputable and reliable construction company. Happy building! #ConstructionTips #BuildingMethods #ChooseWisely #BuildingBetterFuture

Thinking of renovating? Discover how a structural engineer can transform your project from ordinary to extraordinary. Our latest blog post reveals the hidden value these experts bring to home improvements and construction. Click to learn why a structural engineer might be the secret ingredient your renovation needs! #StructuralEngineering #HomeRenovation #UKConstruction" https://lnkd.in/eyBCdryj

Thinking of renovating? Discover how a structural engineer can transform your project from ordinary to extraordinary. Our latest blog post reveals the hidden value these experts bring to home improvements and construction. Click to learn why a structural engineer might be the secret ingredient your renovation needs! #StructuralEngineering #HomeRenovation #UKConstruction" https://lnkd.in/eyBCdryj

Struggling with rising construction costs and delays? Discover how modular construction can transform your projects. Learn more about this game-changing approach! Read on. #BASE4Design #modularconstruction #modular

Back in the real world! For the benefit of the writer and readers; Buildings don't breathe,people do! Many domestic sector architects however skilled appear to know a limited amount about fire safety and so why should they suddenly know all about building science as well? Building engineers are best placed to assess what a building requires with regards to controlling a conditioned space but for individual small jobs may not be involved. So this leaves the architect specifying via brochures and looking at statutory guidance which is generic in nature,not necessarily fully suited to the project in hand. Where retrofit jobs are required to follow PAS 2035 I.e.government financed schemes the holistic approach is mandatory and so maybe this approach is what's required elsewhere?

Join us for an exclusive site tour of Ruth St Passivhaus (under construction), a compact family home situated on an inner city block with double-fronted living space, providing a north and street-facing terrace with private rear garden views. Whilst modern in form, the home is carefully scaled and setback from the street to reflect the existing built form context and maximise outdoor space. Learning Outcomes: - The challenges with maintaining winter and summer heat balance to reach requirements for certification. - The combination of boundary-to-boundary construction with a brief to provide large window openings on the north and south elevations. - Building boundary-to-boundary meant careful consideration with all the team members to provide a solution that resulted in minimising moisture management risks and thermal bridges while still supporting the first-floor structure. Register here > https://bit.ly/49LWOiB Project team: Architect: Ben Caine, leanhaus PH Consultant: Blair Slack-Smith Builder: Reece Beresford Engineer: Ausmac Structural Engineers Pty Ltd #passivehouse #passivhaus #passivehousesitetour #passivhaussitetour #passivehouseaustralia #passivhausaustralia #australianpassivhausassociation #sustainability #sustainablebuilding #sustainableconstruction

“To effectively address the challenges of wiring podium-style buildings, it’s essential to understand the various construction types in project plans and building codes.” Learn more about them here: https://hubs.ly/Q03249N40 #CodeWednesday