SPHstructures

Just a quick thank you for all that attended Episode IV this morning. Give us a few days and we'll throw the recording up in the usual place which also contains the LPS video discussed in the CPD today; The usual place: https://lnkd.in/ePnCFKp9 Quick overview of the session: 🏢 Grenfell Inquiry Report Overview. Joe gave an awesome presentation on Phase Two Inquiry Report recommendations. We discussed the definition of high-risk buildings and which way that may be reviewed. Importance of competency for fire engineers - a given, and changes to Approved Document B and statutory guidance discussed. 🔥 Fire Safety Recommendations Fire risk assessments and competency standards were covered - interesting little talk about levels of risk assessments too. Emphasis on designing for vulnerable people in buildings (PEEPS), recommendations for improved communication in fire services and how and where training will differ for non-standard scenarios was really interesting. 🏗️ Structural Engineering Perspectives Sean discussed the implications of the Grenfell Report for structural engineers. Conversation about existing building assessments and risk-based approaches. Discussion on competency requirements for different disciplines (Structures not being grilled as much as Fire by the sounds of things). 📊 Industry Changes and Challenges. Talk about changes in the fire safety sector post-Grenfell. Discussion on insurance challenges for fire engineering firms and mention of new security regulations (Martin's Law - now added to our reading list going forward). 💼 Business Management and Soft Skills. Shared experiences of running engineering consultancies. Discussion on the hiring processes and importance of attitude in candidates. Talk about work relationships, stress management, and decision-making challenges (all the fun stuff). 🎓 Mentorship and Continuous Learning. Importance of mentorship in professional development and how this changes through your career, finishing on a contribution from Katarina on continuous learning and staying updated in the field. Really enjoyed that session today. . . . . #refurbishment #design #london #structures #structuralengineering #construction #building #structuraldesign #structure

Next Fire & Structure CPD session with Sean Hanlon & Joe Hart... click the link below for access on the 7th November. . . . . #refurbishment #design #london #structures #structuralengineering #construction #building #structuraldesign #structure

We were in attendance at the RiskFlag event yesterday, which was aimed at forming Safety Case Reports for Higher Risk Buildings. Circa 100 people in there all trying to figure their way through this whole process, what's required, what works, whose had feedback. It seems like everyone is pretty up on fire now, but most people weren't aware of the extent of structural requirements needed. queue Ruth Haynes with a very good talk on Structure from her Regulator Perspective. Our favourite bit of the day was the impromptu collaborative discussion session at the end of the day - really good to see people bouncing ideas off each other and helping out, or pointing people in the right direction where they could. We're a big fan of the collaborative approach and the guys at Riskflag opened this event up to everyone, not just their users, for the betterment of everyone really - this is new for everyone so its testament to them that they put on this event and drove that approach. Feels like the industry is slowly leaning into this now, another event has been earmarked for the new year when we'll know more again hopefully. Really good event, lots learned. Thanks again gents. . . . . #refurbishment #design #london #structures #structuralengineering #construction #building #structuraldesign #structure #airspacedevelopment

So we attended a very good CPD today with David Brown at the Steel Construction Institute. In Katarina Lizuchova's own words when asked for something to add into this post: 'it was amazing, the discussions, the corrections, the books - just polish what i said'. So there we have it. That is very much our type of CPD though. Pay someone for their time (we opted for half a day), give them a loose idea of the topics we want to cover (lateral torsional buckling and torsion in our case), then come armed with a 100 questions. Bosh. We loved it though. Asked stupid questions, got a few things straightened out, learnt a few more things, stole half their books, that sort of thing. It was great. We don't do many CPDs now, very much at the other end of the CPD spectrum in terms of teaching them these days, but we're still always curious and if we can come away with 1 thing that we can learn/apply, we're happy. Here it was half a dozen or more things that we're able to walk away with which will make a big difference going forward. For anyone wanting to know more about Steel design - we wouldn't look any further than David now. His ability to pivot between first principles, design and practical applications in the same breath, its proper skill. We're always interested in an engineering geek talk, so should anyone have recommendations who we should reach out to next please just let us know and we'll give it a look. For sure we'll be back at the SCI at some point. . . . . #refurbishment #design #london #structures #structuralengineering #construction #building #structuraldesign #structure

We've had a few of these cross our desk lately... The small, but very niche requirement within Building Regulations where a Material Change of Use triggers Parts A1-A3 of Schedule 1 through no physical extension or alteration to the building - specifically clause(s) 5c,d,e & f. To be fair to the client in this instance, they knew what they were walking into and asked the question early. We've also been on the opposite end of that scenario where a scheme has progressed all the way through and then the question has been asked under Building Control submission (we were asked to review in that instance). We like them. Something slightly different to think about. . . . . #refurbishment #design #london #structures #structuralengineering #construction #building #structuraldesign #structure

One weeks notice. Details for the next event below. As always, free to attend. Any specific questions you'd like us to work in, please just email Joe or Sean. . . . . #refurbishment #design #london #structures #structuralengineering #construction #building #structuraldesign #structure

Sean popped up on the Not All Fire podcast this week - talking all things structure for a change like a nerd. For those that haven't listened to the podcast, its worth a look. Joe and Jude obviously go way back and their friendship comes through which really makes the podcast, plus, you actually learn a fair bit about fire on it too. Worth a listen. . . . . #refurbishment #design #london #structures #structuralengineering #construction #building #structuraldesign #structure

We're going to need to start thinking of more movie sequels after this. Next event up. As always, it'll be free to attend with the recording going up on Youtube afterwards. Outline of the event included within the link. . . . . #refurbishment #design #london #structures #structuralengineering #construction #building #structuraldesign #structure

Another contribution.... Bit late with this one to be fair. We've been a bit project light lately, predominantly because we've been so engrossed with the changes that the Building Safety Act are bringing in relation to Higher Risk Buildings and and the implications they have on our existing building stock. Whilst not a typical 'project' photo, to initially be considered and approached to contribute involves a lot of work and dedication to begin with. The finished product is a good reference document for building typologies across the ages - kudos to everyone who contributed to it. We think this is best read in conjunction with the IStructE's Appraisal of Existing Buildings document. . . . . #refurbishment #design #london #structures #structuralengineering #construction #building #structuraldesign #structure

Its rare we get to see the finished product on our jobs, once the structures up that's it we're done and out of there. It might be another 12 months before the thing is complete, which is why its always really nice when client's reach back out with photo's of the finished product. This is a small CLT holiday hut we helped one client with, love the finish! They've made great use of the space. And love the fact that the client is also really happy with them too. The huts were pre-fabricated off-site and lifted into position of the back of a low-loader. The first lift wasn't great (feedback from site team) so we tried something else - bingo. Went in not a problem and everyone happy. Appreciate this is only a small job, but the satisfaction is still the same. . . . . #refurbishment #design #london #structures #structuralengineering #construction #building #structuraldesign #structure