Research Focus NO. 33 MAY 1998 1

Issue No. 33 MAY 1998

IN THIS ISSUE

BuildingsBuildability 7Controls for elderly & disabled 9Natural ventilation 3Thermal insulation 11

Coastal and MaritimeEngineeringPort environmental management 3

Construction futuresCONSPEC 2

DesignDesign management innovation 4Snow load maps 7

EnvironmentWaste minimisation 11

HighwaysFlexible composite pavements 6

MaterialsCONSPEC 2Recycled concrete aggregate 4Sealant movement 6

ManagementDesign management innovation 4Equality in construction 12National building research

organisations 8Building procurement 8

River engineeringReservoir sedimentation 5

StructuresDealing with dance loading 5Light steel framing 10

Support to standardsSnow load maps 7

Research FocusPROMOTING THE APPLICATION OF RESEARCH IN BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING

Safer ports from a new guideThe safety of ship-to-shore ramps and walkways has been the subject of recent publicitywith extensive coverage of the fatal Ramsgate accident. The ports industry – representedby the Ports Safety Organisation (PSO) and Professor Jack Chapman, a renownedexpert in this field – approached CIRIA in 1996 with a request to prepare and publish bestpractice guidance on the two areas that the industry considered would make maximumimpact on safety: Procurement, and Operation & Maintenance.

which will then be interrogated for informationthroughout the rest of the research.

Establishing best practice in the procure-ment, operation and maintenance of thesefacilities will be through analysis of the datagathered and discussions by the experiencedand industry-representative project steeringgroup. A consultative workshop will also beheld in June 1998 to which industry expertswill be invited to comment on the findings andinitial recommendations.

Publication of best practice should notonly result in safer facilities but also enablethe production of clearer functional specifica-tions, better communications and moreefficient and cost-effective operation andmaintenance.

The research is scheduled to finish inSeptember 1998, with open publication by theend of the year.

For further details on the research, or if youwould like to be considered for invitation to theJune workshop, please contactDr Ghazwa M. Alwani-Starr, Head ofProcess Group, CIRIA, 6 Storey’s Gate,Westminster, London, SW1P 3AU(0171 222 8891; fax: 0171 222 1708;E-mail: ghazwa.starr@ciria.org.uk).

To ensure a truly collaborative approach, CIRIA brought together representatives from all parts of the ports industry to

contribute to the development of the project.The project now enjoys substantial supportfrom over 200 Ports (through the PSO), HSE,DETR, Lloyds Register, the Safety AssessmentFederation and the TT Club. CIRIA is gratefulfor this financial support, and for the in-kindtechnical contributions of members of theproject steering group, which enabled work onthe project to start in December 1997.

CIRIA’s research contractors are PosfordDuvivier, who have continued CIRIA’s effortsto ensure maximum involvement and inputfrom industry. The first step was to carry outan industry survey of all linkspans andwalkways in the UK, Ireland and North WestEurope. 115 consultees responded (a 43%return rate and more are still arriving) whichresulted in the identification of 430 shoreramps and 135 walkways. Posford Duvivierare now gathering detailed information on allof these facilities from port operators, owners,designers, classification societies, installationcontractors, trade associations, statutoryauthorities, insurers, inspection companies,ship owners and maintenance organisations.This information will all be put into a database

2 Research Focus NO. 33 MAY 1998

ABOUT RESEARCH FOCUS

AimsThe principal aim of Research Focus is topromote the application of research inbuilding and civil engineering.

Supported by many organisations in theBritish construction industry, its brief, livelyarticles on current research are written forpractising engineers, architects, surveyorsand their clients with the objective ofdisseminating research news as widely aspossible. Its sponsors wish to promote thebenefits of research, improve contactsbetween industry and researchers,encourage investment by industry inresearch and the use of research in practice,and facilitate collaboration between all theparties involved.

Formally, Research Focus is an unrestrictednewsletter containing invited factual records orcase studies of building or civil engineeringresearch projects. Articles may be reproduced,provided the source is acknowledged.

Enquiries and CommentsIf you wish to know more about a specificproject, you should contact the person namedat the end of the relevant article. Look on theback page for addresses, telephone and faxnumbers of the sponsoring researchorganisations and professional institutions.General information about their activities maybe obtained from them directly or, in the caseof EPSRC’s research programme, fromCatherine Coates at EPSRC (01793 444176).

We welcome your ideas on ways toimprove Research Focus and so help it toachieve its goals. If you have a suggestion,or an article about an interesting piece ofR&D, please send it to the Editor, RogerVenables, at the address below.

DistributionIf you receive Research Focus by direct mail(i.e. not with Civil Engineering) and theaddress it is sent to is incorrect, if you wouldlike additional copies for circulation withinyour organisation or if you would like to beadded tp the direct mail list, please contactLesley Wilson at the Institution of CivilEngineers, 1 Great George Street, LondonSW1P 3AA (0171-665 2242; fax 0171-799 1325;Email wilson @ice.org.uk).

Editorial Advisory Board and EditorOverall editorial policy is set by the EditorialAdvisory Board which comprises:

Chairman: Mike Thorn (HR)Members: Catherine Coates (EPSRC),Robert Crangle (DETR), Louise Denniff(CIRIA), Peter Harlow (CIOB), SarahHoughton (SCI), Dr Stephen Ledbetter(CWCT), Peter Lee (industry), Dr GeorgeSomerville (BCA), Ralph Slater (BRE),Richard Woodward (TRL).Editor: Eur Ing Roger VenablesSecretary: Lesley Wilson (ICE).

Roger Venables, the Editor, is at VenablesConsultancy, 12 Cranes Drive, Surbiton,Surrey, KT5 8AL(0181-399 4389; fax 0181-390 9368;E-mail: 101722.374@compuserve.com).

Research Focus is published by the ICE,typeset by PJM Design and produced byThomas Telford Services Ltd, 1 Heron Quay,London E14 4JD. ISSN 0960 5185

© Institution of Civil Engineers, 1998

CONSPEC: towards improvedready-mixed concrete specificationsUnder a DETR-funded Partners in Technology project, the Ready-mixedConcrete Bureau has developed software called CONSPEC, a CD-rom-based guide to the ready-mixed concrete standard BS5328. Significantefficiencies are expected to accrue to specifiers and their clients asCONSPEC is launched on to the market. The DETR hope that the conceptcan now be replicated in other market sectors.

A mbiguities and inaccuracies in specifying concrete can be very

costly. To reduce the chances of sucherrors, the very difficult and time consum-ing process of specifying concrete mixes hasbeen completely computerised. In develop-ing CONSPEC, the Concrete Research andInnovation Centre at Imperial College andthe Consulting Engineers, PosfordDuvivier, have used the database softwareMicrosoft Access to ensure that therequirements of BS5328 are fully met.

Twelve consulting engineers and all themajor ready-mixed concrete producers havebeen trialing the system over the last sixmonths. Users can set up their ownstandard library or use the one built intothe system. Designed, designated, pre-scribed and standard mixes are all handledand there is no limit to the number ofconstruction projects or mixes. Theconcrete can be reinforced or unreinforcedand various factors such as exposure tometals, sulphates, acids and the environ-ment are all catered for.

If users wish to reduce the number ofmix specifications within a project, either tominimise potential ambiguities or toimprove economies of scale, a rationalisa-tion process is available.

The requirements of BS5328 are fullyobserved using forms which set out all theinformation relating to the mixes specified.However CONSPEC also produces an‘invitation to tender’ document which can

be transmitted by post or e-mail to potentialsuppliers, thereby achieving a moreefficient supply chain.

To ensure that the standards are beingproperly applied, a specification log can beprinted at any time. This sets out thedetailed steps and decisions taken by thesoftware so that these can be examined andchecked by the user. Any changes made bythe user are also logged so that an audittrail is available.

CONSPEC runs on any computer withWindows 3.1 or above and requires about15MB of hard-disc space. When the newEuropean Standard EN206 is available,this will be dealt with by an updatedCONSPEC. It is hoped that all users willbe keen to sign up for the European versionbecause EN206 will be extremely compli-cated for specifiers and producers tointerpret by conventional manual methods.

CONSPEC is available to all users freeof charge for the first six months. Thereaf-ter modest charges will be made to coverany costs incurred in maintaining andupdating the system. Authorised users willbe able to download any updates direct fromthe internet and there are plans to exportthe system.

For further information please contact:Den Dover at BCA (01344-725732;fax: 01344 761214;E-mail: ddover@bca.org.uk).

MATERIALS & CONSTRUCTION FUTURES

Research Focus NO. 33 MAY 1998 3

ROM will describe them and show how theycan be applied in an integrated manner foryear-round occupant comfort.

NatVent also recognises that naturalventilation is a building-integrated designconcept. Design is centred on using passiveventilation, based on ‘stack’ temperature effectsand wind pressures to supply fresh air tobuilding interiors even when the windows areclosed. NatVent, for which a 7-nation consort-ium is being led and coordinated by BRE, hasestablished a pan-European network of some ofthe key low-energy architects within the par-ticipating countries, and monitored exemplarbuildings. A national seminar is planned forJune to describe the completed work andestablish a dialogue to take the issue forward.

For further information pleasecontact Dr Earle Perera at BRE(01923 664877; fax: 01923 664796;E-mail: pererae@bre.co.uk).

UK legislation and EC Directivesalready aim to protect environmentalresources. BS 7750(2), the European

Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS)and the more recent International Standardon environmental management(3) have clearrelevance to port operations. ‘The protectionof environmental resources should beaddressed by every port, as it may sig-nificantly influence future developmentplans,’ stresses Eleni Paipai, who leads theproject at HR. ‘Some port authorities havealready set up environmental managementsystems and we hope that this study willhelp others to do so.’

During the first two phases of researchMrs Paipai and her colleagues aim to contactport authorities around the UK and overseas,starting a dialogue with them to find out moreabout their operating procedures. ‘It isimportant to look at ways of safeguardingenvironmental resources whilst allowingdevelopment plans to proceed,’ she explains.Researchers consider the type of port(container or bulk cargo) and try to identifypotential problems both at the quayside and inthe hinterland. They then explore possibleenvironmental management solutions inconsultation with the port authorities.

Problems might include the handling and

COASTAL, MARITIME & ENVIRONMENT

storage of hazardous substances and landcontamination. ‘Oil from leaking barrels canseep into surrounding soil, but correct storagewill prevent the problem from occurring andhelp to protect land values as well as the widerenvironment. Good storage and recyclingpractice safeguards the environment and canhave positive economic benefits,’ says Paipai.Also important to the development of asuccessful environmental management plan isthe early identification of potential conflictsbetween a port and other relevant authorities.

The study will continue into 1999 andEleni Paipai is keen to talk to portauthorities who are setting up an Environ-mental Management Plan as well as thosewho already have one in place. ‘We areinterested to hear about people’s experiencesin establishing and implementing these

M isconceptions surrounding naturalventilation are impeding its take-upby architects and developers in and

around Europe. Many building owners andoccupants are thus missing out on thebenefits that it provides – from the financialto those concerning health, comfort,productivity and the environment. NatVentis a project designed to correct thesemisconceptions by convincing the market ofthe viability of natural ventilation and thatgeneralised and tested solutions totechnological barriers are available.

In-depth structured interviews identifiedperceived commercial, institutional andtechnical barriers. Key technical barriersidentified were the issues of air and noisepollution in urban and city centres, variabilityof weather, attempting to recover heat fromnatural ventilation systems, combatingsummer overheating, and integrating andmaintaining natural ventilation systems.

Port environmental managementResearchers at HR Wallingford are preparing guidelines on the environmental management of ports to help managerstackle the environmental issues arising from routine port operation and longer-term development planning. TheManual(1), part-funded by the DETR, will outline the issues that should be addressed within an environmental manage-ment plan, give recommendations and cite examples of management systems in practice.

Breaking down barriers to natural ventilationA soon-to-be-completed EC project NatVentTM has been aimed at overcoming technical barriers to low-energy naturalventilation in office-type buildings in moderate and cold climates. It has found that natural ventilation is an effective designstrategy for office buildings in the UK or other moderate or cold climate countries in Western Europe.

BUILDINGS & ENVIRONMENT

procedures,’ she explains. ‘What difficultiesdid they encounter in preparing for anEnvironmental Management Plan and whatcorrective action have they taken?’

Guideline development is a consultative,two-way process. Researchers appreciate theoperational and development needs of portauthorities as well as the importance ofsafeguarding environmental resources. EleniPaipai stresses that the final publication willbe practical and pragmatic. ‘Our emphasis isvery much on dialogue and continuouscommunication. We aim to compile adocument ‘which will help the industry tocarry out its day-to-day operations andimplement port development plans in anenvironmentally acceptable way.’

1 To be called ‘Guidelines for Port EnvironmentalManagement’2 Specification for environmental managementsystems (now superseded by ISO14001)3 ISO 14001: Environmental Management Systems:Specification with Guidance for use

For more information about this work, or ifyou are able to contribute in any way, pleasecontact Eleni Paipai atHR Wallingford (01491 835381;fax: 01491 832233;E-mail: epp@hrwallingford.co.uk).

BRE’s award-winning Environmental Buildingwhich formed part of the NatVent studies.

NatVent aims to provide the market withpractical solutions to these issues.in the form of‘smart’ technology systems and componentsolutions. A guide-book and an interactive CD-

4 Research Focus NO. 33 MAY 1998

devised to suit construction, thisleads to a severely compromiseddesign process containinginevitable cycles of redesign withassociated time and cost penalties.The ADePT methodology may offeran opportunity to design managerssimilar to that given toconstruction planners with theintroduction of the critical pathmethod, by providing a logical,structured approach to planningthat takes full account of thedesign process’s iterative nature(which CPM itself cannot do).

For further information, includingdetails of the project report ‘Develop-ment of the ADePT Methodology’,please contact Dr Simon Austin,Department of Civil and BuildingEngineering,Loughborough University. (01509222608; fax:01509 223981;E-mail:s.a.austin@lboro.ac.uk).

into account the timing of informationrelease required, say, to suit construction(e.g. early completion of the foundationdesign). A co-ordinated design plan is thusproduced.

Discussions with design planners andmanagers have highlighted a range ofissues that have a bearing on the detailedbuilding design process such as thescheduling of work into packages to meet aprocurement strategy and constructionprogramme. One of the aims of thisresearch is to use the methodology to fullyanalyse the effect of scheduling the designprocess to satisfy procurement andconstruction. The methodology may thusreveal more appropriate work packagingthat will better suit the entire design andconstruction process.

Current design planning practice takeslittle account of the interdisciplinary,iterative nature of the process (largely dueto its inherent complexity). The result isthat, combined with work packaging

An innovative approach to design managementSignificant improvements in design management are now possible through the introduction of new techniques thatmodel and analyse design processes to produce co-ordinated design programmes based on information flow ratherthan deliverables. A research programme at Loughborough University, operating under the EPSRC and DETR-fundedIntegrated Design and Construction LINK Programme, is addressing these issues in collaboration with AMEC Designand Management, Ove Arup & Partners, Sheppard Robson, Laing Management, Boots and BAA. The team is devel-oping models of the detailed design phase of building design and has created a prototype software tool to optimisedesign task order and analyse the effects of change.

MANAGEMENT & DESIGN

The new methods are beingdeveloped in three stages.Firstly, a generic model of the

detailed building design process hasbeen produced showing the relation-ship between design activities based onthe flow of information in the process.Secondly, design structure matrix(DSM) analysis of a schedule ofactivities identifies an optimumsequence of tasks based upon thedependency and availability of designinformation as defined in the designprocess model. Finally, the matrixanalysis is linked to a planning andscheduling package so that designprogrammes can be produced whenresources and duration of tasks areallocated to the re-sequenced activityschedule. The complete methodology isreferred to as ADePT (AnalyticalDesign Planning Technique).

The model has been produced usinga variation of the IDEF0 technique(termed IDEF0v) which recognises thecross-disciplinary informationexchanges, which are more difficult tomanage. The generic model hasapproximately 750 activities at thelowest level of the hierarchy and 4000information inputs. For the genericmodel to be useful, it must be madeproject-specific, in which sections notrelevant to the project are discarded alongwith corresponding information. There mustalso be scope to add new sections to allow forspecial features of a building.

The use of DSM techniques has yet tobe proven to be workable on a process ofsuch magnitude as detailed buildingdesign. A manipulated matrix gives theoptimum design sequence in a process thatcontains iteration. Feedback loops of tasksare indicated, where either work must beundertaken in an iterative manner orestimates of unavailable information mustbe made. In the building design process,these feedback loops correspond to areas ofthe building containing the need for closeco-ordination. The DSM tool can indicatethe most important information estimatesto be made, and the most effective way toreduce design iterations.

Following the DSM analysis, resourcesand durations are allocated to produce theoptimal design programme. Once theinitial scheduling of tasks is complete,further manipulation of the DSM isundertaken to move specific designactivities to more suitable locations, taking

Analytical Design Planning Technique (ADePT) RecycledconcreteaggregateresultsThe University of Dundee work ontesting recycled concrete aggregate(see Research Focus No 32), is nowcomplete.

P rofessor R K Dhir of the Universityintends to publish papers andarrange some seminars in May 1998

to present the final report and disseminatethe output of this research.

For further information please contactProfessor Dhir at Dundee University (01382344347; fax 01382 344816, E-mail:r.k.dhir@dundee.ac.uk).

MATERIALS

Research Focus NO. 33 MAY 1998 5

Re-assessing reservoir sedimentationResearchers and engineers at HR Wallingford’s Overseas Development Unit, supported by the UK’s Department forInternational Development, have developed new software to help reservoir operators simulate and predict patterns ofsedimentation. The software is known as RESSASS (REServoir Survey Analysis and Sedimentation Simulation).

Reservoirs play a vital part in watersupply, irrigation and hydropowerschemes. Reservoir capacity is

declining by about 50km3 a year worldwide,due to the deposition of sediment by incomingrivers. A project larger than the Three GorgesDam would need to be completed each year tooffset this storage loss. It is therefore importantthat engineers are able to predict likelysiltation patterns so that they can adjustreservoir operating procedures to minimiseimpacts on irrigation, water and energy supply.

ODU’s Phil Lawrence stresses thatRESSASS can be applied by non-specialists.‘The software is user friendly and combinesthree functions in a single package – reservoirvolume analysis, volume prediction and asimulation model’. The first function is carriedout using the Stage Width ModificationMethod. ‘The software processes data from pre-and post-empoundment surveys and calculateschanges in reservoir volume caused bysedimentation. Users can also plot sedimentdistribution through a reservoir,’ he explains.Depending on the amount of data available,RESSASS can then be used to carry outempirical volume prediction calculations basedon methods developed by Borland and Miller(1958) or steered towards a more detailednumerical simulation of future events.

Much of the development effort behindRESSASS has concentrated on improving theway in which fine sediment is modelled within

new software is that it brings together severalcapabilities within a single, user-friendlypackage and each is able to ‘talk’ to the others’.

REASASS has already been used to lookat sediment distribution in Sri Lanka,Zimbabwe and India, and has provedparticularly valuable during a study atTarbela Dam on the River Indus in Pakistan.Since it was constructed in 1976, sedimentbuild-up has reduced reservoir capacity byabout 20%, and threatens to block the powerintakes. During the study, RESSASS wascalibrated using existing data, verifiedagainst observed sedimentation patterns atTarbela and then run to simulate possiblemanagement options – including flushing,and reducing sediment inflows to thereservoir. Dr Rodney White, project managerfor the Tarbela study, confirms the centralkey role that RESSASS played in the work.

Siltation poses a serious problemworldwide, with the potential to reduce thelife expectancy of strategic infrastructure.RESSASS should prove to be a usefulweapon in the war against reservoirsedimentation, helping engineers to planmanagement regimes more effectively.

For further information pleasecontact Ed Atkinson at HRWallingford Ltd (01491 835381;fax 01491 832233; E-mailE.Atkinson@hrwallingford.co.uk).

Safety of structures under dance-type loadsPractising engineers find it difficult to predict structural response to dynamic crowd loads and there is a general lack ofunderstanding of these loads. Research at UMIST, sponsored by EPSRC and supported by BRE, has led to a betterunderstanding of the loads and to methods of determining structural response to them.

Dance is movement with rhythmicsteps and actions, usually toaccompanying music. Similar

movements include jumping, stamping andaerobics. The loads are thus related to thedance frequency, are periodical, and aretermed dance-type loads. Maximumresponse occurs when jumping is involved.

The safety of structures subject to dance-type loads relates not only to the loads butalso the structure itself. Using pre-or post-stressing techniques and high-strengthmaterials, long-span structures can be builtto accommodate static loads and therebyprovide clear space and good viewing. Thisleads to structures which have relativelylow natural frequencies and which aredynamically sensitive, such as cantileveredgrandstands which are desirable for

watching sports matches but are partic-ularly vulnerable to dynamic loads.

One of the main aims of the project is to

investigate the dynamic crowd effect whena crowd of people is involved, ie attenuationof loading due to the lack of synchronisationof the crowd. This is required to deal withpractical situations and is important for thecalibration of calculation methods with full-scale measurements. Large-scale, controlledexperiments, with crowds of up to 64students, were conducted at the BRE'sCardington steel test building in October1997, and these tests produced a significantamount of useful information.

For further information please contactDr Tiankian Ji at UMIST (0161 200 4604; fax: 0161 200 4646; E-mail:tji@umist.ac.uk; web page at:http://www.umist.ac.uk/UMIST_CIVENG/staff/ji/grants.htm).

RIVER ENGINEERING

reservoirs. Sediment settling velocities areheavily influenced by turbulence and this inturn depends on factors such as reservoirshape, bed friction and inflow rates. RESSASSincludes routines to represent the effects ofturbulence throughout a reservoir – providedthat users can input data on water levelvariation, incoming sediment concentrationand grain size. Ed Atkinson, who developed theprogram, explains: ‘It is capable of predictingboth the extent of sedimentation and itscomposition over time. The main benefit of the

STRUCTURES & SAFETY

Students testing floors at BRE Cardington

6 Research Focus NO. 33 MAY 1998

S tructures and buildings comprisemany component parts, giving rise tojoints or ‘gaps’ between different

materials and panels, and around openings.Modern construction methods based oncurtain walling rely on obtaining anadequate seal between the joints – often inthe form of a wet-applied gunnable sealant.

The cost of new sealing is only about 3%of the value of the curtain walling, but thecost of resealing is nearer 15%.Theoccurrence of wet-applied sealed joint failurecan, in part, be attributed to the movementsthat occur in the external envelope. Suchmovements can be both large and rapid if itinvolves large lightweight cladding panelsthat are also heavily insulated.

A detailed understanding of joint behaviourwas developed from measurements taken onthe predominantly south-facing aspects of twomodern office blocks in London. One wasconcrete-clad, the other aluminium-clad.Detailed weather records for the period werecollected so that joint movements could berelated to panel surface temperatures, airtemperatures, solar gain and precipitation.

Laboratory cyclic movement rigs weredeveloped that could simulate the measuredrates and amplitudes of real joint movements,imposed on experimental joints made withand without backer rod. Crucialto the simu-lation of reality was the ability to subjecttest joints to movement immediately afterfabrication, since early movement duringcure may be a very significant factor in

Sealant movement in cladding and curtain wallingOxford Brookes University’s Joining Technology Research Centre has recently completed an EPSRC project in theMaterials for Better Construction Programme. The rates and amplitudes of movements from actual building joints weretranslated to novel laboratory-based rigs, which were used to cycle a variety of sealed joint systems during the earlystages of cure. The test procedure developed represents a rapid method of screening candidate sealant systems.

Improving design & performance offlexible composite pavementsThe Highways Agency recently commissioned TRL to review the performancehistory of flexible composite pavements by tracing the construction, majormaintenance and traffic history of nearly 650km of roads of this type.

F lexible composite pavements (20% ofthe UK trunk road network) areconstructed with upper layers of

asphalt over a cement-bound base. Both theasphalt and the cement-bound layerscontribute to the structural strength of theroad. The asphalt also insulates the cement-bound material from daily temperaturecycles and limits the movement of transversethermal shrinkage cracks that form in thislayer as a result. Current Highways Agencydesigns for heavily-trafficked flexiblecomposite pavements are based upon layerthicknesses and strengths which combine tobe able to withstand both traffic andthermally-induced stresses. The oldest andmost heavily trafficked of these pavementshave carried about 100 million standardaxles, sometimes with little or no majormaintenance. While these pavements have

been constructed to previous standards, acomparison with today’s designs hasvalidated the current design method.

The cost of flexible composite pavementscould be reduced by using thinner asphaltlayers. However, where no preventativemeasures are employed, this could lead tolarge thermal movements in the shrinkagecracks in the cement-bound base such thatcracks could then form in the asphalt, abovethose in the base, and lead to accelerateddeterioration of the pavement.

Inducing thin, closely-spaced cracks in thecement-bound layer during construction canreduce this risk. The induced cracks accom-modate thermal movement and limit theproduction of natural shrinkage cracks. Thiswill reduce the risk of cracks developing in theasphalt without producing a significantreduction in the strength of the cement-boundlayer.

Trials of pavements built with thinnerasphalt layers and induced cracks in thecement-bound base are currently beingmonitored by TRL, for the HighwaysAgency.

For further information please contactTony Parry, TRL (01344 770154;fax: 01344 770356;E-mail:Tonyp@h.trl.co.uk).

MATERIALS & BUILDINGS

contributing to premature sealed joint failure.In general, the one-part sealant systems

investigated were affected far more bymovement during cure than the two-partproducts, particularly in test joints madewith ‘standard’ polyethylene backer rod. Theeffect of movement was to actually increasethe rate of cure of the one-part systems.However, the overall joint performance wasreduced because of voiding and deformationof the sealant bead, as well as a loss ofadhesion. Reductions in modulus andextension were broadly in proportion to therates and magnitudes of imposed movement.

These results will feature in a RILEM

HIGHWAYS & MATERIALS

Springtime temperature and movement foraluminium cladding

publication on the Durability of BuildingSealants to be published later this year. In themeantime, further work is being directed atdeveloping movement monitoring techniquesfor buildings so that a larger database on realjoint behaviour can be assembled. Futureresearch will also address the critical role ofbacker rods in sealed joint performance.

For further information please contactDr Allan Hutchinson, School of Engineering,Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP(01865 483504; fax: 01865 484179;E-mail:arhutchinson@brookes.ac.uk).

Annual pattern of joint movement foraluminium-clad building

Equipment for inducing cracks in a cement-bound base.

Research Focus NO. 33 MAY 1998 7

Addressing buildability problems ofstructural frames and claddingLack of understanding of, and hence allowance for, construction tolerances is amajor source of conflict on site. This increases construction costs, can compro-mise integrity, performance or appearance, or can lead to building failures ifcorrective measures to allow fit are ill-conceived. There is also a lack of up-to-date information on the accuracy characteristic of typical construction proc-esses, making specifying and designing for buildability more difficult.

The 3-year, DETR-funded projectStructural frame & claddingbuildability assessment method

addresses the problems that occur with thefitting of cladding systems to buildingframes as a result of the level of accuracy towhich structures are built and thetolerances specified. The partners in theproject are Taywood Engineering Ltd (thelead researcher), CWCT, BRE and BuildingEnvelopes Ltd.

Variability exists in all productionprocesses due to the impossibility ofmachines, instruments and humans to makeor measure with absolute precision.Variabilities must be controlled so that acladding system will fit together on astructure as intended, and be fit for itspurpose. In terms of appearance, this meanspanels, corners and features, particularly forreflective surfaces, should appear in line andplane and that joints are of a consistentwidth. British and industry standards statethe variability allowed in claddingcomponents, and in the construction anderection of most cladding systems such asmasonry, profiled metal, composite, concreteand stone cladding, and curtain walling.

Initial research indicates that theincidence of cladding buildability problemsvaries between cladding contractors anddepends on the inherent and designedadjustability of the cladding type and theprocess by which frame and openingtolerances are addressed at the designstage. For example, is a British Standardmerely specified, without due considerationof the tolerances, or are tolerancesdiscussed and agreed, based on the frametype and the requirements andadjustability of the cladding type?

The variability allowed by BritishStandards in a brickwork window openingcan result in unsightly or unsealable jointsat the interface. Best practice is to agreemore moderate tolerances, which aremarked on drawings and adhered to on site.However, one contractor estimated that 50per cent of structures and/or openings failedto comply with the specified accuracy. Cast-in connections, out-of-position or omitted,cause more problems than the frame beingout-of-tolerance. Moreover, cladding unitsfrequently need to be re-positioned or cut toallow window installation within the formedopening because of inadequate allowance forthe combined tolerances at the interface.

Common design and construction

Snow load mapsWork is under way in BRE’s Centrefor Structural Performance on thedevelopment of a European map ofsnow loads.

process deficiencies that affect buildabilityhave been identified, and four examplesfollow.

• Building elements may be poorly co-ordinated due to inadequate communicationbetween the architect and engineer, the lateinvolvement of the cladding contractor and/or insufficient time generally to addressbuildability problems.

• The benefits of optimising edge beams ofstructural frames to suit the span andload conditions of each bay in order tosave material are often out-weighed bythe consequences of the variable andcomplicated cladding fixings which maybe required as a result. The consequencesinclude increased cost, delays in releaseof information to the cladding contractorand increased risk of clashes betweenelements. The edge detail of thestructural frame to which the claddingwill be attached should be standardised.

• Surveys of the structure commonly do notagree because of variabilities inequipment and operators, and inherentdeviations in the frame, although (thelittle used) BS 5964 Building Setting Outand Measurement could help to reducediscrepancies.

• Lack of accountability can mean tradesare asked to check and overcomeproblems arising from the work ofprevious contractors.

The aims of this project are to gathersufficient, reliable and up-to-date data onaccuracy actually achieved in construction aswell as to prepare guidance on good designand good practice in agreeing, allowing forand achieving the required accuracy.Companies who have survey data recordingaccuracy of construction are invited tocontact Taywood Engineering. Theinformation will be used to develop abuildability assessment method to assist allparties in the design, specification anderection of building and cladding systemsand in overcoming the problems of lack of fit.

For further information please contactJeremy Layzell at the Centre for Window andCladding Technology (01225 826541;Fax: 01225 826556;E-mail: cwct@bath.ac.uk), orMartin Wilson at TaywoodEngineering (0181-575 4826;Fax: 0181-575 4547; E-mail:martin.wilson@taywood.co.uk).

The study forms the first phase of alarge programme of prenormativeresearch on the definition of snow

loads appropriate for the design ofstructures. Funded by the EC, the researchsupports the development of the Eurocodeon Actions on Structures. Due to thetimescales involved, it was not possible toproduce a unified European snow load mapfor the Development Draft of the Eurocode.The Prestandard available for trial use hastherefore had to adopt national snow loadinformation as an interim measure.

Such information is not in a common formatand significant differences result fromapplication of these national procedures. Aunified European snow load map based on aconsistent analysis of meteorological records istherefore required so that design snow loadscan reflect geographic and climaticconsiderations not national boundaries.

BRE has joined with seven scientificinstitutions with appropriate expertise tocarry out this work: project co-ordinatorUniversity of Pisa (Italy), CSTB (France),Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Laussane(Switzerland), ISMES (Italy), JRC (CEC),SINTEF (Norway) and the University ofLeipzig (Germany). Contacts with thenational meteorological services have alsobeen established.

A geographical information system isbeing used to generate the snow load map,based on the results of the analysis ofmeteorological data. The map (see figure),which will be used to determinecharacteristic snow loads to be considered inthe design of roofs throughout Europe, willbe submitted to the Project team developingthe Eurocode on Actions on Structures.

Future phases of the project will invest-igate the specification and treatment ofserviceability snow loads in design and includea study on the snow load distributions on roofsof different geometries.

For more information please contactat BRE: PaulSims(01923 664626,E-mail: simsp@bre.co.uk) orDiana Currie (01923 664537;E-mail: curriedm@ bre.co.uk).

BUILDINGS & STRUCTIRESDESIGN & SUPPORTTO STANDARDS

8 Research Focus NO. 33 MAY 1998

Re-engineering building procurementIn the fast moving world of the 1990s, every industry is subject to pressures of satisfying increased customerexpectation from products whilst remaining viable financially. Increased ‘responsiveness’ to customer demand –‘agility’ in manufacturing parlance – has become one of the most critical factors at the point of sale, more so than costaccording to many. This is equally true for the construction industry where, in the climate of ‘post-Latham’ research,great effort is dedicated to the improvement of management processes and techniques in order to achieve the per-formance levels envisaged in that watershed ‘Constructing the Team’ report.

requirements that the client has of theproject. The relative merits of procurementsystems have been the subject of muchdebate and numerous reports, includingEmmerson (1962), Banwell (1964), variousreports from NEDO (1974, 1983, 1988)and, notably, Latham (1994).

Professor Dave Langford and ProfessorCliff Hardcastle (Strathclyde Universityand Glasgow Caledonian Universityrespectively) have recently teamed up tolook at this problem. Funded by theEPSRC1 , work is in progress at bothinstitutions seeking to identify clientrequirements of projects, procurementroutes used, project success andorganisational structures adopted. The aimis to provide clients with a ‘one-stop’ guideto effective procurement choice inconstruction. Further additions to theteam include a number of high profileindustrial collaborators whose experiencewill inform and influence the research plusresearchers with construction andaerospace supply chain experience.

The research seeks to develop a ‘routemap’ drawn from the varied experience ofthe participants allied to a rigorousresearch method. It is intended that clientsbe able to identify their project accordingto defined requirements, from which theywill be able to select both a procurementroute and an organisational structure thatis most likely to deliver project success.

Commonly, as with other industries,the overwhelming imperatives forconstruction become satisfying or

exceeding client expectations of quality, costand time. The current best practice approachto tackling this has been to maximise clientinput at the design phase, so that all theclient ‘wants’ are translated into processcriteria at the outset. Paradoxically,however, clients are often not sufficientlyexperienced in procuring construction toarticulate their requirements efficientlyduring ‘up front’ design. Frequently, clientssimply do not know what they want from aproject beyond such intangibles as ‘highquality’ and ‘prestigious’.

Clients of the 1990s are faced with a rangeof contractors that try to please, but can only beemployed efficiently given a level of knowledgeof projects most clients do not possess. Probablythe most difficult problem that clients mustface is the selection of the procurement systemto use during the project – all of which havebeen shown to have both potential benefits andpitfalls for those unfamiliar with the workingsof the sector.

From the four main systems used,traditional open tendering is currently indecline, and Design and Build is becomingmuch more popular. However, studies havealso shown that the procurement systemselected by clients does not tend to followany logical process. The system, whenselected, is very often inappropriate to the

Commented Professor Hardcastle: ‘It’searly days on the project yet. However, thebackground of the team members drawnfrom two universities and the quality ofindustrial partners we have attracted leadsme to think that this project will be of greatuse to a large number of less experienced oroccasional clients of the constructionindustry – and ultimately for the industryas a whole’.

For further information please contactJohn Tookey at Glasgow CaledonianUniversity (0141 331 3659;fax: 0141331 3696; E-mail:J.E.Tookey@gcal.ac.uk).

MANAGEMENT & COMMERCIAL FRAMEWORK

High quality, low cost or rapid acquisition: are clients selecting optimum procurementmethods?

The future ofnational buildingresearchorganisationsA recent special issue of the journalBuilding Research and Information(BRI) has reviewed the pressures onconstruction research & technologyorganisations in the light ofprivatisations and commercial-isations around the world.

O f interest to customers of researchorganisations as well as theirleaders, the issue raises such

fundamental questions as ‘shouldgovernments find construction research?’and the impact of privatisations andcommercialisations on the researchcommunity.

Although BRI is normally available onlyon subscription, this issue is available for£35 on a one-off basis.

For further information contactthe Editor, Richard Lorch, 43 St.George’sAvenue, London N7 0AJ(Phone & Fax: 0171-609 4311). Internet access to BRI isat http://bri.thomsonprofessional.com.

CONSTRUCTION FUTURES& R&D MANAGEMENT

Research Focus NO. 33 MAY 1998 9

Putting the elderly and disabled back in control ofwindows and doorsA guide for specifiers of automatic controls for windows and doors for use by elderly and disabled people has beenproduced as part of project undertaken by BRE. The work (previously reported in Research Focus Issue 29, May1997) has been funded by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions Partners in Technologyprogramme and by industrial partners.

The guide, Domestic automatic doorsand windows for use by elderly anddisabled people:

• emphasises the importance of havingcontrols that meet the individual needsof users;

• provides specifiers with information ona range of windows and/or doors thatwill give sufficient choice of automaticcontrol systems, and doors and windowsto satisfy the varying needs of thoseindividuals using them;

• advises on achieving the necessarydialogue between specifiers,manufacturers, suppliers and clients(both landlord and resident) to fullymeet the needs of the disabled orelderly person;

• describes the tailoring of window ordoor control systems to the needs of theindividual person – there is no systemthat provides a universal solution – andadvises on adapting controls to therequirements of new residents;

• emphasises the importance ofpreventing control systems frommaking the windows and doors lookdifferent or institutional;

• gives guidance on avoiding compromiseon performance, particularly safety andsecurity, but also weathertightness, andthermal and acoustic performance.

Field testing is continuing and will providelong-term feedback on the usefulness ofthe controls to users, as well as data oncosts, durability and the maintenancerequirements.

Three field trial sites have been set upwith the assistance of controlmanufacturers and housing associations.

1 Anchor Housing Trust at Cramlington –three sets of window controls installedby Velux in January 1997 in flatsoccupied by frail elderly people.

2 Habinteg Housing Association atMiddlesborough – one set of windowcontrols installed by GEZE in January1998 in a flat occupied by wheelchairusers.

3 Hanover Housing Association atLongbenton – two sets of window controlsand one door control were installed byTiton (windows) and by NT Dor-o-Matic(door), both in January 1998.

The flats in the first trial have timberdouble-glazed top hung windowsretrofitted with chain box operators. Thesecan be operated by individual keypads or aremote control device. The windowsfunction individually from the keypads,but can work either as a system orindividually from the remote control whichhas different channels for each operator.All of the residents are elderly ladies withvarying degrees of disability from pooreyesight to mobility problems – none couldpreviously open their windows.

BRE’s initial visit to the flats took placeless than a week after the installation ofthe window controls. The residents werepleased with the window operators andtheir rediscovered ability to open and closethe windows whenever they wanted.Subsequent visits over a course of the yearhave indicated a similar high level ofsatisfaction. No problems were reported inusing the remote control or the key pads.The windows were no more prone toweather penetration or loss of heat thanbefore fitting the automatic controls.

The only problem was that theresidents had forgotten the full range ofoptions available and had to be remindedabout them as necessary.

The first visit to the Middlesboroughsite found that the residents were satisfiedwith their window controls. A scissor stayoperator has been installed and isactivated via a wall mounted switch – thesystem is very simple to use. TheLongbenton site is a new build scheme andthe residents only moved in as recently asFebruary 1998.

Domestic automatic doors and windows foruse by elderly and disabled people (refBR334) is available from CRC Ltd,151Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4QX.

For further information on theresearch project please contactDr Stephen Garvin at BRE ScottishLaboratory (01355 233001,fax: 01355 241895,E-mail garvins@bre.co.uk).

BUILDINGS

(Left) A metal and glass swing door used in laboratory tests: outward opening, with side panel,fully automated with electric lock, push plate internally and externally a coded key pad, closesautomatically after a delay period, this was a commercial type door but could be used at theentrance to a communal block.(Right) Roof window system used in laboratory tests: top and horizontal pivot, chain operatorworks in top hung outward opening mode, remote control or key pad activators, linked insystemto timber.

10 Research Focus NO. 33 MAY 1998

Light steel framing in residential housingResearch is being carried out at the University of the West of England, Oxford Brookes University, the Steel ConstructionInstitute and British Steel research centres involving the integration of the whole supply chain in housing and similar lowrise construction with greater potential for the use of standardised products in design, production and erection.

STRUCTURES

The research team is responding togovernment targets which demand areduction in costs and improvements

in quality as well as addressing issues ofstandardisation in construction in theresidential building sector. The importance liesin the nature of Light Steel Framing (LSF),coming from an industrialised manufacturingsector which is used to providing standardisedcomponents and has traditionally beenproactive in the supply chain.

The current collaborative research workis already producing flow charts, processdevelopment and some standards andprocedures. Initial modelling indicates thepotential to build up to 50% more houseswith the same cash flow. Research hasshown that by using LSF in housing, a 50house development, which could have beenexpected to take 18 months, can be built in13 months without increasing siteresources.

A cost model has been developed inpartnership with a quantity surveying firmwho have good data on the performance oflight steel framing and conventionalblockwork. The table shows how the costmodel can be used for a typical detachedhouse in a major housing project.

The University of the West of England,in partnership with the SCI and BritishSteel, has recently made an application forfunding through the IMI Link programmeto further the work by developing a systemmodel for LSF.

The development of a systems model ofprocedures and actions is expected to leadto greater use of LSF in housing and lowrise buildings of light steel construction inthe UK. The potential growth of light steelconstruction in the UK and elsewhere inEurope could mirror its dramatic increasein the US and Australia where the marketshare for steel is close to 15%.

In the UK, Ayrshire Metal, Metsec,Speedframe and Surebuild (a trademark ofBritish Steel Framing) are the key players,building over 200 houses between themlast year.

A Light Steel Framing ResidentialHousing Group has been set up as part ofthe Light Steel Framing (LSF) Group. It willprovide general support to the users of LSFin housing development and will address theproduction of standards and procedures,technical support and marketing, as well ascreating a financial and value engineeringmodel for residential housing.

There are further benefits of LSF whichcan be quantified as part of a valueassessment, but are often not obvious topotential users.

• One of the oldest steel-framed houses in

USA, built in 1928, is still not showingany signs of degradation.

• Steel does not warp or shrink and is ofconsistent quality.

• Many people spend eight hours a day inwhat is considered a superior structure,their office, which is predominatelymade of steel.

• 45% of all material needed in steelconstruction worldwide is already availablethrough recycled scrap. All redundant steelis recyclable and steel is the most recycledmaterial in the world. It can also be re-usedat the end of a building’s life.

• Galvanised steel is durable and is, ineffect, permanent in internalapplications.

• LSF can be extended easily and adaptedto meet future requirements.

• LSF buildings are dimensionallyaccurate.

• Light steel frames, because of theirdimensional accuracy, can help promotestandardisation and prefabrication ofsecondary fittings.

The technical aspects of light steel framingare covered by a series of SCI publicationsfor Architects, Structural Engineers andDevelopers.

For further information contact Alan LewisRogan at the University of the West of England(0117 9656261 ext. 3372: E-mail: al-rogan@UWE.ac.ukor Dr Mark Lawson at SCI (O1344 623345;fax: 01344 622944;E-mail:mlawson@steel-sci.com).

Element of the work Blockwork Light Steel Difference

Frame

£ p £ p £ p

Prelims 2905.00 2098.00 807.00 less

Foundations 5110.40 5228.37 117.97 extra

External Walls 9217.20 9231.40 14.20 extra

Upper floors 1006.00 1000.00 6.00 less

Roof-windows 4281.60 4245.20 36.40 less

Stairs 530.00 545.00 15.00 extra

Window & External Doors 1240.00 1257.00 17.00 extra

Internal Walls & Doors 1927.00 2017.50 90.50 extra

Finishes 4900.45 4582.85 317.60 less

Ceiling Finishes 1593.50 1768.40 174.90 extra

Fittings 6116.00 6126.00 10.00 extra

Services 2720.00 2650.00 70.00 less

Heat/Vent 1130.00 1230.00 100.00 extra

Summary £42677.15 £41979.72 £697.43 less

Saving on Construction Time 5 months shorter 35.71% faster

Earlier Sales Start 2 months earlier 33.33% sooner

Increased Profitability £ 30,979 more profit 4.76% higher

Peak Cash required £17,716 less 1.17% lower

Average cash requirement £59,716 less 9.22%

Internal rate of return 47.36% Higher

Cost model used to compare light steel framing and conventional blockwork for a typicaldetached house. Source: Poole Stokes Wood & University of the West of England.

Research Focus NO. 33 MAY 1998 11

designers and specifiers may face inusing reclaimed or recycled materials,and how to overcome them;

• coverage of the building and civilengineering applications in which reclaimedor recycled materials may be used;

• for each of the materials identified,information on properties andperformance, sources and availability,current applications, case studies,relevant specifications, constraints andpotential future uses.

The structure and presentation will enable areader who is involved in designing aparticular building or facility to obtaininformation on which reclaimed and recycledmaterials they can use. Alternatively, areader that has a particular material thatthey would like to use will be able to identifywhat options there are for using thatmaterial in a construction application.

The handbook is due to be completed inAugust 1998.

For further information please contactAnn Alderson, Research Managerat CIRIA (0171 222 8891;fax: 0171 222 1708; E-mail:ann.alderson@ciria.org.uk).

Waste minimisation through increased re-use & recyclingThere is increasing pressure to minimise waste, resulting from environmental, legislative and fiscal measures. Theconstruction industry has a clear need to develop a greater awareness of the current and potential uses for reclaimedand recycled materials. The industry needs authoritative information on this topic.

A lthough some materials, such ascrushed concrete, have beenrecycled for many years, this has

generally been for low-grade uses, forexample in access roads. There is a signific-ant potential for reclaiming and recyclingmaterials for higher grade uses. This willreduce the demand for primary, non-renewableresources and the amount of Landfill Tax thathas to be paid by contractors and others.

In July 1997, CIRIA commenced a projectfocusing on the use of reclaimed and recycledmaterials in construction, sponsored by DETR,other government agencies and industry. Arelated project, Waste Minimisation andRecycling in Construction (which has recentlybeen completed) identified several barriers toreuse and recycling.

The aims of the current project are toincrease awareness of the opportunitiesthat exist for using reclaimed and recycledmaterials, and to provide good practiceguidance on how to use such materials,particularly in higher grade uses.

The work, being undertaken by a con-sortium led by Scott Wilson, includes collectingand consolidating data through a literaturereview, consultation with clients, designers,

specifiers, material manufacturers and othersinvolved in waste minimisation and recycling.They are also holding four project Workshopsto gather the views of the industry on thedevelopment of the project. Scott Wilson’s workis being carried out in close collaboration withthe Aggregates Advisory Service who areproviding an information service on theefficient use of aggregates.

The main output from the project will bea handbook that will include:

• an introduction addressing ‘Why botherusing reclaimed or recycled materials?’;

• a discussion of the barriers that

MATERIALS & ENVIRONMENT

Responding to changes in thermal insulation standardsFollowing the July 1995 amendments to the Building Regulations, CERAM Building Technology (CBT) (supported by DETR anda range of industrial sponsors) sought to identify current trends in external wall constructions within the housebuilding market.

Changes to Part L of the BuildingRegulations are leading to an everincreasing thickness of thermal

insulation in external walls. Past experiencehas shown that using the cavity as aconvenient insulation space often causes rainpenetration. This project aims to determineand encourage the use of wall forms whichdrastically reduce this risk and also:

• retain the designer’s flexibility of choiceof structural form;

• ensure wall thicknesses are economic;• enable improved levels of thermal

insulation to be achieved;• are practical, buildable and tolerant of

site skill levels;• use readily available local resources;• are acceptable to house-purchasers and

insurers;• show genuine benefits on life-cycle costs,

energy usage and CO2 emissions.

A survey of internal finishes to walls, pre-and post-July 1995, indicates the changing

trends in wall insulation techniques (seecharts). A threefold increase in the use ofinsulated dry lining (IDL) at the expense of

BUILDINGS & MATERIALS

wet plastering (WP) and dry lining (DL) isevident, reflecting the apparent concern ofhouse builders to maintain a clear cavitywherever possible. The result has beenthicker walls with wider cavities andincreased thicknesses of partial fill.

Long-term pressures to reduce CO2levels will maintain the impetus forincreasing insulation standards.Construction methods and insulationsystems will be affected as a consequence.CBT are developing standard details for arange of wall forms to meet current andprojected requirements. Laboratory testingis aimed at identifying the most criticalfeatures of poor workmanship which causewalls to leak.

For further information please contactGeoff Edgell at CERAM Building Technology,Queens Road, Penkhull,Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 7LQ(01782 746 476;fax: 01782-412-331).

BRE’s new Environment Building containsmuch re-used and recycled material.

12 Research Focus NO. 33 MAY 1998

SPONSORING ORGANISATIONS

GOVERNMENT

Department of the Environment,Transport and the Regions,Eland House, Bressenden Place,London SW1E 5DU(0171 890 5704, fax 0171 890 5759)

RESEARCH ORGANISATIONS

British Cement Association,Century House, Telford Avenue, Crowthorne,Berkshire, RG11 6YS(01344 762676, fax 01344 761214)

BRE,Garston, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD2 7JR(01923 664000, fax 01923 664010)

Centre for Window and CladdingTechnology,University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath,BA2 7AY (01225 826541, fax 01225 826556)

Construction Industry Researchand Information Association,6 Storey’s Gate, Westminster, London, SW1P3AU (0171 222 8891, fax 0171 222 1708)

Engineering and Physical SciencesResearch Council,Polaris House, North Star Avenue, Swindon,Wiltshire, SN2 1ET(01793 444000, fax 01793 444010)

HR Wallingford Ltd,Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BA(01491 835381, fax 01491 832233)

The Steel Construction Institute,Silwood Park, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7QN(01344 623345, fax 01344 622944)

Transport Research Laboratory,Old Wokingham Road, Crowthorne, Berkshire,RG45 6AU (01344 773131, fax 01344 770356)

PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTIONS

The Chartered Institute of Building,Englemere, King’s Ride, Ascot, Berkshire, SL58BJ, (01344 630700, fax 01344 630777)

Institution of Civil Engineers,1 Great George Street, Westminster, London,SW1P 3AA, (0171 222 7722, fax 0171 222 7500)

Institution of Structural Engineers,11 Upper Belgrave Street, London SW1X 8BH(0171 235 4535, fax 0171 235 7500)

INDUSTRY

ABP Research & Consultancy LtdOve Arup PartnershipBechtel LimitedFordham Johns PartnershipGeotechnical Consulting GroupLaing Technology Group LtdSir Robert McAlpine LtdMott MacDonald Group LtdPick EverardPosford DuvivierRofe, Kennard & LapworthScottish Hydro-Electric plcSouthern Testing LaboratoriesSymonds Travers MorganTaywood Engineering LtdWilde & PartnersGeorge Wimpey plc

Building equality in constructionVirtually every sector of the construction industry has a poor image in terms ofproviding equal opportunities. Even at a professional level, women are seri-ously under-represented. A research team based at the University of Man-chester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) has been developing amanagement tool for supporting equality in construction.

There is no question that the con-struction industry has remainedlargely a male preserve. Figures from

the Construction Industry Board show that, in1995, women comprised less than 10% of the1.8 million employees in the industry. Whilst itmay be argued that most young women simplyhave little interest in choosing a career inconstruction, the image of the industry andnegative attitudes of employees are perhapsthe prime factors behind their lack ofenthusiasm in the first place.

Previous research has shown that womenwho do pursue a career in constructionencounter a series of barriers to fullparticipation. Whatever the truth of thematter, the effective exclusion of some 50% ofthe workforce represents a major source ofuntapped talent and prevents the industryfrom performing to its full potential.

The Latham Report and subsequentWorking Group No.8 (Equal Opportunities)Report ‘Tomorrow’s Team: Women and Men inConstruction’ called for practical action inpromoting and mainstreaming equality ofopportunity in the construction industry. Aproject undertaken by UMIST, and funded byDETR under Partners in Technology, aims todevelop effective and measurable proceduresfor promoting and maintaining equalopportunities in the construction industry.

The main objectives of the project are:

• to investigate and develop the optimummethodology for partnering betweenconstruction industry clients, in the formof Housing Associations, and theircontractors;

• to develop effective and measurableprocedures for promoting andmaintaining equal opportunities policiesin the construction industry;

• to develop, publish and disseminate goodpractice guidelines;

• to develop a transferable model foraction-research-based intervention.

The research has gathered data on barriersto women entering and working inconstruction. It has also pointed to practicalsteps that building contractors can take toensure equality and the role HousingAssociations can play in promoting goodpractice. Focus groups were an importantfactor in the successful evolution of theaction-research methodology. Feedbackfrom participants resulted in the groupsbeing used to disseminate findings fromprevious project activities.

A process of action research has been oneof the project’s hallmarks; this hasprompted representatives from severalagencies to discuss training and equal

opportunities issues with the research team.Moreover, several contractors have used theproject as a source of information andpractical help in aiding recruitment andforming links with education. The researchteam has, as a result, identified a number ofcontractors genuinely committed to equalopportunities who might act as role modelsfor the construction industry.

The project has developed a networkwith significant contacts across theconstruction industry, Housing Associations,academia and other players in a position tohelp with building equality in construction.

An industry forum is planned for 6thMay 1998 at which Construction MinisterNick Raynsford aims to launch the GoodPractice Guidelines produced following theresearch. Raynsford quickly noticed theindustry’s gender imbalance on taking officeand has placed equality of opportunityfirmly on his agenda.

The project recommendations are likelyto suggest a number of pilot initiativesinvolving partnerships between HousingAssociations and contractors. Proposals forcontinued dialogue between interestedparties through a permanent industryforum will also be set out in detail.

The report’s authors are A W Gale, MDavidson, C Davey, A Hopley and S RhysJones.

For further details pleasecontact Dr Andrew Gale,Department BuildingEngineering, UMIST ( 0161 200 4236;E-Mail: Andrew.Gale@umist.ac.uk) orDr M Davidson, School of Management,UMIST (0161 200 3449; E-Mail:(Marilyn.Davidson@umist.ac.uk).

MANAGEMENT & INNOVATION