This issue of Structures and Buildings consists of four technical papers and one book review. The first paper, by Fernandez-Cabo et al. (2013), presents the development of an analytical method for assembling the flexibility matric of a timber composite beam. The proposed method incorporates an arbitrary position of the first connector and a possible gap between two components of a composite beam that is shown to be applicable on wider practical applications. The proposed analytical method compares well with the Newmark's differential equation and the finite element model proposed by the authors.
The second paper, by Carpenter (2013), reports the discussions on the issues associated with the requirement for a ‘risk assessment' on UK Building Regulations class 3 buildings when considering disproportionate collapse. It emphasises the need for a broad-based approach that satisfies obligations under safety legislation and the Building Regulations. It also highlights assessment procedures that should be proportionate to the risk and in general add value to the project.
The third paper, by Rogers and Rogers (2013), discusses the multi-criteria decision model for choosing between ten structural steel and concrete forms for an office block based on a number of decision criteria. It highlights the method used to derive the weightings and discusses the effect of the different weighing inputs have on the rankings of the 10 structural options examined in the paper. It also addresses by using a weighted multi-criteria decision model, the views of the different stakeholders can be accommodated.
The fourth paper, by Ebbert (2013), examines the refurbishment tasks on the head office building of Sparkasse Vorderpfalz in Ludwigshafen, Germany. This building presents different types of façade that were very common in Europe spanning the period between the 1960s and 1980s. This paper also compares the life-cycle costing on three refurbishment approaches with reference to the construction and operational costs.
The issue concludes with one book review.
