The built environment is one of the pillars of civilisation. However, the technology that delivers this built environment is often taken for granted, even by those working in the building industry. Research in structures, materials and energy is critical to achieve improvements in health, safety and quality of life – not to mention supporting an industry that plays a significant role in the world economy. The five papers in this issue showcase different aspects of research in structures and buildings, and the application of this research in the field.
Some of the most significant gains from research into appropriate technology can be seen in developing countries where the existing infrastructure is degraded or of poor quality. In the first paper in this issue, Málaga-Chuquitaype et al. (2014) describe an experimental investigation carried out to guide the development of an improved form of low-cost construction for use in poorer countries subject to seismic activity. As the authors note, many of the fatalities caused by earthquake events in developing countries occur in non-engineered structures, and efforts to improve the resilience of these structures could save lives.
Experimental investigation equally contributes to the progress of construction technology in the developed world, even in relatively well-understood structural forms, such as steel composite construction. In our second paper, Shanmugam et al. (2014) present the results of an investigation into the performance of composite plate girders with large web openings. The efficient design of beams with web openings permits the positioning of building services within the depth of the structural zone, and increases the overall efficiency and value of the finished building. By using experimental work along with finite-element analysis to validate a previously proposed analytical design approach, the authors take an important step towards improving the efficiency of this form of construction.
The use of experimental studies to develop and validate an analytical model is often an important goal of research work. Despite the extensive use of reinforced concrete as a building material for over a century, a unified model of its behaviour remains the subject of ongoing research (Oehlers et al., 2012). In issue 11 of this journal, Oehlers et al. (2014a) described a mechanics-based approach to simulating localised interactions of components within concrete elements, making use of so-called ‘pseudo' properties. In the third paper of this issue, the authors build on this work describing a mechanics-based approach to the derivation of these properties (Oehlers et al., 2014b). It is intended by the authors that this work will provide a basis for the design of novel products and structures outside the scope of codified design approaches, as well as facilitating the development of improved structural design codes.
The benefits of research and design innovation are best seen when their application delivers value to projects on the ground. The fourth paper demonstrates the application of engineering knowledge to deliver a complex building project in Mayfair, London (Perry, 2014). As with many central London developments, overcoming the constraints of existing buildings and underground infrastructure was crucial for the success of the scheme. In this instance, both running tunnels of the Victoria line pass below the site. The solutions adopted for protection of the railway, design of the foundations and retention of the existing facade are described by the author in detail. It is noteworthy that the design of the raft concrete and the cellular beams need be described only briefly. Past research in steel composite beams and concrete design of the type described elsewhere in this issue enabled these elements to be designed with confidence using standard codified rules.
The final paper of this issue takes a look at a novel approach to a lightweight bow-string truss facade through the application of active control technology (Santos et al., 2014). Continuous innovation in building and structural engineering is necessary to ensure the future of the construction industry and built environment. While some ideas may prove to be impractical or less successful than hoped, others will go on to shape delivery of buildings and infrastructure for decades to come.
The sharing of knowledge gained from research and its application is crucial if innovation, development and testing are to feed through into practical benefits for society. This journal exists as a repository of knowledge for the benefit of the international civil engineering industry. However, the journal is only as valuable as the submissions it receives. I would encourage all those active in this field to consider sharing your work with the profession as a whole. Details of how to become a journal author can be found online at: http://www.icevirtuallibrary.com/upload/guide.pdf
I wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and look forward to hearing of further developments in 2015.
