Category: Technical
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Construction’s role in tackling water scarcity
CIOB will be hosting a webinar, titled Built Environment Strategies for a Water-Scarce World, from 12-1pm GMT (1-2pm BST) on 8 April. The discussion will explore the industry’s route towards a water-efficient future and how to optimise water management and efficiency on construction sites. The CPD session will feature insights from CIOB’s Amanda Williams; Waterwise’s Jo…
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From Taylor Swift to Manchester United: how stadium design is changing
Football grounds increasingly host non-sporting events such as concerts, and Manchester United’s planned new stadium will be no different. This means different challenges for designers and constructors, explains Wojciech Markowski. Nonetheless, it may be difficult to achieve a satisfactory level of structural response for the entire grandstand without significant structural modifications, which may lead to…
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How to step up construction welfare standards
This month, Alex Minett from the Considerate Constructors Scheme starts a new column in CM, sharing best-practice ideas and case studies for managing construction sites, based on the CCS assessment. In his first article, he explains how to ensure welfare facilities are suitable, hygienic, and well-maintained. UK law mandates adequate welfare facilities under the Construction…
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Conservation specialist’s stone cold success
From graves and medieval drawings to climate-controlled exhibition space and strict deadlines, Exeter Cathedral presented SSH Conservation site manager John Mullins MCIOB with plenty of challenges. The design of the wall meant the stonework progressed quickly. Five new buttresses were formed in stonework around new reinforced concrete columns. The new cloister wall consists of 70…
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New releases from the CIOB Academy
The CIOB Academy has issued a new technical information sheet, Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment, as well as an updated code of practice. The sheet outlines what embodied carbon is and why is it important, detailing the regulatory context with models and standards. It explains approaches to calculating embodied carbon and highlights the importance…
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How construction can deliver innovation faster
2022 to present – Leeds Beckett University: Head of engineering; Professor of construction management and innovation, 2017 to present2010-20 Director of CIB MENA2016-18 Research and innovation adviser, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry2004-16 Professor of project management and innovation, The British University in Dubai2008-10 Director of research and Innovation, Abu Dhabi International Centre for…
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Oxford’s first class Passivhaus project
Laing O’Rourke, of course, can offer a unique proposition when it comes to supply chain, with so many specialist contractors within its group. On this project, Expanded delivered the piling and the precast concrete structure, Crown House Technologies delivered the mechanical and electrical works, and Vetter the facade, with the panels manufactured off site in…
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‘I want contractors to make a living, not a killing’
CM starts a new series of client profiles this month. First up, the University of Oxford’s Jennifer Makkreel MCIOB talks procurement, quality and sustainability. The prospect of delivering a Passivhaus project for the first time can seem daunting for any client – but not Jennifer Makkreel, the University of Oxford’s deputy head of capital projects.…
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McLaren turns focus on building safety skills
Paul Woodhams is McLaren’s first building safety and refurbishment managing director. He talks to CM about competency and supply chain challenges. The £77.2m job, expected to finish this spring, includes recladding a total facade area of around 24,000 square metres, full window replacement, renewal of flat roofs, installation of building maintenance units, replacement of brickwork…
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Working with alternative concrete binders: BSI’s new guidance
Traditional Portland cement, a major ingredient in conventional concrete, plays a huge role in global CO2 emissions. This is because its production requires a lot of energy. In the UK alone, according to the European Ready Mixed Concrete Organisation, about 11.7 million tonnes of Portland cement are used annually. This results in millions of tonnes…