CROSS-UK Newsletter 72 has been published and includes expert comment on fire safety and structural safety reports.
Newsletter content
Dangerous alteration work results in two terraced houses being demolished
Two mid terrace properties forming four flats had been underpinned and excavated to form a new basement whilst simultaneously removing internal and rear walls. This left the building in a dangerous condition and subject to a demolition order from the local council.
Lack of fire safety competence in care home setting
A fire and rescue service is concerned about the lack of competence of maintenance personnel working in care homes. This is following two incidents where poor electrical and fire door maintenance put residents at risk.
Unqualified engineer's unsafe computer aided design of a retaining wall
A chartered engineer's check found retaining walls designed by an unqualified person, who relied solely on a computer program, to be inadequate.
Non approved sealants are used with CPVC pipes and fittings
A reporter highlights a concern when non approved sealants are used with chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) sprinkler system pipework and fittings. This can cause failures and/or leaks.
Durability issues with engineered timber
A reporter has observed durability issues with engineered timber when there is water ingress or condensation issues. It appears to disintegrate significantly more than a conventional timber, resulting in structural failure rather than distortion.
Fire protection of steelwork supporting a timber floor
A reporter shares concerns that developers and Building Control officials are assuming that, if a timber joist floor construction is suitable to provide 30 minutes fire resistance loadbearing capacity then the structural steel supporting members within it will be similarly protected.
Non compliant guard rails on high rise apartment buildings after modification
A reporter is seeing many high rise apartment buildings having balcony and walkway decks replaced and, in some instances, the increased height of the decks has resulted in the guard rails being less than 1100mm high meaning they are no longer compliant.
Fire protection considerations for roof structures in building design
The reporter highlights concerns that Approved Document B (ADB) is being misapplied or misinterpreted when applying structural fire protections to a roof structure.
Design responsibility for steel to concrete connections
A reporter provides an illustrative example to support their view that the design responsibility for steel to concrete connections should be shared between the responsible designers of both materials, and that a Lead Designer should ensure all designs are properly integrated.
Fire hazards in historical modular timber framed buildings
A reporter has raised fire safety concerns suggesting the potential existence of a systemic issue pertaining to the design and construction of modular timber frame systems.
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