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This report concerns designs for simple steel beams submitted to building control bodies under Part A of the Building Regulations. The reporter, a checking engineer for a building control body, was not able to accept the effective length and restraints assumed in a number of submitted designs. Most originated from individuals who used proprietary structural design computer packages without, i...

This is a technical note from a reporter about the methods their firm uses for punching shear design because there was concern about punching shear design spreadsheets possibly leading to potentially unsafe situations. .

Concerns in respect of the sufficiency of finite element modelling of masonry walls as part of a reinforced concrete framed building.

A reporter raises concerns over engineers being appointed only to provide calculations for building regulation approval.

An inadequate structural design for alterations to a basement led to structural distress within a substantial five-storey townhouse.

This report concerns the modelling of joints when using computer programs. In some cases, engineers are applying rotational releases to joints in models but subsequently designing the connections as rigid. This leaves a fundamental mismatch between analysis and design which may lead to unsafe structural connections argues a reporter.

A steel framed building was incorrectly modelled and designed resulting in excessive deflection of part of the frame even before the frame was loaded with the self-weight of the building.

A reporter raises concerns about the underestimation of bending moments in perimeter columns when assessing punching shear in adjacent concrete slabs. Punching shear failures can be brittle and catastrophic. Designers need to include the appropriate ultimate moment in the design actions.

Vibration within the floor structure of a second floor gym gives rise to concern of structural resonance and possible fatigue of structural members.